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Forecasting

Maximising Sales, Profit and Cash

Sales, profit and cash are the key issues to focus on in business financial management. If you can get these three working you’re well on your way to building a sustainable business with capacity to grow. Sue Hirst shows you how.

Seven tips for managing in ‘changing times’

When times are tough, there's less leeway for error. Sue Hirst has some handy hints for business owners wanting to reduce risk and achieve growth in a tight market.

Avoid the post "New Year Hype" blues in your business

Has reality started to set in after the holidays and are you finding business more sluggish than you would like? Eric Billoud explains why it's happening and what you can do to overcome the issue.

It's easy to start a business but hard to get business finance

Anyone who is in business or has been in business in New Zealand knows that there are multiple skills required to take a business from a start-up to something more sustainable. It is easy to start a business, but harder to make sure that the business expands to support you.

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Managing the money side of your business

We've looked at several areas previously - but in many ways finance and accounting are key. A business by definition has to seek a profit. It may have other goals as well, but money is its lifeblood. So this is not just an add-on - it's another vital aspect in any business - even the one-person operation.

How healthy is your business?

Monitoring your business's vital signs could quite possibly determine whether it survives or not. Sue Hirst explains.

Beestings: Remove your business hurdles

Whether it's competing in the Olympics, or taking your first steps in business, successful people know what obstacles they face, and find a way to overcome them. This week's guaranteed-under-two-minute read helps you remove the hurdles that stand between you and achieving your business goals.

Would you win Gold at the Business Olympics?

Winning Gold at the Olympics requires, among other things, strategy, mind-set and determination, much like succeeding in business. If you want to do better this financial year in business, here’s a guide to the key financial success factors to focus on.

Improve profit and cashflow with a financial roadmap

The start of your financial year is a great time to understand how well your business has performed this past year and determine your targets for next year.

12 Tips to protect your business against volatility in 2012

2011 was a tough year for many businesses, and even if there's a glimmer of hope that 2012 will be better, it might not all be plain sailing. Sue Hirst helps you prepare to cope with the ups and downs.

12 Trends that Will Define Business in the "New Normal"

Stay up with the play - here are some trends to watch out for in 2012, Make sure you are tailoring your business to take advantage of them!

The value of getting your costing right

Understanding costing is vital if you want your business to grow. Sue Hirst says many small and home business owners are working hard without seeing the results, and she has some tips to help you make your business more profitable.

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Are you ready for International markets?

Many businesses looking to grow will at some point consider expanding into international markets. Whatever your situation, and particularly in times of global recession, it's essential that you do your homework thoroughly before making any decision to export.

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How to be sure you are making money - and keeping some for yourself

The orders are coming in, the customers are happy, and business seems to be, well, maybe not booming but pretty darn good. So how come it's so hard to pay the bills or take some drawings? Sue Hirst explains.

How to get free credit without burning bridges

When you find yourself with more bills than cash to pay them with, Michael Smyth identifies some useful options you can use to throw your business a lifeline and ease the cashflow.

Creating cashflow is easier than you think

Getting, and keeping, the cash flowing in your business can be difficult - but there are some tricks to making it happen. Lisa Minenni has some practical advice for startups and existing businesses alike.

Listen to your gut feel

When a business is headed for trouble, often the owner knows deep down - but as Sue Hirst's tale of woe shows, it's important to listen to that nagging doubt and seek help early. She draws some lessons from one owner's sad experience.

Ride the income rollercoaster - and enjoy it!

Do you have lots of business one minute and none the next? This is a typical home business scenario, and one that can be stressful especially for those new to the game. Here are some tips to help you cope - and even make the most of it.

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