Opinion
The decision to launch a start-up is often justified by statements such as “it was time to do something on my own”, “now was as good a time as any” or “it’s too good an opportunity to pass up”. These statements, while high on enthusiasm, are low on balanced consideration. While all opportunities carry a risk and […]
Like any leader overseeing a large geographic region, I have often found myself meeting with partners in Sydney, attending a customer event in Auckland and joining an analyst briefing in Singapore – all in the same week. Unlike in the past, I have been able to meet these commitments without even having to board a […]
Every company likes to think they have a great culture but if you ask each member of the leadership team to sum theirs up, most will give vague, airy answers that don’t match. This is because most companies don’t actually have a uniting culture. Often in the corporate world you get an amalgamation of cultures or distinct […]
Yesterday, Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States of America. For many, it was an unexpected and alarming result. For others, it was a win against the establishment. But what does it mean for Australian business leaders and how can it help us improve? Perhaps what has chilled people most about […]
I’ve been lucky to experience a job and a career in my lifetime. What is the difference between the two and which makes the most sense for you? A chance to trial what works and what doesn’t A job is usually denoted by doing a task over and over again in exchange for money. It […]
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 […]
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. […]
There are many challenges facing small businesses and, with the New Year well underway, now is a good time to start addressing these head-on in order to build a stronger business. Whether you are a small enterprise just starting out or a mature business looking for additional growth, there is no shortage of challenges that […]
More stress, less time, more responsibility, less support? How do we get back to living a life we love without giving one thing up for another? As a business owner, leader or anyone in corporate knows – the best results come with a clear strategy and the courage to make a plan that’s relevant, realistic […]
After a year in which the world economy experienced heightened volatility and global growth slowed, there has been a positive shift in opportunities ahead for SME exporters. Trade is still growing, albeit at a slower pace than before the global financial crisis (GFC). After relatively modest growth of 2.6 per cent last year, Efic expects […]
Some people have a great idea they want to see through, some could think of nothing worse than going out on their own. Today, the word entrepreneur is the new black and we are talking start-ups all over again. I’ve seen several cycles through my career and worked with my first entrepreneur in my early […]
Leadership is the ability to direct, create, inspire and influence. It requires flexibility; leaders must roll with the punches, be open to change and continuously look for opportunities to move forward. Most importantly, leadership is about motivation. It is about growing others while they work with you towards a common goal. Great leaders have specific […]
As the world becomes smaller and technology more powerful, an ever-increasing number of people are being bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. Against a general background of economic uncertainty, the idea of taking charge and becoming the captain of your own ship is an incredibly appealing one. There is, however, something of a chasm between the […]
How much do you attribute success to what you earn and your net worth? I’ve found earning money – even lots of it — can certainly be a by-product of being successful. But wealth is so often not the primary driver for successful people. Many of the world’s big money earners are in fact driven by something […]
Of all the negative influences that can hamper a business from realising its full potential from its employees, ‘otherness’ is perhaps the most subtle – and, in many ways, the most insidious – of all. It’s so difficult for organisations to grapple with, because it is so difficult to pin down in the first instance. […]
It’s not uncommon these days to have a wide age gap between your employees. Many businesses these days have an employee age range which spans across three generations – the Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y (or the Millennials). While each generation brings a distinct set of values, insights and expertise to the workplace, […]
If you are a leader – or an expert in your field, whether you like it or not, you are Captain of your personal brand. Do you buy from people you don’t like? Do you return to places where an individual has shown you bad service? Have you been in a business meeting where a […]
It’s easy to believe that workplace accidents happen to ‘other people’. The reality is that workplace accidents can, and do, affect a great range of people and the impact on workers, families and businesses can be devastating. Fortunately, credible legal support is available. By utilising the services of a law firm that specialises in worker’s […]
Behind every start up is an aspiration to do something different. The attraction to do something different attracts fellow travellers all keen to be different and break with the boring services, products and maybe procedures of more established companies. This can be a trap for young players. Behind every successful and exciting company is a […]
Some businesses rise and fall on the backs of trucks. Whether you’re shipping or receiving products of your own, on behalf of other businesses or need a truck to help you ply your trade (concrete mixers or cranes for example) it pays to get a great deal on truck finance. Here are top 5 tips […]
