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Client case study

My client is your typical builder - family focused, who didn’t understand what his numbers were telling him, where his cash was going, or how to improve the business. Sound familiar?Job costing, what??Client: I met my client at an event I was holding and there was an elephant in the room, you know the one, where he already had someone 'helping him', he just needed some higher level help he said.Sure, I could help, let's stay in touch. Over time we took over more and more work and eventual...

It's all in the Numbers

Have you ever found yourself staring at your company's bank statement, wondering why the numbers don't add up?  Where has all the money gone and why am I paying so much tax?Believe me, you're not alone.The term cashflow is thrown around so much in the building industry, and it's often misunderstood.The truth is, cashflow is more than just money moving in and out of your bank accounts – it's the lifeblood of any business.And the key to solving your cashflow problem might just be where you ...

Profit First Mentality

I use Profit First in my Business - and love this concept - have you heard of it?A colleague introduced me to Profit First, initially created by Mike Michalowicz, during a business coaching session. I followed the conversation up by purchasing his book, taking detailed notes as I went.  My book is full of notes and examples now, which I refer to often.These ideas in the book - Profit First,  peaked my interest and I took action straight away . Now, I practice this in my own business an...

"From Challenge to Triumph: Your Personal Journey to Business Transformation"

In the world of business, where every decision is pivotal, standing alone can feel overwhelming. That's where our paths cross.As your business guide, I don't just offer advice; I become your partner in transformation, understanding your struggles and turning your dreams into achievements.Imagine this: a business owner, much like yourself, overwhelmed by the day-to-day, unable to see the forest for the trees. This was the starting point of a journey we embarked on with a client. My first ste...

More Than Business Coaching: A Story of Compassion and True Value

Recently, I had the privilege of meeting with a potential client, a woman I had met years ago, who was seeking guidance for her business. As we sat down, I could sense her exhaustion and concern. Her first words revealed a challenging situation: a slow business with an empty bank account.In that moment, I had a choice. I could have ended the conversation, recognizing that her needs didn't align with the services we typically offer. Yet, I kept the meeting going. This was a person I knew to be pa...

Why you shouldn’t mix your personal and business finances

Certain things just don't mix well. Like your personal finances and your business’s. Keeping these things separate not only helps you reduce problems. You should separate your business and personal finances separately.On paper this might sound simple to do, however when you don't start in the right way, you can end up in a real mess.When you first started your business, like many entrepreneurs, you may have used your assets for startup capital or may have secured a business loan based on perso...

You are the Chief Repeating Officer in your business

Embracing the role of the Chief Repeating Officer is a vital aspect of leadership often overlooked. Reflecting on insights gained at a recent conference, I recognised the necessity of becoming the Chief Repeating Officer, especially as a Business Coach. Here's why:Communicating Your Company's Vision and Direction: Your team and clients may not fully grasp the vision and direction of your company. Consistent communication is key to keeping everyone informed about developments, the trajectory, and...

Emerging Advisory Firm of the Year 2023

We did it.... The Gap awards 2023 and we were nominated for two awards. One was really special and we were up against 7 other amazing firms from throughout NZ.We Won..... Emerging Advisory Business of the year..... Thank you all clients, whanau and my amazing team xoxoThis is truly specialSo you have been looking for an advisory firm and not sure what to expect and where to go?Look no further, we are here to help you. Get in touch with Leah today to find out how we can help you in your business ...

Positive cashflow is the beating heart of your business.

Explore our straightforward guide to cashflow and discover how to take complete control of your cash position. As a Tradie Business Coach, understanding the significance of cashflow in good financial management is crucial for the success of your business.What is Cashflow?Cashflow is the movement of money into and out of your business within a specific time frame. In simple terms, it involves cash flowing out of the business (cash outflows) and cash coming into the business (cash inflows). The op...

Virtual CFO Services

Do you want to grow your business and live the life you’ve dreamed?Being a business owner isn’t easy, especially when it comes to your finances...With our CFO service, you get access to Leah - an experienced professional at a fraction of the cost of a full-time CFO. The services will differ from client to client, however:We handle all the duties of a traditional CFO, working remotely monitoring the financial health and well-being of your business, offering financial insight and guidance...

Crafting Your Roadmap to Business Success

Our Mastermind Group helps participants design their roadmap to success, focusing on individual needs and goals. First, we'll pinpoint the hurdles - as a group help to break these down into bite size chunks that are easy to smash.   We help you build Effective Teams, avoid burnout and create a place that you can share an collaborate with like-minded business owners.When is a good time to be involved? Now, don't leave it too late until you are burnt out and unsure what next. O...

Unleashing Your Business Potential

Exciting News: Unveiling Our 'Beyond Your Numbers' Workshop Program for New Zealand TradiesWe are so excited to introduce our latest initiative, tailored exclusively for tradies – The 'Beyond Your Numbers' Workshop. Our primary objective is simple: to arm you with strategies and insights that propel you past your business barriers, setting the stage for unprecedented success.Here's What's in Store:1. Identifying Hurdles and Crafting Action Plans: We'll zero in on the obstacles, or 'rocks,' hin...

Keeping your business cash liquid – the difference between cashflow and profit

The foundational goal of any business is to make a profit. As a business owner, that’s one of your key financial aims – to make enough sales, at a big enough margin, to generate profit from your enterprise. But how does profit differ from cashflow? And why is cash king?How do profit and cashflow differ?To really understand the difference between generating profit and managing cashflow, we need to look at what these both mean. You might think that delving into the accounts is a job for your a...

Bookkeeping For Tradies

Discover the pivotal role of bookkeeping in the success of your tradie business. Accurate financial records are the backbone of smooth operations, aiding in cash flow management and informed decision-making. Join us as we delve into effective bookkeeping practices tailored for tradie businesses.Why Bookkeeping Matters for Tradie BusinessesBookkeeping is the linchpin for managing cash flow, monitoring expenses, and driving strategic financial decisions in tradie businesses. By meticulously record...

Want more money, more time or less stress?

We believe our clients all deserve the three freedoms: Financial Freedom; Time Freedom; and Mind Freedom. In other words, more money and time to spend on important things outside of their business, along with less stress. Is your business stifling your freedom?Being in business is tough. At times, you might be worried about whether you’ll have enough cash in the bank to pay your team and suppliers. Perhaps you’re working 60-hours a week just to stay on top of things. Or, maybe the stress of ...

Getting your bookkeeping ready for a digital future

Keeping up-to-date records of your business transactions isn't the most glamorous part of being an business owner, that’s for sure. But, in reality, having accurate and up-to-date bookkeeping is actually one of the core ways to keep your finances (and your business) under control.Digital bookkeeping is the future of your financeThe digital age has revolutionised the way many business owners carry out their bookkeeping. From digital accounting to real-time data, the modern bookkeeper is now equ...

Our Risk Management Meeting

Risk is a part of business life, with every decision carrying some degree of risk; whether financial, legal, or reputational. With economic uncertainty comes increased risk and increased stress. The best protection for your business comes from identifying, assessing, and managing risk.We can help you do this. Proactivity trumps reactivity, so the more time spent planning and preparing, the more we can minimise the potential impact of risks materialising.Our Risk Management Meeting helps you make...

Requesting payment of overdue accounts especially in an economic slowdown

Cash has always been king or queen as we say, but it’s even more important during times of economic slowdown. The slower the economy, the less cash is available in businesses, and the more likely it will be for some customers to be unable to pay.To protect your business and minimise the risk to your cashflow, follow these six steps to help ensure you get paid. 1. You must continue to enforce your Terms of Trade, however, your approach must change.Do not adjust your expectation to receive ...

How Important is Cost Management?

Although cost management is crucial to any company's growth, it is still neglected especially when your are not fully aware of it's benefits.The knowledge and monitoring of the financial resources spent in business activity are essential not only to control cash flow, but also to identify unnecessary expenses.When was the last time you reviewed the Terms of Trade for your clients?  Also, do you know what your Terms of Trade are with your Suppliers and have you re-negotiated these lately?&nb...

Let's Reflect and Reset

No matter what happens in 2023, there are always peaks throughout the year. Spend time reflecting on the year that was and resetting for 2023… what goals will you be smashing?The last few years have taken a toll on everyone. We keep hoping for improvement and, while most of us had the occasional great peaks, things just haven’t returned to normal.Take time to reflect on last year. Re-frame your focus to identify the opportunities for learning, the successes, and the possibilities for this y...

New Year, New Goals

So, have you set your goals for 2023?...It's the end of the second week of work for us for 2023, and I've been thinking...How many of us have set a goal and let it slip?How many made a new year's resolution that we forgot about a week later?How many wanted to start their business, make improvements, but just couldn't make the time?I'm guessing a lot. Why? Because it happens every year. - Hence the term New Year Goals! The truth is, setting new habits and changing your life isn't easy. It's ...

Redefining success

For those of us in business, it’s important to redefine our plan and goals that ensure the business delivers our definition of success. The natural extension, for those with team members, is to revise what the business needs to deliver to the team. Personal successYour definition of personal success may be different to what it was before the world was turned upside down by a global pandemic. For example, wanting to be able to travel the world, regularly upgrade the car, and enjoy frequent...

Lets improve your year-end processes and plan for 2023

Welcome to 2023, are you ready for the year-end, and have you done your homework when it comes to planning your business journey for 2023 and beyond?Let's take a look at the key ways to tie up your year-end and start the new year with a clear strategy to drive your business forward.Making your 2023 business journey that little bit easierThe past couple of years have not been easy for most business owners. Cashflow has been tight, costs have been steadily rising and the marketplace is ever-more c...

Christmas - Presents, Parties & Bonuses

Its Christmas time. The season for office parties, generosity and spending way too much on presents. To make the post-holiday season hangover a little less shocking, here are a few of our key tips on parties, presents and bonuses that you need to be aware of. The IRD is never too far away from any act of employer generosity with their entertainment, FBT or PAYE rules.Paying a Christmas BonusOne of the easiest ways to reward your employees, no matter the time of year, is with a discretionary cash...

How Healthy Is Your Business?

Your vehicle needs and oil change, a wash every now and then and a new battery every few years so you get a service. Just like you take your car to the mechanic to keep it running smoothly, you need to perform regular checkups on your business health as well. It's not just about performance, it is about safety.Most business owners are extremely busy, so without regular financial check-ups they can easily lose control and become susceptible to financial problems. With this in mind we can be th...