Avoiding Court Ordered Dissolution of Business

  By Robin | May 20, 2013 - 9:56 am |
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Here’s a problem that cost the parties to a business entity plenty of money, but could have been avoided if the underlying contract was drafted to provide for a way out in the case of hopeless business deadlock. It could happen in the context of a joint venture partnership between two entities, or it could happen in the context of four owner/operators of a business entity. The agreements might provide for dispute resolution techniques, but the big elephant in the room, which no one thinks about, is that despite all the underlying issues, there are State statutes pursuant to which there can be court-ordered dissolution of the business. (more…)

Business Electricity Customers Penalised For Being Loyal

  By Robin | May 16, 2013 - 8:35 am |
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Gone are the days when loyal customers were valued and given extra bonuses for their loyalty. The retreat from this practice began when companies operating in consumer markets and eager to attract new customers believed that offering reduced rates to new customers alone would boost their quest for market share.

The biggest culprits were banks, insurance companies, telecoms and essential utilities. They all offered exceptional introductory rates in the hope that customers, usually tied in with direct debit accounts, and would fail to notice the increases when it came to renewal. And here we had the inception of a new market model which is now today’s norm.

The more loyal you became the more you pay.

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Voting for the Small Business

  By Robin | May 13, 2013 - 11:25 am |
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It is just around the corner, no, not the pharmacy, the national election. In fact, I just got back from early voting. There were a lot of voters and voting machines. The process was fairly painless. As a small business owner you have the right and the obligation to vote for the candidate who will help your business survive or at least will not create road blocks that cause you to stumble and fall. (more…)

The Real Power of Your Vote

  By Robin | May 7, 2013 - 7:02 am |
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Recent media footage highlighted a proposal to introduce non-compulsory voting in the Queensland State elections. Such a proposal raises many questions and concerns for Australian citizens. If this change in electoral laws came about, would other States follow suit, and what are the implications for Australia’s Westminster system of democracy? Non-compulsory voting could also become a feature of Federal elections.

Compulsory voting was first advocated in Australia by Alfred Deakin at the beginning of the twentieth century. In 1911, compulsory enrolment and voting for federal elections was introduced in Federal elections and in Queensland in 1915. The next States to introduce compulsory voting were Victoria in 1926, New South Wales and Tasmania in 1928, Western Australia in 1936, whilst in 1942 South Australia followed. Voluntary voting at federal elections commenced in 1949 for the Aboriginal population and continued in this manner until 1984 when voting for the aboriginal population also became compulsory.

An examination of voter turnout in non-compulsory voting systems is indicative of the likely change in voting behaviour in Australia were we to opt for non-compulsory voting here.

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Combining Marriage And Family Business

  By Robin | May 3, 2013 - 4:23 am |
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Making marriage and relationships work these days is more challenging than ever. When my husband and I started up a tattoo removal laser clinic we learned how to properly take care of both our business and personal needs so that our marriage could thrive. Learn from our experience if you are considering going to business with your spouse or significant other.

About 2 years ago, my then fiancé told me about an idea he had for a small business. I was really excited about the idea and my fiancé had quite the entrepreneurial spirit, so it seemed like a great way for the two of us to work together and earn extra income. I was on board and we hit the ground running. Over the past two years we developed the business, opened it, hired staff and have been up and running ever since. Also within that time we planned a wedding, got married and moved twice. It has been quite a roller coaster ride, but I wouldn’t trade that ride for anything.

When you make the decision to work with your significant other, you will find that you learn a lot. You learn a lot about the business world, yourself and your significant other, but most of all, you learn how to balance your work life and your home life. It is never a dull moment and with every moment come both challenges and successes.

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