Profitability and sustainability are going hand and hand in the current business climate, and a good thing that is too. Earning money will always be up there as the top reason for going into business and staying in business, but it is possible to both earn a profit, increase sustainability and make a positive difference in the world around us at the same time. There are great reasons for doing… Read more
Some small business owners find themselves in the difficult position of running a business that appears to be profitable, but still having no money in the bank. Let’s address this; a lack of adequate cash flow is one of the main causes of small business failure. Here are three reasons profitable businesses have little money in the bank, and what business owners can do to help these situations. 1. Using… Read more
For many business owners, determining the success of a business comes down to how much profit the company makes. Of course, finances are an important measure of an company’s overall success. If you don’t bring in more than you spend you won’t be in business for long. Profit, however, isn’t the only important benchmark by which to measure your business. There are other important factors business owners can and should… Read more
Having total control over your finances can give you an amazing sense of freedom. It’s a goal for everyone and you don’t need footballer’s salaries to score on that one! It takes a bit of focus and application for you to be able to achieve this. Here we will share some of the most useful tips that you can start right now to live a better financial life. Build multiple… Read more
For most of us there comes a time when we need to access financing for our growing business. It may be in the early stages of business, when start-up costs for offices, equipment and employees must be covered. Or it could be later on, when we have to relocate, purchase more inventory or equipment, or market their business with more oomph. Financing a business can feel a bit intimidating… stevepb… Read more
geralt “How much should I spend on marketing?†Most small business people ask me this question at some stage. Many small business people find working out how much to spend on marketing a tricky exercise to calculate. Generally there are five ways to work out a marketing budget for the year. Remember that these are marketing budgets, not advertising budgets. Marketing covers everything you do in your business that creates… Read more
Free-Photos / The growth of eCommerce has been rapid and continues exponentially. Recent research has estimated that it will make up over 22% of global retail sales by 2023. With these statistics and the changes COVID-19 has brought to the world, it’s more important than ever to take your retail business online if you want to stay competitive. It adds another revenue stream and keeps your business humming even… Read more
Every small business owner knows how tricky it is to cut down expenses without compromising quality. For every business, the first step to reducing your overhead costs is to take time to go through every single expense you have. Next, go through which ones are necessary for your business to operate smoothly, what can be trimmed down, and what can go for good. In this article, we will give you… Read more
                               When customers make a buying decision, they’re not just considering the quality and price of your products or services, they’re also evaluating the ease and convenience of the whole buying process. As a business owner, you should offer different payment… Read more
       When you have an entrepreneurial spirit, your ‘to-do’ list is often longer than your left arm. It can seem as if there are an overwhelming number of things you need to do -all urgent! In such cases, it’s easy to push important tasks to the side and focus on less-vital activities, but that often means you miss deadlines, make mistakes or always feel as… Read more
No, not that sort of lead! It’s very rare these days that people just happen to find your business and become a client or customer with no work on your part. Your business has to grab people’s attention, turn curious visitors into leads and then convert those leads into sales. This means that the more leads you have, the greater your chances of drawing in a sale. Solid leads are… Read more
Social media connects you with business associates quickly and creatively. But this communication mode is not without risk. A thoughtless post can offend customers and other business partners and damage relationships rather than build them. By following a few ground rules you can be confident your comments and posts will be appropriate ones. Abstain From Posting or Tweeting Certain Information If you aren’t sure whether it’s acceptable to post… Read more
Building your vision for 2020 If you’re like us we’re currently working on our 2020 business plan (how lovely is 2020 to write.) A lot of our clients are looking ahead, thinking about their business and their strategy for the year ahead, and consolidating the results of last year. We have a number of businesses from many and varied walks of life on our books, but we are finding… Read more
The holiday season is once again here, and with it comes time to relax, focus on family and friends and take stock in what is really important in life. However, being a small business owner can mean that your mind is ever connected to work. Pour yourself a glass of prosecco and read this to ensure you make the most of the festive season. The small business owner’s mind can… Read more
Is it a good idea to open up the books for your employee’s perusal? Once upon a time, the people who worked for you were kept well away from the numbers. The accounts behind the very business they were getting up each morning to create in were hush hush. This might not have been great for productivity but it kept the board happy to think that everyone knew their places.… Read more
Deciding on an online marketing plan can be overwhelming for small business owners looking for affordable ways to nurture steady, sustainable growth. With time in short supply, the key is to find one or two growth strategies that will get results at minimal cost. These proven growth hacks offer business owners a few simple, cost-effective ideas for attracting new customers, increasing brand awareness, and ultimately, getting more sales. Build your… Read more
Cloud computing is quickly moving from an obscure concept to an everyday reality for small businesses all over the world. A 2015 survey of small business owners found that 52% had already adopted some form of cloud-based data storage; however, a general lack of awareness regarding the logistics and advantages of cloud computing has made others a bit more resistant. The truth is, there are several very practical benefits to… Read more
Keeping track of sales, earnings, expenses, and purchases is fundamental to the overall health and sustainability of your business. Effective bookkeeping produces the data you need to evaluate your current practices, anticipate challenges, and set attainable future goals. But despite their proven importance, many business owners dread and avoid accounting tasks. In fact, 40% of surveyed entrepreneurs claim that bookkeeping is one the worst parts of running a business! Wondering… Read more