Looking to start a new business, or grow an existing business? business.gov.au has created a business planning tool that will help you evaluate new ideas, set goals and keep your business on track. Get planning now: https://bit.ly/46bybdj
+ The SASBC team is here to help. Whether it’s general advice, or a leasing dispute, they can help. Call them on 1800 072 722 or submit your dispute here: https://bit.ly/3RbOkv6
The Office of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
Whether you are looking for help to start, grow, or transform your own small business in 2024, you don’t have to do it alone. Self-employment is an exciting and possible prospect, but establishing your small business can seem overwhelming.
The good news is that there are many free government resources, tools, and programs available, and they can be found at https://www.asbfeo.gov.au/
29th April – 3rd May
A week long program of events, workshops and information sessions to help local businesses grow and succeed. The theme of the week is ‘helping you get on with business’ with a program designed around useful topics that we know small businesses are interested in. To register your interest, https://business. sa.gov.au/programs/small-business-week Presented by the Office for Small and Family Business.
From 1 March 2024, the SA Government is introducing new laws to create more outdoor smoke-free and vape-free areas. Remember, no smoking also means no vaping!
These areas now include all under 18 years of age sporting events and grounds, for both training and matches.
To learn more about the new laws, visit clearingtheair.sa.gov.au
The start of a new year is a prime opportunity to reflect on your past performance and set goals for the future.
Effective business planning is essential for growth, adaptability, and long-term success. Here are some valuable tips for strategic business planning for the new year.
1. Reflect on the previous year
Before diving into planning for the new year, take time to assess the performance of your business in the previous year. What were your successes and failures? Analyse financial reports, customer feedback and sales data to gain insights into what worked and what didn’t.
2. Set clear and specific goals
Define your objectives for the new year. Make sure your goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timebound). Having clear and specific targets will guide your efforts and help keep you on track.
3. Conduct a SWOT analysis
Identify your business’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT). This analysis will help you understand your competitive position, where you should be focusing your attention and resources, and areas of improvement.
4. Review your financials
A crucial aspect of planning is financial analysis. Review your budget, cash flow projections, and revenue goals. Ensure that you have the necessary funds to implement your plans and make adjustments if needed.
5. Understand market trends
Stay informed about industry trends and shifts in consumer behaviour. These insights will help you adapt your products, services & marketing strategies to meet evolving customer needs.
6. Assess your marketing plan
Review your marketing strategies and tactics. Identify which marketing channels were most effective in the past year & allocate resources accordingly. Consider incorporating new marketing methods if they align with your goals.
7. Evaluate your operations
Assess your business operations to identify areas where efficiency can be improved. Streamline processes, reduce waste and consider investing in technology or training to enhance productivity.
8. Develop a contingency plan
Business planning should include a contingency plan for unforeseen challenges such as economic downturns, supply chain disruptions or natural disasters. Having an Emergency Plan in place is one way to help you be in a position to respond swiftly and effectively.
9.
Create a detailed budget that aligns with your business goals. Monitor expenses closely throughout the year to ensure you stay on track and have funds available for crucial initiatives.
Your employees play a vital role in achieving your business goals. Think about how you can invest in their training/ development to enhance their skills or learn something new. Involve them in your business planning – do they have any insights or ideas that they can contribute?
Consider how you can reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprint, save power costs and increase your knowledge about sustainability and being more resource efficient.
Consider consulting with financial advisors, industry experts or business coaches. Their insights and expertise can provide valuable perspectives and help refine your business plan. Maybe consider networking.
13.
Ensure that your entire team understands the business plan and their roles in achieving its goals. Effective communication is essential for aligning everyone’s efforts.
14.
A business plan is not set in stone; it should be a dynamic document that you revisit regularly. Monitor progress, analyse results and be ready to make adjustments as needed. helpful resources at https://bit.ly/40UGtFo
Recent changes to unfair contract laws are providing greater protections to small businesses.
You can find out more about the changes and how to protect your business’ interests with these tips on renewing, creating and signing new contracts - https://bit.ly/3SZlIGp
Need help with your commercial lease?
Opening a new store or expanding your business?
Congratulations!
This is an exciting but potentially overwhelming time - there’s lots to consider. You may be asking yourself “What do I need to know before signing a retail or commercial lease?”
This is a big commitment with significant financial and legal impacts, so it’s important that you get legal and financial advice prior to signing.
To assist you with understanding your rights and obligations in relation to a retail or commercial lease, check out our range of helpful resources at https://bit.ly/40UGtFo
The SASBC team is here to help. Whether it is general advice, or you’re caught in a leasing dispute, they can assist.
Call them on 1800 072 722 or submit your dispute here: https:// bit.ly/3RbOkv6
Dying without a will means that no executor is appointed to administer your estate, and that the provisions of the Administration and Probate Act determines what happens to your estate.
This can be problematic, complicated and expensive.
Most of us don’t like talking about things like wills and advance care directives, but enlisting the assistance of our experienced wills and estate lawyers based in Salisbury will give you peace of mind that you’re protected during your lifetime, and the assets you’ve worked hard to accumulate are distributed in accordance with your wishes after your death.
Having a valid power of attorney and an advance care directive is the only way you can choose who is able to make legal, financial, medical and lifestyle decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity and cannot make decisions for yourself.
Whether you need advice on how to arrange a will, estate planning assistance, help with the enduring power of attorney registration process, or advance care directives, our team of leading wills and estate lawyers based in Salibury are here to provide expert, confidential advice.
We’re proud to have helped thousands of South Australians make sure their loved ones are provided for after their death.
For more information on Wills & Estates, please contact Rosemary Caruso from Johnston Withers Lawyers’ Salisbury office on (08) 8233 7290.
Following the success of the Pilot Program last year, Good Shepherd is delighted to confirm that their LaunchMe for Multicultural women living in the north, has received more funding from the SA Government - Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Good Shepherd is seeking referrals of women from multicultural backgrounds living in the northern suburbs who have recently started or would like to start a small business.
LaunchMe is a free business coaching program tailored to the needs of the individual.
This program supports multicultural women living in these areas: Tea Tree Gully, Salisbury, east side of Port Adelaide Enfield & Playford. For more info, head to:
https://goodshep.org.au/services/launchme-for-multiculturalwomen-in-northern-adelaide/
In the dynamic landscape of Australian small businesses, the significance of customer experience cannot be overstated. In an era where consumers are empowered with an array of choices and platforms to voice their opinions, cultivating a positive and memorable customer experience is paramount to not only attracting but also retaining loyal patrons. This article delves into the pivotal role that customer experience plays in the success of small businesses, highlighting strategies to foster enduring customer loyalty.
Customer experience encompasses every interaction a customer has with a business, from initial engagement to post-purchase support. In the context of small businesses, where personal relationships often form the cornerstone of operations, delivering exceptional customer experiences is a strategic imperative. Research indicates that consumers are willing to pay a premium for superior experiences, underscoring the direct correlation between customer satisfaction and business profitability.
One of the fundamental aspects of building customer loyalty is understanding and anticipating customer needs. Small businesses can achieve this by leveraging data analytics and customer feedback to gain insights into consumer preferences, pain points, and expectations. By employing tools such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, businesses can tailor their products, services, and interactions to align with the evolving needs of their clientele.
From frontline staff to senior management, every member of the team should be committed to delivering exceptional service and exceeding customer expectations. Investing in employee training programs that emphasize empathy, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities can significantly enhance the quality of customer interactions.
In the digital age, online touchpoints play a significant role in shaping customer perceptions. Small businesses must prioritise their online presence, ensuring that websites are user-friendly, responsive, and reflective of the brand’s values. Moreover, active engagement on social media platforms enables businesses to connect with customers on a more personal level, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Another crucial aspect of building customer loyalty is consistency across all touchpoints. Whether it’s in-store interactions, online transactions, or customer support channels, maintaining consistency in service delivery, branding, and messaging instils confidence and trust in customers. Small businesses that prioritize consistency demonstrate reliability and integrity, key attributes that resonate with discerning consumers.
Furthermore, proactive customer engagement initiatives can strengthen bonds and foster long-term loyalty. Personalised communication, loyalty programs, exclusive offers, and timely follow-ups are effective means of demonstrating appreciation for customer patronage and incentivizing repeat business. By going the extra mile to make customers feel valued and appreciated, small businesses can differentiate themselves in competitive markets.
Lastly, soliciting and acting upon customer feedback is integral to continuous improvement. Businesses should actively seek input from customers through surveys, reviews, and direct conversations, and use this feedback to refine products, services, and processes. Demonstrating responsiveness to customer feedback not only enhances satisfaction but also fosters a sense of partnership and ownership among customers.
As we step into the new year, the Polaris Business Development Centre is gearing up to empower entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts with its dynamic programs. At the forefront is the highly anticipated Business Fundamentals workshop, set to unfold in Kangaroo Island, Mount Barker, Stirling, and still to continue running in Mawson Lakes. This initiative aims to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving business landscape.
The Business Fundamentals workshop promises to be a gamechanger for aspiring and existing business owners. With tailored content and expert facilitators, attendees can expect to gain insights into planning, financial management, marketing essentials, and more. The workshops in Kangaroo Island, Mount Barker, Stirling, and Mawson Lakes ensure accessibility for diverse communities, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
In addition to the Business Fundamentals workshop, Polaris is championing gender diversity and inclusion through its Women in Business network. In the spirit of community building, the centre has planned four networking events before the end of the financial year. These events provide a platform for women in business to connect, share experiences, and inspire one another. The Women in Business network aims to foster mentorship,
collaboration, and empowerment, recognising the invaluable contributions of women in the business world.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. On March 5, 2024, the City of Salisbury International Women’s Cocktail Evening will take centre stage at the Salisbury Business Hub. Hosted by Adelady’s dynamic duo, Hayley and Lauren, this evening promises an inspiring experience featuring South Australia’s powerhouse, Dorinda Hafner. The event serves as a celebration of women’s achievements, fostering connections, and encouraging empowerment within the business community.
In conclusion, Polaris Business Development Centre is poised to make a significant impact in 2024 with its Business Fundamentals workshop and Women in Business network. These initiatives reflect the centre’s dedication to fostering a thriving business ecosystem, empowering business owners, and facilitating meaningful connections within the community. As we navigate the opportunities and challenges of the new year, Polaris stands as a shining star for those seeking to enhance their business and expand their professional networks.
How many times in business have you wanted some to act as your Copilot as you approach a business change, a research and development task or needing to analyse data?
Microsoft have that new Artificial Intelligence product to challenge the popular open access ChatGPT.
This an imbedded tool right inside your excel spreadsheet or your word document which can in super quick time:-
• Draw on data in the document, reference other documents that you specify, cross reference to public data and research and then produce a report complete with graphs and executive summary.
• Validate your data (or not) against public data sets.
• Create a word limited summary of a major document.
• Present your data in a PowerPoint presentation.
Microsoft Copilot is the Office 365 add in, which gives small and medium businesses, independent consultants, small not for profits a competitive advantage which was previously only available to large businesses with in-house research and data analytic staff.
At USD $30 per month per user it is not cheap (approx. AU $540pa) but most businesses will easily save the 18-20 of hours of salary over a year to make this pay and more. It is simple to add to your 365 subscriptions via the 365 admin portal.
Some businesses are reporting processes which previously have taken 3 or 4 hours can be done in 10-15 minutes.
Copilot has the following critical advantages over using the public ChatGPT – ChatGPT makes whatever you type into the search (which could include your IP, client or confidential data) publicly available (and potentially available to competitors!) where Copilot uses one way data only (your data is not available outside of your 365 licensed users and applications)
Reader note: This is not a paid promotion, you should consult your own IT adviser for specific tailoring to your circumstances, however the writer is using Copilot within their organisation and sees the potential for organisational transformation.
Incoming International President for 2024/2025 of Rotary International Stephanie Urchick has released the annual theme, indeed this will be the last time in Rotary’s history there will be an annual theme.
Urchick, is a member of the Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, USA, said she saw the magic of Rotary on display when she was helping install water filters in the Dominican Republic. Two boys were watching as dirty water entered the filter, then ran out clean at the other end.
“One of the boys grabbed my sleeve and said, ‘Show me the magic again,’” she said. “Obviously, the water filter wasn’t magic. We worked hard to transport those filters, install them, and work with community leaders in the area to maintain them. But those boys knew that easy access to clean water would change their lives. Knowing that I played a small part in that certainly changed my life.”
If you are interested in making a local, national or international positive impact on our world please reach out to Rotary Club of Salisbury to find out how you can help.
www.salisburyrotary.com.au
How We Can Help
Wills & Estates
Family Law
· Injur y Claims
· Commercial Law
G et In Contact
Rosemar y Caruso - Director
(08) 8233 7290
36 Park Terrace, Salisbur y, SA, 5108
Johnstonwithers.com.au
08 8258 6300
Matt.Burnell.MP@aph.gov.au
8/2-10 James St, Salisbury SA 5108
MattBurnellMP
Experience the customer journey firsthand.
Listen to your customers.
Offer proactive multi-channel support.
Act on customer feedback.
Personalize the user experience.
Mystery customer / friends
Feedback, survey, incentives
Phone, email, chat, socials
Make it become a management KPI
Names, key dates, birthdays, purchase volume thank you’s Leverage NPS.
These people are your free sales team – know how to identify them and who they are
Follow up with customers.
Every time, within 24 hours
# NPS - An NPS score measures customer loyalty by looking at their likelihood of recommending a given business. Your NPS score is measured with a singlequestion survey and reported with a number ranging from -100 to +100, where a higher score is desirable.
To facilitate increased access to healthcare and medications, from March, Chemist Warehouse at Saints Shopping Centre will become a 24/7 Pharmacy thanks to an initiative of the State Government. There will be three located across the metropolitan area.
The Albanese Government is delivering a $41 million second round of Energy Efficiency Grants (EEG) for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to improve energy efficiency, save on energy bills and lower emissions.
They are encouraging SMEs to check the Grant Opportunity Guidelines for which businesses and energy performance projects are eligible.
Wright@parliament.sa.gov.au
Blair.BoyerMP Blair.BoyerMP
8289 0700
Shop 2, Manor Farm Shopping Centre, 53 Northbri Avenue, Salisbury East SA 5109
The grants between $10,000 and $25,000 can be used to upgrade to more efficient equipment. This includes replacing air conditioners with high efficiency units or gas heating boilers with heat pumps, helping SMEs lower power bills and emissions
The $41.2 million will be allocated to states and territories in proportion to the national distribution of SMEs.
Grants will be awarded on a first come, first-served basis until each jurisdiction’s allocation is exhausted.
Applications for the grants will open across South Australia on Friday, 23 February 2024.
For more information about the Energy Efficiency Grants for SMEs program and how to apply, visit https://business.gov.au/ grants-and-programs/energy-efficiency-grants-for-small-andmedium-enterprises-round-2
Hon Blair Boyer MP Member for Wright FEDERAL
