5 Tips That Are Proven To Help Sellers Stand Out In A Sellers’ Market

January 24, 2023

by Jason Streiff, president of Streiff Marketing

It’s no secret that market saturation and a difficult economy have left consumers with fewer buying options. However, as a seller, you still have to compete with vendors who may be more established and better equipped to handle the influx of potential consumers.

How do you make your business and products stand out when every seller wants the same piece of the pie? While there is no one way to ensure that your business succeeds in this climate, there are some general strategies to help your business and products stand out to a wide range of customers.

Here are five proven tips to help sellers stand out in a sellers’ market:

1. Do your homework.

Researching your target audience before attempting to sell anything will help you personalize your product descriptions and tailor your marketing materials for your specific audience. Creating a typical profile from the demographics takes time but ensures you don’t waste valuable opportunities and resources on marketing that misses its target.

Ensuring your products can be found on a site people know and trust will help persuade customers to choose them over your competitors. Amazon is one example of this, and with Amazon marketing services, you can increase your chances of success by making it easier for your audience to find you.

2. Show how your products work.

Selling online gives you the benefit of reaching more people, but some customers still like to see the item they’re buying in-person and see how it works before making a purchase.

You can help your business stand out by combining online shopping with videos demonstrating how the products work. This is the next best thing to testing products in-person and can make all the difference in helping customers decide whether to purchase a product. An easy-to-follow step-by-step guide can further help them envision using the product for themselves.

3. Listen to demand.

Standing out against bigger businesses can be as simple as listening to demand. You may have an advantage as a smaller business because you can provide more personalized service to your customers. One example is using a mailing list to communicate with them about relevant products, asking them what they think, and using their feedback to provide better experiences.

You can also share content related to the problems your product solves and encourage interaction on your blog or social media posts. People want to feel like products are designed with them in mind, thus product stories and solutions to pain-points are great ways to make them feel included.

4. Focus on your unique selling point.

A common mistake is to target everyone with the same product and hope as many of them as possible respond by making a purchase. Instead, focusing on one selling point, no matter how niche it is, can be the better option as this makes your product stand out from other products on the market.

Although people want a choice, having too many options can mean they choose someone else’s product over yours. However, if customers are looking for something very specific that you offer, they will be more likely to purchase from you if you focus on this unique selling point.

5. Look for upselling opportunities.

Upselling can be a big source of sales for your business, particularly if the products you sell are designed to be durable. If you’re appealing to a specific type of customer, you don’t want to wait until they need a replacement to make another sale.

You can create segments in your newsletter that target people who have purchased specific items from you, then send them relevant product suggestions. These could include product protection at the same time or soon after purchase, discounts on further items within a set time-frame, or bulk buying options on items where replacement parts are frequently needed. Just ensure any contact you make is friendly and doesn’t come across as using overly pushy sales tactics.

In short, if you reach the right people, communicate with customers, and focus on what makes your products great, you can ensure your business enjoys selling success.

Jason Streiff is the president of Streiff Marketing. Streiff Marketing has deep roots in the Amazon seller and vendor space and helps brands succeed on Amazon Retail and Amazon Marketplace. In Farmington, Utah, Streiff Marketing has helped brands across the country excel in their Amazon marketing strategies on the world’s largest and most competitive marketplace.

[Infographic] Are Companies Using Project Portfolio Management Effectively?

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January 23, 2023

Are you using Project Portfolio Management (PPM) for overseeing project management processes in your company?

Increasingly companies of all sizes are adopting PPM processes to analyse the benefits and returns of undertaking a project. By gathering and consolidating all available data regarding a project, project managers can better utilise resources to achieve objectives, and forecasting risk and return to ensure the right analysis for embarking on new projects.

Looking to learn more about the benefits of Project Portfolio Management? Award-winning collaboration and work management software Wrike has put together an infographic that tells you more about the current PPM trends and best practices.

[Infographic brought to you by Wrike project management software]

What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Business Partnership?

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January 23, 2023

Starting a new business venture can be challenging. How the business will be legally structured is one of the first decision you will have to make as a business owner. A business partnership is one of the common business structures you may consider when starting a business with two or more individuals. A business partnership is type of legal structure in which two or more individuals agreed to contribute resources to a shared fund and split the profits among themselves.

Entering into business partnership may sound appealing, but how do you know if this is the right business structure for you? Keep reading because we’ve talked to a business lawyer and put together the pros and cons of a business partnership that will help you see the bigger picture and make an informed decision.

Pros

Reduced Financial Burden.

Setting up a business partnership is usually less expensive than forming a corporation. Depending on the type of partnership, each partner equally shares the same responsibility to contribute capital to the partnership, making the financial burden among all partners manageable as the source of funds is not limited to one person.

Support and Encouragement.

The reality is that starting any kind of business is very difficult, especially during the first few years. The journey can sometimes be lonely as well. Having a business partners that provide moral support and encouragement can be very advantageous during the difficult times of your business. Alternatively, during the good times of your business, a business partners can be great for celebrating successes and goals that have been achieved.

Shared Responsibilities.

Unlike in a sole proprietorship, the duties and responsibilities in a business partnership are equally shared by all the partners. In short, no business partnership can run based solely on the management and control of a single person.

This is another advantage of business partnership as growing the business is more manageable and less prone to mistakes because the business judgment is not limited to one person but to many. While it cannot be denied that there will come a point when differences in points of view may occur, all decisions can still be decided by a majority of all the partners, with the success of the business partnership as the main priority.

Broader Range of Expertise.

Another advantage of forming a business partnership is the individual expertise of each partner joining the business organization. Most successful business partnership owe their success to the wide range of skills and knowledge that each partner brings to the business. Assigning partners according to their forte also allows more room for the partnership to succeed as the partners can best utilize their own mastery, and skill for the furtherance of the business partnership.

Cons

Shared Business Decisions.

One of the essential characteristics of a partnership is that all business decisions are to be decided by the partners. This may not appear to be a disadvantage at first but once the partners encounter differences in opinion towards a decision, this could be a source of a dispute or in some cases, even the dissolution of the business partnership itself.

In managing a business partnership, disagreement among all partners is inevitable and should be handled properly to avoid business losses. Hence, if you are someone who is not comfortable sharing business decision-making, it is better to think twice or consult a business lawyer before entering into a business partnership. A business lawyer may be able to advice the partners on potential future issues and provide a resolution before a disputes arises.

No Separate Legal Personality.

Unlike a corporation, a partnership is not considered as a separate legal entity. This means that in a partnership, although it is sued under its name, the partners are not free from liability when the partnership’s assets and properties are not sufficient to comply with the order of the court. Hence, the partner’s personal properties may be subject to attachment or could be used as a payment for the business partnership’s expenses and debts. In case this concerns you, it’s better to become a limited partner or you may contact a business lawyer to understand and decide what business structure is best for you.

Liquidity And Why It’s Important

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January 23, 2023

Liquidity is a crucial aspect of running a business, as it allows a company to meet its short-term obligations and maintain financial flexibility. However, many business owners struggle to maintain adequate liquidity, which can lead to missed opportunities and financial distress.

In this article, we will explore the importance of liquidity, the different types of liquidity, and effective methods for improving it.

Understanding Liquidity

Liquidity refers to a company’s ability to meet its short-term obligations and financial needs. It is the measure of a company’s ability to convert assets into cash quickly, without losing value. There are three types of liquidity; current liquidity, quick liquidity, and absolute liquidity.

Current liquidity.

Current liquidity refers to a company’s ability to meet its short-term obligations, such as paying bills and payroll. It is typically measured by a company’s current ratio, which compares current assets to current liabilities.

Quick liquidity.

Quick liquidity, also known as acid-test ratio, measures a company’s ability to meet its short-term obligations using only its most liquid assets, such as cash and marketable securities.

Absolute liquidity.

Absolute liquidity is the ability to convert all assets into cash quickly, without losing value. It is the most comprehensive measure of a company’s liquidity.

Importance of Liquidity in Financial Decision Making

Maintaining adequate liquidity is crucial for the long-term success of a business. When a business lacks liquidity, it may struggle to meet its short-term obligations, such as paying bills and payroll. This can lead to missed opportunities for growth and profitability. Additionally, businesses with poor liquidity are at a higher risk of financial distress. By maintaining adequate liquidity, businesses can improve their financial flexibility, reduce risk, and achieve their long-term goals.

Maintaining Financial Flexibility.

Adequate liquidity allows a business to have the flexibility to make important financial decisions, such as investing in new equipment or expanding into new markets. Without adequate liquidity, a business may have to pass on these opportunities, which can hinder growth and profitability.

Meeting Short-term Obligations.

Businesses need liquidity to meet their short-term obligations, such as paying bills and payroll. Without adequate liquidity, a business may struggle to meet these obligations, which can lead to financial distress and damage to the company’s reputation.

Managing Risk.

Adequate liquidity allows a business to manage its risk. A company with poor liquidity may be at a higher risk of financial distress, and may struggle to survive during difficult economic times.

Achieving Long-term Goals.

Adequate liquidity is also important for achieving long-term goals, such as expanding into new markets or developing new products. Without adequate liquidity, a business may struggle to achieve these goals, which can hinder growth and profitability.

Methods of Improving Liquidity

There are several methods that businesses can use to improve their liquidity, including:

Increasing cash reserves: By holding more cash or other liquid assets, a company or financial institution can quickly meet its obligations if needed.

Reducing debt: By paying down debt or refinancing to longer-term loans, a company can improve its liquidity by reducing the amount of cash it needs to pay out in the short term.

Improving collections: By increasing the speed at which customers pay their bills, a company can improve its liquidity by having more cash on hand.

Increasing the line of credit: By obtaining a line of credit from a bank or other lender, a company can increase its liquidity by having a source of cash that it can draw on as needed.

Securitization: It is a process of taking an illiquid asset, such as a loan, and packaging it with other similar assets to create a security that can be sold to investors. This allows the financial institution to convert the illiquid assets into cash.

Diversifying funding sources: By having multiple sources of funding, such as bonds, stocks, and loans, a company can reduce its dependence on any one source of funding and improve its overall liquidity.

Managing Working Capital: By managing inventory, accounts receivable and accounts payable effectively, company can free up cash that can be used to meet short-term obligations.

Idle cash refers to cash assets that are not being invested or used in the operation of a business. This can include cash in bank accounts, short-term investments, and other liquid assets. While having idle cash can provide a company with financial flexibility, it can also lead to missed investment opportunities or lower returns on assets. It is important for companies to regularly review their cash management strategies and consider ways to invest or use idle cash to maximize its value.

If you’re interested in turning idle cash into revenue then do your research! There are several reputable idle cash management platforms available.

Streamlining Your Warehouse Operations: Tips And Techniques For Increased Efficiency And Productivity

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January 20, 2023

Warehousing and storage are an integral part of almost any business. It is an industry that hardly ever faces a downward trend since, no matter the condition of the economy, there will always be a need to store goods.

The Business Research Company reports that even though the pandemic and a war in Ukraine, the global market for warehousing and storage grew from $660.39 billion in 2022 to $714.79 billion in 2023.

However, it is not easy making a place for yourself in this business. Unlike the conventional belief, it takes a lot of brains to efficiently manage a warehouse. Whether you’re a veteran looking to brush up on your skills or a newcomer looking to get started, in this article, we will cover some of the easiest ways you can increase the productivity of your business.

Optimize Your Warehouse Layout

One of the biggest challenges in warehouse operations is utilizing the space you have in the most efficient way possible. But don’t worry. With a little bit of planning and some smart design choices, you can optimize your warehouse layout for maximum efficiency.

First things first, take a good look at your current layout. Are there any bottlenecks or areas that seem to cause delays or backups? Are certain areas of the warehouse underutilized or overcrowded? Make a list of these issues and prioritize them. Then, start brainstorming solutions.

One simple solution is to utilize vertical space. Consider installing shelving or racking systems that allow you to stack items higher. This will free up floor space and make it easier for employees to access what they need.

Another solution is to create clear and defined pathways for foot traffic and forklifts. This will help reduce the risk of accidents and collisions and ensure that everyone can move around the warehouse safely and efficiently.

Also, keep in mind that the layout should be designed with the flow of goods in mind. Grouping similar items together can reduce the distance employees have to travel and make it easier to find what they need.

Utilize Automation & Technology

Statista reports that the warehousing industry in the US employs around 8 million people. But that number will soon start going down as the use of automation becomes more common. Using automation and technology is an easy way to increase efficiency and reduce costs in your warehouse operations. And one of the first steps in that direction is the use of logistics intelligence.

Logistics intelligence refers to the use of data and analytics to optimize logistics processes, such as inventory management, transportation, and distribution. By using logistics intelligence technology, you can gain real-time visibility into your operations, identify inefficiencies, and make data-driven decisions to improve performance.

For example, you can use logistics intelligence software to track and analyze data on inventory levels, sales, and shipping and receiving. This information can then be used to optimize stocking levels, improve forecasting, and streamline transportation and distribution.

Additionally, you can use logistics intelligence to automate some of your warehouse operations. For example, using automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) can increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve accuracy.

Another way of using logistics intelligence is by integrating the technology with your existing systems, such as warehouse management systems (WMS) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. This will give you a holistic view of your logistics operations and help you make more informed decisions.

Effectively Train & Manage Your Staff

Having a well-trained and motivated staff is crucial for the success of your warehouse operations. To ensure your staff is working efficiently and effectively, it is important to effectively manage and train them.

Start by setting clear and regular goals for your staff. Provide them with regular feedback and performance reviews. Offer incentives and rewards for meeting or exceeding goals. Additionally, it is important to provide ongoing training and development opportunities for your staff. This will help them acquire new skills and improve their performance.

Also, ensure that your staff understands the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Zippia notes that 86% of employees in leadership positions blame the lack of collaboration as the primary reason behind workplace failure. Therefore, make sure you encourage and incentivize teamwork.

Streamline Logistics & Supply chain Management

Streamlining logistics and supply chain management can help you reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction. This is important because Hubspot reports a 5% increase in customer retention can lead to a 25-95% increase in business revenue.

One way to streamline logistics and supply chain management is by using transportation management systems (TMS) to optimize shipping routes, reduce transit times, and lower costs. Another way is to establish strong relationships with suppliers and work closely with them to optimize inventory levels and delivery schedules.

You can also consider outsourcing some logistics and supply chain management functions, such as warehousing and distribution, to third-party logistics providers.

Finally, regularly review and evaluate your logistics and supply chain processes to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.

It’s important to keep in mind that streamlining your warehouse operations is an ongoing process. Regularly review and evaluate your processes to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. By doing so, you’ll be able to stay ahead of the competition and provide your customers with the best possible service.

How You Can Use The Latest Tech To Run Your Hotel Smoothly

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January 20, 2023

According to Statista, the market size of the U.S. hotel industry was approximately USD 171.1 billion in 2021. In 2022, it was expected to reach USD 258.13 billion.

Technology is a huge part of the hotel industry, and it’s only growing. Hotels have been using technology for years to make their guests’ stay better and more comfortable, but many hotels are now using new technologies to improve efficiency. You can use these latest tools to help you run your hotel more smoothly.

Use Business Intelligence Solutions for Hotels

Business intelligence (BI) is the use of information technology to provide decision-makers with real-time, accurate data about their business. BI helps companies make better decisions by making available the necessary information and insights needed to understand what’s happening in real time.

Hotels have become increasingly reliant on technology to run efficiently and effectively, but they are still challenged by incomplete or inaccurate data when it comes time to make important decisions.

This makes it difficult for hotel managers and owners to understand what’s happening in their business using traditional methods, such as reports or spreadsheets, and ultimately, leaves them with poor insight into how their hotel is performing overall.

Business intelligence solutions for hotels can help solve these problems by providing a central location where all data is stored, analyzed, and presented in an easy-to-understand format. It allows users at any level within your organization access to critical information, so that everyone understands exactly what’s going on with each department of your hotel at all times.

Use Robotic Assistants in Your Hotel

With the help of robotic assistants, hotels can streamline and automate tasks that were once done manually. You can use robotic assistants to help you with housekeeping, security, maintenance, and concierge services. They also make a great addition to guest services by providing guests with useful information or even entertainment.

Robotic assistants are small, inexpensive machines that are usually placed in strategic areas throughout your hotel property. Some meeting rooms might have a robot assistant that gives guests directions to other parts of the building or plays music when people enter the room.

A lobby could have an interactive display set up where guests can ask questions about local attractions or restaurants before booking a reservation online through their phone or during check-in. This will save time on both ends.

Create a Website That Allows Your Guests to Control Their Room

A website that allows your guests to control their room using their phones or tablets is an excellent way for you to offer a unique experience.

This can be especially helpful if you have a hotel with multiple rooms because it allows guests to keep track of everything they’ve set up in their own space while they are away from it. It also enables them to make changes remotely, which means that they don’t have to walk around the whole building looking for the remote control or check-in desk every time they want something changed.

Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants are a great way to help you with tasks like checking in guests, managing inventory, and even managing finances. In some cases, they can even help you with planning events. Virtual assistants can also be used to manage staffing problems by giving them access to your employee database so that they can do things like screen applicants for job openings or schedule interviews for you.

Virtual assistants have been around for a long time but only recently have become popular thanks to advances in artificial intelligence (AI). AI allows virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa from Amazon Echo devices or Google Home speakers or Cortana on Windows 10 computers to be able to carry out tasks without being programmed specifically for those jobs first.

Self-Service Kiosks

According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), 97% of hotels experience staffing shortages, and 49% severely so.

Self-service kiosks are a great way to save time and money for both guests and staff. Guests can use self-service kiosks to check in, print boarding passes, or find their hotel room without having to wait in line or call the front desk. They can also use them to order food, drinks, and other amenities.

This can be especially helpful if your hotel is busy during peak travel periods like Thanksgiving weekend or summer vacation time.

Self-service kiosks are also useful for staff members who don’t have enough time on their hands. They allow staff members to spend more time helping guests with other issues while still providing a quick solution that doesn’t require additional workers taking up valuable space at the front desk.

Chatbots

According to Grand View Research, the chatbot market size globally was worth USD USD 525.7 million in 2021. It is expected to expand at a substantial compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.7% between 2022 to 2030.

Chatbots can be used to answer questions from guests, help with reservations and room service and even deal with maintenance requests. Chances are that if your hotel has a loyalty program or Facebook page, a bot for answering customer service queries is already in place.

The biggest advantage here is that chatbots can respond quickly and accurately by pulling information directly out of the database. That means no more searching through endless FAQs on your website or having to go back and forth between multiple email threads while trying to sort out an issue.

Conclusion

The thing you need to remember is that technology can help, but it’s not going to solve all your problems. You still need to be able to think and make decisions on your own.

The key is knowing how much you want it in the first place because there are some great options out there for those who want them.

How Can Startups Improve Workplace Safety?

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January 20, 2023

Businesses can’t afford to overlook workplace safety. Employers lost $171 billion to death and injury in 2019, according to the National Safety Council. The cost could run higher in incidences affecting multiple employees all at once.

Startups are no exception to the massive cost of workplace safety lapses. Not only do such scenarios impact a business’s bottom line, but they can also result in negative publicity for the employer.

With that being said, here are a few tips startup founders can apply to improve workplace safety and secure the well-being of employees.

1. Analyze your business’s risk profile.

As a startup founder, you must know if your business provides employees with a safe and healthy workplace. This would mean assessing the facility for potential safety hazards. Not only that, you should also check if your office space is up to code. Review local building regulations and get a third-party inspector to help uncover structural issues and check if there’s anything to improve or add to your workplace safety program. By knowing your safety profile, you can come up with an effective strategy for reducing workplace accidents.

2. Train employees on basic workplace safety.

The best way you can prevent accidents on the job is through knowledge. As an employer, it’s your responsibility to make sure everyone knows their role in creating a safe work environment. Safety is a team effort, so it’s important to provide everyone with the training they need to recognize and avoid common safety lapses that could lead to damage and injuries. For this, you can start by holding safety seminars every quarter of the year.

3. Make safety gear accessible.

Aside from training employees, you must also make sure that safety equipment such as PPEs and fire extinguishers are within reach. Take an inventory of these items and keep them in good condition at all times. Also, when procuring safety equipment, buy only from suppliers recognized by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Test your orders and train your employees on practical usage and storage.

4. Build a safety compliance team.

To make sure your startup complies with national and local standards, it helps if you can form a dedicated safety team to regularly assess your business’s safety position and avoid legal problems later on. The team can also handle unavoidable incidences such as viral infections on-site. In addition to a building maintenance specialist, you should also have a lawyer to help you handle and process workplace injury claims before they escalate. You wouldn’t want to face a Columbia workers’ comp lawyer if you fail to provide the compensation to which an injured worker is entitled.

5. Follow maintenance schedules.

If your startup uses heavy machinery or advanced computers, you need to make sure these assets are in good condition. From vehicles to assembly lines, regular maintenance can help prevent mechanical failure and ensure continuity. More importantly, it can prevent accidents and keep employees away from costly injuries.

Improving workplace safety is one of your priorities as a startup founder. Following these tips will help you steer clear of costly workplace injuries and create a safer environment for workers.

New Opportunities In Robotic Food Handling

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January 20, 2023

Production of products includes primary and secondary processing. In the primary processing, sorting, cleaning, mixing, and transportation take place. Secondary processing is the preparation of certain products: baking, boiling, cooling, etc. At both stages, food handler solutions can be applied to simplify and accelerate food production, as well as to standardize processes.

New opportunities in the food industry are opening up thanks to robotics. To imagine all the potential for changes and improvements in this field, it is worth looking at the solutions offered by the RIOS company: https://www.rios.ai/dion-food-handling.

Why is the food industry tending to automation?

Due to the exclusion of the human factor, it is possible to achieve a higher level of product safety, because they are less contaminated, pass all quality control measures, and minimize human contact with food. At the same time, the industry receives additional benefits:

Reduction of production time;
Reduction of the unit cost of finished products;
Increasing volumes of finished products and additional opportunities for business scaling;
Reducing the number of errors and downtime in production, because the robot does not get tired, unlike a person.

How are robotic solutions changing the industry?

Until now, food handling solutions were most often used precisely at the secondary stage of product processing, but currently, the experience of robotics at enterprises is growing. It is worth taking a closer look at the specific opportunities that arise as a result of the integration of a food handling robot into the production process.

Packaging.

The entire product packaging process can be accelerated and optimized thanks to automation. The robot picker can place sweets or other products in plastic containers, group small packages into larger boxes and even palletize them and place them on pallets for further transportation.

Delivery.

The delivery process using autonomous vehicles is represented by individual cases, but all of them turned out to be successful. A vivid example is pizza delivery by Domino’s Pizza. The company used drones that replaced couriers and eliminated the risks of delays in this process, because the drone does not stand in traffic jams and moves according to the given coordinates, rather than wandering around the city. Although the optimization of delivery has not yet become a trend, it is already having a positive effect on certain processes in the food industry.

Cooking.

The greatest opportunities for food handling systems exist in the process of preparing food, because there are not just industrial mixers or bread makers, but also fully robotic kitchens and robot chefs. These technological solutions are suitable for mixing ingredients, cutting, heating, and other processes. Thanks to this, even in the case of large batches, the quality of the product remains stable.

How To Run A Successful Flatbed Trucking Business

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January 20, 2023

Running a flatbed trucking business can be a profitable venture, which can be why a number of such companies get launched yearly. However, many new businesses fail within the first few months of operation.

If you intend to launch a flatbed trucking business, there are several strategies you can implement to succeed. But before going further into this article, you may want to research how it works. You should look up what flatbed trucking is as well as its common uses and key facets. You should also check the advantages and disadvantages and compare rates, especially in your area. Understanding all these details helps you make an informed decision.

Here are strategies you should implement to run a successful flatbed trucking business:

1. Develop A Business Plan.

A business plan is essential to the success of any undertaking, and a flatbed trucking business isn’t an exception. It refers to a document detailing all aspects of your business. It should contain not only your objectives and how you can achieve them but also your marketing plan, management team, and financial projection for the next few years. In simple terms, a business plan is a guide for your daily operations.

A solid business plan can enable you to secure funds for your flatbed trucking business. Many financial lenders, investors, and business sponsors want you to have a comprehensive business plan before partnering with you.

While running your company, you may also face financial challenges. And when that happens, you may be unable to settle operating costs, which may hurt your company’s success, maybe even survival. You can prepare for such a situation with your business plan. So, your business plan should go into specifics, like which bank to ask for a loan, and list possible courses of action in case of worst scenarios.

You can opt to devise the business plan yourself or hire experts. Whichever you choose, develop something that’ll add value to your flatbed trucking business. Don’t rush this step; take time to decide what you want to happen with your business.

2. Find The Right Equipment.

The equipment you select can make the difference between the success and failure of your flatbed trucking business. When selecting equipment, you first need to evaluate your needs. Specifically, you need to know what you’ll be transporting.

Flatbed trucking business involves transporting oversized cargo or items that can’t fit within enclosed trailers. So, you should forego investing in enclosed trailers. Whether purchasing or hiring, any trailer you choose should enable you to transport oversized cargo without any hassles.

Additionally, you should select durable equipment. This ensures they can serve you for an extended period without needing replacement. Equally important, you must maintain your equipment and repair them whenever necessary to minimize downtime in your business.

3. Insure Your Company.

Another great strategy to ensure the success of your flatbed trucking business is to invest in proper insurance coverage. It’ll help cover costs associated with liability claims. Without insurance, you’ll be forced to pay out of pocket for any damage and legal claim against your firm.

Your flatbed trucking business should have the following types of insurance. First, you must have property insurance to cover damage or loss to your company property and equipment. Additionally, you need workers’ compensation insurance to protect your business against employee injury claims and other health risks. It’d also be good to subscribe to cargo and passenger accident insurance. All these can save in case of any accidents.

4. Hire The Right Workers.

Workers play a critical role in the success of your flatbed trucking business since they assist you in completing daily tasks. Putting everything on your shoulders is hard, if not almost impossible, so you’ll have to hire workers. These include drivers, accountants, markets, procurement officers, and others. Ensure you connect with the right people.

If you aren’t experienced in recruitment, you can work with a recruitment agency. This is a company that specializes in finding employees for their clients. Partnering with one may guarantee you find the right employees for your flatbed trucking business.

After finding the right workers, you should ensure they stay. Hiring new employees will likely take much of your time and money. And that may hurt your success. Therefore, you should find effective ways to minimize staff turnover in your company. Motivate your employees by providing flexible working schedules, bonuses, continuous staff training and development, and healthcare insurance.

Takeaway

Running a flatbed trucking business can be one of the promising ways to create and maintain wealth. It has high demand, as the number of people seeking trucking services increases daily. While that’s the case, running a successful flatbed trucking business isn’t a walk in the park, especially for new business owners. Be sure to apply the strategies in this article, so you can up your chances of success.

Tips from Industry Professionals On Why Technical Documentation Matters In Business

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January 19, 2023

Improved customer satisfaction and best use of the product result from technical information. The primary motivation behind seeking out technical documentation of the highest caliber is that. This is mandated by regulation in some sectors of the economy regarding product liability.

If you’re looking for expert tips on why technical documentation matters in business, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered five essential pieces of information to help you write an effective document. These tips will give you an idea of how to plan out and outline your technical report and how to keep it current.

Create a Plan And Outline

When creating a plan and outline for technical documentation in business, it is essential to consider the different types of people reading your documents. Your audience may vary from an engineering team to an end user. Consider the following tips to ensure your materials are as helpful as possible.

First, create a skeleton that includes critical areas. This is especially helpful if you use a pre-defined structure or template. Once you have an outline, it will be easier to keep track of your material and rework it when needed.

For instance, you can use a table of contents to highlight critical information. You can also use captions and images to give clear directions to the reader.

You can prevent that whole blunder by following proper documentation on how to write business reports. No matter how seasoned, new hires require extra assistance with unfamiliar processes. A hochleistungsscanner could help you with these reports, making your work life easier.

Identify Your Audience

Understanding the audience, you are writing for is crucial. You need to know who will read your documentation to produce compelling content. There are four primary audiences in technical writing.

People who directly receive communication make up the primary audience. These individuals could be managers, executives, or decision-makers. These individuals decide on goods and services. They will often determine whether a product is safe for the public if it needs to be marketed, and how to license it.

You’ll also need to consider the secondary audience. People who aren’t the primary addressee, such as technicians or management. This audience will need to understand the document and its primary purpose. However, they won’t be able to understand everything. It is essential to explain unfamiliar terms to this audience as well.

Ensure That Your Technical Document Has One Cohesive Voice

You may be surprised that you don’t have to go far for a solid dose of high-grade techie goodness. It’s as easy as turning the dial on the microwave or hopping over to your favorite coffee shop. This is especially true when you’re hunting for a shiny new gadget or two. The best part is that your superiors aren’t likely to nitpick. In fact, you can get a leg up on the competition. And who knows, you may even land the coveted contract or two. After all, what better way to seal the deal than with a stellar business proposal? Whether it’s a nifty new widget or a whack on the duff, you’ll find that the rewards are well-earned.

Make It Short And Easily Digestible

Creating a document with an easily digestible format is essential for businesses that use technical documentation. Technical documentation is meant to assist users in comprehending how to use a product. However, the document must also be concise and clear. There are some tips to keep in mind to make this happen. One of the process’ most crucial steps is getting feedback from your audience.

A good outline of the topics you want to cover will help you organize the content. You can then break up the content into paragraphs. Each paragraph should be placed appropriately to keep your readers’ attention. Also, it’s important to remember that visuals are essential to explain complex technical concepts. A picture can say a thousand words.

Keep It Up To Date

Technical documentation is an integral part of any business. It needs to be kept up-to-date and well-structured. The structure should be clear and easy to understand, while the content should be concise and valuable. The document should be reviewed and updated as new products are introduced. To ensure that the documentation is up to date, it’s a good idea to have a test schedule. This allows you to ensure that you’re testing the different elements of the product before launching it.

Another way to keep technical documentation up to date is by using a knowledge base software. These tools simplify the process of creating and updating documentation. For instance, ScreenSteps allows you to create four times as much content in half the time.

Customer Data Analysis: Why Is This Important For Businesses?

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January 19, 2023

Customer analytics is the process of analyzing data about customers to gain insights and make better business decisions. This data can include information about customer behavior, demographics, preferences, and more. The goal of customer analytics is to understand customers better and improve the customer experience and increase revenue.

Customer analytics can be used to gain insights into a variety of areas, including customer segmentation, customer lifetime value, customer retention, and more.

How Does Customer Analytics Work?

The process of customer analytics begins with data collection. Businesses collect data on customers from a variety of sources, including website analytics, social media, surveys, and customer interactions. This data is then cleaned and organized, and various analysis techniques are applied to it.

Once the data is analyzed, businesses can gain insights and make data-driven decisions. For example, customer analytics can be used to identify patterns in customer behavior, such as which products or services are most popular or which marketing campaigns are most effective.

Why Businesses Need Customer Analytics

Improved Decision-Making – By analyzing customer data, businesses can make more informed decisions about how to best serve their customers. For example, customer analytics can be used to identify which products or services are most popular and which marketing campaigns are most effective.

Increased Revenue – Customer analytics can be used to identify opportunities to increase revenue, such as upselling to existing customers or targeting high-value customer segments.

Improved Customer Experience – By understanding customers better, businesses can improve the customer experience by tailoring their products and services to meet the needs of different customer segments.

Improved Retention – Customer analytics can be used to identify at-risk customers and develop strategies to improve retention, such as targeted marketing campaigns or personalized customer service.

Improved Understanding of Customers – Analytics provides businesses with a better understanding of their customers and their behavior, preferences, and demographics. This information can be used to make more informed decisions about how to best serve customers.

Competitive Advantage – By using customer analytics, businesses can gain a competitive advantage by understanding their customers better than their competitors and by making data-driven decisions that improve the customer experience and increase revenue.

Customer Analytics Tools

There are several tools available that can assist businesses in performing customer analytics. These include:

Data Visualization Tools – These tools, such as Tableau or Power BI, allows businesses to visually analyze their customer data and gain insights from it. They can be used to create charts, graphs, and other visualizations that make it easy to identify patterns and trends in the data.

Customer Relationship Management Software – CRM software, such as Salesforce or HubSpot, can be used to store and manage customer data in one central location. This makes it easy to analyze customer data and gain insights from it.

Data Mining And Machine Learning Tools – Tools, such as RapidMiner or KNIME, can be used to automatically analyze large amounts of customer data. They can be used to identify patterns and trends in the data and make predictions about future customer behavior.

Social Media Analytics Tools – This includes tools such as Hootsuite Insights or Brand24, which allow businesses to track, measure, and analyze their social media presence and customer engagement on social media platforms.

Surveys And Feedback Tools – Tools like Survey Monkey or Typeform can be used to gather customer feedback and opinions about products, services, and overall experience. To gain an even deeper understanding of customer desires, businesses should use open-ended questions in surveys to allow respondents to give detailed answers about their experience with the product or service.

From this list, you can choose what would be the best customer analytics tool for your business. It’s important to note that, while these tools can be a great asset, they are not a replacement for human expertise and interpretation, but rather a powerful aid.

Customer analytics is the process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data about customers’ behavior, preferences, and demographics. The goal of customer analytics is to understand customers better and to make data-driven decisions that improve the customer experience and increase revenue. Businesses need customer analytics to gain a better understanding of their customers, make informed decisions, and increase revenue.

What Is The Difference Between Bridging And Development Finance?

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January 19, 2023

Bridging finance and specialist development finance are two of the most popular funding solutions available for property development and construction projects. They share several similar characteristics, in that they are both issued strictly as short-term loans, and can be arranged at short notice.

But while bridging finance and development finance can be used to fund similar initiatives, there are important differences between the two products.

What is Bridging Finance?

Bridging loans are short-term funding solutions that can be used for any legal purpose. They are secured against assets of value (typically property) in the same way as a conventional mortgage, typically at a maximum LTV of around 80%. Bridging finance can be taken out by individuals and businesses alike and in most cases is repaid within 12 months.

The funds raised with bridging finance can often be accessed within a few working days and the money is transferred to the borrower in a single lump-sum payment. After which, interest accrues on a monthly basis (often as low as 0.5%) and the full balance is likewise repaid in a single lump-sum transfer.

Eligibility requirements for bridging finance are fairly relaxed and lenders are often willing to work with poor credit (subprime) applicants. Just as long as you have sufficient assets of value to cover the costs of the loan and evidence of a workable exit strategy (how the loan will be repaid), you have every chance of qualifying for bridging finance.

Property investments and development projects are popular applications for bridging finance, but a bridging loan can be used for any legal purpose with no specific restrictions.

What is Development Finance?

Development finance works in a similar way to bridging finance, but with more restrictions. For example, development finance loans are issued exclusively for property development, investment and construction projects. Unlike bridging finance, you cannot take out a development finance loan for anything other than property development purposes.

In addition, most development finance specialists offer their products and services exclusively to established developers and construction companies. This means that you will need to provide evidence of relevant experience in the field, in order to qualify for a development finance loan. It can also be comparatively difficult to qualify for development finance with poor credit, or a history of insolvency.

While development finance can often be arranged just as quickly as bridging finance, the full balance of the loan is not transferred to the borrower right away. Instead, it is issued as a series of instalments, tied to the completion of major phases of the project. A development finance loan may have a term of up to three years, but most are repaid within 12 months.

In return, established developers can often benefit from interest rates and overall borrowing costs that are lower than those of a comparable bridging loan. The more experience a developer has and the larger their portfolio of successfully completed projects, the higher their likelihood of being offered an unbeatable deal.

So while development finance may be more restrictive than bridging finance, it can be the more affordable of the two products for some types of projects.

Making the Right Choice.

If unsure which funding solution is most appropriate for your requirements, consulting with an independent broker comes highly recommended. Your broker will help determine which of the products available is right for you, while negotiating on your behalf to ensure you get an unbeatable deal.

What You Need To Know About The Short-Form Video Trend In 2023

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January 17, 2023

by Luke Lintz, co-owner of HighKey Enterprises LLC

Are you ready to stay ahead of the short-form video trend in 2023? Content creators and influencers are embracing this new form of content, but it’s important to understand what makes a successful video before jumping right into creating them.

Social media users are influential tastemakers in this day and age, and because of that, their preferences guide the direction the industry navigates into. Preferences for short videos tailored specifically to what consumers enjoy has become a growing trend, making it much more successful over other content, such as photos. Heavily influencing the success of platforms, like Instagram, this trend has caused companies that are competing with TikTok to overhaul their newsfeeds and algorithms and adapt to consumer needs in order for them to also be part of this ever-changing market.

YouTube has been consistently finding ways to increase their relevance in the modern era of social media with the launch of YouTube Shorts. Many consider it a direct challenge to the rising popularity of TikTok and other similar content-creation apps. YouTube Shorts offer users a range of video editing tools that make it easier for users to create attractive content that stands out from the rest, such as music soundtracks and speed controls.

Additionally, through a strategic partnership with ViacomCBS, popular shows such as iCarly are now featured on YouTube Shorts, which further ensures that YouTube remains relevant amongst social media competition. All these steps point towards how serious YouTube is about competing against TikTok and its influence on the content creation industry.

What is a short-form video?

A short-form video is a type of video that is typically shorter in length than traditional, full-length videos. It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as marketing, education, or entertainment.

One of the benefits of short-form videos is that it is easy to produce and can be created with minimal equipment. This makes it a cost-effective option for businesses and organizations that want to create video content. Short-form videos can also be shared easily on social media platforms, which makes them a great way to reach wider audiences.

Another advantage of short-form videos is that it can be more engaging than long-form videos. This is because watching them is less time-consuming and allows viewers to quickly get the information they need. Short-form videos are also more likely to be watched all the way through since they are less likely to be boring or drag on.

Overall, the short-form video is an excellent way to communicate a message in a concise and engaging manner. It is perfect for businesses that want to create high-quality video content on a budget, and it can be used to reach a larger audience than traditional, long-form video content.

What are the benefits of using short-form video?

Some of the benefits of using short-form video include that it is a great way to capture and share moments, it is easy to consume, and it can be used to reach a wider audience. It is perfect for capturing moments because it is quick and easy to shoot and edit. The shorter videos can be shared on social media or websites, or they can be embedded in emails. Plus, they are easy to consume; people can watch them on their phones or laptops while they are on-the-go. Lastly, short-form videos can be used to reach a wider audience because they can be easily shared on social media.

How can you create successful short-form videos?

There are a few things you can do to create successful short-form videos. One is to make sure your videos are short and to-the-point. You don’t want to bore your viewers with a long, drawn-out video.

Another thing you can do is make sure your videos are interesting and engaging. You don’t want your viewers to lose interest halfway through your video.

Finally, you should make sure your videos are high quality. Viewers will be more likely to watch a high-quality video than a low-quality one.

What are the latest trends impacting the world of short-form video creation?

One of the latest trends impacting the world of short-form video creation is the use of vertical videos. With people increasingly watching videos on their phones, vertical videos take up more of the screen and are more easily viewed in portrait mode. This makes them ideal for mobile viewers and for social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, which are designed for vertical video playback.

Another trend in short-form video is the use of animated GIFs. Animated GIFs are a great way to add visual interest to your videos, and they can be shared on social media platforms and websites like Tumblr and BuzzFeed. They’re also a great way to show off your skills or share a funny moment with your friends.

Finally, live streaming is becoming increasingly popular as a way to share events and experiences with others. Live streaming can be done through apps like TikTok and Facebook Live, or through services like YouTube Live. It provides a unique and interactive way to share content with friends and followers and can be a great way to promote your brand or event.

Why are companies struggling with incentives for creators?

The explosion of the social media entertainment industry, powered by platforms such as YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels, has seen dizzying growth in the past few years. Unfortunately, this trend is not likely to continue in 2023 due to a lack of meaningful incentives for creators to remain on these platforms.

Without strong financial rewards or cultural recognition for their work, many content creators may feel undervalued and might choose to seek out other opportunities. This could be detrimental to these networks’ futures because, without their creative input, these platforms may wither away into obscurity. As such, creators must be incentivized in order to keep their best talent and remain competitive in the industry over the next few years.

How can you stay ahead of the trend in 2023?

There is no definitive answer to this question. However, there are a few things that you can do to stay ahead of the trend in 2023.

Keep up with the latest technology trends. By staying up-to-date on the latest technology, you will be able to earlier identify new trends and technologies that could potentially have an impact on your business.

Be open to change. The world is constantly changing, and businesses that are able to adapt to these changes will be more successful than those that are not.

Always be thinking about the future. What new technologies or trends could potentially impact your business in the future? By thinking about the future and planning for it, you will be better prepared for whatever comes your way.

Short-form videos are here to stay and will only become more popular in the years to come. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, it’s important to understand what short-form videos are, why they are beneficial, and how you can create successful videos that achieve your marketing goals.

Luke Lintz is a successful businessman, entrepreneur, and social media personality. He is co-owner of HighKey Enterprises LLC, which aims to revolutionize social media marketing. HighKey Enterprises is a highly rated company that has molded its global reputation by servicing high-profile clients that range from A-listers in the entertainment industry to the most successful 1% across the globe.

Best SaaS Products For Startups

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January 17, 2023

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a type of software delivery model in which a software application is hosted by a third-party provider and made available to customers over the internet. SaaS products are subscription-based, with customers paying a recurring fee to access the software. One of the main benefits of SaaS products is that they are easy to set up and use, with no need for customers to install or maintain the software themselves. This makes them an attractive option for startups, who often have limited resources and expertise in-house.

In this article, we will look at some of the best SaaS products for startups. These products have been chosen for their versatility, affordability, and ability to help startups streamline their operations and improve their productivity.

G Suite

G Suite is a collection of cloud-based productivity tools developed by Google. It includes email, document creation and collaboration, calendar, and storage tools. G Suite is an excellent choice for startups looking for an all-in-one solution to manage their communications and collaboration.

One of the main benefits of G Suite is its user-friendly interface.

Its tools are intuitive and easy to use, making it quick for startups to get up and running. G Suite also integrates seamlessly with other Google products, such as Google Drive and Google Calendar, which can be a major time-saver for startups who use multiple tools to manage their work.

In addition to its core features, G Suite also offers a range of advanced features, such as real-time collaboration and document version history, which can help startups work more efficiently and effectively. It also offers strong security features, with encryption for data in transit and at rest, as well as advanced spam filtering to protect against phishing attacks.

Slack

Slack is a team communication and collaboration tool that allows users to communicate in real time through channels and direct messages. It is an excellent choice for startups looking to improve their internal communication and collaboration.

One of the key features of Slack is its ability to integrate with a range of other tools, such as Google Drive, Trello, and Asana. This allows startups to bring all their communication and collaboration into one place, saving time and improving productivity. Slack also offers a range of advanced features, such as screen sharing and video calling, which can be useful for startups with remote or distributed teams.

In addition to its core features, Slack also offers a range of customization options, including the ability to create custom emojis and integrations with third-party tools. This allows startups to tailor Slack to their specific needs and workflows.

FreshBooks

FreshBooks is an invoicing and accounting software designed specifically for small businesses. It is an excellent choice for startups looking to streamline their financial management and invoicing processes.

One of the main benefits of FreshBooks is its simplicity. It offers an easy-to-use interface and a range of pre-built templates, making it quick and easy for startups to create professional-looking invoices. FreshBooks also offers a range of advanced features, such as automatic payment reminders and the ability to accept online payments, which can help startups get paid faster and more efficiently.

In addition to its invoicing and accounting features, FreshBooks also offers project management tools, such as time tracking and expense management. This can be particularly useful for startups who need to keep track of their time and expenses for billing or budgeting purposes.

SaaS products can be a valuable asset for startups looking to streamline their operations and improve their productivity. G Suite, Slack, and FreshBooks are just a few examples of the many excellent SaaS products available to startups.

Other notable SaaS products for startups include Asana, Mailchimp, Zoom, and many more.

5 Natural Ways To Boost Energy

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January 17, 2023

Feeling tired and sluggish? Instead of reaching for a sugary energy drink or a caffeine-laden coffee, consider trying one of these natural methods to boost your energy levels:

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to increase energy and improve your overall sense of well-being. Regular exercise helps to improve circulation, increase oxygen levels in the blood, and stimulate the production of endorphins, which are chemicals that improve mood and reduce stress.

To get the most out of your workouts, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking or cycling, on most days of the week. You can also try incorporating activities like yoga or tai chi, which are low-impact and can help to improve balance, flexibility, and relaxation.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for maintaining physical and mental health, and not getting enough can leave you feeling tired and sluggish. To ensure that you get a good night’s sleep, try to establish a consistent sleep schedule, avoid screens before bedtime, and create a relaxing sleep environment by keeping the room dark, quiet, and cool.

If you struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders, consider speaking to a healthcare professional or a sleep specialist. They can help you to identify and address the underlying cause of your sleep problems and develop strategies to improve your sleep quality.

Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

A healthy diet is essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting overall health and well-being. To boost your energy, aim to eat a varied diet that includes a variety of whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Below are some specific tips that can help you improve your diet:

Make fruits and vegetables the cornerstone of your meals. Aim for at least 5 servings per day.
Choose whole grains, such as quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat bread, over refined grains like white bread and pasta.
Include lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, and legumes, in your meals.
Limit your intake of processed and sugary foods, such as chips, cookies, and soda.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to keep your energy levels stable.
Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast, as this can lead to energy crashes later in the day.
Incorporate healthy fats, such as avocado, nuts, and olive oil, into your diet.
Consider adding a serving of fermented foods, like yogurt or sauerkraut, to your diet to improve digestion and boost energy.
Consult with a nutritionist or registered dietitian to develop a personalized meal plan that meets your specific needs and goals.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and other symptoms that can leave you feeling drained. To stay hydrated, aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, and more if you are exercising or in a hot environment.

In addition to water, you can also get hydration from other sources, such as fruits, vegetables, herbal teas, and adaptogenic beverages.

Adaptogenic drinks are a type of functional beverage that contain herbs and other plant-based ingredients that are believed to help the body adapt to stress and improve overall well-being. Some adaptogenic drinks, such as those containing ginseng or ashwagandha, are thought to improve energy levels and reduce fatigue.

Finally, limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, which can have a dehydrating effect on the body.

Practice Stress Management Techniques

Stress and anxiety can take a toll on your energy levels and overall well-being. To manage stress, try incorporating relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, into your daily routine.

Exercise, hobbies, and social activities can also help to reduce stress and improve mood. If you are struggling to manage stress on your own, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional or a support group.

Feeling tired and drained can be a common occurrence, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent state. By incorporating healthy habits, like exercise, sleep, a balanced diet, hydration, and stress management, into your daily routine, you can naturally boost your energy levels and improve your overall sense of well-being.

Finding The Right Work-Life Balance As A New Parent

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January 16, 2023

In a society that values busy and high-achieving individuals, it can be difficult to find the appropriate balance between work and home life, especially as a new parent. In order to determine what the balance might look like for you, it’s critical first to identify your priorities. It’s no wonder that 83% of millennials would change jobs for better family benefits.

It is also worthwhile to acknowledge that your views about the best balance might well change throughout various stages of your life. Whereas you may have more time for work in your twenties and early thirties, the demands of home can become greater as you start and raise a family.

Create Boundaries

Because of the speed and reach, both broad and deep, that the internet has created for society, many people have come to expect immediate reactions and responses. This can be difficult to navigate, especially for work. In fact, lactating parents miss work more than twice as often when their babies aren’t breastfed.

If you don’t meet those expectations, many individuals will grow frustrated about the waiting game, operating within normal business hours and failing to receive an instant response or solution. In order to protect your time away from work, though, it is imperative to keep in mind three essentials before you respond.

1. Does this fall within your designated work hours? If you do not have designated work hours for yourself, especially if you work from home, then it might be time to establish them. This slot of time will empower you to separate your time and energy between work and home.

The separation is necessary in order to establish a boundary. It restrains the temptation to multitask, and allows you to be present for each task at hand. This presence is critical for productivity at work and relationships at home.

2. Is it honestly time sensitive? All too often, queries or tasks are not as time-sensitive as you’re apt to assume. If you have already stopped working for the day, reject the impulse to solve the problem immediately, and save your response for the following day.

If you really want to take it to the next level, don’t check any emails until the following day either, so you may be fully present in your home life.

3. Is this more important than your personal time? Many Individuals tend to prioritize the demands of others, especially in work, ahead of their own needs. The time you give yourself away from the office can be just as valuable, if not more so, than your time in the office.

This is due to the opening it gives you to reset, retain good mental and physical health, and allow your brain to rest. The break can be vital in feeding your creativity and problem-solving skills in the workplace. Your rest can often lead to better work productivity later, especially for new parents on parental leave, who are navigating the postpartum period for the first time.

Creating boundaries is one of the most vital tasks of achieving an appropriate work/life balance. It is no wonder there’s been such a push recently for parental leave employer benefits programs after a baby is born, not only for the mother, but also the father.

Without boundaries set for new parents, companies will automatically seek to maximize whatever they ask of their employees. It’s no wonder that 43% of women leave the workforce within three months of childbirth. The Centers for Disease Control have determined that “Paid parental leave can reduce financial stress, allow parents to focus on bonding with their child, and increase gender equality when fathers have more time to participate in child care duties.” And with a lactation program, 83% of employees reported higher company satisfaction, indicating that with the right care and the right tools, parents can return to the workplace knowing that they and their families are set up for breastfeeding success – and that their employers have their backs.

In addition, according to The Lactation Network, an employer lactation benefits program increases the success of breastfeeding, with 70% of TLN parents meeting the CDC’s recommended exclusive breastfeeding duration of 6 months, compared to just 25% of lactating parents nationwide. Ultimately, this results in parents missing less work in the long run due to a sick child. With in-person expert lactation care that meets them where they are, parents can meet their feeding goals and come back to work with confidence. Boundaries are vital not only for the health of workers, but the long-term health and stability of the company as well.

Set Routines

Creating and maintaining acceptable routines is vital to your productivity, both at home and at work. Routines are useful for both the morning and evening, especially if they lead to healthy and long-lasting habits.

When you establish appropriate regimens for yourself, it is vital to take into account your personal strengths and limitations. If you are a morning person, schedule your productive time for the morning, and an appropriate system if you’re a night owl.

Work with the natural rhythm of your body. A good balance often includes setting aside time for your health and wellness.

When you prioritize sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition and hydration, you increase your ability to work effectively. Making time for these critical facets of your life comes only after you initially develop routines and habits, and set the boundaries that enable you to avoid becoming distracted by work during these routines.

Additionally, such practices can be helpful within the work environment, as you identify and prioritize your tasks and duties for each day.

Pursue Your Passion

A famous quote by Confucius states: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Although this may sound cliché at this point, there has never been a more opportune time to follow the ancient philosopher’s advice.

Many individuals have found ways to maximize their passions, due to the ease of the internet and the opportunities it offers to establish money-making openings. Between social media potentials, content creation, and the chance to expand your business online, the web can broaden your clientele base.

Conclusion

Although we live in a culture where fast and immediate results are taken for granted, they shouldn’t be mandatory. When you pursue your passion, establish routines, and create necessary boundaries, you will become a more well-rounded, healthy, and happy individual.

That will make you a better worker, because you’ll be more present and productive. Finding the right resources to balance is vital, not only for the health of the individual, but also the health of employers, businesses and families.

The Art Of Negotiation

Contributor

January 13, 2023

by Stephen McGarvey, author of “Ignite a Shift: Engaging Minds, Guiding Emotions and Driving Behavior“

Persuasion typically involves some level of negotiation, whether it’s a quick haggle and a handshake or a years-long process. The key to productive negotiation lies in two parties finding alignment and agreement at a high level, while slowly moving into details. Given that, establishing a healthy rapport in order to develop a foundation of trust is essential for successful negotiations. Once you have rapport there will generally be a willingness to align with each other at a higher level, and then your negotiations are more likely to reach that point at which both parties are satisfied.

In the course of negotiation, it’s important to avoid thinking about a “relationship” as an entity that can be lost or gained. It’s more beneficial to consider your interaction as an ongoing process of relating between two or more people. This way, you’ll be able to stand firm to your principles and be free of the niggling feeling that you may “damage the relationship.” It’s also worth noting that your rapport within any given process of relating is elastic, meaning that it can stretch or contract depending on the circumstances. Again, this allows you to be bold in your negotiations. The elasticity of rapport helps you question confidently, challenge respectfully, and negotiate skillfully as you move toward a common goal.

The Art of Language.

When negotiating, it’s crucial to understand the different structures of language we employ and their impact; that is, surface structure and deep structure. Surface structure refers to language that is more abstract or vague, consisting of the labels we use to represent actual experiences. On the other hand, deep structure refers to language that reveals actual experiences, details, and specific information. Moving between and understanding these structures depends on the questions you ask. So, how do we use these structures successfully in a negotiation?

Moving the other negotiating party toward a more abstract surface structure is called “chunking up,” and relies on questions like:

- What is this an example of?
- For what purpose…?

Conversely, moving toward a deep structure is called “chunking down.” To chunk down, ask questions that can recover deeper levels of meaning and more detail such as:

What are examples of this?
What are other examples of this?
What specifically…?
Who specifically…?

You can also chunk laterally to find other suitable examples at the same level before moving toward greater detail. Chunking laterally can increase your flexibility in the negotiation process and reveal agreeable alternatives.

Whichever direction you guide the conversation, it’s important to stay fluid and chunk in whatever way is necessary.

When Communication Stumbles.

Faltering communications will require you to ask broader questions to reach the more abstract, bigger picture where you first found alignment with the other party. Move to reframing the conversation and chunking either laterally or downward to progress into the details while maintaining agreement along the way.

If disagreement arises or when in doubt, move back to the last point of agreement to maintain rapport before going further into detail. The ability to do this requires some grit.

Get Grit.

Grit is critical to the success of your negotiations. If agreement is wavering, remember to be resilient and confident in figuring out where things went awry. Remain in a state of curiosity and ask clarifying questions to determine how best to regain alignment. While preserving negotiations, remember that unexpected or disagreeable outcomes are temporary and that the process is flexible. When disagreement inevitably arises, it’s important to be able to disagree without being disagreeable.

Agreeing When You Disagree.

Disagreeing without being disagreeable is a strategy you can use to maintain your rapport and agree in principle, even if you’re finding yourself reaching a disagreement on some specific matter.

Begin by agreeing in principle by repeat the information that the other party has shared so you can show them your understanding of their position. Then, simply restate your purpose. This requires you to affirm your boundary and reinforce your intention, while allowing you to avoid repeatedly justifying your own position. In this way, you can sustain your resolve and grit while focusing on preserving rapport.

Maintaining agreement in principle and nurturing a healthy rapport while moving between surface and deep structures is the key to effective negotiation. As long as you think about rapport as an elastic process that can fluctuate, you will be empowered to enter into negotiations with the kind of grit and confidence required to be a great influencer. With these ideas in mind, you can boldly go forward as you continue developing these skills on your way to becoming a master of persuasion, influence and negotiation.

Stephen McGarvey is an international speaker, an expert on persuasion and influence, and the founder of a boutique consulting firm, Solutions In Mind. He assists corporations and audiences around the world in solving difficult communications problems by guiding them on an engaging, fast-paced, fascinating journey inside the unconscious mind. His new book is “Ignite a Shift: Engaging Minds, Guiding Emotions and Driving Behavior“.

Starting A Senior Living Facility Business: A Step-By-Step Guide

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January 12, 2023

Starting a senior living facility business can be a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor. It is an opportunity to provide a needed service to the community and positively impact seniors’ lives. However, starting a senior living facility is also complex and challenging. There are many steps and considerations to remember, such as understanding the assisted living cost. It is also important to be well-prepared before embarking on this journey.

Here are things to follow when starting a senior living facility business.

Research the market.

The first step in starting a senior living facility is thoroughly researching the market. Understand the needs of the target population and what they prefer. This will involve identifying the demographics of the area, such as age. Also, understand the income level of the seniors, as well as their health and social needs. It is good to know about the local competition and assess whether there is a need for another senior living facility in the area.

Develop a business plan.

Once you clearly understand the market, it is time to start developing a business plan. A business plan is a detailed roadmap that outlines the business’s goals, strategies, and financial projections. It should include a market analysis, a marketing plan, a financial plan, and an operational plan. A business plan will help you stay organized and focused as you move forward with the startup process.

Secure funding.

You will also need to secure funding for your senior living facility. This can be done through various sources, such as loans, grants, and investments. It is important to carefully research the different options and choose the most appropriate for your business. You may also need to secure financing for the physical facility by purchasing land or leasing a building.

Build or renovate the facility.

After this step, you can start building or renovating the facility. This will involve working with architects, contractors, and other professionals to design and construct the space. You will also need to purchase furniture, equipment, and supplies for the facility. It is important to work with reputable vendors and carefully manage the budget to ensure the project stays on track.

Develop a marketing and outreach plan.

As you are building or renovating the facility, it is important to develop a marketing and outreach plan. This will involve identifying the target market and developing a strategy for reaching out to potential residents and their families. It may also involve working with local organizations and community groups to raise awareness about the facility and its services.

Manage the day-to-day operations.

Once the facility is operational, it is important to manage the day-to-day operations carefully. This will involve hiring and training staff, developing policies and procedures, and managing the budget. Also, ensure that the facility meets all relevant regulations and standards. This involves working with professionals such as attorneys and accountants to address any legal or financial issues that may arise.

Starting a senior living facility business can be a complex and challenging process. It is rated among the most profitable businesses in the world. By thoroughly researching the market, developing a solid business plan, securing funding, building or renovating the facility, and carefully managing the operations, you can create a successful and sustainable business that positively impacts seniors’ lives. Note that you should be controlled by the assisted living cost when running a business. You will understand how to start a successful business with the above things.

Streaming Automotive Advertising: Why Should Automotive Dealers Opt For It?

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January 12, 2023

Automotive dealers have come a long way since their early days as simple salesmen. Today, they’re very much the experts in their field – and they’re working hard to stay ahead of the curve. But there are still some things that have remained constant over time: namely, dealerships need customers. And with more customers comes more revenue.

So how can dealers do more business or increase dealership visits? Streaming automotive advertising allows them to connect with potential clients faster and at lower costs than traditional ads. It also helps increase visitation rates and provides an interactive experience for viewers compared to print or digital ads.

Here are four key benefits of streaming automotive advertising:

1. Helps dealers reach target audiences faster.

By harnessing the power of streaming automotive advertising, you can reach target audiences more effectively and with less effort than ever before. With streaming automotive advertising, you can quickly get the message to a broader audience and help boost your overall sales and profits.

Streaming automotive advertising allows you to reach more people with a single ad than ever. The advantage is that you can quickly get the message out about your products and services.

2. Helps save on advertising costs.

One of the top benefits of streaming automotive advertising is that it helps you save on advertising costs. Traditional forms of automotive advertising can be costly, with many dealers spending thousands of dollars per month on TV spots and magazine ads.

The average cost of an auto dealership’s advertisement is $1,471 per month. By comparison, streaming automotive advertising can cost as little as $300/month or less, depending on the number and length of your ads.

Getting a chance to save money means focusing on other marketing activities, such as email marketing campaigns or print promotions, without increasing the overall amount spent on advertising.

3. It boosts dealership visits.

When you advertise on a streaming automotive platform, there is a higher chance that your ads will be seen by consumers interested in the product. Dealerships find they can generate more consumer visits to their location via streaming advertisements.

Streaming ads are also mobile-friendly. Therefore they have increased efficiency in generating visits through mobile devices. In addition, these ads do not require any download or installation of any software, making them much easier to view while using a smartphone or tablet.

4. More engaging and interactive than traditional ads.

Streaming automotive advertising is more engaging and interactive than traditional ads. Viewers can interact with the ad by clicking on a button or watching it in full-screen mode. As a result, they can get a detailed description of the product they want to purchase or learn more about.

Sometimes, the ad can make way for direct intervention in your entire sales process. In turn, this can lead to sales leads for dealerships – which is always great news for businesses.

Final Words

In summary, streaming automotive advertising has significant benefits for dealerships. This strategy allows dealerships to reach targeted audiences faster and at a lower cost while increasing in-store foot traffic.

These unconventional ads engage viewers more by providing interactive experiences where consumers can see the product in action without having to make a trip to the dealership.

How To Fund The Growth And Expansion Of A Business

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January 12, 2023

One of the few things all small businesses have in common is their collective ambition to grow and expand. Comparatively few small businesses have the genuine desire to stay small long term. The issue is that where the opportunity for growth and expansion presents itself, covering the costs of making it happen can often be insurmountable.

Your business is performing better than ever and you know you could increase your output several times over. The question is – how to fund major expansion costs like moving to larger premises, buying new equipment, taking on additional staff, and so on?

The answer could lie in one of the following flexible and accessible funding solutions for smaller businesses with big ambitions:

Invoice Financing

Invoice financing provides a surprisingly straightforward solution to one of the biggest financial headaches for SMEs. With invoice financing, up to 90% of the value of an outstanding invoice can be released and accessed within 24 hours. SMEs that spend much of their time chasing payments from customers could benefit enormously from invoice financing. Instead of waiting weeks (or even months) to be paid by your clients, you can get your hands on the money you’re owed much faster – often the next working day.

Merchant Cash Advance

With a merchant cash advance, you gain access to all the benefits of a commercial credit card, overdraft and loan – only with much greater flexibility and affordability. A loan is issued against the value of future credit card takings, which can be anything from £2,000 to more than £25,000. The money can be used for any legal purpose and the balance is gradually repaid as a fixed percentage of monthly card takings – typically 10% to 20%. This continues until the full balance has been repaid, ensuring consistently affordable repayments in line with actual monthly takings. You repay more when business is good and less (or nothing at all) when business is slow.

Bridging Loans

If you already have viable assets of value at your disposal, a bridging loan can be a great way to cover all types of short-term business expansion costs. Bridging finance can be arranged within a few working days, with no limitations on how much can be borrowed. The funds are secured against assets of value (typically property) and the debt is repaid in a single lump sum payment – typically 1 to 12 months after being issued with monthly interest as low as 0.5%, bridging finance can be uniquely cost-effective when repaid as promptly as possible.

Asset Finance

Asset finance provides SMEs with the opportunity to spread the costs of major purchases and investments over several years of monthly repayments. Leasing and hire purchase are the two most common forms of asset finance, which in both instances typically involve a deposit followed by fixed monthly instalments. Interest applies over the course of the term and the equipment/asset remains the legal property of the issuer until the final repayment has been made.

Secured Business Loans

An alternative option to short-term bridging finance is a longer-term business loan. Most commercial borrowing products are issued as secured loans, where assets of value are offered by the borrower as ‘security’ for the loan. Secured business loans are tailored to meet the requirements of the business in question and can be repaid over anything from a few months to several years (or decades). Though as a general rule of thumb, the longer the repayment period on a business loan, the higher the overall borrowing costs of the facility.

For more information on any of the above or to discuss funding solutions for business expansion in more detail, contact a member of the team at UK Commercial Finance today.

8 Tips For Leveraging Instagram To Grow Your Small Business In 2023

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January 12, 2023

One of the most practical, modern ways you can grow your small business is by leveraging instagram. This is made easier by the massiveness of over a billion active users that Instagram boasts. Along with being a socializing platform Instagram has also become a progressively valuable advertising platform for lots of businesses. Features such as video and photo sharing make it easier to showcase your business and share important information to your audience.

Below, we’ll discuss eight tips for leveraging Instagram to grow your small business.

1. Utilize Hashtags.

Using hashtags in your content is one of the most effective ways of gaining a massive following on Instagram. You can make your content trend by combining the right hashtags, and trending content is easily noticed through people’s Instagram feeds. Through this, you can broaden your network without spending money on advertising. You can utilize up to thirty hashtags in each post you make, but before using them, ensure you research about them to confirm that their content is similar to yours.

2. Collaborate With Influencers.

Collaborating with celebrities(influencers) in your niche gives your business vulnerability, thus increasing brand recognition and sales. Having a well-known influencer talk about your brand can increase the interest of possibly thousands of new users to follow you. Find cheap micro-influencers who understand your niche, for they are likely to advertise your brand better than celebrities. This is because they also want to be recognized by other potential clients. However, suppose you can afford one mega-influencer, you can consider advertising with them because you will likely gain more followers faster and receive more orders from new clients.

3. Engage With Your Followers.

Create time to respond to your followers’ comments and direct messages so that they can remain loyal and show that you value and care about their opinions. Utilize the power of Instagram live as a unique way to communicate with your audience. Through your video, introduce a like, follow, and tag contest whereby they leave a comment by tagging another user to have a chance of winning a giveaway.

This technique will make your business account gain more followers, who will interact with your content, thus increasing sales. You can also use user-generated content to support authenticity and build trust between the brand and the audience.

4. Post Interactive Stories.

Instagram stories must be engaging to catch the audience’s attention. You can make your stories fun by creating boomerangs, using the count-down sticker, inserting embedded links between your content, tagging followers, adding the Q&A sticker, and many more. Additionally, learn some skills on how to use graphic design software such as Canva and Pixlr to create appealing images and videos that can catch the viewer’s eye.

5. Share Behind-The-Scenes.

People want to see how you came up with magnificent pictures of the final products. Make sure you share behind-the-camera moments for your brand. Behind-the-scenes can include

Your company history
Product development process
Your brand’s highs and lows
Content creation process
Employees life stories
Bloopers and fun moments

This content will increase the number of your audience and give you new ideas to implement into your content.

6. Run Instagram Ads.

Paid or sponsored posts offer accurate targeting, exposing your brand to a broader audience. You can run your ads using photos, videos, or stories with your Instagram business account. If you have a small following, you can partner with micro-influencers to run your ads. To achieve this, you have to:

Make a list of larger accounts in your niche
Check if the accounts have an email address on their bio (are open to sponsoring posts or stories)
Contact the account owners to know how much they charge for sponsored posts
Negotiate and come up with a final price that will neither affect you nor the influencer negatively
Decide the type of offer you want to promote in the post (include popular company details and email signature to build trust with new customers)

7. Post Frequently and Consistently.

Having a regular posting schedule can have a significant impact on your audience. Instagram focuses on feeding users with recent and relevant stories or content, so if you have not posted any content for a while, you may lose potential or new customers and followers. At a start, create content at least three times a week and check how people are engaging with your posts to decide whether to add or reduce posting.

8. Optimize and Get Verified.

Your Instagram business account profile should be your business representation, what you offer, bio links, contacts, emails, and who you serve. Instagram provides 150 profile characters to describe your business and action buttons where potential clients can contact you. You can attract many followers with correct details and a killer bio on your profile. Moreover, ensure you switch your account to a professional business account, as it will provide extra features to expand your business. Get your account verified for authenticity and build trust with new followers.

You’ll definitely be on your way to progressive growth when you put the above tips in action. If you fail to reach your mass target by following the tips above, you can buy famoid followers to grow your account and get more engagements faster.

How To Stand Out In A Competitive Job Market

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January 12, 2023

Unemployment is a leading challenge across the world. Most countries continually work to meet employment demands for their growing populations. The number of graduates getting into the job market increases, causing many to hustle for limited job opportunities.

In such a competitive job market, getting a job can be an uphill task. Although the steep competition makes it difficult to find employment opportunities, landing a job isn’t entirely impossible. However, you’d have to do more to stand out from the crowd to succeed.

If you’re a job seeker, here’s how to stand out in the competitive market.

Develop In-Demand Skills.

Another way to stand out in a competitive job market is to develop skills that are in high demand in the job market. Acquiring a new skill, getting certified, or learning a new language can push your resume to the top of the pile.

Employers in the modern-day job market want to hire people with intense zeal and passion for executing work, achieving goals, accomplishing tasks, and solving problems with minimal assistance.

Other in-demand skills you need to develop to excel in the job market include writing and communication skills, good networking and interpersonal skills, and adaptability in work environments.

To develop these and other skills that give you an advantage over applicants seeking similar opportunities, register for a job readiness course like transition to work manningham. With the numerous online learning opportunities, you can quickly sharpen your skills from the comfort of your home.

Apply For Internship.

Most employees prefer to hire people who can demonstrate experience in handling similar tasks. If you’re a first-time job seeker, a great way to increase your chances of landing a job is to develop a solid resume as you pursue your education.

You can do this by interning in companies or organizations near you to sharpen skills in your area of study and build work experience. An internship can give you an advantage over other job applicants, no matter how short or long your engagement may have been.

Boost Your Online Presence.

In addition to direct interviews, employers may check applicants’ online presence to assess their potential. In today’s digital world, online content is a good source of applicant views, interests, and skills for recruiters.

An easy way to establish a personal online presence is by creating a LinkedIn profile. A profile on this professional platform can help you quickly land your desired job. Since most recruiters search for competent employees on this platform, having a catchy headline, a professional photo, and a solid profile summary showcasing your skills and experience are great ways to captivate their attention. It can get you closer to your dream job.

Update your account regularly. Keep it active with posts about your experiences, achievements, research, interests, and projects.

Make an Impressive Presentation.

Positive presentation to potential employers is critical to standing out from the job market competition. This technique does not just apply to appropriate dressing during interviews. It also means preparing a professional resume and cover letter highlighting your experience, skills, and achievements that your target employers desire.

Edit your resume well and have someone review it to make it error-free. You’ll need to prepare well to stage an impressive performance in a job interview. Research the company you’re interested in and the position you seek to fill. Review employer requirements, draw potential questions, and rehearse responses beforehand.

Update Yourself On Market Trends.

You must regularly update yourself on job market trends to stand out in the competitive job market. Updating yourself on current trends enables you to forecast future employer requirements and position yourself accordingly. Find out about the dynamic trends in careers that are related to your experience and skills.

Check whether your skills align with current job requirements and upgrade them where needed. Most jobs in the current market require employees to use computer applications. Management styles are also changing rapidly; hence, upgrading your skills in these areas can help you stand out from the competition in today’s job market.

Get Good References.

You need to demonstrate your value to potential employers when looking for employment. Letting them know of your past successes can give you an edge over your competitors. Besides highlighting those successes on your resume, add contacts of people who can attest to your achievements and value them as your references. You could also reach out to people you’ve worked with and ask them to testify about your accomplishments, which can give you an advantage over other applicants.

Final Thoughts.

Getting a job in today’s job market takes more than responding to adverts with a resume and a cover letter. Job seekers must find ways to stand out in the crowded market. If you’re looking for a first job or desiring to change your current one, the six tips discussed above can give you a competitive advantage in the job market.

In Business, Treat Yourself And Others Well

Contributor

January 11, 2023

by Thane Lawrie, author of “The Buddhist CEO“

My name is Thane Lawrie and I am the author of The Buddhist CEO. Prior to becoming an author, I was the CEO of an organization called Scarf, in my native Scotland. Being a CEO was a wonderful experience but it was also very challenging at times. Fortunately, I was very successful in the role and Scarf was listed in the prestigious Sunday Times list of the Top 100 Companies to work for in the UK during six of my seven years as CEO.

What do I consider to be the biggest factor in my success and how could others learn from it?

I firmly believe that the biggest factor in my success was largely down to how I treated other people. Later I was to learn the importance of treating myself well but I will come back to that. The organization where I became CEO was facing multiple challenges when I took charge. We had suffered significant financial losses, the services we provided were poor and staff morale was low. My job was to shake the company out of its malaise. How could I expect staff to deliver excellent customer service when they were all feeling so low about their work?

It was clear that our workforce culture was poor. Staff were unclear about the values of the company, what their role was, and where the company was headed, which resulted in frustration and people often speaking unprofessionally to each other and lowering the overall tone of the workplace.

The first thing I did was start to listen. I asked staff directly why they didn’t enjoy their job with us and quickly themes emerged.

They told me they wanted to enjoy their job as they almost all believed in what the organization was trying to achieve. However, they felt that the company got in the way. Nothing worked well, the IT and phone systems were inadequate to support them to do their job and it drove them crazy. Their managers couldn’t take decisions quickly, they were unsure what their targets were, and they felt underappreciated by senior managers.

My first decision was to completely overhaul much of our infrastructure. We modernised our IT and phone system and brought in a new fleet of modern clean branded company cars. Next step was to bring in support from an HR consultant and we engaged with staff to devise our companies new set of values. We then trained all our mangers at every level on how we wanted them to become inspirational leaders who were truly in charge of their part of the business.

The organization was transformed in my first year in charge. Staff became happy very quickly. They felt listened to and their productivity increased significantly. Managers were energized and we started to deliver excellent services. This resulted in more business and after two years of significant losses we posted a small surplus in my first year, which went on to grow year on year.

This brief description makes it sound easy when in fact a lot of time and effort went into achieving this turn around. But essentially at the heart of this significant change was my belief that if you treat people well, respect them, value their contribution and make sure they understand their role and the contribution they make to the overall company, then the majority of people will respond positively. However, not everyone comes with you and how we dealt with these members of staff was of equal importance. I do not subscribe to the view that if you treat people well everyone will step into line. To fully turn our culture around I had to deal with these tricky situations. One toxic person can demoralise a workplace very quickly. Other staff become frustrated and despondent when leaders don’t deal with such characters.

How did I deal with this? My rule was to give everyone a chance. Point out which behaviours are causing the problem and what changes they need to make to rectify the situation. Making it clear that if they do not make the changes needed then disciplinary proceedings are likely to follow. These conversations can be awkward and tricky but always worth having with the few people that fall in this category. Other staff appreciate it and they respect leaders who tackle these issues and your workplace culture thrives as a result.

What about you, though? How are you doing? You have been busy leading your organization, department or team, taking bold steps, making difficult decisions and you are so emotionally caught up in the excitement of your business venture. It is so common to find leaders forgetting about their own wellbeing.

I know that I did it at times. In my novel The Buddhist CEO, one of the chapters is called The Fellowship of the CEOs. The main character in the book creates a meeting with other CEOs that he admires, which he calls the fellowship of the CEOs. They all feel they can’t be open about their leadership challenges with their board or senior team as they want to look strong and confident in their role. When really they are human like the rest of us. They use their fellowship to be human and share and learn from one another and offer support to one another. During my own CEO career, I set up a similar meeting with other CEOs and it gave me the support and challenge I needed to be a successful leader. I saw this as taking proactive steps to protect my own wellbeing.

In summary my advice would be to anyone setting out in business or an experienced hand who has hit a tough patch, think wisely about how you treat your staff and senior team. If you put in the time and effort to develop a positive and inspirational workplace culture your business will thrive. But don’t forget to look after yourself along the way.

Thane Lawrie was an award-winning CEO in his native country of Scotland. He is now an author and recently released his first novel The Buddhist CEO. To learn more about Thane and purchase his book, check out his website https://www.thanelawrie.com/ where he writes a regular blog.

Make The Most Of Your Team With These Simple Tips

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January 11, 2023

No matter what kind of business you run or what type of team you manage, it will always be important to get the most out of your colleagues in order to improve both overall company success and individual satisfaction. Leaders need to be able to focus on multiple facets of a project at once so that it runs cohesively and achieves its objectives.

If you are currently leading a team, either as an employer, manager, or supervisor, here are some useful tips to help you make the most of your team and succeed together.

Be Clear About Expectations.

It is nearly impossible for a team of even the most talented individuals to achieve highly when given vague and unhelpful expectations for a project. Clarifying the key objectives from the start and making your team aware of the limitations as soon as possible will give them time to properly evaluate the project so they can tackle it from the best angle. Without this kind of clarity from the beginning, it is foolish to expect a team to achieve any positive outcomes within the timeframe.

Allow Room for Creativity.

If you don’t see the underlying talent and skill in each member of your team, it will be difficult to avoid micromanaging them. Make sure that the right people are assigned to the right project to prevent disruptions further down the line. This not only saves time but also gives the team space to respond creatively to challenges while meeting their milestones. A great leader encourages individuals to combine their unique skills in such a way that the results are more than the sum of their parts.

Develop Your Own Skills.

While it is important to examine your team’s individual and shared abilities when approaching a project, it is also incredibly valuable to take a look at your own. This is especially relevant when it comes to honing your leadership qualities. By earning your coaching certificate, you can develop practical skills in communication and leadership so that you are better able to coach your team and help them to see their own potential. It isn’t always intuitive to communicate in the most effective way, even for the most experienced of team leaders. Seize any opportunity you get to improve your own skills and pass on the benefits to your team.

Make Time for Practical Feedback.

Sitting back and letting a team misjudge a project will help no one. Instead, allocate regular opportunities for feedback at varying stages throughout the project. This should be a two-way street where you can listen to what the team has to say, and you can share your insights as a leader. It is important to balance taking on the feedback you gather from the team with staying the course.

Overseeing a team takes a lot of skill, patience, resourcefulness, and care. If you want to prove yourself to be a great team leader, you will need to show that you can encourage your team members to be their very best.

3 Ways Your Business Can Go Green For A More Sustainable Future

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January 11, 2023

Green practices have gained traction in recent years as people and businesses have started to actively work towards lower carbon footprints, reduced fuel usage, and having less of an overall impact on the environment. Fortunately, there are several strategies you could consider to make your company activities more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, these changes might even help your company save money.

Here are some of the ways you can help your business be greener and more sustainable in the future.

1. Conserve Where You Can.

Conservation of resources is a vital part of the green movement. Switching to renewable forms of energy and making changes to your water supply and distribution systems could help reduce your business’s reliability and need for two increasingly more in-demand resources. Expert civil engineering companies like Civil Design, Inc can help you develop plans for a sustainable, more eco-friendly office and working environment. This could be in the form of upgrades to your existing infrastructure or plans for a new building, should you have the capital to warrant a new office being built. Take your power conservation up one more step by investing in equipment that is not only more efficient than older technology, but that is more eco-friendly in the production phase.

2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Technology.

When looking to replace any outdated machines or appliances around the office, consider upgrading to models that are more energy efficient than the units they are replacing. This could include your office’s air conditioning systems, the office geyser, or even the lightbulbs illuminating your office cubicles. Simply replacing the blown globes in your building with energy-efficient LED options will go a long way in making your office greener overall. Not only are LED lights more efficient, but they also have a number of other advantages. They have lower power consumption rates than traditional light bulbs, last longer, and don’t emit heat, reducing your need for cooling to compensate for the infrared radiation emitted by traditional light bulbs.

3. Consider Going Paperless.

As technology continues to improve and becomes more and more affordable, there is no better time than the present to consider taking your business completely paperless. It is estimated that the average office worker uses around 10,000 sheets of paper a year. Switching to paperless will not only ensure your office uses fewer supplies, which will decrease your costs per month, but your business’s carbon footprint will also be dramatically improved thanks to the reduction in the production of paper products. When moving your records to the digital environment, consider hiring experts in data security to help ensure your important business data remains secure and complies with all the relevant legal and financial requirements in your area.

Above are just a couple of the countless clever ways that companies could become more eco-conscious. Since every company is different, there might be several options that are good or even perfect for your business. Look at the everyday operations of your business and consider any modifications you might implement to make a difference today.

Business Growth Starts From Within: How To Attract Top Talent

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January 11, 2023

What do you think of when you are asked about ways to grow a business? Usually, it will start with marketing tips. You will be told how to define a market and then ways to reach consumers in order to increase sales. While boosting your bottom line is a key factor in business growth, it doesn’t start there.

In fact, business growth should actually start from within. Employees are the foundation of business growth which is why this is where you should focus your initial efforts when seeking to ramp up growth. Are you in need of a few key players? If so, there are several ways to attract them to your business, leaving the competition behind.

Superior Benefits Packages

One of the most sought after perks within today’s business professionals are those superior benefits packages that many corporations are able to offer. If you think about just how important those key players are in your business, isn’t it worth investing in benefits packages that will be the main attraction?

With the rising cost of healthcare, most professionals look at the kind of coverage an employer offers. They seek the leading insurers, the type of healthcare plan offered (i.e. PPO vs. HMO) and then supplemental insurance coverage. You might want to begin your quest by exploring supplemental health benefits products from InComm. By offering your employees everything from OTC health products to Healthy Foods benefits, you will be attracting the best of the best in today’s market.

Inclusive Company Culture

There is still a great deal of discontent within many of today’s businesses large and small. We are living in an age when diversity and inclusion should be embraced because this is something that has been lacking for far too long – forever in fact!

Especially in the United States, we are a melting pot of people from all over the world, and from every culture. Gone are the days of nepotism because it really is what you know and NOT who you know. Undoing gender bias is huge at the moment, so a diverse and inclusive workforce will give you greater options when choosing the best person for the job.

Job-Related Flexible Working Options

To the degree where it is possible, it pays to offer flex working conditions whenever possible. While you couldn’t offer this option to manufacturing employees working production lines, you could give key office and administrators the option for working part of the time from their home office. Many of today’s key players had a taste of working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic and now they are looking for jobs that make flex work possible, at least part of the time.

Remember, your key takeaway in all this is that your employees are your most important asset so if you want to grow your business, this is the first place you should be looking to invest. Give them those coveted supplemental benefits packages, make every employee as valued as members on the Board of Directors, and give them options in working conditions best suited to them. It boils down to this: if you want to grow your business you will need the people who can help you do just that.

Beyond “Us And Them”: A New Approach To Inclusion

Contributor

January 10, 2023

by Amri B. Johnson, CEO of Inclusion Wins and author of “Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable“

Inclusion has never been a hotter topic. Organizations are making unprecedented investments in DEI. Leaders want diverse teams to develop new ideas and drive innovation. Employees want to work in a place that values their unique perspective. And everyone wants to get along and feel they are part of the team. That’s why so many companies have sprung to quick action, adding inclusion to their mission, investing in unconscious bias training, and bringing in speakers to talk about race and racism.

Yet despite these good intentions, results are meager, indeed. People still feel excluded and undervalued, tensions simmer beneath the surface, and the organization struggles (and often fails) to make any measurable headway. This is because, all too often, DEI programs are reactionary, supplemental, and cosmetic rather than systemic.

To create real, sustainable inclusion, you’ve got to make everyone feel valued, regardless of the identities and attributes of the groups they ‘belong’ to. Organizations should focus on the systems that create disparities that hold all people back and solve for those.

In other words, instead of basing inclusion on the single focus of identity (the thing that too often divides us), my preferred approach hinges on what we all have in common — our humanity. We need to create the conditions and systems that help everyone thrive.

Inclusion is for everyone.

Focusing on single identities (whether that identity is Black, LGBTQIA++, Latinx, neurodivergent, differently abled, etc.) backfires because there will always be people who do not feel included, and they may not always belong to the typically disparaged groups.

Change can happen only when everyone feels that they are a part of the movement toward inclusion. There is no ‘Them.’ That’s the way to create sustainable change.

Most of us have some degree of privilege. It’s useful to be aware of it.

As a Black man, I am considered by some to lack racial privilege. On the other hand, I am male, heterosexual, upper-middle class, and born in America, all of which are considered privileges. Examining our own areas of privilege can help us discover what we’ve learned from belonging to these groups that we can use to create those same favorable conditions for everybody.

When we hold up the mirror for ourselves and for one another — not to find fault with any one group, but to understand that all of us have certain amounts of privilege — we will inevitably see that there are disparities to address. And as we learn about these disparities, we can take actions that elevate everyone together.

Social tensions always exist. They become a problem only when you don’t know how to deal with them.

Tensions exist in any system where there is difference of any kind. Even when it is uncomfortable, this tension is necessary. (Tension is what holds up a bridge, for example, and it’s also crucial for societies as they evolve and grow.) So, when you get different groups of people working together, it stands to reason that there will be tensions.

That’s not a bad thing. The danger comes when you don’t know how to navigate the tensions and complexities that come from those differences.

Cultural intelligence is key.

Remember all those tensions that exist no matter what? Thriving can occur when people understand how to address and work with those tensions. As more organizations go global, cultural intelligence or “CQ” is a must-have for employees. This is a specific form of intelligence focused on an individual’s ability to grasp and reason correctly in situations characterized by cultural diversity. Organizations should prioritize educating leaders and employees so they can thrive in a multicultural work environment.

Through collaboration, we can harness CQ to find a Third Way.

The most culturally intelligent individuals look for a common problem and work to find a solution that can be reached only together.

That’s exactly what Levi Strauss did when they learned that two of their suppliers in Bangladesh were using child labor to make their clothes. Levi’s was pressured to immediately sever their relationship with the suppliers, a CQ 1-2 approach. But Levi’s knew that many of these children were the sole economic providers in their families. Having children under 14 working in factories was against Levi’s ethical standards, but they couldn’t reconcile taking food out of these kids’ mouths. Levi’s worked with the suppliers to develop a creative solution. The contractors would continue to hire the kids, but they would pay them to go to school rather than work. Levi’s would cover the kids’ tuition, and when the kids turned 14, they would come back to the factory and get their jobs back.

Inclusion means everyone thrives.

When true inclusion is achieved, all stakeholders are thriving: They are fundamentally happy, they are healthy (mentally, physically, and emotionally), they are progressing toward their goals, and they feel as if they belong. Even struggling organizations can transform when they tailor all their systems around helping everyone thrive.

More and more, employees are demanding this kind of workplace. They want to be recognized and supported as a unique human being with unique needs and hopes and dreams. Corporations that create a culture of thriving will obviously have an edge in the war for talent.

An Inclusion System is the way to “get there” (and then go further).

Thriving is achievable with the help of an Inclusion System. This is a framework that creates a path toward individuals’ and their respective organizations’ adaptively creating the conditions critical to inclusion becoming normative — accessible, actionable, sustainable, and positively contributing to the organizational mission. This systemic approach allows organizations to solve existing problems while continually adapting to whatever new challenges or goals arise in the organization over time.

When it’s done right, inclusion that focuses on what humans need to belong goes far beyond DEI work and infuses your culture with thriving across the board. Thriving people tackle problems, collaborate, work efficiently, and perform at their highest potential. Because everyone thrives, the organization thrives. There’s no better way to drive success.

Amri B. Johnson is the author of “Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable“. He is a social capitalist, epidemiologist, entrepreneur, and inclusion strategist. As CEO/founder of Inclusion Wins, Amri and a virtual collective of partners converge organizational purpose to create global impact with a lens of inclusion.

Accurate Package Delivery Starts With Accurate Data

Contributor

January 9, 2023

by Trent Howell, Head of Marketing at Smarty

As the holidays approach, consumers all over the world are ordering record-breaking amounts of merchandise to be shipped to friends, family or their own doorsteps in preparation for hosting gatherings and creating a bit of wintertime magic. When these customers open their highly-anticipated packages, they are generally filled with excitement over their purchase. What they don’t see is the intensely complex process that leads to that package making it to their porch on time. If one step in the chain goes wrong, boxes and envelopes can be delayed, misdelivered, returned to the merchant, or lost altogether. In our modern world of automated logistics and digital processing, every point from the factory to the intended recipient relies on data.

Delivery issues cause retailers no end of headaches. In their 2022 survey, Anyline reported that 76% of customers would think twice before ordering from a company again after an unacceptable delivery experience. And although brands don’t always control the shipping process from start to finish, many consumers tend to blame retailers for delays and failed deliveries anyway. This can lead to damaged relationships, negative reviews online and a ripple effect of lost business. Different estimates exist on the potential loss of revenue due to these issues, but all agree it is well over $1 billion.

Obviously, it is in retailers’ best interest to avoid issues with delivery. What is less clear is how to step up the logistics game and ensure a smooth customer experience. One thing is certain: Businesses need better data.

What is Location Data, and How Does it Go Wrong?

In order for businesses to accurately and efficiently deliver packages, first they need to know where to find their customers. Physical and mailing addresses, geocodes, latitude and longitude are all elements of location data that can help different businesses in different ways.

For retailers, a mailing address is the most relevant piece of location data. Unfortunately, getting an address from a customer is more complicated than it sounds. To begin with, most addresses are acquired through user input, which means human error is inevitable. When someone hits a number on the keyboard twice on accident, or puts the city and state in reversed fields, uses the voice-to-text mode on their mobile phone, or neglects to add the last digit to a zip code, the end result is an address that is unusable. Add in international shipping, where addresses may be in a completely different format, and you have a recipe for disaster.

While none of these errors are the fault of the merchant, the end result–a package that does not get where it needs to go in a timely manner–is the same. Sellers then have to choose between an upset customer and a loss on a product that must be shipped twice.

Helpful Fixes

Fortunately, as ecommerce has risen in popularity, technology has been developed to assist in getting clean location data. A good address verification service paired with an autocomplete function can help avoid a lot of errors on the input side.

Address verification utilizes an existing database — like the one the US Postal Service maintains — to compare data entered by consumers and ensure that the end result is a deliverable address. A script can be embedded right into the retail site to verify every address that is typed in, as well as standardizing the format. The best address verification tools will check against multiple databases, so that non-postal addresses and international addresses are also vetted.

Adding address autocomplete to the equation aims to proactively prevent bad data from entering the system. As an individual begins typing their address, the autocomplete function offers suggested addresses to fill in the rest. Customers love this, particularly on a mobile device, because it saves them the effort of typing all of their information into the provided fields. Businesses love it because the autocomplete tool suggests correct addresses in their approved format, reducing the number of errors.

The Value of Accurate Data

The adage, “bad data is worse than no data” is well-known for a reason. Companies that are utilizing location data in smart ways have a huge advantage over their competitors, but if their data is incorrect, they are worse off than they started.

Inaccurate data can cause more than bad deliveries. Incorrect or undeliverable addresses necessitate employee involvement. The logistics department will need to track down and correct the address, labels may need to be reapplied, and customer service reps will spend more time calming people down who are waiting on their packages and less time creating positive experiences and lasting relationships. All told, bad data costs US businesses more than $3 trillion each year.

Paying attention to location data, using an address verification service to target problems before they happen, and having a strategy in place for inaccurate addresses when they happen could be the key to making it through the end-of-year rush, or any busy season. With a clean address database, brands will have happier customers, repeat business, and better online reviews.

Companies will also have the added bonus of a robust address list that they can be confident is correct and standardized. Clean addresses help companies understand their audience, make strategic decisions about where to open retail stores or the best regions to lease warehouse space, and give their marketing team valuable insights into where to find their customers.

Conclusion

As retail businesses gear up for a huge influx of orders that must be processed, packaged and shipped on an absolute deadline, they have to worry about a lot of things.

Bad addresses don’t have to be one of the many worries on an executive’s mind. To ensure every parcel finds its way home, businesses can’t assume that customers are always giving them the right information, but with a reliable address verification system in place, companies can rest assured that their data is reliable, and deliveries will be sent to the right place.

The joy of the holidays is tied so closely to brown paper packages on the doorstep and the surprises inside, and it all starts with reliable address data.

Trent Howell joins Smarty as Head of Marketing with more than 25 years of experience in information technology, training and certification, and software industries. Prior to Smarty, Trent led high-performing global marketing teams at leading companies in the software and technology industries.

Hong Kong Travel Insurance: Guide for First-Time Tourists

admin

January 9, 2023

As a bustling international city with a high population density, Hong Kong is a popular tourist destination for people all over the world. Whether you are planning a trip to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, explore its rich culture and history, or visit its many landmarks and attractions, it’s important to protect yourself and your trip with travel insurance.

In this guide, take a look at what you need to know when buying travel insurance for Hong Kong.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of insurance that covers the costs and risks associated with traveling, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost or damaged luggage, and other unforeseen events. It can provide financial protection for a variety of situations that may arise while you are traveling, and can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Medical emergencies can be particularly costly, especially if you are traveling internationally and don’t have access to your usual healthcare coverage. Travel insurance can help cover the costs of medical treatment, including hospital stays, prescription medications, and transportation to a medical facility.

Why is travel insurance important?

There are many reasons why buying insurance is important, especially for first-time tourists visiting Hong Kong. Here are a few:

Medical emergencies: While Hong Kong has a modern healthcare system, medical treatment can be expensive. Travel insurance can cover the costs of medical treatment, including hospital stays, prescription medications, and transportation to a medical facility.
Trip cancellations and interruptions: If you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or a personal emergency, travel insurance can help cover the costs of non-refundable travel expenses, such as airfare and accommodations.
Lost or damaged luggage: Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or damaged luggage, including the cost of replacing necessary items or the value of the lost items.
Other unexpected events: Travel insurance can also provide coverage for a variety of other unexpected events, such as flight delays, travel document theft, and legal assistance.

What to consider when choosing a travel insurance policy for Hong Kong

When choosing a travel insurance policy for your trip to Hong Kong, there are a few key factors to consider:

Coverage limits: Make sure to choose a policy with coverage limits that are sufficient for your needs. For example, if you are planning a long trip with a high value, you may want to consider a policy with higher coverage limits for medical expenses and trip cancellations.
Exclusions: Be sure to read the exclusions carefully, as some policies may not cover certain types of events, such as pre-existing medical conditions or adventure activities.
Reputation and financial stability of the insurer: It’s important to choose a reputable and financially stable insurer, as you want to make sure that the company will be able to pay out any claims you may have.
Premium cost: Consider the premium costs of the policy and compare it to your budget. It’s important to find a policy that provides the coverage you need at a price you can afford.

How to purchase travel insurance for your trip to Hong Kong

There are several options for purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Hong Kong. One option is to go through a travel agent, as many agents offer travel insurance as an add-on service when booking a trip. This can be a convenient option, as the agent can help you choose the right policy based on your needs and budget. Another option is to purchase travel insurance online through a variety of websites and insurers. This can be a convenient option, as you can compare policies and purchase a policy from the comfort of your own home. Alternatively, you can also purchase a policy directly from an insurer by contacting them directly. Overall, there are multiple ways to purchase travel insurance for your trip to Hong Kong, so you can choose the option that best fits your needs and preferences.

Purchase comprehensive coverage with a credible insurance provider

Travel insurance is an important consideration for any trip, especially for first-time tourists visiting Hong Kong. From medical emergencies to trip cancellations and lost luggage, having travel insurance in Hong Kong can provide financial protection and peace of mind for a variety of unexpected events that may arise during your trip. When choosing a policy, be sure to consider the coverage limits, exclusions, reputation and financial stability of the insurer, and cost. Protect yourself and your trip with travel insurance and enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip to Hong Kong.

Contact MoneySmart today to find out how they can give you the peace of mind you need while exploring new places.

How Digital Document Storage Can Improve Business Sustainability

Contributor

January 6, 2023

by Dennis Schroder, the founder of SeraScript

Although most business objectives aren’t made with the environment’s welfare in mind, they should be. Many companies are at least becoming more aware of sustainability practices. They are trying to balance doing their part to care for the environment and meeting their business objectives. The concept of sustainability is quickly becoming the focus of strategic planning processes for many businesses.

Developing a cost-effective business sustainability strategy helps businesses reduce costs, paper waste, and carbon emissions while staying compliant with current environmental regulations. This guide will discuss what issues businesses face related to sustainability and list ways digital systems can help companies to reach those goals.

Ways to Address Sustainability Issues

From increasing efficiency and adding brand value to meeting consumer demands, attracting talent, and creating new business opportunities, businesses can reap many rewards when they address sustainability issues. In today’s increasingly digital world, creating a sustainable company is easier than ever.

Mission: Sustainability.

Sustainability must be included in your company mission statement. The purpose of the mission statement is to identify the most important values that your organization strives to uphold every day. When you include sustainability in your mission statement and back it up with actionable behavior, you demonstrate your brand’s commitment to the environment.

Engage Employees.

The best way to support any initiative is by encouraging employees to engage in the process, and a sustainability initiative is no exception. Create a “green” program task force or similar committee comprised of employees whose duties are to develop companywide sustainability-focused programs. When employees take ownership of their programs’ results, they will become more engaged in the process and help spread an eco-friendly mindset throughout the company.

Prioritize Waste Reduction.

One of the best and most impactful ways to focus on sustainability efforts is to prioritize waste reduction. Finding ways to minimize waste throughout the day and across the organization will not only increase efficiency in work processes but will make you a faithful caregiver to the environment. For example, manufacturing companies should consider implementing Six Sigma or similar lean manufacturing concepts into their daily production activities.

Ways Digitization Can Help Companies Meet Sustainability Goals

Today’s technologies help businesses create more ambitious sustainability objectives in several ways. Digitization leads to higher efficiency by optimizing and automating processes and energy management, allowing leaders to design and implement a successful corporate sustainability strategy. When sustainability and digitization are effectively integrated and aligned, they drive broader, more significant change. According to Accenture, when companies integrate sustainable digital transformations into their value chains and operations, they have more than double the chance of finding themselves among the best-performing businesses of the future than those that don’t. Here are the top three ways digitization can help companies meet sustainability goals.

Reduces Paper Waste.

Going paperless is one of the best ways for anyone to reduce their carbon footprint and help care for the planet. Businesses use tons of paper, so the impact is significant when your company commits to going paperless.

Paper production destroys many trees and uses a significant quantity of water and chemicals, creating a lot of waste and carbon emissions. Rapid deforestation is taking place to keep up with the high demand for paper in the United States. Harvesting all these trees increases the risk of soil erosion and negatively impacts the wildlife populations where the trees are harvested. Furthermore, when trees are harvested from residential communities, they become exposed to higher levels of air and water pollution because fewer trees absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen in the area. Deforestation due to paper production is also a significant contributor to climate change.

Another significant paper-related threat to the environment is waste disposal. Humans in the United States and other developed nations print far more paper documents on average than we need. The excess paper gets thrown out and accumulates in landfills, becoming a significant component of municipal solid waste. When it begins to decompose, it releases toxic methane into the atmosphere while leeching ink into soil and water sources.

The environmental damage caused by these processes can be avoided – or at least significantly reduced – if more businesses and people, in general, would take greater advantage of all the benefits digitization offers.

Reduces Carbon Emissions.

Paper production continues to have an environmental impact even after trees are harvested. First, paper and pulp manufacturing create greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to pollution. According to the EPA, approximately 70% of greenhouse gas emissions come from paper and pulp manufacturers – and the remaining 30% are emitted through other paper-related processes and products.

In recent years, utilities have begun accelerating global decarbonization through clean electrification, which offsets some of the pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Digital transformation is a critical component in this process, replacing electricity produced by fossil fuels with renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro powers. Digital transformation is helping connect consumers to these electrical ecosystems to deliver clean energy in reliable and safe ways.

Reduces Costs.

The mere act of committing to digital document storage and going paperless significantly reduces business expenses alone. Still, there are other ways in which digitization can help a business reduce its costs.

Remote monitoring and computer vision led by artificial intelligence can help an organization predict, see, and prevent issues that amount to lost resources. These technologies also have the ability to use analytics and operational data to perform condition-based maintenance, thus reducing losses due to maintenance issues and downtime. This improved asset management can also help businesses cut down on excess inventory. Lastly, organizations can cut back on energy costs by homing in on minor problems before they escalate into energy-draining issues.

Make a Change

Digitization makes it much less challenging for businesses to develop impactful sustainability strategies. Simply by reducing paper waste and cutting back on factors that contribute to carbon emissions, businesses can significantly impact the well-being of the environment. Make a change today by taking advantage of digital document storage to reduce paper waste, engage your employees in the process, and forge ahead with an effective business sustainability strategy that impacts your business and the planet for good.

Dennis Schroder is the founder of SeraScript, a secure and blockchain-verifiable document platform. With Dennis’ background in SharePoint and Document management platforms and financial services he saw a need for secure and verifiable platform to store documents for his customers. SeraScript was developed with these features in mind.