SMB Consultants

As we say goodbye to 2024, we just want to take a moment to thank you – our amazing clients, partners and community – for being part of our journey this year. Your trust and support mean so much to us, and we’re incredibly grateful to work with you. Our team will be taking a little break to recharge over the holidays, with our office closed from December 23, 2024, to January 3, 2025. If you need urgent support during this time, your software provider will be the best point of contact. We hope you get some time to relax and celebrate with loved ones over the holidays. Here’s to an exciting and successful 2025 – we can’t wait to see what’s ahead! 🎄✨

Implementing a new system—whether it’s inventory management software, accounting tools, or an eCommerce platform—is an exciting step for any inventory-based business. But here’s the reality: even the best system can fall flat without proper training. We’ve seen it happen too many times: frustrated teams, wasted time, and systems that aren’t being used to their full potential. The good news? These challenges are avoidable. In our latest blog, we break down the 9 most common training mistakes that hurt system adoption—and share practical, actionable fixes to help your team not only adapt but thrive. 💡 From skipping hands-on practice to siloed training sessions, we cover it all. 👉 Read the full post here: https://buff.ly/49xaUFO If you’re rolling out a new system and need a partner to guide you through the process, let’s chat. At SMB Consultants, we specialize in helping inventory-based businesses implement systems with tailored training and ongoing support.

🤖 AI: The Game-Changer Australian SMEs Are Hesitant to Embrace AI is transforming businesses globally, offering tools to automate operations, personalise customer experiences, and enhance decision-making. But why are so many Australian SMEs falling behind? Inside Small Business outlines three key barriers: 1️⃣ Lack of digital maturity – Many SMEs are still reliant on manual processes, making it difficult to integrate AI. 2️⃣ Cost and complexity fears – Concerns about upfront investment and expertise are holding businesses back. 3️⃣ Data privacy and security concerns – With rising cyber threats, SMEs are cautious about exposing sensitive data. The missed opportunity? AI could contribute $200 billion annually to Australia’s economy and create over 150,000 new jobs by 2030. For retail, AI can streamline supply chains, personalise customer experiences, and even detect fraud in real time. 💡 It’s time for SMEs to rethink AI as an opportunity, not a challenge. Read the full article from Inside Small Business to learn how to overcome these barriers:

🌟 Social Proof: The Key to Conversions for Small Businesses Social proof—like reviews and user-generated content—isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential. With 70% of online shoppers reading reviews and nearly half citing them as central to their purchase decisions, building trust through social proof is critical for small businesses. Inside Small Business recently shared some fantastic strategies to help SMBs succeed: ✅ Automate review requests to save time and grow your review count ✅ Respond to reviews (yes, even the negative ones) to build trust ✅ Use business management tools to streamline your review platforms Social proof doesn’t just boost your credibility—it also improves your visibility in local search and builds long-term customer loyalty. 💡 Ready to future-proof your online reputation? Check out the full article from Inside Small Business:

📦 Returns: The Lasting Impression of Your Brand Inside Retail recently spotlighted how leading brands like Bed Threads, The Iconic, and Oroton are setting new standards for seamless returns. What makes them stand out? ✅ Lightning-fast refunds ✅ User-friendly returns portals ✅ Reusable, hassle-free packaging Why does this matter? 🔑 A smooth returns process builds trust, loyalty, and long-term customer satisfaction. ❌ A poor returns experience can be the last interaction a customer has with your brand—before they switch to a competitor. Check out the full article from Inside Retail to see how you can elevate your returns process: https://buff.ly/3ZX80at

💳 How Innovative Payment Technology Can Improve CX and Operational Efficiency 💳 Retailers must embrace innovation in payment systems to stay ahead. An inefficient payment experience can be the difference between making a sale or losing a customer. 🚀 Inside Small Business and Tyro Payments are back with more insights on how modern payment technologies can enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. From embedded payments to omnichannel strategies, discover the latest trends that can transform your business. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://buff.ly/4eR7oqO

📈 Prepayments: The Secret to Smoother Cash Flow and Happier Customers for SMBs 📈 Managing a small to medium business that sells inventory can feel like a constant juggling act. Balancing cash flow, managing stock levels, and ensuring customer satisfaction can be challenging. But what if there was a way to make this balancing act a little easier? Enter prepayments. In our latest blog post, we dive into how prepayments can be a game-changer for your business, offering both financial stability and peace of mind. Discover the benefits, key considerations, and real-world examples of how prepayments can streamline your operations and enhance customer satisfaction. 🔗 Read the full blog post: https://buff.ly/49fUpOp If managing prepayments feels overwhelming or you want to optimise your payment processes, reach out to SMB Consultants for a free chat. Let us help you transform your business operations.

🚀 Mastering Multi-Location Stock Management in Fabrication with WorkGuru 🚀 Managing stock across multiple locations can feel like a game of chess—one wrong move, and everything can come crashing down. 🏗️ If you’re in the fabrication industry, you know how critical it is to keep track of every bolt, screw, and sheet of metal, no matter where they’re stored. But how do you do it effectively? 🤔 @WorkGuru is coming in clutch with the tips again! Check out this insightful article that dives into strategies and best practices for handling stock between multiple locations. From deciding on warehouse setups to leveraging powerful tools like barcode scanning and real-time stock levels, this guide has got you covered. 📦🔍 🔗 Read the full article here and discover how @WorkGuru can simplify your multi-location stock management. https://buff.ly/4fTt0UI

🚫🗣️ "If I never hear 'side hustle' again, it will be too soon!" - Judith Treanor of Temples and Markets. Corporate jargon: love it or hate it? 🤔 It turns out many small-business owners are not fans, and they’ve shared their most disliked phrases. From "pivot" to "growth hacking," these buzzwords often do more harm than good. Check out the latest article from Inside Small Business to see which terms made the list and why they’re so controversial. 👉 Read the full article https://buff.ly/412MotV

🚀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱: 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀! 🚀 As we look towards 2025, understanding the emerging retail trends can give your business a competitive edge. Inside Small Business has shared key shifts that will shape both online and in-store retail. Here are some highlights to help you plan ahead: 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀: • Personalisation: Did you know 69% of shoppers are more likely to buy from retailers that offer personalised experiences? Use AI to analyse browsing habits and purchase history to tailor your offers. • Sustainability: A whopping 73% of customers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. Think beyond just the product—consider sustainable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping. • Conversational Commerce: 47% of consumers are open to buying based on recommendations from bots, as long as they provide expert advice. Integrate voice and smart home tech to enhance customer interactions. 𝗜𝗻-𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀: • AI Automation: Automate repetitive tasks like inventory management and pricing to streamline operations and focus on customer service. • Real-Time Inventory: Synchronize your online and in-store stock levels to meet customer expectations. Real-time tracking can help avoid stockouts and improve the shopping experience. • Enhanced Checkout: Invest in mobile POS systems and in-trolley checkouts to speed up the process and reduce wait times. Earning customer loyalty requires a blend of convenience, personalization, and sustainability. These insights are not just trends; they’re actionable strategies that can help your business thrive. 👉 Ready to dive deeper? Check out the full article here: