How to Organise and Operate a Small Business in Australia

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.

13. Managing liquidity

Operating cycle. Managing accounts receivable. Managing inventory. Managing accounts payable. Managing cash flow. Overcoming problems. Summary.

14. Managing profitability

Cost structure. Contribution margin. Break-even point. Product and service profitability. Customer profitability. Market channel profitability. Monitoring costs. Summary.

15. Financing and taxation

Borrowing money. Leasing. Equity capital. Government grants. Australian taxation system. Summary.

Reflective exercise: Financial Forecasts

Appendix: Assessing Commercial Potential