Small business isn’t for everyone but it might just be the perfect path for you. Although there are many perks of being your own boss, running a small business also comes with a variety of challenges that many people aren’t willing to take on. We all have different expectations for what we want out of life, which is why the decision to run a small business needs to be made with a lot of thought and care.

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, or perhaps you have an existing business and you’ve been questioning whether this gig is really for you, keep listening my friend. In this episode, I’m taking you through some of the benefits and drawbacks of being a small business owner so you can make an informed decision about the best path for you moving forward.

Embracing the Freedom and Passion

One of the most significant perks of running a small business is the freedom it offers. Being your own boss allows you to embrace your passion and make important decisions that align with your vision - but this freedom doesn't come without challenges. It requires self-discipline, the ability to wear multiple hats, and a constant drive to innovate.

Navigating the Challenges of Financial Independence

While financial independence is a significant benefit of small business ownership, there is also a flipside. Managing finances, navigating cash flow projections, and making strategic decisions require expertise and support. Whether you're adept at handling numbers or need to outsource this aspect, proper financial management is crucial for the success of your business.

Cultivating Creativity and Innovation

Creativity and innovation are at the heart of small business ownership. As the boss, you have the freedom to unleash your creativity, make decisions that set you apart, and adapt to market trends. While this offers exciting opportunities, it also places a significant responsibility on your shoulders. Balancing creativity with practicality and market demand is key to sustainable growth.

Ultimately, the decision to run a small business is a personal one that should reflect your strengths, passions, and values and there’s no shame in deciding that running your own business isn’t for you. Whether you choose to pursue small business ownership or explore other avenues, remember that your decision is a reflection of your courage, resilience, and commitment to personal and professional growth.

LINKS:

Join the waitlist for The Bookkeeping Matters Blueprint here

Connect with Lisa Turner:

Instagram: @accountedforyou

Website: https://accountedforyou.com.au/

Join my Numbers List for small business news and fun, helpful tips here

Grab some FREE Resources here

Check out my blog here

Today, we're going to dive into a fundamental aspect of running a small business in Australia – understanding business structures. The structure you choose will define how your business is organised, how it's managed, and of course, taxed.

Choosing the wrong structure can cause headaches down the road so it’s important to be informed before making a decision. If you have made the wrong decision though, don’t panic! I’ve been there myself, and while it costs some time and money, you can definitely change structures.

So whether you are starting a new business or reassessing your current structure, this episode will help you pick the perfect structure for you. Lets dive in to Australia’s three main types of small business structures:

1. Sole Trader
The sole trader structure is the most common choice for small business owners in Australia. It is cost-effective and easy to set up, making it an attractive option for those starting out on their own. In this structure, you, as an individual, are the business. This means there is no separation between your personal and business entities.

While being a sole trader offers simplicity and full control over decision-making, it also comes with unlimited liability. Without any separation, you are personally responsible for all aspects of the business including all its debts. Additionally, all the profits of the business will be taxed as your income.

2. Company
The company structure provides a separate legal entity for your business. This means the business enters into contracts, buys assets, and incurs liabilities in its own name, which offers some liability protection for the owners.

This is a great choice for businesses with multiple owners, significant assets, or plans for substantial growth. However, setting up a company requires a formal structure, which comes with more administrative tasks and costs. Don’t get discouraged though! A good tax specialist will be able to step you through this process if it’s the right one for you.

3. Trust
A trust is a unique business structure that holds assets on behalf of beneficiaries. It is not a separate legal entity but a relationship wherein a trustee manages the assets for the beneficiaries. Trusts are known for their flexibility in income distribution and asset protection, making them a common choice for family businesses. Keep in mind that setting up a trust is typically more complex and costly than other structures, so you’ll definitely want professional guidance.

LINKS:

Join the waitlist for The Bookkeeping Matters Blueprint here

Connect with Lisa Turner:

Instagram: @accountedforyou

Website: https://accountedforyou.com.au/

Join my Numbers List for small business news and fun, helpful tips here

Grab some FREE Resources here

Check out my blog here

If you've ever struggled with managing loans, ATO bills, superannuation, or credit card payments, then today’s episode is for you! I’m taking on the topic of debt and sharing strategies to empower you in managing and crushing your debt.

Taking a proactive approach is crucial for setting yourself up for long-term success. Here are some techniques to consider:

1. Budgeting and Cash Flow Forecasting:
Creating a budget for your business will help you stay on top of your debt obligations and allocate funds to the right places. Just remember that budgeting is not meant to restrict you, but rather guide you on how much money you have available for spending, repayments, and fixed costs.

2. Cash Flow Forecasting:
Understanding your cash flow is essential in reducing debt. By forecasting your income and expenses, you can ensure that you have sufficient funds to pay off your debt and cover the current and future expenses of your business.

3. Saving Ahead:
Create a savings buffer to cover any overdue debts or amounts. Set up a dedicated savings account to accumulate funds for taxes, GST, income, and other expenses relevant to your business. Even if you're not required to pay these yet, forming the habit of saving early builds excellent money management skills.

Challenges Along the Way:
Navigating debt management comes with its fair share of challenges. When obstacles arise, refer back to your budget and planning to identify which debts require immediate attention, which ones incur penalties, and which carry the highest interest rates. Avoid the temptation to ignore these challenges or bury your head in the sand. Inaction will only exacerbate the problem and increase your stress levels.

The Importance of Seeking Professional Support:
If you find yourself struggling with debt, there are many places you can reach out to for support; starting with your trusty bookkeeper. Be honest with where you’re at and they’ll be able to provide guidance, resources, and connections to financial planners or counselors. Don’t ever be embarrassed to ask for help, your financial advisors are here to assist you in overcoming financial hurdles and setting your business on a path to success.

Taking control of your debt is a crucial step towards securing a brighter financial future, and this episode will give you the tools you need. By implementing the strategies I shared, you’ll be well on your way to crushing your debt and regaining control over your finances.

Previous episodes mentioned:

Budgeting isn’t a dirty word

Reviving Your Small Business Finances: Tips to Get out of the Red and into the Black

LINKS:

Join the waitlist for The Bookkeeping Matters Blueprint here

Connect with Lisa Turner:

Instagram: @accountedforyou

Website: https://accountedforyou.com.au/

Join my Numbers List for small business news and fun, helpful tips here

Grab some FREE Resources here

Check out my blog here

Are you facing late payments from clients, and getting that panicked feeling about having to chase them up? I get it - and I know so many other business owners do too. In an earlier episode, I took you through my exact process for timely payments. Today, I’m diving a little deeper to discuss the power of personalised reminders and guiding you through the process to get paid quicker.

The first step in creating an effective reminder system is to turn on automated reminders in your accounting software. In this episode, we focus on Xero, but you can adapt these strategies to your own software. Once you've enabled the automated reminders, you need to determine how many reminders to send and how often.

While automated email reminders are extremely effective, generic templates won't grab your clients' attention. Personalising your reminders is a much better way to get them noticed, and I share an example of my own personalised reminder to show how you can infuse your personality and tone.

So, you’ve turned on automated reminders, and you’re feeling great about it. However, this is only half the battle. Often, we forget to actually receipt the payments that come through. This can result in unnecessary reminders being sent to clients and potentially awkward situations! To avoid this, stay on top of your receipting or take advantage of integrated payment options like Pinch or Paypal.

Finally, if you still haven’t received a payment after two reminders, I encourage you to jump on a phone call and check in with your client or customer. Perhaps your emails never reached them, or they’re facing a personal issue that has prevented them from making payment. It’s likely they’re more stressed about the situation than you are about calling them.

So, be calm, kind, and know that the more streamlined your invoice process is, the easier it will be to get to the bottom of any payment issue you may face.

LINKS

Previous episode mentioned: My Exact Process for Timely Payments

Join the waitlist for The Bookkeeping Matters Blueprint here

Connect with Lisa Turner:

Instagram: @accountedforyou

Website: https://accountedforyou.com.au/


Join my Numbers List for small business news and fun, helpful tips here

Grab some FREE Resources here

Check out my blog here

Welcome to another short and snackable episode of Your Bookkeeping Matters. Today we're looking at some core practices that can take your business from good to bad. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting, these actionable strategies will equip you with the tools and insights you need to elevate your business game.

1. Mastering Your Numbers:
Understanding your financial metrics can be transformative for your business. Start with your Profit and Loss Statement and Balance Sheet Reports, which provide crucial information about your revenue, expenses, and overall financial health. You also need to identify and understand the KPIs that matter most to your business's success. These metrics aren’t necessarily financial, it depends on what's important to you and your business goals. 

2. Ensuring Legal Protection and Compliance:
The importance of solid legal foundations cannot be overstated. DIYing your legals can lead to costly mistakes, such as removing crucial clauses in contracts that result in financial damage. Instead, seek the guidance of a solicitor who will create legal documents that perfectly suit your business needs.

3. Standing Out Online:
Having a strong online presence is a must for business success. To stand out from the competition and capture your target audience's attention, you need a great brand strategy. Define who you are, what you stand for, and the problem you solve. Then, get creative with your website design, social media content, and online advertising. 

4. Nurturing Company Culture and Team:
Your team is your greatest asset as a small business owner. Investing in their happiness, well-being, and professional development is crucial for both their growth and your business's success. Define your company values and culture, and create a positive work environment where everyone can thrive. 

5. Prioritizing Work-Life Harmony:
Striking a balance between personal and professional life isn’t always possible. Instead, prioritize work-life harmony by setting boundaries, taking regular breaks, and making time for hobbies and interests outside of work. This is essential to preventing burnout, improving your mental health, and enhancing your overall productivity.

I work with so many businesses daily. Not only my clients, but my clients’ clients. These five practices are things I’ve seen work time and time again to help people become better business owners. So start implementing them today and watch your business thrive.

LINKS

FREE Pricing Calculator

Join the waitlist for The Bookkeeping Matters Blueprint here

Connect with Lisa Turner:

Instagram:     @accountedforyou

Website:         https://accountedforyou.com.au/

 Join my Numbers List for small business news and fun, helpful tips here

Grab some FREE Resources here

Check out my blog here

Welcome to another short and snackable episode, where I’m diving into why value matters most in your small business. Today, we’ll explore the idea that while earning money and making a profit is crucial for your business, it shouldn't be the driver behind it. I believe profit should be the result of what you're doing in your business and why.

As a small business owner myself, I understand the overwhelming nature of keeping things in the business running smoothly, and how easy it is to lose sight of its true purpose. However, there’s a secret to creating a thriving business that goes beyond making money. By prioritising value in what you bring to the table, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of your customers, build stronger connections and ultimately, achieve long-term success.

So, what exactly does "adding value" mean? I talk about it being more than just delivering a product or service and more about solving problems, meeting needs and enhancing the overall experience for your customers. Because let’s face it - business owners who lead with the one goal of making money can be a total turn-off! 

Changing your mindset from a profit-focused approach to a value-based one can be challenging, but don’t worry - there’s a simple way you can start to make this shift. It all begins by revisiting your purpose - why did you start your business in the first place?

Remember, your business is not just about the numbers; it's about making a lasting impact. Let's embrace the value-driven approach together and build a thriving business that benefits not only us but the customers and communities we serve!

LINKS

FREE Pricing Calculator

Join the waitlist for The Bookkeeping Matters Blueprint here

Connect with Lisa Turner:

Instagram:     @accountedforyou

Website:         https://accountedforyou.com.au/

Join my Numbers List for small business news and fun, helpful tips here

Grab some FREE Resources here

Check out my blog here

Today, I want to talk about something that every business owner can relate to - cash flow. Specifically, I want to dive into the topic of getting clients to pay you on time. I'll be sharing my exact process, the lessons I've learnt from past mistakes and some practical tips that have helped me ensure timely payments from my clients.

To help get you started, I share my top tips on optimising your invoice and payment processes:

1. Online Payment Options

Making it easy and fast for your clients to pay you should be a top priority. I discuss the importance of providing user-friendly online payment options and share my personal favourite, Pinch Payments.

2. Automated Recurring Invoices

Say goodbye to manual invoicing! I explain how automated recurring invoices have been a game changer for me. I walk you through the process of setting up repeating invoices in your accounting software to save time and ensure consistency in sending out invoices to your clients.

3. Automated Reminders

Even the best clients can sometimes forget to pay. That's why automated reminders are a valuable tool to have in your invoicing process. I take you through how they work, the benefits of using them and the importance of finding the right balance in sending reminders.

Streamlining your invoicing process will not only save you time and energy, but it will also ensure your clients have the best experience possible.

So, if you're tired of dealing with late payments and want to improve your cash flow, then this episode is for you!

LINKS

Join the waitlist for The Bookkeeping Matters Blueprint here

Connect with Lisa Turner:

Instagram:     @accountedforyou

Website:         https://accountedforyou.com.au/

Join my Numbers List for small business news and fun, helpful tips here

Grab some FREE Resources here

Check out my blog here

As a small business owner, it is crucial to wear many hats and outsource areas that require expertise. However, one aspect that often gets overlooked is paying yourself. Though it might not initially appear as a top priority, paying yourself serves as both a reward for your efforts and a means of securing a financial return from your business.

So, How Much Should You Pay Yourself? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The amount you pay yourself depends on various factors such as your sales, expenses, and upcoming financial obligations. I’ll guide you through the variables to consider and provide tips on how to determine the right amount to pay yourself.

Once you have determined how much to pay yourself, it is crucial to understand the process of actually withdrawing the funds. I’ll walk you through the steps of withdrawing money from your business bank account and transferring it to your personal account. I also highlight the often-overlooked issue of superannuation and the need to address it as a sole trader. 

Tax implications are another critical consideration. We'll explore income taxes and emphasize the importance of setting aside funds for tax obligations. I'll clarify the distinction between owner drawings and wages, and dispel the misconception that sole traders can't hire team members. You definitely can employ others, you just cannot employ yourself.

Paying yourself as a sole trader is an integral part of running a successful business. It not only rewards your hard work but also ensures the viability of your venture. While there's no magic formula, my goal is to leave you feeling confident in navigating the complexities of compensating yourself effectively as a sole trader.

Connect with Lisa Turner:

 Join the waitlist for The Bookkeeping Matters Blueprint here

Instagram:     @accountedforyou

Website:         https://accountedforyou.com.au/

 Join my Numbers List for small business news and fun, helpful tips here

Grab some FREE Resources here

Check out my blog here