A recent survey conducted by software provider MYOB has uncovered seven priorities for SMEs in 2013
January 31, 2013
Australia’s largest business management solutions provider, MYOB has uncovered a set of seven priorities for 2013 after surveying close to 200 small to medium sized business clients in December 2012.
The survey was commissioned by MYOB to gain an insight into SME business plans for the year ahead.
Activities with the most focus being applied by survey SMEs include improving systems and processes, creating customer growth strategies, tweaking pricing and starting a succession plan.
Among the survey respondents, six percent plan to sell their business in 2013, while almost five percent plan to start another enterprise.
MYOB CEO Tim Reed says this year there will be a move away from the record-breaking small business insolvencies experienced in 2012.
“It’s encouraging to find SME operators prioritising activities that focus on increasing their productivity, their service offering and the stickiness of their clients,” he says.
“There are several strategies to help transform your business so that it’s in top shape for the year ahead.
“These include revisiting your business plan with a trusted business advisor, investing in new and improved equipment and exploring ways to re-energise your team.”
START WITH A PLAN
As with any enterprise, it all starts with a plan. A clear strategic plan is the foundation of any successful business. A detailed, forward-looking plan covering all key business facets will ensure your activities are geared towards growing your profitability. Review and update your plan this month to ensure it takes into account any new developments or opportunities found last year and those you expect to work on this year. This could be investing in growing your market share, improving your market intelligence so the business is more competitive, or even aspects as simple as setting sales targets.
SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE
The mix of business commitments such as compliance, accounting, payroll, export rules, council codes and employment relations can be overwhelming for many business owners. Take the opportunity now to catch up with business advisors such as accountants and business coaches for advice on the year ahead. This is also a good time to tap into your wider networks to explore what opportunities they think are on the horizon for this year.
REVIEW YOUR SUPPLIER BASE
One way to boost business performance this year is to review your current contracts and suppliers, to see if you’re getting your money’s worth. Research your suppliers’ competitors to find out their service offering, prices and the discounts they’re prepared to offer for placing regular bulk orders, referrals, ongoing loyalty to their business and so on. Also consider whether a service you currently outsource can be carried out more cost effectively internally, or whether you can consolidate your suppliers.
DIVERSIFY YOUR RANGE
Innovation in products and services can be a sure way to stay well ahead of the competition. Offering a new or improved range to existing customers will help retain them and can also attract new customers. Find the courage to trim away any non-profitable activities and back the winners. Talk to a professional who can help identify what strategies, products and services deliver the healthiest returns, re-evaluate your margins and benchmark your performance against similar businesses.
SPRUCE UP YOUR SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES
With all the different hats that a business owner wears, getting your systems and processes right is vital to business success. SME operators are spoilt for choice when it comes to technologies that will improve your efficiencies. When it comes to improving processes consider building a comprehensive operations manual or fine tuning the one you have, and then have staff contribute to discussions on how to improve the way you work as a team.
BE SEEN ONLINE
With more than 80 percent of consumers researching online prior to making a purchase, being online offers a huge opportunity to connect with more customers. The latest MYOB Business Monitor survey revealed SMEs with a website were 53 percent more likely to experience a revenue rise over the last financial year.
RE-ENGAGE YOUR TEAM
It can take some time to get back into work mode after a relaxing holiday, so consider ways you can reignite staff motivation. Perhaps organise a catered kick-off strategy meeting to celebrate the return to work and to run through plans for the year ahead. You could also have one-on-one meetings on how individual goals relate to these plans, so that staff understands the important role they play in the business. Getting your team fired up about projects on the horizon and how they can help the business succeed is a great way to get them back on task and fend off the post-holiday blues.