Your Business Plan

Clear Vision • February 19, 2015

We all know we should be doing a business plan. However with the average plan being a 30 page document the idea of it can be incredibly daunting – and who will read it anyway?
Does a 1 page business plan sound more achievable?

The reality is we all should be planning in our business – from the strategic level to the daily tasks necessary to steer the business into the direction and achieve the end goals. Yet 99% of businesses don’t have any planning; – why?

The main reason is most business people are great at what they do whether it’s building, driving, filling teeth but most people don’t know where to start when doing a plan.

So, I’ve taken some tools (with permission) from Verne Harnish – world renowned business growth strategist, research and developed some more skills to be able to complete a 1 page business plan.

So what’s the difference?
A 30 page business plan can be prepared, in detail, lots of market research and once completed will sit nicely holding the bottom drawer in place. It doesn’t become a workable document on a monthly or weekly basis used to keep the captain focused and steering the business to the end result.

In contrast a 1 page business plan is designed to have the key goals, visions, targets (BHAG), key performance measures and actions all on 1 page. This page gets put up in a place the business owner sees every day. Sometimes it needs to be in several spots. As a focused business owner, when you walk past this document, you will glance and linger and this will remain part of your focus more often on the end goal – the BHAG (big hairy audacious goal).

Don’t get me wrong – the market research and detail is critical. But we don’t want to become so bogged down in the detail and specifics that we can’t see the most important, most immediate goals.

Click here One Page Strategic Plan to download the business plan – and together we can discuss how Clear Vision Accountancy Group can help get your 1 Page Business Plan started, prepared, and finished, hanging on your wall.

What Records to Keep for Your Rental Property

By Caroline Gillies • August 3, 2025
If you own a rental property or holiday home, keeping the right records is key to maximising your tax deductions and staying ATO-compliant. This week, we’re highlighting what the ATO expects you to keep when it comes to residential rental properties. Here’s a quick checklist of the documents you should hold onto: Purchase & Sale Documents – Contracts, settlement statements, and legal documents. Loan & Ownership Records – Loan statements, refinancing documents, land tax assessments. Rental Income – If you don’t have a rental statement you will need to document all rental income received, including bond money retained, insurance payouts, and any other reimbursements. Expenses & Repairs – Keep receipts and invoices for expenses like advertising for tenants, property agent fees, council rates, strata levies, repairs, maintenance, insurance, and interest on loans. Depreciation & Capital Works – Receipts for assets over $300, depreciation reports, and capital improvement records. Before and after photos of any capital works. Holiday Home Use – If your property is rented out part-time, you’ll need evidence of when it was genuinely available for rent (e.g. booking requests, advertising, availability calendars). How long to keep records: You’ll need to keep most records for at least 5 years after lodging your tax return, or longer if claiming capital works or carrying forward losses. Keeping detailed records ensures you claim everything you're entitled to—and makes things much easier in the event of an ATO audit.  Need help getting your documentation in order? Reach out to our team at Clear Vision Accountancy Group—we’re here to help. To read a more detailed list of items you need to keep for your rental property visit: Records for rental properties and holiday homes | Australian Taxation Office

How Much Do You Need to Make? Understanding Business Turnover

By Caroline Gillies • July 13, 2025
Running a business isn’t just about making sales — it’s about making enough sales to cover your costs and pay yourself what you deserve. But how do you figure out how much turnover (aka revenue) you actually need to make each month? Knowing this number helps you: Set realistic sales targets Price your products or services properly Know when to cut costs or increase margins Understand when your business is sustainable This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about clarity and control. Once you know your required turnover, you can stop guessing and start planning. Whether you’re a solopreneur, a growing startup, or a small business owner, this is the foundation of making your business work for you — not the other way around. We love numbers — seriously. And we get that not everyone does. If you need help breaking things down in a way that’s simple, practical, and actually makes sense (even if numbers aren’t your thing), call Clear Vision Accountancy Group today on 4688 2500.

12% Superannuation Guarantee - 1 July 2025

By Caroline Gillies • June 22, 2025
From 1 July 2025, the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate in Australia will increase to 12%. This means employers will be legally required to contribute at least 12% of an eligible employee's ordinary time earnings to their superannuation fund. This increase is the final step in a legislated rise from 9.5% in 2021 to 12% by 2025, aimed at boosting retirement savings for Australian workers. If you use Xero for payroll, the SG rate should automatically update in the system. However, we recommend you double-check your payroll settings to ensure everything is correct. If you’re unsure or need assistance, please contact your bookkeeper or get in touch with us at: Clear Vision Accountancy Group (07) 4688 2500 We’re here to help you stay compliant and avoid any costly errors.