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Absa remains a leading bank when it comes to the financing of small businesses in South Africa. Absa therefore understands and appreciates the need for small businesses to expand, expansion often being vital to the success of a business. Expanding may take place within an existing line of business, or through the purchase of an entirely new business to position a company or company owner for the future. Absa Small Business Management will address all your business requirements with regard to management and potential expansion. Resource Centre Tools
Absa's ToolBox provides useful guidance for starting, managing or expanding a business. A variety of useful guides can be downloaded to suit your requirements.
Also available is Absa's Cash-Flow Program that can be downloaded for your convenience.
Small Business Management
The following summaries are taken from Absa's Small Business Management Guide
Key Issues in Small Business Management
Absa has compiled the Small Business Management Guide as tool for Small Business owners to use to their advantage. This guide addresses many of the complex issues that often prevent a company from reaching its full potential.
The guide was written with input and insight gained from organisations and business owners alike. In addition to this guide, business owners may want to read some of these additional, complementary guides:
Your Business Premises
This section looks at the positioning of a business premises. From passing trade to availability of parking. It also addresses the facilities available and workspace for additional staff if required or private rooms for meetings and consultations.
We address building management and encourage business owners to assess the condition of the building and the type and state of the surrounding stores. The guide also looks at the pros and cons of running an office from home.
Your Employees
We address the legal, financial and practical issues around the recruitment of staff. The guide provides insight into why agencies may be preferred for the recruitment of staff. We also address job descriptions and assist in reaching an understanding of why a small business may want or need to employ staff.
Letters Of Appointment and Job Descriptions
It is essential that all new appointments are put in writing and legally signed by the required parties. We look at the benefits of having a detailed letter of appointment with an accurate job description and how this document can prevent any misunderstandings with regard to salary, sensitivity disclaimers, freelance work, benefits, leave, job title or job description.
Succession Planning
Succession planning caters for the longevity of your business. Small businesses are often passed on from generation to generation and we address the effective planning of this succession.
The Family Business
We look at the values and benefits in running a family owned and controlled business. We address the pros and the cons and provide in-depth planning strategies around succession, retirement, estate and remuneration.
Consultants
We look at the benefit of using consultants in place of recruiting staff. In a fast changing business environment, consultants are often the answer to short term business challenges. We look at the various options consultants can be used for and the benefits they may bring to your company.
Management Of Staff
We look at the nature of the relationships your staff have with your customers and just how important it is for you, as the business owner to maintain your own relationships with your customers. The guide also provides a list of tips for managing staff effectively.
Networking
We address the value of networking. Much like keeping many irons in the fire, networking is a sure way of growing your customer base. We understand the principles of networking, identify places to network and provide a few hints on how to make your networking successful.
Marketing
Marketing your service or product is the life of your company. Successfully persuading your target market to use your product or services is only part of the challenge. Successfully identifying your target market, pricing your product and establishing your level of service is essential to the success of your marketing.
Office Technology
We'll help you assess your new office needs and provide tips on how to find a reputable supplier of your new or second-hand office technology. This includes ongoing maintenance or service of your technology where required.
Your Suppliers
We look at the importance of cultivating a range of good, reliable suppliers. We address the issue of credit relationships for small businesses and reveal a few handy tips on how to deal with your suppliers in such a way that a solid, lasting and trustworthy relationship develops.
Useful Links
For more information on starting and managing your business. Related Infromation
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