Blog
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!
Whatever your line of Business being up to date is not only a good idea but is also essential to stay in the game! In our fast -paced ever evolving world, to succeed, keeping abreast of changes, trends and issues is critical. Ignore and you, we are left behind!
It's no secret this is the key to success. Read the bulletins, smart Business owners and leaders are always searching for an edge and ways to take and set them apart from the competition.
Is that you or are you a Business struggling to keep up and overwhelmed by it all! If you are, don't despair, boosting and improving your Business can be achieved with some simple steps and techniques that will take you on a journey of transformation towards greater prosperity.
Start your journey now,
with 7 Steps to Transform Your Business in 2024.
- Invest in Staff Development and Wellbeing: Happy motivated staff are key to a thriving Business. Providing skills training, development opportunities and mental health initiatives, will support and nurture them. Give credit when due with recognition and rewards to develop a well-equipped workforce. A productive team also increases customer customer satisfaction by meeting their needs and expectations.
- Develop a Robust Marketing Strategy: Develop Strategies aimed at capturing and engaging with existing, new and potential customers across various advertising mediums. Your webpage is your showcase and window of opportunity. Develop a strong online presence to raise visibility and boost brand awareness. Be bold, harness the power of social media platforms to promote your products and sell them. Entice and engage with lasting impact!
- Foster a Positive Culture: Lead by example by encouraging innovation, adaptability and flexibility. Be open and honest. Seek staff ideas and input and foster an agile mindset.
Staying in fashion does matter!
Think beyond retail, whatever your Business, staying in fashion, in-trend and in touch with the changing landscape of your industry is paramount to your ultimate success.
Staying relevant is vital, and starts with having the right accessories to find, attract and keep customers returning. This isn't about half-measures, poor quality or exploiting others. 'Popularity' is gained by delivering excellence in all you do and your sales results will show this.
Want to know more!
By applying some simple 'fashion' tips you can learn how to stand out, be noticed and gain an edge over your competitors.
Look in the mirror, consider your Business image, does it reflect and radiate excellence and success?
When you think of words to describe your Business profile and attributes does it include, amazing, awesome, remarkable and memorable for all the right reasons?
If those words don't resonate, and you are feeling out of date, or in need of a makeover now is the time to act.
You don't have to be 'flashy' to attract attention or throw money around!
Apply these tips and with a touch of polish you will be a winner in the fashion stakes of success.
5 Top Tips to enhance your Business image.
- Deliver Quality Products – test and try your own products for quality assurance. Do a walk thru, know what is being produced, packaged and provided to ensure quality satisfaction. Satisfaction that excels, delights you and your customers.
Individual income tax rates and threshold changes
On 25 January 2024, the government announced proposed changes to Individual income tax rates and thresholds from 1 July 2024. These changes are not yet law.
From 1 July 2024, the proposed tax cuts will:
- reduce the 19 per cent tax rate to 16 per cent
- reduce the 32.5 per cent tax rate to 30 per cent
- increase the threshold above which the 37 per cent tax rate applies from $120,000 to $135,000
- increase the threshold above which the 45 per cent tax rate applies from $180,000 to $190,000.
For more information see Tax cuts to help with the cost of living | Treasury.gov.au
Creating and cultivating a happy, positive work environment is something you can’t afford not to do. If you are a Business owner it's essential to the success of your venture!
It’s positivity, that aura you can feel, sense and see! These are the ‘happy’ vibes and rays given off by contented people, employees and customers alike.
You may have found the key and are one of the lucky ones who have experienced such euphoria! Your workplace environment exudes happiness. Customers also enjoy the benefits of a ‘happy place’ and keep coming back for more.
And it’s not that hard to achieve this Shangri-La.
If you are a Business owner you can start by sowing the seeds. In this article, we provide the tips to create a positive, happy workplace. Nurture and you will see cooperation, trust and accountability grow and flourish. It’s about striving for a shared purpose, values and trust, that is developed between you, staff and your customers. By following our Tips you can harvest the benefits. Make your workplace the one everyone wants to be at.
- Wear a smile: How you present and interact with others is how they will react to you. Smiling is contagious. If the Manager has a positive demeanour it can influence emotions and create a sense of happiness. Employees are more likely to feel relaxed, communicate more and worry less. Happiness fosters confidence and motivation. Not happy! Frown and your staff frown with you.
- Foster open and honest communication: This is the conduit for constructive exchanges and are the building blocks of healthy relationships. Encourage feedback, listen and act on it as needed. Staff will appreciate the opportunity to speak and will feel valued. Open and honest communication is essential to transparent management. Importantly, invite input from your customers, online surveys or face-to-face, hear and heed their comments. Without customers you are out of Business.