Julian Smith

I have talked about customer loyalty in the past (Loyalty really does matter), but after speaking with a business owner on this topic last week, I thought I might share some more thoughts with you.

I was talking with a business owner last week and they asked me “what should I keep in mind when updating the systems and technology in our business?” It was a great question, so I thought I would share some ideas and thoughts I’ve collated from the wider MYOB team.

As a nation of innovators, we are very good at coming up with great business ideas. Transforming those ideas into a successful business – and raising funds to get that business off the ground – is where the challenge lies.

I had the fabulous honour of presenting the MYOB Small Business Award at the Telstra Business Awards in Queensland last week. To try and describe the atmosphere and excitement in the room would take up too much of this post. So I will sum it up to say it was truly inspiring to say the least!

I always think viral marketing sounds a bit sinister, especially when you consider it involves computers, but really it can be an important tool for your business. Viral marketing is a marketing campaign that spreads like a virus, passed on from user to user because of its unique appeal and originality.

That same independent spirit that gets us started in business can also be a bit of a hindrance when reaching success. A little like asking for directions when you’re lost, asking for help when you are starting your business takes a change in mindset – but the effort will be worth it.

It amazes me how many horror stories emerge about the things employees publish about their workplace online, but I think there’s a lesson for all of us in there about protecting our digital brand.

I was having a tidy out of my wallet last night and kept coming across customer loyalty card after customer loyalty card. Some of them were for places I frequent often and have given me a lot back over the years but it got me thinking, do I feel loyal to a business just because of its reward programme?

The end of the financial year is just a couple of weeks away and business owners are busy. This time of year presents a great opportunity for business owners to look forward – so with this in mind I thought it would be a good time to go over a couple of points that might help you.

I often think it’s odd that the word ‘complaint’ has such negative connotations, because in business, a complaint can give you a positive direction for free. When a customer complains, it gives you a chance to find out what’s going wrong in your business and try and prevent it from happening again.