Business Strategies

S3EP41 : DOING IT SCARED : SHUTTING DOWN MY SOCIALS

(15TH DECEMBER 2021)

Making changes to our business model is always challenging, especially when you have worked so hard at a particular area of your business … change is always scary. But what is it they say about being scared…. Do it scared.  So that’s where I’m at right now.  I have made the scary decision to shut down my Instagram and Facebook business pages.  After having worked tirelessly over the last 10 years to grow my following on these pages, it came down, ironically, to numbers.  I’d finally reached the number I wanted for followers, but found that the most impactful number I needed to pay more attention to, was the engagement.  And this my friends isn’t great! So join me for this episode as I talk through the why, the how and what’s next for me when it comes to the Social Media side of my business. A x

S3EP37 : LETS TALK ABOUT WEBINARS

(AVAILABLE 10TH NOVEMBER 2021)

Let me ask you this ... Have you ever been in the position where you are struggling with an aspect of your business, have no idea how to move the needle to make it work and you feel like your back is against the wall?? Then along comes an ad for a webinar that promises to resolve the issue for you by simply signing up to a webinar that will provide you with the secret sauce. And to sweeten the deal, the webinar is free!  In this episode, I break down how I'm all for selling of goods or services through webinars, in fact I'm support it and think it's a great way to do so. But I also wanted to discuss the aspects of webinars that I loathe and why we should be challenging this structure more. And then I wanted to finish off the conversation with why I’m motivated to discuss webinars at this point in my business. (Hint : I’m going to be doing more of them) So be sure to join me for this episode. A x

S3EP36 : EM SPARROW FROM EM SPARROW DESIGN

(27th October 2021)

On this weeks episode, I sat down with the lovely and talented Em Sparrow from Em Sparrow Design. Em is a website designer and digital marketing strategist, and brings with her a wealth of knowledge when it comes to designing beautiful and functional websites. We got to chat about Em’s business journey, all things websites, the importance of the planning phase when it comes to thinking about what sort of website you want for your business and the profound piece of advice she has for anyone going into business. Whether you’re a do-it-yourself-er or looking to have your website professionally done, Em opens up and shares some amazing insight and useful tips in this episode, so it’s one that can’t be missed. Be sure to take a listen. Ax

S3EP35 : THE 5 TECH TOOLS I USE IN MY BUSINESS

(20th October 2021)

Being in business is hard … so I leverage many different tools on a day to day basis to help me get through it.  So in this episode I wanted to talk about the 5 well it ends up being 6 different tech tools that I use almost religiously on a daily basis to help move my business forward and keep me on track. Everything from project management tools to graphic design and of course financial tools that support my business and keep me from feeling like I’m falling off the face of the earth some days.  If you weren’t already aware, but I totally suck when it comes to learning tech, so believe me when I say the tools that I discuss throughout this episode are simple to use yet highly effective and the best part … most of them are free!  Love that!  So be sure to check it out. A x

S3EP32 : GOOD VS GREAT BUSINESSES

I love a great business story where a business owner is so passionate about their product and service and they give everything they have to getting not only the idea of the ground but creating a business around it.  This is hard work … so it pains me when I see the same business owners struggling to keep the business going. And it has nothing to do with the product or service, but more so in relation to the business model they have built around it. So in this episode, I wanted to talk a little about the differences with having a great product or service business that is surviving, as opposed to one that is thriving!  I’ll be discussing the foundations that make a business successful along with some growth strategies that you can employ to create a sustainable business to ensure you keep being able to do what you love.  So take a listen. A x

S3EP31 : FINANCIAL LITERACY

Financial literacy or lack there of in business poses a significant issue when it comes to survival.  And there is so much packed into the financial side of business that can offer the help that most business owners need to succeed, yet it continues to be the aspect of business that is ignored or put in the “too hard” basket.  And it’s such a shame!  The reality is that, every decision made in business impacts your financial outcomes. EVERY.SINGLE.DECISION.  So why wouldn’t you want to know more about making it count?  In this episode, I explore what Financial Literacy means to me, means to business owners … share the experiences of those that I have worked with demonstrating in no uncertain terms how taking the time to make it a priority can make a significant impact on the financial aspects of YOUR business! 

S3EP30 : WHAT IS FINANCIAL DISTRESS AND WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT

As business owners we have been tested over the last 18 months as our businesses fight to mange the strain that the COVID pandemic has put on them. So it comes as no surprise that business owners are feeling the financial distress that they are. So in this episode, I wanted to talk about financial distress, how to recognise it, what things you may be able to do to help during this time, and of course the power of modelling various areas in your business to further help. Be sure to take a listen. A x

S3EP29 : WAYS TO SAVE MONEY THIS TAX TIME

With us turning our attention to wrapping up the last financial year and getting our tax sorted, I thought this episode could be all about tax deductions and ways you can save on paying tax this tax season. Limited to obvious deductions, I turn my attention to home office deductions and any relevant changes with COVID and a discussion around the differences between employee and business owner in this area. Self education as it presented itself as a big focus last financial year, along with the stock standard travel, some business related deductions and uniforms for those that this may be relevant for. There is something for everyone. So be sure to take a listen. A x

S3EP28 : GROSS PROFIT VS NET PROFIT

In this episode we explore the two types of profit found in business .. the Gross Profit and of course out Net Profit. During the discussion I set out to not only define each type of Profit in our business, but to talk through the relevance of each individually along with how you could use the information they both provide to you and of course the differences that exist between the two of them. Both very important at representing the profit at different phases of the production and earnings process in any business, a necessary discussion I’d say. Take a listen. A x

S3EP26 : 10 THINGS NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT BEING IN BUSINESS

On this episode, I’m going to be discussing 10 things no one tells you about when you go into business. Having worked with many business owners over the years, I’ve identified a pattern of the “Oh I wish I knew this” moments that seem to be relative to all industries and all business types. Whether they be product based or service based. So I’m going to give it to you straight … and if you’ve already started your business and found yourself thinking the same sorts of things or even may think they may become a thing, know that it’s not too late to take a moment and get it right. Just may make all the difference. Take a listen. A x

S3EP22 : HOW TO USE YOUR 2021 FY DATA FOR 2022 FY SUCCESS

Happy new financial year … love me a new year, a fresh start and the abundance of opportunity to create the next year of my business. In this episode I reflect on how using the financial information you have accumulated in the last financial year, 2021, can provide the foundations for a successful 2022. So as to look to the new financial year, with certainty, confidence and a plan. Take a listen.

A x

S3EP20 : KNOW WHERE TO SPEND YOUR TIME IN YOUR BUSINESS & HOW YOUR NUMBERS CAN HELP

As business owners, time is such a precious commodity. Whilst we can choose to outsource and get the support we need, we still find ourselves needing to make the all important decision of where our time is most valuable for our business to optimise our opportunities and business successes. This is where our numbers can help and provide the data necessary for us to make informed decisions about how best to allocate our time to make it the most valuable for the outcomes we desire. In this episode, we explore ways your numbers can provide you with this clarity and how changing the way you see them will improve efficiencies. Be sure to take a listen. A x

S3EP17 : EOFY DO’S AND DON’TS

With June upon us, after such a tumultuous year in the world and in business, now is the right time to be thinking about that list of things to do in preparation for the end of the financial year. So in this episode, I thought it only appropriate to examine some of the do's and don'ts for the end of the financial year to ensure that as we round off the last 30 days of the financial year, we get in, get our to do's done, understand the relevant obligations as business owners and of course by doing so, really make the year count. So take a listen!

S3EP14 : WHY YOU SHOULD BE USING EXCEL FOR YOUR BUSINESS

In this week's episode I talk about one of my favourite business tools and that is Microsoft Excel. Having experienced so many transitions in the financial space over the years, the one thing that has remained a constant and still as impactful, is Excel and spreadsheeting. A powerful stand alone program in it's own right, using it in conjunction to other business tools we have at our disposal for analysis, review, measurement and reporting enhances the base financial information to provide more meaningful and powerful information to run our businesses. Take a listen ...

S3EP11 : ENSURING YOUR NUMBERS ARE COMPARABLE

How lucky are we as business owners to live in a time when we have access to an abundance of analytical information about our businesses … but with great power comes great responsibility! In this episode I wanted to take a moment to discuss the importance of ensuring that the information we choose to use and the sources of which we choose to draw the information from must be neutralised to ensure that when we do compare the information to make decisions when it comes to our business, that we do so with the information in it’s comparable format … take a listen x

S3EP10 : 5 QUESTIONS TO BUILDING A BETTER BUDGET FOR 2022

In this episode I chat about an article from Paula McMillan, a member of the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) Personal Financial Specialist Credential Committee who suggests that there are 5 key questions you should ask yourself to build a better budget for 2022. It's an exploration of questions to assist in building the foundations for a successful budget for 2022 given the changes we've been through in 2020/21.

S3EP9 : LET’S CHAT ABOUT GST

In this episode of the Boring sh!t you need to know in business, I take a look at the basics of GST here in Australia. Such an edgy subject for most small business owners because there is this cloud surrounding the lack of understanding that forces many to put it in the too hard basket. So here I wanted break down the stigma attached to this concept of GST, and discuss the basics and the simplicity in which you can tackle GST in your business. And most importantly, discuss the cash implications and how getting on top of it early can eliminate the stress of meeting those GST payment obligations with dread.

S3EP8 : GETTING YOUR FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN ORDER

Boring I know! But hear me out ... I'm a big fan when it comes to keeping things simple. So this episodes explores the building of financial foundations in your business, and how ensuring that you clearly identify what you want from it, can guarantee you build it for simplicity and success. The first time!

S2EP9 : MINI HABITS

Ever found yourself struggling to get through certain tasks, or achieve the forecasts and cash flow balances you set out to achieve in the first place? Perhaps the concept of mini habits might be for you. I came across a concept my Stephen Guise a few years ago in relation to breaking behaviours or tasks down into "stupid small" achievable behaviours to eliminate the feeling of failure and therefore create more feelings of achievement. Whilst Stephen attached this concept to weight loss, I think there is something to be said for adopting the same mindset changes for tackling most things in our lives, and even in our businesses. Join me as I discuss the fundamentals of Stephen's concept of mini habits and discuss ways you can adapt this change to achieve business success.

S2EP7 : THE BALANCE SHEET : A FORGOTTEN REPORT

In this episode we talk all things Balance sheet.  The "what" you say?  The Balance Sheet ... the forgotten report. I've been in finance now for over 20 years and worked with some amazing business owners, and it still plagues me as to how many don't refer to their Balance Sheets, know what it is, or even if they have one.  So I'm here to give the Balance Sheet some love, and hopefully provide business owners with some insight in to how it can be potentially dangerous to ignore it.  So let’s jump in.