If running a business makes you feel like there’s just not enough time to get everything done, you’re not alone. Whether you ‘are’ your business, or you manage a small team, it’s always challenging to find enough hours in every day, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Sometimes, the best you can do is more effectively manage the time you...
Nobody likes an awkward conversation. As tough as it may be, it’s hard to avoid difficult conversations when you’re in business. Here are some tips to help you plan ahead and ensure difficult conversations run smoothly and calmly. Difficult conversation #1: A client hasn’t paid you When you spend so much of your time working to attract new clients...
If you’re like many business owners at the end of a busy year, you might find yourself putting off certain tasks, actions or decisions until after the festive break. However, sometimes there’s no time like the (Christmas) present to wrap up properly and ‘sleigh’ the end of the year. We asked our business adviser, Marie, for her thoughts on what...
Having the right mindset is key to success in small business. Adwoa Abban sees every project as a win – and has used a range of our SBDC services to set up, expand her knowledge and grow her business. Quantum Phases Consortium is an independent cost, contracts and claims consultancy based in Perth. Adwoa Abban, the principal consultant and owner of...
Business owners who constantly learn new skills will be the ones who adapt best in a changing environment
Thinking about using your know-how to start your own consulting business? Here are some important things to consider to help you make a business from your expertise.
Have you found yourself in a situation where you’ve finished a job only to discover you’ve only just broken even or perhaps actually lost money due to underquoting? First of all, don’t beat yourself up. Most small business owners discover at some point, particularly when starting out, that they have underquoted. Here are some tips to help you avoid...
Many small business owners are unaware that they may be required to obtain various local government approvals for their new premises, to ensure they are operating in compliance with the relevant planning, building and health legislation. Here’s how to avoid costly and disruptive mistakes. It’s an exciting time for your business. You have a strong...
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is an important part of any marketing strategy, but how do you know if you’re getting value for money when paying someone to do your SEO? It’s a common situation many small business owners find themselves in. You know that SEO plays an important part in making sure your website can be found by potential customers...
Many small businesses start as a hobby business or ‘side hustle’ which you might run in your spare time while holding a job with another employer. Setting your own hours and being your own boss might sound like a dream when you’re working while running a business on the side – but it’s important to make an informed decision before you decide to...
If your business could be impacted by a natural disaster like bushfires, cyclones or floods, make sure you have the proper plans in place to protect your business - including your employees, customers, premises and documents. It’s not easy to think about what would happen if your business was affected by a natural disaster or other emergency – but...
We’ve all been there at some point, unhappy at work and looking for a career change, or just wanting to make a go of it on your own. Starting a new business is a big deal. To help you decide if your business idea could work, we’ve put together some thought starters to get your head (and idea) in the right space. Get to know your audience What...