A successful business is one that is well managed. Being adaptable and flexible before major fluctuations occur can greatly assist you in hard times.

Recognising problems before they arise can minimise the fall out and pave the way to a faster recovery. Learning to identify potential cash flow problems is critical to your success as a business as without adequate cash flow your business may be on its way to becoming a statistic.  Read More

In a fast changing and challenging business world never underestimate the value of a continuing education. Often our success is based on setting goals, implementing the necessary strategies, achieving those goals and then setting some more.

It may seem like the hamster wheel analogy but there are easier and more exciting ways of achieving your goals. Read More

Customer complaints are a fact of business. A customer who takes the time to complain rather than to take their business elsewhere may well be speaking on behalf of the silent majority. If the complaint warrants a systemic change or if you have taken action as a result of the complaint thank the customer for bringing the matter to your attention and advise them on the corrective steps that you have taken. Read More

For many business owners it can be a difficult exercise to identify the most effective marketing strategies that both gain exposure AND minimise the required investment.

Taking advantage of free marketing opportunities ought to be "a given". Social media is proving to be a lasting trend that not only reaches far beyond the regular scope of a simple marketing campaign but is also constant, versatile and universally accessible.  Read More

It can be a Catch-22 on whether economic, technological and management trends are good for small business or not. They certainly require an investment in time and money to keep abreast of the never-ending developments. However, to ignore them is to provide your competitors with the opportunity to grow their businesses at your expense.

If there is one technological trend that should command your attention for its ability to help you to respond to your business environment it is cloud computing. Read More

The New Year is always a good time for reflection. We touched on this point in last month's newsletter. It's often a time when we look back and wonder where the time went.

The question that often comes to the mind of the business owner centres on what has really been accomplished over the year. Read More