While SMEs account for 97 per cent of Australian businesses, it can still be difficult to make a case to a bank when looking for finance to start a new business or invest in the growth of an existing one. The good news is that applying for commercial finance through a bank is far from the only option. Personal loans A relatively young enterprise that doesn’t have a track record… Read more
Loans are by no means ‘one size fits all.’ Different loan types suit different age groups, different living situations and even different attitudes to money. A common trap some home-owners fall into is to consider a mortgage ‘set and forget’. You did your research, shopped around, found the right option and now you’re reluctant to revisit the process – even if your personal circumstances have… Read more
Many remarkable entrepreneurs, including Warren Buffet, Sheryl Sandberg, and Richard Branson, have credited their success, in part, to the advice of their mentors. An advisory board is an informal group of mentors whose collective business expertise—and objectivity—can help you make better, more informed decisions, thereby accelerating growth. Unlike business consultants (whose fees may well exceed your budget), advisory board members may agree to provide advice pro bono, for a small… Read more
If you have any doubt that word of mouth referrals are important, consider these recent stats: According to Neilson, 92% of shoppers trust recommendations from friends and family more than traditional advertising 20% to 50% of consumer purchases are made because of a word of mouth recommendation 81% of buyers are influenced by their friends’ social media posts. So how can you encourage positive word of mouth for your small… Read more
A new year is the perfect time for business owners to set goals to improve profitability. If you aren’t yet familiar with digital wallets and the latest mobile payment technologies, you might be interested in the benefits they afford small businesses, such as: instant access to funds and real time financial data cost savings on third party transaction fees and POS systems competitive edge—making it easy for customers to pay… Read more
If you’re like many small business owners, your business may not be adequately insured in the case of a fire, flood, natural disaster, theft, or personal injury. Often home-based business owners assume they are covered under their homeowner’s policy. Other entrepreneurs, working long hours and pulled in too many directions, may never get around to talking to an insurance agent about their business. If you’ve been procrastinating on business insurance,… Read more
Most small business owners who use accounting software quickly master the basics. They automate processes like invoicing and payroll, track expenses and view real time financial reports to manage cash flow and make better business decisions. But what many business owners don’t take advantage of are key insights that can improve customer care and increase sales. Here are some smart ways you can use your accounting software to help boost… Read more
Quick and efficient payment options benefit both small business owners and their customers. Consumers are used to flexibility – cash, check or charge? – when buying from large retailers. If you’re a cash-or-check only operation, consider how many sales you may be losing – and how your business would grow if your customers could pay with debit or credit cards. If one of your goals is to start selling online,… Read more
Inventory is the lifeblood of your business. It is the largest asset on your balance sheet and your company’s biggest revenue-generator. It goes without saying that poorly managed inventory can do serious damage to your bottom line. Businesses without clear strategies for streamlining the in and out flow of goods will have trouble meeting their customer’s demands and will see mismanaged stock corrode their profits. Follow these tips to ensure… Read more
Your balance sheet (now more correctly called a Statement of Financial Position) reveals a great deal about your business, including the total value of your assets – the things you own; how much you owe to others – your liabilities; and the level of your solvency. These three aspects will be studied carefully by lenders and investors − and by buyers if you intend to sell your business. But they… Read more
Freelancers in all industries deal with the same problems due to the nature of their work. Typically, freelancers are solo work-from-home contractors that manage every aspect of their business. If you’re thinking of dropping your career as an employee to begin freelancing, consider the following obstacles you will need to navigate. Unfortunately, problems beget more problems, and a shaky foundation quickly leads to a crumbly business, and many regrets about… Read more
On average, small business owners spend 10 hours each week recording, organizing, and processing financial transactions – everything from accounts receivable and payable, to employee payments, expense receipts and supplier invoices. While the process may be time-consuming (and tedious!), effective bookkeeping is the foundation of sound financial management – which in turn, is the lifeblood of your business. Feeling overwhelmed by mountains of paperwork and complex calculations? Here are three… Read more