A nudge in the right direction: how our brains have evolved, and what we need to do about it
As a member of the learning and development industry, I am bombarded with research, insights, event invites, and models almost daily
9 steps to an awesome invoicing process
You need billing to be fast and accurate.
Benefits of advertising on YouTube
The Internet has made it very easy for a business to make its goods and services reach more and more people all over the world.
The 5 reasons you should hire a external expert
Ever heard the quote by David Allen, who says “You can do anything, but not everything.”
Want to create an effective budget? Here are 10 tips for you
On the list of crucial things that determine if a small scale business will stay relevant or fold up within a short while, money is right on the top.
Why planning is important
Planning is simply a process that involves shaping a course of action that is to be done at a later date.
What is depreciation and why should I care?
Depreciation affects your bottom line, your tax bill, and the value of your business. Those are three good reasons to learn what depreciation is and how it works. Here are the basics.
Understanding debits and credits in Accounting
Debits and credits are one of those fundamental concepts in accounting..
The bright future of online banking
Technology has facilitated all aspects of life
Before you launch your business, make sure you have a safety net. Here are 13
All entrepreneurs need a parachute.
The importance of 'positioning' your brand when you're just starting out
"Positioning" is a term that gets thrown around a lot but can often be confused with other marketing activities.
How much does your employee really cost?
Do you know that the wages you pay your employee is not all that your employee costs?
Time Management 101
You understand the phrase, “Time is money” better when you are in the labour market.
Tax Season: 4 ways to make tax season less painful.
Tax Day is just right around the corner
Why you should advertise on Facebook
Facebook started in 2005 as a small networking site at Harvard University.
Why real-time business intelligence needs automated bookkeeping
What is really happening in the life of our small business?
These 5 body language secrets could put you on the road to a million dollars
There’s a reason “The Room Where It Happens” is one of Broadway hit Hamilton’s standout songs: the track’s theme -- longing to be included among key decision-makers in the place in which decisions are made -- is timeless.
A new bank feeds process – simpler, faster, and more secure
Bank feeds are a core component of Xero, giving you an up to date view of your cash position so you know how your business is performing.
How to use strategic partnerships for more explosive growth
If it’s going to survive, a startup needs to grow.
Encouraging new ideas and innovation in the workplace
In today’s competitive environment, businesses can survive and thrive when managers or owners implement measures that encourage their employees to share new ideas and innovations to improve the workplace. As a temp administrative assistant, I have observed many innovations that work - and don't work- on the job.
Read this to help you become a better business leader
TIP: All leaders that are good need to focus on days to come. You have to know what's next and how to prepare for it.
Make it a point to look for hidden talent in your teammates. It should be easy to determine who benefits you the most, when you are looking for helpers.
The Accounting Business Expo 2019: Your roadmap for moving down the advisory path
As part of the Beautiful Business Talks hosted by Xero at this year’s Accounting Business Expo, I was given the opportunity to present on how accountants and bookkeepers can provide advisory services to their clients.
Tips and Tricks on How to Gain Customer Satisfaction
When it comes to businesses and the publicity they involve, losing one customer can cause a chain reaction that makes you lose several other customers; existing and potential.
Why is SEO crucial to surviving online?
The concept of search engine optimisation (SEO) is literally everywhere. It is so important now, and every webmaster needs its knowledge, so content marketing is as effective as it is supposed to be.
Benefits of Advertising on Instagram
Benefits have evolved. Once upon a time, “word-of-mouth” adverts was what worked, later on, if you couldn’t get your business to be on the television or radio, you were not dreaming big enough.
What Is All The Hype About SSL Certificates?
Ever heard about SSL Certificates?
You probably have.
5 Qualities of Successful Entrepreneurs
So you didn’t follow the Elon Musk path of creating a computer game at age 12 or cold-calling a corporate banking maven to snag a paying internship? You can still become a compelling, talked-about entrepreneur if you follow a few best practices.
7 steps to becoming a better thinker
When was the last time you stopped to think?
I mean really stopped.
To think.
8 Major Legal Risks Faced By Startups
One of the biggest mistakes made by new business owners is not to engage startup legal services to handle possible issues for their new venture.
Cash versus accrual accounting explained
The difference between cash basis and accrual basis accounting comes down to timing. When do you record revenue or expenses?
Is a tech-based social credit score a good idea?
China is currently developing a kind of social credit system, not dissimilar to a financial credit system, designed to reward people for doing good deeds and demonstrating honesty and integrity while punishing people for committing untrustworthy acts.
The Irreplaceable Power of Paper
For hundreds of years, paper was the gold standard of written communication.
Anything you needed to record or remember, from love letters to receipts, was printed on paper.
What is accounts receivable and where can it go wrong?
Accounts receivable is the money you’re owed by customers. Once you send an invoice (or bill), it becomes part of your accounts receivable – until it’s paid.
The Basic Requirements & Challenges for a Small Business
Starting up a small business is no easy feat. It requires a great deal of vision and effort. Every small business is unique, and so, it comes with its peculiar rise and falls.
Brand Loyalty: How you can keep customers coming back
A business does not exist in the absence of customers. Implying that every company needs to have customers flocking around; new or existing. This is the exact reason why several brands keep thinking of new ways to expand their customer base.
Leadership qualities and how you can improve them
There’s always “that” leader everyone looks up to; people want to talk like them, act like them, sound like them, and above all, have the privileges they have. However, it is important to realise that with great opportunity comes great responsibility. Every leader has qualities in them that make them stand out from followers. Yet, many followers have the abilities to become a leader.
The benefits of advertising on Twitter
Up until recently, Twitter advertising has been a redundant marketing channel in place of the giants like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Five Marketing Ideas to Grow Your Business When Stuck in a Seasonal Rut
Does your business surge at specific times of the year, and lag in others? That’s typical for most professionals—there are certain times of the year when business is booming and other times when it is lacking. While it may be nice to have a break to catch up on those must-do administrative tasks, wouldn’t it be better to have steady business all year long? Of course, it would! So let’s take a look at some marketing ideas to grow your business and keep your clients engaged even during the off-season.
5 Key moves to help you become gainfully self-employed
I was tired of spending my days staring miserably at mind-numbing spreadsheets and desperately wishing for our systems to crash so I could go home early.
Profitability and cash flow trends for tradies
Cash flow is a critical component of small business success. This is especially true if you run a trade business. Your ability to purchase tools and supplies, pay staff, and keep your vehicles running relies on having cash in the bank.
Here are 10 signs that your business is ready for a chatbot.
In this blog post – we explore the top 10 signs that your business is ready for (and will benefit from) a Messenger chatbot!
Messenger marketing is a rather new concept when it comes to business and that’s really exciting, but it can also be a little bit intimidating or maybe a little bit scary. So, if you’re like most business owners, who are a bit intrigued by the idea of chatbots and Messenger marketing, but you’re just not sure if it will work for you, this is the video that you need to watch.
What Elephants, Rats, and Apex Predators Can Teach Us about Creating Durable Businesses
There is a tendency in nature for apex species to get larger and larger. But there is a counterbalance where nature has a tendency of making larger species extinct quickly. This is also true in business: the bigger the business, the more fragile it becomes.
You Don’t Have Weaknesses, Just Overdone Strengths
The theory of overdone strengths
3 Ecommerce Trends You Must Prepare for in 2019
The ecommerce explosion continues, but there's also an element of evolution. To take your ecommerce presence to the next level, take advantage of these emerging trends.
Facebook Chatbot Marketing - Yay or Nay?
Times have changed. While more users always have their heads bent, busy with their phones; it does not imply that users are busy checking their news feed on Facebook. Instant messaging is the order of the day. Almost every social media app has a corresponding messenger application/option. So does Facebook.
Video Ads On Facebook, Do They Work?
Video Ads are more than mere trends on Facebook and far more than a feature that is sure to come and go. If you’ve been active on Facebook, the tendency is to have seen video ads on the site for different brands/companies.
Tips on How to Run a Successful Business In 2019
2019 is here! It’s a new year; not just for individuals, but for businesses and corporations alike. This is what makes the beginning of the year a great time to work something new in your business; a time to set goals.
Your Website Needs a Spring Clean Too
Not everyone loves spring; however, the idea of a spring clean is well-embraced. It allows a house look new and clean. It also prevents the individual and entire family from suffering several diseases that come with having a dirty home.
If your home (which is only accessible to the few people you know) gets a spring clean so easily, your website (which is accessible to thousands of people) deserves a spring clean too
10 Remote Work Trends That Will Dominate 2019
Remote work is no longer a privilege. It’s become the standard operating mode for at least 50% of the U.S. population. Virtual retreats are no longer attributed solely to progressive startups. Traditional employers are finally on-board and ready to propose a flexible work arrangement higher up the pipeline.
Introducing bills to mobile
One of the great things about you as Xero users is how openly you reach out with feedback and requests for new features. We take the time to read and understand all feedback we receive. What really stood out to us this time (with around 200 requests coming through last year) was the overwhelming need for bills support in the Xero mobile app.
12 Easy Things Small Business Owners Can Do to Start the New Year Off Right
We’ve just rung in 2019. What can you do to get this new year off to a good start? Here are a dozen ideas. You may not need to implement all of them, so choose the ones that will help you the most—and get going!
4 Ways Social Listening Can Inform Your Marketing Strategy
Have you harnessed social listening?
As I peruse trends for 2019, I see a lot about listening on social. And I have to chuckle … how is this trendy or new?!
In any case, if part of your marketing strategy involves social media it should also involve social listening.
Here are four easy ways using listening on social media can inform your marketing strategy.
Game of Phones: 5 great apps for entrepreneurs
We check our phones about 85 times a day. Chances are, you’re reading this on one right now – or it won’t be long till you check it again. A staggering 70% of internet traffic now comes from mobile devices.
Understanding and Preventing Construction Injuries
Falls from height (FFH) are the leading causes of serious and fatal injuries for construction workers. Almost all of these injuries and fatalities were preventable. There are many different factors that increase the risk of FFH injuries. Getting a understanding of these issues is key to preventing FFH injuries. As a result of identifying the types of hazards and learning how to safely address these hazards on your current jobs will allow you to get lower rates on General Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation Insurance.
Increasing benefits of Cloud Computing
In this era where a lot of activities are digital, no individual or organization wants their information lost. People also want to have access to their information; especially at the point of their needs. Therefore, one thing of increasing importance is the issue of accessible data storage.
7 steps to brilliant job and staff scheduling
Effective job scheduling is one of the most important but least understood disciplines of business management.
Security is everyone's responsibility
For most of us the internet is an intrinsic part of our lives. We rely on it to get us where we are going, connect us to friends and family and answer all of our questions, no matter how banal. It has also quickly become an integral part of most businesses, enabling them to complete business transactions in mere minutes as well as connect to their customers and a global network.
Why you should take UX seriously
UX (User Experience) is at the heart of every good design. It’s the difference between your customers groaning in wretched frustration, or grinning with enjoyment; with them shaking a defeated fist at your site and hastily clicking away from it, or completing a satisfying purchase and wanting to return for more.
Christmas celebrations: avoiding Fringe Benefits Tax
It’s Christmas season again, a season to be jolly and a season of giving! Every employer is probably on a quest to appreciate employees for a job well done all year round, and also to provide incentives to help secure great performances from them in advance, for the coming year.
Five important business negotiation strategies
Business negotiation is a world of contradictions. You’ve got to be firm but flexible open and sharing, but a little cagey. There’s a lot to get your head around. But your state of mind might be the most important thing. Aim for a mutually beneficial outcome, and you’ll find the whole exercise more comfortable. Follow these five tips to prepare for your next negotiation.
How to make price quotes work for you
When a customer asks you for a quote, they're giving you a golden opportunity. With the right response, you can close the deal quickly and win new business. Here's how to make the most of price quotes.
Make a mobile office work for your business
Offices used to be essential for most businesses. But mobile technology and new working practices mean that many small businesses don't need any office space. Here's what you need to know about having a mobile office.
Why thinking negatively isn't always a bad thing
Contrary to what you've always been told, thinking negatively can very much be a good thing.
Influencer Marketing For Small Businesses And Startups
Some benefits of social media and content marketing are normally inaccessible for small businesses and startups because:
Make Small Business Accounting Fun
Owning a small business is exciting. You get to do what you love, day in, day out. But traditionally, small business accounting isn’t exciting. So how can we change this stereotype and make accounting fun and easy?
$20,000 instant asset write-off extended
The $20,000 instant asset write-off threshold has been extended to 30 June 2019. This means you can continue to claim the cost of new or second-hand assets that are less than the threshold of $20,000.
4 Email Personalization Tactics That Are Sure to Get Clicks
Email is a notoriously fickle channel. Something as simple as tweaking the subject line can be the difference between an 8 percent or an 80 percent open rate.
Are you being data smart with your smartphone?
A few weeks ago, the new shiny iPhone XS entered the market. For all the Apple lovers out there, this might mean being the first to wrap your hands around the irresistibly smooth all-glass design, or finally upgrading your old glitchy iPhone 6 to the new model.
If this is you, I’m guessing you’re focused on the opportunity to start afresh, buy a new case, clear all those apps cluttering your current device, and start playing with its new features. Right?
Construction accounting basics
Construction is unlike any other business. Building projects can last for months or even years – and you might be both an employer and a contractor. So how do you learn the basics of construction accounting?
GST and BAS tips for running a successful business
Successful businesses spend that little bit of extra time on record keeping and getting their tax right, including preparing and lodging business activity statements (BAS). Once set up and organised, you’ll save time in the long run.
How Customers Engage With Social Media Video: 8 Things You Need To Know
Want to peek into the mind of your ideal customer and find out how they engage with social media video? How they are interacting with brands via video? How are they purchasing?
Take a seat, because in this post we break down exactly how customers are watching social media video and more importantly, how they are purchasing from video.
And it’s all based on data and research, so you can start using this intel now, to get results in your business.
It's About Time
We equate being busy as being virtuous. When we’re maxed out, it feels safe. It must be productive. (Or is it?) It’s a badge of courage, honor or something …
Understanding Cloud Computing
Cloud computing got you perplexed? You’re not alone. Most of us talk about ‘the cloud’ without even realising what it really means. We’re clearing the air on cloud computing and how it can benefit your small business.
Accurate Inventory Forecasting, No Crystal Ball Needed
Anticipating future demand is a tough job, wrought with ways you might go wrong. Proper demand forecasting and inventory control can save a company from buying too much or too little of something, which of course avoids expensive overstock scenarios or stockouts.
Aussie businesses get over $3.5m to launch their innovative idea into global markets
Offers for grants worth over $3.5 million will support 7 businesses to help launch their innovative products, processes and services into domestic and international markets.
The funding has been provided from the Accelerating Commercialisation element of the Entrepreneurs’ Programme.
Crafting Your Mobile Strategy: How Retailers Can Go Mobile and Increase Sales
We no longer need studies to tell us: Smartphones are almost everywhere. Most of the customers coming through your doors have a mobile device with them. And these devices aren’t always shoved in pockets or bags — shoppers are using them while they’re in store too.
Creating a business without debtors
There’s literally hundreds of blog posts giving you the 7-10 steps to reduce debtors and improve cashflow. Yet the debtors problem still exists to some extent in the majority of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) globally.
Customer-centric banking innovation in Asia
Over 100 accounting/bookkeeping, marketplace and banking partners across Asia joined us in Brisbane this year to attend Xerocon, the most innovative conference for cloud leaders in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Debt Collection: The Whys & When
Too often businesses leave collecting debts at the bottom of the pile. Why? Often there is anxiety and worry around the process, or lack of trust in collection agencies. Sometimes lack of time and understanding of the process.
If You Don’t Got the Time, You Don’t Got the Money
Clichés. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them. (See what just happened there—it’s that bad).
The most widespread, just-waiting-to-pop-out-at-you, cliché is a very short one, measuring just three words—time is money.
Make your business's homepage stand out!
The homepage is the most important page of your business’s website. It is the virtual shop front to your business, providing your customers a first impression of what you have to offer. You only have seconds to grab your customer’s attention so it is key to make sure that they can find what they’re looking for quickly and easily.
Tips for managing seasonal workers
During the Christmas holiday season, businesses of many types employ seasonal or casual workers to meet extra demands. Often these workers are hard-working young people who have travelled from overseas, bringing with them their own language and culture. This international melting-pot makes for a fun and productive work environment, although it can also present challenges.
Tax deductions for small business owners
Tax time is fast approaching—it’s important to do your homework and know exactly what tax deductions you can claim.