When it comes time to step back from your business, transferring knowledge, intellectual property (IP), and processes is one of the most important parts of your exit strategy. A carefully planned transition makes the changeover smoother for new owners, protects valuable assets, and helps maintain the value you’ve built up over the years. Here are […]
Read More… from Passing on your business know-how when selling
For service-based and project-driven businesses, success isn’t just about landing work, it’s about making each job profitable. Too often, business owners don’t know how much profit (or loss) they made on a job until long after it’s completed. Tracking job or project profitability more effectively helps you price better, schedule more realistically, and improve margins […]
Read More… from How to track job and project profitability more effectively
Rising costs, tighter budgets, and more price-sensitive customers are challenging every business. When material, people and supply chain expenses keep climbing, and customers hesitate to pay more, the solution isn’t to slash prices. It’s to compete on value, not cost. The goal is to protect profit while strengthening customer trust. Start by understanding your true […]
Read More… from Competing and pricing confidently in a cost-pressured market
If you want to increase sales as quickly as you can, you’re going to need an efficient marketing plan and a highly targeted sales strategy. Step 1. Sell more to your existing customers If you have existing customers that would buy again from you or inactive customers waiting to be contacted again, then you may […]
Employees are the face of your brand, guardians of your intellectual property and ideas, and the biggest driver of business growth. Not only is employee turnover disruptive, stressful and time-consuming, it’s also incredibly expensive. When an employee leaves your business, you’re left out of pocket until you hire and train someone else. There can also […]
Businesses are increasingly aware of their impact on society as much as for their products and services. How businesses treat their employees directly influences public perception and attractiveness to skilled workers. By acknowledging your social responsibility to your employees you’ll have a more engaged and productive workforce. You’ll also have an easier time attracting and […]
Dealing with a sudden cash flow crisis, even if you’re working hard to avoid shortfalls, is hugely distracting. A formerly reliable customer might take much longer to pay than anticipated or a large consignment might fail to show up, leaving you out of pocket. If you’re starting a business, it could simply be taking longer […]
Here are 5 important metrics to pay attention to when it comes to the success of your business, including ways you can improve them. 1. Gross margin Gross margin is the difference between what you pay for a product and what you sell it for. Increasing your prices. If it’s small enough, it may not […]
A business can survive for a short time without sales or profits, but not without cash. It is cash which pays the bills and allows trading to continue. If you are growing and extending credit to more customers, the need for cash is even greater. Progress payments When you negotiate contracts with customers be aware […]
Hiring an employee is a significant milestone for any business. Not only are you expanding your team, but you’re freeing up time so you can focus on growing and building your business. Adding someone with new skills and expertise can also enhance your overall capabilities and bring fresh perspectives to the table, enabling you to […]
Read More… from Identifying when it’s time to hire your first employee
While it may be challenging to predict what the future holds, history shows us that economies will eventually recover from major disruptions. It’s useful to reflect on how your business can adapt to global challenges, whether they stem from economic downturns, natural disasters, or unexpected changes in the marketplace. The goal is to prepare your […]
Read More… from Lessons learned from global disruption and looking ahead
Credit limits are designed to prevent debt from escalating out of control. Put a credit limit on all customer accounts and then put an automatic ‘stop credit’ on any overdue accounts. It’s also sensible to train your staff in how to approach a customer who has reached their credit limit so that the account can […]
An up-to-date business cash flow forecast can help you manage your business more efficiently. It’s an estimate of the amount of money you expect to flow in and out of your business. It includes all your projected income and expenses and usually covers the next year, though it can also cover a shorter period such […]
Increasing sales might make more profit for your business but consider increasing profit margins, especially if there is limited opportunity to increase sales. Growing your business can be achieved by building profit rather than sales. Focus on larger margins Concentrate on the products or services you sell that have the biggest margins. By selling more […]
Pricing can make or break a business. Yet for many small business owners, setting the right price is more guesswork than strategy. Whether you’re undercharging, reacting to competitors, or failing to review prices regularly, common pricing mistakes can quietly erode your profits and stall your growth. Underpricing to win customers It’s tempting to keep prices […]
Read More… from Pricing mistakes that cost your business more than you think
Raising prices can feel risky. You may worry about losing loyal customers or damaging your reputation. But if your costs are rising, your services are expanding, or your margins are too tight, a price increase isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential for long-term sustainability. Recognise the right time to raise prices There are clear […]
Whether you’re filing your taxes, expecting a refund, or updating your personal information, scammers are actively trying to intercept your data and money by posing as CRA agents. With cybercrime becoming more advanced and targeted, it’s essential to understand what these scams look like and how you can protect yourself, your family, and your business. […]
If events are swirling outside your control, a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) can provide you with a structure to make changes that align with your goals. The four components of SWOT are: Strengths. Internal attributes that give your business a competitive edge, such as unique products, efficient processes, or loyal customers. Weaknesses. […]
Be wary of discounting on a regular basis to gain sales. It can be a sound strategy if you are aiming to find new customers and sell loss leaders, or you have a cost or price advantage. Discounting can also work in certain circumstances, for example, selling off old stock or to release working capital […]
If you need to sell more items than expected to reach your break-even point, there are several steps you can take to lower that point. Step 1: Develop premium products and services If you can increase the average value of each sale, you’ll widen the difference between the sale price and labour and materials. Developing […]