70 years the history:

In 1970 interest rates started at 5.88%, moved up to around 7%, (with a 30year mortgage rate 1971, 7.3%). Then in 1974 jumped to 10.38% for the first time in Australian history. This rapid inflation was due to oil shortages in 1973 & 1979. Rates remained around that until 1980 while inflation rose to 18%. 

In the 1980’s the Reserve Bank increased official rates to nearly 20% to fight the asset price inflation prevailing at that time.  The record high rate of 17.5% was set in January 1990. Australia slipped into recession that lasted until late 1991. According to the Treasurer of the time, ‘this is a recession that Australia had to have’ – Treasurer Paul Keating, November 1990. 

 A series of events created this situation.

• The International Stock market slump of October 1987 saw markets crash around the world. It started with interest rates rises in Japan and Germany, that pressured US rates to jump creating a huge selloff of US shares. Global share prices fell around an average 25%, but Australia slumped to a 40% decline. Of the OECD economies 17 of 18 experienced a recession in the early 1990’s.
•  In Australia the Labor Party came into power in 1983. Under the Hawke-Keating government it shifted the Labour Party from its traditional allegiance to economic protectionism, and moved to deregulate Australia’s financial industry. The role of trade unions was also restructured and the rest is history! 
•  On reflection, speaking in 2006, Ian Macfarlane, former Reserve Bank Governor, said ‘The recession of 1990-91 was dominated by financial failure. In most cases, it was the fall in asset prices that meant that loans could not be repaid, thus transferring the distress to financial institutions.

 Mortgage rates remained high until the end of 1990’s, when they levelled off to 6.5%.

Since the early 2000’s rates remained in the 4.5% to 8% range.

Since 2009 we have seen modest inflation and record low interest rates. The record low of 0.10% in November 2020. A situation that gave consumers greater spending power that for some has become a way of life.It comes as no surprise recent inflationary pressures, cost of living increases has dramatically impacted this cohort, particularly mortgagees. .  

And here we are today!

If this was a Superhero story you might say Technology is a hero, the 'good guy' fighting and striving’ to provide many ‘good’ benefits for mankind, including a better tomorrow. It has the power to change the way we do things and already is and has!

Technology, on a daily basis influences how we work, live and play, communicate, commute and create.  

But there is the other side! the Bad and Ugly!

Can you believe it is mankind itself through misuse or abuse that is more likely to cause adverse effects, the negative, darker side!   

Simply put, how we choose to use Technology will help or harm us!

The Good 

On the good side we are better connected, informed and alive with the adoption of technological tools. 

The benefits: 

• improved communication systems 
• improved business agility
• no digital boundaries allows Business to operate from anywhere at anytime 
• automation and productivity gains
• shopping convenience 
• increased revenue streams
• better learning and educational systems
• social connectivity
• support for working remotely

Every aspect of our lives is influenced in some way, as individuals and in Business in our communications, manufacturing, time management, transport, Health & Medical.

The Bad, the Ugly 

For most, the bad and ugly side is Technology misuse.  

• Technology produces and ‘spawns’ fake news and misinformation.  ‘Fakers’ are more active and messaging so easily disseminated it is difficult to distinguish what to believe or disbelieve. This creates misunderstanding, skepticism and mistrust. Not a healthy environment.
• Scammers are out to get you.  The digital technology created to improve and streamline many areas of our lives is being abused by scammers ready to fleece you of your money and identity.  ‘Fake’ texts, emails and computer hacking pose major threats to our economy and wellbeing.

Who can forget the stories about last years 'silly' season misadventures. And here we go again the season is upon us.

Do you want to avoid such mishaps? 

Read our Tips! How to survive and enjoy the festivities without embarrassing yourself or others! 

It starts by being wise, remembering what is in good taste, that ‘normal’ standards of behaviour still apply and by doing everything in moderation you can make it a happy memorable time.  Adopt these principles at all functions, whether under the mistletoe or on the dance floor, or at the ‘free’ bar.

Social gatherings, get togethers with family, friends or in the Workplace following these words of wisdom will help keep you and your colleagues in a merry but safe place. Have fun, celebrate without regret, remorse or loss of reputation.

6 Top Tips: 

1. Set the scene and mood by taking responsibility for your actions and words. 

2. Avoid starting the occasion with early alcoholic ‘shots’ and over embracing the party spirit. That can take you on a path of self-destruction. Read more...

With a hint of warmer weather, earlier sunrises and seeds sprouting, Spring has sprung, bringing with it the promise of new beginnings. This season radiates energy, and a sense of opportunity and growth. As we put away our winter coats and scarves, who doesn't want to open windows and dust away the cobwebs in our homes and our minds?

Take that thought and if you are a Small Business what better time to ‘spring clean’ your Business?  

The Importance of Spring Cleaning your Business:

Spring cleaning is the chance to declutter and cleanup workspaces, to review, revitalize and revigorate operations and resources, human and equipment.  These actions nurture enthusiasm and optimism bringing new energy to the Business and Team. A great way to boost morale and productivity!

Don’t wait, roll-up your sleeves and get started with these Tips:

1. Review and Update Your Business Plan 

2. Conduct a Financial Health Checkup 

3. Streamline Your Processes and Systems 

4. Build your Team  

5. Refresh Branding and Marketing material 

6. Evaluate and Enhance your Customer Service 

7. Cleanup Your Digital Workspace 

1.Review and Update Your Business Plan 

Take the time to revisit and revise your Plan as needed.  Review and reflect. What is your Business Vision and Strategic goals. Most importantly, what actions are needed to make them happen with the desired results? 

2.Conduct a Financial Health Checkup 

Examine the ‘books’ to know what's coming in and out and compare to the Budget. Revise forecasts if needed. Analyse expenses, look for cost-savings, and fine-tune activities as required. Financial optimization equals a Healthy Business.

The Silly Season – Coming soon! 

For many this is the leadup period to Christmas festive celebrations. A time of shopping for presents, including choosing for those hard to buy for family members, gift wrapping, get togethers, summer holidays and keeping a diary of celebratory events to attend, including the ‘office’ party! It can become fast-paced with this frenzy of activities. Sometimes we throw caution to the wind, let our hair down and our inhibitions as we try and keep up!

BUT we can all enjoy the ‘silly-season’ with a little careful thought, planning and preparation.

Here are our 7 Helpful Hints:

1. Avoid going into overdrive. Take each day and step at a time to avoid ‘silly’ fatigue! Don’t try and pack everything into this short period. 

2. Everything in moderation.  Food, drink and frivolity, celebrate and enjoy each without going overboard! Over indulgence has after affects!

3. Remember what the true spirit of Christmas is about. Togetherness, sharing, caring, reflection and kindness for self and others.

4. Enjoy yourself and the company of others. Stay responsible to avoid regret, remorse or revival later. Whether Family or Workplace functions ‘normal’ standards of behaviour still apply.

5. Don’t try and compete with the Jones’s or family when it comes to the decorations, presents, or feasts. The biggest, most expensive isn't necessarily the best, its the thought that counts.. 
6. Debt hangover. To avoid this pain manage your finances now. Jot down your usual, likely expenses, budget for gifts and keep your credit card spending under control.  Remember credit is easy to access, buy, have now but comes with the cost of paying later.  
7. Reach out, share a kind word, do a good deed, or wave to your neighbour.  Simple things with no monetary cost.

 Where did the term ‘silly season’ come from? 

First recorded in 1861 in the Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase, as in the UK the period in the summer months known for frivolous news stories in the media (source Wiki). 

So here we are in 2023, counting down to Christmas, and the start of the ‘silly’ season. 

Enjoy and I hope you find our Helpful Hints helpful! Ho ho ho!

In 2023 a lesson for small Businesses is to be prepared. Were you impacted by the recent Optus outage? 

You never know what challenge may present itself and you can’t predict 'unplanned' events. Natural disasters, hackers, technology failures, power outages, human error or a pandemic if you are a small Business you are vulnerable and exposed. No one is safe from such threats!   

Are you ready?

This isn’t about being a doomsday sayer or pessimistic thoughts, it's about adopting sound Business thinking, logic and practices. 

Disasters do happen as we have just experienced with the cyber security breaches and technology breakdowns!

Are you one of the many Businesses affected, did you lose valuable business, time and money! And not to forget the essential emergency services out of action.

The learning from this disaster is that every Business needs to have a backup Plan, the go-to Plan B for when Business as usual’ isn’t that!

I don't need to tell you that when your Business ‘goes down’ so do your sales and revenue, your livelihood!

This is where your Back-up Plan kicks in! It allows you to continue to function with minimal disruption to look after your customers and to maintain relationships, reputation and brand image. Taking care of Business is taking care of you and your most valued asset, your clients.

If you are a Small Business owner it's critical you have a well-defined Backup and Recovery Plan in place, ready to access in times of ‘disasters’. When Plan A fails you have Plan B!

Why a Backup Plan

With todays reliance on technology as the means for doing most Business activities and transactions it is vital that systems are available at all times. Whether retail, hospitality, Industry, factory or administration most Businesses operate using electronics.   

Image! What if there is an intense fire in your building, or extensive flooding, not to mention IT systems failure or malware attacks. Blackouts, systems are down causing confusion and likely chaos, not to mention lost business and unhappy customers and clients.

Smart Businesses have contingencies in place, a Plan B, Recovery and Backup systems that save data, protect it and make it readily available without extensive delay when a crisis occurs.

How - to Develop a Solutions Strategy

To develop a Backup Plan starts by identifying your Businesses requirements.

Yes, we have all heard of the carbon footprint, the total amount of our greenhouse gases emissions! What we generate with our actions, good and not so good.  

But what about a digital footprint, what is it and what impact is it having! Are we having! 

 What is it? 

Our digital footprint, also called our digital shadow or electronic footprint refers to the trail of data we create and leave when using the internet. Depending on our activities, some of us will have a small footprint while others will fit a size 16 boot.

• Impact! 

Are you like Bigfoot, Sasquatch, the human-like mythical creature stomping along leaving a large digital footprint behind as you roam the global networks. How much information and content  do you need to create and generate!

And not for the faint-hearted, these online pathways can be treacherous places inhabited by snakes and weasels, ready to pounce! Weasels, also known as cyber criminals, are ready to conduct targeted attacks and scams!  

• Protection!

How do you help safeguard and protect yourself, your digital activities, from malicious cybercriminal attacks or misadventures?

There are some simple strategies you can adopt.  

7 Ways to Best Manage Your Digital Footprint 

1. Undertake a search of yourself and review the results. This will give an idea of what information is publicly available. If there are any negatives, contact the site administrator.

2. Set alerts. Once you have conducted the above consider setting up alerts to help keep closer track of any future online mentions.

It’s been stated many times before, ‘a glass half full’ or a ‘glass half empty!’ 

What do you see and say? 

The optimist says, ‘the glass is half full’, while the pessimist says it's a ‘glass half empty’ 

This metaphor can be applied to many situations in life, personal, professional, the economy and indeed the way we approach and live our life.

There is no right or wrong approach! 

 Optimists usually look on the bright side while the pessimists are more likely to search for the black cloud behind every silver lining.  

 A glass half full is an attitude, a way of thinking and seeing the good things in a situation, the possibilities, rather than the bad or negative. For the optimist there is still water in the glass to drink!  These optimists view a situation with hope, optimistically, for example, when a last-minute change in a schedule occurs, rather than being upset, this is seen as an opportunity to gain extra time. 

 The pessimist, (a glass half empty), sees there is water missing from what could otherwise be a full glass. They focus on the downside, see barriers and are stymied by obstacles. When they expect negative results, they fail to do the things that could have reduced or prevented those outcomes. 

 Whether an optimist or pessimist we all experience a range of emotions, both good and bad. And we all face challenges but it's how we respond to them that makes the difference. Every situation presents the opportunity to view it in a different light. Do you see only lemons or the opportunity to make them into lemonade!

As we embrace the new frontiers of AI and consider the pros and cons it is timely to remember that Technology has advantages when used for positive purposes! 

Already AI has found many applications in our world today, often in such subtle ways that it goes unnoticed, despite its widespread use. From Smartphones, security cameras and the invisible algorithms that control our Internet devices our lives have been transformed for the better, providing greater ease and convenience. 

It’s been adopted across Industries such as Finance, Retail, Transportation and Healthcare and into processes, products and services as a tool for improving efficiencies and solving complex problems.

With the progress and surge of rapid advances in Technology you may be asking how does and will they affect me, my Business!  Could we, will we be taken over by robots and avatars!

Let’s get started by getting to know more about AI!  

What is AI?  

AI is a branch of computer science dedicated to creating computers and programs that can replicate human thinking. In simple terms, AI, Artificial Intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. Specific applications, components, include natural language processing, speech recognition, expert systems and machine vision. 

How does it work?  

AI systems generally work by ingesting large amounts of labeled training data, analyzing it for patterns and correlations, then using those patterns to make predictions about future states. Chatbox is an example that if fed the information is creating realistic images, text boxes and music. 

Why is it important? 

It has the potential to further change our lives and has been used effectively in Business to automate tasks undertaken by humans, such as, quality control, customer service work and fraud detection. Where the task is repetitive, and detail orientated its capabilities include completing jobs quickly and with few errors when analyzing large numbers of documents.  

Other advantages include unbiased decision-making and systems 24/7 availability.

AI Examples & Trends - How Businesses can improve and optimize their operations: 

• Healthcare: uses AI to improve diagnosis and treatment of diseases and help Providers make more informed decisions.
• Enhance Customer service: Language translation to improve the customer experience such as Chatbox which provides quick and convenient assistance and support at any time.
• Software development: to create new products and services, such as AI powered digital assistants to help people with disabilities undertake tasks.
• Voice Assistants: Instagram and YouTube home pages use AI to create personalised content for their users.
• Automate routine tasks: Performs repetitive jobs quickly and efficiently, that are otherwise mundane for humans
• Streamline operations: AI can be implemented to improve productivity, reduce waste and enhance processes such as used in manufacturing to detect defects. 

Issues, Disadvantages: 

Reminder the ATO is back to Business-as-usual debt collection.

ATO reminds Business to pay before they disclose their debts. 

(Announcement 6 October 2023).  

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is warning businesses to engage with their tax and super obligations to avoid having their debts disclosed to credit reporting agencies.

As the ATO shifts back to business-as-usual debt collection, as of July 2023 it has issued Notices of intent to disclose business tax debts to more than 22,000 businesses with a tax debt of at least $100,000 that is overdue by more than 90 days.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Jillian Kitto said paying or engaging with the ATO is the only way to stop a business’s tax debt becoming visible in credit rating checks. ‘We want to work with businesses to help them get on top of their debts. Anyone with a debt is encouraged to reach out to us as soon as possible,’ Ms Kitto said. 

Need help or advice.

Be proactive contact Blackburn Accounting for your Business accounting matters and Cashflow Management guidance. 

The ATO is urging small businesses that have overdue income tax returns, fringe benefits tax returns or business activity statements to take advantage of its amnesty to get back on track with their tax obligations if they have fallen behind. 
 
The amnesty applies to tax obligations that were originally due between 1 December 2019 and 28 February 2022 and runs from 1 June 2023 to 31 December 2023. 
To be eligible for the amnesty, the small business must be an entity with an aggregated turnover of less than $10 million at the time the original lodgment was due. 
 
During this time, eligible small businesses can lodge their eligible overdue forms and the ATO will then proactively remit any associated failure to lodge (FTL) penalties. 
When forms are lodged with the ATO under the amnesty, businesses or their tax professionals will not need to separately request a remission of FTL penalties. 
 
The ATO also encourage all businesses to lodge any overdue forms even if they are outside the eligibility period. Whilst forms outside the amnesty eligibility criteria will attract FTL penalties, the ATO will consider your circumstances and may remit such penalties on a case-by-case basis. 
 
The amnesty applies to income tax returns, business activity statements, and fringe benefits tax returns.

Most importantly, what are the lessons learned from the pandemic to better prepare us for future challenges. 

Read on for our Top 6 Lessons Learned. 

In reflection, the changes brought about by COVID, saw small Businesses forced to learn some hard lessons very fast to counter the devastating impact. Some survived and thrived, and some didn’t.  The common thread is that Small Businesses learned some lessons that they need to apply going forward to brace for the next ‘unexpected’ challenge. We also saw the Australian Government provide Grants and Supplements to help support businesses during this period.

But to look to the future let’s first capture a glimpse of the ‘past’ world, major events that influenced and shaped us!

Pre COVID and post WW2 Australia was embraced by migrants escaping war-torn Europe looking for a better life. The 1960’s brought growth and prosperity, a mining boom in WAs north, a housing boom, Holden cars and employment opportunities. With few major fluctuations it was a stable environment, providing certainty. 

This lasted over the decades although housing booms and busts created interruptions.

Between August 1968 to May 1989, Australians saw the average mortgage rates rise from 5.38% to 17%. Then followed the 1990’s Recession we had to have according to the then Treasurer Paul Keating. This followed the stock market collapse of October 1987, caused by the international recession and high-interest rates.

In the years leading up to the GFC (2007-2009), economic conditions in the United States and other countries were favourable. Economic growth was strong and stable, and rates of inflation, unemployment and interest were relatively low. In this environment, house prices grew strongly. 

The global financial crisis (GFC) refers to the period of extreme stress in global financial markets and banking systems between mid-2007 and early 2009.   

Australia didn’t experience a large economic downturn or a financial crisis during the GFC due to several factors, including the relatively strong performance of the Australian economy and financial system. However, the pace of economic growth did slow significantly, the unemployment rate rose sharply and there was a period of heightened uncertainty. 

2019: the world as we knew it changed dramatically. COVID 19 a viral infection emerged and spread throughout the world with devastating effects, reaching Australia in January 2020! The rest is history!

COVID a Wakeup call!  

If so, how prepared are you and your Business for the next major challenge or sudden unprecedented crisis?! 

Ask yourself, how prepared am I to make critical decisions to respond to the effects of climate change, world population growth, fluctuating economic cycles, energy supply disruption, workforce instability, Technological changes, and Artificial Intelligence advancements, to name some.

To answer, let’s consider ‘lessons’ learned from the COVID pandemic fallout. Words that come to mind include Resilience, Flexibility, Creativity, new Mindset and Adaptability.  Thinking and acting differently, changing direction and behaviours. Nothing is the same, it’s not Business as usual!

To be stronger and better placed Businesses can adopt strategies, such as; 

6 Top Lessons Learned Strategies: 

1. Be prepared: by planning for the hard times, both financially and operationally. Don’t take things for granted, the unexpected can and does happen. Conduct a thorough risk assessment. Keep your Business model agile and flexible to better respond and adapt to changed circumstances and facing uncertainty. Recovery and continuity need to be part of your strategy.

2. Build resilience: Develop and support human capacity and capabilities. Work with your staff to provide and maximise resources, offer flexible working arrangements and social interaction opportunities. Stay connected, whether face to face or digitally. Build and bond with your Team.

3. Strengthen your Business model: by creating more and different revenue streams. Don’t let your Business stagnate, always be looking for new ideas, products and ways of doing things. Explore digital platforms to promote, sell and engage. Reach existing customers and find potentials thru social media.

In other words, creating an environment using strategies that encourage the best ideas from everyone.  When everyone feels heard and valued the possibilities are endless.

Brainstorming in recent times has had some criticism but if used wisely it is still an effective means to gain input and a range of ideas from participants. The answer lies in managing the process efficiently. Lets look at examples.

The Session is arranged, you are gathered with your team, the goal is to, extract ideas, develop strategies, banter, speculate and find solutions to a problem. Of-course, as a reward for participating, morning tea is provided! And don’t forget those sugary sweeties strategically placed on the table. 

Lets get started the Session Facilitator announces enthusiastically. Don’t hold back, shout out your thoughts, the more the better and crazy and wild ideas are not discouraged or disregarded.  Who can forget the Brainstorming mantra 'no idea is a bad idea'! Anything is acceptable in this frantic environment!

And haven’t we all been to a Session where the loudest voice is heard, the most confident hog the agenda and/or the session becomes a free-for-all that sinks into chaos, often ending with groupthink decisions. The results can be mixed, and participants react by loving or loathing the experience. You might find yourself thinking was it worth it!

But there are techniques you can adopt, and steps if followed will make the Session a success!

Yes, unlock the power of Brainstorming by adopting strategies that get the best ideas from everyone. And isn't that what it’s all about? 

Here are 5 Steps you can adopt:

Building Better Business

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!

This is your opportunity to 

• 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!  Book your place now 

Session dates 2024: ‘Setting the Stage for Success’  

Thursday 8 February  

5.30pm to 7.30pm 

Venue 931 Albany Hwy East Victoria Park 

Tuesday 13 February 

5.30pm to 7.30pm

Venue 931 Albany Hwy East Victoria Park

Friday 16 February  

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 1 March 

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/

 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/

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

Cost only $30 per Session

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

Cost $295 (Meals inc) 

 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  

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.

1. 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.

Read on for our Useful Tips and 7 Point Business Insurance Checklist! 

Are you one of the Small Businesses, facing the key challenges of balancing your budget and cashflow in our current economic climate? 

Are the competing costs of running a Business, including labour and rising energy prices, along with cost-of-living pressures impacting consumer spending habits, leaving you financially strained. Have rising costs have become a significant concern. 

If you have answered yes, keep reading.

For many Busineses, in this environment profits are being squeezed as inflation rises affecting fixed expenses costs such as rent and utilities along with the increased cost of goods and services. Everything is more expensive, including the cost of Insurance premiums. 

And when looking for cost savings, reducing insurance coverage can be tempting. But consider carefully as the financial risk can be greater if a Business is not insured or adequately insured against unforeseen events.  Imagine floods, fire, or theft damaging, disrupting or destroying your Business. The financial consequences can be consequential! How would you recover?

Insurance is the protection every Business needs. Build the premium into your budget.

7 Point Business Insurance Checklist: 

1. Review all your Insurance policies and check policy inclusions and exclusions.

2. Has anything changed? Have you bought new equipment or vehicles, expanded your premises, signed a new lease, disposed of any assets or hired subcontractors?

For Business Performance, getting maximum output and BEST results requires sound Business practices along with an understanding of trends and issues affecting the current marketplace.Critically its understanding the significant shifts facing Companies today, and more importantly, for Business, finding how to respond to keep market share and stay competitive. 

There are ways. READ on! 

To respond effectively smart Businesses are developing strategies designed utilising their human and technological resources.

It’s about developing, joining forces and combining the best of all resources to produce maximum effort and performance.

Smart Businesses also recognise the importance of building a high-performance culture as the cornerstone for future growth and success.

Strategy 1: Offer Employee Balanced Working options. The Hybrid model of remote/at-home and in-person has gained popularity. With structure and support, employees can fully operate to deliver maximum performance. The answer lies in finding the right balance for all designed to produce optimal outcomes. This approach nutures and supports a high-performance culture.

Strategy 2: Technology Capability and technological advantage requires the ‘right’ capabilities to be effective. Businesses need to build institutional capabilities. That is, an integrated combination of people, processes and technical knowledge designed to produce better results and gain an edge over competitors. Seek expert help if needed to audit your 'capabilities' and provide solutions for improvements as required. 

Strategy 3: AI – applied intelligence, embrace the technology or be left behind. Explore the benefits and opportunities available to improve ways of working and make faster, data driven structural changes. The future is AI and smart Businesses are addressing risks and ethical concerns. Again seek professional expert advice if needed.

The headlines said it all! Did you see them?   

Stories of workplace ‘toxic’ culture. Organisations with a noxious environment that had undermined workplace relations causing disruption and pain for many.  These workplaces are characterised by bullying, harassment or exclusion that results in absenteeism, low productivity and more recently resenteeism. But there are solutions to remedy such situations.  

Culture has been described as ‘the way of life for an entire society, including codes of manners, dress, language, religion and rituals and art’.  Elements include values and beliefs and norms and symbols’. At times these are in sync and harmony but at other times there may be challenges and conflict to the status quo. This can be due to a breakdown in Management employee relationships. 

When we consider an Organization you will see similarities. 

Company culture is the underlying 'way we do things' attitude that becomes ingrained in behaviours.  Importantly Management, Leaders need to create a positive work-life culture so that everyone enjoys the benefits of productive, long-lasting results.

Now ask yourself what is my Business culture, importantly is it healthy reflecting the Company vision and mission. Great, if you said yes but what if you answered no!

The answer lies in changing culture. This need for a shift in culture can arise for a number of reasons.  For example, if your Business has low productivity, high staff turnover and many complaints from customers and employees, consider the need to change your workplace culture. It's about bringing in change for the better.

To successfully transform a work culture is a complex and challenging undertaking but the end result can be worth the effort. It takes commitment, careful planning and development of strategies. Strategies that need to be implemented and adopted by all to achieve the desired outcomes.

Here is our 10 Step Guide to Changing Workplace Culture:

1. It starts at the top with Executive, leading by example. Set the standards.