Expert
Entrepreneurialism is its own class of business, even being studied as a distinct subject. It’s no surprise then that entrepreneurialism comes with its own unique challenges, which requires a different mindset and approach than other business areas. In my experience, having founded and lead multiple businesses in the last decade and now working with entrepreneurs, […]
There is no doubt that you have probably heard or read or spoken to somebody who has an opinion or insight into online trading and more importantly why you should or should not do it. As with any new venture – there always exists a substantial amount of speculation – and more so than with […]
For small and medium sized businesses, the makeup of your team can have a significant impact on overall performance. It comes down to not just having the right blend of skills but also the cohesiveness of the team and their engagement with the work that will give your business a competitive advantage. But what happens […]
Whilst business apps allow for greater productivity, efficiency and can even affect bottom-line results, when it comes to the adoption of mobile apps in the workplace, many companies are lagging behind. Here’s a closer look at some of the mobile app challenges facing organisations today. Mobile app opportunities There’s no question that mobile apps are […]
Executive leaders believe that digital disruption is among the top risks facing Australian organisations, according to a recent Canon survey (see infographic below). Respondents also believe that IT departments responding to changing client needs, industry disruption and overseas competition are serious risks facing Australian business. So why are organisations facing these challenges, and how can they […]
Originally considered a tool for larger enterprises, more and more SMBs are now reaping the benefits of big data analytics. Big data analytics has become an invaluable tool in the business landscape. Organisations are using the insights gleaned from big data mining to rethink their operations, offerings and outlook. While the technology was initially the province […]
In a country that is pushing for innovation, and an economy that seems to be a perfect incubator for new start-ups, why do so many new businesses fail? I have first-hand experience of the highs and lows of building a fast growing business in Australia, and the main thing I have learnt is to be […]
If you learn one thing as you work your way through your career, it’s that ‘who you know’ is as important as ‘what you know’. Who you know can help you become front of mind with mentors, friends, clients, suppliers and new ideas and opportunities. Expanding your spheres of influence by deepening and widening your contact […]
The best way for people to learn about your company and become customers is through advertising. I won’t get too caught up in schooling you on the ins and outs of the world of advertising today. While there is much to learn, one truth stands out: if your advertising isn’t working, you’re doing it wrong. […]
Taxes are high in Australia. But when it comes to taxation policies, our government is too lenient on some large businesses and too hard on small business. Some large multi-national companies have been able to utilise tax structures that allow them to avoid paying their required tax in Australia, which has enabled them to lower their […]
Spending too much time sussing out the competition can be a distraction, but when I do, the insights are often important to my SME and my direction as a leader and innovator. This information is occasionally acted upon or at a minimum, it influences my thinking, my team and my business. In a world where the focus is increasingly on collaboration rather […]
Let me start by saying that effective marketing is the lifeblood of any successful business, big or small. Having said that, smaller start-up businesses often don’t have a lot of excess cash to splash around so I hate to see their money go to waste on marketing strategies that are unnecessary. Based on what I’ve seen […]
Intellectual property, such as patents and copyrights can represent a significant portion of a company’s assets – particularly for highly innovative start-ups. Currently, intangible assets are subject to a legislative “effective life” period which is used to calculate their rate of depreciation. However, these existing provisions which mandate their life span are inflexible and often […]
Hey, this is life Jim – and it is just as you know it! Yes, get used to it. As a business owner you’re always going to be taking risks, whether it’s hiring someone new, taking a lease on a new office, or something as simple as taking out advertising space for that new product launch. […]
When I came to Australia from the UK, via Hong Kong, and started my ‘’start-up’’ business, I didn’t know anyone and almost no one knew me. My previous experience, reputation network and endorsements carried little weight down under. 5 reasons and more! I guess my background in PR helped, but it is Public Relations […]
Gartner research published late last year suggested that more than three-quarters of companies were either already investing in big data, or planned to invest in it over the following two years. This suggests big data is changing the way businesses operate and delivering measurable benefits. The emergence of the data-driven business is now something that […]
When you are starting out in business, you will recognise that it can be a very lonely experience. You may have a couple of key people who are your ‘go to’ resource for advice. It is quite common for business owners to reach out to a former colleague, mentor, maybe a family member or even their accountant. However, […]
Beside the normal regulatory and governance requirements, most business owners, entrepreneurs and CEOs realise the need for and benefit of reporting to a board. With the right dynamics in place a board can empower people with complimentary skills, experience and wisdom to formally advise and assist us. Equally, contributing to other businesses and organisations as a […]
So you’ve found your dream home. Everything seems perfect, until you apply for a mortgage. If the bank says “no,” most of us want the earth to open up and swallow us whole. It’s a sinking feeling but it’s not the end of the world. If you have applied for a home loan and have […]
When planning for growth, one thing that often keeps business owners up at night is the question, “When is the right time to hire new staff?” Do you wait until you land that big new contract and then hire the staff you need? Or, do you take the risk and hire the staff first, so […]
