Business Essentials

As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates, a new divide is emerging between owners and employees embracing the technology, and those being left behind. Andrew Phillips, Vice President of Freshworks Australia, a company delivering AI software for customer and IT services, explains why it’s now time for small and medium business leaders to become AI-literate. He explains how some simple,...

Who wouldn’t like to double their business? Well, according to Melissa Browne, Founder of Mel Browne Money, it might sound like a fantasy but it’s entirely possible if you focus on profit, not just sales. Melissa shares practical tactics to increase profitability, from improving customer retention and average spend to streamlining costs and finding quick wins that make a big impact. Sh...

Most of us at some stage will suffer from imposter syndrome – that feeling of fraud -like inadequacy, despite having a reputation for success. According to behavioural expert Charlotte Blair, recognising and naming imposter syndrome is the first step to managing it. Charlotte is a partner at The Strengths Partners, a company dedicated to strength-based development of individuals, teams and o...

Brands are increasingly being copied by "dupes", and while consumers may enjoy cheaper alternatives, the impact on business owners can be devastating. But the Director of Strategy and Creative Lead at Kommunal, Rod Curtis, says businesses can stay ahead by doubling down on quality, innovation and authenticity to protect their brand and thrive in a competitive market. He also explains how smart mar...

It’s natural to be apprehensive – even fearful – of the uncertainty that envelopes us when we face challenges. But, if we push through a particular challenge and get through the other side, we’re the better for it. Emotional fitness expert Joe Pane has identified three universal fears that hold us back from living the life we want or having the business we desire: the fear...

The rise of artificial intelligence promises great new advantages for SMEs, but AI also brings major security risks. The Managing Director of Cyber Matters, Saaim Khan, says confidentiality and integrity are critical concerns when using AI tools. He says businesses need to be cautious about sharing sensitive information and he outlines practical steps to protect businesses including setting clear...

How many of your employees are using AI without your knowledge? As generative AI tools like ChatGPT start to become ubiquitous in the workplace, many employees are quietly using them to boost productivity, secure promotions, and even enjoy their work more. Andrew Phillips is Vice President of Freshworks, a company delivering AI powered software for customer and IT services, and he explains why ign...

Great coaches – like great leaders – are able to support teams and individuals, allowing them to perform at their best. Professor Martin Bean, is CEO of The Bean Centre, and co-author of ‘Toolkit for Turbulence: The mindset and methods that leaders need to turn adversity to advantage’. He discusses how meaningful, one-on-one conversations, focused on achievements, developme...

Would you like your workers to come back to the office? Many businesses are still grappling with how to bring employees back to the workplace, and whether they should be worried at all. Marnie Brokenshire, Founder of Uncapped Potential, outlines some practical strategies to make the workplace irresistible. She explains how patience, strong leadership skills, and creating a sense of belonging can i...

How well does your website perform in search engine results? If it’s not at least on page one, you need to understand how Google’s algorithm is prioritising quality content over quantity, and build that into your SEO. That’s according to Sagar Sathi, Founder and CEO of digital marketing agency Xugar. The credibility of the author are also important factors in determining search r...

There are four enemies of team performance, according to Organisational Psychologist Stephanie Bown. Poor performance can often stem from traps like focusing on the wrong problem, locking into unproductive debates, relying too heavily on leadership for answers, and falling into blame. Stephanie explains how small business owners and managers can spot and avoid these common pitfalls to unlock the p...

Conforming to compliance requirements can seem overwhelming, but did you know you can use some of the tools you already have to simplify things? Saaim Khan, Managing Director of Cyber Matters, explains how to simplify and streamline your approach to digital security and regulatory frameworks. He suggests a “measure twice, cut once” mindset can help you meet multiple standards with a si...

Do you find some people on your team are difficult to communicate with? Perhaps they don’t give straight answers, or they dominate group conversations, or they’re outright hostile. Well, they could demonstrate one of four main communication styles: aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive or assertive. Communications specialist Leah Mether unpacks each style and how you can adapt to bet...

These days a lot of companies promote their values through their branding, but do they really understand the meaning of being genuinely purpose-driven? Rod Curtis is Director, Strategy and Creative Lead at Kommunal, Brand Strategy Architects, and he says purpose-driven branding matters more than ever. He explains how a clear and compelling purpose not only attracts customers, talent, and investors...

How are you doing with sales? Do you have a winning sales strategy or approach? If not and you’re struggling to close, you might need a different pitch. Glenn Poulos has developed a sales pitch from his many years in corporate sales, marketing and customer service roles. The ‘Punch Perfect Pitch’ starts with a "punch" or "bang" – an impactful opening that grabs the audience...

Entrepreneur Rebecca Klodinski may have founded an internationally recognised swimwear brand, but now she’s branching out from bikinis to bling. Rebecca grew Frankie Swimwear — now rebranded as IIXIIST — from a student side hustle into one of Australia’s first Instagram-born fashion labels. She explains how and why her business instincts have now taken a new turn into the b...

Struggling to get your team back to the office? How about making them fear missing out on something? Founder of leadership and performance consultancy, Uncapped Potential, Marnie Brkenshire, offers three practical strategies to reignite connection and creativity in your workplace by making it more meaningful, bringing back real training, and creating a sense of FOMO. She explains how purposeful le...

Facts and stories play a vital role in successful sales operations. While facts build trust and demonstrate value, stories engage and connect with people on an emotional level. The problem is that businesses tend to use either sales or facts to convert customers or clients to purchase. Sales expert Sue Barrett, CEO of Barrett Consulting Group, insists a good story has the power to inspire action a...

Stress may sharpen our minds, but when it lingers, it can damage our health, productivity and relationships. Employee engagement specialist Esther De La Cruz says it’s possible for SME owners to manage stress through practical, science-backed strategies that support both mind and body. Esther shares how understanding the connection between brain chemistry and daily habits can empower busines...

Too often sales people tell the customer what they think they want to hear, rather than asking questions and listening to customer concerns. That’s according to business coach and trainer Jim Cocks, who equates great questions with great sales. Jim offers insights into how to improve sales performance by focusing on mindset and building rapport with potential clients. He offers strategi...

The complexity of the General Retail Industry Award is creating unnecessary challenges for small businesses, which make up the great majority of the retail sector. That’s according to the CEO of the Council of Small Business Associations Australia (COSBOA), Luke Achterstraat. COSBOA has joined a new collaboration with the Australian Retailers Association to push for sensible reforms - simpli...

A brand is more than just a logo — it’s the entire experience your business delivers. Rod Curtis, Director of Strategy & Creative Lead at Kommunal - Brand Strategy Architects, explains that while a well-designed logo is important, it’s just an empty symbol without a strong strategy behind it. Rod explores the deeper layers of branding, from the way you present yourself to the...

A successful sales team as one that is fully engaged, highly satisfied, able to handle pressure, and performs at their best. That’s according to Anna Glynn, speaker, author and coach on thriving workplaces, who shares her six secrets to sales success. Implementing the six principles, she insists, takes time and should be part of an ongoing plan. Business Essentials Daily is produced by: Soun...

Speaking up isn't always easy — especially for people who are early in their careers or from cultures that value deference. But organisational psychologist Stephanie Bown says your voice is your value. With AI transforming the workplace, it’s more important than ever to show up with your ideas, back yourself, and make your thinking heard. Stephanie helps us overcome self-doubt, prepare...

Businesses are scrambling to keep up with latest trends in technology and take advantage of the efficiencies of digitisation. At the same time, mediocre customer service is rampant. So, how can you embrace the benefits of the digital era while also servicing customers with the human touch they crave? Well, Jaquie Scammell provides the answers in her new book, ‘The Future of Service is 5D&rsq...