Resources

Keeping business records is essential for compliance purposes.We thought it would be a good idea to put a summary of the records that you need to keep in your business and for how long.

Succession Planning enables you to build a sustainable competitive advantage.  Talent is a company’s most important differentiator, and it’s not just about a handful of leaders at the top.  Smart companies are building pools of talent that are deep, rich, and wide.

There are many different ways of using mobile and digital marketing for your business. This example shows how Land Rover used it successfully and how an SME can successfully copy their tactics.

When considering your business marketing plan – these days an area that inevitably warrants discussion and often inclusion, is marketing via Facebook.   With over 1 billion users, and many of those users ‘checking in’ multiple times a day, Facebook is the number one social media platform.

Newsletters are an excellent ‘touch point’ opportunity with your clients or potential clients, so it’s important that you ensure they are engaging and informative.

It makes sense to assess if your business idea is viable before you invest too much time and money in it. While there’s no way to guarantee your idea will succeed, thorough market research will reveal if the time and effort you’ll invest in a business venture has a good chance of offering a reasonable return on investment.

Very few businesses don’t have competition – and with the Internet now creating global competition, you’re not just competing with your neighbours. You have to know who your competitors are and what they’re offering. It’s critical for setting competitive prices and being able to counteract marketing campaigns designed to poach your customers.

Focusing on getting the most out of the staff they have as much as they focus on hiring new employees that fit their business culture and skill requirements

There are many ways we can converse and build relationships with our market; and social media platforms are just one of them

A robust Business Case is an essential business tool for success in today’s market.

To illustrate how hard it is to give clear instructions as well as how hard it is to listen. To demonstrate how easily one person’s understanding can be misunderstood and/or misinterpreted.

To illustrate the importance of being a good listener. Delegates experience first-hand what it feels like to be ‘heard’ and ‘not heard’ and the emotions each brings up within them.

To introduce the idea that a word can mean many different things to different people.

A Focus Group is the collection of information in a group setting. For example, a group of employees and a facilitator discuss the cultural climate of their organisation.

Gender Diversity - candidate questionnaire

Gender Diversity Trainers guidelines

How to choose a Diversity Champion

Creating an inclusive work environment is an effective way to make all employees feel comfortable and welcome within your workspace.

How to introduce Diversity into your workplace guidelines

How to make a case for Diversity to top Management

How well do you manage diversity - self analysis

Help drafting a diversity strategic plan for your workplace 

Essential websites relevant to both new and existing businesses.

Smooth the pathway to your business success by having an experienced business person to talk your plans through with.

This guide has been compiled as a brief introduction on business planning. It includes the reasons for writing a business plan as well as the topics you should cover.

This guide outlines the steps required for the staff disciplinary process, providing a checklist of actions that are necessary to meet an employer's legal requirements. 

Auckland is New Zealand's most ethnically diverse centre with 181 identified ethnic groups. Does your workplace culture embrace diversity and flexibility? This whitepaper provides tips on how you can adapt effective employment strategies to your workforce and recognise the wide variety of needs that exist.

A force of over 800,000 Generation-Yers are in the midst of joining the working world. They bring with them new attitudes and beliefs about work that will change the face of the New Zealand workforce in the years to come.

Keyboard shortcuts are an easy way to boost the effectiveness in everyday tasks. Studies have found that making use of keyboard shortcuts can have substantial time saving and health benefits.

Contrary to popular belief, multi-tasking is in fact counterproductive. Until now, multi-tasking has been viewed as a valuable business skill and has frequently been a requirement in job advertisements. However, according to contemporary research conducted by Rubunstein and Meyer (2001) the time cost of switching from task to task reduces productivity, particularly when it comes to a complex undertaking.

An average of 47 billion non-spam emails are sent each day. In a world where more information is being shared faster than ever before,how can you make sure your email message is not only read but also responded to quickly and effectively?

A 90 Day Trial Period is for new employees only – where employee has not previously been employed by the employer or is a trial period is applied for the purposes of assessing an individual’s suitability for the position.

Dr. Nitin demonstrates important tools on Word and how to use them in this short, 30 minute webinar. Microsoft Word Deep Dive (30 mins).

‘Diversity for a Diverse City’: it’s as simple as good ‘people’ values = bottom line benefits. What has changed though is the range of diversity you might be dealing with – from age to multiple cultures in one workplace and maximising the potential and productivity of your workforce now requires a more ‘diverse’ approach.

White paper: Boosting your company’s productivity to boost your profitability. “People, processes and technology seem to be the three key components” says Chief Executive Michael Barnett, and good leadership is a pre-requisite.”

Supporting migrant staff improves business – the principles of ensuring all your new employees are welcomed and engaged from day one.

White paper: Improved productivity, performance and efficiency... Things are changing, the 48% of the working age population was not born here - read some stats that might surprise you. Is your business making the most of the benefits?

The proposed Holidays Ammendment Bill provides for an employee’s fourth week of annual leave to be paid out in cash. If passed this new legislation is expected that it will come into force on 1st April 2011. This guide outlines some of the most important issues for employers.

Whether your business operates in a high risk industry sector or not, the Health and Safety in Employment Act (1992) outlines that all employers carry a duty of care toward your employees and any other individual who may frequent your workplace. As an employer, there are several steps you need to take to be seen as a company that proactively promotes Health, Safety and Wellbeing in the workplace.

Conducting reference checks is a critical part of any recruitment process.

When you employ a person there is a legal requirement to provide them with a written employment agreement.

All businesses need cash, and your savings are usually the first cash a business uses, You may find it extremely difficult to get a business started if you do not have some cash of your own, and cannot expect someone else to front up with the whole amount.

The important question to ask is – do the prices I am charging cover all the costs associated with the product or service?

Key questions to ask when arranging business insurance.

While the law helps in defining and clarifying certain aspects of the contractual relationship between the parties, the starting point will often be “what did the two parties intend and agree at the time the goods and/or services were purchased?”

Valuing a business is an art not a science and one that is not simple to work out using one set formula.

This guide has been compiled to assist you through the process of evaluating a potential business purchase.

The purpose of a disciplinary process is two fold; to establish the facts and to give the employee a fair opportunity to state their case

Managing Redundancy can be tedious for all concerned. However managed correctly it can provide doors of opportunities for both parties.

Every business also begins with ideas but often we miss the wood for the trees: we focus on the tangible products and forget about where they all began: the ideas, the intellectual property.

It is essential that you consider what legal structure you will adopt in the setting up of your business. The structural form of your business will influence, amongst other things: Your liability for debts, legal procedures for dealing with other people, how you can sell your business, and at what price

Market positioning, market representation and price setting are among the most critical aspects of export management. If not well understood before starting negotiations and/or business in any market for any product or service, serious errors can be made which, at best, can be expensive to correct and, at worst, fatal to a company’s exporting.

Letter of Employment Template to accompany Employment Contract.  Please note the parts in red to be changed by you “The Employer”

One of the keys to effective performance management is the setting and achieving of targets for each employee within the team.  The Performance Improvement Plan is a simple template to map that out.

Position descriptions can improve the way your business manages employees by ensuring that performance and productivity is focused on the needs and goals of the business.

Developing a 90-day Action Plan, whether for an Employee, Business Unit or Company, requires a thoughtful approach and a determined execution to be successful.  This 90 Day Action Plan is based on SMART Goals.  Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

Exit interviews are a great way to celebrate what your organisation does well, but can also assist in identifying any areas requiring attention, any opportunities for improvement and elicit information on how to retain key people.

Sales Growth belongs in the selling-as-science school.  This tool allows you to think, review & strategise growth.

The SWOT Analysis is a useful technique for understanding your Strengths and Weaknesses, and for identifying both the Opportunities open to you and the Threats you face.  Used in a business context, it helps you carve a sustainable niche in your market.

Ever wondered how to leverage your business outside the box.  Here are ideas of how to do so and equated back to $$$ growth.

To write a business proposal to win a bid, you will need to know the key winning elements of a successful proposal. Make sure your proposal stands out.

Growth Plans are essential in reviewing where you are, who your customers are and where you want to go.

The art of networking is the art of building relationships.  Whether your objective  is to increase your customer base or find new vendors, building relationships is equally important to both these goals.

An easy to follow flowchart for planning and Recruitment of Employees. Step-by-step.

Comprehensive guidance on all stages involved in employment disciplinary action, presented in an interactive flowchart with an analysis for each step.

All employers in New Zealand can use trial periods for the first 90 days of a new employee’s employment. Getting it right is important.

Managing Redundancy can be tedious for all concerned. However managed correctly it can provide doors of opportunities for both parties.

Team Building Activities initiate high impact learning while nurturing the culture of your organisation. It enables understanding of personality types.

A step by step flowchart to establishing which Employment Agreement to use

Where carrot-and-stick attempts at motivation fail, this document offers case studies & a proven path to true engagement.  

To define effective leadership, a leader must employ communication as a primary tool in stimulating and motivating those around him. 

Maintaining healthy employee relations in an organisation is a pre-requisite for organisational success.  This encompasses exiting employees who may still engage with your business as a supplier, client or recommend your business to others.

Regular interaction with employees on performance fosters a positive culture and Employee Engagement.

A business's cash flow breakeven point is a vital calculation that can help you evaluate the financial health of a company. Learn how to manage your cashflow to foresee any periods where you may have to borrow money or sell assets to cover expenses.

A useful checklist to ready your Business for Sale so you can maximise your price when selling your business. 

A business's cash flow breakeven point is a vital calculation that can help you evaluate the financial health of a company. Learn how to manage your cashflow to foresee any periods where you may have to borrow money or sell assets to cover expenses.

A cash flow forecast indicates the likely future movement of cash in and out of the business. It's an estimate of the amount of money you expect to flow in (receipts) and out (payments) of your business and includes all your projected income and expenses. A forecast usually covers the next 12 months, but can be a short term cashflow. Net Cash Position = Receipts - Payments

There's an old adage about business that "cash is king" and, if that's so, then cash flow is the blood that keeps the heart of the kingdom pumping. Cash flow is one of the most critical components of success for a small or mid-sized business. 

Every business owner wants to get top dollar for the company he or she started and raised. But too many start thinking about the sales process too late to get the most value. Read on.

A step-by-step guide to Business Success which includes a short form Business Plan – Milestone Map Plan

Short form Business Plan

Knowing who you are & establishing the what ifs will challenge you to look at new canvases.

Ever been somewhere and zoned out.  Succinct communication wins every time.

Some would say, planning an exit strategy is just as important as starting the business. A well planned exit will maximise the existing value of your business when you go to sell. It will also considerably reduce the time needed in the preparation required to sell the business.

The cost of hiring can run in to the 10’s of thousands.  It is important integration of new staff is managed to avoid high turnover & unnecessary costs to business.

A good employee recruiting strategy is the best way to avoid having recruiting turn into a time-draining, money-losing activity. Execute a Plan.

Are you prepared should a disaster hit & have continuity for your business, staff and your own family?

If your business is not firing on all cylinder’s fix your pitch.

This template could well offer you the best 90 seconds when networking.

Succinctly put Proximity & Digital Marketing, is being able to market to your target and interested market when they are in your proximity or near your business using their SMARTPHONE or SMART DEVICE.

The key intellectual property considerations faced at each stage of a business’ evolution.

Case Study – Hall vs Smith Crane & Construction Limited

Is your Business Pitch ready to attract investment interest?

Did your pitch go viral?  10 tips to creating effective pitches to go viral.

Ever heard of a BHAG commonly known as Big Hairy Audacious Goal?  A BHAG gets you out of thinking too small. ... because it’s so big and so audacious and so hairy it increases the sense of urgency.

Reality vs Zen – Balancing the roles of the many hats you wear.

While this is a generic verbal referee form, you may wish to add specific questions related to that job & questions you have asked in the interview, ie. See the additional questions for a Sales Rep or BDM herein on this form.  Tailor your verbal checks to these questions.

Building a website is a tough gig, especially if you’re new to online marketing. Let’s explore 4 Steps of Consideration in making that next step to online marketing.

Great jockeys ride lame dockeys.  Rational thought processes are pricesless before you leap.

4 quick tips to fix general performance issues & define your culture

A well written value proposition describes what you do in terms of tangible business results

Rule of 10’s of any business - fool proof pyramid

Product Marketing builds next year’s revenue. Do you have this discipline in your business

Stage an Imaginery Board, what would they say about where you are at & where you are headed.

This document explores the conceptual reality of what Strategy is.

Viewing your business outside of your business.

Turning a small business into a big one is never easy. Strategic positioning is critical to that success.

Validating your market prior to development of product is the best way to increase the probability of your success.

Content marketing is the process of creating interesting non-promotional content.  Despite not directly promoting your products or services, content marketing efforts like these can be very effective for driving leads and sales for your business in an indirect manner.   

The number one failing by business people is the delusion that –  card swapping equals networking. Card swapping benefits two parties – the printing industry and the cleaners.  Read on...

Governance helps to underpin long-term Company performance.  Read on...

A helpful list of definitions all Business Owners should know.

Many SME businesses in recent years have recognized the value of having some sort of deliberative peer body to provide advice and guidance to management. In some companies that body takes the form of a legal board of directors with a majority of independent outsiders chosen for their business experience and expertise. Let’s explore the options.

We know what Governance is – but what are the essential elements?

When people say we need Good Governance in our Business, what does that actually mean in plain English?

We know what Governance is – but what should it look like in my Business?

Selling your value - by value we mean your competitive advantage, your differentiator, your discriminator, the reason why people say YES to you rather than NO!

So websites, like all things need to be updated from time to time. When you update, it’s an exciting time but you should not forget the implications to your SEO or organic search channel.

Employment Law does not prescribe a specific dismissal/disciplinary procedure that the Employer has to follow, but the dismissal decision & the process used must reflect what a fair and reasonable Employer could have done in those circumstances. Preconceived decisions are not fair and reasonable.  Poor Performance and Misconduct are not to follow the same process.  

A key aspect of employing staff is ensuring that the correct employment terms and conditions are recorded and agreed by both the employer and the employee. All employment agreements regardless of the type, must be in writing. The first consideration is whether the employment is to be permanent for a fixed term or casual? What are the differences between each type of agreement? 

The social Web and social media have essentially become weapons of mass persuasion & business growth. Large numbers of people are communicating and networking daily their messages, brands and products.

Selling your business – do you have employment protection provisions?

If you want to break out of the “race to the bottom” pricing spiral, what follows are 5 strategies that will help you re-focus your business and set you on the path for a profitable business and lower stress life.  A great tool for trade businesses.

Retention of good staff saves time and resources in replacing them. To retain and develop staff within your organisation, you need to actively encourage them to develop their knowledge and skills and to take on new challenges and greater opportunities.

In determining which Business Purchase is the best fit for you use the Business Analysis Worksheet as one tool in your assessment.  

Any warehouse or logistics requires careful planning and consideration for safety & BIO compliance. This list is not limited and is a general list which can be used as a guide when reviewing your own warehouse/logistics space.

A planned strategy meeting will allow a more relaxed environment for attendees to engage & contribute more freely.

Always be reviewing your competitor market to be on your game.

Understanding your customer will ensure you market the right product in the right segmentation. This is just one tool to use when assessing. Use in conjunction with Demographic Comparison Worksheet.

Use in conjunction with Demographic Analysis Worksheet.

Competent, qualified workplace health and safety advisors can add value to businesses in many ways. Specialist help is often required to manage detailed or technical issues.  For a handy checklist see HASANZ's 5 Quick Questions.

Debt recovery requires careful consideration with a full understanding of the best options for the debt recovery.  This resource provides the many options available to you but as a rule of thumb consider outsourcing the recovery for a better understanding of its likely recovery and/or recovery.

Do you have the right customers for your business? Reflecting on your customer base will determine which customers need to be retired. The ones that take up all your time and return little to no profit.

To raise money for your new business, you must decide whether you want to borrow money or sell ownership interests to equity investors. Often, you may not have many options–the person with money to lend or invest will obviously have a lot to say about it. But you should understand the pros and cons of choosing one over the other.

As a company owner, should you pay yourself a salary or drawings? That’s a very common question asked and like most tax questions, the answer is not cut and dry. There are pros and cons to both approaches. Let’s take a look in detail.

Best practices in how to wind up a solvent (not Liquidation or Receivership) company

Planning is one of the most important but poorly utilized management tools of businesses.  Your online marketing plan should be approached in the same manner as offline marketing – ensure you have a strategy!

One of the best areas to investigate up front is your SEO - your “Search Engine Optimisation.” SEO is a term that is used to describe the way that websites ‘speak’ to search engines in a language that they can understand.  By ‘speaking’ to them, they provide the search engines with more detail about your website.

Off-Page SEO Strategies to market your website are paramount post On-Paging SEO, get ranked in search engines, and to build online reputation (branding) for your company/website so that you can survive in this competitive SEO world. 

Many SME’s use business loans to finance their enterprise. However business owners should explore other means of raising capital. Issuing shares is a useful way for a company to raise capital without bank financing.

Brand is not merely a logo, or a name, or a marketing slogan. Brand = Reputation. 

A real case study in how a collaboration of parties can drive foot traffic and revenue to your business.

Leadership Transition enables business owners to change their thinking from their business being a job, to their business being an investment. Leadership transition is a viable exit strategy for business owner/s.

Flow is the key! When messages don’t flow and there is a lack of continuity, we simply switch off.  Learn how to captivate your audience with why they need you.