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
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
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
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
In the unpredictable world of startups, maintaining a cash surplus can be a lifesaver. It provides a safety net in case sales don’t meet expectations or unexpected expenses arise. Aside from providing security, surplus cash also paves the way for expansion opportunities, handling large bills, or purchasing essential equipment. While injecting personal capital or taking out a loan can aid in creating a cash surplus, let’s explore some other effective… 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
When you’re ready to take your business to the next level, you might start thinking about “scaling”. No, it’s not just a fancy term for growth, it’s about doing more with less. Scaling is about increasing your revenue without needing to proportionately increase your resources—pretty cool, right? It’s like sending an email: whether you send it to 100 people or 100,000, your effort is the same. The trick to scaling… 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
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
Ever felt like the term “current ratio” sounds like something straight out of a high school mathematics class that you’d rather forget? You’re not alone. But here’s the thing – understanding the current ratio can be a game-changer for managing your business’s financial health. Here’s a simple breakdown. What is the Current Ratio? In the simplest terms, the current ratio measures your business’s ability to pay off its short-term obligations… Read more
The power of a well-crafted email signature is often underestimated by professionals and businesses alike. Your email signature is essentially your calling card: it’s where you can share information about yourself and your company, like your website and social media profile links. It can also include the company logo and highlight current promotions or links to products you want to boost sales of. Here are 4 tips for creating your… Read more
As time marches on, many small business owners have become increasingly concerned about fraud. According to SAP Concur, a staggering 85% of businesses surveyed expect the risk of fraud to continue even after the pandemic. Making matters worse, many fraudulent acts originate from within businesses themselves. Below you will find some essential internal controls that you can implement to safeguard your business and mitigate the risk of financial mismanagement and… Read more
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
In any successful operation, accountability is the bedrock upon which trust and performance are built. At the heart of this dynamic are leaders who not only demand accountability from their teams but also embody it in their leadership style. Here’s how they maintain a culture of accountability: 1. Communicate and uphold high expectations Accountability is a framework that helps individuals understand what is expected of them, ensuring they meet expectations… Read more
Succession planning in a family business is a complex and often emotional process that involves more than just passing on company control to the next generation. It requires careful preparation, open communication, and a deep understanding of the emotional dynamics at play. Effectively managing these emotional dynamics is crucial to ensure both family harmony and business continuity. Understanding emotional dynamics Family businesses are a unique blend of personal and professional… Read more
For small business owners, leveraging LinkedIn can be a powerful strategy. Unlike platforms that primarily focus on casual interactions, LinkedIn fosters an environment specifically designed for networking, collaboration, and business growth. By using LinkedIn’s latest features small business owners can effectively showcase their expertise, build a robust professional network, and engage with potential clients or partners in a meaningful way. The benefits of using LinkedIn include the opportunity to establish… Read more
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
Many small business owners continue to become increasingly concerned about fraud. According to SAP Concur, a staggering 85% of businesses surveyed expect the risk of fraud to continue to drastically escalate. Making matters worse, many fraudulent acts originate from within businesses themselves. Below you will find some essential internal controls that you can implement to safeguard your business and mitigate the risk of financial mismanagement and fraud. 1. Segregation of… Read more
Data is more accessible than ever. But how can small businesses leverage it effectively to drive growth? Let’s explore data-driven strategies that can help you make informed decisions, improve customer experiences, and ultimately, boost your bottom line. Why data-driven strategies matter Data-driven strategies are essential for businesses seeking to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth. These strategies enable businesses to make informed decisions based on real-time insights rather than relying… Read more