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10 March 2009 | 11:01 - By Shivani Gupta

During these challenging financial times small businesses want to improve marketing without spending a fortune. Business signage can be a relatively cheap and effective way of achieving this goal.


One idea is to have a printed banner constructed as they are flexible and very easy to put up. You can also use banners to display 'on sale' items as an inexpensive way to market. Put your banner up wherever possible.

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Make those New Year goals stick

02 February 2009 | 9:27 - By Shivani Gupta

Have you set yourself some goals for you and your business yet this year? Made some new year’s resolutions? If you haven’t, you should do it this month, but do it so they will last and make a difference to your business.

We often start off eagerly with these goals in mind wanting to do things differently this year. For most people, by the time they get to February, they start to waver in their resolutions. The motivation is starting to fade and old habits are creeping back in.

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As the impact of the financial crisis hits home, some businesses will face challenging times. Here are a few tips to help weather the storm.

1. Still focus on training and education - it is often one of the first things to be cut in organisations when the tough times hit. You may have less funds to invest, but continuing to invest in yourself and your people is essential for long-term success. It helps to maintain and grow people's skill set and makes them feel valued.

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Getting the right lease for your business

13 October 2008 | 10:31 - By Shivani Gupta

Many people running a small business get caught by leases. A lease essentially provides you with the legal right to occupy premises. It protects you and the landlord by setting out all the agreed terms of occupancy.

When taking out a commercial lease you first have to decide on what premises and lease will be right for your business. Many businesses think about their immediate need rather than take a long term view including growth. I am working with a client who within 12 months had outgrown their premises and now is having to find new premises and recreate the PR.

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The right branding is worth its weight in gold

08 September 2008 | 11:37 - By Shivani Gupta

 The right branding is worth its weight in gold Michael Phelps is not only the most successful Olympian in history, he has also been coined the possible billion dollar man, with experts predicting that he could now earn up to 30 million dollars a year including sponsorships.

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Grants can help to get your business started

26 August 2008 | 17:23 - By Shivani Gupta

Starting a new business can be financially difficult for anyone especially if you are giving up an existing job paying you a regular income.

You’ll have costs too, such as fitout, rent, and staff wages. Managing the cash flow right is one of the most important things in a start up business. This can amount to a large hole in your financial situation. If a grant is available to suit your needs, then this may be the go. Although you may need a loan, see if you can find a grant first. Also search for grants on Google as see if you can find samples of a grant to see how it is done.

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In business, it is difficult to be the one who is generating new ideas, managing staff, managing finances and implementing client relationships. Phew!

You need inspiration from different places to help your brain to think outside of its normal patterns, so you can constantly generate new ideas for your business. One great source of inspiration is books. They are relatively cheap, cheaper if you get them second hand or from the library. One simple idea from each book can help generate an idea worth hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

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To network or not to network?

24 June 2008 | 11:46 - By Shivani Gupta

Networking is a buzz word. It is essential, but like all things in business, it has to meet your broader business plan.

There are a range of networking events - industry specific, education related, business development opportunities, inspiration related - the list goes on. When I started my own business, I attended a lot of events. This was initially important as I was establishing new contacts and learning more about business. Now, to better utilise my time, I’ve had to become more strategic.

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About this Blog

Risking It All presenter and business expert Shivani Gupta has a passion to see people grow their businesses. Shivani brings her vast experience and practical business sense to help out the entrepreneurs in the television show and the SBS online audience in her business blog.

Shivani Gupta is a business dynamo with heart, vision, values and passion. She is a former corporate executive who “risked it all” herself to become an author as well as establish her own successful business coaching and speaking business, Passion@People. Shivani is well qualified for the role of helping our four start-up businesses, and your business too. Shivani has worked with a range of companies from sole traders to six of Australia’s top ten companies. She has won awards that include ‘Telstra Young Business Woman of the Year’. She was born in India and grew up in Australia. For more information about Shivani visit www.shivani.com.au

 
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