Why most South African SMEs run out of cash before they run out of customers
I want to start with a story that I have heard more times than I care to count. A business owner comes to me — frustrated, exhausted and confused. Their order book is full. Their phone is ringing. Clients are happy. On the surface, everything looks like success. But underneath it all, there is a […]
Performance is everything — but what performance means is entirely up to you
Different meanings Ask ten South African business owners what performance means to them and you will get ten different answers. One will say it is turnover. Another will say it is profit margin. A third will say it is how many clients they retained this year. Someone else will say it is whether they made […]
You Need a True Accounting Partnership, Not Just Compliance
Why Your Business Needs a True Accounting Partnership, Not Just Compliance Running a business is complex, and managing your financials shouldn’t be a daunting, frustrating chore. Yet many entrepreneurs often see their accountant as just a once-a-year necessity, only contacted when deadlines loom. If that sounds familiar, it’s time for a mindset shift. In this […]
5 Cash Flows Problems AND how to solve them
Cash flow problems? What is that? Cash flow is the number one problem in any business but it impacts smaller (newer) businesses more. Every business will encounter a cash flow problem at one time or another. Fortunately, most cash flow problems can be prevented with a bit of preparation and the right strategy. Here is […]
Four reasons why you’re not using a budget
You have all heard how important budgets are. But if you have never used a budget, why start now? Here are four reasons why companies do not have budgets or, if they have them, do not use them effectively. 1. They are incorrect or out of date Budgets are much like goals or dreams. They […]
Return on Investment: A Practical Guide for Your Business
In today’s fast-paced business world, understanding the concept of return on investment (ROI) is crucial for every entrepreneur. Whether you’re investing in advertising, purchasing new equipment, or expanding your services, knowing how to evaluate the success of these investments can significantly impact your bottom line. In this post, we will delve into the fundamentals of […]
Clarity – Setting Up Systems That are Useful
Your books are up to date. Your accountant sends monthly reports. You have financial statements sitting in your inbox. You seldom open them because when you open them, you feel nothing but confusion. Maybe mild panic. Definitely not clarity. You’re not alone. This is the reality for most business owners. The problem isn’t that your […]
Why purpose-driven businesses outperform profit-focused competitors
Let me tell you about two business owners I’ve worked with. The first came to me making decent revenue. R80k per month. Profitable on paper. But completely miserable. Working 60-hour weeks. Resenting clients. Questioning why she even started the business. The second was making less – maybe R50k monthly. But lit up when talking about […]
The Purpose-Clarity-Performance Method: Approach your Business Differently
The Purpose-Clarity-Performance Method: A New Approach to Business Finances In the last post, we talked about why traditional accounting doesn’t help your business grow. Compliance keeps you legal but understanding drives growth. Today I introduce you to the framework I use with every client who’s serious about building a sustainable business: the Purpose-Clarity-Performance method. Three […]
Why Your Accountant Isn’t Helping Your Business Growth (And What You Actually Need)
You pay your accountant every month. Your books are done. Tax returns filed on time. Monthly accounts arrive in your inbox. You glance at them. Maybe check the bottom line. Hope everything’s okay. Then you get back to actually running your business. Sound familiar? Here’s the truth: your accountant is doing exactly what you hired […]