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An empty diary doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no work out there. It may mean your marketing pipeline isn’t working.

In this episode, Mai Harris and Lee Woodward explore why many businesses don’t have a work problem, they have a marketing problem. They break down how a strong marketing pipeline can help businesses stay visible, generate consistent leads, and avoid relying on last-minute enquiries or unpredictable referrals.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why an empty diary can point to a marketing problem
• The Attract, Engage, Commit marketing framework
• Creating a marketing “sticky” that helps people remember your business
• Why nurturing prospects matters when they’re not ready to buy today
• Measuring marketing success through paid invoices and clear conversion paths
• Why marketing shouldn’t be left solely to the marketing department
• Building a communications plan that keeps your business on a prospect’s shopping list
• Why referrals should be a bonus rather than your entire growth strategy
• Building multiple lead sources for more consistent opportunities
• Using social media to inform and educate rather than simply promote
• Turning your website into a “web business” that helps generate revenue
• Using video explainers, self-service booking, and invoicing to support the customer journey
• Asking “How did you hear about us?” to identify which marketing channels are actually generating leads

Whether your diary is looking quieter than usual or you want to build a more predictable flow of opportunities, this episode provides practical ideas for creating a smarter marketing approach that keeps your business visible and gives potential customers a reason to choose you.

If you’d like support in building a stronger, more sustainable business, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help.

Visit www.myaccountingadvantage.com.au to learn more.

Have a question you’d like Mai to answer on a future episode? Submit it through the Ask Mai link at the top of the show notes.

Learn more about My Accounting Advantage

Disclaimer

The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice.

Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

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A company car might seem like a straightforward business perk, but it could come with an unexpected tax cost. In this episode, Mai and Lee unpack Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and explain why businesses need to understand the tax implications of providing employees with benefits outside their regular wages.

They break down what counts as a fringe benefit, why FBT exists, and how benefits such as company vehicles, fuel cards, private health insurance, entertainment, and personal expenses can create an FBT liability. They also explore salary packaging, gross-up rules, the 47% FBT rate, and the practical considerations businesses need to keep in mind when offering employee benefits.

In this episode, they discuss:

• The basics of Fringe Benefits Tax and why it exists
• What can be considered a fringe benefit
• How salary packaging and gross-up rules can affect your FBT liability
• Entertainment expenses and the $300 minor and infrequent benefits threshold
• How benefits provided to spouses, children, and other associates can create FBT obligations
• FBT considerations when providing company vehicles to employees
• Vehicle exemptions, including eligible 100% electric vehicles and certain commercial vehicles
• The potential FBT implications of dual-cab vehicles and private use
• Why logbooks, vehicle policies, and employee declarations are important
• How private-use percentages can affect your overall FBT exposure
• ATO data matching, compliance activity, and the importance of getting your FBT position right
• Why lodging a nil FBT return may help limit the review window

Whether you provide company vehicles, staff entertainment, or other employee benefits, this episode offers practical insights to help you better understand your FBT obligations and identify potential tax risks before they become costly surprises.

If you have a vehicle registered in your business name or provide benefits to your employees, now is a good time to review your FBT position. If you'd like help understanding your obligations, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help.

Learn more about My Accounting Advantage

Disclaimer

The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice.

Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

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This episode explores one of the biggest frustrations for business owners: Why does my financial report show a profit, but there's no cash in the bank?

Mai and Lee unpack the critical difference between profit and cash flow, explaining how accrual accounting can create a gap between what your reports show and the cash you actually have available. They share a practical framework for managing cash flow, building reserves, and making informed growth decisions without putting unnecessary pressure on your business.

In this episode, they discuss:

1. Why profit and cash are not the same thing
2. How accrual accounting in Xero can create timing gaps in your cash flow
3. The difference between working capital and cash reserves
4. Understanding the hidden cash costs of business growth
5. Why hiring and expansion can reduce cash before increasing profits
6. A real-world real estate agency example of cash flow timing challenges
7. How to allocate cash for GST, PAYG, income tax, payroll tax, and superannuation
8. Creating operating, growth, and emergency reserves for greater financial stability
9. The importance of giving every dollar a purpose
10. Shifting your mindset from "How much cash do I have?" to "How much cash is already allocated?"

Whether you're experiencing cash flow pressure, planning for growth, or simply looking to gain better control of your business finances, this episode provides practical strategies to help you build confidence, reduce stress, and make smarter financial decisions.

If you'd like support with cash flow management, business planning, budgeting, forecasting, or building a stronger financial foundation for your business, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help.

Learn more about My Accounting Advantage

Disclaimer

The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice.

Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

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This episode tackles a common challenge for business owners: having accounting data in Xero but still feeling unsure about where the money is going.

Mai and Lee explore how business owners can move from financial blindness to financial clarity by focusing on the numbers that matter most. They discuss how understanding your daily operating costs, tracking key financial metrics, and using Xero's new AI assistant, Jax (Just Ask Xero), can help you make smarter business decisions with confidence.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why many business owners struggle to understand their true financial position
• The importance of knowing your daily cost of doing business
• How to build a simple one-page financial clarity dashboard
• The five key numbers every business owner should monitor regularly
• Understanding revenue, gross profit, net profit, cash at bank, and net cash flow
• Why gross profit margin and net profit margin are critical business health indicators
• How small financial issues can be identified before they become major problems
• An introduction to Jax (Just Ask Xero) and how it can provide instant financial insights
• The five questions every business owner should ask their accounting data
• Monitoring cash flow, debtor days, payroll growth, working capital, and emerging risks
• Using AI and real-time financial data to improve decision-making

Whether you're a startup founder, tradesperson, consultant, or established business owner, this episode provides practical strategies to help you gain greater visibility, improve cash flow management, and make more confident decisions using the numbers already available in your business.

If you'd like advice on business performance, cash flow management, bookkeeping systems, Xero reporting, or business strategy, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help.

Visit www.myaccountingadvantage.com.au to learn more.

Have a question you'd like Mai to answer on a future episode? Submit it through the Ask Mai link at the top of the show notes.

Learn more about My Accounting Advantage

Disclaimer

The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice.

Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

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This episode explores a challenge many growing business owners face: when the workload becomes overwhelming, is hiring really the right solution? Mai and Lee discuss why bringing on new staff without first understanding the root cause of the problem can create even more complexity, and how business owners can take a more strategic approach to growth.

They introduce the concept of the buyback loop, a practical framework for identifying, documenting, and delegating tasks effectively. Through real-world examples, they explain how creating systems and processes can reduce bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and build a business that is less reliant on the owner.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why hiring is not always the best first response to feeling overwhelmed
• The risks of recruiting for a role when the underlying problem has not been clearly defined
• How to conduct a time audit to identify what is really consuming your week
• Understanding the "buyback loop" and its role in sustainable business growth
• Identifying low-value, repetitive tasks that can be delegated
• The importance of documenting processes, workflows, and clear outcomes
• Why even experienced team members need clear expectations and standards
• How systems and repeatable processes make a business more scalable
• A real-life case study of a medical practice that tripled in size and faced growing operational challenges
• The mindset shift from trying to solve everything yourself to finding the right expertise and support
• How better delegation can help reduce chaos, create capacity, and support long-term growth
• Why process-driven businesses are often easier to manage and more attractive to potential buyers

Whether you're preparing to hire your first team member, struggling to keep up with growth, or looking to create more time to focus on high-value work, this episode provides practical strategies to help you scale your business with confidence.

If you'd like guidance on business growth, improving operational efficiency, implementing systems, or developing a scalable business structure, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help.

Learn more about My Accounting Advantage

Disclaimer

The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice.

Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

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This episode explores one of the biggest changes to SMSF property investing in recent years: the 10 August 2026 rule change and what it means for Australians looking to purchase property through their Self-Managed Super Fund.

Mai is joined by SMSF lending specialist Luke Talbot to unpack what has changed, what opportunities still remain, and how SMSF lending works in practice. Together, they discuss why residential property purchases through borrowing have been significantly impacted, why commercial property remains a key strategy for many SMSF investors, and the critical steps required to secure finance successfully.

In this episode, they discuss:

• What the 10 August 2026 rule change means for SMSF property borrowing
• Why new residential property purchases using SMSF borrowing are no longer an option and what alternatives may still be available
• How refinancing existing SMSF property loans may continue to provide opportunities
• Why commercial property and business premises have become the primary focus of many SMSF lending strategies
• What lenders assess when reviewing an SMSF loan application, including the fund, the property, and the structure
• The role of bare trusts in SMSF property purchases
• The true cash requirements beyond the deposit, including stamp duty, legal fees, setup costs, and post-settlement liquidity requirements
• Which specialist lenders currently operate in the SMSF lending market and how their lending criteria differ
• Alternative strategies using personal equity loans to help facilitate SMSF property acquisitions
• How unit trust structures can be used and why lender appetite varies between different arrangements
• Common SMSF lending mistakes, including purchasing before obtaining finance approval, underestimating cash requirements, and failing to allow sufficient time for the process
• Practical insights into SMSF lending timeframes and what investors can do to improve their chances of approval

Whether you're considering purchasing property through your SMSF, refinancing an existing loan, or simply trying to understand how the recent rule changes may affect your retirement strategy, this episode provides valuable guidance to help you navigate a rapidly changing landscape.

If you'd like advice on SMSFs, property investing, SMSF lending, retirement planning, or structuring your investments effectively, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help.

Learn more about My Accounting Advantage

Disclaimer

The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice.

Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

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This episode explores a growing area of interest for business owners and investors: buying property through a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) and understanding the borrowing rules that come with it.

Mai and Lee break down the complexities of Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs) in plain English, explaining how SMSFs can borrow to purchase property, the structures that must be in place before signing a contract, and the common pitfalls that can derail a property strategy. They also discuss the significant changes to SMSF residential property borrowing from 10 August 2026, what remains available for commercial property, and why proper planning and advice are more important than ever.

In this episode, they discuss:

1. What a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) is and how it works
2. Why SMSF loans often have higher interest rates than traditional home loans
3. The roles of the SMSF, trustee company, and bare trust in a property purchase
4. Key rules that must be followed before signing a property contract
5. The SMSF borrowing changes introduced on 10 August 2026
6. The distinction between residential property and business real property
7. Why many business owners choose to hold commercial premises within their SMSF
8. Mai's PBS Framework: Property, Borrowing, and Strategy
9. Common SMSF property mistakes, including poor sequencing, cash flow issues, and over-concentrating investments

Whether you're considering purchasing commercial property, planning for retirement, or exploring how an SMSF can fit into your long-term wealth strategy, this episode provides practical insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and make more informed decisions.

If you'd like advice on SMSFs, property investment, commercial property ownership, retirement strategies, or SMSF compliance, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help.

Learn more about My Accounting Advantage

Disclaimer

The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice.

Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

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This episode breaks down the key tax, superannuation, and business changes following the 2026 Federal Budget. Mai Harris explains what is already law, what is still proposed, and what individuals, investors, trustees, and business owners need to know moving forward.

In this episode, they discuss:

• New superannuation contribution caps and the bring-forward rule
• The transfer balance cap and Division 296 tax
• Payday Super and its impact on employers
• Super Guarantee Charge risks for late payments
• The permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off
• The new $1,000 standard work-related deduction
• Capital gains tax and negative gearing changes
• SMSF borrowing rule updates
• Proposed trust tax reforms and family trust election changes
• The difference between enacted and proposed measures

Whether you're building wealth, running a business, or planning for retirement, this episode provides practical insights to help you navigate the latest tax and superannuation changes with confidence.

If you'd like advice on tax planning, superannuation, business structures, property investment, or trusts, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help.

Learn more about My Accounting Advantage

Disclaimer

The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice.

Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

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This episode tackles a common question for Australian homeowners: Does the six-year rule mean you can avoid Capital Gains Tax when you move out and rent your home?

Mai and Lee explain how the six-year rule really works, how it interacts with negative gearing, and the common mistakes that can lead to unexpected tax liabilities. They also discuss recent legislative changes, record-keeping requirements, and why it's important to seek advice before making property decisions.

In this episode, they discuss:

• The basics of the six-year rule and common misconceptions
• Renting out a former PPOR while potentially retaining a CGT exemption
• When interest becomes tax-deductible and how negative gearing works
• The impact of the 12 May 2026 law change on negative gearing decisions
• What happens if you buy another PPOR
• Restarting the six-year clock by moving back in
• Why market valuations and good records are essential
• Common mistakes that can trigger Capital Gains Tax
• Tax considerations for retirees receiving rental income

Whether you're planning to move, rent out your home, or invest in property, this episode provides practical insights to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises.

If you'd like advice on Capital Gains Tax, negative gearing, property structuring, or tax planning, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help.

Visit www.myaccountingadvantage.com.au to learn more.

Have a question you'd like Mai to answer on a future episode? Submit it through the Ask Mai link at the top of the show notes.

Learn more about My Accounting Advantage

Disclaimer

The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice.

Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.

Ask Mai & Send Feedback

This episode tackles a question many ambitious professionals ask themselves: If you're great at your job, does that mean you'll succeed in business?

Mai and Lee explore why many high-performing employees struggle when they start their own businesses. They discuss the mindset shift required to move from employee to business owner, the hidden costs of running a business, and why proper planning is essential before making the leap. 

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why being a star employee doesn't automatically make you a successful business owner
• Mai's SRS Framework: Structure, Risks, and Sequencing
• The hidden costs of employing staff and running a business
• The difference between an employee mindset and a business owner mindset
• The three gaps that commonly derail new business owners: Revenue Gap, Time Gap, and Identity Gap
• Why working capital is critical to business survival
• The danger of counting future deals instead of cash received
• The importance of having a financial safety net before starting a business
• The 90-Day Capital Test and how to assess your readiness for business ownership

Whether you're planning to launch a business or simply exploring the idea, this episode provides practical advice to help you avoid costly mistakes and build a stronger foundation for success.

If you're thinking about starting a business and would like advice on business structures, cash flow planning, risk management, or financial readiness, our team at My Accounting Advantage is here to help.

Visit www.myaccountingadvantage.com.au to learn more.

Have a question you'd like Mai to answer on a future episode? Submit it through the Ask Mai link at the top of the show notes.

Learn more about My Accounting Advantage

Disclaimer

The advice contained in this presentation is general in nature only and should not be acted on without first seeking professional advice.

Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account, and you should consider the appropriateness of the advice to your individual needs.