10 hot questions to ask yourself as a business owner

Binghay Co • January 15, 2024

Running a busy and successful business means you often don’t have the time to step back and work ON the business. This can be a challenge if your aim is to grow and scale the company. 


As experienced professional business advisers, we know the value of taking the time to ask yourself some pertinent questions. Holding yourself and the business to account is something we can help with. And there's never a bad time to pose a few questions and gauge where you're at with your planning, strategy, financial management and personal goals as an entrepreneur. 


We've pulled together 10 hot questions to ask yourself as a business owner.


1. Can you explain why a customer should choose your over your competitor? 


Knowing your value to a customer is vital if you’re going to market your offering in the most effective way. Think about why your brand stands out in the marketplace, and what opportunities and threats exist. This is the fastest way to tailor your brand to meet customer expectations. 


We can help you by running a SWOT-based analysis of your business. 


2. How happy is your workforce? 


Your people are such a vital asset, but they won’t work well if they’re dissatisfied and disengaged from your business values. Ask yourself, are your employees motivated and engaged by your mission? Is there anything you can do to boost this engagement?


We can review your people strategy and the staff benefits you offer to your employees.


3. Are you meeting your cashflow goals? 


Are there specific costs or inefficiencies that are holding you back from achieving a positive cashflow position? Ask yourself if your financial management is up to scratch. Identify your failings and tighten up your cash process.


We can review your cash management and look for efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.


4. What keeps you awake at night? 


It’s a stressful role being the boss, and there’s likely to be a lot playing on your mind. Consider whether there are any recurring business issues that are holding you back, or unexpected pitfalls that have appeared along the course of the business journey.


We can offer you seasoned advice whatever the issue, with resolutions to ease your worries. 


5. Are you embracing everything that tech and AI has to offer? 


Technology is moving fast with AI solutions and digital systems now an integral part of many business models. But are you doing enough to bring your business into the digital age? Are there tasks could you automate, or processes you could streamline?


We can suggest a suite of apps, software tools and digital solutions to boost your business. 


6. Is growth part of your business strategy? 


Not all businesses are focused on growth, but outlining your key goals around growth is an essential part of your business strategy. Ask yourself whether you want to scale at speed, or grow organically. Or whether you’re happy to be a boutique business that keeps things small. 


We’ll help you define your growth goals and build a strategy that aims for success.


7. Do you have the numbers you need at your fingertips? 


So much of what you do as a business is driven by data. But are you getting the overview you need of your important business metrics and key financial numbers? Think about where you need detailed data and metrics, and how this could put you in better control of the company. 


We can help you expand your reporting and management information, so you have a better eye on performance, spending, cashflow and sales targets etc. 


8. Have you identified your ideal customer?


Identifying your ideal customer is something every startup and new business should do. But when was the last time you updated your ideal customer outline? Think about who you’re selling to, how this audience has evolved and whether they are still the right customer to target.


We can run detailed customer profiles to help you pinpoint the best customers to target. 


9. Have you thought about where your business will be in five years? 


When the business is busy, the temptation is to focus on the now and to put your energy into fighting the most pressing fires. But without a forward-looking focus, you can lack direction. Ask yourself where you want to be in five years and how you plan to achieve these goals.


We'll help you create a detailed five-year plan, to give your journey more impetus and direction.


10. Are you planning for your own financial future? 


You obviously spend a lot of your time thinking about your business – but how much time have you spent considering your personal financial future? Think about your life goals and how you plan to fund them, and where this money is likely to come from. 


We can advise you on wealth planning, tax planning and the advantages of good all-year-round financial management.


Talk to us about running a health check for your business


If these questions have got you thinking about your business efficiency and growth plans, that’s a good thing. If you’d like to take this process further, we’d advise running a detailed health check for your business and your personal finances. 


Book a meeting with us to talk through your goals, aspirations, challenges and strategy, so we can help you take the next step in your journey to entrepreneurial success. 


Contact us today to book a health check.


Binghay & Co are Accountants & Business Advisors located in Docklands, Melbourne.

By Binghay Co August 28, 2024
The new financial year is already in full swing, meaning most of you are still finalising your general ledger accounts in order to get the necessary information to us to prepare your final 2024 accounts and tax returns. Others have already got us your information and are looking ahead. Either way, it can be a time when we forget our current tax obligations, due in relation to the beginning of the 2025 financial year. In order for you to be across your tax obligations, below are the key compliance dates that are coming up. Make sure these lodgments are up to date to avoid any interest or penalties. KEY TAX DATES – SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024 21 September 2024 – GST – Monthly Activity Statement and payment for August 2024 21 September 2024 – PAYG withheld – Monthly activity statement and payment for August 2024 21 September 2024 – PAYG instalment – Activity Statement and payment for monthly reporters for August 2024 30 September 2024 – TFN withholding report – Annual TFN withholding report for closely held trusts where a trustee has been required to withhold amounts from payments to beneficiaries during the 2024 income year 30 September 2024 – PAYG withholding payment summary – 2024 income year annual report due if lodged by us 21 October 2024 – GST – Monthly Activity Statement and payment for September 2024 21 October 2024 – PAYG withheld – Monthly activity statement and payment for September 2024 21 October 2024 – PAYG instalment – Activity Statement and payment for monthly reporters for September 2024 21 October 2024 – Annual PAYG instalment – Payment of annual PAYG instalment for 2023–24. Lodge only if instalment amount varied or the rate method to calculate the instalment is used 28 October 2024 – GST – Quarterly Activity Statement and payment for the July to September 2024 quarter if you do not lodge with us 28 October 2024 – PAYG withheld, FBT instalment and PAYG instalment – Quarterly Activity Statement and payment for the July to September 2024 quarter if you do not lodge with us 28 October 2024 – Superannuation guarantee – Due date for superannuation guarantee contributions for July to September 2024 31 October 2024 – Income tax – Due date for lodgment of 2023–24 income tax return for individuals, trusts and partnerships if you do not lodge with us 31 October 2024 – GST – Lodgment of annual 2023–24 GST return for instalment payers who are required to lodge tax returns by 31 October 2024 31 October 2024 – Companies – To provide distribution statements to shareholders for 2023–24 for most companies 31 October 2024 – Income tax – Due date for lodgment of 2023–24 income tax return for an entity that has one or more prior year tax returns outstanding as at 30 June 2024 31 October 2024 – SMSFs – Annual return for new registrant SMSF if the ATO has provided this due date We’re here to help if you’re facing operational issues, tackling people challenges, or have health and safety questions, give us a call or email us. 
By Binghay Co August 14, 2024
Should you buy or lease your new equipment? Here are some pros and cons of each. We can also review your financial position, cashflow and cost base to decide whether buying or leasing is the right thing for the business. #businessadvice #SmallBusiness
By Binghay Co August 1, 2024
For centuries, accounting focused on reviewing historical data, which only tells you about the past. This backward-looking approach limits your ability to plan for the future, explore scenarios, and understand your business's trajectory. The Advantage of Forecasting Forecasting changes the game by allowing you to project future sales, cash flow, revenue, and profits. This proactive approach helps you take control of your business and navigate its journey more effectively. How Forecasting Adds Value Spotting Patterns : Forecasting tools analyse historical data to reveal patterns, trends, and opportunities. For instance, it might predict a seasonal downturn, enabling you to plan and mitigate potential impacts. Future Insight : Instead of only reviewing past performance, forecasting offers a forward-looking view. It’s like using a GPS to navigate the road ahead, rather than just checking the rear-view mirror. Scenario Planning : With accurate forecasting, you can explore various "What if?" scenarios and assess different strategies. This helps in making informed decisions about your next steps. Evidence-Based Decisions : Combining historical data with forecasts provides a comprehensive view, aiding in strategic planning and identifying potential threats. Enhanced Accountant Collaboration : Forecasting gives us a detailed understanding of your business, allowing for better strategic advice and performance improvement recommendations. Discover the Benefits of Forecasting Ready to take control of your company's future? Contact us to learn how forecasting can highlight potential threats and opportunities, and help you develop a proactive strategy to enhance your business performance.
Share by: