Blog

Growing your business without borrowing

Taking out a business loan may be your first plan of action for financing business growth. But there are excellent reasons to consider other options for finding capital to expand your business. For one, it can be very difficult for a small business to secure financing, especially in the early days. You’ll need to prove […]

What is Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)?

If you’re a small business owner or a startup founder, you’ve probably heard about Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). But what does it really mean, and why is it crucial for your business’s success? Understanding COGS isn’t just about accounting—it’s about making smart decisions for profitability, pricing, and more. This blog walks you through everything […]

Business Valuation is more than just profits

When it comes to valuing a business, most people’s first thought is straightforward—profits. While financial success is undoubtedly a critical aspect, it’s far from the only factor determining a business’s true worth. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, understanding the complexities of valuation can offer a clear roadmap for sustainable growth and long-term success. Here […]

Validate your new business idea with market research

Assessing the viability of your new idea is an essential part of market research. While seeking input from friends and family is common, gathering information from the market itself can provide more accurate insights. Here are 4 effective research tactics to collect accurate information about your business idea: Harness the power of the internet Leverage […]

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 […]

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 […]

Understanding Annual Leave and Long Service Leave

For small business owners, figuring out the difference between annual leave and long service leave can feel like trying to crack a secret code. Rules, jargon… seriously, who made this stuff so complicated? Whether you’re trying to keep your business compliant or foster a happy, productive team, this guide will break it all down so you’ll know exactly how […]

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 […]

Managing morale during times of change

Change is inevitable in any business, but it’s rarely easy—especially when it comes to managing morale. Whether you’re restructuring your team, implementing new processes, or pivoting your business strategy, major transitions can leave employees feeling uncertain, disengaged, or even overwhelmed. If you’re a change leader or small business owner, you’re probably asking yourself, “How can […]

Stop losing money! The job order costing hack every business needs to know

Ever wondered how companies price custom projects accurately? The secret can be found in a method called job order costing. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, understanding this process could be the key to increasing your profitability and ensuring that every job is priced just right. Welcome to a world where every material, man-hour, and […]

Why ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ is still a must-read

It’s amazing how some books stand the test of time. Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is one of those. Although it was first published over three decades ago, its lessons are still incredibly relevant for business owners. You might wonder – how do these habits fit into today’s landscape of changing […]

The human advantage: thriving in a tech-driven world

We are currently witnessing a remarkable transformation driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. While these advancements promise to enhance efficiency and speed, business owners must recognise the enduring importance of soft skills in their teams for long-term success and competitiveness. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report highlights the disruption of skills we […]

Startups gone wrong: what really causes most to fail?

Starting a business is a thrilling adventure, filled with dreams of innovation and success. But let’s be honest—it’s also a bit of a gamble. Many startups face obstacles that, if not navigated carefully, can lead to failure. While vision and leadership are often highlighted as crucial elements, it’s the relentless grind of hard work and […]

10 essential tips for meeting deadlines

In business, your capacity to meet deadlines can significantly influence your reputation. It’s not just about delivering quality work—it’s about delivering it on time. Meeting deadlines not only builds trust with clients but also ensures your operations run like a well-oiled machine. Let’s explore ten essential tips to help you master the art of timely […]

Tired of chasing payments? Handy tips for managing your receivables

Running a small business is a constant juggle, and one of the more frustrating tasks is managing your receivables. How often have you found yourself waiting on overdue invoices, wondering if you’ll have enough cash flow to cover next month’s expenses? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many small business owners struggle with keeping […]

Paying down debt

Debt can be a crippling problem for small businesses wanting to grow or just break-even during difficult times. By reducing debt you’ll improve the value of your business, its financial situation, and its ability to continue operating into the future. Assess your debt situation Take a detailed look at all of your debts – both […]

Does “mindfulness” have a place in business?

According to Google, which offers employees a course on mindfulness meditation, and Lululemon, a company that keeps a Director of Mindfulness on staff, the answer is a resounding yes. Mindfulness, as American scientist Jon Kabat-Zinn defines it, is simply “paying attention in a sustained and particular way – on purpose, in the present moment and […]

The real cost of bad customer service

Have you ever paused to think about the real impact of the customer experience your business is offering? Is it lifting your brand up or dragging it down, along with the morale of your team? The consumers of today expect nothing short of excellence, so understanding the consequences of poor customer service is vital. So, […]

Business Update – 27 November 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. What the RBA is really looking at when it sets interest rates Eight times a year, the Reserve Bank meets to decide whether to raise, hold or cut interest rates. The decision impacts the 3.2 million Australians […]

Master the Art and Science of Delegation

Delegation is a skill often discussed but rarely mastered, especially by small business owners who are wearing multiple hats. The balancing act of managing daily operations while pushing for growth can be overwhelming. Imagine if you could free up hours in your day to focus on strategic decisions rather than getting bogged down in every […]