About Angus Jones

Angus started his first small business in 1989 and has since gone on to have a successful career in marketing. He realised although there were many websites for small business none was addressing the question of how to. Angus has a passion to articulate benefits that add value to customers/readers.

Synology announces DiskStation DS925+

Synology has launched DiskStation DS925+ for professionals and businesses seeking high performance and reliable data management.

“The 4-bay Plus Series models inherited over one million installations and have always been among our most widely-adopted products.” said Jeffrey Huang, product manager of Synology. “Not only are they favoured by professionals, but also deployed in remote and branch environments as edge servers. For this reason, we’ve designed the DS925+ to deliver business-grade performance and reliability.”

Efficient and Scalable Storage in a Compact Form

The DS925+ is engineered to tackle demanding workloads. Equipped with dual 2.5GbE ports and two M.2 slots for creating all-flash storage pool or cache, the DS925+ delivers substantial performance gains with preconfigured settings compared to its predecessor—including 149% faster SMB downloads, 150% faster uploads, 131% faster reads, and 150% faster writes.

In addition to its performance, the new 4-bay model also provides high capacity and scalability. When paired with the new DX525 expansion unit, it supports up to 9 drive bays and offers up to 180 TB of raw capacity, allowing users to expand as needed, making it ideal for growing data demands.

The DS925+ is engineered as a full-featured system to deliver consistent performance and reliability with Synology hard drives. It follows a carefully curated drive compatibility framework, backed by over 7,000 hours of rigorous testing. To ensure optimal integration and long-term dependability, DSM on the DS925+ requires compatible hard drives for installation.

Versatile Features for Business Workloads

Powered by Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM), the DS925+ offers versatile features to meet diverse business data management needs.

  • Synology Drive transforms the system into a private cloud, enabling cross-platform access and site-to-site syncing for distributed teams.
  • Active Backup Suite provides comprehensive protection for Windows, Linux, and MacOS devices, virtual machines, and cloud accounts, with flexible off-site backup options.
  • Surveillance Station delivers scalable video management and offers real-time intelligent analytics to safeguard physical assets.

DiskStation DS925+ Availability

The DS925+ and DX525 expansion unit will be available starting April 23rd, 2025, through Synology’s network of partners and resellers worldwide. For more information, please see the DS925+ and DX525 product pages.

Freelancers and sole traders are being left out of the conversation

97% of businesses in Australia are small businesses and a significant portion of these are made up of freelancers and sole traders, yet these types of businesses barely rate a mention in the ongoing political and economic conversation. 

Trends suggest sole trader and freelancer numbers are on the rise, and they are becoming a force to be reckoned with in the business and political landscape. According to the latest ABS data, there was a 2.4% increase in sole proprietors in 2023-24, bringing the total number up to 803,607 sole traders in total. 

Though these non-employing businesses don’t directly create jobs, they contribute a diverse range of goods and services to consumers, directly boost their local economies, create diversity in the market, and bolster innovation and entrepreneurialism. Small businesses, which include sole trader and freelance businesses, add an estimated half a trillion dollars to Australia’s economy, making up a third of its GDP in total.

As more companies enforce return-to-office policies, Australian workers are choosing to strike out on their own for a chance to be their own boss and enjoy freedom away from the traditional 9-5 work model.

Technology plays a role in this, with a range of tools arming professional workers with fully remote capabilities and leaving them with the power to choose more interesting and challenging work, more time to spend with their loved ones, and greater flexibility to apply their skills in a way that is fulfilling to them.

But the string of benefits often come with a slew of challenges which are made more difficult by the lack of specialised support for freelancers and sole traders alone. Despite their growing numbers, sole traders and freelancers are still being routinely left out while small businesses and corporations take centre stage. 

This is evident in the way sole traders are barely acknowledged when it comes to the raft of initiatives being rolled out to support SMEs and the way policymakers create legislation with larger entities in mind. Plenty of grants and programs exist to nurture the growth of SMEs, but few are specific to sole traders and freelancers.

At the same time this agile and independent workforce are facing increased scrutiny from the ATO thanks to the actions of a few bad actors. Sole traders don’t enjoy the same level of representation or advocacy that bigger business entities do, but they still have to navigate the same amount of administrative work and red tape to run their business. From onerous tax obligations and insurance requirements to invoicing and chasing payments, the bureaucratic burdens fall heavily on the shoulders of solo businesses. 

This heightened scrutiny comes with a side of ATO court action over unpaid debts as the organisation firmly sets its sights on everyone from pure sole traders to those with a side job or two looking to make ends meet due to cost of living pressures.

Compliance with rigorous accounting standards and managing cash flow is tough for businesses of any size, but it’s especially tough on sole traders who are forced to wear many different hats in the course of running their business. Once again technology has a role to play with apps like Sole existing to make life easier for sole traders. 

Though sole traders are traditionally averse to cloud-based accounting software due to the prohibitive cost and lack of time available to investigate better alternatives, platforms can offer peace of mind that all the complicated parts of running a business like keeping track of financials, invoicing, and ensuring quick payment becomes more manageable.

Sole traders and freelancers already have a tough job cut out for them in navigating a volatile economy that it can be all too easy to make a single miscalculation that could end up in a hefty fine or tax bill. Outside of more education, resources, and advocacy for freelancers and sole traders, digital tools like these should be made available to every sole trader whether they’re a seasoned operator or a brand new business. 

As more Australians turn to independent work, more needs to be done to create a network that recognises and supports their unique challenges and contributions. With this there are plenty of opportunities for both business and government to take the lead. The good news is rising awareness of this cohort will take us closer to realising the untapped potential of freelancers and sole traders, sooner rather than later.

Contributed by By Johann Oberholzer, founder of Sole App

Qantas Business Rewards team up with AMP Bank

AMP Bank is rewarding Qantas Frequent Flyers and Qantas Business Rewards members with Qantas Points when they link their AMP Bank Everyday Account or Everyday Business Account. 

The appeal of rewards programs

Research from AMP shows that rewards programs have great appeal for Australians and small business owners when choosing a bank account.

John Arnott, Director Small Business and Personal Banking, AMP Bank said:

“Rewarding our AMP Bank customers is at the forefront of our business, and we are really excited to be partnering with the largest airline loyalty program in Australia to help us to do just that.

“We’re making it easier for everyday banking customers and small businesses to simply earn points on their balance in a transaction account, with no account fees or hidden charges.

“We’re excited to be offering small business owners points in a never-before seen way. A first that we’re proud to be taking to market.”

Customers will now be able to earn 1 Qantas Point for every $10 of their average monthly account balance, up to $5,000,000. For example, a $10,000 average balance earns 1,000 Qantas Points in that month. Plus, there are no account fees or spending requirements to earn Qantas Points. 

The Qantas Points are calculated and deposited monthly based on the average account balance of that month.

Qantas Points can be used in a variety of ways, including to book reward seats, request flight upgrades, hotel stays, entertainment and more.

Simon Rowlands, Executive Manager Financial Services, Qantas Loyalty said:

“Australians love earning Qantas Points and partnering with AMP Bank provides customers with even more opportunities to boost their points balance and make their everyday banking more rewarding.”

Double the Qantas Points

To celebrate, all customers will earn double points on their average monthly account balance until 31 July 2025 boosting their points balance and getting them closer to their next reward.

All customers who sign up to AMP Bank’s mobile app, can also access free membership to the Qantas Frequent Flyer and Qantas Business Rewards programs. To find out more information visit www.amp.com.au/campaigns/bank/earn-qantas-rewards

Sandisk Dual Drive Go – Smartphone back up

I have a holiday of a lifetime planned, and like most people, I will use my smartphone to take pictures. Some of the photos I take will be priceless, but what if I lose or damage my phone? Where I am going, there is little mobile coverage, and global roaming is expensive to upload Gigabytes of data. We review the Sandisk Dual Drive Go USB Type-C to see if it solves our problem and potentially others.

Why do you need to back up a Smartphone?

Backing up a smartphone is essential for safeguarding your data in case of loss, theft, or device malfunction. Having two or more copies of your photos, contacts, and even your apps and settings means you can quickly get back to where you were before the disaster.

Beyond backup, how many times have you heard someone say, “I have run out of room on my phone?” Another common question is, “How do I transfer images from my phone to my computer?”

If you are tech-savvy and Wi-Fi and mobile data are accessible and cheap, the cloud is your friend, easily helping with data transfer.

Alternatively, you can connect your smartphone to a PC using a USB cable and transfer data that way.

The most tactile way is to use an attached memory card, stick or hard drive where data is copied onto the drive and accessed from another device.

What are the Sandisk Dual Drive Go features?

The Sandisk Dual Drive Go is a tiny USB flash drive with a USB-C and A connector for smartphone file transfers and backup.

Sandisk Dual Drive Go
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The drive is available in four colours, and memory sizes include 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1 TB.

With its USB-C connector, the Sandisk can be connected to an Apple iPhone 15 or an Android phone. The other end of the flash drive has a USB-A plug, which enables the drive to be connected to any PC.

Specific compatibility for phones, laptops, and tablets with operating systems:

  • iOS 10.0.2+
  • Android 11+
  • macOS v.10.9+
  • Windows 10+

The drive is tiny, at just 44x12x9 mm, and weighs approximately 4 grams. It could be easily lost, so a keyring hole is a welcome feature. A 5-year warranty and a swivel cover protect the USB-C plug on the move.

Using the Delta 3 Plus

I tested the 256GB version of the Sandisk, which matches the memory capacity of my smartphone.

When we connect to our Android phone, the Android file manager automatically opens. Alternatively, Sandisk has an app available on the App Store called Sandisk Memory Zone Explore.

You can copy or move files or folders from the Android file manager to the drive. Moving a file removes it from the phone, freeing up space for photos.

The Sandisk Memory Zone app has similar functionality but also includes an automatic or manual backup function. If set to auto, it backs up anything on your phone by simply plugging in the flash drive.

I am always taking photos of products for reviews, and although I can use the cloud or a direct connection from my PC, I mostly email the photos. This drive is a more tactile and simpler method of transferring a photo with no quality loss and, in most cases, quicker. Moving a few photos to a dedicated folder ensures that when you plug the drive into your PC, you are not waiting for your PC to interrogate 2,000 photos before you download the one you want.

Who is the Sandisk Dual Drive Go for?

At $45, you can buy a 128GB drive that matches most smartphones’ memory capacity. This is an economical way to ensure you can back up your smartphone anywhere.

If you are not technically minded, this physical product allows you to move files, photos, and videos off your phone, freeing up space. Having both a USB-C and USB-A plug gives the product versatility to connect to any product except older Apple products.

How to Overcome Social ‘Post Paralysis’ and Hit Publish

The hesitation to hit publish is one of the biggest roadblocks among business owners trying to grow their brand online. They know they need to show up, but they overthink every post—agonising over every word, questioning their authority, and fearing judgment.

Before they know it, they’ve wasted hours stuck in a cycle of indecision while others—often with far less experience—show up consistently and position themselves as the go-to expert.

This isn’t just frustrating; it’s a missed opportunity to attract dream clients and grow your business.

If you find yourself stuck in post paralysis, here’s how to move past it and start showing up with confidence:

1. Get Out of Your Own Way

Imposter syndrome whispers, Who do you think you are?—a thought that stops so many business owners from putting themselves out there.

A mindset shift that works? Detach from the post. Imagine you’re a social media manager responsible for someone else’s brand. Would you overthink it the same way? Probably not—you’d create, post, and move on.

The truth is, if you wouldn’t judge someone else for posting the same thing, why assume others will judge you?

Instead of overthinking, treat your content like an experiment. What resonates? What falls flat? The only way to know is to actually post and pay attention to the response. Turn it into a game.

2. See Social Media as a Flowing Stream

A lot of people hesitate to post because they fear their content will be scrutinised forever. But social media doesn’t work like that.

Think of your feed as a river—your post floats by, seen by the people online at that moment, and then it moves along. It’s not a post-it note stuck to your forehead for all eternity.

Consistency beats perfection every time. The sooner you let go of the pressure to make every post flawless, the easier it becomes to show up regularly.

3. Focus on Impact Over Perfection

What’s worse – posting something that’s not “perfect” or keeping your expertise hidden from people who need it? Your dream clients are out there looking for exactly what you offer. Every day you stay invisible is a day they can’t find you.

Or on the flip side:
✅ The right person sees your post and it resonates.
✅ They start following, engaging, and building trust with you.
✅ They become a client.

When you compare the two, one of those outcomes is far more important than the other.

4. Call Out Your Ideal Clients in Your Posts

The easiest way to get engagement from the right people? Make it clear who your content is for.

Instead of:
“Here’s why social media matters for business owners…”

Try:
“Coaches & consultants—struggling to turn content into clients? Here’s why your messaging isn’t landing.”

This does two things:
🔹 It grabs the attention of the right audience.
🔹 It filters out the people who aren’t a fit—so you’re not answering the wrong inquiries.

“Done is better than perfect.” Because the truth is, an imperfect post that actually goes live will always outperform the “perfect” one sitting in your drafts.

Your expertise is too valuable to keep hidden. The world needs what you have to share, and there are premium clients out there ready to work with you.

But they can’t find you if you’re stuck in content paralysis.

So next time you’re hesitating to hit ‘post’, remember: Every expert you admire started by simply sharing what they know. Your next dream client could be just one post away.

Because at the end of the day, how can you become a thought leader if nobody knows your thoughts?

Contributed by Kady O’Connell, Founder of Kady Creative and Booked Out Brand

Tax deductions for interest charges is changing

Small and medium-sized business owners are facing a significant financial change that could impact cash flow and tax planning. From July 1, 2025, the Australian Government will no longer allow tax deductions for interest charges imposed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). For many SMEs already managing tight cash flow, this change could add to financial strain.

The new rule applies to interest charges such as the General Interest Charge (GIC) and Shortfall Interest Charge (SIC) that the ATO imposes on overdue tax debts. Previously, businesses could claim these as deductions, but from mid-2025, this will no longer be the case.

This shift comes at a time when many SMEs are already feeling financial strain, particularly as the ATO intensifies efforts to recover outstanding tax debts.

Siobhan Williams, Head of Mortgages at Pepper Money explains, “Many small business owners rely on tax deductions to manage their expenses effectively. The removal of this deduction means that SMEs need to be even more proactive in managing their tax liabilities and cash flow.”

Why tax deductions for interest charges matters for business owners

Losing the ability to deduct ATO interest charges means businesses could face higher tax bills and additional financial stress. With tax debts accumulating interest, business owners need to act now to review their financial strategies and explore options for managing liabilities before these changes take effect.

According to Williams, the change underscores the importance of having the right financial strategies in place. “Small business owners should review their tax obligations well in advance and explore financing options that can help them stay on top of payments and avoid accumulating interest charges.”

What Business Owners Can Do

If your business has outstanding ATO debt or is struggling with cash flow, Williams shares steps to consider:

  1. Consult a Financial Professional – Speak with an accountant or financial advisor to understand the full impact of these changes and explore strategies for managing tax obligations.
  2. Review Your Financial Position – Take stock of all outstanding debts, including ATO liabilities, and assess your current financial health.
  3. Consider Alternative Financing Options – Business owners may have options such as refinancing, cash flow lending, or asset-based finance to restructure their debts and improve financial stability.
  4. Act Before July 1, 2025 – With these changes coming soon, now is the time to explore solutions rather than waiting until tax bills become unmanageable.
  5. Plan for the Future – Managing debt is not just about short-term relief; it’s about setting up a sustainable financial strategy that allows businesses to thrive in the long run.

The Bigger Picture

“This legislative change highlights the need for SMEs to take control of their financial planning. With tax deductions on ATO interest charges being phased out, businesses that rely on these deductions as part of their financial strategy need to adjust their approach,” says WIlliams.

One option that businesses might consider is seeking flexible funding solutions. “At Pepper Money, we understand that cash flow fluctuations are a reality for many SMEs. Alternative finance options can help business owners stay in control of their finances, ensuring they have access to funds when they need them most,” says Williams.

While the government’s goal is to encourage timely tax payments, the change presents a challenge for businesses already under pressure. “Preparation is key. Business owners should work closely with their accountants or financial advisers to develop strategies that keep them financially resilient,” Williams concludes.

More details can be found on the ATO website here.

Budget-conscious dining trend is shaping food scene

Dining out remains an indispensable part of the Australian social life but consumers are becoming more strategic with their spending due to rising costs. Budget-conscious consumers are driving new dining preferences and this behaviour is creating opportunities for casual dining restaurants. Value-driven meals with healthy options that seamlessly integrate into a consumer’s modern, fast-paced lifestyle are taking priority.  

With tighter household budgets, consumers are limiting their premium dining experiences and prioritising casual and mid-range dining options. On average, an Australian diner eats out 38 times a year with 54% of consumers between the ages of 16 to 24 eating out at least once a week[1].

Takeaway and delivery continue to compete with dine-in experiences, as consumers prioritise convenience for fast, seamless and cost-efficient takeaway and delivery options, however, there’s a shift in the dynamics of delivery versus takeaway. Takeaway is resurging, particularly for the budget-conscious consumer avoiding high delivery fees. The average diner orders takeaways to pick up in person on average 32 times a year whereas delivery orders average 28 times a year.[2]

Observing the shift in consumer behaviour, Jun Lee, Executive Director of Gami, said, “For a restauranteur, budget-conscious dining is about understanding the market and making informed choices with menu options that reflect the consumer’s demand for authentic flavours and quality meals at good value prices.”

“With people watching their wallets and seeking convenient meals, Gami has positioned itself perfectly to meet evolving consumer preferences with our authentic, flavoursome Korean cuisine that makes Gami a modern Korean dining destination. Interesting menu options, exclusive offerings, experiential dining, easy and fast takeaway ordering, and the convenience and approachability of fast-casual dining are ideal for busy customers looking for quick service and high-quality, customisable meals,” he added.

Lee said that the increasing demand for Korean cuisine in Australia, fuelled by the global phenomenon of K-pop, Korean dramas, and the cultural wave known as Hallyu, has certainly helped Gami’s Korean Delights growth, which has seen an 18% increase year on year. “The continued rise of K-culture in Australia has created a wonderful platform for us to introduce our offering to mainstream markets. We aim to make quality Korean food accessible, convenient, and a favourite of every household.”

Providing consumers with a healthier, wider taste of Korea, Gami recently introduced a new menu comprising of healthy and balanced Korean-inspired dishes, including Seoul Tteokbokki, Beef Bulgogi Hotpot, Cupbab, Bibimbap, Gochujang Chicken, and Chicken Skewer Plate. Designed to align with modern dietary preferences while preserving authentic Korean flavours and traditions, these menu additions have resonated with health-conscious diners. Their popularity has driven a notable increase in sales and reinforced the brand’s reputation for culinary innovation.  

“This year will see Gami introducing even more Korean meals with exciting combinations of tastes, blending authentic flavours with modern appeal, along with pairing suggestions, set menu options and combo deal promotions,” said Lee. “For us, menu innovation is more than adding dishes, it’s about offering something consumers can’t find anywhere else. An example of this is our Korean Delights menu options, which offer street food appetisers similar to what you’d find in the markets in Korea.  These dishes have been extremely popular as an extension of our Korean Chicken offering, and we’ll continue to evolve menu options to surprise and delight our customers. Whether it’s our Korean Classics, new shared meals, or scrumptious desserts, every offering is designed to reflect our commitment to quality and authenticity.”

Beyond the menu, Gami is reimagining the dining experience through dynamic restaurant design. The brand is creating spaces that feel vibrant, welcoming, and modern while still honouring its Korean heritage. Consumers can expect immersive dining experiences, such as themed pop-up events, multi-sensory dining, and unique tasting menus. Gami’s loyalty program, which plays a key role in customer engagement, will also be enhanced with exclusive rewards for diners actively seeking value-driven offers.

“For Gami, 2025 is about delivering more – more flavour, more innovation, and more reasons for customers to keep coming back. From bold, locally sourced ingredients to creative new ways to personalise the dining experience, Gami is focused on pushing boundaries with staying true to its roots. With continued investment in loyal fans and a growing appetite among adventurous foodies, Gami is ready to serve up a year of exciting change,” said Jun.

Founded in 2006, Gami Chicken combines authentic Korean family recipes with the vibrant energy of Melbourne’s laneway culture. Over the past two decades, it has gained a loyal following across Australia, growing to 30 locations nationwide.

For more information visit www.innoveilgami.com.au

Xero now offers Tap to Pay on iPhone

Xero, the global small business platform, has launched Tap To Pay on iPhone, enabling Xero customers in Australia with a Stripe account to seamlessly and securely accept in-person contactless payments with their iPhone and the Xero Accounting app — no additional hardware or payment terminal needed. Tap to Pay on iPhone enables businesses to accept all forms of contactless payments, including contactless credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets.

Using Tap to Pay on iPhone is easy, secure and private. With Tap to Pay on iPhone, at checkout, the merchant can simply prompt the customer to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch with their contactless credit or debit card, Apple Pay or other digital wallet to pay with their contactless credit or debit card near the merchant’s iPhone. The payment will be securely completed using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. Tap to Pay on iPhone also supports PIN entry, which includes accessibility options.

Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone technology uses the built-in features of iPhone to keep the business’ and customers’ data private and secure. When a payment is processed, Apple doesn’t store card numbers or transaction information on Apple servers, so merchants and customers can rest assured that their data stays theirs¹.

Empowering businesses with more ways to pay

Managing cash flow is more important than ever for small businesses, and receiving timely payments from customers is a fundamental piece of the puzzle.

Xero research shows two in five (41%) consumers say they are frustrated when their preferred payment option isn’t available and one in four (28%) would shop elsewhere if a business didn’t offer one of their preferred ways to pay. The research also showed that 86% of Australian consumers say they use credit and debit cards.

Bharathi Ramavarjula, SVP, Payments & Ecosystem at Xero said, “Managing payments plays a vital part of the cash flow equation, but small businesses continue to face challenges, including chasing late payments. With so much on their plate already, keeping pace with shifting consumer expectations and market trends can feel overwhelming.

That’s why payments is such a core part of Xero’s business strategy. With the launch of Tap to Pay on iPhone, we’re excited to support small businesses to streamline payment processes, enabling them to accept payments on the spot, and maintain a healthy cash flow.”

Tap to Pay on iPhone enables Xero customers in Australia with a Stripe account to use a contactless payment acceptance solution that is easy to set up and use. Businesses will be able to unlock contactless payment acceptance through theXero Accounting app on an iPhone XS or later running the latest version of iOS, and can simply download the Xero Accountingapp from the Apple App Store to start accepting contactless payments within minutes.

For more information on Xero, please visit xero.com

How to transforming side hustles into a powerful microbusiness

Australia is in the midst of a microbusiness boom. As traditional nine-to-five jobs continue to evolve, I have seen more Australians get creative by turning their passions, skills and hobbies into successful microbusinesses. Whether it’s a home-based dog grooming service, a mobile coffee cart or a handcrafted jewellery business, microbusinesses are reshaping the future of work.

Today, nearly 2.7 million businesses are actively trading in Australia, and microbusinesses make up a significant portion. These small operations often start with a simple idea, but I know firsthand that they require careful planning and strategic decision-making to grow.

Turning a side hustle into a microbusiness is incredibly rewarding, but it is so much more than having a great idea. It is also about planning, being smart with your resources and using the right technology to support your growth.

Top tips for turning your side hustle into a successful microbusiness

1. Start with a clear vision and plan
Define your business goals, target market and unique selling points. Your plan doesn’t need to be complex, but it should be clear and actionable, outlining the steps you’ll take to grow.

2. Use the right tools
Smart tools streamline your operations and free up your time and also help with scheduling, payments, customer communication and social media.  This way, you can stay focused on the heart of your business.

3. Understand your finances
Keep a close eye on cash flow and use budgeting tools to manage expenses. Financial oversight is crucial to long-term sustainability.

4. Embrace digital marketing
Build an online presence with a professional website and active social channels. It’s an efficient and cost-effective way to expand your reach.

5. Prioritise customer relationships
Personalised service is where microbusinesses shine. Prompt communication and exceptional service go a long way in building loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.

Mistakes to avoid when growing your microbusiness

1. Ignoring market research
Without truly understanding your audience, their needs and market trends, your offering may fall flat. It’s one of the most common and costly mistakes I see.

2. Neglecting proper bookkeeping and accounting
Good habits start from day one. Don’t wait until tax time aspoor financial management can lead to missed deductions, penalties or cash flow issues.

3. Trying to do everything yourself
I get it – it’s tempting to wear all the hats. But burnout is real. Delegating or outsourcing tasks such as bookkeeping or marketing means you can focus on what matters most: growing your business.

4. Ignoring data insights
One of the best decisions I ever made was leaning into data. Customer behaviour, sales patterns, marketing ROI—these insights help you fine-tune your strategy and avoid costly guesswork.

5. Overlooking scalability from the outset
Think beyond today. Plan for future growth, whether that’s expanding operations, hiring or introducing better tech. Too many microbusinesses stall when they hit early success because they weren’t ready to scale.

Microbusinesses are reshaping Australia’s economic landscape. By combining your passion with strategy and the right tools, I believe your side hustle can absolutely evolve into a flourishing microbusiness and ready to make a real impact.

Contributed by By Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv Australia and New Zealand

VistaPrint unveils findings from its 2025 SMB Report

VistaPrint has released the findings from its 2025 SMB Report revealing that over 2-in-3 (65%) SMB owners have struggled in the first quarter of 2025, but the outlook looks positive with half of SMBs (50%) describing their current feeling as optimistic, positive, excited, or uplifted.  

There are plenty of political, economic and technological shifts happening that SMBs are having to navigate.  SMB owners are particularly worried about inflation (43%) and a potential recession (38%), and as many as 2-in-5 (39%) say AI has made it significantly (9%) or somewhat (30%) harder to stand out.   

SMBs are tackling headwinds with optimism and pragmatism 

As always seems to be the case, Australian SMBs are tackling headwinds with optimism, stoicism and pragmatism. 

2025 is an election year in Australia and roughly 2-in-5 (38%) SMBs expect the upcoming election will impact their business positively while over a quarter (27%) expect things will remain the same.  

Furthermore, the global political landscape doesn’t appear to be impacting Australian SMBs’ confidence either, with just under half (48%) either very prepared (13%) or somewhat prepared (35%) to navigate the political shifts happening both locally and overseas, versus just 11% who are unprepared. 

With regards to technological shifts and the rapid proliferation of AI, despite some concerns,  almost 2-in-5 (37%) Aussie SMBs are very optimistic (10%) or somewhat optimistic (27%) about the role of AI in business.  

Crowded, murkier waters making it difficult to stand out  

Social media and artificial intelligence do however appear to me crowding and muddying the waters. In addition to the SMB sentiment that AI makes it harder to stand out as a brand, slightly more SMB owners (44%) believe social media does the same.  

Of those concerned about AI, lack of human touch (26%), data privacy and security risks (21%) and accuracy of the information and data reported (21%) ranked highest for the reasons for concern. 

SMBs overwhelmingly believe (62%) that AI generated content is, or has the potential to, dominate the content we see on social media and other media channels, and almost half (48%) say AI generated content makes it difficult to compete for share of voice.  

Branding and personalisation a silver bullet  

Customer engagement, personalisation and authenticity appear to be the perfect antidote to the murky waters of increased social and AI content. 

Two thirds of SMBs (66%) say customer engagement and personalisation is the main way they differentiate their brand in an environment where social media and AI generated content is gaining popularity. Prioritising authentic storytelling (35%) ranked the second most popular way to differentiate their brand.

In addition, physical marketing materials made the top three branding and marketing methods that SMBs say they are going to invest in most this year, along with digital marketing and social media.

Marcus Marchant, CEO of VistaPrint, commented on the resilience of SMBs, stating: “Despite the challenges facing small businesses in 2025, it’s encouraging to see that optimism remains strong. SMB owners are resourceful, and they recognise that strong branding, personalised engagement – particularly the use of physical marketing materials that leave a lasting impression – and authenticity, are key to standing out in today’s evolving landscape. At a time of rapid change, businesses that embrace adaptability and innovation will continue to thrive.”


SMB owners certainly appreciate the value of branding and marketing, with almost 2-in-5 (38%) putting extreme (9%) or high (29%) emphasis on it as a driver of business success in the current landscape.  

Providing great customer service, being transparent about your practices, and delivering an incredible product and service every time are the most effective ways to build brand trust according to SMB owners. Partnering with influencers ranked the least. 

To find more about VistaPrint’s range of physical marketing and branding materials [see here].