If your company is experiencing rapid growth, you might find yourself navigating a good news/bad news situation: while your sales figures climb, managing cash flow becomes increasingly complex, pushing you to seek additional financing to meet the rising demand. Consider this scenario: A well-known retailer expresses interest in your products, presenting an exciting opportunity that could significantly elevate your business. However, they have a requirement: they want a substantial discount…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. How Australian spending habits are weathering the high cost of living Many Australian businesses are feeling the pinch as customers can no longer afford the armchairs, gadgets, clothing brands and new bathrooms they could before the cost of living shot up. But spending patterns remain uneven, and at times counterintuitive,…  Read more

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

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

Managing cash flow 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.…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Conflicting data: Is wage growth cooling down or heating up? While the official ABS data showed the Wage Price Index (WPI) rose 0.8% in June quarter 2024, and 4.1% for the year, the reality on the ground might be over double that, according to payroll platform Employment Hero. E-commerce…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Australian shares follow Wall Street’s lead after jobs data calms recession fears A week after US jobs data sent global financial markets into a panic, a strong rally on Wall Street has seen the S&P 500 record its best day since November 2022 — erasing almost all of the losses…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Hope for homeowners as RBA tipped to slash interest rates by Christmas The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is tipped to keep interest rates on hold next week, but hard-pressed mortgage holders should expect a cut by Christmas. From 36 economic experts canvassed in the latest Finder Cash Rate…  Read more

For many business owners, the day-to-day demands of running a business can make long-term planning seem like a distant concern. But, failing to plan for succession can put your business—and its legacy—at significant risk. The question you need to ask yourself is: Is hope your exit plan, or do you have a strategy? The reality of succession planning Succession planning involves identifying and developing new leaders who can replace old…  Read more

Starting a business without a plan is like setting sail without a compass. While you might eventually reach your destination, the journey will likely be longer and more challenging. A well-constructed business plan is essential for guiding your business towards success.  Here’s why: It Clarifies Your Vision A business plan helps you articulate the vision for your enterprise. It forces you to think through every aspect of your business, including…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Hints on state of economy as cost relief kicks in Experts will scour the first trickle of financial data for early clues on the state of Australia’s economy since tax relief kicked in. The purchasing managers’ indexes for the manufacturing and services sectors land this week, as pay packets rise…  Read more

When you run your small business, you have a lot on your plate. That makes it tempting to let some tasks slide, especially tasks that are related to finances, which can be challenging and often outside your preferred skill set or experience. Here are some financial best practices for managing your business, so you can have the best chances of success. Pay yourself As a small business owner you may…  Read more

Leadership styles significantly impact team dynamics, productivity, and overall business success. While a passive leadership style may seem non-confrontational and agreeable, it often leads to unresolved issues, lack of direction, and decreased morale. Transforming from a passive to an assertive leadership style can be a game-changer for your business. Understanding Passive vs. Assertive Leadership Passive leaders usually: Avoid conflict at all costs Hesitate to express opinions or make decisions Allow…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Latest NAB survey shows growing concerns among businesses about Australia’s economy Australian businesses are becoming more concerned about the outlook for the economy as forward-looking indicators in National Australia Bank’s fresh survey revealed a softening. The bank’s latest quarterly business survey on Thursday revealed expected business conditions fell at…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. The Australian dollar is showing some strength, and that could be good news for travellers For a relatively small, open economy, Australia’s currency is heavily traded. In fact, it’s on the podium for one of the world’s most traded. So it’s known to be pushed and pulled on global…  Read more

Navigating the current economic environment can feel like an uphill battle, especially in relation to your pricing strategy. Globally, economies are experiencing an inflationary environment. In the US, for example, average prices have surged by over 20% since the start of the pandemic, significantly influencing consumer price sensitivity. With inflation becoming a part of our daily lives, your potential clients—regardless of industry—are likely to take more time to invest and…  Read more

From terrorism to fire, from extreme weather or earthquakes to cyber-attacks – how would your business cope if it was affected?  Would your staff know what to do? Would you be able to keep trading? Having a contingency plan is not just a precaution; it’s a necessity. Small businesses need to be prepared for a range of scenarios. Without a solid contingency plan, your business could face significant setbacks or…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Small businesses hoping for spending boost at tax time Small businesses are hoping for a spending boost next month fuelled by tax returns starting to land in the pockets of Australians. How to check if you’re owed a share of up to $580 million in unclaimed money Revenue NSW…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Treasurer knocks back recession concern but admits ‘uncertain times’ Treasurer Jim Chalmers has insisted Australia is not heading for a recession, despite the economy recording its weakest growth in nearly three years. GDP growth falls to just 0.1% as household cutbacks put handbrake on Australia’s economy Australia’s economy all…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Tips for the upcoming tax cuts Every Aussie taxpayer will receive a pay rise on July 1 with the new stage three tax cuts kicking in, and it couldn’t come at a better time as millions struggle with a cost of living crisis. No doubt some of this pay…  Read more

Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Fair Work Commission increases minimum wage by 3.75% The Fair Work Commission (FWC) will increase the minimum wage for employees by 3.75%, factoring in tough economic conditions with long-term goals such as closing the gender pay gap. The new National Minimum Wage and awards wages will go into effect…  Read more