Small Business

Getting the right lease for your business

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.

The right branding is worth its weight in gold

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.

Grants can help to get your business started

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.

The best business books to get your mind going

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

To network or not to network?

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

Learning to give feedback

In running a successful small business, you rely on a number of key suppliers to help you deliver your business outcomes. Things must be delivered on time so you can manage your business and your clients. If people do not deliver to you on time, it can be costly and embarrassing for your business.

Hiring the right staff

As your business grows you need to find good people. Your people are so critical that you must be involved in this process to some degree. Here are some tips on hiring the right staff.

You can’t just be a technician

In Episode 3 we meet Dean, the 26-year-old golden boy. For the past six years Dean has earned his stripes cutting hair at an upmarket salon. Desperate to prove he can be his own boss, Dean opens his own salon in what was a corner deli in a quiet suburban street. Dean has never run a business before, and it shows.

Work-life balance

If you love what you do, does that mean working 70 to 80 hour weeks is good for you and your business? The short answer is no. We are increasing our understanding of stress and its effects with research and technology. Stress is cumulative, so if you work long hours each week and think that you can ‘de-stress’ with a two-week holiday in Hawaii, think again!

Letting go can grow your business

In Episode 2 of Risking It All we meet Brad. He thinks he has spotted a gap in the already flooded health and fitness market and risks his relationship, friendships and investments to set up Zone Health and Fitness. He’s convinced his girlfriend, his ex-wife, her new husband and a silent partner to invest over $350,000 in his dream.

Staying motivated towards your goals

Goal setting is a very powerful tool in business and your personal life. Many of us set goals as New Year’s resolutions. We start off eagerly, determined to do things differently this year. It doesn’t take long before we start to waiver in our resolutions. The motivation is starting to fade and old habits are creeping back in.

Ditching the nine-to-five grind

We are thrilled to be airing episode 1 of Risking It All tonight at 8pm. The series portrays the roller-coaster ride of what is at stake when people attempt to get a new business off the ground. These rookies put friendships, family, secure salaries, houses and savings on the line in a bid to live their dream and make millions. In today's blog post I discuss what it takes to ditch the nine-to-five grind.