ARTICLE SERIES: KEEPER OF BOOKS Recently, a new client came to me to consult about issues with his existing accountant who, after not being able to comprehend the logistics of the business, eventually left. After some initial discussions and reviewing the company’s Xero, I attempted to clean up the mess and provided him with all […]

It is crucial to feel comfortable at work because you spend one third of your life there! For your employees to have a sense of pride and belonging in the workplace, it’s important to have a healthy and positive work culture. One of the most important criteria is that employees feel free to share their […]

When people think about cryptocurrency, we mostly think about Bitcoin but what exactly is cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency which is recorded on a blockchain that can be used in exchange for goods or services.  A blockchain is a specific type of database that stores information in blocks that are chained to […]

In the past, companies have been built on the motto that ‘the customer is always right’, and yet, it is becoming more and more apparent, that the customer can sometimes be a complete idiot. Previously, you would have to put up with it. And in the rise of the digital age, online reviews are starting […]

As Alfred E. Neuman famously said, “What, me worry?” In October, I facilitated a discussion with Bruce Sheppard (CEO of Gilligan Sheppard) and Evana Lithgow (Managing Partner of Working Minds) to add to our series on life and business post-lockdown. The discussion centred around how do we deal with, and face the uncertainty of the […]

We all know New Zealand is a country with a high number of small to medium businesses (SMEs). This may mean we are entrepreneurial, value working on our own terms rather than those dictated by employers, wish to utilise our skills or turn our ideas into action or a myriad of other options.  How then […]

I was recently listening to the audio book ‘Game of Thrones’ and the saying “A Lannister always pays his debts.” struck me and reminded me of the incidents of two entities: both were from overseas, both engaged New Zealand professional services and both neglected to manage their debts. It was so easy walking into an office having a lengthy talk […]

Imagine if you will, a boxing ring. The arena is dark, there is no audience and there are only four people present – the guy in the red shorts, the one in the blue shorts and a second for each boxer. The second for the boxer in the blue shorts has had many years of […]

Gilligan Sheppard’s Michael Vukcevic facilitates a discussion with Evana Lithgow (from Working Minds) and our own Bruce Sheppard. Optimism can be dangerous, but so can panic which tends to leave you in a situation where you do nothing…

At the time of writing this article, we’re about to go back into Level 3 lockdown in Auckland. As much as I hope it’s the last time, there’s every chance that this will become a recurring situation. So when it’s all shut, and the only businesses doing well are the essential services, what can you […]