Ann Gibbard - Business Consultant - Oxygen8

10/09/2026

Your business can be profitable and still feel short of cash. Often, the money isn’t missing, it’s simply tied up somewhere in the business. Your balance sheet can help you find it.

You are making sales. Your profit looks good.

27/08/2026

It’s easy to keep doing the same things because they’ve always been part of your marketing plan. But when was the last time you stopped and looked at whether those activities are actually delivering results?

Recently, I reviewed the marketing strategy of one of my clients and found a number of relatively simple changes that could make a big difference. Here are some of the things we identified.

When I first start working with a client, a review of their marketing strategy is an important part of the process. But before we talk specifically about marketing, we need to understand the business we are marketing.

20/08/2026

I have completed the Xero Level 3 certification.

Why?

Because I use Xero, and the majority of my clients use Xero. I can be confident giving them sound advice.

13/08/2026

Diversification or specialisation?

This is a strategic choice that many businesses need to consider at some point. Do I widen my income stream but run the risk of being average, or specialise and reduce my scope of income but become an expert in one area?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/diversification-specialisation-ann-gibbard-e0b2e

12/08/2026

Want to expand your knowledge on starting or growing your business? This is a great event with lots of different speakers.

Come and hear me speak on the Elevate stage on Saturday 19 September at 10.40am.

I will be talking about treating your business as an asset and working through 8 steps on how to increase its value.

https://expo.nzsme.co.nz/

29/07/2026

When I first started in business, the thought of walking into a room full of strangers and introducing myself wasn't particularly appealing. Over time, however, I've come to realise that business networking isn't about selling—it's about building relationships.

Some of my best clients, trusted referral partners, and long-term business friendships have come from simply taking the time to get to know people.

As business owners, we can become so focused on working in the business that we forget to spend time working on the business. Networking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to do exactly that.

BNI Auckland Business Online is having a visitor day tomorrow morning (7am Friday 31 July). Whether you are just curious, or keen to meet other business owners, come and see what it is about. Existing BNI members are welcome to visit as well. Let me know that you would like to come and I will send you a link. No walking into a busy room - just log in on your computer and be ready to have some fun with us.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/benefits-business-networking-ann-gibbard-shore

15/07/2026

One of the conversations I have regularly with business owners is about pricing. Not because they don't know what they should charge, but because they struggle to believe their knowledge, experience and expertise are worth paying for.

There will almost always be someone willing to do it cheaper.
Trying to win business purely on price is a race that few businesses can sustain. Instead, focus on demonstrating the value you provide.

One of the conversations I have regularly with business owners is about pricing. Not because they don't know what they should charge, but because they struggle to believe their knowledge, experience and expertise are worth paying for.

01/07/2026

One of the first questions I ask a business owner when meeting them for the first time is ‘do you have a business plan’. The second question is always ‘is it written down’.

A small business owner challenged me on that this week – ‘if I am the only person that the business plan affects, why do I need to write it down?’

It’s all about accountability.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/benefits-writing-down-ann-gibbard-9vxbe

17/06/2026

Not just another AI post - this is important for all businesses.

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday business operations. Employees are using AI tools to draft emails, create content, analyse data, and improve productivity—often without formal guidance from their employer.

While the opportunities are significant, so are the risks. Staff can inadvertently share confidential information, customer data, or commercially sensitive material with external AI platforms. Without clear governance, businesses may also face privacy, security, and reputational risks.

For SME businesses, the question is no longer whether AI should be used, but how it should be managed. A well-designed AI policy helps organisations capture the benefits of AI while protecting their data, their customers, and their reputation.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-your-business-why-every-sme-needs-usage-policy-ann-gibbard-a1l6e

03/06/2026

Every month, I prepare and review management reports with each of my clients.

For many, it’s a turning point. They start seeing parts of their business they’ve never really examined before—or only revisit once a year when the accountant delivers the financial statements.

It’s not surprising. Running an SME means being deep in the day-to-day. Weeks slip by, and before you know it, a month (or two) has passed without stepping back to assess the bigger picture.

Monthly reporting fixes that. It gives you visibility, control, and the ability to act early—not after the fact.

Every month, I prepare and review management reports with each of my clients. For many, it’s a turning point.