Protect Business Reputation by Planning for Big Sales

A business plan is essential for business development. But even with a solid plan there is some aspect of unpredictability. There are a multitude of variables that have to be taken into account, any of which could have great impact on the prosperity of a small business. Sales forecasting may well be the most difficult and complicated of all areas covered in a strategic business plan. To predict sales, a…  Read more

Tips for keeping your business data secure

It’s no secret that data loss can be a costly nightmare for a small business, with recent estimates citing the total cost of data breaches exceeding $2.1 trillion by 2019. Unfortunately, cyber attackers increasingly target small businesses because they are less likely to have security protection in place. Accidental loss or loss due to a natural disaster can be just as harmful to a business, with recovery efforts and delays…  Read more

How to create good habits in business

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

11 tips for overseas business travel

If you’re ready to expand internationally – perhaps you plan to open a store overseas, start working with international clients or make a leap into exporting – these tips will help you prepare for hassle-free business travel. Travel tip 1: Check your passport – The earlier you can get your passport documentation in order the better. In many countries it takes several weeks to receive a new passport once you’ve…  Read more

Tips for updating your business plan

Think of your business plan as a roadmap designed to point the way to your current destination, knowing that where you land may not be your ultimate end point. After all, things are constantly changing in a healthy, thriving business. Market fluctuations, new competitors, changes in staffing or your sales figures may nudge you in a direction you wouldn’t have previously dreamed of, requiring new goals and strategies to achieve…  Read more

12 Essential Tips for Delivering Effective Training Courses

Effective training of staff is essential to ensure they develop in their roles and are able to be as productive as possible. The business will need training to be cost effective and meet learning objectives, so as a facilitator of training it’s important to get it right first time. These 12 tips cover all the critical areas you must consider to ensure your training delivery is top notch and fully…  Read more

Five Best Selling Books on Business and Money

Bookstores and libraries around the world supply excellent instructional materials. Riding in the car or commuting on the train, you can learn from experts. The bestseller lists at Amazon are fantastic resources. The lists are updated regularly with current insight about the best books on the market. Have a look at some of the best books on business and money currently on the Amazon list. The Millionaire Next Door Thomas…  Read more

10 Money-Saving Tips for Freelancers

While working at home as a freelancer sounds like the ultimate dream for anyone who tires of the rat race, freelancers still have more than their fair share of financial matters to worry about. In fact, perhaps the most important trait that any freelancer should have is the ability to be fully responsible and accountable to themselves, and saving money is something that you will be wholly responsible for. 1.…  Read more

Reasons to consider hiring a financial planner

For business owners who want financial security now and freedom in retirement, having a financial planner on the team is a must. A financial planner will create a customized, strategic action plan to help you achieve your personal financial goals. Getting to know you and your business inside out is the first step a financial planner will take to understand where you are now, where you want to go, and…  Read more

10 tips to reduce debtor days for small business owners

Steady, reliable cash flow is crucial for the survival of any small business – so taking steps to ensure your customers pay promptly should be a key 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 of all, yourself. Implement these ten tips now to start getting…  Read more

What to do if you get audited

No business owner looks forward to a letter from the taxman requesting a closer look at the books. If you’ve received an audit letter – an official request by the tax authority to review your accounts and confirm your taxes have been paid to date – don’t panic. Prepare. These four steps will help you get through the process with minimal stress and the best possible outcome. Respond promptly If…  Read more

When a business partnership comes to an end

It’s been said that a business partnership is a lot like a marriage, and the comparison holds true when things go awry: the end of a partnership is a lot like divorce. Lawyers will be involved and assets will need to be divided. However, a separation need not be overly dramatic or unnecessarily painful. This is where succession planning comes in. It’s never too soon to start succession planning Succession planning…  Read more

Tips for managing contractors

For small businesses, working with independent contractors can be a life saver. You can hand over tasks you don’t have time for – at a fraction of the cost of an employee. Unlike staff, you won’t owe a contractor payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, health insurance, or other employee benefits. Because contractors aren’t employees, however, they do need to be managed differently. They’re accustomed to being their own bosses, for one…  Read more

How your small business can attract top talent

Often small business owners worry unnecessarily when it’s time to hire employees. They fear because they can’t offer the same high salaries and impressive benefits of a large company, they won’t be able to attract skilled workers. Fortunately, for many young workers these days, the ideal job doesn’t necessarily come with a big salary. Often it’s the opportunities and experiences a smaller company can offer that will pique their interest…  Read more

5 Apps for Tracking Small Business Expenses

Did you know that 50% of small business expenses are generated on the go? It’s no wonder the majority of expense receipts end up shoved in coat pockets or an old shoebox. In spite of all of the high-tech options out there, 47% of small businesses are still using spreadsheets for expense management, leaving room for errors that could really hurt their bottom line come tax time. Why not take…  Read more

What to do if you fall out with your business partners

It’s been said that a business partnership is a lot like a marriage, and the comparison holds true when things go awry: the end of a partnership is a lot like divorce. Lawyers will be involved and assets will need to be divided. However, a separation need not be overly dramatic or unnecessarily painful. These tips can help make separation easier – and more amicable – should your business partnership…  Read more

Lessons from three pricing stories

Times were tough, so John decided he had to drop his prices below his competitors. The results seemed gratifying. Business picked up quickly and when John looked round his shop he could see his sales staff were always busy with customers. Then came the call from his accountant. “Aren’t the sales figures great?” said John, getting his bit in first. ‘Yes”, said the accountant, “impressive sales indeed. That’s the good…  Read more

Face It! It’s Not Possible to Eliminate the Risk of Innovation

One of the most often cited reasons for not embracing innovation is that it is too risky. Prototyping or testing often comes with a high cost. Combined with the cost of the time spent, this can all be rather high for an unknown outcome. There is no way to eliminate the risk in innovation, but there are ways to reduce it. It’s easy to understand the dilemma. A business owner…  Read more

Free Business Course – 7 Steps to an Effective Business Plan

A coordinated marketing plan enables you to increase your chances of success by strongly positioning your business in the marketplace. It helps you define your market, target customers and competition. Your plan should illustrate that you understand who your customers are, and what they want. It should also outline how you intend to boost awareness of your brand. It’s also important to outline what methods you’re going to use –…  Read more

Free Cashflow Kit and Cashflow Forecast Calculator

At some point in its lifetime, every small business suffers from cash flow problems. The trick is to think ahead and figure out when these problems are going to arise so you don’t have to unexpectedly postpone a purchase or hurriedly seek out additional finance. This is where cash flow forecasts come in. Download our FREE Cashflow Kit including Cashflow Forecast Calculator today! Name* Name Email* CAPTCHAPhoneThis field is for…  Read more

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