Increasing your mental health support for employees
While safeguarding physical health and safety is an established employer obligation, the mental health and wellbeing of employees warrants equal attention. A recent Peninsula survey of 79,000 small to medium-sized enterprises globally — including 30,500 respondents in Australia and New Zealand — revealed concerning trends: These findings highlight a clear gap between need and action. […]
Are you growing mushrooms or roses? Why you should lead like a gardener, not a grower
The way you lead your team directly impacts whether your business operates as a high-performing, sustainable enterprise or remains stuck in reactive, short-term thinking. So, ask yourself: Are you leading like a mushroom grower or a rose grower? Mushroom Leadership: Operating in the Dark In nature, mushrooms grow in the dark and are fed sporadically. […]
Honesty is not a core value: Why you must dare to stand out
Ask any business owner what their company values are, and you’ll often hear the same list: honesty, professionalism, and quality. These are, of course, important — but let’s be clear: These aren’t core values.They’re expectations. Clients assume you’ll operate with honesty. They expect professionalism and take quality for granted. Stating these as your core values […]
The value of old-fashioned customer service: getting customer feedback
Your customers are the lifeblood of your business. Their loyalty and ongoing engagement fuel your cash flow and contribute directly to growth and sustainability. But when was the last time you assessed your customer service? Are you actively engaging with customers to ensure they remain satisfied, loyal, and aligned with your brand? Here’s why maintaining […]
Liberating you and your business with AI: customer service
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming an integral part of business operations, including within the small business sector. AI agents and automation tools are now widely accessible, providing new ways to streamline key functions—particularly in customer service. Improving response times, reducing administrative workload, and delivering consistent service are just some of the benefits AI can […]
Rise in the minimum wage: the impact for your business
On 3 June 2025, the Fair Work Commission’s Expert Panel handed down its decision following the 2024–25 Annual Wage Review. As a result, both the National Minimum Wage and modern award minimum wages will increase by 3.5%, effective 1 July 2025. View the official announcement. While the increase provides welcome relief for employees amidst persistent […]
Reducing the uncertainty: Embracing the new reality
Operating a business in today’s climate presents significant challenges—particularly for mature, long-established enterprises grappling with the realities of a rapidly evolving global marketplace. As a seasoned business owner, you bring with you a wealth of experience and commercial insight. However, the emergence of transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the increasing impact of climate-related […]
How’s your work-life balance?
One of the perceived perks of running your own business is the freedom to set your own hours. In practice, however, many business owners find themselves working long days, juggling multiple responsibilities, and rarely taking a proper break. According to Gallup, 39% of business owners surveyed reported working more than 60 hours per week. It’s […]
Training vs Trial & Error: Why Teaching Staff to Use Software Properly Pays Off
New software implementations often begin with optimism—enhanced capabilities, streamlined operations, and improved data visibility. Yet once the initial excitement fades, many businesses fall into a familiar pattern: inadequate training and unclear expectations. Too often, staff are expected to adapt through trial and error. A brief demonstration, a few help articles, and informal support from a […]
Making your business work for you: investing in your passions
Your business is important—but it’s not everything. For many small business owners, the demands of running a business can easily become overwhelming, often at the expense of personal wellbeing, family time and broader life goals. Achieving a sustainable work/life balance is not only beneficial for your health—it’s also good business. A well-balanced lifestyle supports better […]