Go Smarter Blog
Content to help businesses work smarter.
The power of a plan
A well-crafted business plan is one of the most powerful tools a small business can have. Working with experienced professionals to create and review this plan can turn that plan into a clear path for growth, profitability, and long-term success. Find out how expert support can help you create a plan that drives results.
Start with the end in mind
Running a small business can be rewarding - but it’s all too easy to get stuck in long hours and endless to-do lists. By starting with the end in mind, you can design a smarter plan that gives you more time, more profit, and better balance. We’ll show you how to make it happen this year.
Build a profit-first budget to give what you want.
Most business owners start a budget by asking, “How much will I make?” - but that’s the wrong question. We believe small business accounting should start with your profit goals, so you can design a business that funds the life you want. Let’s walk through a simple way to make your budget work for you, not the other way around.
How to Define Success in Your Business
Success means something different to every small business owner - but without a clear definition, it’s easy to lose focus and burn out. In this blog, we share a practical, measurable approach to defining success both in and out of your business. Whether you're aiming for better work-life balance or financial clarity, these tips will help you align your goals with what truly matters.
10 Practical Ways to Lift Your Business Margin
Boosting your business margin doesn’t always mean working harder or chasing more sales - it often comes down to making smarter decisions. Small changes in pricing, costs, and processes can have a big impact on your bottom line. Here are 10 practical ways we recommend lifting your margin using proven strategies.
Farm Accounting: why now is the time for budgeting and forecasting
Farming comes with unique financial challenges, from seasonal cash flow fluctuations to unpredictable costs. Proper budgeting and forecasting are essential for farmers to maintain stability, maximise profitability, and plan for the future.
The High Cost of Fraud: Lessons from a Recent NZ Case and 10 Strategies to Protect Your Business
A recent fraud case in New Zealand saw a trusted employee steal over $500,000, leading to the collapse of a family business and the loss of many jobs. Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident—fraud can happen in any company, often at the hands of long-standing, seemingly reliable staff. To help protect your business, here are ten essential strategies to detect, prevent, and mitigate the risk of internal fraud before it’s too late.
The Easiest Way to Grow Your Business
Growing a business doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. The key to sustainable growth lies in focusing on strategies that maximise revenue and minimise costs. In this blog, we’ll explore seven proven methods to expand your business, with a special emphasis on the easiest and most cost-effective approach.
Smart Strategies to Control your Cash
Managing cashflow is one of the biggest challenges for small businesses, but it's also the key to financial stability and growth. With the right strategies, you can take control of your cash, reduce stress, and keep your business running smoothly.
What’s in your Business Forecast?
Planning for your small business is just like planning for the weather - forecasts help you prepare for what’s ahead. A clear financial forecast can reveal potential challenges and opportunities, giving you the power to steer your business toward success.
Success: Is it about the Journey or the Destination?
Success is often seen as reaching a specific goal, but is it really just about the destination? For small business owners, focusing solely on end results can lead to missed opportunities for growth, satisfaction, and celebration along the way.
Keep your message clear and real
In a world overflowing with noise and promises, cutting through the clutter with a clear, solution-focused message is key to connecting with your audience. Discover how simplifying your communication can help your business resonate and stand out.
Why growing your business will actually give you more time
Growing your business doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your time and freedom. By working smarter and focusing on strategic growth, you can achieve sustainable success without getting caught in the grind.
How to achieve greater leverage in your business
For small businesses, achieving greater leverage means finding ways to grow while using less effort. Whether it's by expanding your team, upgrading your systems, or delivering services more efficiently, working smarter is key. In this blog, we'll explore three powerful strategies to help you do just that.
Are you scared of leading?
Leadership is the backbone of any successful small business, yet it's often the most overlooked and misunderstood department. Without strong leadership, teams struggle to align with the business's purpose and plan. It's time to step up and lead with intention—your business depends on it.
Know Your Critical Numbers – Debtor Days
Managing cash flow effectively is essential for the survival and growth of any small business. Understanding and optimising debtor days—how long it takes to get paid by your customers—can significantly improve your cash flow.
In this blog, we explore practical strategies to help your business get paid faster and boost financial stability.
The power of purpose - why your business exists beyond profit
In today’s competitive business landscape, understanding why your business exists is crucial for success. Defining a clear purpose goes beyond profit—it's about connecting with your customers on a deeper level. Discover how aligning your purpose with your customers' needs can drive both satisfaction and profitability.
Writing Winning Proposals
Crafting a compelling proposal is essential for small business owners looking to win new clients. By following a clear, concise process, you can ensure your proposals stand out and effectively communicate your value. In this guide, we'll walk you through a 9-step approach to writing winning proposals that drive results.
Defining a great day’s work
Achieving a great day’s work isn't just about individual effort; it's about creating an environment where every team member thrives. We believe in fostering a workplace where passion, clear goals, and alignment drive success - here are key principles to ensure more days are productive and fulfilling for everyone.
Managing poor performance - 8 questions to ask yourself
Effective leadership can transform a team, but poor leadership can lead to disengagement and toxicity. It is imperative to recognise the importance of nurturing enthusiasm and aligning personal goals with business objectives to prevent performance issues.
Building a better business in 10 steps
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