Risk Management

We start our Business Essentials October program with a look at the economy, the importance of risk management and yes – we can’t ignore it – the big changes in federal politics that have caught us by surprise. Who would have thought it? Professor Neville Norman returns this month with a brief but candid comment about political manoeuvring at the top, before reminding us all that business, like politics, is risky… and we need to prepare.

Keeping It Simple

Then, the big question of simplicity in business. Of course, simple isn’t easy. But who mastered it better than just about anyone on the planet? That would surely be Steve Jobs and his remarkable Apple technologies that have transformed that way we work and play. Steve Jobs is no longer with us, but we’re reminded about his extraordinary legacy by someone who worked closely with him for years… ad man Ken Segall has now written a book about his experiences and we had a chat with him about the lessons he learned on simplicity.

Heaps More Essential Information To Grow Your Business

We bring you a couple of discussions this month about the sharemarket. Who hasn’t watched the recent global shocks with trepidation? It’s a nervous time for investors – and helpful therefore to hear the perspective of our regular commentator, Stock Doctor Elio D’Amato, about what’s going on. And for self-managed super fund trustees in particular, financial adviser Bruce Brammall returns to Business Essentials to offer suggestions on how to shield your nest egg against sharemarket shocks.

Tax expert Michael Jones takes us through an Administrative Appeals Tribunal case to demonstrate the difference between employee and independent business. It’s a blurred line for many employers, and increasingly so as flexible working arrangements gather momentum. And on the question of flexible work practices, we look more broadly at the benefits and the risks as you consider ways to keep your employees happy and committed.

If you’ve ever thought of exporting, we have an interview with Andrew Watson of Efic, a government agency that provides funding and other assistance to would-be exporters. We highlight the importance of prospecting as a distinct part of the sales process – don’t confuse it with cold calling, says sales expert Ingrid Maynard. Prospecting’s a critical component of sales, she says, and done properly, it’ll reap big rewards for your business. She has valuable advice for you and your sales team.

And we end the October edition of Business Essentials with some ideas on how to become a better presenter. Even if you’d rather hide in a cupboard than present yourself before others, it’s an important business skill to acquire – and entirely learn-able according to international speaker on the topic, Julie-Anne Black. Julie-Anne shares her thoughts on how to become a great, even inspirational, presenter.