As a business owner, for the past 5 years I have been running my financial coaching, accounting, training & bookkeeping business. And whilst it continues to grow and be successful, I have never had a stress free holiday in that time. I was always constantly attached to my laptop/iPad/phone and had to be on call for clients every day because my business was me. “I had created a monster. The… 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
When you run a business, often things get left out of your life. You don’t see your friends as much, your social life goes out the window and you second guess every decision you make. You have guilt over how you spend your time and if you are making the right decisions. And as a working mother, I suffer from #mumguilt ALL the time. Yesterday was no exception. In fact,… 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
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
Teamwork is something that a business needs to succeed. So how is it possible to build a growing brand and business with a virtual team? How do you flip the traditional business model into a virtual business model without losing the relationships? Well – I am so glad you asked. OK – so you didn’t exactly ask – but I bet you are wondering how the heck I have built… Read more