Management
Have you started 2017 struggling to get your staff involved in process improvement initiatives? If so, you’re not alone. Businesses in virtually every industry wrestle with how to engage teams in efforts to improve business processes and then, once they do get them involved, how to sustain the momentum. The good news is that employees […]
Australia has over 2 million small businesses and every day, over 500,000 of them are playing Russian roulette with their livelihoods. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of existential hyperbole, but they’re definitely risking a few toes and they are crucial in maintaining balance. A study by the Australian government found that 26% of small and medium businesses lack […]
Businesses must navigate a multitude of risks daily. While large companies tend to have dedicated “risk management” departments, which monitor threats to profitability, among SMBs, risk management often begins and ends with physical risks, including those posed by work health and safety hazards. But what of the risk of competition, market conditions, cyber security breaches and emerging industry disrupters? SMBs can’t afford to take these risks for granted, […]
Businesses will fall behind in the innovation stakes unless they buck the status quo and strive for greater gender equality, attendees at a recent forum were warned. Last month, the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce hosted a media briefing at Sydney’s Shangri-La Hotel. The event saw Lynn Kraus, Managing Partner, Sydney & Oceania Markets, EY moderate a panel discussion on diversity. The […]
It’s has become much easier for business leaders to streamline their accounts and financial processes. Here are some tips and tools to get you started. With many companies struggling under the weight of inefficient processes and tightening budgets, automating the myriad of manual admin tasks that categorise accounts payable could save your company time and money. In Australia, […]
Given that staff tend to take their cue from what management does, rather than what it says, companies that encourage questionable workplace practices from the top down can end up being their own worst enemies. By encouraging employees to take shortcuts or by demonstrating a lack of oversight, businesses can become victims and, sometimes, unwitting […]
Most business owners have their own ideas on the best methods to improve warehouse efficiency. As with any other department or company asset, regular reviews and upgrades can help optimise the performance of your warehouse. High standards of quality and output targets don’t just happen – success requires constant reviewing of each and every process. […]
For career-minded mothers, returning to work following the birth of a child can be bittersweet. A return to full-time work often means cutting short quality parenting time and increased childcare costs. On the other hand, if they’re having to deny their professional aspirations and accept a part-time job beneath their expertise, the excitement and financial reward of ‘getting […]
Fuel is one of the most high-priced expenses people use to acquire both for their personal and business needs. But businesses, especially those utilizing fleet vehicles, should know how to efficiently use their fuel to reduce monthly fuel and overall business expense. One great solution is by using a fleet fuel card. This is like […]
The end of financial year can be a hectic time, particularly for SME business. With books, budgets and tax time on the mind, it’s easy for business owners to cast recruitment plans aside to focus on other aspects of the business. The truth is that end of financial year extends well beyond inventory and overheads, and is […]
Are you walking away from conversations or meetings with that feeling of regret, that once again you’ve lost your cool? It can happen to any of us, no matter where we happen to sit on the professional totem pole. We know it’s not attractive, nor is it graceful or effective, but somehow it happens and […]
Inheritance can be a tricky business. You may have inherited a team you don’t get along with. You may be lacking some key resources for your job, or you may be struggling to get along with a difficult boss. Whatever your current role gave you, it’s time to stop feeling sorry and start working with […]
Compliance and risk management don’t sound very attractive but they are crucial to having a sound business and are drivers to achieving business excellence – we call it Future-Proofing. Undertaking an annual legal health check of your company is one of the best decisions you will make for it’s reputation, growth and for your sanity. […]
Fifteen years ago we were promised a more productive future, where technology was going to transform how we worked and make life easier for all. Is anyone feeling this yet? Probably not. In fact, most of today’s knowledge workers would say that they are busier, working longer hours and are more overwhelmed and stressed. What […]
As the owner of an SME, it’s more important than ever in this rapidly-changing business environment to get flexible working schemes right. Compared to ten, or even five years ago, employees are now looking for more of a balance between their personal and work lives. This can be a great thing as flexible working arrangements […]
There’s a school of thought in business that suggests you should stick to what you know. According to one article, paying heed to this tenet will increase your chances of success as you take benefit from the insight, networks, and ‘rules of thumb’ you’ve spent years developing. You’re more likely to navigate through all the […]
Owning a business is sometimes one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have during their life. However, it is not all easy and most of the business owners complain about not being able to manage their business when they are away from office. Unless and until you have a strong team of dependable, […]
The transparency brought by the internet has changed the way we do business. Business owners no longer size themselves against the competitor on the adjacent street because, irrespective of locality, all stand side-by-side in a list of online search results; each just a click away from the other. But while this ultra-competitive, virtual environment has […]
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 […]
There’s nothing more rewarding than running your own business. However, many small business owners will tell you they find it difficult to take time off. Unless you have 100% confidence in your staff to manage things without you, it can be tempting to always be around, sacrificing your personal time to keep the business running. […]
