Growing a business requires you to collaborate, both internally and externally. So you should be facilitating employees in a way that allows them to work together to problem-solve and act with a shared purpose. And this applies even more so to remote or interstate teams. Starting and growing a business requires more than employees with extensive functional skills. You need to be on the same page. You need to collaborate.… Read more
Nearly 5 years ago I started this business. After 2 redundancies and 2 children under the age of 3, I just thought there had to be a better option for providing financial guidance with personality and flexibility. The personality came in abundance, but the flexibility not so much. So I am opting for a tree change in 2018. As a family we are moving to Ballarat, so my business will… Read more
Eighty percent of staff turnover is caused by bad hiring decisions, according to the Harvard Business Review. But few organisations question whether it is their own recruitment mistakes which are turning away potential talent. “In fact, I am sure most people blame the candidates if the work relationship turns sour. But if your recruiting strategy exhibits any of the following obstacles, it’s time for a rethink.” 1. Self-Absorbed Job Advertisements Most… Read more
Many small business owners think they can save money by handling their financials themselves. While it’s a real asset to learn bookkeeping basics, cash flow management and your tax obligations, hiring an accountant to oversee your business finances has many benefits. “But why would I pay for an accountant or bookkeeper when I can just do it myself? I am saving money. Surely that is a good thing?” We hear this… Read more
We all do it. Deep down we compare ourselves to others. Are we good enough, are we doing enough, are we earning enough, are we funny enough. The list goes on. But what comparison is doing, is robbing you of the chance to be truly happy as you. “There is only one you, and by trying to be someone else, you are not on the right path. So stop. Just… Read more
You know what gets my goat more than anything…a meeting held just for the sake of having a meeting. If you are not having a productive meeting, then really, what is the point? Isn’t it just wasting your time? When running a business (of any size) – you simply don’t have time or resources to waste. Yet many small business owners waste countless hours on meetings that lack focus, run… Read more
In 6 days time I am flying to Fiji to attend a business retreat with Nurture Change. I am not travelling with hubby or friends. I know nobody going. Zilcho. I am technically an introvert (although most people think I am an extrovert). How the heck am I going to survive? “No you can’t come in my suitcase. No you can’t come and carry my bags. No you can’t go… Read more
“My business is not making enough money, and I don’t know what to do.” We hear it all the time. Instead of ignoring the cause of the problem, it is time to put the brakes on and review the non-essential costs. When faced with cash flow or profitability issues, most business owners first reaction is to try and find new clients or customers. Feeling desperate, they totally forget what their… Read more
So you want to move from a Sole Trader to a Company but you have quotes ranging from $500 to $3000. Why is there such a drastic variance? And what exactly are you getting for your money? “But the first question you need to answer is ..Do you even understand why you want to change structures?” Sure – you can change from a sole trader to a company, what seems to… Read more
Each time I seem to go into a business Facebook group I see the same comment…. “My Bookkeeper/Accountant is over charging me – surely it is a simple job. Why are they so expensive? They are ripping me off.” Now, before I get my “ranty pants” on – let’s reverse this for a minute. Think about the service you offer and imagine how you would feel if people (who did… Read more
Have you spent thousands of dollars attending courses and training programs on how to sell? On how to increase sales in your business? On the easiest way to sell? Anything to do with selling? “Well I am telling you right now, one trip to Fiji and you can learn all the lessons you need to makes your sales funnel electric.” Now I must admit, I am not a sales expert.… Read more
Why should every business owner go on a “Bizcation”? Recently I answered this question from MYOB in the hope to win a spot at the Nurture Change business retreat in Fiji. 4 days of learning, networking, inspiration and working ON my business. No distractions, but building for the future. Why would I not enter? I was asked – what does a Bizcation mean to me. Here was my response: Bula… Read more
How to obtain a business loan is a common concern for start-up businesses and those preparing to scale. So how do you get the banks to say “YES”? Getting approved for a business loan or line of credit is usually more difficult than qualifying for a personal loan. It’s crucial that small business owners are adequately prepared when meeting with a lender to present their business in the best possible light. “Rocking… Read more
Should I use Xero or MYOB or Quickbooks Online or Wave or Saasu or Freshbooks (the list goes on). This is a question we hear from small business owners every single week. So what is the best accounting software for a small business? “Now call me annoying – but I can’t answer that. And anyone who does, is not giving you an accurate answer.” #TRUTHBOMB So, um, if I can’t… Read more
Contrary to popular belief – I don’t have ESP, I am not Wonder Woman, I do not have a magic wand and I don’t have super powers. I make mistakes. I am human. But I am not a failure. Recently, in the craziness that was end of financial year, BAS season, putting our house on the market and generally trying to be all things to all people, I made the… Read more
Most small business owners who use accounting software quickly master the basics. They automate processes like invoicing and payroll, track expenses and view real time financial reports to manage cash flow and make better business decisions. But what many business owners don’t take advantage of are key insights that can improve customer care and increase sales. So we are talking the nitty gritty analysis. What do those numbers actually mean… Read more
Happy EOFY. Time to relax right? Wrong – this is the best time to review your business plan for the new financial year ahead. Yep, thats right, no rest for the wicked. Here are some of our tips to make the your business plan process more productive (or should I say, actually useful). Don’t fly solo – get your team involved Business planning works best when it’s a team effort.… Read more
I am a big believer that whilst I run my small business, community comes before competition. Relationships come before profit. And happiness comes before growth. Yes, I have over 100,000 competitors in the accounting & bookkeeping space in Australia alone – but I see those people as my mentors, my rocks, my shoulders to cry on, my support network to learn from and my community first and foremost. “Call me… Read more
The closer we get to 30 June and End of Financial Year – the more times I see the phrase “Buy now, so you can get a tax deduction this financial year”. I truly wonder how many unsuspecting business owners get sucked into this sales tactic – when they don’t even know or understand their tax position in the first place. “You see, a tax deduction is not the same… Read more
Kind of pisses me off that I have to write this post….but I just can’t let it slide. I know I should be doing other things (like BAS lodgements or finalising my new business), but instead I sit here writing ranty blog posts because you choose to use my services, then sell the information I taught you, and pass my information off as your own to your business coaching clients.… Read more