Running an efficient, high-growth enterprise requires an effective mechanism for evaluating performance.

For most businesses, monthly board meetings provide the ideal context for taking such measurements. Yet too few small to mid-sized businesses make this a regular practice, perhaps believing that such meetings are the province of larger corporations.

Ever had the sneaking suspicion your accountant is ripping you off?

I understand. I have seen over 10,000 invoices issued to small business owners during my tenure at several large accounting firms (and yes, I've had those awkward phone calls - you know the one!). This experience gave me an ideal perch to evaluate who received value -- and who got ripped off. 

You've got an accountant you love your accountant you trust your accountant you get good advice from your accountant but it's reactive. Small businesses all over Australia are missing out on good proactive advice because they don't have a structured framework where they can get that advice from their advisers

Just how important is the right accountant to the success of a small business in Australia?

Consider this: In a recent survey of nearly 400 small business owners, accountants were judged to be more important to the success of their firms than any other professional service provider. Accountants ranked higher than attorneys, bankers, insurance agents and technology and staffing consultants.

The demands that companies in the early growth stage place on key personnel are often overwhelming. Developing a more systematic approach and incorporating time management techniques can help ease this burden, while making business operations more efficient and effective.

Research has shown that our most profound regrets are things we fail to do, rather than things we've done that quite don't work out. For example, we might regret that we didn't learn a new language, become more physically fit or take a dream vacation.