business.gov.au - January 2010
January 2010
Skill up during January slowdown
While the Christmas season is traditionally one of the busiest times for businesses, January by contrast, can be the slowest. Instead of riding the slow wave, take control of January by using the time to plan and train yourself and your staff. There are a number of great resources that can help January become a period of up-skilling and planning for growth for the year ahead.
Catch up on training
To begin, visit the Employing People topic on business.gov.au to assess your training needs. Here you can also find training information for your state and territory, as well as a list of providers. There are also a range of funding and incentive programs available, especially for employers of apprentices. Below are just a couple of the resources available for businesses – to view the full list, visit www.business.gov.au.
It's also important to begin investigating training events that can help you and your employees up-skill for the new year. You can search for business events and workshops around Australia using our Events calendar located at www.business.gov.au/events.
Expand your business knowledge
business.gov.au provides a range of business information, tools and news items to help you develop your business knowledge. Download the Growing your business checklist at www.business.gov.au/checklist to help your business grow and succeed in the new year. The checklist includes important information on expanding your business online, franchising, environmental management, exporting and grants to help your business grow.
The Queensland Department of Business Development provides a range of tools online for training, including online diagnostic tools to test knowledge. Their Smart Skills Online resource provides free online courses on planning, selling, negotiation, networking and business planning. To use this resource, visit www.business.qld.gov.au and search 'online diagnostic tools' and 'smart skills online.'
Revisit your business and marketing plans
Business planning should be an ongoing process to ensure a business' success. business.gov.au has created a best-practice Business Plan template to help you develop or expand an existing plan. The Plan was developed with input from Business Enterprise Australia, Enterprise Connect and a leading Australian financial institution. To download your copy, visit www.business.gov.au/businessplan today.
January is also an excellent time to review your marketing plan, and decide what direction your business will take in 2010. business.gov.au has recently updated its marketing plan guide, again with a range of industry involvement, so take advantage of our effort to make your business shine in 2010, visit business.gov.au and search for 'marketing plan guides' for more information.
Open up new opportunities with exporting
2010 could also be the year your business goes global or seeks to explore export opportunities. There are a range of things to consider, as well as advice, support and online guides to help you along the way. Search 'export plan guides' on www.business.gov.au for a full list.
So take advantage of the seasonal slow down and visit business.gov.au. The year ahead could be more profitable than you think, if you take the time to plan and improve your skills. Instead of being the slow time of the year for your business, January could be the time for your business to up-skill and plan for success in the year ahead.
Information provided by business.gov.au – the Australian Government's principal business resource.
