Business Articles
Great business articles from starting a business to selling one - enjoy!
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Selling a business - when, how and to whom
Selling a business - when, how and to whom
Selling your business It could be one of the biggest decisions you make – to sell your business. The good thing is, once you’ve made the decision, you’ll still have plenty of time to get used to it becaus... [more +]
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The power of a great testimonial
The power of a great testimonial
No one wants to hear someone harp on about how great their own product or service is – it’s perceived as being either boastful or disingenuous. However, if a genuine customer recommends a business, that’s ... [more +]
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Searching for the right business to buy
Searching for the right business to buy
So you want to be your own boss but you’re not sure where to start. Perhaps you have an idea or are still looking, waiting for that ideal business opportunity to present itself. Finding the right business to buy is ea... [more +]
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Lodges and Hotels for Sale
Lodges and Hotels for Sale
...and buying one! Hotels for Sale - owning a hotel is a popular way to buy a business in the hospitality industry. The industry attracts hundreds of buyers every year from the semi-retired to motivated young hospitali... [more +]
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Buying an existing business
Buying an existing business
This is always easier and safer than starting one from scratch. Statistically a large number of start-up businesses will fail, with those surviving often being sold to have their new owners make the real gains. So let the ... [more +]
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Six steps to a better business budget
Six steps to a better business budget
How to have a better business budget For first-time business owners and even old hands, managing cash flow is one of the most challenging aspects of running a business. But cash flow is really just a by-product of budgeti... [more +]
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Using trust to help you compete in business
Using trust to help you compete in business
Trust – it’s how small business can compete with big business, and win Let’s face it – it’s not an even playing field. Big businesses compete with small businesses every day in the same market for the... [more +]
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Tips for small business owners going it alone
Tips for small business owners going it alone
Flying solo? Here are some great tips to help small business owners go it alone A staggering 69 percent of all New Zealand businesses have zero employees. That’s 338,745 business owners going it alone – and worki... [more +]
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Selling a business and getting a good price
Selling a business and getting a good price
At some stage you will decide on selling your business and want your best price. There are a number of factors that will influence your business's value. When a business is being appraised by a perspective buyer he/she will... [more +]
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How to avoid small business burnout
How to avoid small business burnout
Do you think of your business as your baby? Does it occupy all your thoughts? Do you lose sleep over it? Do you find it hard to get away? If you are worried and run down, your business will suffer. We all need time away ... [more +]
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5 mistakes to avoid when buying a business
5 mistakes to avoid when buying a business
Buying a business is a life changing decision and one you want to enter with your eyes wide open. Your life will change when it's your name above the door - so here are a few tips to make sure those changes are positive.... [more +]
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How to sell a business
How to sell a business
Once you have decided to sell a business, then plan it well. If one of your objectives is to get the best price, you need to consider who the likely buyer may be, then have strategies to target this group. By managing the... [more +]
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The 9 steps to selling a business
The 9 steps to selling a business
Global pandemics, geopolitical unrest and economic fallout have disrupted many businesses. Along with this, business sales have also been disrupted. Many business owners who had intentions of selling are having second ... [more +]
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Do you know what business you are in?
Do you know what business you are in?
Remember Kodak? At its peak, Kodak captured 90 percent of the US film market and was one of the world’s most valuable brands. So what happened? It wasn’t because it failed to keep up with the digital age; Kodak ... [more +]
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Starting a business and your start-up success
Starting a business and your start-up success
Starting a business can be a great idea, especially if you have a viable idea you are passionate about and cannot find a suitable existing business to buy and re-direct. However there are risks, as failure rates show. There ... [more +]
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How to buy a business?
How to buy a business?
It’s not every day you buy a business. Acquiring a business is a big decision that can be hugely rewarding - a decision that only a small number of people will make more than once or twice in their lifetime. Here are... [more +]
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10 things to know before you buy a business
10 things to know before you buy a business
Before you take the plunge and buy a business it pays to get your thinking right, because the quality of your choices will play a large part in determining your success... download/print version here 10 questi... [more +]
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Be your own boss
Be your own boss
How to be your own boss A great boss is hard to find. A great boss sets clear expectations, provides feedback, recognises a job well done and supports their staff to be the best they can be. A great boss is a mentor, c... [more +]
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Better small business success
Better small business success
How to increase your chances of success When looking at a small businesses for sale NZ, there are some fundamental things that will increase your chances of success. It pays to do your homework as over half of all s... [more +]
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10 ways to keep your business relevant
10 ways to keep your business relevant
Deliver what your customer needs To survive, every business needs to change and adapt to the current environment, meet the changing needs of their customers and take a more future-focused view of innovation. If you want t... [more +]
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Starting a new business
Starting a new business
As advisers to growing businesses we are often asked whether it is better to set up a business from scratch or buy an existing business. If you are considering setting up and starting a new business you must consider a numbe... [more +]
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Why own a home-based business
Why own a home-based business
Maybe it's just a side hustle, or something much larger? Many a successful business has started in the home or garage and has succeeded - and some big-time. Jeff Bezos who created Amazon initially sold books out of his gar... [more +]
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Why buying a business can be a great investment
Why buying a business can be a great investment
"There are some great reasons why you should look at investing your money in a business rather than property." There is the potential to make a much higher return on your money and to spread your financial risk. You also g... [more +]
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Why use a business broker to market your business for sale
Why use a business broker to market your business for sale
You have made the decision to sell your business - now how do you go about it? Generally, using a business broker is a good idea - especially if you have limited time to work with potential buyers, are not easily contactab... [more +]
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12 questions to ask a business broker
12 questions to ask a business broker
You have made the decision to sell your business. Generally, using a business broker is a good idea - especially if you have limited time to work with potential buyers, are not easily contactable or lack the necessary knowle... [more +]
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Get more when listing your business for sale
Get more when listing your business for sale
There is likely to be a wave of business owners wishing to sell in the coming years. Unfortunately a number of these businesses won't be attractive enough to sell, resulting in some just closing the doors. Less people, with ... [more +]
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How to create great ad images for better business sales results
How to create great ad images for better business sales results
Pictures tell stories ... and get more than twice the interest. Business Buyers like and react better to images - that's why image rich ads work so well, especially with photos that have some emotional pull. Use interesting ... [more +]
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Why have a business exit strategy?
Why have a business exit strategy?
As is often the case when entering into a business, the complete focus is on setting up, operating and growing the business. What is easy to overlook is the all-important business exit strategy. An exit strategy is an essen... [more +]
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To sell your NZ business - advertise to target your business buyer
To sell your NZ business - advertise to target your business buyer
Would you advertise your NZ house on sale in the TV Guide or your car in the Realtor? Not many people would, and the very same principle applies when it comes to sell your NZ business. Advertising a NZ business for sale on a... [more +]
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5 questions to ask before you sell your business
5 questions to ask before you sell your business
Selling a business requires just as much thought as buying a business. Is selling the right decision? When is the right time? Will anyone buy it? There’s a lot to consider and none of it should be considered lightly. H... [more +]
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The difference between business profit and value
The difference between business profit and value
A successful business is one that is making a profit, paying the bills, and letting you live the life you desire, right? Wrong. A healthy profit does not equal a valuable business. While you might have a healthy cashbook... [more +]
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Valuing a business for sale in New Zealand
Valuing a business for sale in New Zealand
What's your Business Worth? When you are planning to buy or sell a business how can you work out how much it is worth? There are many different ways of valuing a business for sale in New Zealand. Many of these methods hav... [more +]
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Marketing a business for sale
Marketing a business for sale
If one of your objectives is to get your best price, then you need to consider who your likely buyer may be and have marketing strategies to target this group. There are many reasons people choose to buy a business. When sel... [more +]
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Your options when selling a business
Your options when selling a business
There are a variety of options when selling a business. After all, you want the best possible return and outcome for your business to hopefully maximise the investment you have made over the years. If you are planning on s... [more +]
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What do business buyers want?
What do business buyers want?
If you are thinking of selling your business then it makes sense to present it in a way that will make it be more attractive to potential buyers, consider what business buyers want thereby maximising it's value. If time is a... [more +]
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Selling a business post lockdown
Selling a business post lockdown
You may be looking to sell your business. Perhaps it is time to retire or there is your health to consider. Or perhaps you are over-it and have found something that interests you more. The impact of COVID-19 has bee... [more +]
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How to prepare your business for sale
How to prepare your business for sale
When preparing your business for sale it's important to plan it well and consider who your potential buyer will be. There are a number of factors that will influence your business's value and how quickly it sells. No matter... [more +]
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Why a business succession plan is important
Why a business succession plan is important
Everyone leaves their business one day. And the earlier you start thinking about your exit, and planning for this, the more successful this move will be. There are more than 500,000 businesses in New Zealand and a large num... [more +]
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The importance of great business processes
The importance of great business processes
Great processes are key to a successful business. To draw on a golfing analogy, it doesn’t matter if the weather is on your side and you’ve got the perfect club, if your swing isn’t right, you can kiss that ... [more +]
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Don’t tell anyone, but I’m selling my business
Don’t tell anyone, but I’m selling my business
“Iconic Cafe now in liquidation” …another business has slipped off the rocks. Another article reporting on the owners struggle and how no one wanted to buy it. “There are two main issues here; one t... [more +]
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How to list a business for sale and sell
How to list a business for sale and sell
It's not always possible, but it's a good idea to start thinking about the day you list your Business for Sale long before the day arrives. Being Business Sale Ready well before you go to market will ensure you are in your ... [more +]
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The business sales process
The business sales process
Selling a business takes time, energy and know-how. Thousands of businesses change hands every year with varying levels of success. To get the sale you want and your best result, it pays to understand the business sales proc... [more +]
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Who will buy your business?
Who will buy your business?
There are many reasons people buy a business. When considering selling your business it pays to spend some time identifying who is likely to buy your business - put yourself in their shoes and find out exactly what they will... [more +]
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Finding the right franchise for sale opportunity
Finding the right franchise for sale opportunity
Buying a franchise is a very attractive way to get into business; providing a measure of security that starting or buying a business can’t offer. However, the decision to buy a franchise needs to be approached ca... [more +]
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Researching franchise opportunities
Researching franchise opportunities
So you want to buy a franchise, but are not sure where to start? There are a multitude of franchise opportunities that look interesting and have potential. The right franchise opportunity is one that matches your expect... [more +]
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Why buy a franchise business opportunity
Why buy a franchise business opportunity
There are three major ways of getting into your own business. You could start the business from scratch, buy an existing business or enter into a franchise arrangement. Each of these three options has it's own unique cha... [more +]
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Do I need an Accountant in Auckland, Christchurch or other NZ centre
Do I need an Accountant in Auckland, Christchurch or other NZ centre
Do I need an Accountant? You might think that a start-up or small business isn’t big enough to warrant using an accountant and is just another cost you can do without. But unless you’re an expert in business ... [more +]
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Owning a business
Owning a business
From corporate minion to thriving business owner There’s no doubt giving up the security of a steady salary to own your own business is gutsy, but for those who dare to do it, the rewards are huge. If we are ho... [more +]
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Retail business opportunities and challenges
Retail business opportunities and challenges
Retail, but not as we know it... The way we shop has changed tremendously over the last few decades and the rate of change shows no signs of slowing down. Technology, and buyer expectations and habits have affected re... [more +]
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What to know before you buy a trucking business
What to know before you buy a trucking business
Buying a Trucking Business Can Be Involved When buying a transport business there are a number of business models that you may be buying into. The model may vary from just buying a truck, buying a truck and contracts,... [more +]
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Buying a shop or retail business
Buying a shop or retail business
"Liked the shop so bought the business" - it does happen and owning your own retail outlet is a dream shared by many. After all there is huge revenue to tap into with New Zealander's spending more than $12,000 in shops ea... [more +]
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Buying a hotel or motel for sale opportunity
Buying a hotel or motel for sale opportunity
Providing accommodation for a profit is a business that many of us have thought about and hundreds have followed through on. There is the attraction of working for yourself, working from home, meeting new people and gene... [more +]
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Buying a cafe or restaurant
Buying a cafe or restaurant
So you can cook, deal with people and think you could run the cafe down the road better than the current owners - what next? More people are dining out than ever before and opportunities abound for cafes and restaurants.... [more +]
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About buying a service business
About buying a service business
You have decided to buy a business - but what type best suits you? There are 4 main types: · Manufacturing · Distribution · Retail · Services Each has its own unique characteristics that m... [more +]
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About buying a retail business
About buying a retail business
You have decided to buy a business - but what type of business suits you? There are 4 main types: · Manufacturing · Distribution · Retail · Services Each has its own unique characteristics... [more +]
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About buying a distribution business
About buying a distribution business
You have decided to buy a business - but what type best suits you? There are 4 main types: · Manufacturing · Distribution · Retail · Services Each has its own unique characteristics that m... [more +]
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About buying a manufacturing business
About buying a manufacturing business
You have decided to buy a business - but what type best suits you? There are 4 main types: · Manufacturing · Distribution · Retail · Services Each has its own unique characteristics that m... [more +]
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How to measure a business's success before you buy it
How to measure a business's success before you buy it
What are the simple measures of business success? If you are looking to buy a business, you want to know it's on the right path, and that you can achieve your monetary and personal objectives. Every solid business shoul... [more +]
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Work from home with a home based business for sale opportunity
Work from home with a home based business for sale opportunity
There are many ways to work from home and owning your own home based business for sale is a great option. Our work place and workday world is changing. Companies are downsizing and outsourcing services allowing some the... [more +]
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New Zealand business migration and long term business visas
New Zealand business migration and long term business visas
New Zealand needs business migrants more than ever and people with overseas experience in self-employment can be a real asset to New Zealand. If you have relevant business experience and the financial capacity to take adva... [more +]
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Business visas - buying a New Zealand business
Business visas - buying a New Zealand business
New Zealand has been ranked as the number two country for ease of doing business, second only to Singapore (2008 World Bank survey). If you're looking to buy or invest in a New Zealand business then you will need to check ... [more +]
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Why now is good for buying a business
Why now is good for buying a business
There's no hiding from the current hard times; the media is awash with headlines of hard luck stories, however it's not all bad. Now might, in fact, be the very best time there is for buying a business. Why? Not all busine... [more +]
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Should I find a job or buy a business
Should I find a job or buy a business
Life is a journey that we all move through. We attend school and maybe go onto further studies. We form relationships, get a job and maybe have a family. Often we will seek out a better job or maybe we start out on... [more +]
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Top tips when buying a business
Top tips when buying a business
Owning a business can be a great way of making a living while enjoying the benefits of being your own boss and owning a business. There is a huge range of business opportunities out there, from small home-based businesses ... [more +]
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Why you should be your own boss
Why you should be your own boss
Five great reasons why you should own a business Some people are born entrepreneurs. They are the ones who had lemonade stands as kids and who were never afraid to try something new. They are natural risk takers. Others s... [more +]
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The top 5 things that keep small business owners up at night
The top 5 things that keep small business owners up at night
The top 5 things that keep small business owners up at night Running a small business is no easy task. From the moment the alarm goes off in the morning until your head hits the pillow at the end of the day, there’s a... [more +]
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What makes a successful small business owner
What makes a successful small business owner
Ever think some businesses are just destined to succeed? Maybe they’ve got a great product or maybe they found a real niche and sales just took off. You may be surprised to know that small business success actually... [more +]
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The three Cs of life – choice, chance, change
The three Cs of life – choice, chance, change
"You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change". Although the quote comes from “unknown”, the person who said "Choice chance and change" clearly knew a thing or two about how to get th... [more +]
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Being present to plan the future
Being present to plan the future
In business we talk a lot about growth. If your business is growing then you’re doing well, right? Well it’s true that growth is a sign of business success, but is that the measure of all your goals – per... [more +]
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Support New Zealand by buying locally
Support New Zealand by buying locally
COVID-19 is currently having a significant impact on the New Zealand economy and on small business. While the government has put measures in place to help businesses, we can also make a difference. Now and going forwa... [more +]
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Growing your business through business acquisition
Growing your business through business acquisition
If you are looking to up-size your business, sometimes it pays to look outside of the square. One of the most effective and immediate ways to up-size your business is to buy your competitor (ie. business acquisition). This ... [more +]
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How to market your business for free
How to market your business for free
Advertising can be expensive, especially if you are just starting out or you’re a small business. But the good news is you don’t need a slot on primetime television or full page glossy to promote your business. All y... [more +]
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How to future proof your business
How to future proof your business
Sticking to the status quo is a surefire way to drive your business into the ground. If what you are doing now is working well, it’s a pretty fair assumption that if everything stays the same then you will keep doing... [more +]
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7 strategies for uncertain times in business
7 strategies for uncertain times in business
With the arrival of COVID-19 in New Zealand, we are experiencing challenging times in all spheres. With swings in global and local economies, changing business models and complex geo-political influences, businesses are inc... [more +]
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So you want to be an entrepreneur
So you want to be an entrepreneur
It’s an age-old question: Are entrepreneurs born or made? Over the years, we’ve worked with thousands of small business owners and we’ve come to our own conclusion about this – but more about that la... [more +]
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Why organistional culture is important
Why organistional culture is important
Organisational culture – more than just a business buzzword Every organisation has a culture. It’s the system of shared assumptions, values and beliefs that influence how people behave in an organisation. ... [more +]
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Developing a business exit strategy
Developing a business exit strategy
If you've glanced at the title and thought 'no, doesn't apply to me because I've only just started my business' - think again. So important are business exit strategies that many professional advisers believe they should b... [more +]
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Five financial figures every business owner needs to know
Five financial figures every business owner needs to know
Know your numbers for business success The five financial figures every business owner needs to know “Numbers are the highest degree of knowledge. It is knowledge itself,” said Plato – and who are we to ar... [more +]
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Cashflow forecasts and liquidity
Cashflow forecasts and liquidity
Cash Flow Forecasting - as the name suggests it is a projection of the flow of cash over a period of time, usually on a monthly basis and covers a twelve-month period. It is a summary of cash banked, payments made, and ... [more +]
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Why KPIs are important for your business
Why KPIs are important for your business
Most small businesses have a business plan and a set of strategic goals. However, defining your goals and checking in once a year when you update your business plan, won’t actually help you achieve them. To achieve you... [more +]
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Discipline and execution for business success
Discipline and execution for business success
When running a business, discipline and execution are crucial to your success – and one definitely comes before the other. In order to execute your strategy and achieve your goals, you must be disciplined. Discipline... [more +]
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Making the most of small business downtime
Making the most of small business downtime
How to make the most of small business downtime As summer approaches and the weather gets warmer, many small business owners start to feel the pinch. Unless you are in retail, business usually slows down as people spend more... [more +]
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How to keep your business safe from cyber attacks
How to keep your business safe from cyber attacks
How to keep your business safe from cyber attacks Phew, we escaped the worst of the WannaCry cyber attack last month but was it a case of good luck or good management? Although we may be thousands of miles away from some ... [more +]
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Building business momentum
Building business momentum
Business momentum – build a wave and ride it! It’s a great feeling when business is good. Maybe you’ve had a small win, and that leads to another win, and before you know it you’re riding a wave that ... [more +]
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Business insurance - protecting your business
Business insurance - protecting your business
Protecting your business and assets is sound business practice. It is important to choose the correct mix of Business Insurance policies at the right levels for your business to sufficiently cover the risks, satisfy the bank... [more +]
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Do I need to register my business as a company?
Do I need to register my business as a company?
While the requirements to operate a company are relatively simple, people usually only incorporate a company to obtain a specific benefit when trading. The benefits of registering a company include and are not limited to:Lim... [more +]
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Cash flow financing or factoring finance for your business
Cash flow financing or factoring finance for your business
Understanding Cash flow Finance or Factoring Factoring and Discounting are two options businesses can use to improve their cash flow. Factoring is the sale of current and future invoices to a third party, the "factor." Often... [more +]
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Using accounts payable to your advantage
Using accounts payable to your advantage
Accounts Payable may seem like a ho-hum kind of subject, but it can be a minefield of mistakes. Opportunities to improve your cashflow and profit abound in your Accounts Payable actions. Your objective is to keep your... [more +]
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Left Brain Right Brain - Financial Performance
Left Brain Right Brain - Financial Performance
Why 'left brain' and 'right brain' people need each other. It's sad to see Aussie icon Lisa Ho Designs go into Voluntary Administration. An article in The New Zealand Financial Review by Anne Hyland, prompted me to co... [more +]
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Financing a franchise, what the bank wants
Financing a franchise, what the bank wants
Entering a franchise nearly always involves an entry fee, other set-up costs as well as ongoing fees and royalties. These can vary widely depending on the individual business, the type of franchise and other factors such as ... [more +]
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Using the bank to arrange business finance
Using the bank to arrange business finance
The time when you could walk into a bank, see a bank manager, tell him (in those days it was a him) what you wanted to do, tell him how much you needed to borrow and walk out knowing you had the money, are long gone unfortun... [more +]
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Financial year end checklist
Financial year end checklist
Your end of financial year checklist 31 March – it’s Ewan McGregor’s birthday, the anniversary of the official opening of The Eiffel Tower and World Backup Day. But if you are a small business o... [more +]
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Business finance - borrowing the money
Business finance - borrowing the money
How much can you borrow? The amount lent to any given person or organisation is usually limited by the collateral they can provide and their ability to repay the loan. When seeking business finance and borrowing the money... [more +]
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How to boost your New Year retail sales
How to boost your New Year retail sales
Boosting sales after the Christmas rush Year on year, Christmas sales around the world steadily grow. We are spending more than ever and there are no signs of slowing down. Christmas in retail is a rush - it’s fast-... [more +]
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Pimp my business for selling
Pimp my business for selling
Enduring a challenging phase? There's a good chance that you may be feeling a bit flat and equally this could be impacting on your business. If you are finding that you are now grinding along then it is time to re-... [more +]
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5 tips to strengthen your business
5 tips to strengthen your business
To stay ahead or in tough times it pays to be prudent, focused and active. Here are some tips that will help you strengthen your business and have a better more valuable business: For a stronger business... 1. Work with y... [more +]
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Writing a business plan and some tips to help
Writing a business plan and some tips to help
Business plans – the good, the bad, and the ugly A good business plan provides a step-by-step guide for the way you want your business to operate over the coming year or more and it should direct every decision you ... [more +]
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Why have a Business Plan?
Why have a Business Plan?
The dreaded business plan ... do you even need one? “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” No doubt you’ve heard it before, but two centuries later, Benjamin Franklin is still right and the... [more +]
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Managing the highs and lows of a seasonal business
Managing the highs and lows of a seasonal business
In a perfect world, customer demand would be evenly spaced throughout the year – planning would easy, cashflow would be predictable and resourcing wouldn't be a problem. But we all know there is no such thing as a per... [more +]
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Business plans - planning for business success
Business plans - planning for business success
... a DIY kit for developing your own business plan. Over 90% of New Zealander's are involved in small to medium businesses. They're the backbone to our economy. As a nation we are rich with ideas and posses a pioneering s... [more +]
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Business survival through adaption
Business survival through adaption
Evolve or dissolve – businesses need to adapt to survive, grow and one day be sold. Struggling businesses are hard to sell unless there is a strong upside. So take time to change and adapt your business model so you ha... [more +]
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How to prioritise your social media efforts
How to prioritise your social media efforts
How to prioritise social media The evolution of social media has been swift. It’s gone from ‘something to experiment with’ to ‘the bare minimum’ in any good marketing strategy, all in the spa... [more +]
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Small business lessons from David and Goliath
Small business lessons from David and Goliath
If you don’t know the story, here’s a recap: David was a shepherd boy in Israel who offered to fight the giant Goliath when everyone else was afraid. He fired a stone at Goliath with his slingshot and hit him ... [more +]
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Why competition is good for business
Why competition is good for business
Five reasons why competition is good for your business It may not always feel like it, but competition is actually good for business. Remember that kid at school who was always a few strides ahead in the cross country or ... [more +]
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The five-step fresh start
The five-step fresh start
Get ready for the five-step fresh start Feeling a little lacklustre as the New Year rolls in? Maybe it’s time to take stock, think about the future and make a plan. It’s never too late to make a change. Here&rsq... [more +]
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How to grow a tourism business
How to grow a tourism business
Clean, green New Zealand …the land of the long white cloud …100% pure NZ. Our reputation is strong around the globe and it brings 3.7 million visitors to our shores every year. That’s a lot of p... [more +]
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Managing change for small businesses
Managing change for small businesses
The importance of managing change for small businesses Don’t be afraid of change, they say. But the reality is, change is scary and it affects people in different ways. It also affects businesses. Change in the small... [more +]
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The one page business plan
The one page business plan
"Business planning helps you clarify your vision and keep track of the right and most important things" Your plan is a road map to where you want to go, and identifies the key milestones you need to achieve in order to mee... [more +]
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5 common reasons why businesses can fail
5 common reasons why businesses can fail
Lessons to learn from business failure No one likes to fail. In business, there’s money, pride and even livelihoods on the line. However, as we tell our kids when they fail their tests or lose their sports games, the... [more +]
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How to survive the holiday season and still come out on top
How to survive the holiday season and still come out on top
Surviving the holidays while owning a small business When the countdown to Christmas is on, most small business owners are more preoccupied about staffing, inventory and cash flow than their own Christmas shopping and holi... [more +]
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Get focused to increase the value of your business
Get focused to increase the value of your business
Reflect, recharge and refocus to increase the value of your business Taking time to reflect, recharge and refocus isn’t just good for your soul. It’s good for your business too. The holiday season... [more +]
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Recruitment tips for small businesses
Recruitment tips for small businesses
Good staff are the backbone of any business, small or large. Getting the right people can be time consuming, frustrating and sometimes fruitless, but if you get it right, your business is better for it. Know what and who yo... [more +]
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How to grow your new business
How to grow your new business
The success of your new business depends on your ability to keep it profitable. Stay in the black and your business will survive, but grow your business and it will thrive. However, growing your business is not always easy... [more +]
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Why innovation is important for business
Why innovation is important for business
Small businesses and why innovation is important Small business owners have to be multitaskers. There’s an awful lot of skills they need in their toolbox – budgeting, customer service, staff management, busines... [more +]
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Reducing business overhead costs
Reducing business overhead costs
Overhead costs: how to calculate them and how to keep them down Business owners the world over agree that the not-so-secret secret to business success is to keep your costs low. It doesn’t matter how much profit you ... [more +]
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How to spring clean your business
How to spring clean your business
Does your business need a spring clean? Whether it’s overflowing filing cabinets or a build-up of dust behind them, every business could benefit from a thorough spring clean, preferably once a year. Tidying up, declu... [more +]
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Six top financial tips for small business owners
Six top financial tips for small business owners
A business can’t survive on passion alone, which is why the death rate of small businesses in New Zealand is a national tragedy. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy but, based on previous trends, r... [more +]
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5 steps to a better business
5 steps to a better business
Too many businesses fall over because the owner has not established efficient business systems. The results are all too familiar: tax obligations are not met, debtors go uninvoiced or uncollected, there is one cash flow cri... [more +]
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Considering employment issues when buying a business
Considering employment issues when buying a business
Are you looking to buy a business? Have you stopped to think about whether you want to employ some or all the existing employees? Many new business owners fail to take this into account and as a result end up with new e... [more +]
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How to structure a family owned business
How to structure a family owned business
Many businesses in New Zealand are family owned and managed. Some are large and financially very stable but the majority are mom and dad owned businesses. The dynamics and stresses involved in the ownership of a family busin... [more +]
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Cloud commerce for business
Cloud commerce for business
'Cloud' may not be the best word to choose for making business owners feel confident about a potential home for their precious data. It is just a word though and the enormous benefits can't be ignored. The 'Cloud' is a ter... [more +]
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3 tax considerations when purchasing a business
3 tax considerations when purchasing a business
As well as a lifestyle choice, the number one reason to purchase a business is the intention of making money. All too often buyers neglect to put any serious thought into downstream tax considerations, yet the easiest dollar... [more +]
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Starting a business - first steps
Starting a business - first steps
Thinking about buying a business or starting a business? If so you're not alone - a large number of New Zealanders take the plunge each year. The chance to manage and determine your own destiny can be pretty exciting, but ... [more +]
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What is a company?
What is a company?
When people decide to start or buy a business, they generally do so in one of three ways: as a sole trader, in partnership, or through a company. Apart from tax registration, there is no formality in trading on your own acco... [more +]
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Cash flow 101 for small business owners
Cash flow 101 for small business owners
What is cash flow? Cash flow refers to the money you have coming into your business and the money going out. If you have more coming in than going out, you’re winning – but there’s more to it than that. ... [more +]