Small Business Guides
Find guides and articles to help you do better business, and understand the often weird world of accounting.
Starting and growing a business
Your intro to the milestone moments in small business.
How to improve project profitability in service-based businesses
Discover how to track, measure and grow project profitability in your service business, so you can make every cent count.
Xero payroll NZ: Manage overtime, bonuses and commissions
See how Xero Payroll NZ helps you manage overtime, bonuses and commissions with less admin.
How to start a business
Thousands of new businesses open every day. If all those people can do it, why not you? Here’s what to do, and when.
How to start an online business in New Zealand today
Learn how to start your online business with clear steps and tools to launch fast and grow with confidence.
Business finance: Types, options and how to choose the right one for your small business
Need finance for your business? Learn about the types of finance, approaching lenders and investors and more.
How to grow a business: goals, cash flow and metrics
Are you ready to drop the hammer and take your business to the next level? Let’s look at how to grow.
How to hire employees
Hiring help can improve your business, and your lifestyle. But it’s a big process. Here are the main things to keep in mind.
How to invoice
Looking for help on making and sending invoices and getting them paid? Check out these tips on the art of invoicing.
How to do bookkeeping
Bookkeeping includes everything from basic data entry to tax prep. Let’s look at the core jobs and see how they’re done.
What is bookkeeping?
Whether you’re bookkeeping for a family business, or planning a career in it – this is a good place to start learning.
Guide to inventory
Inventory management is more than just knowing what’s been sold and what you’ve ordered. Find out what else is involved.
How to file your GST returns: Steps deadlines, and tips
Making a start with GST? Don’t worry. It’s a little extra admin, but this guide will help you get sorted.
Payments
Your intro to getting money in from customers, and out to suppliers and employees. See all payments guides
Profitability ratios: types, formulas and how to use
Profitability ratios show how well your business turns revenue into profit. Learn how to track and improve them.
Direct debit for small business: setup, fees and timing
Direct debit for small business makes payments simpler and faster. Let's see how it works.
Your compliance-ready guide to construction payroll management
Complete guide to construction payroll in AU & NZ. Learn award wages, super, allowances, and compliance essentials.
Money
Your intro to budgeting, cash flow, and what to do when you need more money. See all money guides
Business credit score: how to check and improve yours
Learn why your business credit score matters, and how to lift it to unlock funding, better rates, and supplier trust.
Improve business efficiency: quick wins that stick
Discover 10 simple ways to improve business efficiency, cut admin, and give you more time to grow.
Planning and performance
Your intro to business planning, goal setting, key performance indicators, and financial reporting. See all planning and performance guides
How to write a business plan
A business plan maps out your goals, strategy, and finances to guide your business forward.
Inventory management: what it is, methods and tools
Learn inventory management methods and tools to cut your stock costs, prevent shortages, and boost cash flow.
Leadership
Your intro to building a vision, establishing consensus, and inspiring action. See all leadership guides
Employee retention: strategy, tips and key metrics
Keep your best people and cut hiring costs. Learn how to build a strong employee retention strategy.
Accounting and bookkeeping
Your intro to financial admin, taxes, and the technical side of running a business. See all accounting and bookkeeping guides
What does an accountant do? Roles and business advice
Learn what an accountant does to keep your tax, cash flow, and reports on track.
Marketing
Your intro to finding and winning new customers, and keeping the old ones. See all marketing guides
Value Proposition: What It Is and How to Write Yours
Discover how your value proposition helps you stand out, win customers, and grow profit.
Upsell: meaning, techniques and examples for business
Learn upsell techniques to grow revenue and profit from the customers you already serve.
Ecommerce
Your intro to starting, managing, and making money from an online business. See all ecommerce guides
Dropshipping: How It Works and How to Start Your Business
Learn how dropshipping lets you start fast with low costs, no stock, and scalable fulfilment.
Business reputation management online: practical tips
Learn how business reputation management online helps small businesses win trust, attract customers, and grow.
Tools and reports
Free templates
Download helpful templates for things like quoting, invoicing, reporting and planning.
Calculators
Use accounting calculators to help plan and run your business.
Glossary
Learn the meaning behind all those weird and wonderful accounting terms.