Why ‘How to Win Friends & Influence People’ is still a must-read

If you’re a business owner, chances are you’re juggling a lot—keeping your team motivated, negotiating with partners, meeting customers’ needs, and trying to build meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world. It’s easy to feel like you’re on a treadmill going at double speed. But here’s the thing—no matter how much technology changes the way we do business, one truth remains constant: your success will always depend on how well…  Read more

Social media marketing basics

Social media can feel overwhelming. With so much noise and so many platforms, where do you start? The truth is, a great social media strategy can transform how you connect with customers and help to grow your business. The reach and accessibility of social media platforms are unprecedented. They connect businesses with a vast audience, in real-time. Besides their broad reach, social media platforms also serve as a valuable tool…  Read more

Stop losing money! The job order costing hack every business needs to know

Ever wondered how companies price custom projects accurately? The secret can be found in a method called job order costing. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, understanding this process could be the key to increasing your profitability and ensuring that every job is priced just right. Welcome to a world where every material, man-hour, and overhead cost is meticulously tracked to unveil the true cost of doing business. Let’s explore…  Read more

Managing morale during times of change

Change is inevitable in any business, but it’s rarely easy—especially when it comes to managing morale. Whether you’re restructuring your team, implementing new processes, or pivoting your business strategy, major transitions can leave employees feeling uncertain, disengaged, or even overwhelmed.  If you’re a change leader or small business owner, you’re probably asking yourself, “How can I guide my team through this while keeping morale intact?” You’re in the right place.…  Read more

Develop an effective employee training program

Successful businesses don’t just invest in tools and innovation—they invest in their people. An employee training program is a strategic way to empower your team, close skill gaps, and cultivate loyalty. But where do you even begin to craft a program that truly makes an impact? This guide will walk you through actionable steps to develop an effective employee training program that aligns with your business needs and leaves your…  Read more

Why ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ is still a must-read

It’s amazing how some books stand the test of time. Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is one of those. Although it was first published over three decades ago, its lessons are still incredibly relevant for business owners. You might wonder – how do these habits fit into today’s landscape of changing trends, tight deadlines, and constant distractions? The short answer is, they’re timeless because they focus…  Read more

The human advantage: thriving in a tech-driven world

We are currently witnessing a remarkable transformation driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. While these advancements promise to enhance efficiency and speed, business owners must recognise the enduring importance of soft skills in their teams for long-term success and competitiveness. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report highlights the disruption of skills we will see in the coming years, pinpointing critical competencies for future success: Analytical thinking Creative…  Read more

10 essential tips for meeting deadlines

In business, your capacity to meet deadlines can significantly influence your reputation. It’s not just about delivering quality work—it’s about delivering it on time. Meeting deadlines not only builds trust with clients but also ensures your operations run like a well-oiled machine.  Let’s explore ten essential tips to help you master the art of timely project delivery. Make deadlines non-negotiable Treat deadlines as sacred commitments rather than mere suggestions. By…  Read more

Tired of chasing payments? Handy tips for managing your receivables

Running a small business is a constant juggle, and one of the more frustrating tasks is managing your receivables. How often have you found yourself waiting on overdue invoices, wondering if you’ll have enough cash flow to cover next month’s expenses? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many small business owners struggle with keeping their accounts receivable in check, which can ultimately impact their business’s health and sustainability. In…  Read more

Startups gone wrong: what really causes most to fail?

Starting a business is a thrilling adventure, filled with dreams of innovation and success. But let’s be honest—it’s also a bit of a gamble. Many startups face obstacles that, if not navigated carefully, can lead to failure. While vision and leadership are often highlighted as crucial elements, it’s the relentless grind of hard work and experimentation that truly makes the difference. Let’s dive into some common pitfalls that every budding…  Read more

Signs it’s time to upgrade systems

Most small business owners can’t afford to think small. They always need to keep their mind on growth strategies to help them achieve long-term profitability. But becoming profitable in the first place often requires business owners to work long hours on a shoe-string budget. They don’t always have time to implement systems that will support them when they’re ready to scale. It’s not uncommon for entrepreneurs to use free or…  Read more

The real cost of bad customer service

Have you ever paused to think about the real impact of the customer experience your business is offering? Is it lifting your brand up or dragging it down, along with the morale of your team? The consumers of today expect nothing short of excellence, so understanding the consequences of poor customer service is vital. So, what does poor customer service actually cost you? Let’s delve into the details—it might just…  Read more

Business Update – 27 November 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. What the RBA is really looking at when it sets interest rates Eight times a year, the Reserve Bank meets to decide whether to raise, hold or cut interest rates. The decision impacts the 3.2 million Australians who have a mortgage on their own home and has flow-on effects across the entire…  Read more

Master the Art and Science of Delegation

Delegation is a skill often discussed but rarely mastered, especially by small business owners who are wearing multiple hats. The balancing act of managing daily operations while pushing for growth can be overwhelming. Imagine if you could free up hours in your day to focus on strategic decisions rather than getting bogged down in every minute detail. This is where the art and science of delegation come into play. By…  Read more

Business Update – 20 November 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Is this employment data a sign we are nearing the end of the great resignation? New data on the Australian workforce could suggest the great resignation may be winding down, at least here in Australia, anyway. Findings from Mercer’s Total Remuneration Survey published as part of its Australian Salary…  Read more

Setting and tracking financial goals for small business success

Setting financial goals for your business may be one of your most important responsibilities as a leader and business owner. Your financial goals serve as far more than wishful projections, they form the backbone of your road map for success, internal and external. Financial goals are something that every single business should possess regardless of its market, model or size. Let’s explore how you can set and track financial goals…  Read more

Business Update – 13 November 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Australia ‘not immune from trade tensions’, Chalmers says Australia’s economy will not be immune from escalating trade tensions, Jim Chalmers has warned, as the Albanese government prepares itself for an incoming Donald Trump administration. In a speech on Monday, the treasurer will outline the risks of an “uncertain world characterised…  Read more

Unlock Sales Success

A solid sales strategy will help you consistently grow your business. It will give you a framework for generating more leads, closing more deals, and ultimately increasing your revenue. From nurturing existing accounts to thought leadership and effective pricing discussions, here are some actionable steps for a winning sales strategy. Nurture existing accounts:  Schedule regular check-ins with current customers to maintain relationships.  Use social media to engage with customers through…  Read more

Business Update – 06 November 2024

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Australia inflation slows but sticky core to push RBA cut to 2025 Australian consumer price inflation slowed to a 3.5 year low in the third quarter, though the core measure was still sticky and reinforced market wagers that the central bank won’t start cutting rates until next year. Overall,…  Read more

D to the Power of 4 – Four Steps to Better Time Management

Time management skills are increasingly important in a world where people seem to rush headlong from one crisis to another. Add in the effect of social media and addictive computer games that can be accessed from anywhere at any time and it’s no wonder that some people struggle to fit everything into their days. So what can be done about it? How about invoking D to the Power of Four?…  Read more

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