This time last year we covered the burning issues of cost-living-pressures, high inflation and consumer confidence!

12 months on, here we are still battling and countering the effects of price increases that are impacting our lives. Discretionary spending now is the way forward for many. This habit is reflected in a recent headline, 'cost of living bites down on West Australians' with comments 'the community is broadly attempting to rein in spending, or at least choosing where to spend their money' (West Newspaper). Yes, whether consumers or small Business operators, no one can escape these pressures.

What's changed?

The good news is our inflation has been coming down, a sign that tighter financial conditions have dampened upward pressure.  But be aware of the Reserve Bank's position, announcing it is ready to act as needed. Increase or decrease, it's a wait and see, a situation keeping many on edge. Not so happy are mortgage holders arguing they are still hurting by the increased interest rates and struggling with everyday expenses. 

For others, although household budgets are under pressure, and some travel plans are on hold, many are still willing to enjoy their treats, taking staycations, Gym memberships,  grabbing that morning takeaway coffee and dining out. Smashed avocado is still on the menu! and entertainment, live concerts are also popular. The summer holiday break and new years resolutions seen as driving this spending. 

This trend supports the more resilient industries, hospitality, beauty and fitness. These Business in return provide employment opportunities for a mostly casual workforce, with many of these taking on more than one job to ease household pressures. This now described as the 'poly-employment' trend.  

Other good news! 

Rituals have been part of civilization for thousands of years with social rituals providing emotional comfort and belonging, group cohesion and to practice solidarity. Simply said, they shape and bind a society together.

This evolves by combining a sequence of 'ritual' activities involving words, gestures, actions and sometimes revered objects. Their purpose is varied and can include strengthening social bonds, supporting the emotional needs of followers or fulfilment of religious ideals or obligations.  

Rituals do matter! 

They influence our behaviours playing a part in our everyday lives, by providing purpose, direction and connection. 

Just think about it! Most of us are creatures of habits, with regular rituals. For some, its a morning coffee and reading the paper, while others, such as sport stars, have rituals, routines and habits on game day to help them prepare.  Births, Weddings, Funerals, Festivals and seasonal ceremonies are examples of social rituals we observe. 

It's no different in the Workplace there are existing rituals but there is the scope to create new ones!

• A workplace is described as a community of people working towards a common goal, and like other communities uses rituals to help build rapport, stay aligned, and improve motivation.  
• Workplace rituals designed to increase employee engagement when followed by the team have the power to influence and positively impact outcomes.  Rituals boost company culture as they make employees feel more connected to their colleagues and the organization.

What are Workplace Rituals and Why do they Matter – The Benefits! 

Workplace rituals include:

• gatherings, like Team Meetings
• award presentations
• Leadership Workshops
• birthday milestones
• ‘set’ Staff Friday lunch dates

Rituals matter because they can:   

• shape, define and build company culture 
• help during times of change and uncertainty 
• boost focus and increase creativity
• help recognise your Team
• motivate and unite Teams to excel
• provide opportunities to come together  

The Benefits:

• allow us to network
• interact with our peers
• share experiences
• build connections and relationships.
• to be part of and engage in a special occasion.  
• foster organisational positive behaviours and citizenship  

Rituals have the power to positively impact the Workplace by: 

In your way, there they are Roadblocks, barriers and obstructions, holding you back, stopping you from achieving the success you and your Business deserve!

You may be feeling such obstacles are insurmountable and too difficult to deal with.  You are daunted, overwhelmed and even exhausted trying to find answers! 

But don’t give up, there are strategies you can adopt to overcome them. You can achieve the success you deserve!  

 READ on, to learn how you can bypass Roadblocks to achieve your Business Success. 

Let’s get started by looking at some possible Roadblocks  

• Cashflow challenges
• Under utilising resources
• Lack of confidence
• No Marketing Plan
• Poor Customer Service
• Time

Are these familiar to you? 

Yes! Check these 6 Tips 'how to get around them'. 

 1. Cashflow Challenges:

A barrier for many small Businesses, you find you are robbing Peter to pay Paul, and with no Financial Plan or Strategy you are operating on the edge. Stressful and often nail-biting times.

To overcome this barrier 

Simply put, ‘good supplier and customer management will ensure you have a consistent flow of money coming in from sales to be able to pay your bills’. And don’t we all want that? 

There are ‘9 Ways to Help get your Cash Flow flowing’! Click on the link......... https://blackburnaccounting.com.au/blog.

2. Under utilising Resources: 

This can be both human resources and equipment that are available but not fully utilised or employed efficiently to maximum capacity and capability.  Employees lacking training, or without empowerment are wasted resources. Equipment may be in need of upgrade or repair. In this situation, productivity is compromised.

To remove this obstacle 

What are Routines and How Can They Benefit You

Routines are a sequence of actions that we do repeatedly. A series of activities performed regularly at a particular time, in a particular way. 

Simply, a routine is a set of activities, actions and behaviours when implemented help shape, balance and maintain our lifestyle.    

Examples are everyday activities, such as brushing our teeth, doing a daily morning run, or following office procedures. 

A routine can be repeated as frequently as needed, daily, monthly, with the aim of helping us be more productive, organized and focused. 

A daily work routine is a set of behaviours and actions aimed at accomplishing tasks in the most efficient way when undertaken regularly. The weekly shopping, taking the dog for a daily walk, or monthly Team Reporting Meeting, it’s about getting things done in an orderly and efficient way!  

 The Benefits of Effective Routines include: 

• providing structure in our daily activities that can help in reducing stress, lack of concentration and anxiety. 
• can help in times of uncertainty and unpredictability by giving us direction and meaning. 

• helps reduce the need to plan on a daily basis by taking the guesswork out of what is needed to be done. Read more...

Something we have all heard, said or hoped for! 

Running a Business like Clockwork, when the ‘business operates without problems or delays, or happens regularly.’ To manage, run something efficiently, in a reliable matter.’ You could say the ‘cogs’, the wheels and the functions of the Business are well-oiled, finely tuned and operating and running smoothly. Like a quality clock or watch! 

Let's begin by asking the burning question! How well is your Business operating?

When we examine this, there are many moving parts that make up a Business. We need to be aware of all elements of your Business, like cogs that make up a watch or clock.  

• How well is your Business operating?  
• What cogs function well?  
• What others need work?

The Key to Success is to design your Business to run itself! …..like Clockwork!

When your Business runs like clockwork it will flourish and grow, and so will you!

Impossible!  It’s POSSIBLE, READ on..... 

Start by tracking how your Business currently runs.  Identify all the functions and actions, activities and decisions you and your Team make. What are the systems and processes? Simply put, find out what makes your Business run, ‘tick’ and chime! or breakdown!

Next, Read our 4 Tips to get your Business running smoothly like Clockwork. 

1. Plan for Success    2. Optimise Systems  3. Invest in Staff      4.  Set the Standard 

Are you a small Business owner? What strategies and tactics have you implemented to gain market share, retain customers and boost sales? 

Consider these 10 Key Elements When Preparing Your Marketing Plan. 

1. Clearly define your brand message and story. This is the why behind your Business. This sets you apart and builds trust. Use your story to create an emotional connection with your core audience.  

2. Know, define what your Business stands for. What do you offer that others don’t? What tone, what voice fits your brand? All your messaging should reflect this voice and image. 

3. Identify your ideal customer. Then it’s understanding their needs, wants and expectations and designing your service and products to meet those. 

   Read more...

The evolving landscape of family Businesses was recently revealed in an Australian Family Business report, highlighting succession planning and generational differences as key matters.  

It highlighted delayed transition into leadership with both generations concerned about each other’s readiness for the changeover, along with mindset differences across generations. 

Mindset shifts translate as priorities differing across generations, with incumbents focused on risks and operations, while the rising generation emphasises family dynamics. The next generation is keen to lead and take up the challenges.  

Additionally, Technology and AI are major factors reshaping decision-making and operations.  Incumbents can be cautious while the future younger generation openly embraces change.    

Are you a Family Business?  

Do you relate to these insights and findings? If so, how well-placed and prepared are you for succession, leadership transition and plans that support long-term growth? 

Somewhat, not at all, feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to get started! 

This leads to the importance and necessity for proactive Succession Planning. 

Why is it so Important? 

• It Protects Business Value 

• Supports Business Continuity 

  Read more...

Unlocking Success – How to Get the Best Results for Your Business 

And don’t we all want that! 

If you’re not achieving the results you want our BBB is a must attend!

• Learn How to build a Better Business, YOUR Business
• Learn Strategies, Techniques and Tips to make your Business the success it and you deserve!

Take action today for a successful future, your future!  

Session dates – ‘Setting the Stage for Success’ 

Wednesday 1st November 2023

5.30pm to 7.30pm 

Venue 931 Albany Hwy East Victoria Park 

Tuesday 7th November 2023

5.30pm to 7.30pm

Venue 931 Albany Hwy East Victoria Park

Friday 17th November 2023 

9.30am to 11.30am Perth WA

ONLINE Zoom

Here is what you will learn from the Session:  

• Understand the crucial elements to Realise a Better Business 
• Identify the key roadblocks that are holding you back 
• Develop clear direction and how to do it 

1 day Workshop – ‘Unlocking Success – How to Get the Best Results for Your Business’ 

Friday 8th December 2023

10am to 3pm

Venue 931 Albany Hwy East Victoria Park

Here is what you will learn from the Workshop: 

• Crafting a solid Business Strategy that drives results 
• Defining target audience and tailoring your offerings to meet their needs 
• Implementing effective Marketing Strategies to reach and engage Customers 
• Engage in activities and receive valuable related material  

To book your place, Click our link 

https://workshop.blackburnaccounting.com.au/

At our last Staff Christmas Party, it looks like Cinderalla has lost her shoe!!  Have you experienced a memorable Staff Party recently?

If you are an Employer as we embrace the fun festivities of Christmas celebrations are you ready, ready for what can be a very silly season for some.

8 Top Tips for Staff management during the ‘Silly' Season:

1. Establish clear guidelines, codes of conduct, for what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in the workplace. Importantly ensure these are communicated directly to all employers so there is no misunderstanding or confusion about behaviour at both the workplace and work-related functions. 

2. HR Policies, Health & Safety.  Now is a good to visit all your HR policies to ensure they are current.  Update as needed and adopt and implement any gaps.  For example, most of society are now engaged in social media activity that can come into the workplace.  There needs to be a clear policy set around this. 

3. In advance, actively promote and communicate your HR policies to all employers, raising awareness of sick leave, drug and alcohol policies.   Conduct Information sessions and refresher training courses.

4. Social media policies need to be publicized. A reminder that ‘party-mood’ actions, comments, tweets and posts can be detrimental. What is thought funny by the ‘instigator’ may not be considered as such by those targeted. ‘Bad media’ can also reflect poorly on the organization.

5. As an Employer support and join in the spirit of the Festive season. No-one likes a Christmas-gringe. Small things, such as decorations can add to the ‘spirit’.  

6. Lead by example. Set the standard with your own actions and behaviours. If organizing a function consider offering pre-paid taxi vouchers, have responsible drinking bar limits and adopt similar safety strategies.

7. Understand not everyone celebrates Christmas and make sure those not joining in are not pressured by others to do so.  Promote a workplace environment that is tolerant of all beliefs. 

8. Planning for leave.  Support staff taking leave during this period as pre-organising can help with managing the workload and reduce ‘sickies’ 

Apply these simple strategies and you will help make this ‘silly’ season memorable for all the right reasons. 

‘Tis’ the Season to be jolly!’  

And the chorus erupts, ‘fa, la, la ,la, la, la, la, la, la 

And as we scamper to buy those last-minute presents, sort the lunch menu, check the table settings and ask who’s bringing the trifle, 

behind the scenes are the less pleasant aspects of the ‘silly season’ 

Lurking are the scammers out shopping for their next victims! In our fast paced, digital world, fraudsters, hackers, and cybercriminals are active, ready to pounce on the unsuspecting. 

Once again, we are being reminded to be alert to false communications. In private or work life, shopping, banking, Business activities, bookings, travel, nothing and no-one is out of scope for scammers! 

The message is be wary! 

Businesses are a target and need to protect their operations. Reports indicate there is a rise in remote access scam attempts where cybercriminals impersonate bank staff to gain access to systems. Scammers often claim to be from a bank's fraud unit, referring to an account compromise or similar, suggesting a need for urgency. You are prompted to provide important banking information. Respond and you’re scammed! 

Others scams include: 

• ‘Fake’ Online shopping sites - very popular during this festive season. 

• Bulk email extortion – click, your parcel is ready to collect.  

If you are a Small Business most likely you are experiencing a change in consumer behaviour as cost-of-living pressures impact their spending habits.

As an operator you can't afford to ignore or wait! Now is the time to think, act and adapt to the situation. Human behaviour is ever changing just as too is the marketplace.

Key to your Business survival is understanding those behaviours and developing agile Business strategies to make you fit for purpose, for now and the future! 

It’s understanding the changes and finding ways to respond to have, get and keep market share.  

Tick-box Tips for Businesses How to Respond Effectively:

• Enhance Customer Communication and Engagement
• Rethink Pricing Strategies and Offerings
• Provide Value-added Services & Benefits
• Develop Your Team

• Explore Collaboration's and Relationships
• Embrace Technology

Enhance Customer Communication and Engagement:  Put a face to your Business, share your Company’s story, vision, personalise interactions, and take a social but professional approach in your communications. Be active in the social media space, show, tell and sell your Business, the web is your oyster.

Rethink Pricing Strategies and Offerings: Importantly be prepared to explore the various pricing strategies (Cost-plus pricing; Competitor based pricing and Value-based pricing) and adopt what approach best suits your Business and situation. Asking customers and staff for feedback shouldn’t be overlooked they are at the forefront of your service.

In these uncertain times having strong foundations underpinning your Business has never been more critical.  That is a certainty, successful Businesses, are established with strong building blocks of: 

1. A Vision, Business Model, Plan & Strategies 

2. Develop a Strong Team 

3. Exceptional Customer Service 

4. Effective Financial Management 

5. Meeting Responsibilities and Obligations 

6. Adaptability 

7. Marketing  

Business success, stability and security doesn’t happen by chance. It begins and thrives by laying down these foundations. 

1. A Vision, Business Model, Plan & Strategies 

Having a vision and making it happen comes with creating a comprehensive, well-thought Business Model. This needs a clear roadmap, a Plan with related strategies for the now and future, for growth and success. Elements include identifying its unique value proposition, niche market and targeting those customers to generate revenue and profitability.  

2. Develop a Strong Team 

Having the right Team is vital.  A ‘winning’ Team shares and supports the Business vision and values to drive and deliver the best results. With everyone on the same page innovation, excellence and commitment are the norm. This fosters a positive work environment that attracts and retains ‘talent’ who are rewarded with appropriate renumeration, training and opportunity. Effective leadership will lead, motivate and guide both the Team and Business in achieving goals.  

3. Exceptional Customer Service 

You can’t escape the headlines, news reports coming in every hour, every minute! 

If you are a small Business owner, it’s likely you are affected by these stories. Market forces, economic fluctuations, swings and roundabouts, ups and downs. 'The global economy is heading towards a year end with unexpected tailwinds! '

It is easy to be influenced, positively or negatively! You might find yourself nodding in agreement with such bold catchy statements.  Do they resonate or relate to your situation. Yes or no, if you are one of the savvy operators you feel good knowing you have adopted sound, best practice strategies to help you weather any storms.  Oh, what a great feeling that is! Create and share your own successes! 

Did you catch these Headlines!  

Small Business never had it so tough – a Perfect Storm of rising costs, including Industrial Relations issues, Labour shortages and the cost of doing business! Reported (9th October) ‘2100 small and medium Businesses surveyed said their top three concerns for 2024 were energy prices, wages and cybersecurity threats. 

Household budgets are being squeezed. Small Businesses are facing the toughest trading environment in recent years as household budgets experience cost-of-living pressures. Discretionary spending is affected. 

What’s Driving up Burger Prices!  Even the humble Big Mac is affected by the cost-of-living crisis! With a smorgasbord of ingredients making up a Mac, including beef, special sauce, wages, Royalties and intellectual property, nothing is spared! 

Consumer sentiment fell in September, as the pessimism that has dominated for over two years still showed no signs of lifting. 

Come October, consumer confidence, potentially the confidence of your customers is up, according to Commsecs Market Analyst saying, ‘confidence has reached its highest level in two and half years since the Reserve Bank started hiking interest rates.’ 

Importantly, whatever your Industry or Business it’s critical to stay on top of operational activities and legislative responsibilities, such as meeting Taxation obligations, workers entitlements and all reporting requirements. 

Equally important is having your Business affairs carefully managed. Keeping your ‘house’ in order is a must, including Tax matters, accounting and bookkeeping, along with having your cashflow flowing. Is your Business Plan current and your Marketing reaching existing and new markets! 

Smart Businesses seek professional services. Blackburn Accounting is well placed providing a range of services, including cashflow management, assisting with strategic planning and helping develop your Business capacity for growth and expansion.  

Don’t wait, contact us today to discuss your Business Accounting needs. 

Phone: +61 8 6454 5831, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or find us on Facebook or our website. https://www.blackburnaccounting.com.au/ 

Say Strategy, and many things come to mind! Chess games and team sports are right up there. Simply put, a strategy is a well-developed, high-level plan designed to achieve specific goals or desired outcomes.  

A Marketing Strategy states the Business vision, goals and objectives and sets out your long-term marketing approach. 

Let’s get started! 

How to Develop a Marketing Strategy that Works! 

It doesn’t have to be complex or complicated. There are practices you can follow to help your marketing efforts be effective. Leave behind the problem of marketing that’s not working! 

A Marketing Strategy that works outlines the why and what. Why you are in Business and what you want to achieve. It aligns your business goals with the specific needs of your target audience. It marries the two! 

A 7 Step Marketing Strategy: 

1. Define your Ideal Target audience: identify and understand your key audience. Develop personal profiles covering purchasing triggers, demographics, and pain points. Check location and other relevant info, such as shopping habits.  

   Read more...

You started a small Business, a dream come true! Despite struggles, challenges and setbacks you realise that you are now running a successful enterprise. With growth came staffing, a team, who are guided by your vision, and values.  Congratulations!

And by now you have realized that running a Business requires more than just a great idea, it requires leadership, your leadership and often management skills, particularly if you are a small Business operator. 

And this is where leadership and management come into play.   

Most small Business need Leaders and Managers and it's likely you are wearing many hats, including as owner, Proprietor, and more! This is where the distinction between leadership and management can arise. Not everyone is both, but there are ways to create a productive and positive workplace, developing a healthy culture that will deliver excellent results for everyone. 

In essence, management and leadership complement each other, but they have different functions: Both are important. 

• Leaders encourage and inspire employees to achieve the goals of a business. 

• Managers manage employees and activities to achieve these goals. 

The key to success in small Business, applying effective leadership and management is to understand there are different styles and skills needed to achieve the best outcomes, for you, your Business and Team. It's recognising the qualities and practices of successful Leaders and Managers and how those strategies can be implemented.

Here are our 9 Strategies to get your best results  

1. Lead by example – Set the standard with your words, behaviour and actions and earn your employees respect. 

2. Positive Workplace culture - create a positive culture based on transparency, honesty and fairness.   

Say ‘strategy and tactics’, and it conjures various images!  Board games, Team Sports, personal development, life and more!  

It’s about creating structured, goal-oriented approaches to achieving desired outcomes!  

Welcome to Marketing Strategy and Tactics. No matter if you are a small Business operator or a conglomerate, you will know that every Business needs a Marketing Plan, strategy and tactics to achieve its goals, Business success! 

For small Business the foundation of any effective marketing strategy begins with knowing your audience and crafting a message that speaks directly to them.  

Let’s unpack that.  

A Marketing Plan clearly outlines a Business's advertising and promotional efforts and acts as a guide to engage target customers and achieve specific Business goals. It details the budget, strategies, marketing mix, and tactics to be adopted for a given time. 

Strategy is where you want to go, and the overall plan and guiding principle.  It’s the what, why and where and focusing your efforts to achieve your goals!  

Tactics are the ‘how’ you will get there! And you will through specific, real actions, tools and tasks adopted to implement your strategy. 

Key areas for application include, 

• Business Strategy and Growth. Strategy: improve customer satisfaction to grow retention rates.  

• Tactics: provide relevant staff training, implement a customer feedback system, and act on responses. 

  Read more...

Standing out for all the right reasons is critical in today’s competitive and challenging Business environment. With consumer confidence up and down, discretionary spending reduced along with a list of trading challenges, having market share and more share is a must. Gaining a winning edge is vital to Business success. 

But how to get that edge?  

There are ways!

Get started with these 7 Winning Strategies! 

1. Understanding the Importance of Differentiation in Business 

To begin, ask yourself, define what sets your Business apart from your competitors. What’s your Business signature, style and distinguishing features? Look at me, choose me! What makes you, your Business product or service stand out from the rest.   

Consider these 3 areas of competitive differentiation:  

1. Cost – providing goods/services at the lowest prices 

2. Differentiate with offerings of superior quality, service or features 

3. Niche Specialization – provide offerings tailored to a specific market  

Blackburn Accounting differentiates with: 

• Guarantees a response by the next working day 

• Personalised service 

• Focus on results 

• Family Business Specialists 

• Tailored Service Packages 

2. Identifying Your Unique Strengths and Value Proposition 

Next,

• develop your unique selling proposition, value proposition and brand identity. Communicate why buyers should choose your services or goods, what makes it superior to others. 
• define, know, your Business strengths by undertaking an analysis, including identifying core competencies, customer perceptions and bestselling products.   
• critically, your Team must be onboard and in tune, singing from the same song sheet! 

3. Develop Innovative Strategies to Stand Out from Competitors 

• Be creative, develop marketing strategies that help you stand out from your competitors (messaging, products and service).  
• It's about blending creativity with analytical insights to effectively engage your audience.  
• Key is communicating your value proposition to your target audience. Showcase your top wares and support with strong benefits arguments. Think of this as a roadmap to guide and connect with your customers.  

Read on for our 7 Top Tips to help you take ‘good’ care of your Cashflow!  

Cashflow, the lifeline of your Business, keeping it flowing is critical if you are to succeed, more importantly, survive during these inflationary times, with cost-of-living pressures and higher interest rates eating into profits and for some, viability. 

If you are a small Business you may be already feeling this pain. 

For example, a recent survey found cashflow problems are already affecting two in five small Businesses, with $23,000 owed in unpaid invoices. Additionally, they often relied on personal funds as backup.  

Are you one of those Businesses? 

On that note, Small Businesses are being alerted to the need to stay on top of their Business ‘cashflow’ activities, specifically, debt management, your own and that of your Debtors. Key message, to carefully manage what’s coming in and going out! 

Its been said many times, running a Business, managing finances is challenging but don’t leave it to chance, or wishful thinking. 

Read our 7 Top Tips to help you take 'good' care of your Cashflow:  

1. Avoid overdue payments 

Slow and late payments pose the greatest risk to small Business. In a tight economy, as we are now experiencing, keeping on top of invoicing and receivables is the difference in debt levels, what you are owed. 

Tip: It’s essential to have a streamlined collection model in place, ideally one that prompts and collects payments rather than chasing them as overdue.  

For example, electronic systems can monitor receipts and overdue accounts allowing you to better manage and avoid late payments. These invoicing and billing systems can also generate accounts at point of sale and offer various payment methods, including upfront deposits or advances. Remember you are running a Business that supports you financially. 

An example, where you must outlay for goods, invoice clients prior to making an order rather than tapping into your finances (example, interior decorating). 

2. Pricing margins  

It’s vital to monitor pricing/ profit, margins particularly in the current inflationary cycle. It’s critical to have true-cost pricing, you can’t keep absorbing increases, letting your profit margins be eaten away. Be diligent in keeping watch on this cycle.

Tip: Regularly check the cost of goods and products and determine realistic profit margins by setting prices not too low or too high. Pricing points are needed to keep you competitive and in the red. Offer value for money and your customers will keep coming back! 

Recruiting staff has never been more challenging and on the other side of the pandemic smart small Businesses are doing it smarter by adopting a more strategic approach to this task. Rather than ad-hoc and piecemeal, the process is now more refined and organised.  This framework has developed shaping the strategies for attracting and recruiting the best talent.

Recruitment Strategies for small Business include: 

• Social media opportunities: Post on all platforms. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, these are the super highways of communication. Put the word out you are hiring, looking for the ‘right’ people to join and help build your successful enterprise. 
• Sell your Brand & Culture: in all mediums, promote, show and tell what your Business is all about. Be the messenger, the story teller sharing the values, vision and what makes it great place to work in. Your job descriptions should reflect this professional and positive culture, making it attractive to applicants. 

But a busy time for others! 

With summer fast approaching, if you are a Business operator now is the time to prepare your Business!  

Warmer weather, earlier sunrises and lifted spirits after winter, people, consumers, your potential customers are out and about.  Get on the front foot and be geared-up, ready for this activity.  

Prepare your Business with a spring-summer clean!

A refreshed website, a slick of paint, new signage are all worthy improvements. But more than just a feather duster, take this time to assess and evaluate what’s working and what’s not. Check your resources, is your Business positioned to embrace the opportunities and meet the challenges? Focus on holiday marketing, customer engagement, operational readiness and financial preparedness.

8 Tips to Get Your Business Ready    

1. Get your stock in order – Check inventory levels and product lines. What are customers looking for during this season?  Adapt, tailor products and services accordingly. Check supply lines and delivery. Ideally, have a backup for these.  

2. Financial Management - check your Books – strengthen Cash flow to cover additional pressures and proactively manage by invoicing early to counter potential slowdown in January. Ensure your payment systems are reliable and ready for increased digital activity. Be vigilant, protect against scams with strong security measures. Scammers target the holiday season. 

3. Staffing  & Operations – recruiting, training, and holiday leave. Plan ahead and have backup. Negotiate rosters, time on and time off to cover peak times. Foster team spirit to get the best results for all. Remember to acknowledge and reward effort and a job well done. Lead by example.