SALES TIP - by Colin Wilson– Director of Key Business Advisors 
                                 

What to do if you’re already behind the 8 ball for this quarter in 2011

Did you just blink and then January was over? Most businesses in Australia who take time off in January struggle to achieve their monthly cash flow target.  Businesses fall behind the eight ball due to staff and customers taking time off in January.  Everyone is slow in getting back into the rhythm which leads to poor results.

Your marketing and sales strategies should be set in concrete and now you want results!

Advice:The goal is to achieve your quarter target. So if you are behind add your shortfall in January, plus your GP Targets for February and March and divide them by the 8 working weeks left.

E.g. Quarterly GP $150,000 ÷ 8 Working Weeks = $18,750

A good tip is to divide the quarterly targets into daily targets and per sales person in your business.

e.g. $18,750 ÷ 5 working days = $3,750 ÷ 5 sales staff  = $750 daily target per person

It is easier to chase small targets and achieve many of these instead of one big lump figure.  Set the scene and motivate your staff to achieve their daily individual target to ensure you meet your quarterly target.  This will bring you back on track!

For more help and advice please call 1300 815 458.

 HUMAN RESOURCES TIP - by Colin Wilson – Director of  Key Business Advisors

Do your staff need training? What about You?

Staff need to be motivated, challenged and up skilled every day, but what about you?  Many business owners want results now due to high pressure in maintaining and growing their businesses.  Managers and staff are expected to perform and are frustrated when things don’t go according to plan.

Many business owners and managers have no official HR Degree or are not up to date with today’s correct procedures with Fair Work Australia.  Time is always an issue and the lack of this knowledge could cost you and your business BIG TIME!

Advice:  You need to know the HR process of do’s and don’ts.  Seek advice before you react to a situation as one wrong award, dismissal or comment made in an inappropriate manner could cost you thousands not to mention the stress and the lost time taken to justify your mistake to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Reminder:  Have you officially addressed your staff with January 1, 2011 changes in legislation as yet? One of the main changes in legislation is the introduction of Australia’s first national Paid Parental Leave Scheme which started on 1 January 2011. 

If you would like additional information regarding this scheme, visit http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/businesses/ppl_toolkit.htm  or call Key Business Advisors on 1300 815 458.