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The Wonders Of Using Container Offices For Startups: Unleashing Creativity In Compact Spaces

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In the world of startups, every square foot counts. Limited space is no longer an excuse for lacking creativity or compromising on functionality. Enter the realm of container offices – a groundbreaking solution that combines innovation, practicality, and a touch of unconventional style.

If you’re ready to embrace a new way of working and redefine the traditional office space, fasten your seatbelts as we take you on a journey through the wonders of container offices for startups.

Using Shipping Containers As Offices

Welcome to a world where innovation meets sustainability, and creativity blends with practicality. In the realm of startup culture, where flexibility and cost-effectiveness reign supreme, container offices have emerged as a fascinating alternative to traditional workspaces. These repurposed shipping container offices offer a unique combination of versatility, style, and functionality, making them the go-to choice for startups looking to make a statement while staying within budget.

Here are a few samples of container office designs to give you an idea of the possibilities:

  • The Modern Oasis: Step into a container office that exudes contemporary style and sophistication. Clean lines, large windows, and minimalist furnishings create a sleek and professional environment. With an open floor plan and strategically placed partitions, collaboration and productivity are seamlessly integrated. This design is perfect for startups that value a minimalist aesthetic and a clutter-free workspace.
  • The Nature Retreat: Imagine working in a container office nestled amidst lush greenery and panoramic views. This design incorporates eco-friendly elements such as living walls, rooftop gardens, and ample natural light. It blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, providing a refreshing and serene work environment. For startups that prioritize sustainability and connection with nature, this design offers an oasis of inspiration.
  • The Creative Haven: Inject a burst of colors and creativity into your container office. Bold artwork, vibrant furniture, and playful décor elements create a lively and stimulating workspace. Flexible seating arrangements, collaborative work zones, and inspiring breakout areas encourage brainstorming and out-of-the-box thinking. This design is ideal for startups in creative industries or those who want to foster a dynamic and energetic work atmosphere.
  • The Industrial Chic: Embrace the raw and rustic charm of an industrial-inspired container office. Exposed brick walls, metal accents, and salvaged materials give a nod to urban aesthetics. With a blend of open spaces and private nooks, this design promotes collaboration while providing areas for focused work. It appeals to startups with a taste for edgy and unconventional design elements.
  • The Coastal Retreat: Transport yourself to a beachfront paradise with a container office that embodies a coastal vibe. Light colors, natural textures, and breezy décor create a relaxed and calming atmosphere. Large windows offer breathtaking views of the ocean or nearby landscapes, fostering a sense of tranquility. This design is perfect for startups seeking a serene and laid-back work environment that promotes focus and well-being.

Remember, these are just a few samples, and the possibilities for container office designs are limitless. Each design can be customized to fit your startup’s unique needs and brand identity. With shipping container offices, you have the freedom to unleash your creativity and create a workspace that perfectly aligns with your vision and culture. In the next section, let’s go back to why startups must consider using shipping containers.

Unleashing Creativity in Compact Spaces

Whoever said startups need to be confined to dull, generic office spaces has clearly missed out on the container revolution. Picture this: a sleek and modern workspace nestled within the sturdy steel walls of a repurposed shipping container. It’s a blend of functionality and aesthetics that captures attention, sparks conversation, and ignites the flames of creativity.

The charm of container offices lies not only in their uniqueness but also in their adaptability. These customizable spaces can be tailored to fit your startup’s specific needs, from brainstorming sessions and collaborative workspaces to private offices and meeting rooms. The possibilities are as vast as your imagination, and the compact size ensures that every inch is utilized effectively.

Turning Limitations into Opportunities

Let’s face it – startups often face budget constraints, especially when it comes to office spaces. Sea Containers Perth provide an affordable alternative without sacrificing style or functionality. These repurposed wonders are not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly, promoting sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of your startup.

By embracing container offices, you’re not only making a smart financial choice but also joining a growing movement of businesses that prioritize responsible and efficient use of resources. It’s a win-win situation where creativity and sustainability go hand in hand.

Flexibility on the Move

One of the standout features of container offices is their mobility. Just as startups constantly evolve and adapt, container offices can be easily relocated, expanding your horizons and embracing new opportunities without the hassle of traditional office relocations.

Imagine your startup thriving in a bustling coworking space one month and then seamlessly transitioning to a serene beachfront setting the next. The freedom and flexibility to move your office effortlessly provide a sense of adventure and endless possibilities for growth. With a container office, the world becomes your startup’s playground.

Workspaces with a Personality

Gone are the days of sterile cubicles and impersonal work environments. Container offices offer a unique opportunity to infuse your startup’s personality into the very fabric of your workspace. From vibrant colors and inspiring murals to cozy nooks and breakout areas, you can create an environment that reflects your company culture and sparks inspiration in every corner.

Think outside the box (or container) and unleash your startup’s creativity. It’s time to ditch the cookie-cutter approach and embrace a workspace that truly represents your vision and values.

Conclusion

As startups navigate the competitive landscape, container offices provide an innovative and cost-effective solution to unleash creativity, promote sustainability, and adapt to the ever-changing business environment. From their compact yet versatile nature to the endless possibilities for customization, container offices are redefining the way we work and inspiring startups to dream big, even within limited spaces.

So, are you ready to step into a world where creativity knows no bounds, where professional and witty coexist, and where container offices become the catalysts for your startup’s success? Embrace the wonders of container offices and embark on a journey where innovation and imagination thrive. Your startup deserves nothing less.

The only question that remains is: what wonders will your container office unlock for your startup? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!

 

Charity And Fundraising Events: Making A Difference With Donation Pickup

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In a world where acts of kindness often go unnoticed, charity and fundraising events play a pivotal role in bringing communities together and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. However, organizing these events involves more than just planning and execution. It requires an intricate web of logistics to ensure that donations, both monetary and in-kind, are collected promptly and safely.

This is where the power of pickup services comes into play, revolutionizing the way we give back.

Donation collection acts as the bridge between generous donors and charitable organizations, streamlining the process of contributing to worthy causes. These services serve as the backbone of successful charity and fundraising events, ensuring that the efforts of the community are translated into tangible assistance for those in need.

Making Giving Back Convenient and Accessible

With the fast pace of modern life, finding the time to drop off donations can be challenging for many individuals. Balancing work, family, and other responsibilities leaves little room for additional errands. That’s why pickup services like those from PickUp Please Jacksonville have become a game-changer. By offering a convenient and accessible solution, these services make it easier than ever for donors to contribute to their chosen causes.

Through a simple phone call or online request, donors can arrange for their donations to be collected from their homes, workplaces, or other specified locations. This eliminates the need for multiple trips and provides donors with the flexibility to contribute on their terms. Whether it’s a monetary donation, clothing, furniture, or other items, pickup services ensure that the process is as seamless and effortless as possible.

Ensuring Timely Delivery for Maximum Impact.

Time is of the essence when it comes to charitable giving. The immediate support provided by donations can greatly impact the lives of those in need. Recognizing this urgency, pickup services prioritize prompt collection and delivery of contributions. By efficiently coordinating schedules and routes, these services ensure that donations swiftly reach their intended recipients. This timely assistance not only makes a tangible impact but also fosters a sense of hope and support within the community.

The efficiency of pickup services extends beyond the collection and delivery process. These services also employ stringent quality control measures to ensure that the donations received are in good condition and suitable for use or distribution. This attention to detail ensures that the resources provided through charity and fundraising events are of the highest value and contribute effectively to the causes they support.

Putting Generosity into Action: A Real-Life Example.

Sarah Thompson, a compassionate resident of Jacksonville, recently experienced the impact of pickup services firsthand. Inspired by a local charity’s cause, Sarah wanted to contribute but faced transportation limitations due to her busy schedule. However, thanks to the charity’s pickup service, Sarah was able to arrange for her contributions to be collected from her doorstep. This effortless process allowed her to make a meaningful contribution without disrupting her daily routine.

Sarah’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of pickup services. By bridging the gap between donors and recipients, these services enable individuals like Sarah to make a positive difference in the lives of others while maintaining their regular commitments.

Amplifying Impact through Collaboration

Furthermore, pickup services create opportunities for collaboration among local businesses, charities, and community organizations. By forging strategic partnerships, these services enhance collective efforts to address social issues and maximize the impact of charitable initiatives. Through collaboration, stakeholders can pool resources, expand outreach, and create a ripple effect of positive change throughout the community.

The power of collaboration lies in its ability to create synergy and amplify impact. By working together, businesses can contribute resources, such as transportation and storage facilities, while charities and community organizations can provide valuable insights and connections to identify and reach those in need. This collaborative approach not only benefits the immediate recipients of donations but also strengthens the fabric of the community as a whole.

Embracing the Power of Pickup

In an era where generosity is more important than ever, pickup services have emerged as a vital tool for mobilizing kindness and affecting real change. By providing convenience, accessibility, and timely delivery, these services empower individuals to make a tangible impact on the lives of those less fortunate.

As members of a compassionate society, it is our duty to embrace the power of pickup and unite in creating a brighter future for all. By supporting charity and fundraising events and utilizing pickup services, we can collectively make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. Together, let us embrace the spirit of giving and foster a community built on compassion, understanding, and hope.

Enhancing Transparency and Accountability

One important aspect that pickup services bring to the table is enhanced transparency and accountability. When individuals contribute to a charitable cause, they want to ensure that their donations are utilized effectively and reach the intended recipients. Collecting donations play a crucial role in building trust by providing a clear and traceable process.

By implementing robust tracking systems and documentation protocols, pickup services enable donors to have visibility into the journey of their contributions. This transparency instills confidence and reassurance that their generosity is making a direct impact. Moreover, it helps charitable organizations maintain accurate records, ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately and in accordance with their mission.

The commitment to transparency and accountability is not only beneficial for donors but also for the overall credibility and sustainability of the charitable sector. By embracing these practices, pickup services from PickUp Please Jacksonville foster an environment of trust and encourage continued support from individuals and businesses alike.

Empowering Local Communities

Collecting donations have a profound impact on local communities by empowering them to address their unique challenges and needs. They act as a catalyst for change by connecting donors within a community to local charitable organizations. This localized approach ensures that resources stay within the community and are utilized to tackle specific issues that resonate with its members.

Through pickup services, individuals and businesses can directly contribute to causes that are close to their hearts. Whether it’s supporting local schools, healthcare facilities, shelters, or environmental initiatives, these services enable community members to make a difference where it matters most. This localized support not only strengthens the community’s resilience but also fosters a sense of unity and collaboration among its members.

Inspiring a Culture of Giving

Pickup services go beyond the logistical aspects of collecting and delivering contributions. They play a vital role in inspiring and nurturing a culture of giving within society. By providing convenient and accessible avenues for individuals to contribute, these services remove barriers and make philanthropy a part of everyday life.

When people witness the positive impact of donating and the difference it makes in the lives of others, they are more likely to be inspired to join in and give back. The visibility and accessibility of these services create a ripple effect, encouraging more individuals to become active participants in charitable endeavors. This collective effort not only leads to increased support for worthy causes but also cultivates empathy, compassion, and social responsibility within the broader community.

Looking Ahead: Innovations in Pickup

As technology continues to advance, pickup services are also evolving to leverage its potential. From mobile apps and online platforms to automated scheduling systems, these services are embracing digital solutions to streamline the donation process further. Such innovations make it even easier for donors to contribute and for charitable organizations to efficiently manage and distribute resources.

Additionally, the integration of data analytics and artificial intelligence holds promise in optimizing routes, predicting donation trends, and enhancing overall efficiency. These advancements enable donation pickup to operate with greater effectiveness, ensuring that donations are collected and delivered in the most optimal and impactful way possible.

Takeaway: Making a Lasting Impact through Pickup

In conclusion, pickup services play a vital role in charity and fundraising events, enabling individuals and businesses to contribute to causes they care about in a convenient and impactful manner. By streamlining generosity, ensuring timely delivery, and enhancing transparency, these services empower communities to make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need.

As we embrace the power of pickup, let us also remember the intrinsic value of human connection and compassion. While the logistics may be facilitated by technology, it is the collective spirit of giving and the empathy that drive us to support one another. By coming together, we can create a brighter future and build a society that thrives on the principles of kindness, empathy, and generosity.

 

What Is The Difference Between Business Administration vs. Business Management?

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What is The Difference Between Business Administration vs. Business Management?

Business administration and business management are two terms that are often used synonymously, but there are some key differences between the two. While both fields involve managing resources and people to achieve organizational goals, the focus and approach of each field is distinct. In this article, we will explore the differences between business administration and business management, and the career opportunities available in each field.

Business Administration vs. Business Management: An Overview

Business administration is a broad field that encompasses various aspects of business operations, including finance, marketing, human resources, operations, and strategic management. It involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization and ensuring that all activities are aligned with the organization’s overall goals and objectives. Business administration also involves managing financial resources, including budgeting, accounting, and financial analysis.

On the other hand, business management is more focused on the planning and organization of resources to achieve specific goals. This includes managing people, processes, and resources to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards. Business management is about making decisions and taking action to achieve specific objectives, while business administration is more concerned with overseeing and coordinating activities across the organization.

Business Administration Courses Online

If you are interested in pursuing a career in business administration, there are several online courses and degree programs available. These programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of business operations, including finance, marketing, human resources, and strategic management.

Some of the popular online courses in business administration include:

  1. Introduction to Business: This course provides an overview of the fundamentals of business operations, including management, marketing, finance, and accounting.
  2. Principles of Accounting: This course covers the basic principles of accounting, including financial statements, balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  3. Organizational Behavior: This course explores the behavior of individuals and groups within an organization, and how this behavior affects organizational performance.
  4. Business Ethics: This course examines the ethical issues that arise in business, and how businesses can ensure that their operations are conducted ethically and responsibly.
  5. Operations Management: This course covers the principles of managing the production and delivery of goods and services, including process design, quality control, and supply chain management.

Business Management Courses Online

If you are interested in pursuing a career in business management, there are several online courses and degree programs available. These programs cover various aspects of business management, including project management, leadership, operations management, and strategic management.

Some of the popular online courses in business management include:

  1. Project Management: This course covers the principles of project management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and control.
  2. Leadership: This course explores the principles of effective leadership, including communication, motivation, and team building.
  3. Strategic Management: This course covers the principles of strategic planning and implementation, including market analysis, resource allocation, and performance measurement.
  4. Operations Management: This course covers the principles of managing the production and delivery of goods and services, including process design, quality control, and supply chain management.
  5. Human Resource Management: This course explores the principles of managing human resources, including recruitment, training, performance management, and compensation.

Career Opportunities in Business Administration

A degree in business administration can prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities across various industries. Some of the common career paths in business administration include:

  1. Financial Analyst: Financial analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data and providing insights to help organizations make informed decisions.
  2. Human Resources Manager: Human resources managers are responsible for managing the recruitment, training, and performance of employees within an organization.
  3. Marketing Manager: Marketing managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote products and services to customers.
  4. Operations Manager: Operations managers are responsible for managing the production and delivery of goods and services within an organization, including managing resources, processes, and supply chain logistics.
  5. Business Consultant: Business consultants work with organizations to identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations for increasing efficiency and profitability.

Career Opportunities in Business Management

A degree in business management can also prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities across various industries. Some of the common career paths in business management include:

  1. Project Manager: Project managers are responsible for managing projects from start to finish, including planning, execution, and monitoring.
  2. Operations Manager: Operations managers are responsible for managing the production and delivery of goods and services within an organization, including managing resources, processes, and supply chain logistics.
  3. Business Analyst: Business analysts are responsible for analyzing data and providing insights to help organizations make informed decisions.
  4. Sales Manager: Sales managers are responsible for leading sales teams and developing strategies to increase revenue and profitability.
  5. General Manager: General managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of an organization, including finance, marketing, operations, and human resources.

Conclusion

In summary, business administration and business management are both essential to the success of any organization, but they are distinct fields with different responsibilities and focuses. Business administration involves overseeing and coordinating the day-to-day activities of an organization, while business management focuses on planning and organizing resources to achieve specific goals. Whether you choose to pursue a degree or certification in business administration or business management, or both, it’s important to understand the differences between the two fields to determine which career path aligns with your interests and goals.

Online courses and degree programs can provide a flexible and convenient way to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in either field, and offer a great way to continue your education while still working and managing other responsibilities. Ultimately, the choice between pursuing a career in business administration versus business management comes down to your personal preferences, skills, and career aspirations.

 

Four Lessons To Remember As A New (Or Experienced) Entrepreneur

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by Laura Dribin, CEO & Founder, Peritius Consulting, Inc.

What do you think of when you think of an entrepreneur?  Unless you are one or know one personally, you may jump to images of Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos or Bill Gates.  Images of obscene wealth.  While that may be true for them, it is not the reality for most.

When you meet a “typical” entrepreneur, the reality is usually different.  Being an entrepreneur is an exciting and terrifying line of work. There are so many things that can go wrong (and often do), but at the same time those things could go so right! Yet, given that most entrepreneurs do not make the fame and fortune of a Jeff Bezos, why do so many entrepreneurs base their expectations of success on achieving a Bill Gates-type achievement? As a reminder … “comparison is the thief of joy.”

Therein lies the problem.

1. Know your goals

Entrepreneurs need to set expectations AND boundaries. From the beginning. While those expectations and boundaries may evolve through the years, make sure it occurs in a planned, thought-out process.

2. Live your goals.

Entrepreneurs are expected to do a lot to help their company succeed. Yet, it is easy to lose sight of your goals on a daily basis. Entrepreneurs need to stay focused on their goals and live them. Spend time examining your goals independently of a specific opportunity or ask. What’s changed? Will this opportunity take me down a rabbit hole or is this the direction I want to move forward in the future?

3. Taking stock.

So as a downturn in the economy has hit my company (we’ve been through many recessions over the years), I have been thinking about why I haven’t become as global as Bill Gates or as expansive as Elon Musk (we used to joke about becoming the “McKinsey of Delivery”)? Our firm does high-quality work every time and our clients are extremely happy, but we struggled to grow. What’s going on?

As I reflect on my career, here are some key points I try to remember (or wish I’d known before I started out).

Define, understand, and live your goals

When I started my business, I was trying to get back into consulting work, yet I wanted to avoid travel. I was about to be a new mom and wanted to make sure that I could focus on my family. I made all my business decisions around those goals. I said “No” often. That translated into lost opportunities and potential growth of my company—which was okay. I was meeting my (and my family’s) needs. I knew that because I had figured those needs out before I started.

Don’t get me wrong.  I understand that money is often a driver of entrepreneurs and if that’s your goal, great.  All of your decisions should relate to that goal.

Everyone needs time off

Often my best ideas come when I am on vacation—or at least when I come back. As an entrepreneur, you are often expected to “be on” all of the time. That can be exhausting. When you are in the midst of chaos (as you often are as an entrepreneur), you are forced to react to problems. From my experience, when I am stressed and overworked, I tend to make more emotional decisions. Pulling away for a weekend or taking vacation has always brought me back to a fresh mindset to take on all the other problems heading my way.

Love what you are doing

I always said that if I hated what I was doing for three months straight, I would move away from the business. It’s a guideline that helped me through some bad times. I knew that if I didn’t feel good about the work/company for that length of time, I probably wasn’t doing good by my company, employees, vendors, and most importantly, my clients. Who needs a sad entrepreneur that doesn’t want to be there?

Life is too short

I am a successful entrepreneur that can do something else when I get tired of my role. Make sure that you find time (not only for vacations) to do the “other things” you love to do. You know the saying: “All work and no play makes Jill a dull girl.” As I mentioned, I love to travel, so I decided that as I got older, if I continue working, I need to find a way to insert more travel. So, over the last four years, I have chosen international sites and decided to work remotely (I was a digital nomad before it was cool!). Don’t sacrifice your hobbies/interests on the altar of entrepreneurial success!

4. Set your priorities — Now.

Entrepreneurs may give their heart and soul to their company and that is perfectly fine (if that is what they want). Creating a company is not easy; it takes a lot of work, but still, not everyone is going to be Musk, Gates, or Bezos—and achieving that type of entrepreneurial success should not make one lose sight of the sacrifices that have to be made along the way. I am pretty confident that if I had prioritized the growth of my company as my No. 1 goal, my company would be bigger than it is now. Yet, that wasn’t my goal.

Mission accomplished!

I can say that I reached my goals that I had set all those years ago. While in my weak moment, I may ask why I’m not bigger, the truth is that wasn’t my lived goals along the way. In turn, I did in fact create a phenomenal company that allows me to remain proud of the work we do for our clients, enjoy the people (present and past) that have worked alongside me to get us here and the life it has allowed me to live while taking care of my family. I took care of my needs! This is something that most entrepreneurs need to remember so they can continue to love what they do and who they are.

 

Laura Dribin

Laura Dribin is CEO and founder of Peritius Consulting, Inc. Prior to founding the company, Laura worked as a Big Five management consultant and for Microsoft Corporation. With more than 25 years of experience, she brings the hands-on leadership necessary to guide project teams through complex initiatives and to help organizations develop and improve their project management competency.

 

Does Social Learning Benefit People Of All Socioeconomic Backgrounds?

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by Nellie Wartoft, Founder & CEO of Tigerhall

Talent development programs can be a powerful tool for business growth. When used to boost the knowledge and skills that employees have at their disposal, they unlock untapped potential and open the doors to new opportunities.

Too often, however, talent development programs fail companies by empowering only a privileged few. To be truly effective, the programs must be accessible and applicable to everyone. Programs that fail to serve people of all socioeconomic backgrounds will have limited impact and will send the message that career advancement is open only to an exclusive group.

Social learning is the best tool for businesses that want to unlock the potential of their entire organization. Unlike many talent development tools, social learning provides all employees with equal access to information and learning opportunities. It breaks down the hierarchical barriers that limit the effectiveness of traditional learning models, fostering a sense of inclusivity and belonging that is essential to the success of startups.

The key features of social learning

Social learning packages talent development in a highly accessible platform that mirrors the features and functionality of social media. It allows employees to get relevant and actionable insights from real-world business leaders by connecting users to a supportive community of fellow learners. Social learning brings talent development into an environment that is familiar, convenient, and flexible.

Social learning platforms also allow businesses to capture and capitalize on internal insights by empowering business leaders to quickly and easily share solutions specific to their organization’s unique challenges. It is a tribal knowledge tool, equipping employees to pursue collaborative learning with coworkers across the organization who face the same challenges and seek the same success.

A platform for equitable learning

Accessibility is one of the top benefits that social learning brings to the world of talent development. It opens the door for every employee to learn from senior business leaders, whose wisdom and insight are typically accessible only to those in the highest levels of the socioeconomic strata. Regardless of your background, social learning gives you the opportunity to learn directly from leading CXOs in a way that is searchable, applicable, and affordable.

By creating a community of learning, social learning also empowers people from all socioeconomic backgrounds to learn from each other in a rich and diverse environment. This aspect of social learning ensures that content is practical — rather than theoretical — and sensitive to the social context where it will play out.

Consider the challenges faced by those who grew up in an environment where the social cues and unspoken rules of business were not taught. Traditional talent development ignores those topics, forcing “outsiders” to learn “the hard way” through first-hand experiences that can lead to embarrassment, shame, and discouragement. Social learning creates an environment where those topics can be spoken about explicitly in a safe and encouraging environment. It doesn’t shy away from challenging topics and it leaves no one on the outside.

Social learning also promotes the idea that the “right answer” has everything to do with context. Its user-generated content provides multiple solutions that flow from a diverse group of real-world business leaders. This approach acknowledges the value of equity and diversity, encouraging learners to find the best solution for their personality and situation.

A platform for personalized learning

Another key benefit of social learning is its capacity for personalization. Each worker operates in a unique context, which means their learning needs are unique. A platform is only valuable if it considers who the worker is and what they are expected to do. Programs that provide sterile, academic, one-size-fits-all content bring zero value to organizations seeking to empower all employees.

Social learning happens in the flow of work. It delivers relevant content when you need it, where you need it, and in a way that addresses your specific context. It considers your geography, your industry, and your seniority level, as well as the meetings on your calendar, your personal and corporate long-term goals, and the specific challenges you are facing at the moment.

On the organizational level, social learning gives talent development the agility that it desperately needs. It allows learning goals and content to pivot quickly as new business opportunities arise. Today’s businesses don’t have years to gear up for meeting customer needs. Social learning provides the speed that organizations need to rapidly equip and empower their teams.

Today’s highly competitive and rapidly evolving business landscape demands a new generation of talent development tools. Businesses that want to maximize their talent development efforts will find social learning to be the only tool capable of unleashing an organization’s full potential.

 

Nellie Wartoft is a Swedish entrepreneur who launched social learning platform Tigerhall in 2019, revolutionizing how professionals learn from one another in the real world. Under her leadership, Tigerhall has quickly gained traction with users across 32 countries, and employees in 12 markets. Tigerhall’s customers include global Fortune500 firms in technology, FMCG, professional services, and financial services.

 

Thinking Of Starting A Property Business? Finding The Ideal Conveyancing Experts

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Many people these days decide to go into the property business, as this is very lucrative and eventually enables you to earn a passive income. Investing in properties by way of your business can be a great way to accrue wealth over the years, particularly if you start at a relatively young age. You can become a true property mogul if you get things right and enjoy all of the perks and financial benefits that come with it.

However, you need to ensure you do everything by the book, and this includes finding the right conveyancing experts for buying and selling your investment properties. As a business-minded person, you will already know that this is a vital part of the process, and you need to ensure you find the right company to carry out this work.

In this article, we will look at some of the steps you can take in order to find the ideal provider for your property business.

Making the Right Choice

When it comes to finding the ideal sale and purchase conveyancing experts, there are a few important steps that you need to take. This includes:

Find Out Costs

As a property business owner, it is important to keep overheads down as much as possible without cutting corners when it comes to something as important as conveyancing. So, one of the things you need to do is to find a reputable provider that does not charge over the odds for services. You should make sure you do your research and look at the cost of getting conveyancing done when buying or selling your investment properties, but never compromise on reputation when you are looking at pricing.

Check Out Reviews

Getting the opinions of others in the same business as you can prove invaluable when it comes to finding the ideal conveyancing company for your investment property business. One of the easiest ways to achieve this goal is to look at reviews that have been submitted by other property investors who have used the same provider that you are considering using. This will make it easier for you to get an idea of what to expect, learn about any issues you might experience, and get an idea of the overall reputation of the provider. You can then make a far more informed decision with regard to the company you choose.

Consider Experience Levels

One of the other things that you should look at is the experience of the provider and whether the company has a solid background and track record within the industry. You should do as much as research as possible before you make any commitment, and this is something that you can easily do online these days. You can also learn more about experience levels by checking out past reviews from other investors.

By following these steps, you will find it easier to determine which conveyancing company is the right choice for you as a property investor.

 

How Smaller Companies Can Leverage Payment Systems To Drive Growth

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by John Badovinac, VP of B2B at Fortis

Company leaders have a natural inclination to batten down the hatches when they suspect an economic storm is approaching; that goes for large enterprises and small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) alike. Taking preventative action now can help you ride out a rough period and emerge ready for growth when the storm subsides.

Keep in mind that the operative word is “action.” Business leaders might choose to put some projects on hold in times of economic uncertainty to conserve cash, but businesses should be doubling down on efficiency and growth. Therefore, moving forward with investments that can streamline and simplify core processes, improve cashflow and deliver a better customer experience makes sense for businesses of all sizes.

Improving cashflow directly correlates to your payment systems. Using advanced payments technology can also facilitate more efficient operations and drive growth by delivering a better customer experience. Here’s a closer look at steps SMB leaders can take to maximize cashflow and position their companies for growth, no matter what the economic climate.

Conduct an internal process review

The first priority should be a thorough process review to identify ways to streamline operations and save money. For example, take a look at processes around accounts payable and accounts receivable. Does the payment system you use to transmit and receive payments create records automatically, or does it require manual data input? Are records created in the company enterprise resource planning (ERP) system automatically, or do AP (Accounts Payable) and AR (Accounts Receivable) processes require manual intervention to record transactions? Look for ways to streamline those processes with automation.

Consider upgrading a legacy ERP system

During your internal process review, you may find your ERP systems need an upgrade. Many business owners are surprised to discover how many manual processes exist within their day-to-day operations. In addition, it’s often alarming to learn how dependent companies have become on ad-hoc, work-around processes that are only documented inside the heads of the individual process owners that manage them. As a result, businesses have been taking advantage of the opportunity to consider switching from outdated, legacy on-premises ERP systems to cloud-based ERP or are making plans to do so as part of their digital transformation roadmap.

Cloud-based ERP systems typically allow businesses to operate with greater agility and flexibility. The ability to easily integrate data with other business applications — including payment systems — is one of the core advantages of a cloud approach. In addition, on-premises ERP systems typically need to devote a greater portion of their ongoing spend to maintenance and annually required upgrades of existing systems – rather than on future forward enhancements. Business owners should evaluate the ongoing cost of maintaining legacy systems and calculate the opportunity cost of not being able to easily adopt options like advanced payment systems, which can streamline processes and improve cashflow.

Assess the customer journey

It’s also a good idea to assess all of your customer-facing systems and look for ways to improve the experience from the customer’s point of view. Payment systems have a direct impact on the customer journey as well as internal processes. Think of payments as a strategic asset that can help you drive more sales and increase customer loyalty and be on the lookout for touchpoints where automation and expanded payment options can remove friction to accelerate revenue activation.

Tap expertise specific to your payment system needs

If you determine that you can gain efficiency by modernizing your payment system, make sure you work with a payment system provider who understands your industry and is capable of orchestrating payments within a modern ERP system. You’ll have a range of payment providers to choose from, and their capabilities and support levels vary widely. For example, some of the most well-known payment providers are essentially offering a self-service product, leaving critical tasks like ERP integration up to the user. To get the maximum benefit from your payment system transformation project, make sure you find and deploy the expertise you need.

Focus on the most profitable activities for your business

SMBs that leverage technology to streamline back-office activities and consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience will receive an added benefit: more time to focus on profitable activities. That’s a huge bonus that automation delivers across the board — you gain labor hours that used to be devoted to data entry and other manual tasks and can redirect that time to high gain initiatives that drive more revenue, generate more customer loyalty, or transform the business.

One thing that both SMBs and larger companies have in common is that they are dealing with rapidly evolving customer expectations. That’s true if you sell directly to consumers or to other businesses. Buyers in the B2B world are consumers too, and they expect the same seamless customer experience they receive as consumers when making purchases on behalf of their employer.

When people talk about the “Amazon effect,” they’re usually referring to the pressure other retailers feel to deliver products quickly and offer free shipping. But the effect extends to a seamless payment experience too, which is offered not only by Amazon but also other tech-forward product and service providers, including ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft. Customers don’t even have to think about payments, which happen automatically.

Customers know a good experience when they see it, and their expectations have changed because they now understand what’s possible. Larger companies have invested in the technology that allows them to accept the payment methods their customers prefer and securely store preferred payment account information so that they don’t have to provide that data again every time they make a purchase.

It’s also an expectation that companies have access to their transaction information so they can answer questions about purchases at any touchpoint and resolve any disputes that arise. Businesses that meet those expectations will build customer loyalty and gain a greater share of the consumer wallet while streamlining internal processes at the same time to operate more efficiently.

When sophisticated payment systems first emerged, larger businesses tended to be the early adopters because they had the resources to invest or the staff to internally develop them. Now smaller businesses can get the same benefits when they adopt advanced payment technology. Leaders of smaller businesses can take charge and build more certainty in uncertain economic times by assessing and upgrading internal and customer-facing processes, leveraging expert advice, and focusing on value-generating tasks. Taking action now can drive efficiencies, devote a greater portion of ongoing spend to future-focused initiatives, and grow and cashflow in any economic climate and come out poised for growth when the economy inevitably bounces back. There’s no time like the present to build your future.

 

john badovinac

John Badovinac is a payments professional with over 25 years’ experience across the full spectrum of payments services including B2B, Merchant Acquiring, Integrated Payments, Value-Added Resellers and Point-of-Sale systems, EMV Certification, Issuing and Operations Management. He is most recently the Vice President, B2B Channel at Fortis where has executive leadership responsibilities for the Fortis B2B team.

 

Why The Future Of Work Depends On VoIP

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by Reilly Nolan, Content Marketing Manager, Webex by Cisco

Now that employees are splitting time between home and the office, distributed workforces are doing their jobs more flexibly, happily, and efficiently than ever before. According to research from Owl Labs, 62% of employees feel more productive when working remotely. In fact, people love hybrid work so much that 1 in 2 are even willing to take a pay cut of 5% or more just to maintain their flexibility.

Suffice to say, hybrid work is here to stay.  But with all it’s benefits, hybrid work still presents plenty of challenges, too.  Many businesses are struggling to communicate and collaborate as they would in a typical work environment.

That’s where cloud calling comes into play. But first, let’s dig deeper into the technology that makes cloud calling possible: VoIP.

What is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice-over-Internet-Protocol. In simple terms, VoIP allows you to place phone calls over an internet  connection instead of a traditional landline.

Here’s how it works: When you make a call, a VoIP system synthesizes your voice signal into smaller data packets and ships them over the internet to an awaiting IP address. If you’re calling a regular telephone, the solution converts the digital signal into a traditional format before reaching the recipient.

Unlike a traditional PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network)VoIP systems don’t use physical phone lines or cables. This means businesses can deploy a full phone system for both internal and external calls, entirely in the cloud.

And the best part? All it takes is an internet connection. That means anyone can use VoIP from any location on any device. That’s flexibility you just don’t get from a traditional PSTN.

Why VoIP is a must-have solution

The adoption of VoIP for business has been gaining steam for well over a decade. As a matter of fact, cloud calling licenses have nearly doubled from 47 million in 2018 to more than 90 million in 2022.

The U.K. is even planning on shutting down its entire PSTN by the end of 2025. Once its aging infrastructure has sunset all calls will become digitized through VoIP calling.

Of course, some forward-thinking businesses are ahead of the curve. During the pandemic, when countless organizations shifted toward remote-first policies, several identified cloud calling as a necessary upgrade from costly on-premises solutions. Fueled by the continued use of hybrid work, the global VoIP market will more than double in size to roughly $100 billion in 2032.

So, why VoIP? Well, consider the drawbacks of legacy infrastructure.

Traditional systems are inflexible in terms of adequately supporting a distributed workforce. Worse yet, they’re exceptionally complex and expensive to install, manage, and maintain. As phone systems age, older hardware becomes obsolete, requiring recurring upgrades and potentially costly overhauls.

Benefits of VoIP and cloud calling

VoIP systems aren’t restricted by the  on-prem limitations of PSTN and Public Branch Exchange (PBX) systems.  By enabling comprehensive cloud calling solutions, VoIP offers a range of advantages, including:

  • Reduced costs: According to estimates, cloud calling can help businesses save up to 90% on international calls, 75% on operational costs, and 30% on teleconferencing and phone bills. Why? No fiber optic cables, installation, or maintenance required.
  • Global scalability: VoIP coverage is expanding around the world, allowing you to support a truly global workforce. Because it’s cloud-based, you can add or remove users as your business grows or changes, rolling out new phone lines according to your needs.
  • Collaboration: Cloud calling can also deliver cloud-based messaging, video conferencing, and contact center solutions into the same experience. Along with next-level call quality, these advanced features make it easy for all team members to stay connected no matter which device they use.
  • Simple set up and maintenance: No physical phone lines or robust hardware required. All it takes to set up is an internet connection and a web-enabled device, which means new users can be onboarded within minutes. Plus, thanks to minimal on-premises hardware and automated software updates, IT departments don’t have to worry about outdated communications technology.
  • Cloud security: One of the biggest challenges of working from home is keeping your business data safe and secure. The leading cloud calling platforms deliver built-in security features like real-time data loss prevention, SOC-2 compliance, and bring your own key (BYOK) capabilities to safeguard information and prevent outside intrusion.

Future-proofing your hybrid workforce

Simply put, the way we work is evolving. That means your business needs to be evolve too.

Thanks to VoIP, it actually can. As a more flexible, feature-rich, and cost-effective solution, cloud calling is poised to carry enterprises into the next phase of hybrid work and empower tomorrow’s businesses to perform at their best.

 

Reilly Nolan, Content Marketing Manager, Webex by Cisco has more than 10 years of experience across the technology, healthcare, interior design, consumer goods, and fashion industries. Unpacking the human aspect of the product experience is what informs his writing most. In his spare time, Reilly has published and shortlisted fiction in a variety of national literary magazines.

 

7 Drivers Of Startup Community Activity

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by Christopher Heivly, managing director of The Startup Factory and author of “Build the Fort  – The Startup Community Builder’s Field Guide“

Are you motivated to build a more robust startup community in your area? Do you have the right mindset and a clear sense of where your community currently is and what matters to you? Then it’s time to focus on the action steps you need to take to make your goals happen. 

There are seven basic cornerstone drivers of activity with respect to startup communities and entrepreneurial ecosystems. You’ll need to set the right attitudes among current and new local leaders, inspire and support founders, increase the current level of mentorship for founders at all stages, activate more local and regional investors, plug regional corporations into the ecosystem, connect to regional universities, and secure support with local, regional, state, and federal government. 

Below, I’ll break each of these drivers down and give you a clear roadmap for creating a thriving community. 

1. Develop Leaders.

The first and most foundational of the seven drivers of startup community and entrepreneurial ecosystem building is community leadership and the culture they create. 

Your community’s culture is the collective bucket of the current community norms. You can develop tools, tricks, and programs around setting a new community culture. If that sounds like an impossible task, you’re not alone in thinking so. But what if we only needed to change eight or ten people and then had the patience for that invisible influence to diffuse throughout the community?

If you can prioritize building meaningful connections with members of your ecosystem – including those “leaders”, your future work will ultimately invite a new set of community norms. 

How? It turns out that we influence our friends and our friends’ friends and even our friends’ friends’ friends without even being intentional about our influence. What if we were actually intentional about sharing those new principles? Like every hour of every day of every week? Imagine the influence we could create. What if we found a handful of peers to do the same thing?

That is ecosystem leadership.

2. Develop Founders.

Community builders should rally around the idea that 0.5 percent to 1 percent of the people in their regions are likely high-growth entrepreneurs. 

Your first task is to find the active and unknown entrepreneurs and bring them into the community, as they are operational and in need of your help, network, and experiences. They also instantly add their experience to your community as mentors. 

Some of them think there’s no reason to leave their basement. Some of them aren’t aware that there are others like them. Some have chosen to not engage, mostly because engagement activities aren’t created in their best interest (rather, in the interest of the ESOs). It’s imperative that you create activities with and for entrepreneurs and not for organizational vanity purposes.

3. Develop Mentors.

Mentorship is both a concept and an activity. The concept has its roots in the idea of community. The activity is something that two or more people do together.

If you think about the idea of community and tribe, you should think about the camaraderie and connection that members have as they have similar interests. With that similar interest comes a willingness, or dare I say, a responsibility to support one another. Mentorship as a concept is the idea that sharing your thoughts, feedback, experiences, and advice is a natural occurrence in startup communities. The breakdown occurs when new members aren’t aware of that implied community support contract.

So, your task and the task of all members of the community is to be available and to create situations where new and veteran members can frictionlessly support each other. It’s not just the give, but also the ask. For some reason, nascent and developing communities are full of founders who think it’s weak to ask for help.

4. Develop Investors.

Your community can’t just set up a new fund without having a healthy number of  entrepreneurs. What every developing or emerging community requires is an active angel community. Local angels serve as the first real investors for a company (outside of friends and family). 

Professional investors will rarely be the first investors in a company, local or not. Angel investors typically get involved at what’s called the seed round, and this label should tell you everything about investing.

The good news is that every town and city has a population of high-net-worth individuals who have the means to do seed investments. Your challenge is to unlock this group. Start by inviting them to your coffee meetups or any other networking activity.

5. Engage Corporations.

Local corporations are one of the largest assets in your community. The challenge for community builders is to encourage a meaningful interaction between your startup community and corporate staff.

Today’s corporations are nervous. Very nervous. In nascent communities, corporations might imagine community startup efforts as competition for employees or ideas. 

They would be wrong. A strong high-tech, high-growth entrepreneurial ecosystem creates innovation energy that waterfalls to everyone in the region. Corporations will have access to hundreds of startups acting as free R&D departments, a larger pool of talent in technology and growth marketing, and an exciting community to engage their employees, spouses, and children. That is your lead-in.

There are obvious and compelling activities a corporation can choose to deepen their engagement. The impact that cascades to all involved parties is immeasurable. Your task is to connect these disparate community actors for the betterment of both, a classic need that simply needs a passionate broker.

6. Engage Universities.

Almost every town has a college or university within its greater region. The core mission of every one of these institutions is to prepare students for their careers. These higher-learning institutions have within their walls an eager group of students searching for knowledge, purpose, and direction. By definition this student-state is ripe for creating awareness of entrepreneurship.

As I see it, there are a handful of knowledge systems within colleges and universities that are able to drive local innovation and potentially result in playing a key role in entrepreneurship:

  1. Educating and training students 
  2. Developing potential products from science, research, and experimentation
  3. Encouraging and even facilitating a problem-solving mindset across department and class boundaries
  4. Actual company formation 

Finding ways to connect students, staff, and faculty to the community is task one. Finding opportunities to support researchers, inventors, and staff at the intersection of their interests and entrepreneurs is task two. 

7. Engage Government.

One of the most discussed aspects of startup community development is the role government should play. In Startup Communities, Brad Feld explains: “Government can and do play a critical role when their interactions are generally in a supportive role of the overall ecosystem rather than an attempt to lead the ecosystem.”

A problem often arises in cities, states, or countries where the population tends to rely on the government for on-the-ground leadership. Though there can be some quick short-term impact, this government-led set of activities  unfortunately quickly runs out of steam. I have seen this firsthand where those early wins translate into “let’s put more money or staff behind the purveyor of those successes.” 

As time goes by, everyone begins to count on those entities for progress. The entity gradually begins to spend as much time running itself (fundraising, political lobbying, management oversight, etc.) as it does supporting its original mission. Staff changes further exacerbate this lost mission. 

Engaging the government matters, but ultimately, in order for your startup community to accelerate, the effort must be more citizen-based than government-based.

Do Your Thing

The underlying goal is for you and your peers to embrace the ecosystem principles and proactively share and support them throughout your community. 

If this sounds daunting, you may be overthinking the goal. Just do your thing. I hereby deputize you as an agent of change. Show up at events. Guest speak at college classes, judge competitions, and sit on panels. Every interaction you have creates an opportunity to strengthen your ecosystem and drive more activity at all levels of your community. 

 

*adapted from “Build the Fort  – The Startup Community Builder’s Field Guide“

 

Christopher Heivly

Christopher Heivly is a life-long entrepreneur and multifaceted investor who spent forty years working as, for, and with entrepreneurs. Chris currently serves as a managing director of The Startup Factory and is a highly sought-after public speaker. His first book, “Build the Fort: Why 5 Simple Lessons You Learned As a 10 Year-Old Can Set You Up for Startup Success“, was inspired by his widely acclaimed TEDx talk in 2014.

 

5 Best Virtual Business Phone Systems For Small Teams

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In today’s fast-paced business world, small teams need efficient communication systems to stay ahead of the curve. One way to achieve this is by utilizing a virtual business phone system that offers cost-effective, professional, and flexible solutions for seamless communication.

In this blog post, we will discuss the five best virtual business phone systems tailor-made for small teams – OpenPhone, Grasshopper, RingCentral, CallHippo, and Nextiva.

Why Small Teams Need a Virtual Business Phone System

Small teams need a virtual business phone system for cost-effectiveness, professionalism, and credibility, and greater flexibility in managing their communication needs.

Cost-Effectiveness.

One of the significant advantages of using a virtual business phone system for small teams is cost-effectiveness. Traditional landline systems often come with hefty installation fees, expensive equipment, and ongoing maintenance costs that can be financially burdensome for smaller organizations.

By embracing a virtual phone system, small businesses can save money without compromising essential telecommunications capabilities.

Professionalism and Credibility.

A virtual business phone system significantly elevates the professionalism and credibility of a small team, leaving a lasting impression on potential clients and partners.

For example, having a professional greeting message or an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) menu offers your callers a seamless experience while navigating different departments or reaching intended contacts within your organization.

Moreover, with features like custom voicemail messages, dedicated business numbers for each department or employee, and call-forwarding capabilities, you can tailor the phone system to match your brand identity.

Receiving calls from a distinguished business number rather than personal mobile devices demonstrates that your team is well-established and invests in customer service excellence.

Greater Flexibility.

One of the main advantages of using a virtual business phone system for small teams is greater flexibility. By leveraging internet-based communication, these systems free businesses from the constraints and limitations of traditional landline setups.

This adaptability makes scaling up more manageable and allows employees to work remotely without sacrificing communication quality. For instance, if a customer support representative attends an industry conference overseas, they can still field client queries just as efficiently as if they were in the office.

Top 5 Virtual Business Phone Systems for Small Teams

Here are the top five virtual business phone systems that small teams can consider for their communication needs: OpenPhone, Grasshopper, RingCentral, CallHippo, and Nextiva.

OpenPhone.

OpenPhone is a popular virtual business phone system that caters to solo businesses and small teams. It offers advanced features such as team messaging, call recording, and voicemail, making it a versatile option for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.

One of the key advantages of using OpenPhone is its affordability – with plans starting at just $10 per user per month, making it an excellent choice for small businesses on a budget.

Additionally, OpenPhone makes it easy to set up and use their virtual phone system without needing any technical expertise or special hardware.

Grasshopper.

Grasshopper is a popular virtual phone system catering to small teams and entrepreneurs. Designed for affordability and ease of use, Grasshopper offers a range of features that help small businesses appear more professional and credible.

One of the standout features of Grasshopper is its mobile app which enables users to manage their calls from anywhere in the world. This flexibility makes it an excellent option for remote teams or those who frequently work on the go.

RingCentral.

RingCentral is a cloud-based virtual business phone system that has become popular among small teams due to its ease of use and flexibility. Its advanced call management features give small businesses full control over communicating with customers, clients, and team members.

One key benefit of RingCentral’s virtual phone system is its affordability. Small businesses can select from several pricing tiers that fit their specific needs without sacrificing quality or functionality.

Additionally, RingCentral offers integrations with other business tools like Salesforce and Slack for greater efficiency in communication.

CallHippo.

CallHippo is a top-rated virtual business phone system for small teams, known for its rich features and affordable pricing. It offers advanced call management options such as call transfer, voicemail, call recording, and IVR systems that ensure your customers receive the best quality service possible.

What’s more impressive about CallHippo is its flexibility; it allows you to work on the go or remotely without any hassle. With this tool, you can maintain a professional image that enhances customer trust while keeping expenses low.

Nextiva.

Nextiva is a popular choice for small teams that need a reliable virtual business phone system. With its suite of HIPAA-compliant features, including call recording, virtual faxing, and team collaboration tools, Nextiva offers an all-in-one solution for modern businesses.

Nextiva’s advanced call management and routing options make it easy to handle multiple calls simultaneously while maintaining professionalism and credibility with clients.

One of the standout advantages of Nextiva is its affordability and remote-friendly solutions suitable for small budgets without sacrificing quality features. The platform also integrates seamlessly with other business tools via APIs such as Microsoft Teams or Slack making it easy to streamline operations efficiently across various communication platforms on your desktop or mobile devices.

Key Features and Benefits of Virtual Business Phone Systems

Virtual business phone systems offer advanced call management and routing options, are easy to set up and use, integrate with other business tools, allow for remote work, and are affordable pricing.

Advanced Call Management and Routing Options.

One of the most important features to look for in a virtual business phone system is advanced call management and routing options. These can include call forwarding, call screening, and even setting up custom greetings for specific callers or periods.

For example, with RingCentral’s virtual phone system, you can set up rules to automatically route calls based on criteria like location or time of day. Grasshopper also offers advanced routing features like simultaneous ringing so multiple team members can answer the same incoming call from their respective devices.

Easy To Set Up and Use.

One of the most significant advantages of virtual business phone systems is their ease of use and setup. These cloud-based services do not require complex hardware installations or extensive training for employees to operate them efficiently.

For example, Grasshopper provides a straightforward dashboard that allows small teams to set up extensions, record voicemail greetings, and manage call-forwarding preferences effortlessly.

Similarly, CallHippo offers an intuitive interface that lets users purchase local numbers from over 50 countries worldwide and route incoming calls with a few clicks.

Integrations With Other Business Tools.

One of the key benefits of selecting a virtual business phone system is that it often integrates with other commonly used business tools. For example, Nextiva, which is one of the top five options for small teams, can integrate with Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Teams.

Integrations like this are important because they allow for greater productivity and efficiency. By leveraging the small business tools you already use, like Slack, HubSpot, Salesforce, or Zapier, by selecting a phone system with integrations.

Ability To Work Remotely.

Virtual phone systems allow small teams to work remotely without sacrificing productivity or connectivity. With a virtual business phone system, users can make and receive calls from any location using their laptop or mobile device.

In addition, remote-friendly features such as call forwarding and voicemail-to-email notifications enable team members to stay connected and responsive even when they are not physically present in the office.

For example, someone away on vacation can still easily access voicemails and return important calls promptly without needing access to a dedicated desk phone.

Affordable Pricing.

One of the main advantages of virtual business phone systems for small teams is their affordable pricing. Compared to traditional business phone systems, virtual alternatives offer cost-effective options catering to smaller businesses with limited budgets.

With prices ranging between $10 and $30 per user per month, these systems provide various benefits, such as advanced call management features, integrations with other business tools, remote work capabilities, team messaging options, video conferencing access, and more.

For example, OpenPhone offers a base subscription plan costing only $10 per user each month, while Nextiva provides pricing plans starting at just under $20 monthly per user.

How To Choose the Right Virtual Business Phone System for Your Small Team

Choosing the right virtual business phone system for your small team is an important decision that can impact your business’s efficiency, professionalism, and bottom line.

To make the best choice, evaluate your current and future needs and assess the integration with other tools or systems you already use in your business. Also, take advantage of free trials or demos before committing to a provider.

Overall, by carefully considering your needs and preferences while taking advantage of trial periods offered by providers, it is possible to choose a high-quality virtual business phone system that meets all your requirements without breaking your budget.

Conclusion

Virtual business phone systems offer small teams an affordable and efficient communication solution. With advanced call management features and integrations with other business tools, these virtual phone systems can help improve professionalism and flexibility in remote work environments.

When choosing the right virtual phone system for your team, consider factors like pricing, key features, and customer support to ensure you select the best option for your needs.

 

Accused Of Criminal Charges? An Entrepreneur’s Guide

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Being an entrepreneur entails a multitude of risks and challenges, and one of the most daunting situations you may face is being accused of criminal charges. Although the majority of entrepreneurs operate their businesses ethically and lawfully, there are instances where legal complications may arise. Some common grounds for criminal accusations against entrepreneurs include the following: 

  • Financial misconduct 
  • Intellectual property infringement 
  • Occupational safety and health violations 
  • Environmental offenses 
  • Corporate espionage 
  • Regulatory non-compliance 

It’s important to note that accusations do not necessarily imply guilt, and entrepreneurs have the right to defend themselves against these charges. Some accusations may stem from genuine wrongdoing, while others may be based on misunderstandings, false information, or personal vendettas. Every case is unique, and navigating the intricacies of the legal system can be devastating for anyone.  

So, if you’ve been recently accused of criminal charge(s), this guide will provide you with valuable advice on handling the situation effectively, protecting your business, and upholding your reputation.

Stay Calm And Seek Legal Counsel.

The initial shock of being accused of criminal charges can be overwhelming, but it’s crucial to remain calm and composed. Immediately consult with a skilled criminal defense attorney from PCS Law or other reputable legal services who specialize in business-related cases. They will assist you through the whole legal process, evaluate the accusations, and help develop a strong defense strategy. Remember, a competent lawyer is your best ally in safeguarding your rights and navigating the complexities of the legal system.  

Preserve Evidence and Document Everything.

As soon as you’re informed about the criminal accusations, take immediate steps to preserve evidence supporting your innocence. This includes gathering relevant documents, emails, contracts, financial records, or any other materials that can potentially refute the charges against you. Maintain a meticulous record of all conversations, meetings, and interactions related to the case. This documentation will serve as crucial evidence and can greatly assist your legal defense.

Maintain Confidentiality And Limit Public Statements.

In the face of criminal accusations, it’s easy to get emotionally carried away and speak out in public to defend yourself and your business. However, when going through criminal charges, it’s essential to exercise caution when discussing the case. Refrain from making public statements or engaging in conversations that could harm your defense.  

Be mindful of social media posts or public comments that can be misinterpreted or used against you. While it’s natural to feel the urge to defend yourself, it’s best to let your attorney handle all communication regarding the case to avoid any potential pitfalls.

Assess The Impact On Your Business.

Evaluate the potential impact of the criminal charges on your business operations. Consider the short-term and long-term consequences the accusations may have on your company’s reputation, partnerships, and customer trust. Then, develop a contingency plan to ensure the continuity of your business in case the situation escalates. Communicate with key stakeholders, such as employees and investors, transparently and honestly to maintain their trust and confidence during this challenging period.

Review Insurance Coverage and Seek Support.

Reevaluate your business insurance policies to see if they cover legal expenses related to criminal charges. Then, engage with your insurance provider and seek clarification on the extent of coverage and any specific requirements for filing claims. 

Additionally, consider contacting organizations or support groups specializing in assisting entrepreneurs facing legal challenges. Their expertise and resources can provide valuable guidance, emotional support, and access to relevant networks.

Prepare for Reputation Management.

Accusations of criminal wrongdoing can damage your personal and business reputation, whether proven true or not. To address this issue, you can develop a reputation management strategy. Consider consulting with a public relations professional to help you craft an effective communication plan.   

For any media inquiries, you can promptly respond to them with guidance from your legal counsel. Transparently communicating with your stakeholders and expressing your commitment to resolving the matter will reinforce your dedication to ethical business practices.

Cooperate With Law Enforcement.

It’s crucial to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies during the investigation. Provide requested information, documents, or evidence that are under the guidance of your legal counsel and within the bounds of the law. Cooperating demonstrates your willingness to resolve the matter and can help build a more favorable perception of your case.

Conduct An Internal Investigation.

Depending on the charges, conducting an internal investigation within your company may be beneficial. This can help identify any potential misconduct or areas of vulnerability that may have contributed to the accusations. Consult with your legal team and consider involving external experts, such as forensic accountants or compliance professionals, to conduct a thorough examination.

The Bottom Line.

Facing criminal charges as an entrepreneur is an immensely challenging situation. Remember, the specifics of your case will determine the most appropriate steps to take. Each situation is unique, so you must rely on the expertise of criminal defense professionals to guide you through the process effectively. With their assistance and along with these steps, you can better navigate the challenges associated with criminal accusations and work towards a fair resolution with greater resilience.  

 

Conflict Resolution: Strategies For Managing Disagreements And Difficult Conversations

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In any workplace, conflicts and disagreements are inevitable, and they arise from differences in opinions, values, and approaches, and can often create tension and hinder productivity. However, mastering the art of conflict resolution is crucial for fostering a harmonious work environment and maintaining healthy relationships among team members.

This article will explore effective strategies for managing conflicts and navigating difficult conversations, ensuring positive outcomes and improved collaboration.

The Impact of Unresolved Conflicts

Unresolved conflicts can have detrimental effects on both individuals and organisations. Consider these statistics:

  1. Decreased Productivity: According to a study by CPP Global, employees in the United States spend an average of 2.8 hours per week dealing with conflicts, resulting in an estimated loss of $359 billion in paid hours. Unaddressed conflicts can lead to decreased productivity, as individuals become preoccupied with the conflict rather than focusing on their work.
  2. Negative Work Environment: Unresolved conflicts create a toxic work environment characterised by tension, resentment, and mistrust. This can lead to increased absenteeism, turnover, and decreased employee satisfaction, ultimately impacting overall organisational performance.
  3. Poor Decision-Making: Conflicts that are not effectively resolved can hinder the decision-making process. When team members cannot communicate openly and constructively, reaching a consensus and making informed decisions becomes challenging.

Strategies for Conflict Resolution

1. Foster Open Communication.

  • Encourage dialogue: Create an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their opinions and concerns openly. This promotes understanding and allows for the early identification and resolution of conflicts.
  • Active listening: Encourage active listening, where individuals listen attentively to each other without interruption. This fosters empathy and helps build a foundation of mutual respect.

2. Seek Common Ground.

  • Focus on shared goals: Remind team members of the common objectives they are working towards. By highlighting shared interests, it becomes easier to find mutually beneficial solutions.
  • Explore win-win solutions: Encourage brainstorming sessions where all parties involved can contribute ideas to find creative solutions that address everyone’s needs.

3. Embrace Mediation and Collaboration.

  • Utilise a neutral third party: In situations where conflicts escalate and become challenging to resolve, consider involving a neutral mediator or facilitator. Their role is to guide the conversation, encourage active listening, and help parties find common ground.
  • Collaborative problem-solving: Instead of approaching conflicts with a win-lose mentality, encourage a collaborative problem-solving approach. This involves actively involving all parties in finding solutions that benefit everyone involved.

4. Practise Emotional Intelligence.

  • Self-awareness: Encourage individuals to reflect on their own emotions, triggers, and biases. This self-awareness helps prevent emotional reactions that can escalate conflicts.
  • Empathy: Foster empathy by encouraging individuals to understand and acknowledge the perspectives and emotions of others. This facilitates a more compassionate and understanding approach to conflict resolution.

5. Implement Conflict Resolution Training.

  • Training programs: Investing in conflict resolution training or general management training equips individuals with essential skills for effectively managing conflicts. These programs provide practical techniques, role-playing exercises, and real-life examples that enhance conflict resolution capabilities.

By implementing these strategies and promoting a culture of open communication and collaboration, organisations can create a supportive environment where conflicts are addressed constructively, leading to increased productivity, enhanced teamwork, and improved job satisfaction.

The bottom line

Conflict resolution is an essential skill for maintaining a harmonious work environment and fostering positive relationships among team members. Unresolved conflicts can have detrimental effects on productivity, employee satisfaction, and decision-making processes. By embracing effective strategies such as fostering open communication, seeking common ground, and practising emotional intelligence, organisations can navigate disagreements and difficult conversations with finesse, leading to positive outcomes and improved collaboration.

Remember, conflict resolution is not about avoiding or suppressing conflicts but rather addressing them proactively and constructively. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, organisations can transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and innovation.

Conflict resolution is a vital competency for individuals and companies seeking to foster a positive work environment. Organisations can effectively manage disagreements and difficult conversations by embracing open communication, seeking common ground, practising empathy, and implementing conflict resolution strategies. Proactively addressing conflicts promotes collaboration, enhances productivity, and cultivates a culture of trust and respect.

So, let us embark on this journey of mastering the art of conflict resolution, transforming conflicts into opportunities for growth, and building stronger, more resilient teams. By doing so, we create a workplace where differences are celebrated, creativity flourishes, and relationships thrive.

 

The Entrepreneurial Path: Knowing When To Pivot And When To Persevere

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by James H Hunter III, author of “Graduate A CEO: Why College Is The Perfect Time To Start Your Business“

Entrepreneurs make seemingly countless decisions throughout their journey. But few, if any, will be more important than deciding whether to pivot or to persevere on the plan they’re following.

It’s a decision that can come up at several points during the life of the company, and each time it can determine whether the business survives only another year or so, or grows into a sustainable, profit-making enterprise.

Knowing when to pivot or when to persevere can be a delicate dance an entrepreneur does with his or her nature and market forces. Many entrepreneurs are oriented toward taking quick action, but in some cases that might mean an overreaction. A sub-par performance two quarters in a row, for example, doesn’t necessarily mean you should make wholesale changes. Entrepreneurs need to closely inspect every aspect of their business before deciding whether to change course or stay the course. They need to ask themselves if they’re pivoting due to impatience and restlessness or because they’ve uncovered details that call for tweaking the plan.

The Lean Startup Model

Eric Ries, author of “The Lean Startup”, knows all about the importance of a business’ decision to pivot or persevere. In his book, Ries tells entrepreneurs that a great product and hard work in and of themselves will not lead to a successful and sustainable business; rather, it is the boring, mundane details and small individual choices that make or break a startup.

Ries formalized his Lean Startup method after years of experience, study, and the worldwide success of a business he co-founded, IMVU (an avatar-based social network). One of his principles, build-measure-learn, is central in determining when to pivot and when to persevere.

The Lean Startup model views the products that startups build as experiments; the outcome of those experiments is the learning of how to build a sustainable business. At its core is the build-measure-learn feedback loop, and the key to this feedback loop is to minimize the total time through it.

  • Build: Once your value hypothesis and growth hypothesis have been determined, the goal is to quickly enter the build phase with a minimum viable product (MVP) that you can get in front of customers and assess their response to it.
  • Measure: In this phase, you are measuring your value hypothesis (Does anyone even want this product?) and your growth hypothesis (Is it scalable?)
  • Learn: Using the data from your measure phase, it’s time to set up what Ries refers to as learning milestones, creating actionable metrics that enable you to assess the progress of your product, strategy, and growth accurately and objectively.

With the loop complete, it’s truth time: Should you pivot or persevere? Quickly determining that even one of your hypotheses is false allows a start-up to pivot swiftly and efficiently, saving time and money. If your hypotheses prove to be correct, you can confidently persevere on the same course, creating and testing new hypotheses until one of those hypotheses proves to be false. At that point, it’s truth time all over again.

Will pivots extend your runway?

Ries contends that pivots are the best measurement of a startup’s runway (how many months a business can continue operating before it runs out of money) rather than the standard measurement of a startup’s runway (cash in the bank divided by monthly spend rate). How many pivots can a business get to before it runs out of money? Think back to that build-measure-learn feedback loop. The faster and leaner a startup can continually get through that loop, the more pivots it can make in a shorter period of time. As a result, its chances of success will be better.

This is not to suggest that pivoting is easy. Pivots require an objective and open mindset, a purposeful and validated approach, and a bit of courage. After all, the need to pivot means that something along the way failed, and that can be a challenge to accept for some entrepreneurs. But if you are not failing, you are also not learning or innovating.

If you persevere when you should pivot, your business will not be able to maintain long-term sustainability. And if you pivot for the sake of change rather than because of measurable and validated data that leads you to a pivot, you will waste precious time, money, and morale that will pull your company down.

Key points to remember:

  • It’s important to purposely and continually assess whether your business should pivot or persevere.
  • The decision to pivot or persevere must be founded in objective and proven data.
  • Create products that fill a customer need and that customers will buy. You will not succeed by creating something that is shiny and new, but that no one will buy.
  • The first iteration of your product should be a minimum viable product that is tested on a finite group of early adopters.

Whether you decide to pivot or persevere, the key is to make those decisions intentionally. You can do so via a scientific methodology while channeling the human elements of vision, intuition, and judgment.

 

james hunter

James H Hunter III is Bostrom Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he is an adjunct assistant professor of business. Hunter is author of “Graduate A CEO: Why College Is The Perfect Time To Start Your Business“. Hunter has started several businesses and sold two of them for significant profits in his long entrepreneurial career. He is currently the president/managing member of three companies.

 

Joining A Legacy Firm: Don’t Be Intimidated By What You Don’t Know

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by Julie Charlestein, CEO of Premier Dental and author of “How To Lead Your Family Business: Excelling Through Unexpected Crises, Choices, and Challenges“

When you join any existing business, including a family business, you may find yourself surrounded by people with a lot more experience than you — people who may seem to know things about the business that feels like you have no hope of knowing. Makes sense. But it can also be intimidating. It can make you feel like an idiot when you are in meetings with these people. It can discourage you from offering your own ideas. In short, it can prevent you from thinking and acting like a leader. Don’t let it.

If you are working with people who have deep knowledge of your industry, that’s great. It creates a huge opportunity for you to learn. But if you’re going to take advantage of that opportunity, you have to overcome your trepidation. Here’s how:

First, do your homework. Read whatever you can find about the technical or business aspects of your industry. Watch videos, attend seminars, visit websites, subscribe to industry magazines. Little by little, you’ll pick up the jargon and be able to start participating — intelligently — in meetings.

Second, ask questions. When you don’t understand something that’s being discussed, pipe up. Request a brief explanation. (You may not be the only one who could use it.) If you’re too shy to ask for help the first time you need it, you may miss your best chance of getting it, since it will only make you feel much worse to ask the tenth time the topic is discussed.

Third, if you are a family member, take advantage of the education that’s available to you. In most companies, most people’s jobs are siloed. Being in the family allows you to be exposed more broadly. This experience will be important to call on as you lead—remembering, relating, and requesting buy-in. People will be looking at you differently. You need to harness what you’ve picked up to make connections throughout the company and win people’s support for your leadership.

Fourth, keep learning. Even after you develop some expertise in your industry, there will always be more to absorb, especially since, in today’s world, change is constant. I’ve been with my firm, Premier Dental, for decades now. I still often find myself in the same room with PhDs who know terms and equations I’ll never understand. That’s okay—I’ve learned that what matters most in business is not how many facts you can recite, but your ability to ask smart questions and then make good use of the answers.

It’s essential as a company leader to see the big picture — the long-term trends that are shaping the company’s future, and the steps you need to take to ensure that future will be long-lasting and successful. This skill isn’t something that comes naturally to most people. It takes training, practice, and deliberate effort.

It’s especially true if you have worked your way to the top of the organization after starting in some specific department or niche. If you spent your first few years in the business focusing on one particular set of issues and challenges — product development, sales, customer service, marketing, financial management, or whatever — it’s easy to retain that narrow lens even after you rise in the organization and take on much broader responsibilities.

So as your career progresses, pay conscious attention to the need to expand your horizons and learn to think strategically about the long-term future of your business. There are lots of ways you can practice this new skill. For me, earning my master’s degree in business was an important way to hone this kind of thinking. But you may not need to take on a complete MBA program to get the same benefit — attending lectures and workshops, watching YouTube videos (not kidding), and taking specific classes focused on business strategy, market analysis, emerging economic trends, and similar topics can also be extremely helpful. Read mind-opening books and articles by big thinkers in business, including not just the latest trendy bestsellers but classic books by gurus whose wisdom has stood the test of time.

Make connections with experts who can help you hone your strategic thinking skills—academics, veteran executives from your own or other industries, consultants with real insight into the ways the business world is evolving. Spend time with them brainstorming about possible future scenarios for your company. They can help you develop a big-picture understanding of your industry, and they can help you practice looking at your business as it might appear to outsiders — customers, suppliers, competitors.

Of course, it’s not possible to predict the future with certainty. But with practice, you can develop the ability to see major developments in your industry as they are happening, rather than waiting for their impact to hit you. Then you can take the steps needed to prepare yourself and your team to address tomorrow’s challenges today, which can help to ensure your company’s enduring survival and success.

 

Julie Charlestein is a Philadelphia-based business leader and healthcare innovator who serves as the fourth-generation CEO of Premier Dental, just named a 2023 Top Ten Most Innovative Company in Wellness by Fast Company. Her new Wall Street Journal bestseller is “How To Lead Your Family Business: Excelling Through Unexpected Crises, Choices, and Challenges“.

 

The Significance Of Marketing When Opening A Medical Practice

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by Gill Valerio, Founder of Elevate Marketing Solutions

The core role of healthcare and wellness professionals has remained relatively unchanged throughout the years: to provide excellent patient care. However, as businesses in the health and wellness sectors become more complex and digital technologies continue to develop, entrepreneurs in health and wellness must be prepared to adopt a digital marketing strategy. Otherwise, they risk becoming irrelevant and — albeit unintentionally — pushing otherwise loyal patients into their competitors’ doors.

The evolution of marketing in the healthcare and wellness sector

Traditionally, businesses in the healthcare and wellness industries have been marketed in one of two ways: through community outreach events or direct advertising via snail mail. Although these may have been efficient once upon a time, the modern tools now at the disposal of health and wellness entrepreneurs have created a landscape where these methods are too expensive and time-consuming for the low ROI they provide.

The final marketing tool that has historically been dominant in health and wellness is word-of-mouth, which still remains a relevant one, but even word-of-mouth marketing is evolving in the modern day. Whereas word-of-mouth referrals used to come from friends, neighbors, and family members telling each other about the practitioners they visit, referrals now come from online reviews and social media posts talking about a patient’s experiences.

As we live an increasing amount of our lives in a digital world, it is thus becoming increasingly important — if not outright essential — for health and wellness businesses to invest in digital marketing. Digital marketing offers many tools and insights that were unavailable to businesses using more traditional methods of marketing. Because the ultimate goal of marketing for health and wellness practices is primarily to generate new patient leads, understanding how digital marketing tools can be used to reach prospective patients is of the utmost importance.

The appeal of digital marketing for healthcare and wellness

The main reason why businesses in the health and wellness space should emphasize digital marketing in their strategy is to stay relevant. The industry has already seen several of its processes become entirely digitized, with tools such as patient portals and appointment scheduling apps taking the place of paper records and appointment cards. The demand for health and wellness practices to accommodate the mobile and online lifestyles of the current generation has created a reality in which digital marketing is perhaps the only way to reach these people.

Perhaps the main benefit of digital marketing — especially with a thought-out plan on how to execute it — is its enormous potential for fast growth. Digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google offer massive audiences that businesses in the health and wellness industry should take advantage of. These platforms also tend to appeal to a younger demographic, which these businesses often struggle to reach with more traditional marketing methods.

Indeed, the name of the game with digital marketing is the ability to reach a more targeted audience. The best thing about digital marketing is that it comes with access to a tremendous amount of data. Because of all the information social media users share, it is much easier to create marketing campaigns tailored to their specific needs and interests. This information can also be used to help businesses save money by narrowing marketing efforts to a smaller geographic area or demographic range.

Thankfully, there are plenty of tools and resources at the disposal of health and wellness entrepreneurs to help them navigate the complexities of digital marketing in the sector. Working with a marketing agency that specializes in digital marketing for health and wellness practices can be an especially powerful step to staying relevant in this more digital landscape in the healthcare industry. Remember: if you don’t invest in digital marketing, your competitors will, and you don’t want patients walking through their doors instead of yours.

 

gill valerio

Gill Valerio is an entrepreneur, founder, and CEO of his agency, Elevate Marketing Solutions. The agency is focused on driving new revenue through digital marketing primarily in the Chiropractic niche. Now in business for 6 very successful years now, having helped numerous Chiropractors get back to loving their business and helping the patients in need the most.

 

Things To Consider When Taking An Online MBA Accounting

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If you’re looking to take an online MBA accounting, there are a few things to consider before enrolling. These include the program’s accreditation, admission requirements, coursework, timeframe, and cost.

The best way to learn about an online MBA is by talking to current students or graduates of the program. It will give you a sense of the experience and assist you in reducing the number of possibilities.

Accreditation

You want to find an online MBA accounting program accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Increase your employability and advance in your profession by earning accreditation from a reputable business school accrediting organization.

There are two main types of accrediting agencies: national and regional. 

In addition, some specialized accrediting agencies assess individual programs within an institution. For example, many of the most prestigious business schools and MBA programs are accredited by one or more agencies. Hence, it is called programmatic accreditation.

Requirements

An online MBA accounting program can help you gain general business knowledge and skills and develop your accounting skills. An accounting concentration may also prepare you to earn a certificate or license as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

A comprehensive education in accounting can increase job security. It also increases the likelihood that you will be able to find work in various industries and positions.

Many online programs cater to working professionals, offering a flexible schedule that allows them to watch lectures independently. These types of programs are also often cheaper than on-campus options.

Coursework

Whether you’re a current accountant or new to accounting, an online MBA accounting program can give you the skills you need to succeed in your career. The coursework will prepare you to handle financial reports and responsibilities like preparing taxes, accounting for various entities, and reporting on profits and losses.

In addition, the program will also help you learn more about business management. It offers graduate-level business courses, including financial management, marketing, managerial economics, and international business.

The coursework is case-study-driven and focused on bringing real-world accounting issues to life. Throughout the program, you’ll gain leadership and management skills through live online classes, multimedia assignments, and in-person learning events.

Timeframe

Consider the time commitment if you’re pursuing an online MBA in accounting. It will help you determine if it’s the right degree for you.

Depending on your choice of institution and timing, an online MBA focusing on accounting can be completed in as little as two years. You have the option of full- or part-time study. You can take classes part-time or full-time.

You can also double up on courses to finish your MBA in less than a year, but you’ll need a 3.5 GPA. Alternatively, you can waive some fundamental courses to complete in 18 months.

Cost

An online MBA in accounting can advance your career and grow your skills. However, it’s essential to consider this degree’s cost before deciding.

A master’s degree typically costs between $10,000 and $150,000, depending on the institution and method of delivery. Fortunately, many business schools offer fully online programs, which can help you save money while earning your degree.

Earning an accounting MBA is an excellent option for students who want to build their business leadership and management skills. The program focuses on several core courses, which can prepare graduates for various jobs in management and finance.

 

Five Tips To Know Before Launching Your Tech Startup

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by Shirish Nadkarni, author of “Winner Takes All: Case Studies in How Online Marketplaces Are Creating Modern Monopolies“

You think that you have a great idea that uses the latest technology. You are a techie so you have also been able to build a cool prototype for your product. You are ready to form your company and launch your product with a couple of customers. So, is it time to charge ahead before someone else beats you to the market?

I made the mistake of moving forward with my company the first time around without any customer research. At that time, I was working at Microsoft and had engineered the acquisition of Hotmail – the first free web email service on the internet for consumers. Once the acquisition was completed, I thought why not web based email for small and mid-sized companies? It would save them the hassle of installing and maintaining expensive email servers. I raised a considerable amount of funding for my company and launched the service. Unfortunately, the uptake was fairly poor as it became clear that need didn’t exist in the market for my product at that time (now web-based enterprise email software is fairly commonplace). I had to pivot to mobile email software which finally got traction. The company was later acquired by Blackberry.

1. Conduct Market Research.

It’s important that you start off by conducting market research on your product idea. Don’t get enamored by what technology can do because customers don’t care about technology – they are looking for solutions that address their pain points or needs. Conduct at least 25 interviews with your target customers. Don’t start by showing them their solution. Ask them first about their needs or pain points. Find out what solutions that they are currently using to solve their needs. Then, show them your solution assuming it is addressing a pain point your target customer has articulated. Ask them if your solution addresses their pain point and if it is good enough for them to try it out. If the customer doesn’t proactively ask to try out your solution, that’s a warning sign that your solution is not compelling enough for them to switch products.

2. Build an MVP (Minimum Viable Product).

Founders often make the mistake of seeking perfection with their product before shipping it to customers. However, that can mean long product development timelines and inability to get early customer feedback. You should leverage your customer interviews to understand the minimum set of features that will get them to try out your product and build accordingly. For consumer products, my rule of thumb is that it shouldn’t take you more than 3 months to build a consumer-focused MVP and 6 months to build an enterprise focused MVP.

3. Find a Co-Founder.

It is very important for you to find a co-founder who can be a partner with you on your venture especially if they have complimentary skills. Being a CEO is a lonely job and it is very helpful to partner with someone who you can brainstorm with to solve the numerous challenges that you will inevitably face. Having a co-founder is also important if you want to join an accelerator or get VC funding. Y-Combinator (a famous accelerator) will not accept any companies that have a single founder.

It is also important for you to vet your co-founder thoroughly to make sure that you have complimentary styles and can work together effectively. Talk to other people who have worked with your potential co-founder to understand their working style. If possible, bring that person in on a part time basis to see how things work out between the two of you in terms of work styles.

4. Develop a Go-to-Market Strategy.

Most techie co-founders have the attitude that “I will build it and they will come”. However, securing early customers for your product is one of the hardest things that a startup can do. This is another reason for you to conduct customer research. If you find that you are addressing a real pain point and there may be a few customers that are eager to try out your product. Once you secure a few customers to try out your product, make sure that you sign a contract to get them to pay you once the product is shipping. You can offer them an attractive discount to be your first set of customers and be willing to do a case study on their use of your product. Make sure to document the cost savings and return on investment that they get from using your product.

Once you have a few customers, develop a marketing and sales strategy to secure more customers. Understand where your customers aggregate and develop an advertising and social media strategy to secure leads. If you have an enterprise product, you will need to hire salespeople to service these leads and close sales.

5. Prepare for Fundraising.

Raising funding with just a PowerPoint presentation can be very challenging. It is only possible if you have a great idea and an incredible resume that gives investors the confidence that you can execute on your product plan. For the rest of us, we have to fund the product development ourselves – either by working on the product on the side or leaving our current job and relying on savings. However, once you have a few customers who are ready to sing your praises, you will be in a good position to raise funding for your startups. Make sure to leverage your contacts to reach out to Angels and VCs. It will also take you a good month to develop a compelling investor pitch so invest the time to do so.

Starting a tech company is not for the faint of heart. Be prepared to spend a good 2 to 3 years of your life with very little pay and possibly no return at all. However, if you have a great idea and you are passionate about it, I would say go for it!

 

Shirish Nadkarni

Shirish Nadkarni is a serial entrepreneur with proven success in creating multiple consumer businesses that have scaled to tens of millions of users worldwide. He is the author of Winner Takes All: Case Studies in How Online Marketplaces Are Creating Modern Monopolies and the award-winning “From Startup To Exit: An Insider’s Guide to Launching and Scaling Your Tech Business”.

 

Why UK Companies Require Country-Specific Payroll Systems

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Payroll management is a crucial aspect of every business, but let’s be real – it’s not exactly a walk in the park. Just chat with any payroll manager, and they’ll tell you firsthand how complex and time-consuming it can be, especially without the appropriate tools.

And while each country has its own rules and regulations when it comes to paying salaries, social benefits, and taxes – not many are as complicated or as bureaucratic as the United Kingdom.

The intricate landscape of UK-specific laws and regulations necessitates a unique, specialized approach to payroll management, and to do that, you are going to need specialized software to get the job done.

The Unique Payroll Challenges of UK Companies

Understanding HMRC Legislation

Payroll management goes far beyond the simple calculation of net wages, especially in the United Kingdom. It is an elaborate process that involves understanding and adhering to the  wide range of rules and regulations put forward by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This regulatory body governs all aspects of payroll, tax, and financial transactions within the UK, and compliance with its laws is crucial.

PAYE

Among these regulations is the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) model, which requires employees to deduct income tax and National Insurance contributions from employees wages before payments. It demands a thorough understanding of its nuances to ensure that all the deductions are accurate and compliant.

Real Time Information (RTI) Reporting

In the UK, employers must submit payroll information to HMRC in real time, typically each time they pay their employees. This process, known as Real Time Information (RTI) reporting, can be complex and prone to errors. Any discrepancies in data can pose significant challenges for payroll managers, highlighting the need for accuracy and diligence.

Pension Auto-enrolment

Adding another layer of complexity is the UK’s auto-enrolment pension scheme, which mandates that employers automatically enroll eligible workers into a pension scheme and make contributions towards it. This obligation requires precise calculations and accurate record-keeping to ensure that all contributions are made correctly and on time.

GDPR and Privacy

In the era of digital transactions and cyber threats, data security becomes a pressing concern. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) mandates strict data protection and privacy for individuals within the European Union and the UK. British companies must ensure that their payroll processes are GDPR-compliant, necessitating secure data handling and robust cybersecurity measures.

Gender Pay Gap Reporting

Larger organizations (those with 250 or more employees) are required to report their gender pay gap data annually. This obligation places a significant responsibility on payroll managers to ensure accurate collection and reporting of this data. This process aids in promoting transparency and equality within the workplace, and non-compliance can lead to reputational damage and potential penalties.

Year-End Reporting

The end of the tax year is a particularly busy time for payroll managers. They need to provide employees with P60s, which detail their annual earnings and deductions. They are also required to submit final Full Payment Submission (FPS) or Employer Payment Summary (EPS) reports to HMRC, and subsequently prepare for the incoming tax year. This period requires careful planning and execution to ensure compliance and accuracy.

Remote and Flexible Working

The diverse business environment in the UK presents its own set of challenges. With a workforce that encompasses remote workers, part-time employees, and contractors, payroll management becomes a multifaceted process that requires a system capable of accommodating all these different employment arrangements.

Benefits of Specialized Payroll Tech for UK Companies

Given the intricacies and challenges of UK payroll management, a payroll system designed to cater specifically to UK companies can be a game-changer. Such a system, specifically designed to address the unique payroll requirements of UK businesses, offers several benefits, such as:

  • Compliance: A UK-specific payroll system will be designed to align seamlessly with HMRC rules and regulations. This inbuilt compliance significantly reduces the risk of penalties that can arise from non-compliance, saving the company both financial resources and potential reputational damage.
  • Efficiency: A specialized payroll app can automate many of the tasks involved in payroll management. From calculating taxes to submitting real-time information to HMRC, automation can significantly improve efficiency, reducing the time and effort required for these tasks while also reducing the potential for human error.
  • Versatility: Specialized tech can easily accommodate different types of employment contracts. Whether your employees are full-time, part-time, remote, or contractors, a UK-specific payroll system can ensure that their payroll is managed correctly and efficiently.

Key Features to Look For in a UK-specific Payroll System

When choosing a payroll system, UK companies should be on the lookout for several key features that align with their specific needs:

  • Automation: The system should be capable of automating as many processes as possible. This includes the computation of taxes, the submission of real-time information to HMRC, and the calculation and management of pension contributions.
  • Privacy Compliance: Given the stringent requirements of GDPR, the system should incorporate robust data security measures. This includes encryption for data at rest and in transit, access controls, audit trails, and the ability to anonymize data when necessary.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: As your business evolves and grows, your system should be able to keep pace. Look for a system that can easily scale to accommodate more employees, and that has the flexibility to adapt to changes in employment arrangements, tax laws, or company policies.
  • Ease of Use: It should be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that allows your team to easily perform their tasks. Additionally, it should offer robust reporting and analytics capabilities to provide insights into your payroll operations.
  • Reliable Support: Finally, choose a solution vendor that offers reliable customer support. Having access to expert help when you need it can make a significant difference in the smooth running of your payroll operations.

Implementing a Payroll Platform: A Step-by-Step Guide

Implementing a payroll system in your UK company involves several critical steps.

Needs Analysis

Kick things off by taking a good, hard look at your company’s unique requirements. Think about how many employees you have, what kinds of employment contracts you’re juggling, and the hiccups you’ve encountered with your current payroll process. Having a solid grasp on what you need from an app is a great place to start.

Vendor Evaluation

With a better understanding of your needs, you can start shopping around for payroll systems. Weigh up each system against the key features we’ve discussed earlier, and also consider aspects like cost, feedback from other customers, and the quality of their customer service.

System Onboarding

Once you’ve picked out a specific solution, it’s time to get it up and running. Plan this process well to avoid throwing a wrench in your operations. It’s worth considering starting small with a test group before launching it company-wide.

Training

Training plays a pivotal role in setting up the platform. Make sure your team knows the ins and outs of the new system. If there are any features that your employees will be using directly, like online payslips or self-service portals, they may need a bit of training too.

Review and Adjust

Once you’re live and the team is using it, take a breather and review how it’s performing. Ask your team what they think of it – what’s working well, what needs a little work. Use this feedback to fine-tune the system to perfectly suit your company’s needs.

Wrapping Up

In the complex world of UK payroll management, a specialized payroll system can be a real lifesaver. With a solution that adheres to UK regulations, boosts efficiency, and caters to various employment scenarios, UK companies can confidently tackle payroll management.

Ultimately, a system should make sure your employees are paid correctly and promptly, deductions and contributions are accurately calculated and recorded, and all data is handled securely and in line with regulations. A system that’s tailored for UK companies can make this a reality, making payroll management less of a chore and freeing up time to concentrate on other aspects of your business.

 

Crypto Security In The Current Climate: What Today’s Investors Should Know

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by Isaac Patka, Co-Founder of Shield3

Crypto users are faced with a near constant barrage of threats including widespread phishing schemes, targeted attacks from scammers impersonating friends & application support staff, malware crawling for improperly secured private keys, and speculative meme coins with a sole purpose to build market liquidity for early entrants to dump on retail investors. Thankfully, as attacks are becoming more and more sophisticated, those who aim to defend against bad actors are developing advanced tools to educate and protect consumers. Here are a few examples of the most common scenarios to protect yourself against, as well as how the crypto space is evolving to stay ahead of the curve.

It is important to understand the distinction between holding cryptocurrency on centralized exchanges and holding it in your own wallet through self-custody. The easiest way to get into crypto is to make an account on a centralized exchange and buy some tokens. However there is significant risk in leaving investments on a centralized exchange. Centralized exchanges often lack transparency in accounting and lead to traditional ‘web2’ style fraud as we saw with FTX collapse, which was echoed by the collapses of traditional banking institutions throughout the world. However, once a crypto user withdraws their tokens to their own self-custody wallet they are faced with the responsibility of avoiding phishing campaigns, protocol hacks, private key leaks, and more.

Phishing campaigns range from widespread campaigns to targeted attacks. Recently I have encountered malicious Google Ads which redirect users from legitimate websites to perfect clones which prompt the user to confirm transactions in their wallet which send all of their assets to an attacker. There are also scammers posing as benevolent actors warning users that an application they recently used has been compromised and they need to withdraw all of their funds immediately. The site the scammers send the user to looks identical to the application with which they are familiar, which then prompts them to confirm the same style of malicious transactions.

Even when users connect to legitimate applications, they are not safe from protocol vulnerabilities and accidental introduction of bad code through protocol updates. In the last year there have been network bridges and decentralized exchanges which introduced unaudited updates to their codebase which were soon exploited by bad actors, draining all the deposits of users.

An ongoing problem with crypto wallets is that transactions are impossible to decipher for the vast majority of users. People have become accustomed to clicking ‘confirm’ on opaque blobs of hex data, trusting that the application is telling them the truth. Wallets are starting to get smarter, and there are now tools people can install on their computers, or networks people can connect their wallets to which help filter out mistakes and hacks. The Shield3 RPC is a free tool that people can use to filter out common hacks and interactions with known bad actors.

Also, like many fields, AI is helping. Decentralized finance applications provide unprecedented transparency and data availability to train and adapt models for common mistakes by developers, attack patterns by bad actors, and penetration testing by benevolent hackers. For example, one can now visit a blockchain explorer, copy the code of a smart contract from a popular DeFi app, and paste it into ChatGPT, asking it to find potential ways the code can be exploited. One can also ingest all of the data about all smart contracts and transactions in existence, and identify patterns and transactions that lead to a major hack. Specifically, when someone is about to attack a protocol there are often a series of transactions where they create a new anonymous wallet using a private transaction service, like Tornado Cash, then prepare their wallet to exploit a protocol. Protocols can defend themselves by detecting these patterns and pausing the protocol before the exploit can take place, then implement fixes before unpausing.

However while this data is widely available, it is near impossible to understand for the vast majority of users. AI tools allow us to take the insights from threat analysis and detection tools and present them in language which is personalized and comprehensible to everyone, regardless of their level of technical sophistication. We can take highly technical audit reports and data streams and have large language models summarize the threat in any language, for any audience.

These tools allow us to both detect threats faster and more efficiently than ever before, and democratize access to the insights to make security and risk mitigation widely available.

 

Isaac Patka

Isaac Patka, co-founder of Shield3, is a former electrical engineer in the semiconductor industry, turned crypto dev in early 2017; specializing in web3 security, DAOs, and experimental applications of blockchain technology. Isaac is an active contributor to open standards in the governance and security fields of web3.

 

What Is Important When Starting As A Personal Injury Lawyer

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You are young and ambitious and have the plan to start your own law firm, for example, as a personal injury lawyer (Dutch: letselschade advocaat). But this is not as easy as it may seem. Because in addition to needing the finances to start your business, you also need clients. But how do you reach them, for example, a traffic victim or a victim of a dog bite (Dutch: hondenbeet)?

The advantage of being an independent and young entrepreneur

Many personal injury lawyers are employed. There is nothing wrong with that and the advantage is of course that you have a fixed income. As a salaried lawyer you have the certainty of a good income. But everything you earn does not belong to you; it goes directly to the company you work for. At a certain point, this is frustrating for many and the will to become an independent personal injury lawyer becomes great.

If you plan to work as a self-employed person, then a lot is coming your way. You need everything from an office to a website. The latter is particularly important for getting clients.

Required insurance

If you are going to start as a lawyer in the personal injury industry, you will of course need money, without investments you will not get there. But also forget to take out the right insurance. Because insurance is necessary when it comes to doing business.

Of course, you need insurance that protects you against theft and fire. For example, insurance is important to ensure that you can continue working immediately after a fire. And if the computers are stolen, new ones will have to be found quickly. But more important is liability insurance. Because as a lawyer you obviously do your utmost, you can make a mistake completely unintentionally. Your client then becomes your counterparty. The damage your client suffers because of a professional error can be enormous. Because imagine if you let a statute of limitations of a personal injury case expire. In the event of serious injury, the client can no longer claim anything from the liable party, and he will hold you liable for this.

How do I get my clients?

Do you have everything in order financially and in terms of insurance? Then you also need to know how to get your clients. How do you reach a victim of a car accident, bicycle accident, industrial accident or a dog bite?

In the past, advertising was mainly done in newspapers and dailies to attract clients. Word of mouth also works well, but if you are a starting personal injury lawyer, it will take a while before you have built up a good reputation and a circle of complaints.

One of the best ways to get new clients as a personal injury lawyer is to advertise on Google and to try to get as high as possible in Google’s search results.

By using SEO and SEA you can therefore approach many new clients. But beware, Google advertising is not cheap. That is why, as a starting lawyer in the field of personal injury, it is better to focus on optimizing your texts so that they rank as high as possible in Google.

 

Small Business Credit Scoring Explained

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If you own a small business, you might have wondered what credit scores have to do with your company. Not only do individuals have credit scores, but businesses have credit scores as well. So what exactly is your business credit rating? And why do you have to make sure that your business has a good credit score?

In this article, we’ll go over what a business credit score is, what it means for you, and how to improve it.

What is a credit score?

A credit score is a rating that shows how reliable you are at paying off debts. A small business credit score is the same but for your business. A higher number is good, as it shows that you pay back what you borrow on time. This shows that you’re trustworthy, and lenders are more likely to take you on as a client. A low credit score can suggest that there are issues, such as unpaid debts, missed payments, bankruptcy, or court action against your company.

Why is a business credit score so important?

Your small business credit score shows how well your company pays back its debts and makes payments on loans. When you’re looking for more funding, lenders will look at your credit score to decide whether or not to lend money to you. This will affect you when you’re looking for funding, such as loans, overdrafts, or business credit cards for day-to-day business purchases. Most lenders will have a minimum credit score that a small business must have to get a new line of credit. With some lenders, your credit score will also determine the interest rate you’re offered.

If your small business has a poor credit rating, you can still look at getting a new line of credit. There are plenty of adverse credit lenders that can help if you have poor credit. However, you will usually have to pay higher interest rates if your business has a poor credit rating. You might also find that your credit limit – how much you can borrow – is lower. This is because small businesses with poor credit scores are seen as riskier investments by lenders.

“Building your credit score is the number one route to accessing flexible and valuable business funding. Getting a business credit card lets you and your employees work on building your company’s credit score, getting ready for larger investments, while helping you handle purchases easily and smoothly.”

– Damian Brychcy, COO and US MD of Capital on Tap

What are credit agencies?

Credit agencies are the organizations that monitor credit scores. They evaluate the credit history of an individual or business and assign a score. Some of the main credit agencies include Experian and Equifax, but there are others that offer credit rating services as well. Each credit agency has its own metrics. Some companies rate a credit score from 0 to 100, while some rate it from 0 to 999. It’s important to know the scale that a particular credit agency uses so that you can effectively gauge how good your credit score is.

What is credit history?

Credit rating is more than your small business credit score. The credit score is based on your credit history. The history shows all the instances your small business has applied for a line of credit, any missed payments or late repayments, as well as more serious credit issues such as repossession of property.

How can I improve my business credit score?

If you need to improve your small business credit score, one of the main ways is to use a line of credit responsibly. Some ways to do this include:

  • Not using your entire credit limit – This can make it appear that your business is struggling financially and might not be able to repay other loans
  • Not applying for too many new lines of credit – Again, this can give the impression that your business is in trouble
  • Making payments on time – Be sure not to miss any payments and avoid paying late.

Damian Brychcy goes on to add: “Business credit cards can help build your company’s credit score, even with small purchases, while using cash won’t have an impact on your credit history. This is one of the big advantages to giving your employees credit cards, as long as you make sure that you keep up with the required repayments.”

Conclusion

A business credit score is very similar to a personal credit score. Credit agencies keep track of your loans and payments and you can check your business’s credit score with any of the large credit agencies. If you make your repayments on time, your business’s credit score will improve. You should always try to avoid late payments, or missed payments as this will lower your small business credit score. Having a business credit card, such as a Capital on Tap business credit card (issued by WebBank) provides an easy way to build your credit score.

 

What Is A Portable Office And When Do You Need One

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Portable offices are mobile fixtures that serve as temporary offices and can be easily moved upon project completion or if your space needs change. They’re preferred over constructed office structures for short-term use because they’re affordable, easy to deploy, and flexible. Also, they can be specially designed and equipped with furniture solutions to provide a safe, functional, and comfortable working environment. 

These offices come in various sizes, types, and styles. The common types include single, double-wide, multi-complex, and portable office containers. The double-wide and multi-complex designs are more spacious and can be used for office space and storage.   

With that in mind, here are some instances when you’ll need a portable office:

If Your Job Necessitates Constant Office Relocation.

Some jobs, such as in the field of construction, require constant office relocation since you can get projects in different geographical areas. Therefore, your crew must move from one location to another and will need an on-site office to lay out plans, have morning meetings, or enjoy a quick coffee and lunch break. 

And since brick-and-mortar buildings are impossible to move, the ideal solution, in this case, is to use a portable office structure. It can easily be transported to the project site, installed, or securely connected to existing utilities. You can easily remove and transport it to the next construction site when the project is completed.

Notably, when choosing the type of portable fixture for a construction site, it’s best to go for highly durable solutions like shipping container offices. They have a high level of structural integrity and are impact-resistant. Therefore, they can withstand significant wear and tear or harsh environmental conditions. 

Luckily, there are reputable companies that offer shipping container sales and hires. Therefore, you can purchase or rent a used shipping container from such providers and convert it into a convenient office space. Also, you can customize it to suit your office needs. For example, you can add windows, doors, insulation, heating and air conditioning, partitions, and shelving to make the space more functional.

When You Have A Temporary Need For Extra Office Space.

As your business expands, the workload increases; as a result, you may have to recruit more workers. In that case, you’ll require additional office space to accommodate the new staff. Constructing a permanent office structure may take time and is costly, so you need to think of a solution that won’t break the bank.

Therefore, it’s best to get a portable office building that your workers can use temporarily. Fortunately, you can transform it into a functional area once your platform is constructed. For example, you can use it for storage or as a recreation area. 

Additionally, if you operate a healthcare facility, you may require extra office spaces due to emergency circumstances. For example, if there’s a disease outbreak, the hospital can be at full capacity, and you may need additional space for staff and patients or to distribute emergency supplies. In that case, you can install non-permanent mobile offices to house your staff and accommodate more patients. You can remove them when emergency response efforts are no longer required.

When Your Offices Are Under Renovation.

Your office spaces may need renovations or upgrades from time to time. And as they happen, work must continue, so you and your workers will require functional office spaces to use temporarily.

Fortunately, you can hire or buy a portable office and customize it to suit your needs. For example, you can equip it with furniture solutions, add wood siding, or use dividers to create separate areas for individual tasks and collaborations. Also, you can add other essential items like laptops, printers, and shredders to enable your team to perform their duties more efficiently.

If You Need A Temporary Office Solution For Remote Work.

Some jobs may require workers to be away from the main office for days or weeks to work on specific tasks. During this time, they’ll need an on-site office to conduct meetings, review plans, or sort out documents. An on-site portable office is ideal for such remote work.

The following are examples of remote jobs that may require a portable office structure:

  • Short-term sales work: Sometimes, your sales team may need to move from one location to another to promote products or services to potential customers. A portable office can be the ideal short-term sales office in such situations. And since the office must represent your brand, you can customize it to achieve localization. For instance, you can decorate the interior and exterior with your company products and include your logo. 
  • Research: If you’re operating a research agency, your staff may need to conduct activities such as data collection in remote areas. This might require setting up temporary offices near research sites, which can be used to perform various tasks like reviewing data collected from the field. In this case, the most affordable and easiest-to-implement solution is to purchase or rent a portable office building.  

Also, if you have a charitable organization, you can utilize portable offices to carry out your missions in remote communities. For example, they can serve as areas where you distribute donations and other supplies to the locals.

Conclusion.

Portable offices allow businesses to cut costs and avoid constructing physical buildings when it’s unnecessary. Fortunately, they’re flexible designs that are easy to install and transport. The above are situations where you may require a portable office solution. Most importantly, research a reputable company that charges considerable prices or flexible leases on portable offices.

 

Advancing Your Career In Education

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Whether you want to advance your career in teaching or move into administration, an online master’s degree can provide the skills and experience needed.

In addition to offering a variety of benefits, many online programs also provide the flexibility and freedom of learning that makes them an excellent choice for busy adults.

Control Over Your Learning Experience

Online master’s degree programs provide great flexibility regarding when and how students can complete their coursework. Some are asynchronous, meaning students can complete classwork independently through pre-taped lectures and discussion forums. In contrast, others require that students log in at certain times to view lecture videos or participate in online discussions.

If you are a busy student with a crammed schedule, an online masters of education in curriculum and instruction degree may be the right option. To be sure that the school you choose offers a degree structure that suits your needs and schedule would be beneficial.

While there is a stigma around online degrees, many schools now offer fully accredited, high-quality online programs that can lead to your dream job. Before enrolling, research the school’s reputation for providing superior education and a strong alum network. Look for figures indicating that previous graduate students were satisfied with their experience and received a return on investment.

Personalized Learning Experience

An online master’s degree is an excellent option for people who want to pursue their education without sacrificing their jobs. This format allows students to view lectures independently and submit assignments when most convenient.

This flexibility is a huge benefit for many professionals who are working full-time and want to earn their degrees in their spare time. It also helps them achieve their professional goals and proves to employers that they have good time management skills.

Knowing what you want and how much you can spend on your education is crucial to getting an online master’s degree. Then, you can compare approved programs that fit your needs and your budget to reduce your alternatives.

You should also pay attention to the program’s faculty. Look for individuals who are well-known experts in their fields and have a strong reputation. They can help you advance in your career and teach you valuable knowledge that will help you become a leader.

Time Management Skills

Developing better time management skills is essential for any career. They help you get more work done, reduce stress and anxiety and make a great impression on job interviews.

Planning your day is one of the best ways to develop your time management skills. This can include setting deadlines, delegating tasks to others, and ensuring you don’t go over your schedule.

Setting aside some time in your day for relaxation can also be helpful. Taking short breaks to sit on your couch, walk around the office or have a coffee with a friend can reset your brain and refresh your vigor.

Keeping a running list of all your tasks is another good way to manage your time. This will prevent you from spending time on non-productive activities and ensure you meet all your goals.

Networking Opportunities

A master’s degree in education is an excellent option for people who want to advance their careers. An online graduate program can help you to meet other students and faculty who share your interests.

Another benefit of an online education master’s degree is that you’ll be able to network with alums and classmates who are still working in the field. These former professors can provide references, career advice, and job recommendations that will be valuable for your future.

Online students also have the opportunity to take part in research activities. These projects can range from helping to build infrastructure for a new school district to assisting with a national research project that can lead to funding. These opportunities are open to all students, but you should be sure to apply to them based on your specific areas of interest.

 

Young Employees Want Leaders Who Care About Them. But What Does That Really Mean?

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by Gary Harpst, author of “Built to Beat Chaos: Biblical Wisdom for Leading Yourself and Others“

More than anything else, Millennials and Gen Z workers want employers to care about their well-being. Sure, they need a paycheck, but they also want leaders who are invested in their mental, physical, and emotional health and committed to helping them live up to their potential. Frankly, it’s not just a generational thing: Humans of all ages crave this style of leadership. But what does it really mean to care about your employees?

It boils down to showing them unconditional love — also called agape — and that it’s a lot tougher than you might think.

Agape love is about relating to someone with their best interests in mind, regardless of their response. This is far from easy, because, as we all know, employees don’t always behave the way we’d like them to.

You might be thinking love, especially a form with Christian connotations, doesn’t belong in business. But there’s a very good reason to love your employees: It’s the only way to get them to subsume their individual desires and pull together to work toward your mission. Without love, there’s chaos.

Just as there must be a form of energy holding together the trillions of atoms that make up a single cell in the body, there must also be a force uniting team members and holding them together. In the network of human relationships that make up a great organization, love is that bonding force. Learning to practice it is the number-one job of a leader. It is a huge part of bringing order out of chaos.

So, how do you practice unconditional love at work? Here are a few insights:

First, do a gut check about your attitude toward other people.

Do you care for people as a manipulation technique or as something worthwhile in itself? If you are being kind and loving only as a way to get what you want, people will eventually recognize that you are being insincere. It’s not enough to go through the motions — your caring must come from within.

Spend one-on-one time with your people.

When I spend one-on-one time with my grandchildren, the conversations differ greatly from those held in the chaos of all of them together. These conversations are more focused and less influenced by what others around them may think or say — and they value receiving my undivided attention. Adults are no different — we all need meaningful one-on-one reaction, and it contributes to our self-worth and identity.

The first comment of some leaders, when asked about how much time they spend one-on-one with their workers, especially those with 30 direct reports, is, ‘I don’t have time.’. What they are saying is, ‘I have time for turnover, retraining, increased error rates, and all the other firefighting activities.’

Take an interest in their life outside of work.

Employees won’t believe you love them if you don’t know them. Devote some of that one-on-one time to stay up to date on their family, interests, concerns, and joys. Ask honest questions that show interest. (Questions are powerful because they penetrate more deeply than statements, since the brain has to do enough processing to provide an answer.) However, be aware that you might need to go first by demonstrating openness.

Share some of your own interests and let people see who you are. You can do this without getting into inappropriate personal information. The point is to allow yourself to be vulnerable. This can be incredibly difficult for some leaders, but real relationships cannot happen in the absence of vulnerability.

Treat people right even if they don’t reciprocate.

The idea of “treating you right regardless of how you treat me” may not sound fun or even practical. But unconditional caring or love means giving 100 percent, regardless of how the other person treats you. The alternative is to go through life in reaction mode (this is a sure recipe for chaos). But love is centered in what you believe and not in reacting to what others do. This is really hard for him.

I want to treat people based on their behavior. After reflecting on this for years, I realize what I really want is for others to treat me right, regardless of how I treat them — in other words, ‘Do as I say, not as I do.’ Yet, as leaders, we need to keep working at this, even though we know we won’t always succeed. Over time, employees will look back and see that we’ve done the best we can by them despite their imperfect behavior.

Don’t be a doormat.

An agape approach toward relationships can lead to tough love interactions. Don’t back down from these hard conversations. As long as you are coming from a place of care and concern, and not from a place of anger, your message will be received. But do remember, being firm is not the same as being cruel. You can say anything you need to say as long as you say it with sensitivity, kindness, and, above all, care.

Give what’s in your hand.

You may not always be able to give an employee a huge cash bonus or a promotion, but you always have something you can give that will be meaningful and valuable. Always ask yourself, What can I offer this person? and you will never come up short. This is true even in worst-case scenarios. I have an example of an interaction I had with a former employee, David, who could not get along with others and was being terminated.

As CEO, I did not know David personally, but I felt I should do something for David. I had no motive as he was leaving the company. But there appeared from nowhere within me an agape-like interest in this person. I met with him and slowly and carefully related the feedback that others had provided me on how he interacted with them, his belligerence, uncooperativeness, and unwillingness to take input. I told him I had no motive other than to help him see himself as others see him.

David broke down in tears. He said he didn’t realize he came across this way and that no one had told him that before. I gently pointed out that was not true. Many people had tried, but he could not ‘hear’ them. By the end of the conversation, David understood how he came across. He sincerely thanked me for helping him. He said it would change his approach in his next job. He seemed relieved and refreshed in his outlook by the end.

Get familiar with two key words: apologize and forgive.

Apologize when you screw up. Do it quickly and mean it. The best way to establish a high standard of behavior is to declare the standard and admit when you don’t meet it. No one is perfect. Don’t pretend you are. Likewise, forgive others when they screw up. It’s a two-way street.

When we invest in our relationships with people, we are more likely to tolerate and forgive each other as needed. It really is a two-way street. Caring for people makes for a more resilient organization where our inevitable failures don’t derail the teamwork.

If all of this sounds like a lot of work, that’s because it is. But the payoff is well worth it.

Care and love are both verbs — they require intentional action. Keep this in mind as you consider how to show your employees their well-being matters to you. Your good intentions count only when you back them up with consistent action. When your behaviors come from your heart, you will reach your employees’ hearts too, and that kind of connection leads to greatness.

 

Gary Harpst

Gary Harpst is author of “Built to Beat Chaos: Biblical Wisdom for Leading Yourself and Others“. He is the founder and CEO of LeadFirst. LeadFirst was founded in 2000 (as Six Disciplines) with a mission of building effective leaders and helping small and mid-size companies manage change, grow, and execute. Gary is a keynote speaker, writer, and teacher whose areas of focus include leadership, business, and the integration of faith at work.

 

How To Choose Your E-Commerce Platform For Your Startup

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Anyone who owns or manages a business should seriously consider setting up an online shop using eCommerce software. If you’re currently selling things on social media, the next normal step is to start your online store hosted on a reputable eCommerce platform.

Getting your website to be used in conjunction with a hosting corporation is now easier than ever. Here are the key recommendations for choosing the best e-commerce platform for your new venture:

One Platform with the Capacity to Develop

As per ecommerceCEO.com, “e-commerce systems require a unified system for point-of-sale, inventory, customer support, and other services.” This enables business owners to control the front-end shopping experience as well as the back-end operations from a single place.”

Furthermore, when your company expands, and operations get more complicated, an e-commerce platform may provide services to assist you in managing complexity and taking your online shop to the next level.

Ownership Costs

When comparing various eCommerce systems, one of the first things to consider is the price structure. You must comprehend all the expenses connected with each platform, whether you are starting a new small business or converting an existing brick-and-mortar store to the digital world.

To utilize a platform, a subscription fee is nearly always necessary. There are other costs associated with the processing of each platform. When making your selection, you must evaluate both the initial and ongoing costs. Consider both the advantages and disadvantages to get the most bang for your buck. One of the possible options to consider is an open-source e-commerce platform, which can be downloaded and used for free.

Finally, while calculating opportunity costs, consider the payment options that your customers will utilize for your products. Some systems, for example, do not allow users to make payments via third-party services (such as PayPal). Your customers may get irritated as a consequence of this, causing them to abandon their shopping carts and purchases.

SEO Capabilities

Your store must have the ability to rank highly in search results. A successful SEO strategy drives more people to your store, provides high-quality leads, and steers your firm toward financial success.

If search engine optimization is important to your business, as it should be, you’ll need an eCommerce platform that’s well-built technologically and can house blogs and other types of high-value content.

Security

Since no one wants to send their credit card information to a potentially harmful website, customers are increasingly worried about the website’s degree of security.

Although the bulk of software built in this day and age comes with relatively sophisticated security measures as a baseline, your e-commerce platform must support HTTPS or SSL to provide a secure checkout option. Checking to determine whether the eCommerce platform you’re utilizing conforms with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards are also critical for boosting security.

Mobile Friendliness

Over 60% of all searches were conducted on mobile devices. These searches eventually lead to a transaction being completed on the same device. To meet this demand, it is critical to choose a platform that allows customers to browse your website and make transactions using their mobile devices.

Ease of Use

The ease of using an eCommerce platform to operate your online company is the driving force behind this kind of software. If the goal is not met, then none of the other benefits are meaningful. As a result, while looking for an eCommerce platform, you should ensure that it is easy to use. The best and most time-saving option is to take advantage of the free trials offered by the vast majority of eCommerce systems. As a result, you will be able to judge for yourself whether or not the platform was easy to use and establish a business with.

While evaluating the platforms, be sure that one of them offers functionalities that match your unique needs.

Plug-Ins and Integrations

When looking for the ideal eCommerce platform for your business, you should consider the benefits of employing connectors and plug-ins. The specific demands of your firm will have a significant impact on the kinds of plug-ins that should be available on your platform.

Email marketing tools, accounting plug-ins that help ease your company’s financial demands, and those that help enhance the performance of your eCommerce site are among the most prevalent software tools and plug-ins used on eCommerce platforms.

Customer Service Support

It is conceivable that things may not go exactly as planned. As a result, you will need a robust support team to help you. Every platform will have a support team, but the important factor is how quickly they respond to any inquiries or problems you may have. Do they assist around the clock?

 

Do Constraints Cripple Your Team… Or Ignite Their Creativity?

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by Gary Harpst, author of “Built to Beat Chaos: Biblical Wisdom for Leading Yourself and Others“

In business, as in all areas of life, it’s so easy to think, I don’t have enough! Whether we’re trying to launch a new product, move into a new market, or just meet the next quarter’s revenue goal, it’s so easy to feel helplessly crippled by a shortage of resources — time, talent, expertise, customers, and, of course, money. When we come from a place of scarcity, there’s always a reason we can’t do it. Not only does this mindset hold us back from what could be a huge victory, it creates a company full of victim thinkers.

Instead of being motivated by challenges, employees get in the habit of giving up way too soon. They get fixated on what they lack, not what they have, and it paralyzes them. They start blaming circumstances for their failures. This attitude compounds over time, and the whole culture gets bogged down in negativity and defeatism. That’s when the spark of innovation flickers and dies.

It doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, constraints can energize you and unlock your creativity when approached with the right mindset. Ironically (or perhaps not), one of my greatest business victories happened early in my career when my team was faced with what seemed an impossible task: build a next-generation Windows product in a shockingly short amount of time.

We had a tiny team of six people and very few resources. Really, we needed at least 30 people to do this job. Other teams of more than 100 people were working toward the same objective. But the fact that we faced such ‘ridiculous’ constraints forced us to get super-creative. We focused on finding existing components and assembled a system out of pre-built pieces. Ultimately, we launched our new product two years ahead of almost all our competitors.

The lesson? When we respond to constraints by getting super-engaged and focused, it unleashes incredible innovative power and allows us to beat almost insurmountable odds. How can you get your team into this mindset?

Here are a few tips for creating a culture of overcoming constraints:

Get out of the victim mentality yourself by changing your language.

Our first instinct is often to see ourselves as victims of circumstance. Do you ever find yourself saying: “We don’t have _________. Of course we can’t do that!” OR “Look at what they have! No wonder they were so successful!”? That’s your victim mentality keeping you from finding creative ways to make it work. Here’s the problem: Your mindset bleeds down into the rest of the team.

You can’t always change your circumstances, but you can always change your mindset. Stop making victim statements. Instead of saying, ‘We can’t,’ start asking, ‘What can we do with what we have?’ Also, when team members make these kinds of statements, remind them that there is always a solution.

Build momentum by focusing on what you CAN do first.

There will always be a million things you can’t do. Instead of hand-wringing over the constraints, find three or four things that you CAN do right now and execute on them. These quick wins will generate some early momentum. This is critical to getting employees engaged and excited about the goal and helping them see that success is possible.

When you hit a roadblock, regroup and rethink.

The “obvious” solution might not be possible for you. If we had all the time and money in the world, we’d all just do the first thing we thought of. Constraints force us to really get creative and problem solve. Realize that just because there is no immediately clear solution doesn’t mean that there’s NO solution at all. Call a brainstorming session and get people focused on creative problem-solving.

We had a client who served the construction market who decided to face a recession in a very different way. Rather than cut staff and expenses, they analyzed their business and realized a large percent of their profits came from a few of their products. They narrowed their product offering and allocated more cash and resources to high-value activity. As a result, over the next three years, they increased sales by 50 percent. By facing the constraints of a recession, they figured out a better way to do business that may not have occurred to them otherwise.

Break down the problem and look at it from all angles.

Banish all assumptions and start with a “beginner’s” mindset. Are there new (cheaper, faster, more effective) ways to do it? Are there alternative programs, materials, vendors, processes, etc. that you’ve never considered? Have things changed and you’ve gotten too complacent to move with the times? What unspoken rules are you following? Are you letting personal biases rule out possible solutions? Is there something you’re doing now that you could stop doing to free up time, capital, or resources? Is there someone in your company whose gifts are not being leveraged — someone who might have the insight and expertise to break the problem wide open?

This can be a real exercise in humility. It’s not easy to assume you don’t know, and it’s certainly not easy to step out of your comfort zone. But when you get rid of all assumptions and start fresh, you can have amazing breakthroughs.

Build resiliency into your team.

There’s often a “one step forward, two steps back” rhythm to innovation, which means your team is going to need some staying power. Here’s the thing: Resiliency doesn’t “just happen”; it is cultivated. Make sure people feel safe enough to speak up without fear. Keep them connected to the larger mission. And instill a sense of optimism by celebrating small wins and reminding them, “We’ve overcome constraints before, and we can do it again.” Most of all, show them you love and care for them.

Strange as it may sound, great leaders truly love their employees. Great teammates love each other. I always say love is the bonding force that holds teams together. It’s also what allows teams to get knocked down and get back up again.”

Bottom line: There will always be constraints. If there weren’t, we’d never know what we’re capable of doing.

We’ve all heard the adage that necessity is the mother of invention. It’s true. If we always had an easy solution at hand, we’d never push boundaries and take leaps of faith and leave comfort zones behind. Constraints are the gifts that force us to grow.

 

Gary Harpst

Gary Harpst is author of “Built to Beat Chaos: Biblical Wisdom for Leading Yourself and Others“. He is the founder and CEO of LeadFirst. LeadFirst was founded in 2000 (as Six Disciplines) with a mission of building effective leaders and helping small and mid-size companies manage change, grow, and execute. Gary is a keynote speaker, writer, and teacher whose areas of focus include leadership, business, and the integration of faith at work.

 

Pros And Cons Of Call Center Outsourcing

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Like many business decisions, there comes a list of advantages and disadvantages with call center outsourcing.

Below are a few pros and cons you can expect from outsourcing your call center operations.

Pros Of Call Center Outsourcing

  • Cost Savings – One of the main advantages of call center outsourcing is cost savings. By hiring a third-party company to handle customer service calls, businesses can save money on training, salary, and benefits for in-house employees. Additionally, call center outsourcing allows businesses to scale their operations up or down as needed, without the added overhead of hiring and training additional staff.
  • Access To Global Talent Pool – Another advantage of call center outsourcing is access to a global talent pool. Many call center outsourcing companies have a large pool of trained and experienced customer service representatives located in different countries. This allows businesses to choose the best candidate for the job, regardless of location. It can also be beneficial for companies to outsource to countries where labor is less expensive, as it can result in even greater cost savings.
  • Improved Efficiency – Call center outsourcing can also improve efficiency. Third-party call center companies often have the latest technology and systems in place to handle customer inquiries efficiently. They may also have processes in place to handle high volume call times, such as during sales promotions or holiday seasons.

Cons Call Center Outsourcing

  • Potential For Lower-Quality Customer Service – One concern with call center outsourcing is the potential for lower-quality customer service. When customer service is handled by an outsourced company, there may be a lack of personal connection and understanding of the company’s products and services. This can lead to less satisfactory customer experiences and potentially harm a company’s reputation.
  • Language Barriers & Cultural Differences – There is also the issue of language barriers and cultural differences. If a call center is outsourced to a country where English is not the primary language, it can be difficult for customers to communicate with the representatives. Cultural differences can also lead to misunderstandings and frustration for both the customer and the representative. A great solution to this problem is hiring a nearshore outsourcing company whose workforce is fairly familiar with your company location’s culture.
  • Loss Of Control – Another potential drawback of call center outsourcing is the loss of control. When a third-party company is handling customer service, the business may not have as much control over the processes and systems in place. This can lead to issues with compliance and data security.

How To Get The Most From Call Center Outsourcing

Here are a few steps a company can take to minimize the risks above and ensure a successful outsourcing experience:

  • Choose A Reputable Outsourcing Company – Research and carefully select a reputable outsourcing company with a track record of delivering high-quality customer service. Look for companies that have experience in your industry and have a proven record of success.
  • Clearly Define Expectations & Goals – Before outsourcing, clearly define your expectations and goals for the call center operations. This includes setting performance benchmarks and establishing protocols for handling customer inquiries and complaints. Clearly communicating these expectations to the outsourcing company can help ensure that they align with your business goals and values.
  • Train & Manage The Outsourced Team – Proper training is essential for ensuring the success of an outsourced call center team. Provide the team with in-depth training on your products, services, and policies to ensure that they are able to effectively assist customers. Regularly check in with the team to provide ongoing support and address any issues that may arise.
  • Implement Quality Assurance Measures – Establish quality assurance measures to ensure that customer service standards are being met. This can include regular monitoring and recording calls, gathering customer feedback, and conducting surveys.

By following these steps, companies can minimize the risks associated with call center outsourcing and ensure a successful outsourcing experience. It’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons of outsourcing and determine if it is the right decision for your business.

 

What Should Be Included On An Invoice For Freelancers?

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Working as a freelancer can be a great way to earn a good income. Whether you do it on the side as you have time with your day job or you have turned it into a full-time career, the work can be gratifying. To ensure you get paid for your work, you must invoice your clients what they owe you.

Sending out a professional freelance invoice will help get you noticed and cements you as an expert in your field. It also helps make the invoice official, giving you options if the client chooses to delay or not send the payment. But how do you create a professional invoice as a freelancer?

You should include a few particular items every time you prepare an invoice for freelancers. These items include:

Your Name and Logo

Begin your invoice with information about your company. Put this right at the top so it is easier for the client to see who has sent them the invoice at a glance. It can also be helpful for recordkeeping purposes. Make sure that all of your invoices include your name and any logo if you have one. If you do not have a logo, your company name is fine.

Contact Details

Right under your business name and logo, you should include any contact details your client may need. This keeps the lines of communication open and allows the client to contact you if they have a problem with the invoice or even questions before they pay.

Some contact information you should add to your freelance invoices include:

  • Company email
  • Company phone number
  • Company address

You will also want to get the exact details from your client before sending out the invoice. Ensure you send the invoice to the right person, primarily if the client works for a large company. It is easy for an invoice to get lost, so addressing the document to the person directly responsible for the payment can lower your risk of that happening.

Date and Invoice Number

Next, check whether the invoice includes the date and the invoice number. Your invoice number is essential because it can help you and the client organize all paperwork. Ensure that the number is unique to that individual or company and matches the numbering system you already have in place.

An excellent way to organize these is by year. You could start with the current year and then review it based on how many invoices you send out during this time. If it is your seventh invoice of the year 2023, you will write something like 202307 for the invoice. 

Description

Ensure your invoice contains information about what you are billing the client for — describe the work you did and the amount that is due for those services or products. Use many descriptions here to ensure you and the client are on the same page.

Your client will generally appreciate a vague invoice. If some time has passed since the service rendered and the invoice, they may wish to receive clarification about what service you performed on their behalf. To that end, tell the company exactly what they received and the amount they owe.

Note whether the freelancer completed the service under hourly wages or based on the amount of work done. Once you have listed all the jobs done for the client, include the total amount the client owes.

Deadline

Always include information about the deadline for the payment and all fee deadlines. This helps to put a rush on the funds and makes it less likely the client will put off paying you. If you accept a few payment options, list them on the invoice to make it easier.

As a freelancer, you should discuss the payment options with your client beforehand. Accepting more than one type of payment method can help your business grow and make it easier for the client to pick the most convenient option.

List what will happen if the client does miss a deadline, such as additional fees if they do not pay the invoice by a specific time. List out the terms of payment too. Writing this information out in black and white will ensure you get your income and the interest if the payment is overdue.

Tips for Writing a Great Invoice as a Freelancer

If you have never written an invoice as a freelancer, you may feel nervous about how to get it done right. Some simple tips to make this more accessible include the following suggestions:

  1. Don’t fear invoicing – You deserve to receive the money you earned for your work. Never feel ashamed to send an invoice for the work you do for someone else as a freelancer.
  2. Send the invoice immediately – You and your client likely agreed that the final payment would be due when you complete the project. Don’t take your time sending the invoice — do it right away.
  3. Keep the final delivery until the client pays – This may only work in some fields, but when possible, wait to give the final product to the customer until they pay. This gives you some leverage and makes the client more likely to pay you.
  4. Make the payment method easy – The easier you can make it for the client to pay you, the faster they will get the payment over. Offering a simple method or several ways to pay can help with this.
  5. Remember the taxes – Unless you plan to pay for the taxes on your own, always remember to add the taxes to the invoice.

The Bottom Line

As a freelance business, you must invoice your clients to ensure you receive payment for your hard work. A professional invoice can help legitimize your business and makes it easier to stand out from the crowd as a professional too.

Make sure to include a header and contact information, details about what services you rendered, and payment terms to ensure the client knows how to pay and can get the money to you. Sending out invoices promptly, with enough details will help your freelance business succeed.

 

3 Reasons A Technological Push Could Benefit Your Business

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Technology in business is more important than it’s ever been. While businesses of a larger size are going to be able to utilize their financial means to acquire as much technology as they need, smaller businesses won’t be able to be so broad with their selection. If you want to improve your technological game, you have to be keenly aware of the technologies that are prominent within your industry, as well as gain an understanding of how you’re going to apply them for the best effect.

This might sound like a lot of work, and that’s without knowing how much it’ll cost you. However, there are several reasons why it might be in your best interest.

Read on to find out more.

To Keep Pace With Your Competitors

Of course, one of the main reasons as to why you could feel as though this is especially important is simply because it’s what your competitors are doing. If you fall behind them technologically, it stands to reason that pretty soon they’re going to be capable of achieving all manner of success that you won’t be. There’s an argument for developing your own niche and tending to that effectively instead of trying to constantly match the speed of all of your competitors, but that might not mean much if the service that you can provide isn’t matching the standard of what’s expected of your industry.

This is where that selective approach comes into play. You might not have the means to go all out, but if you can identify a key piece of technology that would make all the difference, it might be worth further consideration.

To Increase Your Efficiency and Capability

The reasons you have for wanting to make this push might be more naturally intrinsic, however. It could be that you simply see an opportunity to take your business to a whole new level. The kind of leap that is afforded by examples such as IFS cloud technology might fall within your gaze, and can help you to improve multiple aspects of your business at once, therefore overhauling your operations completely. This can also have an outward, brand-based incentive, too, as you will appear more capable in the eyes of your customers.

While the initial cost of new technology might put you off, it’s worth researching whether the increased efficiency could lead to could end up saving you more money down the line.

To Maintain Professionalism

Looking beyond what an increased focus on technology can do for your operations themselves, what can they do for your brand? To your audiences, who are trying to choose among the various businesses in your industry, a firm grasp on the relevant technologies of the industry might represent a level of professional competence that signals trustworthiness.

This is an important trait in a business, and it might even be the factor that convinces them to contact you. If your customers feel confident in your ability to provide them with exactly what they need, to the standard that they would want it done, then they will have little reason to look elsewhere (outside of the financial).

 

Small Businesses, Here’s How You Can Improve Your Digital Marketing In A Blink Of An AI

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by Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact

Technology is advancing at an extremely fast pace – just look at how quickly ChatGPT has become a household name. It has dominated news cycles and in only 4-5 months, it’s also heightened our awareness and understanding of where, and how, artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting our lives. From digital assistants like Siri, to predicting customer behavior and preferences, AI is everywhere now.

Whether you know it or not, AI has also been a core technology in marketing for years. Most product recommendation engines run on some form of AI, and we have used AI for years at Constant Contact to power things like subject line recommendations in our email marketing platform. The difference between where AI has been used in the past and its applications today is that it is much more capable – particularly when it comes to creating content.

AI is sophisticated enough now, and has a big enough dataset, that it can decipher text, react to engagement patterns, anticipate responses and recognize images. As you can imagine, this lends itself perfectly to digital marketing, where the objective is to deliver the perfect marketing message to every customer every time.

With such an in-depth understanding of how a consumer behaves, AI can help businesses make purchase recommendations, analyze product fit, and create better content with more precise targeting. If you’re a small business marketer, there’s no reason to not use this technology to your advantage.

Here are some easy ways small businesses can start using AI in their marketing strategy.

Personalize messages and offers for your customers

Leverage AI’s deep learning capabilities to amp up the experience your customers have when they interact with your business. One of the best ways to do that is by tailoring your marketing to share content that meets their needs.

AI can recognize if a person abandoned their online cart, and what types of products they have purchased in the past. It can also determine whether they prefer to be texted, or if email is their go-to channel for reading messages from their favorite brands. That type of analysis is invaluable as a marketer because instead of guessing what your customers will engage with, you can make decisions based on real-world data. Leverage that information to send more applicable messages and deals to your customers, and in doing so, they will be more likely to convert to a sale.

Banish writer’s block once and for all

Writing is difficult, and as a small business marketer, it can feel daunting to think about having to sit down and write an entire email or text campaign to your customers. And, it has to be good! Luckily, AI is here to help.

Instead of spending hours fighting writer’s block for your next campaign, let AI do the heavy lifting for you. There are several AI-powered writing tools available that can help businesses get a jump start on content creation and save valuable time in the process. Our AI Content Generator at Constant Contact is purpose-built for small businesses. It allows our customers to automate the writing process for their marketing campaigns, which saves time and resources while still creating high-quality content.

Write social media posts

Sometimes, you just don’t have the energy to create an engaging and informative social media post – let alone multiple posts for all the different platforms you are managing. That’s ok, you’re human! So, why not ask AI to do it for you?

Using AI to write social media posts can help small businesses maintain a consistent presence on social media, engage with their audience and even attract new followers. The best AI content generators will even give you multiple options to choose from. However, it’s still important to ensure the content feels authentic to your voice and doesn’t sound like it was written by a chatbot. Double-check before posting, and then move on to other areas of running your business.

One last note on AI content generation

AI-generated content can be informational, informative, and even fun. However, it’s important to note that AI is often just a baseline to get you started. The real value still comes from sharing your story and connecting with your audience.

It’s up to you to ensure that any content you generate using artificial intelligence is not only original and helpful, but that it’s also accurate, honest, and aligns with your brand values. Most importantly, you want to make sure that the content sounds like you and speaks to your customers in a way that makes them feel valued.

 

Dave Charest is the Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact. In his role, Dave acts as an educator and an advocate for small business leaders, marketing professionals, and nonprofits by providing them with practical marketing advice that can help them achieve their goals.

 

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