A brand new financial year is upon us. This time of year is when you know your financial side of the business the best. You will talk to your accountant shortly, so now is the best time to consider the coming year.

Those last year's numbers are a treasure map. They can help guide you to the future and help you to steer clear of past pitfalls. Leverage this valuable data to make a winning strategy for the coming year.

I suggest you use the SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Method.

1. Reflect on Your Retail Journey (The Past Year in Review):

Take a moment to review your 2023/24 performance. What were your high points? Where did you face challenges? Our crystal-clear POS system reports will give you much to reflect on here.

These reports can help you identify what worked, what was okay, and what did not. Identify your wins.

One saying to remember is, "Reinforce victories, not defeat."  If it does not work, move on; there is no point in being fooled.

2. Craft a Realistic Budget:

We all love dreaming big, but having a solid financial plan is like having a roadmap for your business. Create a preliminary budget for the coming year. Remember, keep it realistic and achievable. An unrealistic budget makes you frustrated, so be honest with yourself. If you cannot sell it to yourself, you will not sell it to anyone else, and it will fall by the wayside.

Consider factors like:

• Projected sales based on past performance and market trends
• Fixed costs (rent, utilities, salaries)
• Variable costs (inventory, marketing expenses)
• Planned investments in the shop, e.g. technology or store improvements

Our POS system can help you make and track these metrics in real time, allowing you to monitor your progress.

3. Know Your Strengths (and Weaknesses) – A Powerful SWOT Analysis:

Every business is unique, just like a fingerprint. Take some time to conduct a SWOT analysis. It might sound complicated, but it is not. It also serves a bonus that people outside your business can readily understand it. I have discussed SWOT here. If you want some help, give me a call.

Note: If there's enough interest, I'd be happy to host another webinar that explains how to conduct a SWOT analysis specifically for retail businesses.

4. Setting SMART Goals:

Now comes the crunch: setting goals! Combine your budget and SWOT analysis to establish realistic yet ambitious targets. Writing your goals down makes them more concrete and helps you stay focused. You will be more motivated when you tick those goals off your list!

Here are some examples of SMART goals for retailers:

• "Increase average transaction value by 10% by December 31st through staff training on upselling techniques."
• "Reduce inventory holding costs by 15% within six months by getting rid of dead stock."
• "Learn to use social media for free advertising."
• "Expand a top-selling line."

5. Embrace Digital Marketing:

In today's digital age, your online social media presence is crucial. Develop a comprehensive digital marketing strategy that includes:

• Social media marketing on platforms relevant to your target audience
• Email marketing campaigns to engage customers and drive repeat business
• Get yourself into Google

6. Master Inventory Management:

Effective inventory management is crucial for your financial success. Use your POS system's inventory management features to:

• Track stock levels in real-time
• Set up automatic reordering. It will save you a lot of time.
• Identify slow-moving items
• Your card department needs monitoring. It is the easiest and quickest department to improve.
• Optimise your product mix based on sales data.

7. Look for new markets:

What you have might be great now, but what about tomorrow? 

• Look around at what others similar to you are selling
• I have noticed that clothing, even in shops that appear to have nothing to do with clothing, is doing well. Clothing makes up about 20% of Australian retail.
• You want at any time at least six new products in your shop.
• Look up best-selling lists to get more ideas. 
• Ask your customers what they shop for now.

8. Invest in Your Team:

Your employees are the face of your business. Invest in their development through:

• An introductory training session on product knowledge and customer service will do wonders. Is it not better that they learn a few pointers from you, then they learn it making a fool of themselves in front of your customers?
• Creating a positive work environment will encourage them.

9. Adapt to Changing Consumer Behaviors:

Stay ahead of the curve by keeping an eye on emerging trends:

• Products dealing with health and wellness did well this year
• Romance, religion, and cookbooks have done well in books recently. Books overall have done well recently. 
• As I said earlier, clothing

Our POS system can allow you to monitor what types of products are selling in your shop.

10. Sustainability:

Sustainability is a problem; you must consider it carefully for your customers. It is vital to many people, and in others, it's irrelevant.

• Consider sourcing eco-friendly products very carefully. Often, people report that they want something, but when offered it, they are not prepared to pay for it.
• Considering electricity prices now, implementing energy-saving measures in your store is worth considering. Even just enforcing rules like turning off machines that are not in use can do wonders. 
• Offering recycling programs for your customers as a service tends to bring people into the shop. 

It is good for the planet, attracts environmentally conscious consumers, and potentially reduces operating costs.

Remember, the more you plan, the smoother your journey will be. With a clear roadmap and the right tools in place – like our unique POS system – you're on your way. How you want to take it from there is up to you. 

As I said at the start, in my experience, retailers now have the best financial information for their business.

Software training

Introduction

Training on point-of-sale software is an essential component of your business. It is a powerful business tool that can manage inventory management, customer loyalty programs, sales reports, etc of your business. You can do it better if you are properly trained. 

This article examines the benefits of training and answers some often-asked questions.

Benefits of POS Systems Training

Increased Efficiency

With the proper training, you can quickly navigate your POS software, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business and save time.

Better Service for Customers

If you better understand how your POS software works, you can make it easier for your customers, making them more satisfied and loyal.

Accuracy of the Data

The POS system offers a lot of flexibility. You need to know the correct procedures to enter and manage your data. We provide proper training to give you this knowledge, ensuring your business works with accurate information. We also will discuss if you require the importance of data security training to ensure you understand best practices for protecting customer information.

Improved Control

You have many reports that detail your business in detail. With better information, you can run your business much better. Soon, you'll be able to make better decisions about your business operations and get better results.

> This only works if you have good information.

You do not have to do it alone.

Our POS Software Training Program

Cost

Our software training program is free for our clients in our offices or on Zoom. 

In your shop, there will be charges.

Customization

Our training program can be customized to meet your specific requirements. It can be done using your actual data from the shop.

Expert Teachers

Our experts who contact our training program have years of experience in our software. They know how it works in retail environments like yours. They will be able to provide examples and solutions from actual situations to your issues and problems.

Practical Instruction

These sessions offer hands-on training to use the software and improve your knowledge in a real-world setting.

Flexibility

Training can be done at times that are suitable to your needs. Your staff can receive the necessary training without interfering with minimal business operations.

Continuous Support

Once done, you can book more sessions. There is no limit. That way, you can do a refresher and keep up with all our software updates. 

Frequently Asked About POS Software Training (FAQ)

Q: What is training for Pos software?

A: POS software training is a comprehensive program that teaches you how to use your point-of-sale software. It provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage your business operations effectively. The training covers all aspects of the software, from basic to advanced features and functions relevant to your needs.

Q: Is training in Pos software required?

A: NO, but if you want to get the best out of your software and improve your business, then YES. 

Q: How long does training for Pos software take?

A: How long is a piece of string? Some need a lot of training, and some only a little. Some people use many features of our software, and some only need a bit. The length of your Pos software training depends on your particular requirements. 

As a rule, I recommend it is done in two-hour slots with a coffee break between 15 minutes—more than that, it gets hard to digest.

Q: Is in-person or online Pos software training available?

A: Pos software training is available online and in person so that you and your team can choose the best method.

In-person training provides better hands-on and interactive instruction.

Online training offers more convenience.

Q: Who ought to attend training for Pos software?

A: I want to understand why POS software training is not available to anyone in your shop, including staff members who use computers. 

Conclusion

> Formal Point of Sale software training is essential for maximizing the software's capabilities.

> It enhances business operations.

> It gives you more control.

> Training can help you get more out of your software and achieve better results, no matter how experienced or new you are to the field.

Master your POS software and take your business to the next level with proper training.

No cost and you have much to gain, give us a call.

There have been many management studies on the advantages of training with software.

Free Coffee + Free Training = Your POS Success Story

Think of our point of sale (POS) software as a powerful toolbox. It's got all the latest gadgets and gizmos – constantly updated to make your business life easier. But even the best tools need someone who knows how to use them, right? That's where our excellent training sessions come in – with a free cuppa on the side!

Why Our Training Rocks

We don't just want to sell you a system; we want it to work its magic for you. Our training is your key to unlocking that potential:

• No more confusion: We break down everything, from sales and stock to hidden time-saving tricks.
• Staff = Superstars: Your team will become POS whiz kids, boosting productivity and customer happiness.
• Did we mention free coffee? Because staying alert while you learn is essential!

Here is what one client said 

"I was so stressed about your great software, but the training was a lifesaver! Now I can now track my stock like a pro, and my sales have gone up."

Training That's Tailored to You

Whether you're a one-person show or have a bigger team, we've got training that fits. It's friendly, hands-on, and focused on your specific business needs. If you need more training, book in more. What I find in my experience that even if you do not keep it all in in, just knowing what something  can do and that it is there is a big step forward.

The Bottom Line

Businesses that use our POS and get the training see way better results. That means:

• Smooth sailing: Less confusion, fewer mistakes.
• Happy customers: Faster checkout, more competent service.
• More $$ in your pocket: A system that pays for itself and then some!

Ready to Level Up?

Let's discuss getting you and your staff trained. We promise we'll make it easy. Just let us know, and we'll schedule your session (and get the kettle brewing!).

An investment in training and development can yield many benefits for your business.

We provide our clients with free training opportunities at our company premises. There your employees can attend workshops and seminars on various subjects. We also offer free online training through Zoom and other such services. This allows you and your staff to attend training sessions from anywhere.

The following are some significant advantages of training and development:

>Employees gain the knowledge and skills they need to perform their jobs better. The training will give your employees a deeper understanding of their technology. This will improve their performance, which will benefit your company.

>Your employees will know you value them if you invest in their training and development. Being thrown in front of a computer without being told anything is nerve-wracking.

>There is probably much more in your software than you use. You can learn more about your system and appreciate it more with the help of a training program.

>Employees can only consistently complete tasks only if a robust training and development program exists. In essence, everyone is marching to the same tune.

>Productivity is increased through training and development. Employees who have received training perform their jobs better so, increasing productivity. Additionally, they are better prepared to carry out their responsibilities at work. Better use of your POS software can increase efficiency and skill.

Contact us now

Contact us to arrange some training—nothing to lose, its free. These people can be more productive for you.

With COVID, we had to stop training in our training rooms. We switched to Zoom meetings for training. 

Well, now we are running them in-house again. So you can have free training in our training offices now. In it, we teach you and your staff what they need to know and give them pointers on what the system can do to maximise their productivity.

If you prefer, you can still use Zoom.

I think you will find that our training is both comprehensive and focused.

This will allow you free, to have a better product as you will get better use of your software.
 

We have regular training courses.

Due to COVID, we had to stop in-person training, but we did manage to keep online going.

Today, despite the problem of face-to-face training due to the risk of rapid lock-downs, we have reintroduced in-person training. Actually, the new COVID cases reported now are higher than last year. There are currently 29,997 Coronavirus Cases in Australia. It is not less than a year ago, it is just that we are now used to it.

So today, we provide a hybrid model where people can take part in person or online. The most significant advantage here is that as we share content. Our clients can join even if they can not make it at the scheduled time but only when they have time online. If you want to conduct online training, please use an area free of distractions -learning is not an easy task. Take notes-what works for me is that I have a pen and a piece of paper in front of me to write down the main points. Participate in the discussion if you don't know what to ask.

Overall, the rise of online activities has been very successful.

Our POS Software is continuously being improved. Extra functions are being added. Plus, people are coming and going. So organisations who use the software need training to help them get to the software's full potential.

I find that In-house training courses often make training more focused.  Those that come can concentrate on specific topics relating to their current needs. What helps here, I notice, is that we can often use their existing data from the shop. As such, the training becomes more comprehensive and focused.

So we run free training in our training offices. In it, we teach you and your staff what they need to know. We also give them pointers on what the system can do to maximise their productivity.

Plus, you could get a free cup of coffee or tea while you learn.

Get better use of our products by booking yourself into a training session.

Note if you prefer, we can do training via zoom virtually too.

Training on your point of sale software can be time-consuming, it is an investment that should be done. This is particularly true when you are looking at one as advanced as ours. 

Without training, much of your POS System is lost as it is only as useful as the people who use it.

What I suggest you do, is pick a reliable staff member preferably who does have computer knowledge and your processes which can dedicate the time required to learn and understand your POS software.

It will be their job to learn as much as they can about the P.O.S. and then one of the duties of that person will be to pass on the information as required to other people in the shop.

Training will be an ongoing process as there is a lot to learn plus as conditions change, your requirements change plus the continual improvements we are putting into our software means that ongoing training is needed to keeping the business running efficiently.

To help we regularly run user meetings throughout Australia, have online training sessions - webinars and have a unique and free one on one training sessions service in our offices. We also for a fee can come to your shop and do onsite training.  

PS If your shop requires specialised skills with software that is not ours like excel, photoshop, word, etc there are many useful training centres available eg Centre for Adult Education.