Xero crashed and everyone lost their shit (except me)

Today, March 12th, 2018 Xero crashed.  And it was of epic proportions (well according to some).  Every second bookkeeper lost their shit five times over as Xero wasn’t back up and running within 30 minutes. I know it is an inconvenience, but really, it is out of our hands. “A problem is only a problem if you make it a problem.  So stop focusing on the problem, and start working…  Read more

Why your side hustle is killing your cash flow

So you have a side hustle – heck, most of us started the same way. Working in a “day job” and starting a business on the side. Using the cash from the day job to fund the start-up we hope will soon take off and then we can kiss goodbye to the 9-5 and finally be our own boss. Who wouldn’t want to live that dream? “Time and time again…  Read more

Don’t let Payroll bite you in the arse

So business is booming and you need to hire staff.  You should be so excited (and proud).  But payroll is not for the faint hearted #understatementoftheyear Even with the best accounting software in the palm of your hands (or pocket), payroll and employer obligations can be a minefield, and difficult to navigate. There are minimum wage requirements, payslips, withholding the right amount of tax, paying superannuation, overtime, bonuses, annual leave,…  Read more

4 ways to think about before you sell your business

Was your goal always to build a thriving brand to eventually sell your business for a tidy sum? Or maybe for other personal reasons it’s best to sell your business sooner rather than later. No matter what the reason is to want to sell your business, experts agree: it’s best to be prepared well in advance as it can take months (sometimes years) to complete a successful sale. These four tips will…  Read more

5 Low Cost Business Advertising Options

Advertising is an essential component of success for any business. Proper advertising ensures more sales, but if you choose the wrong options, it can be a very expensive outlay for no return at all. “Most small businesses just think “too bloody expensive” when they think of advertising, so it is time to look outside the box and find the right kind of advertising for your business.” Let’s look at five…  Read more

Workable New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions – we’ve all made them, and we have all broken them − often before the end of January. That’s right – we don’t even last a month with our new found goals and enthusiasm. There’s something about New Year celebrations that makes us yearn for a fresh start, but is there a way to make that desire for change more permanent? Here’s a twist that can make…  Read more

Stop, Collaborate and Grow Your Business

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

Why this Accountant is opting for a Tree Change

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

4 Recruitment Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Staff

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

The impact of a $2.50 mistake on your brand loyalty

Lets get the facts straight. I am a start-up business. I have been in business for nearly 5 years starting with 2 days per week, 3 days, now 5 days per week. I don’t have endless cash and I certainly don’t have spare money to pay for other business owners mistakes. Brand loyalty is earned and it can very easily vanish in an instant. You want to protect your brand,…  Read more

Ways an Accountant Can Save You Money

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

Use your Accounting Software to Boost Sales

If you thought your accounting software was just for tracking income and expenses, you’re losing out on an opportunity to improve your bottom line. Your accounting software can do so much more, and if used correctly, could boost your sales. By taking advantage of insights provided by your financial reporting, you’ll benefit from a more informed approach to marketing and customer service – and by making the most of all…  Read more

Comparison is the thief of your destiny

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

7 Top Tips for More Productive Meetings

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

An Introverts Guide to Attending a Business Retreat Solo

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

5 Non-essential costs you can cut from your business right now.

“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

The hidden implications of moving from Sole Trader to Company Structure

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

How Listening Can Lead To Loyalty

When was the last time you really listened to your clients, your customers, your suppliers, your contractors, your employees – and actually gave them what they really wanted? Now of course everything within reason – I mean I would like a million dollars, a holiday to the Bahamas and also a house that cleans itself. “But every day, it is often the simple things people do that wins my loyalty…  Read more

Why I won’t discount my rates: A Bookkeepers View

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

Bookkeeping Basics for Small Business Owners

On average, small business owners spend 10 hours each week recording, organising, and processing financial transactions – everything from accounts receivable and payable, to employee payments, expense receipts and supplier invoices.  That doesn’t sound like Bookkeeping Basics to me! While the process may be time-consuming (and tedious!), effective bookkeeping is the foundation of sound financial management – which in turn, is the lifeblood of your business. Feeling overwhelmed by mountains…  Read more

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