Michelle Hamer challenges small business owners to be smarter. Through her programs, she works with clients to sharpen their skills and to think beyond the square. Michelle is owner of Smart Advice and holds community roles with organisations such as the Foundation of University of the Sunshine Coast, Lifeline Council and SC Area Consultative Committee. Recent entries
How healthy is your business?
It's time for your annual end-of-financial-year check-up. >>
Want a profitable business?
Communicate - but ask clients how they want to be contacted. >>
A sign of success
2 CommentsHow to maximise the impact of your business signage. >>
Why are you in business?
Think about your values when answering that question. >>
Who are your biggest competitors?
Ask yourself some specific questions to get the edge. >>
The pipeline approach
Most small business owners don’t think about the flow of their work, but rather the immediate projects they are working on. >>
Why it doesn't pay to be a know-it-all
Try saying "that is fascinating" instead of "I know that". >>
Should your price be showing?
2 CommentsDisplaying a tag can have advantages and disadvantages. >>
Are you involved in a hate fest?
3 CommentsWhy some customers end up extremely frustrated. >>
Would anyone notice if I didn't turn up today?
3 CommentsStaying motivated can require a little forward planning. >>
A stuff folder can stop you losing it
1 CommentsHow to keep important info at your fingertips. >>
If it's that urgent, pick up the phone
2 CommentsNot everyone is sitting at a desk in an air conditioned office waiting expectantly for emails! >>
Tips to get that To-Do list done
1 CommentsYou can add some method to the madness of trying to complete your long list of tasks. >>
Save your sanity and free your business brain
Good systems stop you becoming a slave to your business. >>
What do your customers really think of you?
2 CommentsThe new year is a good time to survey clients. >>
Selling yourself through direct mail
Your campaign must be well-planned and executed to achieve results. >>
Ways to make people pay
There are some tried and true ways of collecting debts. >>
Beating the third quarter blues
Organisation is the key to keeping your finances under control. >>
This will give you something to talk about
According to zoologists, elephants love to eat liquorice. >>
Are your customers cranky or content?
It is important to monitor levels of client satisfaction. >>
Careers on the move
Many employees have fears about moving to a regional area. >>
Learn to work smarter, not harder
Are you efficient or effective? >>
Find yourself a helping hand
Is it time you hired yourself an assistant? >>
Don't be held hostage by emails
1 CommentsHow to get your inbox under control. >>
Happy customers bring rich rewards
Customer service is often quoted as a businesses point of difference from their competitors. >>
What is a fair price?
From a seller's point of view, several major facts can influence a fair price. >>
Why should I choose your product?
This is a question that each of us in business should be able to answer without a moment’s hesitation. >>
First impressions are lasting impressions
The way you look and what that conveys is (rightly or wrongly) linked to your performance. >>
Time is of the essence
By careful planning, you can reduce wasted time and avoid crisis management. >>
Do you have a sounding board?
Every business should have a board of advisors who can bring a range of diverse and complementary skills to the organisation. >>
How does your business grow?
Introducing some strong motivation can help turn your business growth goals into a reality. >>
Six of the best ...
Here are six simple tips that can assist your productivity. >>
Are your expenses out of control?
When you are focusing intently on growing your business, it is all too easy for operating expenses to blow out. >>
What is business 'culture'?
If more owner/managers were culturally aware of their actions, behaviours and activities, they could grow their business without reservations. >>
To buy or not to buy?
Have you considered what happens when someone is mulling over buying something? >>
Why bother with awards?
Many business owners don’t ‘own’ their achievements and sometimes it takes a pretty big nudge from someone else to get them to complete the nomination. >>
So what's your edge?
Businesses which try to achieve success by having low profit margins are following a cost leadership strategy. This can be a very dangerous path for small business owners. >>
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