In the earliest stages of launching a business, it’s common to start with a general topic or area of expertise that you’re passionate about and form an idea for what you’d like to offer from there. Good so far; but when you’re feeling inspired, it’s easy to rush through, or entirely overlook, the process of refining this initial idea into something people truly want, this process can become much easier
16
Apr 2015
Customer Rewards
It’s no secret that rewards programs are effective for businesses, both large and small. Repeat customers are rewarded and sales go up—everybody wins. But sometimes it’s tough for smaller businesses to give big discounts or appeal to their customer base all of the time. The main way a smaller business is able to hand out these discounts is by bettering customer experience and a great way that can be achieved
02
Apr 2015
Changes to pay as you go withholding cycles
From 1 July 2015, some business owners will have their pay as you go (PAYG) withholding cycles changed. The cycle change is based on the amount you withheld under your Australian business number (ABN) in all branches during the 2013-14 Financial Year. If you withheld between $25,000 and $1 million, you will need to report and pay monthly. If the amount was more than $1 million, you will need to report and pay electronically according to the
Why would we give away FREE access to Xero? Simple – we love Xero, and we want to help businesses who are yet to try the leading cloud accounting software solution for small business. If you or someone you know has been thinking about switching to Xero, then this the perfect opportunity!
18
Mar 2015
How to choose the best accounting software
One of the main reasons businesses fail is because there isn’t a good bookkeeping system in place that would provide warning signs the business could run out of cash. You can choose to set up a bookkeeping system manually (using accounting books), electronically (spreadsheets) or use accounting software. Unless you want to get familiar with bookkeeping practices, Business Continuity Planning Software is the most efficient choice. If you’re looking for
17
Mar 2015
SuperStream for Self Managed Super Funds
SuperStream aims to improve the efficiency of Australia’s superannuation system and provides a new standard for employers when making super contributions. For employees using a compliant super fund, they will likely find that their employer has already updated their system with the required changes, but what if that employee uses a Self Managed Super Fund? Self Managed Super Funds (SMSF’s) need to ensure that they can receive contribution messages with information about payments in the
17
Mar 2015
How to choose a great bookkeeper
A bookkeeper is a bit like a GP – there’s one on every corner but great ones are hard to find. And when you do find one, you should never let them go. But how do you know if your bookkeeper is good or even better, a great bookkeeper? 1. Training and accreditation Every bookkeeper should have some sort of formal bookkeeper or accounting training and preferably be a registered BAS
16
Mar 2015
Preparing for SuperStream
SuperStream aims to improve the efficiency of Australia’s superannuation system and provides a new standard for employers when making super contributions. It requires an employer to send contributions electronically in a standard format with linked data and payments. Why Is This Happening? Without SuperStream reforms, each super fund sets their own requirements with regards to how they will receive payments and contribution advice details for each member. This can often
Telstra have announced an assistance package for small business customers in and around Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Biloela, Jambin, Goovigen, Moura, Dululu, Theodore, Westwood, Wowan and surrounding areas in the Banana Shire, who have lost services as a result of the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Marcia. Relief packages are determined by the nature and scale of the specific event and can include the following measures: Free call diversion from an affected Telstra fixed phone
Tropical Cyclone Marcia has affected many individuals, including people’s ability to earn a living. The Disaster Recovery Allowance is now available to eligible employees, primary producers and sole traders in the Fitzroy and Wide Bay-Burnett districts, and is designed to provide a helping hand to those who have lost income as a result of this devastating event so they can get back on their feet. For the businesses that were