Ten tips to help improve your business

The past few years have been rocky for business. More recently, the impact of inflation, increased shipping costs, and minimum wage rises have meant running a business has become trickier than before.

Here are ten tips to help you improve your business so you can drive business growth and achieve your purpose, vision, and goals.

1. Eliminate distractions

Time is our scarcest resource and is the biggest killer for most businesses. When we get busy, we can also get distracted and focus too much time and energy on the wrong things. Be brave - slash standard meeting times, reduce unnecessary administration, and delegate roles and responsibilities.

2. Say goodbye to bad customers

If possible in your business, get rid of ten time-wasters, bad payers, or customers/clients who cause you pain. You will feel instant relief and free up your time to be better spent elsewhere.

3. Invest more

Having freed up time and headspace from implementing the two tips above, make sure you ring-fence your time, your key people, and money for some of the initiatives below. Implement with passion!

4. Get a plan

You don't go on a journey or trip without a map or any idea of where you're headed - so why are you flying blind in your business? Develop a planning process, create a great plan – and execute it.

5. Surround yourself with positivity

Make sure the people in your business understand and share your vision. Bring them onboard, listen to them and give them ownership. Don't let people who don't ‘get it’, or don't care, weigh you down. If they're not right, do them a favour and free up their futures.

6. Use technology

Technology can help you decrease administration, improve communications, improve reporting, and accountability. Whether it's for team communication or cloud-based tracking, reduce paper use and automate where possible.

7. Keep on top of the numbers

Do you have enough information to monitor business cash flow and see emerging trends? We can help you track your cash flow on a regular basis, so you can run your business efficiently.

8. Be different

Break the mould and position yourself to attract ambitious, growing, and engaged clients and employees.

9. Start marketing

Create a simple marketing plan and set aside a budget. Start by making sure you really understand your customers. Keep existing customers happy as it’s easier and cheaper to retain customers than attract new ones. The more you know about your customers, the easier it will be to attract more of the same.

10. Take a break

Don't underestimate the benefit of time away from your business. Plan mini-retreats or team planning/building days. Time away allows you to come back refreshed and look at things with a new perspective and refuels your enthusiasm and inspiration for the future.

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Tips for Moving Day

17 April 2025

It's that time again and Moving Day is upon. Moving Day' is a big day in the farming industry. To help you with a smooth transition here are some tips: Early preparation Make sure sharemilker or contract milker contracts are signed. Plan a farm inspection with relevant parties (farm owner, incoming and outgoing sharemilkers, farm manager, advisor). Recruit and finalise employment agreements for new farm staff. Communicate plans and dates with everyone involved. Contact your insurer and utility providers. Farm owner responsibilities Make sure employees leave the houses clean and tidy. Carry out house inspections for maintenance. Comply with healthy home standards. Confirm departure and arrival times with tenants. Consider drug testing, if needed. Animal movements and biosecurity Plan animal movements carefully. Clean and disinfect farm equipment and machinery. Minimise the risk of introducing exotic pests. About 5,000 farmers do this every year. Talking clearly and planning well makes this important farming tradition go smoothly.

Selling Your Business: What’s Next After You Exit?

by Birgit Hoeglinger • 11 April 2025

Selling your business is a huge milestone—one that marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and vision. But once the deal is done and the dust settles, you may find yourself wondering, “What’s next?” Exiting your business opens up a world of possibilities. Here are five potential pathways to consider as you embark on this new chapter of your life. 1. Enjoy Retirement For many, selling a business is the gateway to retirement. After years of being immersed in the day-to-day demands of running a company, retirement offers the opportunity to slow down and enjoy life at your own pace. Whether it’s traveling, spending time with family, or taking up new hobbies, retirement allows you to focus on the things that bring you joy. Planning ahead—both financially and emotionally—will ensure you make the most of this well-earned time. 2. Invest in Other Businesses Selling your business doesn’t mean stepping away from the business world entirely. Many people choose to invest in other businesses, whether it’s through buying equity, becoming a silent partner, or supporting start-ups. Your years of experience give you a unique perspective, and investing allows you to stay connected to the business community while diversifying your income streams. 3. Start a New Venture Once an entrepreneur, always an entrepreneur! If you have a new idea or are passionate about exploring a different industry, selling your business can provide the resources and freedom to start fresh. Whether it’s launching a tech start-up, opening a café, or pursuing an entirely new market, starting a new venture keeps your entrepreneurial spirit alive. 4. Become a Non-Executive Director Another pathway is to leverage your expertise and become a non-executive director. Many businesses value the insight and guidance of experienced business people. As a non-executive director, you can provide strategic advice, mentor leadership teams, and help shape the future of other companies—all without the full-time commitment of running a business. 5. Pursue Philanthropy For some, selling a business is an opportunity to give back. You might choose to support causes you care about through charitable donations, creating a foundation, or volunteering your time. Philanthropy not only helps make a difference in your community or the wider world but can also provide a deep sense of fulfilment and purpose in your post-business life. Charting Your New Path Exiting your business is both an ending and a beginning. It’s a chance to reflect on everything you’ve achieved and to embrace new opportunities that align with your goals and passions. Whether you’re ready to relax and retire, dive into new ventures, or make a positive impact through philanthropy, the choice is yours. Whatever path you choose, careful planning will help ensure your next chapter is as rewarding and successful as the one you’ve just completed. If you’d like support in exploring your options or preparing for life after your business, don’t hesitate to reach out us for guidance.

How to Protect Your Business from 2025's Cyber Threats

by Birgit Hoeglinger • 7 April 2025

Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to trick businesses, and their scams are harder than ever to spot. Small businesses are especially at risk, often seen as easy targets due to limited resources or weaker security. But with the right precautions, you can protect your business and prove the scammers wrong. Be Aware of New Threats Staying informed is your best defence. Here are some of the latest cyber threats: AI-Powered Scams : Scammers now use artificial intelligence to create convincing phishing emails and fake websites that are difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Impersonation Attacks : Posing as banks, government agencies, or suppliers, attackers aim to trick you into sharing sensitive information. Deepfake Technology : Fake audio and video messages that mimic trusted sources are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. Train Your Team Educating your team is crucial. Teach them to: Spot warning signs, like urgent requests to act quickly. Double-check email addresses and URLs before clicking on links. Be cautious with unusual requests, even if they seem legitimate. Regular training sessions and phishing simulations can help your staff stay alert and recognise scams before they cause harm. Protect Your Business Basic but effective security measures can go a long way. For example: Enable two-factor authentication to secure your accounts. Keep your software and systems up to date. Use resources like the Business Online Security Series for practical cybersecurity tips. It's also wise to consult with your IT provider to evaluate your business’s vulnerabilities and develop a cybersecurity training plan for your team. Taking action now can save your business from potential threats while safeguarding your reputation. Stay informed, train your team, and strengthen your defences!