Business Essentials

How many of your employees are using AI without your knowledge? As generative AI tools like ChatGPT start to become ubiquitous in the workplace, many employees are quietly using them to boost productivity, secure promotions, and even enjoy their work more. Andrew Phillips is Vice President of Freshworks, a company delivering AI powered software for customer and IT services, and he explains why ignoring AI is no longer a viable business strategy, and how SMEs must quickly adapt or risk falling behind. He also shares surprising insights from a recent survey on how workers are using AI to handle mundane tasks, freeing up time for creative thinking, problem-solving, and learning new skills.

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Great coaches – like great leaders – are able to support teams and individuals, allowing them to perform at their best. Professor Martin Bean, is CEO of The Bean Centre, and co-author of ‘Toolkit for Turbulence: The mindset and methods that leaders need to turn adversity to advantage’. He discusses how meaningful, one-on-one conversations, focused on achievements, development, enjoyment, and partnerships, all help enhance team performance and engagement.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
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Would you like your workers to come back to the office? Many businesses are still grappling with how to bring employees back to the workplace, and whether they should be worried at all. Marnie Brokenshire, Founder of Uncapped Potential, outlines some practical strategies to make the workplace irresistible. She explains how patience, strong leadership skills, and creating a sense of belonging can inspire engagement, outlining ways to not only win back employees, but make them excited about it.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
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+61 3 9882 8333

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How well does your website perform in search engine results? If it’s not at least on page one, you need to understand how Google’s algorithm is prioritising quality content over quantity, and build that into your SEO. That’s according to Sagar Sathi, Founder and CEO of digital marketing agency Xugar. The credibility of the author are also important factors in determining search rankings, strengthening your SEO and overall marketing strategy, which has the capacity to provide a long-term return on investment.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
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+61 3 9882 8333

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There are four enemies of team performance, according to Organisational Psychologist Stephanie Bown. Poor performance can often stem from traps like focusing on the wrong problem, locking into unproductive debates, relying too heavily on leadership for answers, and falling into blame. Stephanie explains how small business owners and managers can spot and avoid these common pitfalls to unlock the potential of their teams. She also shares practical strategies to foster better collaboration, encourage diverse thinking, and build a culture of shared accountability.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
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+61 3 9882 8333

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Conforming to compliance requirements can seem overwhelming, but did you know you can use some of the tools you already have to simplify things? Saaim Khan, Managing Director of Cyber Matters, explains how to simplify and streamline your approach to digital security and regulatory frameworks. He suggests a “measure twice, cut once” mindset can help you meet multiple standards with a single, well-executed effort.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
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+61 3 9882 8333

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Do you find some people on your team are difficult to communicate with? Perhaps they don’t give straight answers, or they dominate group conversations, or they’re outright hostile. Well, they could demonstrate one of four main communication styles: aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive or assertive. Communications specialist Leah Mether unpacks each style and how you can adapt to better connect with your team. 

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
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+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These days a lot of companies promote their values through their branding, but do they really understand the meaning of being genuinely purpose-driven? Rod Curtis is Director, Strategy and Creative Lead at Kommunal, Brand Strategy Architects, and he says purpose-driven branding matters more than ever. He explains how a clear and compelling purpose not only attracts customers, talent, and investors, but also strengthens your brand against competition in a world of copycat products and greenwashing. He shares practical ways to define your brand’s purpose and how to make it both visible and credible.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

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How are you doing with sales? Do you have a winning sales strategy or approach? If not and you’re struggling to close, you might need a different pitch. Glenn Poulos has developed a sales pitch from his many years in corporate sales, marketing and customer service roles. The ‘Punch Perfect Pitch’ starts with a "punch" or "bang" – an impactful opening that grabs the audience's attention. Because it’s important to understand the client's pain points and demonstrate how your product or service can address their most urgent problems.

References:

Download Glenn’s Punch Perfect Pitch guide:
https://glennpoulos.com/

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
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+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entrepreneur Rebecca Klodinski may have founded an internationally recognised swimwear brand, but now she’s branching out from bikinis to bling. Rebecca grew Frankie Swimwear — now rebranded as IIXIIST — from a student side hustle into one of Australia’s first Instagram-born fashion labels. She explains how and why her business instincts have now taken a new turn into the booming world of lab-grown diamonds. She recounts how smart branding, timing, and a hands-on approach helped her ride two waves of success, from packing orders in her bedroom to running two thriving companies.

Business Essentials Daily is produced by:

SoundCartel
soundcartel.com.au
+61 3 9882 8333

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.