PrintEmail

Let’s face it, there’s a boring side to even the most exciting business. But that’s often also the side which can make all the difference in the long run. Our guaranteed-under-two-minute-read this week points out the benefits and gives you the tools to stay on top of the sometimes-boring details.

Article of the week

A Kiwi’s word is their bond – or so most of us believe. However, there are benefits to getting some things in writing, as Michael Todd points out, especially when it’s to do with an agreement over money owed to you.

Also popular:
Is it necessary to have an agenda even for small, less formal meetings? Robyn Pearce explains why you shouldn’t meet without one.

Tip of the week

Taking care of the details from Day One will help build value into your business so that, if you decide to sell up, you can do so at short notice. You will also get a better asking price if the buyer knows there are no nasty surprises in store. Pay particular attention to legal agreements, compliance issues, database quality, customer service, project management and staff issues. Document everything and file it where you can quickly and easily find it again. Make fixing small issues and tying up loose ends a daily habit so you aren’t left with a great big pile of things to sort out later on.

Resource of the week

One really useful tool for keeping track of details – from processes to people and projects to performance (and much more) – is DeskAway.  They offer a cut-down version which costs nothing but if you need more, the appropriate plan could be a worthwhile investment.

Freebee of the week

It’s not always easy keeping on top of compliance issues but the series of “Small business update” seminars put on by a group of government departments should give you a great heads up. There’s no charge but you’re asked to register. At this stage they are mostly in Auckland. We’d like to see them available to businesses elsewhere in New Zealand too. Some of our other events on our calendar are though, so why not see if there’s anything there of interest to you?

Quote of the week

It is the loose ends with which men hang themselves.
- Zelda Fitzgerald