#Business Strategy
SMEs: Expert guide to thriving in uncertain times
In this week’s edition of Let’s talk our experts provide practical strategies designed to help your SME not just survive challenging times
Business need a boost? 5 reasons converting into a franchise could be the way to go
Why give up your independence? What do you get in return? Here are 5 reasons why making the move to a franchise may be right for you…
Agility: a business strategy
Byline: Brad Newton, DocuSign, VP APAC We’re in the midst of the fourth industrial revolution, marked by extraordinary technological advances. For businesses it can sometimes feel like a bumpy road, but you really can do more than just hold on for the ride. Through economic downturn, industry upheaval, changing customer preferences or technological transformation, businesses […]
Is your intuition costing you business?
If you’re a small business, here’s an interesting question for you… what does your gut tell you about your business performance? For many Australian SMEs, the answer would likely be: not much. According to research by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, almost 62 per cent of SMBs lack any form of reliable data strategy, preferring […]
So, your business is up and running…now, which growth stage do you aim to reach?
To beat the odds in small business, the focus for the first year must absolutely be on revenue creation. Without revenue, you have no business. But how much revenue should you be aiming for? Putting together your budget is the ideal time to define your longer-term vision for the business and ask yourself how big […]
How to fail in business without really trying
Back in the brick-and-mortar days all any upstart needed to launch a new venture was a bank loan and a bit of gumption. And while the rules of commerce and capital have remained fundamentally the same, there have been seismic shifts in the technological and marketing landscape. That means businesses have to be more forward […]
5 steps to delivering on the philosophy of client first, money second
Why do you own a business and work those incredibly long days and sleepless nights? I’ll take an educated guess and say the main reason is money driven; the means to an end that is a (more than) comfortable lifestyle. For many, this includes providing the very best for their nearest and dearest. In order […]
Starting a business? 6 things you need to consider
Everyone has, at some point, dreamt of owning their own business. Whether it’s a small family restaurant or a large worldwide corporation, the need to have something you can call your own is deeply rooted in the human psyche. That being said, if it really were that easy, everybody would be an entrepreneur. Making it […]
Key ingredients of a great business plan
Although the current economic climate may not be seem conducive to starting a business, it remains true that one of the biggest causes of failure for any Australian venture is poor planning.
Visualise your KPIs
Small businesses often lack the resources to manage information effectively.
How to build a lean and efficient business plan
Your business plan must be ready to accommodate rapid changes so that your company can follow suit. Here are five ways to make your business plan as effective as possible.
10 tips for SME success in 2013
Craig Pisani is a retail expert at leading audit, tax and advisory firm, BDO. In his guest blog post, Craig lists his top ten tips for SME success in 2013.
Why being too goal oriented can hold you back
Goal setting is still important to help you get started, plan out your strategy and keep you on track. But, maybe once you have decided on your goals, it might be worth your while to take the focus off the end result, and concentrate on the task at hand.
Eight tips to turn your business into a match-winner
A simple soccer game can train you to run a business effectively. Not convinced? To win at soccer, you need purpose, direction, strategy, team, performance, crowd support, satisfaction, results and much continual learning. The same goes in business, so here are eight ways to turn your organisation into a match-winner.
The benefits of including staff in strategy development
A good strategy is the foundation of any successful business, but getting that strategy ingrained in your staff’s minds is easier said than done. Better yet – why not include your staff within the strategy development process? They could very well have insights and ideas that strengthen what you have in mind.
How to create a customer centric culture
In today’s changing competitive environment, customer centricity is not aspirational – it’s essential. Achieving a genuinely customer centred organisation isn’t easy, but with the right strategic approach, tools and support, any business can get there, regardless of their size.
The four factors thriving businesses have in common
2012 is shaping up as a difficult year for many businesses, but the decisions you make now could determine how successful the next 12 months are. Here’s the four factors thriving businesses have in common, which Sid Edwards says any SMB can put into practice.
A business guide to strategy
Strategy is the ‘how’ you are going to achieve the outcome. Objectives are ‘what’ you want to achieve. The plan is the step-by-step ‘actions’ you are going to take to get there. How’s your business strategy looking?
You can’t be everything to everyone
We’re sure you’ve heard this before, but you really can’t be everything to everyone. This is particularly true for small businesses.