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Skill up during Christmas slowdown

While the Christmas season can be one of the busiest times for businesses, January can be the slowest. Instead of riding out the slow wave, take control of January by using the time to plan and train yourself and your staff. There are a number of great resources that can help January become a period of up-skilling and planning for growth for the year ahead.

Catch up on training

To begin, visit the Employing People topic on business.gov.au to assess your training needs. Here you can also find training information for your state and territory, as well as a list of providers. There are also a range of funding and incentive programs available, especially for employers of apprentices. Below are just a couple of the resources available for businesses – to view the full list, visit www.business.gov.au.

 
SMExcellence – The SMExcellence website - provides free online short courses on a range of business topics and industries. Industries include construction, retail, hospitality, manufacturing, business and personal services. Visit www.smeexcellence.com.au.

The Queensland Department of Business Development provides a range of tools online for training, including online diagnostic tools to test knowledge. Their Smart Skills Online resource provides free online courses on planning, selling, negotiation, networking and business planning. To use, visit www.business.qld.gov.au and search 'online diagnostic tools' and 'smart skills online.'

Expand your business knowledge
business.gov.au provides a range of business information, tools and news items to help you develop your business knowledge. Download the Growing your business checklist at www.business.gov.au/checklist to help your business grow and succeed in the new year. The checklist includes important information on expanding your business online, franchising, environmental management, exporting and grants to help your business grow.

The WA Small Business Development Corporation has developed e-Com Entry Point, which provides online interactive learning products to help your business sell online. e-Com Entry Point provides modules in e-trade, e-security and e-marketing. Visit www.e-com.sbdc.com.au to help you apply e-commerce to your business.

Revisit your business and marketing plans

Business planning should be an ongoing process to ensure a business' success. There are a range of business planning templates and tools that can make this process easier. To view our range of guides, search 'business plan guides' on www.business.gov.au.

January is also an excellent time to review your marketing plan, and decide what marketing you wish to undertake during 2009. Visit business.gov.au and search for 'marketing plan guides' to help.

Open up new opportunities with exporting

2009 could also be the year your business becomes global or expands its export market. There are a range of things to consider, as well as advice, support and online guides to help you along the way. Search 'export plan guides' on www.business.gov.au for a full list.

So take advantage of the seasonal slow down and visit business.gov.au. The year ahead could be more profitable than you think, if you take the time to plan and improve your skills. Instead of being the slow time of the year for your business, January could be the time for your business to up-skill and plan for success in the year ahead.

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Information provided by business.gov.au – the Australian Government's information resource for businesses looking to start and grow.