Mar 25, 2025

Running a SME today feels like navigating through a dense and unpredictable jungle—every decision matters, and the environment can be tough. But don’t worry—you don’t need a huge budget or a large team to succeed. The most successful business leaders have found ways to thrive, and their strategies can be summarized in three key areas: investing in your team, using technology to save time, and standing out in the market. This is your guide to help your SME navigate the challenges of 2025 and come out on top. Invest in your team to see bigger results In today’s business world, your team is your most valuable asset. Michael Kodari, CEO of Kodari Securities, has always emphasized that people are more important than profit. Happy employees don’t just stay longer—they work harder, think bigger, and help keep customers loyal. Adam Chicktong, APAC General Manager at Asana, supports this idea with data from their 2022 study, which found that a quarter of Australian workers experienced burnout multiple times last year. His solution? Help your team understand the deeper purpose behind their work. For small businesses, the focus shouldn’t be on spending a lot of money—it’s about being smart with what you already have. Instead of rigid work schedules, offer flexible hours. Hold a weekly meeting to check in with your team and make sure everyone is aligned. A clear and simple mission written down on a whiteboard can reduce stress and inspire new ideas. This doesn’t need to cost anything, but it can lead to better performance and stronger team motivation, which ultimately boosts your profits. Use technology to save time and work smarter Time is one of your most limited resources, and technology can help you make the most of it. Simon Le Grand, head of marketing at Lightspeed, highlights that customers expect more choices—from where they shop to how they pay—and cloud tools can help SMEs stay competitive. Sharon Crombie, CEO of MicroChilli, emphasizes the importance of automation in this process. Why spend hours manually handling invoices or employee schedules when affordable tools like Xero or Deputy can do the work for you? You don’t need to completely overhaul your business to make use of technology. Start small by experimenting with free trials of scheduling or accounting apps to see what works best for your needs. The goal is simple: save time on administrative tasks so you can focus on growing your business. Le Grand has observed how SMEs can attract talented workers and loyal customers by using the right tools. Crombie believes that small businesses should embrace automation and tech now—it’s a crucial step for staying ahead. In a crowded business landscape, blending in is a surefire way to fail. Josephine Sabin, from DesignCrowd & BrandCrowd, advises that branding is essential—it’s not just about a logo, but about creating a feeling. Whether you use blue to convey trust, red for energy, or calm green tones for 2025, simple adjustments to your brand can help you grab attention, even with just a $50 investment. Brodie Haupt, CEO of WLTH, ties his brand’s success to its purpose: his loans fund ocean cleanups, and customers love supporting a company with a strong cause. Data is another powerful tool. Rohan Persaud from Sisense recommends focusing on insights rather than just charts—understanding your best-selling product from the previous month using Google Analytics can help you target your efforts. Damir Ćuća of Basiq suggests looking beyond basic bank data to identify trends like Buy Now Pay Later habits. Combining data with a strong brand identity can help you not only be noticed but also be chosen by customers. Simple tweaks to your branding and a clear purpose could give your business a major competitive advantage. Business experts don’t take chances—those who succeed in today’s market are quick to adapt and make the most of what they have. Melissa Ryan from Macquarie University calls this resilience—businesses need to be flexible and ready to change or risk falling behind. Focus on motivating your team with purpose, not just money—offering flexible work schedules can be more valuable than raising salaries. Use affordable technology tools to save time—spending $30 on an app can be a lot more effective than wasting hours on paperwork. And make your brand stand out—refine your look, use your data wisely, and connect with your audience. The business world may be tough, but with this approach, your small business could lead the way by the end of the year.