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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Christmas tax write offs
The holidays are here again! If you are looking for the best way to reward your employees for the hard work put in over the year and also avoid excesses, then you are at the right place.
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.
What does the future look like for Accountants on the Cloud?
Ten years ago, the accounting industry looked very different but new technology is evolving. Cloud-based software is becoming more prevalent everywhere you look; accountants have had to adapt their mode of operation. These changes to the industry will create so many opportunities for accountants. Yet, there will also be notable challenges to face with this level of change.
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.
7 steps to brilliant job and staff scheduling
Effective job scheduling is one of the most important but least understood disciplines of business management.
The benefits of Cloud Computing
The cloud – what is it and why is it important? Like the name suggests, the idea of the cloud feels lofty and hard to grasp. Simply put, cloud computing is the practice of using a network hosted on the Internet, or “the cloud,” to store, manage, and process data. This means you won’t have to maintain or own any hosting equipment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Influencer Marketing For Small Businesses And Startups
Some benefits of social media and content marketing are normally inaccessible for small businesses and startups because:
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.
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 …
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
$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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Understanding the Cosmetic Industry’s Supply Chain
In the cosmetic industry, managing the supply chain efficiently and effectively is crucial for cosmetic companies to gain a competitive advantage.
How To Use Xero in 13 Easy Steps
13 may be unlucky for some but if you follow these 13 top tips on how to use Xero and make the most out of your account you won’t need luck.
How to Start a Private Label: A Chat with Sarah Ferrence of Mod. Merchant
Have you ever considered selling private label products? If so, keep reading. For this post, we caught up with Sarah Ferrence, the founder of Mod. Merchant, a firm that helps retailers and wholesalers adapt and grow their businesses in the new era of retail.
How to Refinance Your Business Debt
Many firms will decide to take on debt at some point, at different stages of growth and for several reasons.
How the Automotive Industry Manages Seasonal Pressures
Managing seasonal pressures in the automotive industry is an ongoing struggle for car dealers, repair shops and others in the auto business.
6 Father’s Day Promotion Ideas to Try in Your Retail Store
Father’s Day is just a few short weeks away, and while this holiday isn’t as huge as the day dedicated to moms, consumers still increase their spending quite a bit.
What’s the Buzz About Innovation?
As more businesses use online inventory management, manufacturing and procurement tools, businesses that stick to traditional ways of operating are likely to surrender their competitive advantage.
Tricks used in Scams
Scammers use clever tricks to reel you in and get you to reply to their email or not hang up the phone. Most scams seem like genuine offers but they are carefully designed to trick you into giving away your money or your personal details.
9 Reasons Your In-Store Retail Displays Aren’t Working — and What to Do Instead
One of the major differences between brick-and-mortar and ecommerce retail is the ability (or inability) to create a physical customer-product interaction.
12 Retail Checkout Counter Ideas to Try in Your Store
When was the last time you gave your retail checkout counter some love? (And no, we’re not just referring to cleaning up your countertop or moving some stuff around.)
The Reluctance to Automate Leaves UK’s Food Industry Stagnant
Competition is rife in every industry. In order to keep up with competitors you have to be innovative and quick.
Looking to your Competitors for Business Success
There are many factors that can contribute to business success or otherwise. When first starting out, business owners can be focused solely on serving customers that they forget to check out the competition.
How to Deal with your Excess Stock and Stay Green
In an ideal world, your business would never have excess or obsolete inventory. However, this can and often does happen when demand for certain products decreases and supply remains steady or increases.
How to Avoid Cash Flow Problems
Cash flow can be hard to get to grips with for any business; whether you’re growing, just starting out, or established. In fact, 82% of businesses become insolvent because of bad cash flow.
Get Your Staff Ready for Cloud-Based Software
Shifting data, systems and the inner workings of a business onto the cloud can be a big move. However, it’s hard to stay away from the cloud these days; the applications of cloud-based software are seemingly endless.
Putting Two and Two Together: Manufacturing Inventory Management and Quality Control
When it comes to quality control as a manufacturer, it’s important to remember the role inventory management has on your ability to moderate quality. In terms of running a business, your aim will be to make quality products that will sell, with as little waste as possible.
How to Train, Manage and Motivate Part-Time Retail Staff
There were almost 5 million retail sales jobs in the U.S. in 2016. Those workers, both full- and part-time, represent a sizeable chunk of the workforce, and they’re also a key component to every growing retail business. (post by Alexandra Sheehan)
How to Engage and Sell to Gen Z
While millennials are still a significant consumer segment for retailers, there is another shopper group that’s continuing to gain spending power.
Best and Worst Businesses for Cash Flow
No matter how inventive or simple your business model is, you can still have problems with cash flow. Here is a rundown of the best and worst businesses for cash flow.
7 Examples of Good Customer Service in Retail (and How to Apply Them to Your Stores)
While there are many things that can affect the in-store experience (e.g. products, prices, store environment, etc.) customer service is always going to be one of the top factors that impact how shoppers perceive your brand.
3 Key Trends That Will Drive Business Success in FY 2019
As some of us begin a new financial year, it’s time to reflect on trends from the year that’s been. The 2018 financial year continued the dramatic trend of change that small and medium sized businesses have been experiencing for the last few years.
The Retailer’s Guide to Cashier Training: Getting People up to Speed with Your POS
Perhaps the most important part of retail is the moment of the transaction — when money transfers from the customer to the cashier. (post by Cara Wood)
Local Store Marketing for Retailers: 6 Ideas to Boost Your Presence in the Neighborhood
Local store marketing is critical for many retailers, particularly those who have brick-and-mortar stores. Chances are, the bulk of your foot traffic comes from people in the neighborhood, so it’s vital that you get yourself in front of as many locals as possible.
Innovation Poses New Challenges and Opportunities in the Food and Beverage Industry
One critical factor for food and beverage industry growth is innovation. While the food and beverage players are experienced innovators, the industry itself is facing new consumer, food safety and regulatory challenges.
How to Prevent and Handle Internal Theft in Retail Stores
When thinking about threats to your retail store, shoplifting is probably number one, right? The idea of someone swiping hundreds of dollars of products into a giant bag and walking out with them is horrifying, isn’t it? (post by Cara Wood)
Why Do Businesses Fail to Grow?
No entrepreneur or business startup sets out to fail, yet in every industry, there are those companies that grow and dominate their markets, while others stagnate or ultimately fail.
How to Stay Productive When You Work Remotely
Working remotely or freelancing has its positives— working in your pyjamas being one of them— but when it comes to self-motivating and staying productive, it can be an uphill battle.
Avoiding Supply Chain Woes
Controlling a supply chain can be a very difficult exercise. Businesses can struggle to control what is going on in their supply chain and this can result in failure.
5 Essential Business Costs Not to Skimp On
If you are a startup owner or entrepreneur, it is no secret that you may be working within a tight budget. The ability to make pennies stretch is an important survival skill.
Women in Tech – It All Adds Up!
Recruiting more women into roles within the technology sector continues to be to a major challenge for employers. In the UK technology sector, only 15% of people working in STEM roles are female, and women hold only 5% of tech leadership positions.
What to Learn from Failure in a Business
There are many lessons to be learned through failure. Each time something does not work in a business, there are endless reasons and factors that could culminate to cause the failure.
We Asked Retailers About the Habits That Led to Their Success. Here’s What They Said.
Highly successful retail businesses don’t just happen overnight, nor does it (usually) occur because of one big, bold action.
Retail Metrics: 14 Essential KPIs for Tracking Your Business’ Performance
Numbers don’t lie, so if you find yourself at a loss with what’s happening in your business, one of first the things you should do is look at your retail metrics.
Managing Supply Chains Effectively During the Holiday Season
Gift giving is a major part of the holiday season. As a result, the holiday seasons is hectic, not only for the consumers, but also the retailers and manufacturers supplying the gifts.
How to recognize and prevent sexual harassment in your office
The Harvey Weinstein scandal is back in the news this week – and it’s a reminder that we should seriously think about how we recognize and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
How to Encourage Impulse Buys and Unplanned Purchases in Your Retail Store
Impulse purchases account for a significant chunk of the consumer spending pie. According to a study by Marketing Support, Inc. and Leo J. Shapiro and Associates, about one-third of all consumers make a sizeable impulse buy every week, with a median purchase of $30.
Expanding from 1 to 5 Stores: How This Retailer Used Communities to Fuel Their Growth
Picture this — you find yourself in an industry that is dominated by big chains at the top and crowded with online stores that keep popping up. How do you stay competitive?
Choosing Cloud Software? Look Out for These Trends
Software as a Service (SaaS) has paved the way for businesses and consumers to test early cloud services. With SaaS being both flexible and financially attractive, businesses continue to take advantage of the simplicity and high performance the cloud offers.
5 Ways to Reduce Debtor Days
Debtor days measures how quickly cash is being collected from debtors. The longer it takes for a business to collect, the greater the number of debtor days.
Technology + Humanity = The future of services
Running your own business is awesome, right? There are not many other lifestyles that afford the opportunity to enjoy the kind of life you’ve always dreamed of, on your own terms. Time, money, flexibility… the chance to have it all.
Streamlining your Small Business for Greater Efficiency
One of the complexities of managing a small to medium sized business is having the ability to optimise your organisation, enabling it to run more efficiently.
Ready, Set, Grow: A Guide to Funding Business Growth
Almost every small business struggles through ups and downs on their journey to funding business growth.
Learn how to create business values in just 5 simple steps
When it comes to creating a vibrant company, values are absolutely foundational – in fact, they’re one of the most visible aspects of any company culture.
Avoiding Stockouts: 5 Preventable Causes of Out-of-Stocks and What to Do About Them
Stockouts almost always make it to the “worst nightmare” lists of retailers, and for good reason. Not only do they lead to lost sales, but out-of-stocks also result in reduced customer satisfaction and lower loyalty levels.
What’s Brewing in the Future of Coffee?
The growth of the coffee industry has been truly unprecedented and experts have been prepared for the bubble to pop.
How To Prepare Your Business For The Next Recession
There has been a lot of chatter in the media recently that another economic downturn might be around the corner. As The Wow Company found in their recent “How recession-proof is your business” survey, a surprisingly high number of UK-based businesses are not prepared for the next recession.
Getting business strategy at the heart of your success in 2018
Strategy lies at the heart of most successful businesses. Businesses that plan and have clear objectives or goals, robust accountability and a shared sense of purpose should always outperform those that just show up and go through the motions.
Financial Mistakes To Avoid In Your First Business
After spending months thinking about it, you finally decided to quit your 9-5 job and start your very first business. You think that this will be a win-win situation for you because you get to do what you love and be your own boss.
8 Eco-Friendly Packaging Alternatives for Your Shipping Needs
If you’re shipping your goods out to your customers, it’s essential to ensure your freight costs are as low as possible. At the same time, we all know how important it is to reduce our impact on the environment.
Working From Home – Managing the Risks to Reap the Rewards
Working from home is becoming increasingly common as many employees look for flexibility and work-life balance.
Where Do Your Customers See Value?
Most small businesses are trying to grow their market share and revenue. This typically means thinking deeply about one of the major factors affecting inventory management: pricing strategy.
Social Media Lessons for Retailers
The 3 Best (and 3 Worst) Things You Can Do On Social Networks. Successfully managing your social media efforts takes more than just creating an account and posting a few updates every now and then.
3 Deadly Sins of Inventory Management
Sales numbers are not the only factor that influence a business’ bottom-line. Inventory management is just as important, and managers need to be wary of a few common inventory management mistakes to avoid.
Is Peer to Peer Lending the Best Funding Option for Your Business?
Over the last five years, peer to peer lending has become a popular alternative to traditional bank lending for individuals.
How to Get Media Coverage for Your Retail Business: A DIY Guide
There are several advantages to getting some good PR for your business. In addition to generating buzz, getting covered by the press can drive traffic and sales while boosting your credibility in the process.
Do You Need to Up Your B2B Marketing Game?
Business to Business (B2B) marketing practices are changing. Here we identify the latest trends and best practices of 2017.
6 tips to help you create compelling content for your website
Is your New Year's resolution to update your website? Use our tips to help you create engaging content! Is your New Year's resolution to update your business website?
4 Essential employee engagement trends for 2018
Creating a highly-engaged workforce and a thriving workplace continues to be a major focus for all HR managers. And the reason is simple.
3 Great Examples of Retailers Reinventing Their Stores to Reach Modern Consumers
If you’ve been keeping abreast with the latest trends then you’ve likely heard about the shifting shopping habits of consumers.
6 Factors You Need to Know When Considering a New Supplier
The best suppliers will provide the most suitable goods or services at the right prices and within the right time frames for your business needs. Below we give you six factors you need to know when considering a new supplier.
Virtual Currencies: Bitcoin and other Virtual Currencies
Many virtual currencies, such as Bitcoin have emerged over the last 10 years but just how safe are they? We explain how virtual currencies work and the risks you take buying, trading or investing in them.
