Blog
Influence, to influence or be influenced, has been around since time immemorial! Politics, shopping habits, peer groups and more, we have all influenced, or been influenced in some way, shape or form.
The difference in today’s society is the advent and popularity of social media platforms, where dedicated Influencers hone their craft of swaying and shaping others’ opinions and decision-making.
Typically, these Influencers have the power to persuade, affect attitudes, beliefs and behaviours due to their perceived expertise, knowledge and authority.
They reach new audiences, attract and gain followers, and, with engaging content and messaging, build trust. They can and do drive trends, amplify products, impact decisions, and inspire action. Then, often in collaboration with leading brand names, promote products and services. Bonanza, everyone’s a winner!
Types of Influencers and their followers range in size from Mega/celebrity, Macro, Micro, and Nano! All bases are covered using key platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube!
Key features of an Influencer include:
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Niche expertise: focus on specific areas such as fashion, beauty, fitness, etc.
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High engagement: they cultivate an active community of followers, relying on their ‘identity’ and authenticity, rather than mainstream pre-existing recognition.
Significant changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 are currently being phased in.
Money laundering is the process of dealing in, disguising or concealing the origin of illicit funds to make it appear that the funds come from a legitimate source.
The ATO is a partner agency with AUSTRAC. The ATO uses data to detect fraud, evasion, and other financial crimes.
AUSTRAC is responsible for preventing, detecting and responding to criminal abuse of the financial system to protect the community from serious and organised crime.
Expanded coverage (Tranche 2) from July 1, 2026, the law will extend to Tranche 2 entities including accountants, lawyers, real estate agents and conveyancers and dealers in precious metal/stones.
This means the above professional services will need to comply with requests for information from AUSTRAC and meet its legal responsibilities.
Blackburn Accounting is diligent in providing its range of services and looks forward to working within ATO rules to best serve its clients' interests and obligations.
Worth repeating, the importance of factoring in the true costs of doing business, particularly amid a time of ever-increasing Business expenses.
Be aware that trying to absorb the costs of rising interest rates, fuel shortages, and out-of-control inflationary pressures can leave you financially disadvantaged and cash-strapped.
Tips:
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Regularly check the cost of goods, products, and services to determine realistic profit margins and set prices neither too low or too high.
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Pricing points are needed to keep you competitive and, in the red.
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Communicate and be transparent with your customers, offer value for money, and they will keep coming back.
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Ignoring, putting it aside or thinking or assuming ‘someone’ will step up or in to take-over the reins is fraught with problems. This can result in family and Business breakdown and breakups that often end in financial and emotional disaster for all concerned.
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Solution - Start planning early.
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Promises, scribbled notes, and handshakes are not enough.
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Solution - Seek legal advice and services as needed. Ensure your wishes are clear, comprehensive, feasible, legally binding, commercially sound and are kept up to date. This helps protect everyone and everything.
Proverb: the fastest doesn't always win the race, nor does being the loudest voice in the room necessarily mean respected authority!
Have you experienced this loudest voice? The Leader who never stops talking, has an opinion and controls every conversation, dominating the meeting agenda. This showmanship is tedious, tiresome, and boring.
Enter the ‘quiet’ Leader. This Leader leads without fanfare or fuss, doesn't have to control every discussion or speak the loudest to be heard or followed. Respect is gained by quiet reserve, not the focus, bellowing instructions, and hogging the conversation.
As modern workplaces become more fast-paced, challenging and complex, the Quiet Leader is finding their place providing reflective and thoughtful leadership. Leadership is not about how often someone speaks; a key strength is knowing when not to speak!
Is this you?
6 Key Characteristics, Traits and Attributes of a Quiet Leader
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Leading by example: Authenticity, demonstrating values through presence, and action, acting as a stabilising force rather than the centre of attention. They signal authority before speaking through non-verbal communication, and subtle cues that communicate composure and authority without dominating the room or conversation.
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