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Author: Rosy King

Online Training with CTO

Online Training – Learn the Skills you need to improve your Business

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Lead & Manage.

Learning new skills improves our lives, across all areas. As we gain knowledge, we have the ability to earn more and enjoy a more satisfying career.  We become more interesting people, as we make new connections between what we are learning, and the existing knowledge we already have. We improve our quality of life, our relationships, and our business, as we can adapt quickly to change and feel more confident in ourselves and our ability to take on new tasks.

And learning is fun. There are so many exciting courses available, providing us with a way to learn fascinating new skills and talents. It’s also a social activity, with online discussion forums available with our peers and expert instructors, where we can ask questions, reinforce our learning and get feedback.

Why not give it go today?  You can see some of the most popular online Business Training courses here.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”  –  Nelson Mandela

What are the benefits of learning new skills?

Learning new skills enhances the quality of our life, providing us with knowledge when we need it and reducing stress.  It breaks us out of our usual patterns and changes our brain chemisty.  

As we learn, our learning speed increases and we gain confidence.  We are more able to tackle new tasks and our mental well being improves as we set new goals and targets. and then reach them.  This sense of achievement is an important part of feeling we are doing well.  Learning new skills also fights boredom and allows us to adapt better to change.

We learn to understand ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses.  To learn the art of life.  And to master the techniques of adjusting and accommodating to changes in our surroundings and life situations.

Why learning is so important for success

Learning new skills is really important for our future success.  It shows we have the drive and commitment to learn and apply new information, ideas and theories, to achieve a variety of tasks and goals.

Knowledge has allowed us to make amazing advances in science and technology.  As they say, knowledge is power and one of the important reasons to learn something new is we gain power when we do.  It makes us far more capable and it helps us get ahead in the workplace and in everyday life.  We can communicate our ideas more clearly, and reason and think for ourselves.

How can online training help us in the workplace?

CTO Online Business Training

CTO Online Business Training – Anytime, Anywhere

Learning new skills fortifies and rounds out the skills we need to excel in the workplace, improve our resumes and move to a better paying or more desired position.  Training allows us to keep on top of our industry and learn new skills that become necessary as technology progresses.

Learning new skills can also help us decide what we want to do with our life and makes us more confident when approaching a new role and interacting with other people.

Online training gives us the opportunity to learn basic business principles.  These days, it’s important that we have an understanding of how the entire organisation operates.  If we’re acquainted with the basic functions of all departments, we can be a better business leader, and a significantly more attractive candidate for new roles.

A willingness to learn is a compelling characteristic when putting ourselves forward for new positions.  We should always be taking steps to improve and gain new skills, stay on top of industry trends, and step outside our comfort zones.

Discover some of the most popular online Business and Professional Development courses here.

How can we learn new skills quickly?

We can learn new skills more quickly by interacting with the available information.  As well as completing an online course, we should also gather information from videos, blogs and podcasts.

Make learning more meaningful by connecting it to our own life and experiences, and seeing how it fits into our personal scheme of things.  Consider how can we put what we have learned into practice and use it to our advantage?  When we can do this, we will grasp new concepts much more quickly.

Learn by doing, and build new habits to enforce our skills. For instance, if we are learning Excel, build spreadsheets and practice with new formulas and functions, which will provide us with the data we need in our business or workplace.  Also, regularly compare our work with that of experts in our field.  We will then notice areas where we can improve.

You can see a sample of the most popular online training Computer Training courses here.

Spend time practicing things we find difficult, until they become easy, because in order to excel in a skill, we need to push ourselves out of our comfort zone.  Over time, we will achieve a higher level of efficiency in this skill.

Why is learning new things good for our brain?

Research suggests that continued cognitive activity has a positive effect on braincells and helps promote mental sharpness.  Learning new skills stimulates neurons in our brains, which forms more neural pathways and allows electrical impulses to travel faster across them.  This helps us learn better, and to learn things more quickly over time.  

Using our brains more allows us to find a way to work through frustrations and achieve competence.  Leaning new business or career skills is important for surviving and thriving in the workplace.  Learning new skills is essential for building the career or business you love.

Why knowledge is important in our life

Lifelong learning is important.  The voluntary decision to enrol in courses and learn new skills keeps us motivated, with the desire for more knowledge and self-improvement.

We need knowledge to be successful in life.  To grow in our careers, gaining as much knowledge as possible is important.  Knowledge allows us to shape our personality, improve our behaviour, deal with people and situations more easily. 

Which skills are important in 2019 and beyond?

Many of the skills we are learning today will be quite different from the skills we will need in as little as a decade.  Technology is changing our world so quickly, that new jobs and business opportunities are arising every day. 

Below are some of the skills which are highly desirable in 2019.  Who knows how these may change over the next 10 years, but they are certainly a starting point for today. 

Personal Skills

  • Thinking skills, for problem solving and decision making
  • Creativity
  • Resilience
  • A passion for learning
  • Good communication 
  • Self-management
  • A positive attitude
  • Curiosity and imagination

Professional Skills

  • Good business sense
  • Agility and Adaptability
  • Initiative and Entrepreneurship
  • Collaboration across networks and leading by influence
  • Public Speaking
  • Willingness to learn
  • Teamwork
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Effective oral and written communication
  • Assessing and Analysing information

Technical Skills

  • Social Media literacy
  • Coding
  • Excel – one of the most desired skills in today’s workplace
  • Web development
  • Business Writing & copywriting
  • Project Management
  • Google Analytics
  • Digital marketing
  • Data analysis

Our quest for knowledge doesn’t have to end when we finish school or university.  Education can be a part of our adult lives too and we can reap the professional and person benefits of lifelong learning.  It’s never too late to start.  Making ongoing learning and development a part of our lives is vital for all of us, keeping us motivated and interested in the world we live in.  

The CTO Online Training Courses are ideal for those wanting to upgrade their business and professional skills.

For more information on the range of Online Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

Enrol online today !

About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options is a Business Training Company, which provides you with training in essential business skills via online business and professional development courses.

The courses provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your team develop strong skills in:

  • Leadership & Management
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Project Management
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Customer Service & Relationship Management
  • Business Administration
  • Finance & Accounting
  • People & Culture 
  • Computer Training
  • Personal Development

CTO provides Online Training courses to organisations world-wide.  Covering Professional Development, Business Skills and Computer Software, your online training is designed to ensure your team development outcomes are achieved.

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence, improve your efficiency and maximise your potential.

For more information on the range of Online Business Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

training@cto.com.au

www.cto.com.au

5 Simple Steps to Finally Achieve Your Goals

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Workplace Skills.

Did you know that out of 100 adults approximately 84% have no goals.

13% do have goals, but don’t write them down.  However, this 13% earn twice the amount of the 84% who have no goals. 

3% of adults set written goals. They earn, on average, 10 times as much as the other 97% combined.

Is this going to be the year you finally achieve your most important goals?

As you ease back into work, now is the perfect time to set your goals for the year.  These can be both work related and personal.  However, the most important feature of any goal is that it must be achievable.

Below are outlined 5 simple steps to that will teach you to set and actually achieve your goals for 2019.  As you read each step, take the time to write down your answers.  Then follow through on the goals you have set for yourself.

If you do this, you will arrive at the end of 2019 with a sense of accomplishment, having achieved your goals for the year.

  • No more broken New Year’s resolutions.
  • No deciding to give up that bad habit, and then going back to it a few weeks later.
  • Your intentions to lose weight and get fitter, will get followed through this time.
  • You are strong enough to actually save some money.  No more wondering where it all went a few days after payday.

Make 2019 the best year of your life.  Make this year the one where you really will make positive changes, and begin to achieve your dreams.  The extraordinary power of goal setting to achieve success in your business and personal life is what makes having goals essential.

Remember, the only difference between a goal and a dream is a timetable.

So, let’s get started.

Goal Setting with CTO – Writing Your First Goals

First, you will take the steps to define your goals, learn the four essential elements of writing goals, and then set your first 3 goals.

Step 1 – Define What your Goals are

A goal is a accomplishment which you are willing to work towards achieving.  When writing goals, you have to first consider what you want to achieve, and then commit to it.

Set goals that motivate you, then plan the steps you have to take to realize your goals, and celebrate as you reach each milestone.

Fast Fact: Did you know that 92% of New Year’s goals fail by January 15th?

Step 2 – Write Down your Goals

Writing your goals down results in more explicit statements of intent, and strengthens your commitment.  Goals must be Written Down, to make them feel tangible.

Place your goals in a spot where you can read them morning and night, as this allows you to reinforce your commitment to your goals, and to track how you are progressing in achieving your desired outcome.

Fast Fact: Statistics show that people who write down their goals have an 80% higher success rate of achieving them.

Step 3 – Learn the Four Elements of Writing Goals

Each goal should have four defined elements:

  • Action Verb
  • Measurable Outcome
  • Specific Date
  • Cost or Resource Constraint

See the examples below to identify these elements (highlighted in bold)

  1. Acquire three new clients which will allow me to grow my business revenue by 20% by March 15, by launching a social media marketing campaign at a cost of $400 per month.
  2. Write a 150-page book to establish me as an expert on Web Site Development by writing one chapter per month, until 31 August 2019. The cost to publish my book will be no more than $800.
  3. Save over 5,000 into a high interest account for an overseas holiday by December 1, by reducing meals out to 2 per week, and having $100 per week automatically transferred from my pay.
  4. Lose 6kg so I can wear my favourite dress to my cousin’s wedding on 20 April, by swimming or cycling before work each day for 45 minutes.

Step 4 – Write Your First Goal

Now that you know the elements required to write goals, try writing a simple goal of your own which includes all these elements.

Action Verb:

Measurable Outcome:

Specific Date:

Cost or Resource Constraint:

Now Write Two More Goals

Once you have written your first goal, then write down two more.  Make each written goal an accomplishment to be achieved.  Make them quite different, so you can focus on each goal in relation to that area.  For example:

  • Increase my aerobic fitness by …….
  • Save $ into a high interest account so …….
  • Study on Tuesday evening each week for …….

Step 5 – Plan to Achieve Your Goals

  • Your goals are an accomplishment for you to achieve. Enjoy the process of setting and achieving your goals.
  • Write down your goals. Place them on your mirror, your wardrobe door, beside your bed, or somewhere you will see them each morning and evening.
  • Read your goals twice daily to help reinforce your commitment to achieve your goals.
  • Enjoy your progress, and congratulate yourself for small wins along the way.
  • Focus solely on your desire to achieve your goals.
  • Have faith in yourself that you will get there.
  • If you get off track, don’t give up! We are all human after all.  So, simply forgive yourself, then start again at working towards your goals.

The information covered here is drawn from the CTO Training Course – Goals and Goal Setting

About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options provides courses in essential business skills.  Your training is customised, and delivered onsite at your workplace, by a team of more than 300 expert trainers, Australia-wide.

The courses provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff develop strong skills in:

  • Leadership & Management
  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Project Management
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Customer Service & Relationship Management
  • Business Administration
  • Finance & Accounting Skills
  • People Management & HR
  • Computer Training

CTO’s Training courses are tailored to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site, on dates which suit you.

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence, improve your efficiency and maximise your potential.

For more information on the range of Business Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

E: training@cto.com.au

W: cto.com.au

 

CRM Systems Training with CTO

How a CRM System can Power your Customer Relationships

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Customer Service.

A CRM System will Power your Customer Engagement & Lifetime Value

By: Corporate Training Options, Australia

 

CRM Systems Training with CTO
Increase Customer Engagement with CRM Systems Training from CTO

A CRM System is a Customer Relationship Management tool that every organisation needs.

Why?

Because a CRM system tracks your customer interactions, manages their accounts, stores their details and allows you to improve customer engagement and the lifetime value of your customers.

 

7 Ways a CRM System can Power your Customer Relationships

Customer relationships are the cornerstone of your organisation, so you need to do  everything possible to manage them well.  The more positive your customer relationships are, the more successful your business will be. A CRM System that controls the everyday issues of managing customers and potential customers is vital to the success of your organisation.

A customer relationship management system (CRM) provides you with the tools to learn more about your customers’ needs and behaviours and allows you to communicate with them more effectively.

It is a central place for storing customer data, that is accessible both in the office and remotely. CRM systems are ideal for managers, sales staff and administration teams to track customer interactions.

 

Here are 7  ways that a CRM System can improve your organisation and enhance your customer relationships.

 

  1. Identify Customer Needs

Using a CRM System allows you to:

– track your customer’s purchasing habits

– understand your customer’s specific requirements

– have in-depth information about your customers on hand at all times

– easily access customer and sales reports

 

  1. Improve Your Customer Service

CRM Training with CTO
Improve your Customer Satisfaction & Loyalty with a CRM System

Being able to manage your customer’s jobs effectively while having an integrated overview of your customer, enables you to assess your customer’s needs and provide them with outstanding customer service.

When you are trained in the use of a CRM system, it is easier to manage your customer relationships, build rapport with your customers and answer any questions they may have, on the go.  This leads to more satisfied customers and more effective and productive staff.

It’s a win-win.

 

  1. Target your Marketing

CRM software allows you to easily see which products and services are popular with your customers, and which are not. Your marketing can then be targeted to your customer’s exact wants and needs.

  • It allows you to use a personal approach
  • You can introduce different product lines to best meet customer requirements
  • A CRM saves you time and money on your marketing efforts
  • Many CRM systems have marketing tools built in, so you can market directly from your customer files

 

  1. Increase your Sales & Revenue

With a host of in-depth information and reports available, you can focus your sales efforts on those areas that you can see are working well.

You can also identify which customers are the most profitable and focus more of your efforts on these customers.

CRM systems allow you to increase your bottom line, with less effort.

 

  1. Improve Your Internal Communications

With online notes kept for every client, it is easy for you to see, for instance, when a colleague has last had contact with a potential customer.

Likewise, if you are stepping in to cover someone, all of the information you need about your customers is right there at your fingertips. You can quickly come up to speed on a customer file, and be more organised and proactive.

 

  1. Convert More Leads into Sales

If your sales funnels are working well and you have lots of leads, it is much easier for you to track, follow up and convert leads using a CRM system.

Working with a good CRM system will allow you to prioritise your leads and action them quickly and efficiently. You are less likely to lose potential customers as you can answer customer questions as they arise, and follow up automatically, using templates set up within your CRM.

 

  1. Track Your Resources

With a CRM system you can track the progress of your sales. You can see the time your team members spend on each job, know the number of sales they have made, look at the leads they are working on and more. It is easy to see how your team is performing, and if they are meeting their KPIs.

As data can be entered from mobile devices on the go, you can see and act on this information immediately if you need to – from anywhere.

 

In Summary

A CRM system allows you to track and evaluate all communications that you have with your customers and potential customers. It allows you to best serve your customers, take your business to the next level, and remain competitive in your industry,  So, can you afford not to be using a CRM system?

 

Need more help and advice on CRM systems?

Contact us at Corporate Training Options for more information about our CRM system software training today. Our full range of courses is available on our website at cto.com.au.

 

 

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About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options is an Australian Professional Development and IT Training Company.  CTO provides onsite, customised training courses around Australia and in a number of international locations. The courses provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your team are making the most of your software applications.

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence in using your computer software.

 

For more information on the range of Computer Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

 

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

training@cto.com.au

cto.noesis.chat/

 

Adobe InDesign Tips for Marketing Pieces that Shine

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Tech & Tools.

11 Adobe InDesign Tips to make the most of your Software

 

By: Corporate Training Options, Australia

Adobe InDesign Tips and Trick can help you create awesome marketing materials.

Adobe InDesign Tips give you new ways to make the most of your software.  InDesign is fantastic for making posters, flyers, brochures, presentations e-books, and more. It is functional, easy to use and with a little training and know-how, gives you professional results every time. There are some great little-known features in InDesign. Here are some Adobe InDesign tips you can use today.

 

  1. Use the Find / Change Feature

The find/change feature in InDesign works the same way as find and replace does in word processing. The command can be found under the Edit menu.

Using the buttons on the right-hand side of the tool allows you to navigate your document and make changes to the text while the tool is open. You can even find and change the formatting of your document.

 

  1. Balance Ragged Lines 

This tool can make your paragraphs shorter and easier to read. It can be toggled on and off.

 

  1. Page Numbering System

When you add automatic page numbering to your master page, it appears on each page of your document.

 

  1. Flow Text Boxes

You can flow text boxes throughout all pages of your InDesign document. If the amount of text in the text box is larger than the size of your box a red plus sign appears in the text box.

To add a new text box, click on the plus sign, draw a new box and the text will fill this new box.

 

  1. Place images

To place images, you can use File > Place in InDesign or drag and drop images into your InDesign document. Add single images or bring in multiple images at once.

 

  1. Compound Path Frames

With compound path frames you can place a single image in multiple frames for a visual effect.

Select the Ellipse, Polygon or rectangular frame tool and create two or more frames.

Choose the selection tool and shift-click on each frame.

Choose objects > paths > make compound paths.

Go to file, place and select your chosen image and then click on open. Adobe InDesign automatically places the image inside your new frames.

 

  1. The Eyedropper

The eyedropper colour theme in InDesign has an extra feature that allows you to select a complete colour group rather than selecting a single colour.

Click anywhere on your InDesign document and the program will recognise close colours and create a palette of five colours.

 

  1. Shading Paragraphs

Paragraph shading is new to InDesign. A solid colour box is placed behind a text box and the selection is treated as a single unit. Alternatively, you can create a shape and place it behind your text.

 

  1. Link Files to Your Document

Linking external files means you can add images into your InDesign pages, while the file still remains separate. The shortcut for placing files is Command D.

 

  1. Copy Effects to a Separate Object

When you have created effects on an object and want to create the same effects on a different type of object, use the Effects Tool.

Select the object that you want to copy then open the effects panel.

Click and drag the object effects icon (shown as fx) onto your new object.

 

  1. Customise Your Links Panel

The links panel shows you not only more information about your links but also the exact information that you wish to see.

Click the links panels flyout menu and then panel options.

Apply checkboxes to the information that you want to see and press on OK to apply changes.

 

 

 

Want to know more about learning or mastering Adobe InDesign?

 

At Corporate Training Options our Adobe InDesign courses will teach you how to create professional looking documents for your company whether you are a novice or already have a high level of experience in the program. We have both introduction and advanced courses. You can get a quote for your training or to book with us today, directly from the CTO website.

Click here for a quote.

Click here to book.

 

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About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options is an Australian Professional Development and IT Training Company, which provides customised training courses Australia-wide. The courses provide a cost effective way of ensuring you and your staff are making the most of your software applications.

CTO’s Computer Training courses are customised to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site, on dates which suit you.

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence in using your computer software.

 

For more information on the range of Computer Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

 

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

training@cto.com.au

cto.noesis.chat/

 

 

Prepare for your CTO Computer Training

Your 5-Point Computer Training Plan

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Workplace Skills.

You 5-Point Computer Training Plan – when you need training for your team.

By: Corporate Training Options, Australia

A Computer Training Plan is important for all of us.   Especially if you have recently installed new software, or upgraded to a new version of your software.

If you’re in charge of organising workplace training sessions for your team, then this 5-Point Computer Training Plan will help you prepare for it.

Successful Training is planned in advance

Training your staff effectively is critical to your teams’ ongoing education, their job satisfaction, and their ability to achieve in their role. It’s also a strategic investment in the long-term success of your organisation.

CTO Computer Training Plan

The most effective training sessions are well-planned and prepared in advanced.  Once you have booked you computer training course with CTO, you can then work with your trainer to plan your course to suit your requirements.

The points covered in this training preparation plan will help you arrange an effective computer training session. It will also ensure your training runs smoothly, to deliver the best return on your investment.

  1. Advise us of your specific needs

The benefit of booking in-house computer training with CTO, is that the training can be customised to suit the specific needs of your organisation. It therefore will be beneficial if you can fully brief CTO on your requirements, prior to your training session.

Produce a list of key topics that need to be covered.  You can create this list by discussing the matter with the trainees attending the course, their manager, or someone in your organisation who already has the skills the attendees are looking to acquire.

Send examples of your work to CTO before the training.  This will give your trainer a good idea of the kind of documents your staff will need to create or edit. We can then incorporate your documents into practical exercises for your course.

For example, if your staff are learning how to create corporate brochures, the trainer could assist them to create pages from some of your typical brochures during the training.  This will allow your trainer to check that your trainees are mastering the relevant techniques.

  1. Plan your training area

Set up a suitable area where you can conduct your computer training session.   This needs to be an environment where the trainees can concentrate on learning without interruption or distraction.

If your organisation does not have a training room, then a meeting room can be adapted for the purpose. Delegates should be able to comfortably see the trainer from their seats.

Each trainee should have the use of their own workstation or laptop for the duration of the course and enough space to use it.

A computer connected to a data projector for the trainer is extremely useful. A group of 1-3 trainees can easily gather around a shared computer screen.  However, groups of 4 or more will find a data projector necessary.  A whiteboard and pens are also helpful.

  1. Your Training Software

The correct version of the software should be loaded on each person’s computer and, ideally, everyone should be using the same version of the software. For example, running a course on Microsoft Excel where some delegates have Excel 2013 and others Excel 2016 could be challenging, since there are differences between the two versions.

However, rest assured that if you do have different versions of the software in your business, your CTO Trainer does know both versions, and will be able to manage the training for your team, pointing out the version differences during the course.

  1. Brief your training delegates

For your computer training to be effective, delegates must be available for the duration of the course.  They should ideally be off-limits to other members of staff. One way to achieve this is that they should be treated as absent from the office, until their course ends.

Equally, they should be motivated to do the training and agree that it will benefit them.  They need to believe that acquiring the new skills provided by the training will help them to work more effectively.

It’s not a good idea to add a few extra bodies to a training session just to make up the numbers. It is far better to include just those delegates for whom the training will be relevant and useful.  More focussed, smaller groups also allows your trainees to receive more personal attention from the trainer.

  1. Timing

Finally, to be effective, in-house computer training should be timely. Computer users should attend a course at a time when they are about to start using the software or using it in some new or more advanced manner. Immediately following their training, they should also have the opportunity to implement what they have learned.

They should have the software available on their own computers and there should be a requirement for them to use it as part of their daily routine.

If they don’t actually use the software for weeks or months after attending a course, the benefits of the training can be almost entirely lost.  This may lead to them needing to repeat the training session.

You can improve your computer skills with CTO’s extensive range of computer training courses, covering software that is used in business organisations around the world.

For more information on the Computer Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

With just a little advance planning, you can achieve a great return on your investment in training for your team.

About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options (CTO) is an Australian Professional Development and IT Training Company, which provides customised, workplace training courses Australia-wide.

The courses provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff are making the most of your software applications.

CTO’s Computer Training courses are tailored to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site, on dates which suit you.

We look forward to working with you, to increase your productivity and  build your confidence in using your computer software.

For more information on the range of Computer Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

E: training@cto.com.au
W: cto.com.au

 

 

 

 

Facebook Ads Training

2.2 Billion Reasons why you need Facebook Ads

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Sales & Marketing.

Ramp up your Facebook Ads results with the CTO Facebook Ads Checklist

By: Corporate Training Options, Australia

 

Trust me – you need Facebook ads for your organisation.  Facebook is without a doubt one of the most effective forms of advertising and marketing. Worldwide, there are over 2.2 billion monthly active Facebook users, making it the most successful and popular form of social media advertising.

Facebook Ads Training
CTO’s Facebook Ads for Business Training improves the ROI on your Facebook campaigns

People spend, on average, 30% of their online time on social media, with the average time being spent on Facebook nearing an hour each day. With a market such as this at your disposal, can you really afford not to use it?

Content is fire. Social Media is gasoline.– Jay Baer, Founder of LinkedIn

 

Plan your Facebook Ads Campaign

CTO has now created a Facebook Ads Checklist to make sure you get your important Facebook marketing tasks done. Facebook can be distracting and you need to remember when you are on Facebook, that you are there to market your organisation.

Use our Facebook Ads Checklist as a guide to keep you focused

There are now a wide range of options available when it comes to Facebook advertising campaigns, so you need to decide on your goals before you start your campaigns. What are you looking to achieve? It may be clicks to your website, conversions, likes, content exposure or brand awareness. Keep the end result in mind when you plan your campaign.

Ensure you keep it Mobile Friendly

A huge 90% of people using Facebook use a hand-held device such as a mobile phone or tablet.  So be sure to keep your content mobile friendly.

So here it is.

The CTO Facebook Ads Campaign Checklist

Follow this checklist to bring a percentage of the huge amount of traffic that is on Facebook every day, to your site.

 

  • Brainstorm 3-5 things that are unique selling points for your company

What makes you stand out?  What makes you different?  Why should customers buy your product or service?

  • What is the goal of your campaign?

Is it clear and measurable?

  • Choose engaging images for your Facebook advertising
  • Write your titles with clear calls to action
  • Write the content of your advertising

Consider your message. Is there a clear message that you want to get through to your audience? Does this message stand out in your ad? Who is your message for?

  • Name your campaign something meaningful so that you will remember it in the future

You can save each of your advertising campaigns in Facebook, so it’s wise to use a campaign name which explains at a glance what is is.  Use the month and the year in the filename. For example: Book sales – July 2018.

  • Create unique advertising combinations

Combine your text in different ways and test the ads to find out which type of ads get the most likes, clicks and sales.

  • Define your target audience

Test your Facebook ads in different age groups, locations, and interest groups.

  • Choose an ad type that meets your goals

There are many different types of Facebook ads, so it’s important to use the right ad type to match your desired campaign goals.

  • Set an advertising budget for your compaign

Ensure that your advertising budget is made clear to your team members who are involved in the campaign. Take the cost of the testing phase into account.

Decide how much you will pay per click. The higher the price the more clicks you will receive. Choose from cost per click (CPC) and cost per thousand impressions (CPM).

  • Define your ad set names

Divide every ad set into different audiences messages and pricing structures. All names on your ad sets need to be different and they should define the content. Make sure that the content is written to best suit your target audiences.

  • Check the ad sizes and optimal settings before you upload your ad

Facebook changes ad settings periodically, so ensure you have checked them before you upload your ad.

  • Test the campaign
  • Use the best results from your tests for your campaigns
  • Set dates for your Facebook Ads campaign

 

 

To gain a slice of the market of more than 2.2 billion users who are on Facebook every month, ensure you cover all 15 points on the Facebook Ads checklist each time you plan a new campaign.

You can also improve your current Facebook marketing skills with CTO’s Facebook Ads for Business Training.

To book your training today:

  • Click here to see the topics covered in the hands-on training, and receive a quote
  • Click here to book your onsite, customised training – and have an ad campaign up by the end of the day!

 

 

—

About Corporate Training Options

 

Corporate Training Options is a Business Education Training Company, which provides customised Professional Development & Business Technology courses Australia-wide.

The courses provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff are presenting your best image to the world.

CTO’s Facebook Ads for Business training course is customised to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site, on dates which suit you.

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence, improve your efficiency and maximise your potential.

 

For more information on the range of Corporate Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website – cto.com.au

 

 

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

 

E: training@cto.com.au

W: cto.noesis.chat/

 

 

MYOB BAS Checklist from CTO

Your MYOB BAS Checklist

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Tech & Tools.

Need an MYOB BAS Checklist?  Well, this article contains two of them.

By: Corporate Training Options, Australia

An MYOB BAS Checklist can take the stress out of BAS preparation time, as it is a busy time and there are often multiple tasks competing for your attention.

Prior to lodging your Business Activity Statement, your financial data needs to be checked and corrected.  The first MYOB BAS Checklist below will help you prepare and audit your accounts prior to completing your BAS.

The second MYOB BAS Checklist below will then walk you through the steps to set up your online BAS lodgement within the MYOB AccountRight software.  You only have to do it once.  After that, lodging your monthly or quarterly BAS returns with MYOB will be a quick and easy task.

MYOB AccountRight software makes BAS preparation and the lodgement process easy, and will give you fast lodgement confirmation from the ATO.

A Systemised Approach

Allow yourself uninterrupted time to prepare and process your BAS.  Having a systemised approach and using checklists will allow you to stay organised and ensure no steps are missed.

Accuracy is Vital

When your BAS preparation is done correctly you will save time and not have to repeat steps. Simple processes, such as checking all line items in your BAS reports, will ensure your BAS is accurate when it is lodged.

Investing in MYOB training will allow you to make the most of your MYOB software, ensuring you have a strong understanding of the software tools and can make sure it is correctly set up.  You will also be introduced to processes and checklists to make life easy.

MYOB BAS Checklist # 1

Steps to Completing your BAS using MYOB 

Use the following MYOB BAS checklist to take out the stress and keep you organised at BAS time:

  • Ensure that all transactions for the quarter are entered and reconciled to your bank statements
  • Check that wages and all other expenses have been entered
  • Ensure that all of your payments are entered, your invoicing is up to date and your purchases are entered
  • Check that debtors and creditors invoices are reconciled. Review and print your debtors and creditors summaries.
  • Review your tax code exemption report and check tax codes on all transactions
  • Ensure that all GST items claimed are actually claimable
  • Review any invoices with large GST amounts
  • Print a GST Cash summary report and Balance Sheet, and reconcile to GST accounts on your Balance Sheet
  • GST collected must balance to GST collected on your Balance Sheet, less debtors GST
  • GST paid must equal GST paid on your Balance Sheet, less creditors GST
  • Purchase and / or trade-in details of business motor vehicles must be up to date
  • Purchases of capital assets need to be recorded
  • Overseas purchases need to be recorded correctly and have the correct GST status
  • Owners drawings must be entered correctly
  • Cash expenses are to be entered
  • PAYG payroll information must be reconciled
  • Check that tax invoices are accurate and have the correct ABN and GST status applied

MYOB BAS Checklist # 2

Lodging Your BAS Online

Once you are satisfied that your figures are up to date and agree with your financial reports, you can lodge your BAS online and receive confirmation of lodgement from the ATO within seconds.

Before you can lodge your BAS online you need to have nominated MYOB as your online accounting software, and set up your Business Activity Statement fields.

Then:

  • Start MYOB AccountRight and open your online company file
  • Click “Prepare BAS/IAS” in the Accounts Command Centre
  • From the “Lodge Online” tab, click “Prepare Statement”
  • You will then be prompted to sign in to your MYOB Account
  • The Activity Statements window will appear, and you can click on the Statement you need to work on
  • The details will be retrieved from the ATO and the form to complete will appear
  • Review the details that are already filled in for you. You can make adjustments if necessary
  • Enter all the amounts you need to report, into the relevant fields
  • Click “Validate” to check you’ve entered the required information
  • If there are no errors, click “Prepare to Lodge”
  • A “Validated Successfully” message will appear at the top of your Activity Statement
  • If no changes are required, click “Lodge”, review the declaration, then click “Lodge” again
  • You’ll see a notice form the ATO advising that your form has been lodged
  • Remember to take a note of the BPAY Biller Code and Customer Reference Number, so you can make your payment
  • You can also download a pdf copy of the statement for your records

Put Your MYOB Skills in to Overdrive

Investing in structured MYOB training will save you time, stress and worry. You will be more productive, and can be confident that your accounts are being completed accurately.

Corporate Training Options offers both Introduction and Advanced courses in MYOB so that you can get the most out of your software and improve your skill set.

For expert training, support and information on our MYOB courses and training please visit our site at Corporate Training Options today.

About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options is a Business Education Training Company, which provides customised Professional Development & Business Technology courses Australia-wide.

The courses provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff are presenting your best image to the world.

CTO’s MYOB Training is customised to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site at your workplace, on dates which suit you.

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence, improve your efficiency and maximise your potential.

For more information on the range of Corporate Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website here

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results 

training@cto.com.au

cto.com.au

 

CTO Training Courses - Teaching you essential skills for the workplace

5 Business Finance Essentials you Need to Master

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Business & Finance.

There are 5 Business Finance Essentials you need to master.  

By understanding these 5 key business finance essentials, you can increase your company’s efficiency, market share & profits.

By: Corporate Training Options, Australia

 

CTO Training Course - Business Finance Essentials
CTO’s Business Finance Essentials Training Course will teach you to understand and manage your business finances

Financial intelligence is essential in business.  However, when it comes to understanding crucial aspects of your company’s financial statements and budgets, you may not be very interested.  Maybe sales targets, marketing plans or product development are more your thing.

At Corporate Training Options we know that examining your company’s income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements and budgets, may not be your idea of fun.  But, having an understanding of your businesses finances does in fact have many benefits.

 

Once you have a firm understanding of business finance essentials you will be able to:

  • Discover areas of opportunity for company growth and increased market share
  • Be able to identify trends and make sound competitive evaluations
  • Work with your team to keep your business reaching new goals
  • Maximise efficiency in your business, based on targets set by knowing your numbers
  • Be more confident in making decisions for the business
  • Better manage your budgets, gain knowledge of competitors, forecast future profits
  • Understand valuable information about your company’s ability to generate revenue, meet financial obligations and manage debt

 

So here are the 5 Business Finance Essentials you need to Develop & Master

1.        Design and Run Financial Reports

The ability to design and run financial reports for your company gives you a wealth of information at your fingertips.

Financial Reporting provides you with essential information on:

  • Income
  • Expenses
  • Product Sales
  • KPIs
  • Salaries
  • Staff hours
  • and more

Custom reports can be designed specifically for individual departments. The ability to report at the touch of a button allows you to make changes to your workflow and set and achieve specific financial goals for the business.

 

2.        Learn to Understand Financial Statements

Gaining expertise in reading the company income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements, allows you to then analyse these financial statements to determine income, expenses, profit and loss, cash flow projections and more.

Having an understanding of key financial statements allows you to make improvements in the business, which in turn leads to improvements in the bottom line.

By being able to thoroughly examine your financial statements using reports and financial ratios, you’ll obtain valuable information about your company’s ability to generate revenue and meet financial obligations.

 

3.        Know how to Create and Manage Budgets

Although budgeting may be one of your least favourite things to do, it is necessary for effective financial management. Budgeting and costing are key components of business finance essentials.

By learning and increasing your budgeting knowledge and skills, you and key members of your team can prepare and monitor budgets, manage cash flow for profit and evaluate which areas in the budget can be reduced or expanded to maximise profit and growth.

 

4.        Identify Trends and conduct Competitive Evaluations

Being able to identify trends and conduct competitive evaluations of your industry, is an important aspect of your company’s strategic planning.  It is used to establish and monitor various trends in your business financials.

Trend evaluation also supports and gives you in-depth information about how your company can be more competitive, and help you plan your company’s strategies, tactics and goals.

Learn to use your financial statements to conduct both trend evaluations and competitive evaluations.

 

5.         Learn and Understanding Financial Formulas

Understanding financial formulas helps you assess your company’s performance in many key areas and can also help you with company investments.

By learning, exploring and understanding your company’s financial formulas, including your Break Even Point, Operating Margin and Inventory Turnover Ratio, you will be able to easily track and monitor your company’s performance to identify what is working, and which areas need to be changed.

 

Financial intelligence is essential in business — and tracking and managing your finances is necessary for prosperity and profit.

So how do you improve your financial intelligence

  • Attend Training – This is the best way to learn how to take control of your finances. Training can improve your understanding of your finances, increase your financial literacy and ensure you’re fully informed before making financial decisions.
  • Learn Financial Terminology – Learn the terminology, as this will give you a better understanding of your financial statements.
  • Ask lots of Questions – If you don’t understand some areas of your financials, please ask.  There are experts out there who can assist you, including your Accountant and/or Business Advisor.

 

 

When you’re building a company, you need to continually strengthen every component – finance, strategic partnerships, executive team, and relationships.

Michael J. Saylor

 

 

__

Corporate Training Options – Business Finance Essentials Course

The CTO two-day course in Business Finance Essentials teaches company leaders and team members the fundamental aspects of business finances.

We guide you through:

  • Basics of budgets
  • Ground rules of finance
  • How to read financial statements
  • Skills to evaluate business performance
  • Determining liquidity, profitability and solvency
  • The decision-making process involved in investments and project appraisal techniques
  • How changes in costs and volume can affect a company’s operating income and net income

 

The Business Finance Essentials course from CTO is ideal for accounts staff, team leaders, company Managers, and Directors.  Trainees require no prior financial knowledge.

For more information on how you and your company can operate more efficiently and maximise your profit through budgeting and understanding your businesses finances, please download the course outline – Business Finance Essentials.

 

—

About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options is an Australian Professional Development Training Company, incorporated in 1992.

Our customised Professional Development courses are available Australia-wide, for business executives and corporate teams, and provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff are presenting your best image to the world.

CTO Professional Development Training courses are customised to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site, on dates which suit you.

We look forward to working with you, to build your confidence, improve your efficiency and maximise your potential.

 

For more information on the range of Corporate Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website here

 

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

 

E: training@cto.com.au

W: cto.noesis.chat/

 

The Power of Business Etiquette and Professionalism

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Workplace Skills.

The Power of Professionalism, Courtesy & Respect in Business

By: Corporate Training Options, Australia

Having strong skills in business etiquette and professionalism is extremely important.

In your business dealings and in your workplace, it’s critical you and your team display a professional attitude and demeanour, and respect towards others at all times. You will also need to know the correct business etiquette for interacting with staff and clients in a variety of situations.

Professional situations can at times be awkward, however, with an understanding of business etiquette, even awkward situations can be managed well. However, many forms of business training simply do not cover etiquette and professionalism.

Business Etiquette & Professionalism Training

CTO’s business etiquette and professionalism course will teach your staff to present themselves in a polished and professional manner. When you are adept at business etiquette, others that you deal with in the work environment will take you seriously. Business etiquette is, essentially, proper behaviour in a business environment.

Here are some business etiquette tips you can use every day.

  • Tone of Voice

 Always use an even tone of voice. Never raise your voice to others around you and always use appropriate language. Speak to others in a respectful tone.

  • Remember People’s Names

Make an effort to remember the names of those that you work with and deal with regularly in your position.

  • Managers

Respect and courtesy should be shown to everyone at your workplace. Your managers in particular, should receive extra care in your communications with them. They should be made aware of your status on projects, and you should communicate to them any achievements or setbacks as soon as they occur.

  • Promptness

Always arrive at work and meetings on time, and inform management and co-workers if you will be out of the office. Return phone calls and emails promptly. Minimise personal phone calls at work.

  • Dress

Know the dress code for your organisation and ask for clarification on this if you are not sure. This goes for casual dress days too.

  • Office Decorations

Consider who will see your office adornments and what they say about you. Are they distracting, or could they be considered derogatory in any way?  Or do you have a clean, tidy, well presented and professional work space?

Professionalism

Professionalism in the workplace, and the professional qualities that a person and business portray, imply quality of service and workmanship.

A professional attitude will lead to a reputation for excellence and will reflect on both the individual and the organisation.

Business Etiquette and Professionalism in the Workplace
Be reliable, honest and conduct yourself with integrity at all times

Professionalism is needed when introducing yourself to those in the workplace, when speaking on the phone, and when dealing with peers and co-workers, suppliers and clients.

It can be difficult to know how to present yourself and your organisation professionally. Training in business etiquette will teach you how to do this easily and effectively, using real life examples and roleplays.

The Skills of a Professional

  • Always aim for excellence in your work

Do your work to the best of your ability at all times.

  • Conduct yourself with Integrity

Professionals have strong morals and principles. They are fair and trustworthy and portray these characteristics at their place of work.

  • Be Reliable

Always do what you say you are going to do. Do not under deliver.

  • Be Honest

When you are honest, people know that they can depend on you. They will feel that they can trust you, and your organisation.

  • Be Polite and Respectful at All Times

Everyone that you deal with, including managers, subordinates and workmates, should be treated with courtesy and respect. Always be polite.

  • Be Careful what you put in Writing

Much of our communication is now done by email and as such it needs to be scrutinised and checked before you hit the send button. Ensure that the tone, grammar and wording is appropriate.

  • Don’t Complain

Negativity at work can spread like wildfire if you allow it to. Resist the temptation to complain and commiserate with co-workers. Instead of talking and complaining about work issues, act professionally and work towards solving the issues.

  • Do not take Situations Personally

In the case of a difficult client, a misunderstanding with a co-worker or any other difficult situation, remain calm and try to separate the issue from the person. Remember that the situation is not a personal assault on you.

Training your team in Business Etiquette and Professionalism will result in:

  • increased morale in the office
  • fewer customer complaints
  • more confident team members
  • a greater level of staff retention
  • increased productivity
  • an improved perception of you and your business

Business etiquette and professionalism training will teach you and your team members to represent themselves and your organisation effectively and proficiently. It is beneficial for staff at all levels.

Click here for bookings and more information today!

 

Business Etiquette and Professionalism are important skills to know

 

Over to you! What are your thoughts or experiences about Business Etiquette and Professionalism?

We’d love to hear them or answer any questions you have, so please contact the Corporate Training Options team today.

Business Etiquette and Professionalism training

The above techniques on Business Etiquette and Professionalism are covered in detail in the Corporate Training Options course, so please contact us today for more information.

To book a Business Etiquette and Professionalism course for your team, please visit our website here

About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options is an Australian Professional Development Training Company, incorporated in 1992.

Our customised Professional Development courses are available Australia-wide, for both business executives and corporate teams, and provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff are presenting your best image to the world.

CTO Professional Development Training courses are customised to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site, on dates which suit you.

We have over 300 qualified instructors on call in:

  • Sydney
  • Melbourne
  • Brisbane
  • Gold Coast
  • Canberra
  • Adelaide
  • Perth
  • Darwin
  • Hobart
  • New Zealand
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • USA

Each CTO trainer has specific areas of expertise. This enables them to provide invaluable assistance to corporations like yours, seeking to maximise your investment in your teams.

We guarantee the highest possible standard of tuition, personalised to suit your exact requirements. By training onsite in your workplace, you are provided with a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff are able to improve your professional skills.

So if you’re ready to upgrade your skills, contact Corporate Training Options today for friendly, professional advice.

We’ll discuss your specific needs, and tailor a training course to suit your requirements.

For more information on the range of Corporate Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website here

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

E: training@cto.com.au

W: cto.com.au

 

Xero Training for Super payments

Need Xero Training to Automate your Super?

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Tech & Tools.

Need Xero Training to Automate your Super?

If you need Xero Training to automate your Superannuation payments, then this article will assist you.  Xero’s Automated Super allows you to manage your superannuation obligations easily and efficiently.

About a week before your superannuation payments are due, a message icon will appear on the top right of Xero your screen.  This is one of the benefits of Xero.  It’s programmed to manage Australian businesses, and keeps us informed of when due dates are approaching.

That’s clever technology.

Get setup to manage your Superannuation

If you are not already setup to track and make Superannuation payments from your Xero software, it’s a fairly straight forward process, using Automated Super.

Auto Super is only available in the Xero Premium package, which is currently $60 per month.  It is not available in Xero’s lower priced packages.

If you are not already registered for Auto Super, just follow the instructions below.

Register for Auto Super

  1. In the Payroll menu, select Superannuation.
  1. Click Get Started to check your ABN and Legal/Trading Name are correct. If they are not correct, you can update these details in your Organisation Settings (Settings > General Settings > Organisation Settings)
  2. Select an authoriser and enter their name, phone, and email, then click Next.
  3. Select the bank account you will use to make direct debit payments for super for your employees, then click Next.
  4. Review the terms and conditions.
  5. Select the confirmation checkbox to agree to them.
  6. Click Register, and you’ve finished registering for auto super.

It may take a few days for your auto super to be activated, so ensure you do this prior to your Super payment due date

Manage your Super payments from the Payroll Admin Role

You will need to be a Payroll Admin user to manage auto super payments in Xero.  The Payroll Admin user role has full payroll access and can manage employee details and payroll settings, plus complete pay runs and run payroll and super reports.

The Xero subscriber for your business has the Payroll admin role by default.  Access can also be given to other users, who either have the Standard role, or are an employee of your business.

To give a user the Payroll Admin role:

  1. In the Settings menu, select General Settings.
  2. Click Users, then select the user’s name. Their existing role and permissions are shown.
  3. Under Payroll select the Payroll admin checkbox, then save.

Ensure all employees have a Super Fund allocated on their file

When a new staff member is added to your Xero accounts, part of the setup process is to ensure they have a superannuation fund allocated.  If this is your first time paying superannuation for your employees, you should check that everyone’s super details are recorded in Xero.

To check if all employees have their Superannuation details entered:

  1. In the Payroll menu, select Employees.
  2. Select each employee from the list by clicking on their name.
  3. When the employee file opens, click the Employment tab.
  4. Under Superannuation Memberships their Super Fund details should be listed.

 

If super details are not on an employees’ record, you will need to do two things.  Firstly, add their super fund to your Xero file.  Secondly, allocate their super membership in their fund from the employee record.

Add a Super fund to Xero

Add the super fund for your employee in Xero.

  1. In the Settings menu, select General Settings.
  2. Under Features, click Payroll Settings.
  3. Click the Superannuation tab.
  4. Click Add Superannuation Fund.
  5. From Type, select Regulated Superannuation Fund.
  6. From Name, start typing the fund name or USI and select the fund from the list that appears.
  7. If you have an employer number, enter it in the Employer Number field.
  8. Click Save.

Enter Super membership for employees

After you’ve added super funds to your payroll settings, add fund information to new employees or existing employees who aren’t already making super payments.

  1. In thePayroll menu, select Employees.
  1. Click the employee’s name to open their details.
  2. From the Employment tab, click Add a super membership.
  3. Select the employee’s super fund from the Fund list.
  1. Enter the employee’s membership number.

If you don’t know the employee’s fund yet, leave the employee’s membership details blank. Xero allocates any accruals to Fund Details Pending. They move to the new fund when you update the super details later.

  1. Click OK, then click Save.

Create your Super payment

You are now ready to make your superannuation payment.

  1. In thePayroll menu, select Superannuation.
  1. Click Add Super Payment.
  1. From the payment details page, choose the lines to pay from the list of posted pay runs.

You can filter this list by employee, super fund, employee group or payment due date by clicking on the column headings.

  1. Once you’ve selected your lines for inclusion in the payment, click Submit for Approval.

You will be redirected to the superannuation home screen where the payment will appear as ‘Pending authorisation’.

If you are the nominated payroll admin authoriser, you will receive a text from Xero with the authorisation code, which is valid for 24 hours. Xero will also send an email letting you know the SMS has been sent.

Authorise your Super payment

Once you’ve received your SMS with the code to approve your super payment, you can go ahead and make the payment.

  1. In the Xero Payroll menu, select Superannuation.
  2. Click on the payment which shows as ‘Pending Approval’.
  3. Review the list of super payments included in the batch.
  4. Click Approve & Submit, then enter the authorisation code you received in the SMS.

Once you’ve authorised the payment, it will appear as ‘Approved, pending processing’.

The payment details are then sent off to Xero’s third-party superannuation clearing house. They will direct debit your authorised bank account with the total amount payable and distribute the payments to your employees’ super funds. Once accepted, the status will change to ‘Processed’.

Reconcile Super payments

After you’ve made your super payments, the transactions will show on your bank statement. Rather than reconciling to a bill, allocate the payments directly to your payables account, which will reduce the balance outstanding.

  1. Go to the Dashboard.
  2. Choose the bank account your super payments were paid from and click Reconcile Items.
  1. Find the statement line for your super payment.
  2. On theCreate tab on the right-hand side:
    • In theWho field, enter the name of the super fund.
    • From theWhat dropdown, select your superannuation payable account.
    • In theWhy field, add a description.
    • Click OK to reconcile.

A super accrual amount is included within your payroll bill, allocated to your super payables account.

The benefits of Xero training to manage your Super payments

When you undertake Xero training with CTO, your expert Xero trainer can answer all the questions you may have in relation to the setup and management of your superannuation accounts.  Your training will also ensure that you soon reap the benefits of understanding and using your Xero business accounts more effectively.

Xero gives you simple tools to easily manage your payroll and super payments.  Training in Xero can also teach you how quick and easy it is to reconcile your bank accounts and credit cards each day, how to handle inventory with ease, manage your BAS payments, access your business financial statements, and more.

Xero training ensures you are always on top of your business accounts, and have a better understanding of the direction your business is heading.

How will you be using Xero today?

When you are ready for Xero Training, CTO can provide you with onsite training, customised to suit your requirements.

The courses are available one-on-one or for a group of trainees, and cover a range of skill levels, including:

–  Introduction to Xero

–  Advanced Xero

–  Xero Payroll training

Click here to view the Xero courses available from Corporate Training Options.

About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options is an Australian Professional Development Training Company, incorporated in 1992.

Our customised Professional Development courses are available Australia-wide, for business executives and corporate teams, and provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff are presenting your best image to the world.

CTO Professional Development Training courses are customised to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site, on dates which suit you.

For more information on the range of Corporate Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website here

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

 

E: training@cto.com.au

W: cto.com.au

 

6 Tips for Effective Communication

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Workplace Skills.

6 Tips for Effective Communication 

Brought to you by Rosy King @ Corporate Training Options

Effective Communication is a Vital Life Skill.

Effective communication skills are vital to creating positive relationships and to resolving conflicts in the workplace.  Excellent communication skills are also essential to achieving productive and meaningful interactions with your team.

However, effective communication is more than just transferring information from one person to another.  It’s about understanding the message behind what is being said.  In face-to-face communication, not only are words and tone important, but non-verbal clues can be key to getting the message across to your audience.  Good listening skills are also one of the most important factors in human interaction.

The Problem

It would seem to be relatively simple.  You have a message you need to convey.  You present the information, you are heard by your audience and you believe you are understood.  However, ….

Fast Fact:  46% of employees leave a meeting not knowing what they’re supposed to do next.

The Solution

You need to ensure your face-to-face communication is clear, concise and absolutely understood by those receiving your message.  So here are 6 tips you can use every day to ensure your face-to-face communication is effective.

  1. Appreciate the advantages of face-to-face communication
  2. Learn to understand non-verbal messages
  3. Choose your words carefully
  4. Use active listening
  5. Introduce creativity in your communications
  6. Adapt your face-to-face communication skills to other communication forms

  7. The Importance of Face to Face Communication

Recognise the impact of face-to-face communication and appreciate the advantages over email, text or phone.  Direct communication allows you to not only convey or receive information via spoken words, but to factor in such things as individual behaviours, and personality preferences.  Being in the same room as your team, instead of at the other end of an email chain, promotes understanding, further discussion and problem resolution.

Fast Fact:  26% of employees think email is a major productivity problem

  1. Learn to understand Non-verbal Messages

It’s important to understand the value of the unspoken communication in the room.  Be aware of your own body language when you are delivering a message.  Be aware of the body language of your audience when they are receiving it.

A person’s demeanour can greatly influence how the recipient interprets the message. When you speak in an even tone with direct eye contact, and a friendly facial expression, your message is likely to be received as positive or at least neutral. Body language that communicates negative feelings, such as crossed arms, lack of eye contact, clenched fists and a serious expression, is likely to be interpreted in that context.

For effective communication you need to be aware of your own body language.  You can also do simple things to make your team more receptive to your message.

  • Check your physical appearance prior to your meeting
  • Consider the spatial arrangements in the room to ensure everyone has enough personal space, but still fees involved
  • Deliver your message in a timely manner
  • Take advantage of your tone of voice, to deliver challenging messages in a constructive way
  • Don’t use the incorrect tone, as this can stop your message from being understood. For instance, you wouldn’t use a cheerful tone when delivering a disciplinary message.

Fast Fact:  55% of communication is body language, 38% is the tone of voice, and 7% is the actual words spoken

  1. Choose your Words Carefully

Realise that your words have an impact.  In order to create a positive impression, you need to deliver your message in a clear and concise manner and phrase your words in a business context.  Also, keep your language up to date, as popular words and phrases come and go on a regular basis.  If you have to deliver bad news, it is crucial that you do this without creating conflict or damaging trust in the workplace.

Also remember that last words linger – so don’t waste them.  The last words you say provide you with the opportunity to embed your message into the minds of your listeners.  Have a strong, relevant ending to your message, as this will boost your credibility, satisfy your audience and increase their trust in you. If you require action from your team, ask for it.  Deliver a call to action, or provide them with how-to steps.

Fast Fact:  Your last words crystallise your message and activate your audience.

  1. Use Active Listening

Remember that effective communication is a two-way information sharing process.  When you send a message, it needs to be easily understood by the receiving party.  When they respond with comments and questions, active listening helps you process messages in a focused manner and respond in a way that encourages and furthers communication.  This method allows both you and the recipients of your message to remain engaged, indicate understanding and clarify any points without interjecting or arguing.

Active listening involves eye contact, open body language and often the reframing of the message to confirm understanding.  In order to actively listen you need to:

  • Be present and attentive
  • Give the speaker your full attention
  • Mentally screen out distractions like background activity or noise
  • Face the speaker and maintain eye contact
  • Keep an open mind and listen without judging or jumping to conclusions
  • Try to picture what the speaker is saying and feel what they are feeling
  • Don’t interrupt and don’t impose your own solutions
  • Wait for the speaker to pause to ask clarifying questions
  • Provide feedback and rephrase what has been said to show you understand the message

Good leaders know how to ask the right questions and then listen with both their eyes and their ears.  You need to read between the lines and listen and hear what is coming back to you.  Look for the nonverbal clues, because often body language will tell you what you need to know

Fast Fact:  Most people usually only remember about 17 to 25% of the things they listen to.

  1. Introduce Creativity in your Communications

It’s important to introduce creativity into your communications to keep your recipients engaged.  Try these ideas to mix it up a bit and feel more connected with your team.

  • Go for a walking meeting, to increase energy and creativity
  • Hold monthly team events which are fun and help build team relationships
  • Hold friendly competitions in the workplace – they don’t have to be work related

Increasing creativity in communications can have a powerful effecting in creating a more collaborative and transparent atmosphere, making your employees feel more connected and engaged.

Fast Fact:  Productivity improves by 25% in organisations where employees feel connected

  1. Adapt your face-to-face communication skills to other communication forms

Think about how much more you get out of face-to-face communication than communication that is just based on email or telephone calls.  There are so many visual cues in a face-to-face communication that it’s hard to deny its effectiveness.

How many times have you had miscommunication with someone via email or telephone that would not have occurred had you been speaking directly with one another?  When you are able to see the person to whom you are speaking, you receive visual cues on whether or not they understand what you are saying and you give them visual cues as well.

However, there are times when email or phone calls are your only option, so you need to manage these communications as well as you can.  Here are some tips for effective communication on the phone, or via email.

  • Prepare for the call, or draft your email before sending
  • Be clear about what you want to achieve – what is the purpose of the call or message
  • Remember the other person has no non-verbal clues
  • Speak or write clearly and succinctly and think about your tone of voice
  • Ask for clarification if there is something you don’t understand
  • Don’t be tempted to do other things at the same time – focus and be attentive
  • Summarise the conversation so everyone knows what to do next
  • If you have to leave a voicemail message, keep it short and be clear about the reason you are calling. Also let the other person know how they can best contact you.

Fast Fact:  Millennials do not like talking on the phone, with only 20% of smart phone usage being for making actual phone calls.  However, email remains popular among millennials.

In Summary

Effective communication is a vital skill in the workplace.  It can be used to create positive relationships and resolve conflicts.  The process of communication becomes both more respectful and clearer when both parties focus on sending clear messages and using active listening skills.  Therefore, learning effective communication skills is vital to achieving productive and meaningful interactions every time, with individuals and with your team.

The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t being said.  The art of reading between the lines is a life long quest of the wise   –   Shannon L. Alder

The topics covered here are drawn from the CTO Training Course – Effective Communication

If you would like to undertake Effective Communication training, visit the CTO website to receive a quote or make a booking.  CTO training is provided in your workplace, and every course is customised to suit your business requirements.

About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options is an Australian Professional Development Training Company, incorporated in 1992.

Our customised Professional Development courses are available Australia-wide, for business executives and corporate teams, and provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff are presenting your best image to the world.

CTO Professional Development Training courses are customised to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site, on dates which suit you.

For more information on the range of Corporate Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website here

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

E: training@cto.com.au

W: cto.com.au

 

Leadership Excellence training with CTO

Are Great Leaders born or made?

Written by Rosy King on . Posted in Lead & Manage.

Are Great Leaders born or made?

 Great leaders can be born, but they can also be made.

To be a great leader is quite a skill.  Great leaders inspire and influence us to do our best work, to build amazing teams and to achieve business goals.  However, leading others is challenging.  Just ask parents or school teachers.  Humans are diverse, complicated and difficult, and can throw you a curve ball at any time.

Great leaders understand this, and continually focus on ways to improve the success of the individuals, as well as the whole team, the business unit and the organisation.

Explore your Leadership Potential

Every one of us has the potential to become a great leader.  To enable you to lead effectively, you can learn the skills required to persuade, influence and inspire others.

If you have been elevated to a leadership position, you need to understand the difference between being a leader and a manager. Managers direct staff to follow company rules and systems to achieve the company vision.  Leaders inspire and influence their teams by showing them how the company vision will make them better people.  Great leaders motivate others to do their best work.

Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done, because he wants to do it – Dwight Eisenhower

Be your Personal Best

When you are placed in a leadership role, you need to demonstrate the traits of a great leader.  These include:

– positive thinking

– having confidence in your abilities

– excellent communication skills – both verbal and non-verbal

– performance management skills

– decision making ability

– serving as a role model for your team members

– being passionate about the projects you work on

– trying new things

– and always, always learning

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. – John F. Kennedy

Communicate your Vision

True leaders are visionaries, often noted for innovations within an organisation or industry.

A Vision is a leader’s ideas and plans for the future of the organisation, which shows you how it will be different from today.  Being a Visionary is an important part of being a great leader, as it gives your people something to strive for.  It gives them a view beyond today, and into the future of the organisation.

I will lead at the intersection of art and technology – Steve Jobs

Lead People through Change

Great leaders need to be key decision makers, who are capable of initiating and managing change within their organisations.  As a change agent, you should have the drive and the skills to follow your Vision and disrupt current business processes and routines if required.  If you can see new ways to improve performance, increase profits, and contribute to the growth and success of your organisation, then you should be the one who can make that difference.

A Leader’s job is to look into the future and see the organisation, not as it is, but as it should be –  Jack Welch

Fast Fact: During Jack Welch’s tenure as CEO of General Electric, its value increased 4,000%.

You as a Team Leader

Leaders play an integral role in employee satisfaction.  A strong relationship between leaders and their team members creates the basis for a productive, growing organisation.  You need to be genuinely interested in your team members and be an effective listener, so you know their needs, expectations and desires.  Make them feel important.  Set the bar high for your team, then let them know you believe in their ability to succeed.  Focus on inspiring and guiding them towards your common goals, build them up, give them credit when due, and praise and reward them when they succeed.

Remember that we are all human.  If you are wrong, or make a mistake, be honest and humble enough to admit it.  You also need to respect other people’s ideas and opinions and try to see things from their point of view.  You may find that you learn something.

Fast Fact: Did you know that 83% of employees agree that recognition or praise from their leader was more fulfilling than financial rewards.

Create your Action Plan

When you first move into a leadership role, it pays to do a self-assessment, then draft a plan for where you would like to be in 6-12 months from now.

This plan can include:

  • Identifying the skills you need to strengthen
  • Setting goals for your development as a leader
  • Seeking challenging and varied experiences
  • Planning Leadership training
  • Asking for feedback from both your team and the stakeholders in your organisation
  • Finding yourself mentors and coaches

A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. – Douglas MacArthur

The topics covered here are drawn from the CTO Training Course – Learning to Lead.

If you are ready for Leadership training, visit the CTO website to receive a quote or make a booking.   Training can be provided for up to 8 trainees for the same investment cost.

About Corporate Training Options

Corporate Training Options is an Australian Professional Development Training Company, incorporated in 1992.

Our customised Professional Development courses are available Australia-wide, for business executives and corporate teams, and provide a cost-effective way of ensuring you and your staff are presenting your best image to the world.

CTO Professional Development Training courses are customised to meet your requirements, and your training is provided on-site, on dates which suit you.

For more information on the range of Corporate Training Courses available, please visit the CTO website here

Rosy King

Corporate Training Options

Professional Training  –  Exceptional Results

E: training@cto.com.au

W: cto.com.au