Outsourcing work offshore has been happening in the finance industry for over 10 years (if not longer). When I started my business it was not on my radar, I mean when I started my business I didn’t even have any clients. So I didn’t exactly have anything that needed to be outsourced. I had all the time in the world. However, over the past 5 and a half years business has continued… Read more
As a small business owner, you likely want to spend as much time as possible on the tasks that generate sales. Unfortunately, there are many other takss that require your time but aren’t necessarily worth your energy. Maybe a virtual assistant can help. Faced with those tasks, many small business owners either spend their valuable time and energy on actions they hate or put them off until the last minute… Read more
20 years ago IT servers were a case of the bigger the better. These days it is all about getting your business in the cloud. Check out the top 8 advantages for small businesses switching to cloud computing. Cloud computing is fast becoming the norm because storing information and using software hosted on the Internet has many advantages. 1. Save money (hell yeah!) Traditionally, a small business spends money licensing… Read more
While most small businesses spend a great deal of time and effort in finding the right employees, they often fail to capitalise on their newly hired talent by ignoring (or not having) an onboarding process. From long waits for workspace, equipment not being ready, non existent training to an overly negative recitation of ‘don’t do these things or you will be fired,’ employers consistently miss the opportunity to inspire… Read more
Without knowing your break-even point, you can’t make informed business decisions. Period. But it can be quite daunting finding this break even point. Will breakeven be possible, will it be reachable? To cover the costs of your business you need to sell enough goods or services to reach your break-even point. Knowing where that point is, and how long it will take you to reach it, can be fundamental to… Read more
The success of any business, large or small, depends largely on nurturing an efficient and productive workplace. While improving employee productivity should always be a priority, this process is often easier said than done. Below are some of the most effective methods of managing a productive, happy workplace while increasing output. 1. Establish Accountability Productivity depends on every employee understanding that the jobs they do come with specific responsibilities, and… Read more
From Mac computers to make-up, here are six examples of super-strong brands that have nailed their marketing. So what can small business owners like us learn from their marketing success? If you look at their histories and analyse the pivotal moments, you’ll find parallels and pick up tips on how your business can follow in their footsteps and stand on the shoulders of giants. 1. Apple’s call to arms… Read more
Reflection: “2018 the year that was.” When we run our own business, we look forward to working with amazing clients, we look forward to building a team, we look forward to earning what we are worth and we look forward to doing it all with a smile on our face. “Naive? Maybe. Or am I just asking too much of myself? Probably.” 2018 saw some big leaps for our… Read more
Following up on late, or god forbid non-paying customers, is no-one’s favourite task. Which is precisely why you need to set clear payment expectations up front – and in writing – before you work with a new clients. “The initial conversation might feel hard, or even icky, but chasing payment down the track with no proof of client acceptance, is even harder (and far more icky).” By communicating and agreeing… Read more
Good news for small business owners: according to the US Small Business Administration, nearly 80% of small businesses survive their first year. However, that number begins to drop as time rolls on. Only half of small businesses pass the five year mark, and a mere third celebrate their tenth anniversary. Taking some positive steps in those early days to create a good foundation in your business is essential for a… Read more
A business partnership can be a lot like a marriage, and the comparison holds true when things go pear shaped when the end of a partnership can feel a lot like divorce. And generally not in an amicable way. When business partners fall out, the consequences can be quite drastic. It will be stressful, friendships will be tested (and some will end) and you will start to question why you… Read more
Ever dreamed of starting a family business? Investing in a start-up opportunity with friends? Starting a business from scratch with your mates? Can a family business stand the test of time? Businesses owned and operated by families can have incredible staying power. Volkswagen, Samsung, and Nike – all family-owned companies – are among the world’s most successful, leading brands. “Working with family can be the best, but it can be… Read more
No business owner looks forward to receiving a letter from the ATO requesting a closer look at the books. An audit often makes people curl up in the foetal position, it invokes fear, stress, anxiety. And the audit hasn’t even started yet. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones (*subjective view) that receive an ATO audit letter – don’t panic. It is time to prepare, get organised and… Read more
It can be a challenge for new business owners to find a bank that will approve them for even a small business loan. Most will see a startup company as too high a risk to qualify for corporate lending. A credit card can serve as a short term solution for small scale financing, offering entrepreneurs a “foot in the door” with a lender. Think of it as a chance to… Read more
Networking – just the word itself can create fear and dread in so many people. You are required to stand around and talk about yourself, you have to talk to complete strangers, there is generally no where to hide and half the time you just never meet anyone worthwhile. “Networking can be a total waste of time. But your attitude towards networking will either hold you back, or provide you… Read more
You wouldn’t put all your eggs in the one basket, so you shouldn’t put all your income in one basket. Having various income streams helps share the load and reduce the risk and ultimately should help you reach your financial goals easier. Adding recurring income streams (and yes I mean multiple) can provide a predictable, ongoing source of cash flow which will improve the accuracy of your projections, increase profits,… Read more
Being open to new possibilities is a positive trait shared by most entrepreneurs – but saying yes to all the people you meet and opportunities that come your way can get you & your business into trouble. When was the last time you said NO in your business life? When we overcommit – especially when we take on projects that don’t actually benefit our business – our stress can hit… Read more
In this day and age customer loyalty can make or break a business. Service based or product based, if you don’t build genuine relationships with your customers, they will just go elsewhere. You need to pay attention to your customers smallest desires and you will have them for life. The rise of social media can make it feel like we have relationships with our customers or clients, but we all… Read more
Dodgy invoices. Forging bank details. Bill tampering. Just to name a few. Employee fraud is a real risk for entrepreneurs of fewer than 100 employees. In fact, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners 30% of fraud cases take place in small businesses. That could be your business. Several years ago I worked for an employer and uncovered $35k worth of employee fraud that the business owner had no… Read more
With end of financial year fast approaching, we see many clients come to us “for a quick and simple review” of their numbers. I mean, they currently use a bookkeeper and whilst the business owner doesn’t keep on top of things in great detail, it all must be perfect right? In an ideal world yes, but I think we all know we live in anything but an ideal world. Most… Read more