I have no words to describe the past three weeks of being a business owner running their own accounting and bookkeeping business during the Coronavirus pandemic, but I will try. There has been so much negativity, so much uncertainty, increased levels of stress and anxiety, frustration through the roof, so many tears – and that is from both clients and from me. “We are not immune to any of it,… Read more
Businesses of all sizes are under constant threat from cyber criminals and malicious software, with even some of the world’s largest and apparently impenetrable organizations making headlines in recent years after falling victims to cyberattacks. Although the risk is generally lower for smaller companies, since they don’t tend to be primary targets for hackers, it is still essential to take every precaution to make sure that you, your employees… Read more
It’s natural for small business owners to think that they won’t be victims of cyber attacks. Most of the news surrounding hacking and data breaches involves large corporations, but that is because that’s where a high number of victims are affected. Hackers may find they have an easier time going after small businesses and start-ups that aren’t prepared for a Cyber security breach. So while they might get less information… Read more
Small business is at times, heartbreaking. You bend over backwards for clients. Always going above and beyond behind the scenes which clients don’t see. You work 24/7 including weekends to get things done on time. Perhaps you initially didn’t set clear boundaries as you want to help so bloody much. You explain the same thing what feels like 57 times – and then the client will send you yet another… 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
Attending a work related conference takes a lot of considerations. It is not just the cost of the event itself, but also the time away from your business, the work you need to do afterward to play catch up, the time away from family, having someone change their schedule to look after the kids/pets and the most important thing for me – will it even be worth all the hassle… Read more
Every year there are awards for various industries and the Accounting and Finance industry is no different. So why do I enter awards? Is it worth my time, effort and money (and yes, some of them are certainly not free). And what do I, or my business, actually get out of it? “These are question I get asked each year, and for the life of me I used to think… 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
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
Sounds like it doesn’t make sense right? I mean you have spent ages thinking about your ideal client, who you want to work with, what kind of person they are, what they look like, how they think, where they hang out. So how can focusing on that ideal client cripple your business? Surely it should grow your business? Well here’s the thing. Your ideal clients should have the same attitudes… Read more
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
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
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
“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
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
I would love someone to help my business. MUST HAVE skills, experience, qualifications, knowledge, be a self starter and be able to work without supervision. MUST ALSO be prepared to work for under minimum wage. “God, oh please sign me up. I just can’t wait to work as your slave.” Seriously – how can that even be an ad for a job? How can a business woman advertise for someone… 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
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