How to organise and operate a small business in Australia: turning ideas into success
- 12th
- New York Routledge 2024
- ix, 287 p.
Table of content: INTRODUCTION
PART A PREPARING FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT
1. The self-employment decision
The power of being small. Diversity of small businesses. Pros and cons of self-employment. Personal characteristics and success. Management skills and experience. Taking the plunge. Risk of failure. Summary.
2. Information and assistance
Choosing and an accountant. Choosing a solicitor. Finding a mentor. Business Enterprise Centre. Trade association. Australian Institute of Company Directors. Networking. State and territory small business agencies. Commonwealth government. Training programs. Summary.
Reflective exercise: Why do I want to be self-employed?
PART B GETTING STARTED
3. Pathways into business
Parallel opportunities. New market opportunities. New product and service opportunities. Buying a Business. Buying a franchise. Starting from scratch. Summary.
4. Start-up nuts and bolts
Legal structure. What’s in a name? Business Registration Service. Licences and permits. Insurance. Summary.
5. Business plan
Myths and reality of planning. Putting your plan on paper. Sample business plan. Adapting to change. Summary.
Reflective exercise: Evaluating the Risks
PART C MARKETING PLAN
6. Marketing strategy
Understanding your customers. Customer information. Positioning your business. Products and services. Distribution. Promotion. Pricing. Marketing mix. Summary.
7. Traditional marketing
Direct marketing. Media advertising. Writing advertising copy. Publicity. Sponsorship. Personal selling. Summary.
8. Digital marketing
What is digital marketing? Do I need a website? Search engines and directories. Email marketing. Online promotion. Social media. Mobile marketing. Getting help. Summary.
Reflective exercise: Capturing the Target Market
PART D OPERATIONS PLAN
9. Operating practices
Service operations. Retail operations. Online operations. Manufacturing operations. Summary.
10. Location and layout
Temporary premises. Home-based business. Retail premises. Service businesses. Manufacturing premises. Local government regulations. Negotiating a lease. Summary.
11. Employing staff
Legal framework. Designing a job. Hiring new staff. Motivation and performance. Staff turnover. Summary.
Reflective exercise: Creating a Smooth Operation
PART E FINANCIAL PLAN
12. Financial information
Paper trail. Accounting system. Balance sheet. Income statement. Financial ratios. Monitoring performance. Summary.
You have an idea for a business, but you’re not sure where to begin. Or perhaps you have made a start, but you’re not sure what to do next. It’s a common dilemma shared by everyone who has been down the same path. Where can I go for help? What are my legal obligations? How do I start making sales? How can I use digital marketing? How do I organise my operations? What’s involved in employing staff? How do I handle my finances?
How to Organise and Operate a Small Business in Australia is your hands-on guide to running your own business. This new 12th edition contains information, skills, and ideas that are up to date, easy to understand, and simple to use. It reflects fundamental changes that have taken place as a result of the pandemic and the surge in small business digital technology. A feature of this new edition is a series of reflective exercises designed to help you evaluate your business ideas for their commercial potential.
Used by tens of thousands of Australians to become self-employed, this new 12th edition is the most comprehensive small business handbook in Australia. An essential read for anyone who wants to have a business of their own.