“Borrowing isn’t inherently bad; it depends a lot on what the debt is financing” (Stephen Moore, writer and economic commentator) Taking on debt can be a good thing for a company. It can fund expansions, help you seize market share or diversify offerings. Handled incorrectly it can, however, lead to severe problems that could ultimately… Continue reading Tips for Getting out of Business Debt
Category: Business
Ten Often-Overlooked Ways Your Accountant Can Help Your Business
“If you talk to a top accountant about his field of expertise, it’s mind-boggling.” (Vincent Kompany, professional football manager and former player) Accountants are the tax and compliance champions of any industry, but the best ones do so much more for their clients, as strategic advisors and trouble-shooters who can also assist with automating a… Continue reading Ten Often-Overlooked Ways Your Accountant Can Help Your Business
How to Prepare for a Possible Electricity Blackout
“Eskom plays a critical role in the life of South Africa, and life of South Africans. Due to its important role in the economy, its inability to provide electricity on demand and on time is a crisis.” (President Cyril Ramaphosa) The South African Reserve Bank’s Financial Sector Contingency Forum (FSCF) has recently encouraged South African… Continue reading How to Prepare for a Possible Electricity Blackout
How to Use AI to Improve Your Small Business
“The amount of work we can automate with AI is vastly larger than before. As leaders, it is incumbent on all of us to make sure we are building a world in which every individual has an opportunity to thrive.” (Andrew Ng, Co-founder and lead of Google Brain) Artificial Intelligence has come a long way… Continue reading How to Use AI to Improve Your Small Business
When to Say No to an Opportunity (or a “Barnacle”)
“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” (Warren Buffet, Investor) Anyone who has ever started a business knows the feeling a new enquiry can generate. The excitement that things seem to be working, may make the new entrepreneur set aside their concerns and… Continue reading When to Say No to an Opportunity (or a “Barnacle”)
Affordable Ways to Reap the Benefits of Engaged Employees
“Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers.” (Stephen R. Covey) Gallup describes “engaged employees” as those who are involved in, enthusiastic about, and committed to their work and workplace. Numerous studies over many decades have confirmed the benefits of engaged employees especially to smaller companies, where they are… Continue reading Affordable Ways to Reap the Benefits of Engaged Employees
Setting Up Your Finances in a New Business
“A house built on granite and strong foundations, not even the onslaught of pouring rain, gushing torrents and strong winds will be able to pull down.” (Haile Selassie, Former Emperor of Ethiopia) When starting a new business, few things are as important as establishing your finances and making sure they are right. Building the foundation… Continue reading Setting Up Your Finances in a New Business
Why (and How) to Submit Skills Development Reports by 30 April
“We need to give importance to skill development because this way we can end unemployment.” (Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, India) Since 1999, the Skills Development Levy (SDL) has served to fund skills development in the country. It encourages a planned and structured approach to skills development so employers, employees and the economy can benefit from… Continue reading Why (and How) to Submit Skills Development Reports by 30 April
5 Business Plan Mistakes to Avoid
“Proper business planning demands that you focus on the self-interest of the customer at all times.” – (Brian Tracy, Author and Speaker) Writing a business plan can feel like a daunting process, and making mistakes is part of the package, even if you follow the online guides and templates. To make this process simpler, we… Continue reading 5 Business Plan Mistakes to Avoid
UDZ Tax Incentive Extended: Could Your Business Benefit?
“…governments internationally have increasingly used tax measures to support efforts aimed at regenerating urban areas.” (SARS Guide to the UDZ Allowance) The urban development zone (UDZ) tax incentive, provided for in section 13quat of the Income Tax Act (the Act), was introduced 20 years ago in 2003, as an accelerated depreciation allowance for property investments in certain central business… Continue reading UDZ Tax Incentive Extended: Could Your Business Benefit?