In my business coaching role I know there is a heated debate regarding the merits of writing a detailed business plan. The gist of the debate is whether or not there is a benefit (financial and overall) to writing a detailed business plan, or whether this has become a dated concept and a fledgling business can thrive without one. Read More

As a business coach I come across a number of businesses that are struggling for cash.  The downfall of many small businesses is debt racked up by not paying bills on time. To avoid becoming a fatality the general rule of thumb is to refrain from making unrealistic or impossible promises.

You will find that your customers and vendors will follow suit, creating strong relationships that will keep your business afloat through rough times. Read More

Imagine taking a newspaper classified ad and posting it up on an electronic signboard. Think about the reach your message automatically achieves. This form of advertising is called digital signage: an electronic display that conveys an advertising message. Read More

In my business coaching role I’m often involved in assisting with the decision to equip offices with the right tools and desktop computers are at the top of the list.

There is one rule to remember: resist the urge to buy cheap. No matter what kind of deals or savings you may find, the bottom line is that low cost equals high maintenance. Read More

Would you keep an employee who wasn't pulling their weight?

In my business coaching role I try to get the message across that clients are the same, and let's face it, some clients are worth the investment of time and energy and others aren't. When a client relationship is difficult and you are constantly frustrated and seeing no returns, it's okay to let that client go. Read More

It wouldn't take a business coach to tell you that business needs to sell. And creating a network, staying relevant and working within your niche to identify competitors are all selling strategies that are engaged at any business. However social networks such as Facebook have revolutionised every area of society - and selling techniques are no exception. With ad spending on social networks to speak at an estimated US$2 billion dollars in 2011, and with more than 700 billion minutes a year logged into Facebook alone, it can safely be said that social networks are no fleeting trend.

Yet in my role as a business coach, I'm finding that this opportunity is being often overlooked.  Read More

As a business coach I know the process of letting an employee go is uncomfortable and upsetting. However there are a few guidelines that can help soften the blow called the five W's - who, what, when, where and why:

Start with who - think about the employee and what you know about them. Be sure to empathise with their personality: this helps you to feel secure, as well as putting your employee at ease and making them feel less like a disposable entity.  Read More

If you want to expand your customer base, a good place to start is by asking yourself if your marketing is clear, sound and persuasive. Does your marketing convince sceptical customers that your service is the one for the job? In our role as a business coach we find a lot of opportunity here where it's just not working to your advantage.  Read More

There's an old rule of business that if you treat your customers well, they will reciprocate.

What you are not supposed to do is to pummel your customers into the dust. Yet as a business coach I reckon that's exactly the impact that the big retailing giants like David Jones and Myers seem intent on doing.  Read More

Cloud computing is an online server that can make your IT systems simple and cost effective; and when provided by a reputable vendor, it can make them secure. Look into this web phenomenon and encourage your colleagues and employees to do the same. Read More