In a crowded marketplace, standing out can be a real challenge. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is the testimonial—a genuine account of your customers’ positive experiences with your business. These success stories not only build trust and credibility but also can significantly boost your sales and brand reputation. If you’re a small business owner looking to harness the power of testimonials, this guide is for you.…  Read more

is crucial for small business owners. Even if your business is profitable, poor cash flow management can create significant challenges. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips to help you avoid a cash flow crisis and ensure your business remains financially healthy. Understanding cash flow Cash flow refers to the money moving in and out of your business. Cash inflows come from sales, interest earned, and investments. Cash outflows cover…  Read more

For small business owners, figuring out the difference between annual leave and long service leave can feel like trying to crack a secret code. Rules, jargon… seriously, who made this stuff so complicated? Whether you’re trying to keep your business compliant or foster a happy, productive team, this guide will break it all down so you’ll know exactly how Australia’s leave entitlements work, how they accrue, and how best to manage them in your…  Read more

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 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

In the hustle and bustle of managing a small business, it’s easy to overlook one of the most powerful tools at your disposal—active listening. While it might sound simple, mastering the art of active listening can transform your workplace, enhance relationships, and significantly impact your business’s success. What is active listening? Active listening goes beyond merely hearing words; it involves fully understanding, interpreting, and responding to the conversation. Heather R.…  Read more

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Chalmers skirts budget deficit question Jim Chalmers declined to directly answer whether a total of forecasted $122.1bn in deficits will increase in the mid-year budget update set to be released on Wednesday. Appearing on Sky on Sunday, the Treasurer declined to directly answer whether the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal…  Read more

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

Year-end (and other) staff parties With the well earned December/January holiday season on the way, many employers will be planning to reward staff with a celebratory party or event. However, there are important issues to consider, including the possible FBT and income tax implications of providing ‘entertainment’ (including Christmas parties) to staff and clients. FBT and ‘entertainment’ Under the FBT Act, employers must choose how they calculate their FBT meal…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Australia’s economy growing at slowest pace in decades, propped up by government spending Household spending did not pick up in the September quarter in the way economists were hoping. Australia’s economy recorded its weakest annual growth rate in decades in the September quarter, outside of the pandemic. Private demand…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Small-business complaints to AFCA on the rise The number of complaints raised by small businesses to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) reached a record high in 2023-24, the agency reported. Small businesses took 4,466 complaints to AFCA in 2023-24, a rise of 17 per cent on the previous…  Read more

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

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

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

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

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