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Kristy-Lee Billett
The Australian Small Business Show has been created by small business owners, for small business owners. Your hosts Matt Heighway and Kristy-Lee Billett, who have both been running businesses for over 15 years, will bring our first hand experiences to offer insights, advice and inspiration to help you build a successful small business. Each week we’ll discuss one specific strategy, topic, resource or tip that’s relevant for every small business, and we’ll be inviting along some amazing guests and friends in business to share their expertise with you. Whether you're starting out, scaling up or a seasoned small business owner, this Australian Small Business Show is the show for you.
Total 25 episodes
1
What is a Financial Coach and How Can They Help with Lexi Smith from Moneyvine

What is a Financial Coach and How Can They Help with Lexi Smith from Moneyvine

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!In today’s episode we are joined by special guest Lexi Smith from Money Vine.After a decade as a financial adviser, Lexi hung up her heels to focus on helping other mums (and their partners) get on top of their finances, rather than simply making the wealthy, wealthier. She works with individual and business owners to better manage their money to achieve their goals.In this episode, we talk to Lexi about what exactly a financial coach is, and how they can help you, and importantly what the difference is between a financial coach, a financial advisor and a financial counsellor to help you determine which is the right support for you and your business.If you’d like to connect with Lexi her website is here: https://moneyvine.com.au/Her Instagram handle is @moneyvine.au and you can find her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexi-smith-moneyvine/Connect with Us:If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances
13:2123/11/2024
What Are Google Reviews and Why Collect Them

What Are Google Reviews and Why Collect Them

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!In today’s episode we arerevisiting something we touched on in Episode 21 – Google Reviews.In that episode we were looking at 5 low cost ways to attract new customers, and we touched on the value of Google Reviews.Today we’re diving deeper into what they are, and why they are good to do.Specifically we look at:-How Google Reviews help your SEO;-Why other customers want to read them;-How you can improve business when reviews aren’t 5 stars;-How they are effective in generating new business.Connect with Us:If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances
11:0516/11/2024
Preparing for Your Christmas Close Down

Preparing for Your Christmas Close Down

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!In today’s episode we are discussing the fast-approaching Christmas period, when many businesses will close down.There are many things you need to do to prepare your business for this period, including when it comes to your team.Many business owners are unaware that the Modern Awards recently changed – impacting the rules around forced leave and leave without pay over the Christmas period.In this episode we discuss these new rules, and what business owners can and can’t do, the things you need to do to prepare your team for the close down period, and some other considerations to prepare your business for the Christmas close down period.Connect with Us:If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow Or follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.
11:5509/11/2024
5 Low Cost Ways to Get More Customers

5 Low Cost Ways to Get More Customers

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!In today’s episode we are discussing 5 low cost ways to acquire new customers.Let’s face it, none of us love having to throw buckets of money on paid ads of any sort, and sometimes we simply don’t have the budget. Whether you’re actively paying for advertising or marketing, or tightening the purse strings, these strategies are all effective.The strategies we discuss today are: Asking for and seeking referrals;Getting and using reviews and testimonials; Using social media organically and authentically; Loyalty systems; Partnerships and networks.Connect with Us:If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow Or follow us on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/ * Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.
21:3904/11/2024
Doing Business Your Way with Cat Matson

Doing Business Your Way with Cat Matson

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!In today’s episode we are joined by returning guest Cat Matson  from Impactful Presenters.Cat first joined us back in Episode 4 of the podcast, where she shared her strategy for the small business owners elevator pitch. Today we are chatting about a slightly different topic.Today we are talking about doing business your way – and not blindly following every expert who claims to have every answer to all of our business problems.As we discuss, between the 3 of us we have over 100 years of experience in small business, so we’ve seen a thing or two. We’ve seen some great strategies that work well, and we’ve tried things that definitely didn’t.We’ve also seen change, a whole lot of it. So we discuss whose advise to follow and when, how the roles of mentors and coaches has changed, and continues to change, and how important (and possible) it is to do business your way, and on your terms.Connect with Cat Matson: If you've enjoyed todays episode, be sure to connect with Cat and let her know. Cat's website: https://www.impactfulpresenters.com/ Connect with Cat on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catmatson/Or take a listen to the Speaking with Confidence Podcast, wherever you love listening in.Connect with Us: If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.
22:5126/10/2024
How We Are Seeing AI Effectively Used in Businesses

How We Are Seeing AI Effectively Used in Businesses

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!In this episode we are following on from our discussion with Sanki Tennakoon from Stellar Frequency last week when we spoke about using AI for our content and copywriting.Today we thought we’d explore the different ways we are seeing AI technology used in the businesses we work with, and also how we are using it in our businesses.We discuss the rapid pace of change and improvements in AI technologies, and how all of the programs we use in our online businesses are integrating some form of AI.Specifically we discuss the use of:CanvaWixKajabSearchieLoomTangoScribeChat GPTMurphyAdobeZoom / Teams+ moreIf you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials.You can give our Facebook Page a like here:https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.
14:3619/10/2024
Using AI to Create Content and Copy for Your Business with Sanki from Stellar Frequency

Using AI to Create Content and Copy for Your Business with Sanki from Stellar Frequency

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!In this week's episode we are excited to welcome back special guest Sanki Tennakoon from Stellar Frequency. Sanki is a genre spanning content writer, copywriter and consultant who has over a decade of experience in marketing and communications.We last spoke to Sanki back in Episode 7 when we asked the question: ‘what is a copywriter’ and really, how can they help our businesses?’Today we’re talking AI – and how, when, and if you should use it to create copy and content for your small business.If you’d like to reach out to Sanki you can visit her website here: https://stellarfrequency.com/ or connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanki-tennakoon-stellar-frequency-copywriting-consulting-marketing/If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials.You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.
19:1012/10/2024
Finding the Right Accountant for Your Business

Finding the Right Accountant for Your Business

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!Today we’re staying on the accounting theme, and unpacking how to select the right accountant for your business.For many of us, Kristy-Lee included, this has been a pain point in the past.Matt unpacks for us the various qualifications, certifications and licences your accountant should have, and how you can check if they actually have the qualifications they say they do.We also speak about the difference between the qualifications of an accountant and financial advisor, and whether the same person needs to be both for your business.Importantly, depending on your needs, we discuss whether you need a specialist accountant, or a series of specialist accountants to handle your requirements, or is in fact a one stop shop the best option for you.Finally, but most importantly we talk about the need to find an accountant that works with you, communicates with you the way you like and who you feel comfortable working with.If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials.You can give our Facebook Page a like here:https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.
22:3105/10/2024
6 Key Questions to Ask Your Accountant

6 Key Questions to Ask Your Accountant

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!In this weeks episode we are focusing back on the numbers side of business. For many of you this is the time of year that you may be working with your accountant to get your year-end finalised and tax returns lodged. And you may thing that your accountant will proactively filling you in on all the things you need to know and do, in order to improve things for next year. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.Today Matt is sharing 6 key questions he thinks every business owner should be asking their accountant right now.These questions centre around:Looking at business structures and assessing whether it’s time for a change;Asking about cashflow improvementsAre there ways to pay less tax(legally)?What about changes to legislation, does any of that impact you?Is it time for professional financial advice;And of course how is your business performing?Being proactive with asking your accountant questions like these helps ensure you are maximising that relationship and making appropriate changes, updates and improvements to support your business moving forward.If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials.You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us onInstagram here:https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances
16:5028/09/2024
Changes to Casual Employment

Changes to Casual Employment

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!Today is the final instalment in our 3 part series we are bringing you on the recent Closing the Loopholes Act which delivered a raft of changes to the Fair Work Act and our Industrial Relations laws.Today we are talking about the changes to the definition of Casual Employment.We start by discussing what these key changes are including:The new definition of a casual employee;The fact that the contract is no longer king;The need to consider the totality of the employment relationship;The obligation of employers to get the engagement right from the outset;The new casual conversion pathway;Updates to the provision of a new Casual Employment Information Statement.We then take a look at the risks, and incredible fines, that employers may face if they get this wrong.Finally, we discuss how these changes impact your current casual team members.If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials.You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.
13:3721/09/2024
The New Right to Disconnect Laws

The New Right to Disconnect Laws

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!Today is Part 2 of a 3 part series we are bringing you on the recent Closing the Loopholes Act which delivered a raft of changes to the Fair Work Act and our Industrial Relations laws.Today we are talking about the introduction of the Right to Disconnect Laws. We start by discussing what a right to disconnect is, and what this all means.Then we look at what we know so far in terms of the specific legislation and when it commences operation.Following this, we take a look more practically about what this means for you and your business.If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials.You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances
12:0714/09/2024
The Employee v's Contractor Question

The Employee v's Contractor Question

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show! Today is Part 1 of a 3 part series we are bringing you on the recent Closing the Loopholes Act which delivered a raft of changes to the Fair Work Act and our Industrial Relations laws.Today we are tackling the question: is the worker an employee or contractor. This is a topic that has been an ongoing debate, and lots of employers have been hiding behind non-existent loopholes, or assuming they can make their own rules when it comes to this issue. The truth is that isn’t going to fly anymore, and now is the time to revisit any contractor arrangements you have and make changes.In this episode, we start by looking at the definition of an employment relationship, and particularly what defines a relationship between and employer and employee versus that of a client and supplier or contractor.We discuss the various factors to consider when engaging a new worker in order to determine whether they are an employee or a contractor, the importance of getting it right from the outset and where to get advice from about this complex issue.If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials.You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/* Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances
12:3207/09/2024
We’re Back! And Our Top Tips for Managing Business When Navigating Other Challenges in Life.

We’re Back! And Our Top Tips for Managing Business When Navigating Other Challenges in Life.

Welcome to this weeks’ episode of The Australian Small Business Show!We’re back! Yes, you may have noticed we’ve been MIA. But we’re back, and we wanted to share a little about where we have been, why the radio silence and what’s coming up on the show.Whilst we didn’t want to bore you with all the details of why we needed to take a break, we did want to share some tips we have, and some of the strategies we’ve needed to implement to keep our businesses afloat during this period of time.The reality is that whilst we would like to keep business and personal live separate, when there is a disruption in our personal lives it will impact our businesses – in one way or another. But there are some strategies you can rely on to minimise any potential negative impact, and what’s what we’re talking about today.If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here:https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/
15:1231/08/2024
Your Non Financial EOFY To Do List

Your Non Financial EOFY To Do List

Welcome to this week's episode of The Australian Small Business Show!Today Matt and Kristy-Lee are sharing their key end of financial year activities–that are not strictly finance based (although numbers do get a mention).Quite often in business the plans we set at the beginning of any calendar year, well they simply don’t go to plan. Things change, priorities are re-arranged, clients come and go and we try things that simply don’t work. The end of financial year marks a great time to take stock, check in and reset for the second half of the calendar year.If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials.You can give our Facebook Page a like here:https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/
17:3022/06/2024
Minimum Wage Increase - What Small Businesses Need to Know

Minimum Wage Increase - What Small Businesses Need to Know

Welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show!Today Matt and Kristy-Lee are talking about a recent decision by the Fair Work Commission which impacts the National Minimum Wage, and the Modern Award minimum rates.There is no doubt that we are in an unprecedented time when it comes to HR and Industrial Relations Law changes in Australia, and this recent increase is just one of the many changes business owners have an obligation to know about, and implement in their business.As discussed today, if HR compliance is causing you headaches, Kristy-Lee is hosting a free webinar on the 25th June at 1pm to help you out. You can secure your free seat here:https://www.peoplepoweredbusiness.com.au/complianceIf you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/
10:3716/06/2024
A Rebrand Case Study

A Rebrand Case Study

Welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show!Today Matt and Kristy-Lee are taking a look at Kristy-Lee’s recent business rebrand and sharing their experiences and learnings from the process.We discuss why she made the decision to rebrand, the process she undertook and some of the challenges they have faced along the way.If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials.You can give our Facebook Page a like here:https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/
13:4925/05/2024
5 Tips for Creating Content for Your Small Business

5 Tips for Creating Content for Your Small Business

Welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show!Today Matt and Kristy-Lee are sharing 5 quick tips for creating content in your small business.This episodes follows on from last weeks episode where we were joined by special guest Sanki Tennakoon from Stellar Frequency. Sanki shared the difference between copywriting and content writing last week, and today we wanted to explore some of the tips we use to create content effectively, when you’re not quite ready to engage a copywriter yet.Specifically we discuss:1) The importance of knowing your customer, where to find them and the language they use;2) Why your brand voice and values are important in your copy and content;3) The critical need to be consistent in the content you create and put out there;4) Why using AI tools effectively can be your best friend; and 5) How re purposing your content can be a time saving game changer.If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here:https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/
14:4404/05/2024
What is a Copywriter and How Can They Help Your Small Business

What is a Copywriter and How Can They Help Your Small Business

Welcome to this week's episode of The Australian Small Business Show!Today Matt and Kristy-Lee are joined by special guest Sanki Tennakoon from Stellar Frequency. Sanki is a genre spanning content writer, copywriter and consultant who has over a decade of experience in marketing and communications. Today we get straight into the questions many of us ask–‘what is a copywriter ’and really, how can they help our businesses?Right out of the gate Sanki shares a really important distinction between ‘content writing’ and copywriting, and we delve into the distinction between these two things and why both are incredibly valuable and important.If you’d like to reach out to Sanki you can visit her website here: https://stellarfrequency.com/or connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanki-tennakoon-stellar-frequency-copywriting-consulting-marketing/If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials.You can give our Facebook Page a like here:https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/
19:4827/04/2024
7 Tips to Creating Healthy Cash Flow in Your Business

7 Tips to Creating Healthy Cash Flow in Your Business

Welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show!Today Matt is sharing with us 7 tips to creating healthy cash flow in your business.In a previous episode we shared the 5 numbers we think every business owner should be keeping an eye on in their business, and we had such great feedback on that episode that we decided to do a deeper dive into one of those numbers- cash flow!The 7 tips Matt unpacks today are:1. Do a Budget;2. Regularly review actual v budgeted;3. Overestimate expenses;4. Know your sales cycle;5. Debtors are bad;6. Personal V business expenses;7. Don’t use GST and PAYGW to fund your business.So how do you ensure healthy cash flow in your business? We’d love to hear from you. Let us know on our socials. Head over and comment or send us a direct message on our Facebook or Instagram If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here:https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/
18:1120/04/2024
Networking - Love it or Hate it

Networking - Love it or Hate it

Welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show!Today we’re discussing Kristy-Lee’s least favourite subject ever – networking!!Whether you love it or hate it, networking is an important part of running and promoting a successful small business.Kristy-Lee and Matt discuss the changing formats of networking, the difference between ‘networking’ and having a great network, and what you can gain from surrounding yourself with the right network of people in your business.So what’s your experience with networking and being a part of business networks? We’d love to know. Let us know on our socials. Head over and comment or send us a direct message on our Facebook or Instagram If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here:https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshow Or follow us on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/
12:3613/04/2024
The Small Business Owners Elevator Pitch with Cat Matson from Impactful Presenters

The Small Business Owners Elevator Pitch with Cat Matson from Impactful Presenters

How Do You Introduce Yourself at an Event?As small business owners we are often put in situations where we are asked what we do - hello networking events! And for many of us that results in sweaty palms, staggering over our words, rambling or having a completely blank look on our faces.How do you succinctly tell someone what you do, why you do it and who you serve in a way that has them interested and asking further questions? That's where Cat Matson from Impactful Presenters comes in.Cat Matson - Impactful PresentersIn todays episode we are joined by Cat Matson from Impactful Presenters who is a wizard at helping small business owners to stop rambling, and speak clearly, succinctly and with the impact they desire. Whether it's introducing yourself at a networking function, leading a powerful team meeting or presenting to a large audience - speaking with impact is one of the most powerful skills you can learn as a business owner.The Small Business Owners Elevator PitchCat generously shares with us today her 3 part framework, know as the 'earn the right' which you can use as your go-to elevator pitch in any situation. It's a simple but powerful framework that removes the overwhelm and loss for words we all too often find ourselves dealing with.Connect with Cat Matson:If you've enjoyed todays episode, be sure to connect with Cat and let her know.Cat's website: https://www.impactfulpresenters.com/Connect with Cat on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catmatson/Or take a listen to the Speaking with Confidence Podcast, wherever you love listening in.Connect with Us:If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/DisclaimerThe information in these show notes is purely factual in nature and, therefore, does not constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, Tax or financial product advice. None of the information provided considers your personal objectives, financial situation or needs, and you will need to make your own decision about how to proceed. Alternatively, you should consider seeking advice from a Tax Agent, Lawyer, or licenced Financial Adviser
20:1006/04/2024
The Numbers Don't Lie - The 5 Numbers Every Business Owner Should be Looking At

The Numbers Don't Lie - The 5 Numbers Every Business Owner Should be Looking At

The Numbers Don't Lie - The 5 Numbers Every Business Owner Should be Looking AtBusiness success often hinges on the careful monitoring and management of several key metrics. These metrics serve as vital signs for a company, indicating its overall health and guiding strategic decisions. For business owners, understanding and optimizing these five critical areas—Cash Flow, Profit Margins, Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), Customer Lifetime Value (CLV), and Employee Satisfaction and Turnover Rates—is essential. Let's delve into each of these metrics to understand their definitions, importance, and impact on business success.Cash Flow: The Lifeblood of Your BusinessDefinition: Cash flow represents the net amount of cash and cash-equivalents moving into and out of a business. It's a straightforward measure, yet it holds immense importance.Importance: Positive cash flow is indicative of a company's robust liquidity, efficiency, and overall financial health. It means the business has more money coming in than going out, allowing it to cover expenses, repay debts, and invest in growth opportunities. Maintaining a healthy cash flow requires diligent management of incoming revenues and outgoing expenses, making it a critical skill for business owners.Profit Margins: Measuring Efficiency and ProfitabilityDefinition: Profit margins, including gross, operating, and net margins, gauge the percentage of revenue remaining after accounting for the costs of producing and selling goods or services. Importance: These metrics are invaluable for assessing how effectively a business is managing its operational costs relative to its revenue. They provide insights into various aspects of business efficiency, from production to management, directly influencing profitability. A focus on optimizing profit margins can lead to more strategic pricing, cost management, and operational adjustments.Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): The Price of GrowthDefinition: CAC calculates the total expense involved in acquiring a new customer, encompassing all marketing and sales efforts. Importance: Sustainable CAC levels are vital for continuous business growth without eroding profits. This metric helps in evaluating the effectiveness of marketing strategies and optimizing marketing expenditures. Lowering the CAC, or achieving a better balance between acquisition costs and customer value, can significantly enhance a company's profitability and growth potential.Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): Forecasting Long-Term SuccessDefinition: CLV predicts the total value a business will derive from their entire relationship with a customer.Importance: Understanding CLV allows businesses to make informed decisions about how much to invest in customer acquisition and retention. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing long-term customer relationships, encouraging strategies that enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and value. By focusing on maximizing CLV, businesses can ensure a more sustainable and profitable operation.Employee Satisfaction and Turnover Rates: The Human Element of Business SuccessDefinition: Employee satisfaction reflects how content and engaged employees are with their work and environment, while turnover rates measure how frequently employees leave the company.<p...
15:3030/03/2024
What's the Difference Between a Coach and a Mentor in Business?

What's the Difference Between a Coach and a Mentor in Business?

What's the Difference Between a Coach and Mentor in Business?In the journey of entrepreneurship, having guidance and support is invaluable. Both coaches and mentors can provide this, but they serve different roles within the context of personal and professional development. Understanding the distinctions between these two can empower business owners to choose the right type of support for their specific needs.What is a Coach?A coach is a professional who focuses on helping you reach specific goals or improve particular skills. In a business context, coaches are often hired to address specific issues or to enhance certain competencies within a set timeframe. They use structured methodologies and techniques to achieve results, such as setting goals, creating action plans, and accountability measures.What Do Coaches Do?Goal Setting: Help clients define clear, achievable goals.Skill Enhancement: Focus on developing specific skills for personal or professional advancement.Performance Tracking: Monitor progress and adjust strategies as necessary to ensure continuous improvement.What is a Mentor?A mentor, on the other hand, is typically someone who has walked the path before. They offer their knowledge, insights, and wisdom to guide mentees through their journey. Mentoring relationships are more informal and long-term than coaching and are often not paid engagements. Mentors share their personal experiences, providing advice, support, and encouragement to help mentees navigate their career or business challenges.What Do Mentors Do?Sharing Experience: Offer insights and advice based on personal experiences.Providing Guidance: Help mentees explore options and make informed decisions.Emotional Support: Offer encouragement and moral support through challenges.Choosing Between a Coach and a MentorIdentifying Your Needs: The choice between a coach and a mentor largely depends on your current needs and objectives. If you're seeking to improve specific skills, address a particular challenge, or achieve a goal within a short timeframe, a coach might be what you need. Coaching is action-oriented, focusing on achieving tangible outcomes. Conversely, if you're looking for someone to guide you through the complexities of your business over a more extended period, a mentor could be more beneficial. Mentoring is about personal growth and holistic development, with the mentor providing insights drawn from their experiences.In navigating the complex waters of business, having a coach or mentor can be like having a lighthouse guiding you through the fog. By understanding the distinct roles each can play, you can make an informed decision about what type of guidance will best support your journey. Whether choosing a coach for their structured approach to achieving specific goals or a mentor for their wisdom and long-term guidance, the right choice can propel you and your business towards success. Remember, the journey of growth is continuous, and at different stages, the support of both a coach and a mentor could be invaluable.If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love toconnect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here: https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/DisclaimerThe information in these show notes is purely factual in nature and, therefore, does not constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, Tax or financial product advice. None of the information provided considers your personal objectives, financial situation or needs, and you will need to make your own decision about how to proceed. Alternatively, you should consider...
12:5030/03/2024
Choosing the Right Business Structure

Choosing the Right Business Structure

Choosing the Right Business StructureWhen starting a business in Australia, one of the most critical decisions you'll make is selecting the appropriate business structure.This choice impacts your tax obligations, legal liability, and potential for growth, making it crucial to understand the available options. Each structure has its distinct advantages and drawbacks, tailored to different business needs and goals. We will explore the four main types of business structures in Australia—Sole Trader, Partnership, Company, and Trust—highlighting the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.Sole TraderA Sole Trader is the simplest form of business structure in Australia, where one individual owns and runs the business. It's the most straightforward to set up and requires minimal regulatory compliance, making it an attractive option for small business owners or freelancers.PartnershipA Partnership involves two or more individuals (up to 20) running a business together. Partnerships in Australia are relatively easy to establish and are governed by agreements outlining each partner's contributions and share of profits (or losses).CompanyA Company is a legal entity separate from its owners (shareholders) and directors. This structure is more complex and regulated than sole traders or partnerships, suitable for businesses seeking growth and scalability.TrustA Trust is an entity where a trustee operates a business on behalf of beneficiaries. This structure is complex but offers flexibility in income distribution and tax planning.Choosing the right business structure in Australia depends on your business needs, goals, and personal circumstances. While sole traders and partnerships offer simplicity and direct control, they come with unlimited liability and potential for personal financial risk. Companies and trusts, though more complex and costly, provide benefits like limited liability, tax advantages, and opportunities for growth. Consider consulting with legal and financial advisors to select the structure that best aligns with your business strategy and long-term objectives.If you're an Australian Small Business Owner, we'd love to connect with you on socials. You can give our Facebook Page a like here:https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowOr follow us on Instagram here:https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/Disclaimer:The information in these show notes is purely factual in nature and, therefore, does not constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, Tax or financial product advice. None of the information provided considers your personal objectives, financial situation or needs, and you will need to make your own decision about how to proceed. Alternatively, you should consider seeking advice from a Tax Agent, Lawyer, or licenced Financial Adviser.
12:5930/03/2024
Welcome to The Australian Small Business Show

Welcome to The Australian Small Business Show

Hello and welcome to The Australian Small Business Show!Join us, your hosts, small business owners just like you, as we bring our first hand experiences to offer insights, advice and inspiration to help you build a successful small business.Each week we’ll discuss one specific strategy, topic, resource or tip that’s relevant for every small business, and we’ll be inviting along some amazing guests and friends in business to share their expertise with you.Whether you're starting out, scaling up or a seasoned small business owner, The Australian Small Business Show is for you. In this episode hosts Matt Heighway and Kristy-Lee Billett share with you why they have started this podcast, a bit about their background and what you can expect here on The Australian Small Business Show.Don't forget to hit 'subscribe' wherever you love listening to podcasts to get new episodes delivered to your podcast feed every Sunday morning.Also, connect with us on socials over on Facebook by liking our page:https://www.facebook.com/theaustraliansmallbusinessshowAnd on Instagram by following the show here:https://www.instagram.com/aussmallbizshow/
06:5727/03/2024