Tag: Small Business

We know we should be implementing mindfulness in our business, but what are you doing about it? Google offers employees a course on mindfulness meditation, and Lululemon, a company that keeps a Director of Mindfulness on staff. 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 non-judgmentally.” Research has shown that practicing mindful…  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

If I see another “I have Marie Kondo’d my wardrobe” after the recent release of Marie Kondo’s hit Netflix series I think I will lose my mind. So instead of taking that option (as it would be quite the contradictory reaction to the Marie Kondo rule of “Sparking Joy” phenomenon), if you can’t beat them, join them hey? So if you have the time to organise your activewear drawer and fold all…  Read more

Most people are familiar with a job interview: a nervous candidate meets with an employer, answers a series of questions about their experience, strengths, weaknesses and education, and sometimes takes an aptitude test. Employers have used employment interviews to choose between potential candidates since, well since before I even got my first job which is a long time ago now. But there is only so much you can learn about…  Read more

Although most entrepreneurs recognise the importance of careful financial management, few want to spend their time dealing with numbers. Unfortunately, not keeping a close eye on your income and expenses can be very costly and stressful for a business owner.     Here are five of the most common bookkeeping pitfalls, and some simple tips for getting back on track.   Mixing business and personal All too often, entrepreneurs adopt…  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

Too many businesses brush over their job descriptions, and then wonder why they get so many unqualified applicants. Don’t make the same mistake. Let me give you some tips so you can write job descriptions that attract the best candidates (ie. the ones you actually want on your team).   Rule Number 1. Don’t Exaggerate Companies know that attracting the best job candidates means they have to sell their company’s…  Read more

Growing you business is every bosses dream.  But too many make mistakes that cripple their growth. Do you want to keep repeating them? Don’t do the same; avoid the blunders outlined below. Hiring the Right Personalities and not toxic ones The bigger the business the more staff they need. But if they expand too quickly, they will feel pressure to fill positions on their team, even if the job candidates…  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

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