Casual Articles - Business

Intercultural Synergy in Mergers & Acquisitions
Economic pressures developed within the framework of a global marketplace have led to unprecedented numbers of mergers and acquisitions over the past decade.The number of mergers and acquisitions involving US companies alone in 2004 reached 376 with an aggregate total paid of US$22.64 billion. In comparison, in 2003, the total amount paid was US$12.92 billion.However, statistics show that the failure rate of most mergers and acquisitions lies somewhere between 40-80%. If one were to define ‘failure’ as failure to increase shareholder value then statistics show these to be at the higher end of the scale at 83% (Cnnfn.com 1999). The facts highlight a worryingly poor success rate for international mergers and acquisitions. Why?Many business commentators are now acknowl

. Maintain a courteous attitude, don’t be hesitant, or too much of a ‘nice guy’ when it comes to collecting money.

Something else that’s a very good business practice but which few business owners do is to keep the bank manager informed.

A good bank manager can be of great help and has access to many support services which may be appropriate, particularly when the business is growing.

Join your industry’s local and national trade associations. Most of these have a wealth of information available on everything from details on your competitors to average industry sales figures, new products, services, and trends.

Whenever you can, take advantage of whatever free business advice is available. Ma

Cost Benefit Analysis-Whether You Should Outsource Your Bookkeeping To Professional Book Keeper
What is a role of a bookkeeper in your organisation: BOOKKEEPERS keep complete, up-to-date, and accurate records of accounts and financial arrangements. Bookkeepers verify and enter information into journals and ledgers or into a computer. They periodically balance the books and compile reports and financial statements. Bookkeepers also receive, record, bank and pay out cash. They balance checkbooks with monthly bank statements. They may calculate employee wages from plant records or time cards and issue payroll checks. Some of the other work they may do includes posting accounts receivable and payable, prepare and make bank deposits, record payrolls, maintain inventory records, purchase supplies, prepare purchase orders and do expense reports. Bookkeepers may also make schedu

Effective small business administration is vital to keep your business alive during thin trading times and, growing safely when times are good.

The business has to be tightly run, with emphasis on cash flow control. Many business people do not realise that cash flow can be more important when a business is growing and they only look at the way they operate when things get critical.

A growing business needs working capital to meet the demands of the market in terms of materials, labour and consumables. This eats cash and the business can rapidly run out of funds. This is known as ‘overtrading’.

All this means that effective small business administration centred on controlling the cash in the business is a pr-requisite for any business owner if their business is going to survive.

What some see as ‘paper work’ and ‘house keeping’ are simply sound small business administration. Part of the challenge of making a success of the business.

Develop and adopt sound practices for controlling the cash in your business and you will succeed in the long run.

When sales are slow, you must be hard nosed with people trying to sell you luxuries. Firm but polite. When business is booming, you are more receptive and it is difficult to change the ‘mindset’ with the onset of any difficulty.

When business is down, stop the entertaining and concentrate on the basics. Take great care to control and if necessary reduce costs. Only spend on what is essential to take the business forward.

Be clear on your cash flow policy. http://www.be-your-own-business-expert.com/Cash_Flow.html

If you need help, consult a specialist who can help tighten controls. While you may think you cannot afford it, be sure that you don’t ‘short change’ yourself on professional services. This particularly applies during a time of emergency.

Almost regardless of the costs involved, it pays to seek out the advice of experienced specialists, particularly if you are contemplating something outside the scope of your present experience.

I have had the mis-fortune of losing a business which I believe we would have saved if we had used an independent specialist adviser. At the time I had great pride in the effectiveness of our business abilities and controls. Pride on my part contributed to this loss.

It’s easy with hindsight. Even if you are a one man/woman business that same objectivity is vital. Don’t let vanity or arrogance influence you.

To improve cash flow there are some house keeping rules which will help.

Keep a tight grip on your debtors/receivables. Talk to customers who owe you money, don’t let them take extended credit. You’ll find that many will be understanding of your plight and want to help.

As you develop your business administration procedures you’ll find customers get to know they can’t take extended credit. Maintain a courteous attitude, don’t be hesitant, or too much of a ‘nice guy’ when it comes to collecting money.

Something else that’s a very good business practice but which few business owners do is to keep the bank manager informed.

A good bank manager can be of great help and has access to many support services which may be appropriate, particularly when the business is growing.

Whenever you can, take advantage of whatever free business advice is available. Man

Surviving Corporate Politics Part 2: Keeping Up Appearances
Never a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression, or so the saying goes. We all know that when someone is introduced into your work environment for the first time, their peers size them up immediately. How they are dressed, how they talk, and how they set up their workspace. Especially in large companies, where there is constant personnel movement, keeping up your appearance is a full time task. In smaller companies, how you compose yourself from Day 1 is of utmost importance. We will start with the basics:Work Clothes: Dress up. Not in terms of church going attire, but as your immediate superiors. In cases where there is a big gap between your level, and that of your manager, than take the all but 1 approach. If your boss wears ties with his suit, then leave that out. If he wears a j

is a pr-requisite for any business owner if their business is going to survive.