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Let’s embrace 2025 with a warm welcoming,
‘Hello New Year, Hello to New Beginnings’!
It’s a powerful phrase, creating images, ideas, and thoughts offering ways to create a better, brighter future. And who doesn’t want that!
Do you believe in the power of making a fresh start?
If you answered yes, most likely you are already planning, expressing hopes and promises to make changes for a better you and a better coming year.
But if you are still pondering consider this Guide,
Starting Afresh 6 Steps to achieve the outcomes you desire.
- Letting go of the past, looking back with no ‘what ifs’ or regrets..
- Positive Reflection, learning from previous experiences. What worked, what didn’t. Know your strengths and weaknesses, consider areas for improvement.
- Be open to change. Embrace, be willing to challenge your beliefs and perspectives, see new opportunities; consider other’s viewpoints, ask questions,
- Embracing development and growth. Adopt a growth mindset and belief you can grow through effort and continuous learning. Learn from mistakes; take on new challenges.
- Embarking on a new journey. Set goals that challenge you and provide a sense of purpose and direction. Step outside your comfort zone and embrace new experiences.
- Going forward, add a positive mindset and you are on your way to starting afresh!
Shout it out, ‘hello New Year, Hello New Beginnings’.
Quotes to inspire us: ‘The beginning is the most important part of the work’ – Plato
‘The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all’ - Josiyah Martin.
Simply said,
- embracing new beginnings gives us the opportunity to draw a line that mentally separates the past from the future.
- By stepping back, reflecting and taking a broader view allows us to picture the ‘new’ that lies ahead.
- It's exploring new opportunities, new visions and versions of ourselves, both personal and Business aspirations and goals.
‘Tis the season to be jolly’, and ‘it's the most wonderful time of the year’!
Yes, it is!
But after the festive celebrations, if you have overindulged, you now might be singing a different tune. With the ease of buy today, pay later, choose, click, collect, are you humming ‘Singing the Blues’!
If that’s you, you won't be alone. Many Australians are reported as facing Christmas holiday debt that can take months, years to pay off.
With the magic of Christmas spirit it’s easy to be caught up in the euphoria and excitement of festivities and with the joy of giving gifts we get carried away. Tapping a credit card or taking up bargain offers too good to refuse, along with celebrations, parties and outings that all have a cost.
Yes, unfortunately, spending overindulgence does come at a price! It all adds up to a debt hangover. Sound familiar? You find yourself struggling to make ends meet, and it’s overwhelming, causing strain on your health, wallet and often relationships.
With the arrival of bills, particularly those highlighting accounts outstanding, now due, ‘pay to avoid legal action’ it’s time to find solutions for dealing with your Debt hangover.
And in a time of cost-of-living pressures getting on top of your finances is a positive step forward. Consider the following;
Here are 5 tips to guide you.
- Get help if needed: Feeling overwhelmed, need advice, contact a professional financial advisor. They have the expertise to guide and support you. Don’t wait until Debt collectors are knocking on your door.
- Consolidate your debts: if you are juggling multiple accounts, debts, consolidation may be an option. For example, with several credit cards there might be the opportunity to move balances into one. Speak with your providers to see what deals are on offer.
Starting on the right foot, it’s critical if you are competing in the 100 metre sprint and equally critical if you are a small Business owner.
As we begin a New Year there are actions small Business can take to compete in the race and achieve the success they desire in 2025.
Get started with these 7 Actions
- Prepare, Plan for Success.
Schedule a Strategic Planning Day. The Team is returning refreshed, now is a good time to harness renewed energy into creating a Strategic Plan and roadmap. A Plan that can direct and inform all members. Importantly, with their participation it has buy-in from the entire Team. Buy-in, that provides the greatest chance for success with everyone starting off on the ‘right foot’.
- Check your Cashflow
Is your cash flow flowing or has it drained away during the festive period? Take action to replenish and fill any capital holes. Speak with your accountant or financer if needed. Importantly, contact your creditors, arrange payment plans and negotiate extensions with your Suppliers. Be upfront, don’t avoid or put it off before acting. Need help, speak with Blackburn Accounting we offer a range of services which include Cashflow Management, Family Business Management and Business Development.
- Review your Products and Customers.
Review your revenue and gross profit. What are your popular lines, best sellers? What are sleepers, do you need to make changes! Add, improve, keep, discard!
Review your customers' buying habits, consult with them, seek feedback. Value their input. These actions can help in determining your focus in 2025. This is also a good time to consider pricing. Are increases needed. It’s vital you keep on top of this during cost-of Business pressures and a challenging operating environment.
Are you in the Business of providing Health and Fitness services that play an important part in our community! Most importantly, helping to keep us active, fit and well.
And are you a small Business owner that makes up this diverse and broad Industry offering a range of products, services and activities. An Industry of;
- Gyms, Yoga, and Pilates classes, just some of the popular activities tailored to improve our function, strength and well-being.
- Not to forget Boot Camps, Strength programs and Wall-Climbing for the more flexible and adventurous.
- Add Spa’s, Relaxation Clinics, Dietary Counsellors and Physios to this range,
- Along with providers of ‘niche’ market sportswear, clothing, footwear, accessories and specialist foods. Products and services delivered by Franchises, professional and 24-hour models to complete what makes up the Health and Fitness Industry.
If you have answered yes, I’m part of this industry, you already know the benefits of having a healthy body and mind and what it takes to achieve that. Regular routines, discipline, commitment and activities to build and maintain a stable level of fitness. That’s your daily regime! It takes time, skill and stamina!
And you need those attributes to deal with the behind-the-scenes demands. Running a Business comes with its own challenges and complexities, including, keeping up to date with Industry changes, trends while meeting your customers' needs and wants!
Staffing, Business Planning, Industrial Relations, Debtors, Creditors, Taxation, responsibilities and obligations, you are on a treadmill and thinking about it is enough to make you perspire! Don't forget compliance!
At the heart of your enterprise how comprehensive is your Business Plan. Is it a roadmap that directs you by clearly articulating your company goals, strategies and financial projections. Importantly, how to achieve your desired outcomes. Or are you left muddling thru the maze, lost in the business wilderness.
And how do you stand out from your competitors! Do you have a sound Marketing Strategy. A Plan designed to sell your brand, reach and engage your target audience, prospective buyers, by understanding their needs and wants. What is your USP?
Along with advertising initiatives, essential for any Business. Actively engaging social media platforms and other publicity mediums to promote and showcase your goods, services and wares!
Exhaustive isn’t it! There are so many facets and dimensions in operating a Business.
And when it comes to the Accounting circuit there are many stations. This is where the numbers and figures endurance test take staying power and the necessary skills to meet targets and goals. Business acumen is another skillset.
At Blackburn Accounting we are experienced, and ready to go the distance!
Just as your Lycra gear stretches and expands to fit our services are designed to suit any Business needs.
Our Team can provide the answers you need to run a successful Business that’s running at peak performance.
Call us if you want to:
- Increase Business efficiency
- Stay in compliance with tax laws
- Boost your revenue and profits
- have personalized service
Contact us today, book a ‘get your Business fit and healthy session’. Let us take care of the paperwork while you take care of your customers' activities.
‘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.