You won’t build a loyal customer base if you can’t earn your visitors’ trust, which is why companies value social proof so highly. But proving your online business’s value takes a unique skill set; one you can start learning by reading the article below. Befriend Experts Experts love teaching others what they know. While they do make money from their knowledge, they also offer discounts to friends. If an expert… Read more
Dealing with risk is an inherent aspect of business management. The way you prepare for risk is the most important factor in determining the longevity of your enterprise. Businesses of all sizes have to contest with the possibility of unexpected events occurring, but it’s how you plan for and react to such scenarios that influence your handling of them. These five methods of controlling risk will provide you with the… Read more
Do you break out in a cold sweat just thinking about tackling your bookkeeping? At Love Your Numbers, we understand that bookkeeping can be the stuff of nightmares for some people. It can be very hard to stay on top of your books when you’re trying to run a business or juggle family at the same time. But just like building a house or servicing a car, bookkeeping is one… Read more
Most business owners appreciate that online marketing is increasingly important for sales and growth, but drafting effective web copy can be an intimidating prospect. The good news is you don’t need a background in marketing to master the basics of effective web writing. You just need to know a few guidelines that can make your copy more engaging to an online audience. Here’s how. 1.Think like your customer Knowing your… Read more
If you’re like most small business owners, there are never enough hours in the day to complete every task on your list. Often you’re faced with prioritizing what you need to do right now – deal with a customer, meet a deadline, attend an event – and the things you know you should do for the ongoing growth of your business. Scheduling time to attend to these business activities on… Read more
As a business owner it’s important to take time away from work. But worrying about whether staff are meeting deadlines and suppliers are happy translates to more stress and less time enjoying your holiday. With a little staff communication and planning beforehand, you needn’t worry that your business won’t be able to cope in your absence. If you really can’t switch off from work mode or something urgent pops up,… Read more
Cloud computing is quickly moving from an obscure concept to an everyday reality for small businesses all over the world. A 2015 survey of small business owners found that 52% had already adopted some form of cloud-based data storage; however, a general lack of awareness regarding the logistics and advantages of cloud computing has made others a bit more resistant. The truth is, there are several very practical benefits to… Read more
When you’re reviewing your investments, it’s important to remember that income and returns come from two main sources, Capital Gains and Interim Income. Capital gain (or loss) This is the difference in the overall value of your investment between when you purchased it and now (or the date that you sold it.) You can work it out as: ((Current or sale price per unit – purchase price) * number of… Read more
The words ‘personal brand’ are still somewhat controversial, and carry an unfortunate cast of self-promotion and vanity. The truth is that personal branding is more important than ever in the job market, and those without a clear personal brand or mission to create one are lagging behind the competition. What is a personal brand? How you present yourself has always been important in the workplace. In the corporate heyday, it… Read more
Being an entrepreneur is often about getting the most value out of your resources. That means spending only on the necessities, and nothing more. Unfortunately, things you consider to be a waste of your capital may actually be what your start-up needs to survive. Some of them are expensive, especially for a new company, but they’re worthwhile. Data Analysis Successful entrepreneurs are usually well informed. They don’t make decisions solely… Read more
There are all kinds of groups dedicated to networking. Some are highly structured with performance requirements, exclusive membership, and the payment of dues. Others are free form, come as you please and no charge. Not every group is right for every kind of business. You will find that some groups may simply not have connections in the market you are seeking to attract. You will find some groups have rules… Read more
Moving your file from the classic version of MYOB to the new version of AccountRight 2018 is like buying the latest model of your favourite brand of car. Everything is familiar but holy cow the improved engine design driving you further, the extra features helping you get there faster and the world-class data storage and security giving you peace of mind safety all add up pretty quickly! Add to that… Read more
Have you had a potential investor turn away from your business for seemingly no reason? Investors don’t usually turn away from good opportunities so was there something that made your company or business plan unappealing? Here are six reason businesses makes themselves unattractive to investors. 1. There’s No Proof of Concept You can find good ideas everywhere but only a few of those ideas will actually end up profitable for everyone… Read more
On Friday 21 September at Hi-Sense Arena, Melbourne in front of a crowd of my some of my closest friends and colleagues, I was honoured, humbled and totally overwhelmed to be announced as MYOB Certified Consultants of the Year for 2018 along with my dear friend Debra Anderson from Anderson Tax & Consulting. Firstly, I need to make mention of 3 very special people in my life who have been… Read more
The key performance indicators (KPIs) for one company will invariably be different from the KPIs of another firm. What both hypothetical companies share, however, is the challenge of selecting which KPIs are best suited for measuring the goals and progress of their particular business model. Indeed, entrepreneurs have a vast array of reports and data sets from which to choose and select from, but that data needs to target those… Read more
It takes time, energy, and continuous effort to build a brand that attracts loyal customers and is rewarded by word of mouth referrals. Without a doubt, the good name you worked so hard to earn is one of your most valuable business assets; in addition to your solid customer base and positive employee relations, it is what is known in business as “goodwill.” If you’re like many small business owners,… Read more
Understanding and controlling your debtor days is the key to ensure a steady, reliable cash flow which is crucial for the survival of your business – so taking steps to ensure your customers pay promptly should be a priority. When your clients consistently pay on time, you’ll avoid the dreaded “feast or famine” cycle. You’ll be able to pay your vendors, suppliers, and employees on time – and not least… 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 steps to create a good foundation in the early days of your business is essential for a sustainable and… Read more
Our business plan diagnostic is an easy-to-use tool designed to assess how well developed your business plan is to help you succeed in your business. It won’t take long to complete (as little as 10 minutes) and at the end of the process, we will prepare a downloadable list of recommended actions for you to take. This includes plenty of information to help you implement the recommended changes. If you… Read more
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