#Managing 2
Make the most of your biggest asset: your middle managers
Middle managers often find the value they bring to an organisation being scrutinised, but recruiting expert Hays says they can be an organisation’s biggest asset – provided they have open and honest career development conversations, are given opportunities to develop their skills and are empowered by senior managers to make change happen. “As the link […]
Manager communication strategies that really work
Byline: Stuart Hearn Authentic, meaningful communication lies at the heart of any relationship — whether it be personal or professional. As a manager, effective communication is critical and plays a huge role in terms of employee performance, productivity, trust, engagement and overall morale. In fact, almost every employee issue imaginable can be tied back in […]
The right way to take risks
How to take risks without sinking your business.
Overworked and time poor: Perils of SMEs
Small business owners are on average working seven hours over time per week according to a poll involving over 1000 small and mid-sized businesses by accounting solutions provider, MYOB. While 39 per cent of business owners claimed that flexibility and a balanced lifestyle was more attractive than the financial benefits of operating a business, 59 […]
Are small businesses using ATO as bank?
According to national SME finance specialist, Scottish Pacific, many small businesses may be using the Australian Tax Office (ATO) as a line of credit being unaware of alternative funding solutions. Scottish Pacific CEO, Peter Langham said the ATO was owed $35.3 billion in 2013-14 according to a recent report by the Inspector-General of Taxation. “It […]
Managing key person risk
Fortunately for large scale corporates, although key person risk can be nominally substantial, companies are well capitalised to weather the loss. The same cannot always be said for SMEs.
The importance of thought leadership for businesses
Although there are many new challenges for businesses to deal with, the interconnectedness and collaborative nature of the 21st century global market enables businesses and leaders to exchange ideas and information that can help resolve these issues.
6 talent acquisition and retention tactics for your business strategy
The concept of working to live rather than living to work reigns true in many people’s minds and issues like limited work-life balance, unsatisfactory pay and lack of development opportunities become big reasons why staff leave.
How to manage business bookkeeping
Take the following steps to ensure that your business’ bookkeeping doesn’t become an overwhelming burden.
Entrepreneurial leadership: Building good culture in a hyper-kinetic world
From Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great and Ghandi to Henry Ford, Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Oprah Winfrey; qualities of leaders have inspired us to pursue our dreams and achieve greatness.
Poor bookkeeping horror story: a bean counter’s tale
If you think that bookkeeping and accounting fees are high, consider this horror story, which could be the one tale that gets business owners thinking about their own business.
Why research into who your customer is, is vital for success
The biggest and potentially most damaging things business owners fail to do is understand their target market and understand them intimately.
Problems with poorly drafted contracts – Part 2
Many business people don’t bother working with a lawyer when entering into important contracts, and end up agreeing to terms which eventually cause long terms issues, both from a client relationship and monetary perspective.
How to avoid financial stress in your business
It’s not something that any small business wants to think about but the reality is that business does on occasion hit bad times. Here are some ways to avoid needing help, and who to ask when you really do.
How to get the best from your staff
Employees are a business’s greatest asset, but this is only true when you are getting the best out of them. If not, they are just a cost – eating away at your bottom line.
Even more business tools you wish you had 10 years ago
There are so many apps that can help your business run more smoothly and free up some time for you to focus on what you do best. Here are a couple of essential ones to invest in if you’re looking to lessen your accounting and bookkeeping burden.
10 rules for giving negative feedback
Here’s how to handle employees when a kick in the rear is more appropriate than a pat on the back.
How to get the most from younger staff
We all have opinions about the youngest group that stomps through the workforce, but it’s a good idea to put aside preconceptions about Gen Y staff if you’re to get the most out of them. Use these tips to maximise the capabilities of your staff.
10 tricks for a fabulous day
It takes just as much effort to have a wonderful day as it does to have a miserable one. Why not enjoy yourself?
Workplace warfare: How to win negotiation battles
Conflict, tension, tactical moves, power plays, ammunition and bluffing – all come into play in the workplace. Whether fighting for additional resources, a salary increase, fighting a decision or to save your job, planning a battle at work requires level-headed precision.
Does your rock star have a bad attitude?
High-performing “bad apples” can destroy your team. Here’s how to handle the situation without losing a star performer.
How to manage clever people
Artists, designers, and programmers are different, difficult, and – depending on your strategy – delightful.
Turn it around: Fix the five most common business errors
Hired the wrong employee or just can’t seem to get on top of your cashflow? You’re not alone. Here’s a look at the five most common areas SMB owners get it wrong, and some advice for fixing these issues.
What Aussie small businesses really need to be competitive
Australian SMEs are in a perplexing situation. On one hand, technology means start-up costs are low and the potential for small players to disrupt established markets is strong, but on the other, operating costs are high, making it difficult to scale up. So what do local small businesses really need?