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• Business
• Marketing & Sales

If you identify with this, you are always on the ready! 

Ready to take risk, be creative, innovative, and flexible. You are assertive, pro-active, anticipating change, embracing it, and taking advantage of every opportunity. This puts you in control and a dominant position over your competitors. 

Business examples in practice. 

A Business on the front foot might launch a new product to capture market share before its competitors react or boost sales growth. Menu innovation is an example where a leading restaurant, to support its global rollout and deliver sales improvement in 2026 has launched new menu items. Be tempted with a Caesar Burrito or Cali Burrito! 

Another example is range innovation to drive sales for a major infant retailer. This approach has delivered early signs of revival by posting a leap in half-year profit.  Along with exclusive branded products these are key drivers for launches in the coming second half of trade. 

A rideshare Company, in a bid to ‘win the west’ has revealed it has signed a marketing deal with a prominent Eagle footballer. This promotion is to capitalize on the Eagles supporter base and belief that everyone in WA loves or hates the Eagles, so either way it’s a captive audience. This innovative move is aimed at taking on its opposition and to increase the Company’s share of the Perth market. Discounted rides and a pool of prizes are part of the promotion.  

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• Business

Never before have consumers been at greater risk of fraud, deception, and deceit.

Nothing and no-one is out of scope! 

Welcome to the world of scamming, impostors, dodgy products, practices, and deals that are too good to be true!   

Let’s look at the Scam ‘hit’ list! 

Luxury goods, toys and exclusive items are being copied for the lucrative counterfeit market. Think you are buying one of those popular cute plush ‘dolls’, the must-have possession of 2025, buyer beware to avoid fakes. Or if you are buying the cheaper look alike version shoppers are being warned that these have failed some of the Australian safety standards. 

With Christmas and the festive season only weeks away, fake texts and emails are already circulating. Scams using text messages impersonating Australia Post delivery services and trusted brands are becoming more common. Shoppers are being advised to be wary and stay alert if receiving messages that give a ‘bizarre’ list of instructions, have a sense of urgency and request personal information and bank details. Consumer Protection encourages consumers to report any incidents or concerns. 

Complaints about dodgy services and practices in the beauty and cosmetics business have been received by Consumer Protection WA in the past year. Complaints of dodgy eyebrow tattoos, haircuts and Botox head the list highlighting poor service, practitioner skills, and misleading representation. 

The agency spokesperson, however, suggests the number is likely to be higher than reported, as consumers are embarrassed for having used cosmetic services or about how they have been affected. Consumer Protection advises it welcomes and is open to receiving complaints of this kind.  

Tips to avoid Cons, Scams and Dodgy deals:  

• Stop and think before you act  

• Don't click links or open attachments from unknown sources 

• Never give out personal or financial information unless you have initiated the contact 

• Use multiple-factor authentication and strong passwords to secure your devices 

• Monitor your bank accounts and credit card statements for transactions and activity 

• Verify Business and contact details independently 

• Sight & check credentials of Providers/ Practitioners 

• Check the ABN of Australian Businesses 

• Be sceptical, if the offer sounds too good to be true, then likely it is false, fake or fraudulent 

• Report to the relevant Authorities any suspicious activity 

• Business

Case Study

Scenario 1:  Dad has verbally told his children that the Business will be left to his son, and his personal assets will go to his daughter. No one wants to think about Dad leaving the Business or his eventual passing away, so the sensitive conversation about formal arrangements is avoided. We are family, all will be ok! 

In reality, without a legal document, this verbal arrangement can be fraught with problems. The family assumes the Business will pass on according to the will, not realizing it’s legally separate and governed by a family trust. Dad does not own the Business directly. This leaves a fragmented and unplanned outcome for all concerned.

Need advice or if you want to have the hard conversation, we are here. Contact Blackburn Accounting, your Family Business Specialist, we can help you with Succession Planning, Financial structures, Strategic Planning and more! 

Scenario 2:

Dad, Jack, founder of the Business, a local hardware store, recognises the importance of Business structures in providing a clear framework for the Business unit.

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• Business
• People & Culture

Leading when you have the winning Team is commendable, memorable! Congratulations it all came together. Sit back, celebrate and enjoy the glory and success. 

Flip the situation!  

If you are the Leader of a group that has just experienced loss, setbacks and disappointment, whether it’s a football final, or a bid for a contract,  when ‘teams’ lose, the impact can be devastating. Reactions vary and it’s easy to start the blame game or dwell on what-ifs.  

This is where strong Leadership is vital to deal with the fallout of defeat. Supportive leadership to address the challenges, pick up the pieces, and rebuild. Importantly, it’s about taking the group with you, transforming the pain of loss into purpose. 

4 Actions of Strong Leaders and Leadership: 

1. Understand the emotional impact 

• Acknowledge disappointment, allow time for ‘grieving’ 

• Give support, individually and the team 

• Demonstrate empathy 

• Address any fears or uncertainty 

• Provide access to mental health services  

2. Rebuilding Morale

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