Post Type: Article
- Strategic Planning for Business: Set Your Strategy for Success in 2025With the start of a new year, businesses often ask how they can use strategic planning to drive success. Strategic planning is more than just goal setting; it’s about creating a clear path to achieve your overarching outcomes and ensuring every step contributes to that bigger picture. Read on to discover how a solid strategy…
- The Process for Strategic Planning: NOW, WHERE, HOWStrategic planning is the process of developing and documenting the direction for your business. It considers where you are now, where you want to be, and how you’re going to get there – even in the face of unexpected challenges (like a pandemic). If you don’t have a strategic plan in place, this should be…
- Sharp Accounting’s Top Picks: Business Books to Inspire You Over the Festive SeasonAs the year draws to a close, we encourage you to reflect on your achievements, learn from your challenges, and plan for the year ahead. If you’re looking to recharge and gain fresh insights for your business, why not pick up a great business book during the holiday break? To help you get started, we’ve…
- Christmas Parties and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT): What You Need to KnowAs the festive season approaches, many of us look forward to celebrating with friends, family, and coworkers. While Christmas parties and gifts are a great way to show appreciation to your employees, they can also come with unexpected tax consequences. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the potential Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) implications of…
- Case Study: How Monthly Financial Reporting and Accountability Turned Around a Business’s PerformanceFor the last couple of months, our focus has been on the power of regular accountability meetings and monthly financial reporting and how businesses can use them to achieve better financial outcomes. We wanted to share the details of how we helped a client improve their performance using these strategies. One of our bakery clients,…
- Why Productivity Matters and What You Can Do About ItProductivity is often associated with strong economies, thriving businesses, and the efficiency of skilled workers. If more businesses were productive, we’d likely see fewer failures, higher employment, and better incomes for both owners and employees. According to the Xero Small Business Insights 2023: Industry and Regional Trends report, wholesale trade was the most productive industry…
- 10 Effective Ways to Improve Your Business MarginSmall changes can significantly improve your business performance. Even slight adjustments to your processes or systems can majorly impact your profit margins. For example, a 1% increase in your gross margin on $500,000 of sales adds an extra $5,000 to your bottom line without increasing sales. The best part? Boosting your margins is one of…
- Understanding Your Numbers to Improve Your ResultsUnderstanding your financial reports—knowing your numbers—is critical to business success. It empowers you to make better business decisions, measure their impact, take corrective actions where necessary, and ultimately achieve better results. By gaining insights into your financial reports, you can: Monitor Business Growth Determine if your business is growing or shrinking. Regular monitoring allows you…
- Proving Your Business Viability Through Four Essential Financial ReportsProving your ongoing viability is crucial in scaling a successful business to the next level. Whether applying for government subsidies, taking out a business loan or seeking investor support, you need robust financial evidence with the right financial reports to demonstrate your company’s stability and growth potential. Why Financial Reports Matter You need to present…
- Creating a Winning Business Plan: A Comprehensive GuideYour business plan is the roadmap that guides your company’s journey. It’s crucial for outlining your direction, setting goals, and securing investment. So, what should you include in your comprehensive business plan, and what key factors should you consider? Key Elements of a Business Plan A well-structured business plan typically includes: Clear Direction: Define your…
- What to Look for When Buying a BusinessPurchasing an established business can be a strategic move, whether entering the business world for the first time or expanding your existing empire. However, buying a business is a significant decision that requires thorough research and careful planning. Before making any commitments, consider these five key questions: 1: Why Is the Business for Sale? Understanding…
- Setting Your Goals for a Business ExitEvery business has a finite lifespan. Some may last for decades, while others may only last a few years. As a business owner, the life of your business is likely to be strongly aligned with your own life goals and personal plans for the future. When the time comes to sell, it’s important to know…