How To Design The Perfect Customer Journey To Scale Your Online Business

September 28, 2022

by Catherine Mandungu, Founder of Think RevOps

Understanding your customer is one of the most critical things online businesses should do. To know your customer well, you must understand their persona, what they need from your business and the customer journey. First some terminology, the buyer journey is about the steps a prospect goes through to come to a purchasing decision, while the customer journey is a strategy used to retain customers after they have already made a purchase with your brand.

Here is a guide to creating a rewarding and comprehensive customer journey that positions your company for growth and scale.

The Ultimate Customer Journey Guide

Revenue teams work consistently to attract buyers. However, connecting with them and eventually closing a sale is becoming harder every day as competition grows in the marketplace. To achieve better results, businesses need a comprehensive buyers’ journey. Knowing your customers helps build a deep human connection with them; further, planning their trip facilitates alignment in your entire market team.

If you are struggling to develop your buyer journey outline, here are steps to ease the process.

1. Have Discussions with your Go-To-Market (GMT) Team.

Involve your GTM team during the creation of your buyer journey outline. Doing so is an excellent method of understanding the journey. All departmental leaders should share their views on the overall process. Use the feedback to determine sections of the buying process that require improvements. These conversations will be a standard for debates with your sales representatives and customers.

2. Have Conversations with Your Sales Reps.

Your sales team plays a crucial role in developing the customer journey because they run software demos daily. Again, they are the first touchpoint between potential buyers and your products. They can get direct and valuable feedback from prospective buyers.

Sales representatives are the largest consumers of the buyer journey outline. Their interactions and actions with potential customers are what businesses should be mapping. This team relays feedback from prospects while defining the most difficult sections of the sales cycle. They also deeply understand the buyer journey across the go-to-market team.

3. Deliberate with Your Customers.

To understand what your buyers want, you must talk to them. The process becomes better when they are already existing customers. Get details of your buyer journey by having honest and open conversations with your consumers. Customers are valuable, and with the popularity of loyalty programs and retention marketing they are becoming more and more critical.

Reaching out to your customers is crucial. Tailor your conversation around the need to create a unified and improved customer experience for the present, past, and future customers. ‍

Outlining the Customer Journey

As we shall see below, there are various methods of assembling all the information collected from your GTM Team, sales representatives, and customers.

1. Build a Blueprint.

Blueprint your processes in Excel or Google Sheets as a start so you can collaborate with other teams in a more centralised way. Adjust the steps to meet your needs. Each row should represent your leading activities, customer experience and outcomes, your goals and metrics to measure success.

Once you have this in place, use a tool that allows you to map this into a flow. This helps you identify the gaps in the flow and adjust. Once you have that initial blueprint from a use case/process perspective, it allows you to overlay the data infrastructure and the technical infrastructure (how does this work in your systems).

2. Choose a Model.

Today, the buyer’s journey no longer ends after the signing of the contract. The customer success team maintains contact with existing customers in various ways. For example, they could be determining customers at risk or ensuring consumers are enjoying their experience with your product.

The customer success team can facilitate the generation of customer satisfaction or net promoter score to help you determine the state of your customer’s experience. Incorporating the GTM function enables your sales and revenue teams to help one another. You can also establish pain points and barriers within the buyer journey and renewal process.

Highlight various methods your buyers can use to join the sales cycle, such as through contact forms, in-app requests and messaging, product interactions, support emails, or success rates.

3. The Development Phase.

Now you have gathered all the intel you need that makes up your customer journey, it is time to now execute on the actual blueprint. You may find that you need a blueprint building tool to help you or even the right resources to help you map this out. A blueprint should effectively contain the end-to-end process design, your tech stack overlayed and of course the data that is collected throughout the journey.

For this exercise you can use your internal operational resources. However, if there is no resource available, you might consider hiring a consultant to help you from start to finish.

4. Blueprint Delivery.

This is where you will now build your offline blueprint into your business infrastructure. Your blueprint acts as a list of requirements to be able to execute accordingly to grow and scale your business. Determine what you need to develop the most efficient and effective buyer journey. You may have noticed the need for re-designing some of your processes, automation opportunities, other technologies or resources to execute on your blueprint.

Emphasize and Advance

The buyer journey is a continuous process. As the market evolves and your company, product and technologies advances, you will need to continually improve your buyer journey. Maintain an updated blueprint model as things grow to ensure that additions to the Go-to-market teams are updated.

Set a time every six months to assess and improve the buyer journey and your blueprint updated. Developing a robust system of healthy habits enables you to keep your engine optimised for growth and scale as well as ensuring the best customer experience.

Catherine Mandungu is the Founder of Think RevOps, she works with tech startups in the B2B sector to optimize efficiency and improve the customer journey. The company focuses on identifying and removing revenue leakage caused by inefficient processes. Mandungu gained experience in the Operations Sector at leading companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, and Hootsuite.

7 Practical Steps For Improving The Safety And Security Of Your Data

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September 28, 2022

Data is one of your company’s most important assets in today’s digital era. Since data is valuable to any business, every business owner should be mindful of data security to prevent potential risks and problems that can spiral from cyber attacks.

We are seeing an increasing number of cyber attacks on major companies – but it can happen to small businesses and organisations too. Nowadays, no one can afford to not have their data protected, so it’s important that you follow these 7 steps for improving the safety and security of your data.

1. Backup your data.

It’s never a bad idea to back up your business’ data regularly, especially if it’s important data. Do this by creating a backup copy of your data regularly. If you can, store it separately from your primary data storage space or workplace so that you can keep it protected in the event your workplace experiences a disaster or your hard drive gets hacked.

2. Secure your data centre.

If you store your data in a data centre, it could be advisable to incorporate Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) in your electrical distribution circuits. A data centre UPS maintains power to your IT software and systems if there is a mains failure.

3. Encrypt your devices.

An increasing number of people in the modern world prefer to work on their personal devices or mobiles. By making sure that all data is kept in an encrypted manner and keeps its encryption during migrations, you can make sure that these devices are secure. You can also encrypt all your data to add extra protection to all of your valuable information.

4. Secure your passwords.

Of all ways to ensure data security within your business, making sure your passwords are secure is one of the simplest ways of doing so. You should change your passwords regularly (not too often) and remember to keep them private so that no one outside the business can access your accounts and data.

5. Train employees.

Many businesses overlook the importance of adequately training personnel on security best practices. In addition to lowering the risks, training all employees on the significance of data security and how they can contribute would speed up the reaction time in the event of a data breach. You should also train your employees on how to create secure passwords.

6. Make risk assessments a priority.

One of the first actions a company should take when setting up a plan to improve its data security is a risk assessment. This is the ultimate way to guarantee that the measures you take and the systems you put in place are suitable for the risks your business encounters.

7. Regularly update programs.

The safest solution to make sure your computer is fully protected is to make sure it is patched and updated. The most recent update to your security software determines how effective they are. It is important to update these programmes often since hackers and malware outbreaks are evolving rapidly to expose flaws in older software versions.

How Education Can Help Your Business Withstand A Recession

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September 28, 2022

If you’re a business owner, you’ll likely be worried about the potential effects of a recession or economic downturn. Currently, inflation is affecting countries all over the world and resulting in a cost of living crisis that could see some businesses struggling to stay afloat. With the cost of energy and many goods affected by inflation and other factors, it could lead to a recession, which could mean that many small and large companies might go out of business.

While a recession is almost always bad news for business owners, there are ways you can help your company withstand a recession. The most important thing you can do is improve your resilience through skills and education. By learning new skills, you’ll be able to make your company more efficient and gain a competitive advantage. This is the key to surviving a recession and thriving despite rising costs and greater economic pressure.

Learning Business Skills Online

In years gone by, attending a university or college was one of the only ways to learn and gain new skills. This meant that business owners and those with busy schedules would struggle to find classes that work for them. However, the internet has made learning so much more accessible. Now, it’s easier than ever to enrol in a course and complete it fully, logging in online and choosing when you study. Online learning is simple and offers the same opportunities as traditional learning. The big advantage is that it’s flexible, as you can fit your classes around your schedule and learn from anywhere.

Although there are many different courses you can find online, it’s best to choose a program offered by an accredited school. For example, the London School of Economics offers several LSE short courses online. When you enrol in the course, you’ll be given the full set of learning material and learning activities, allowing you to study at your own pace.

The Best Courses to Help Your Business Thrive

As a business owner, you should always be open to learning and picking up new skills. This is especially true during periods of economic downturn, where you’ll need to make your business more efficient in order to continue thriving and growing. Here are some of the best courses you can take if you want your business to succeed in the long term:

MBA Essentials.

An MBA offers the skills, financial knowledge and business acumen to succeed and help your organisation thrive. However, the skills learned through an MBA should be combined with effective leadership strategies and knowledge of the strategic environment. An MBA essentials course aims to deliver the fundamental concepts of the MBA while also allowing you to better understand the strategic environment. It’s a course that will help business leaders tackle any challenges and successfully navigate an increasingly complex corporate world.

Data Analysis for Management.

Data analysis has become an incredibly important tool for any business. A growing number of companies are now using data to make decisions and drive strategy, collecting and interpreting a wide range of data. A course on data analysis for management will give you the skills and knowledge you need to use data to your advantage. Specifically, you’ll learn analytical techniques that help make real, actionable decisions and positively impact the strategy of your business.

Negotiation Programme.

Negotiation skills are incredibly useful when working for or running a business. Although often overlooked, negotiation skills are used in all parts of business including pitching a business plan to investors, drawing up contracts with employees and bringing new clients on board. Great business leaders know how to negotiate effectively, and it’s even more important to be able to negotiate well if you’re looking to save costs.

Who Can Get A Golden Visa In The UAE?

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September 27, 2022

The UAE is a rich and highly developed country. Many people are looking for prospects in this place. It is profitable and comfortable to live and work in the United Arab Emirates, but it is impossible to simply come and settle in this country. It is necessary to obtain a residence permit using one of the visas. The Golden Visa is considered the most prestigious and profitable.

The UAE government is very loyal to foreign investors and talented people who want to live in this state. A candidate for a ten-year Golden residence Visa for Dubai and other cities in the UAE can be:

Scientists
Highly qualified workers
Graduates of the best universities in the world
Talented people
Entrepreneurs
Investors
Medical staff
Activists of humanitarian organizations

Benefits of the UAE Golden Visa

The main advantage of the Golden Visa for foreigners is the possibility of living in the UAE for 5 or 10 years. According to the updated rules, the holder of this document can be outside the United Arab Emirates for any amount of time. In addition to the main applicant, members of their family can also get a Golden Visa.

The Golden Visa gives you access to special health insurance policies that can cover claims up to AED 20 million.

Secondary and higher education is available to all Golden Visa holders. This is very useful if the applicant lives in the UAE with their children.

The Golden Visa can help a foreigner to obtain a UAE passport. However, to become a citizen of this country, a foreigner must live in the UAE for 30 years. These are stricter requirements than in other countries that have a Golden Visa program.

Although the Golden Visa does not give the right to travel to many countries of the world under a visa-free regime, the program participant can freely travel around the Persian Gulf.

Who is eligible for UAE Golden Visa

While the Golden Visa program has been in operation for several years, in April 2022, the government decided to make some changes to the program rules to ease the conditions for participation and increase the number of potential candidates for the right to reside in the UAE. At the moment, several categories of foreigners can apply.

Scientists and researchers

If the applicant has a doctorate or master’s degree in science, engineering, technology, etc. top universities in the world, then he can apply for a Golden Visa. However, in addition to this requirement, the applicant must be an influential researcher in their field. The Council of Scientists of the Emirates evaluates the contribution and significance of the candidate’s work and, if approved, allows them to take part in the program.

Professional specialists

Applicants in this category must have a good education (minimum Bachelor’s degree) and work experience. A prerequisite is the availability of an employment contract in the UAE and compliance with the first or second professional level. The applicant’s minimum salary must be AED 30,000 per month.

The best pupils and students

If a UAE high school or university student has excellent academic results, they can apply for a UAE Golden Visa. Graduates from the top 100 universities in the world have a similar right, subject to sufficiently good results in higher education.

Talented people

Athletes, artists, musicians, dancers, programmers, cultural figures, etc. can participate in the program subject to high achievements in their field of activity. Education, work, and other indicators, in this case, are not important. The merits of a candidate in this category must be approved by federal or local authorities.

Entrepreneurs

Not all businessmen can apply for a Golden Visa. Only entrepreneurs who are the owners or partners of a startup registered in the UAE as a small or medium enterprise are eligible to participate in the program. A prerequisite is the annual income of such a company from 1 million dirhams. Entrepreneurs who have opened a business in the UAE and sold it for at least 7 million dirhams can participate in the program if they receive approval from an official business incubator.

Investors

A foreigner can get a UAE investment visa if they invest enough in:

Ready real estate project
A property that is under construction
A new venture in the UAE
Shares of the UAE company

Regardless of the option chosen, the minimum investment to participate in the program is 2,000,000 AED. Additional costs for fees, insurance, etc. make up about another 180,000 AED.

A qualified specialist from Immigrant Invest, Zlata Erlach, emphasizes that investing in real estate will allow you to get a Golden Visa with a validity period of 5 years, while investing in one of the UAE companies will give you access to a visa for 10 years: https://immigrantinvest.com/blog/uae-golden-visa-en/.

Medical staff

Highly qualified doctors, surgeons, nurses, and other staff with significant achievements in the field of medicine can apply for the right to reside in the UAE. Specialists who help fight pandemics such as COVID-19 and help in other emergencies are especially appreciated.

Activists of humanitarian and charitable organizations

If a foreigner has high merits with international and regional humanitarian organizations or public associations, he can participate in the program. This category is also suitable for volunteers who have made a significant contribution to a charity or other humanitarian activities.

UAE visa requirements

To apply for the Golden Visa program, a foreigner must meet the required criteria:

Be over 18 years of age.
Confirm the origin of the capital.
Confirm the absence of violations of the visa regime or problems with the law in the UAE.
Undergo a medical examination.
Arrange medical insurance.
Pay all the necessary fees.

The Principal Applicant may enroll certain family members and household staff in the program. Among them are:

Spouse;
Children under 25, provided that they are not married;
Hired domestic workers.

How does the UAE Golden Visa process work?

1) Depending on the category under which the foreigner fits, perform all the necessary steps before starting to collect documents. For example, investors must choose an investment object, entrepreneurs must open a startup in the UAE, etc.

2) Prepare all THE necessary documents and their copies for participation in the program for each applicant.

3) Obtain a temporary visa to visit the UAE and fulfill conditions such as medical examination, submission of documents, job search, insurance, etc.

4) Pass a special check, which will make sure that the candidate for the Golden Visa is trustworthy.

With the changes that the UAE government made to the conditions of the Golden Visa program in 2022, obtaining this document has become much easier. Although it is quite difficult to become a citizen of the UAE through this program, the Golden Visa itself provides a large number of advantages that will allow a foreigner to live comfortably in this warm country.

Wealthy people, experienced businessmen, and highly qualified specialists who managed to get a job can get the right to live in the UAE. To come to the UAE for a short period, it is not necessary to obtain a Golden Visa. Other documents also allow you to live in this country for some time.

What Are Managed IT Services?

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September 27, 2022

If you’re a small business or one looking to rapidly grow, you may want to consider looking into managed IT services. Essentially, pursuing managed IT services means that your business is “outsourcing” many key IT services into the hands of IT specialists and professionals.

Here, we’re taking a closer look at managed IT services. First, we define these services, provide some examples as to what they might look like for your business, and then review some of the top benefits of managed IT services.

What are Managed IT Services?

Let’s start with the basics: what exactly are managed IT services? Essentially, managed IT services are IT-related services or tasks, such as network monitoring or core maintenance, that is performed for businesses by an outsourced team of specialists. Handled by a third party for a variety of businesses, these services function frequently in the context of professional information technology services.

By using managed IT services, businesses can then offload general IT tasks to experts outside of their company. This can have many different advantages, including a reduction in costs, improved service quality, and access to the latest technology and tools. A company that provides these IT services is referred to as a managed service provider (MSP).

What are some Managed IT Services?

Managed IT can take many different shapes and forms, depending primarily on the specific needs (and budget, of course) of your business. Some of the most common managed IT services you’ll come across include monitoring, maintenance of equipment, IT systems management, remote monitoring and official management of servers, and other general support services. In essence, managed IT services can be as specific and niche or as general and sweeping as meets your individual business needs. Many companies like managed IT in part because they can also customize their packages with these third parties. You can also general alter your IT service packages so that these services can scale and develop along with your business.

How Does Managed IT Work?

While each service provider will be unique, the traditional approach to managed IT services follows the rough break and fix model. This mans that the outsourced team will monitor your systems and test them until something “breaks” and they can identify something that then needs to be fixed. However, many MSPs will also take a proactive approach to maintenance and overall management by performing things like patch management and incorporating aspects of predictive maintenance.

What really makes managed IT services so advantageous is the fact that they are designed to fit your specific needs and goals. No matter your IT-related challenges what lies ahead for your company, working with an MSP can be one of the most effective ways to prepare yourself and improve your overall IT systems and processes.

5 Benefits of Managed IT Services

There are many reasons why your business should consider managed IT services. Some of the most common and popular benefits for business of all sizes include:

Customized services and packages: each business has unique needs and goals, which is why managed IT can be perfect. With fully customized and scalable packages, you can select just what you need so you don’t have to pay for excessive services and things you don’t need. It’s all about efficiency with managed IT services.

Consistent costs and pricing: with these IT services, you’ll have a reliable cost to expect for your IT each month so you’re not left guessing what each new month may end up bringing. With a flat-rate fee, they’ll cover any needs at one price, even if a server fails or another unexpected cost.

24/7 support: with an outsourced team of IT specialists, you’ll have around the clock coverage and support for your IT systems. No matter the time of year, you’ll have full support for routine maintenance and in case of an emergency.

Boost productivity: you can improve your processes, efficiencies, and boost overall productivity when you let a full team of IT experts manage your systems. Tap into their experience and expertise so that you can focus on other aspects of your business.

Access to the latest tools and platforms: new technology can be very expensive, especially in the world of IT. But with managed IT services, you don’t have to worry about these rising costs and new platforms because you’ll already have access to them. Even better, you’ll have access to IT professionals who know how to utilize these tools to improve and further secure your IT systems.

Conclusion – What are Managed IT Services?

In our world today, effective and secure IT services and tools are absolutely essential. No matter the size of your company or your industry, you need IT services to succeed. From ecommerce companies to traditional brick and mortar stores, effective IT services enable your business to tap into the advantages of digital tools and platforms to improve communications, make processes more efficient, and take that dive into the digital world.

But not every business will have the resources or expertise to effectively perform or manage their own IT services. Whether you’re in need of network monitoring, cloud based services, IT systems management, or any other IT-related service, you owe it to yourself (and your company) to explore the potential of managed IT services.

Going with managed IT services allows you to pass off your IT needs to the hands of professionals who dedicate their careers to advancing IT networks and tools. They can safely manage your IT services and even identify problem areas to make your processes more efficient and effective. Managed IT services also provide access to the latest digital tools and software to ensure your business can take advantage of cutting edge technology for your needs. Effective IT support keeps modern businesses operational and successful. Don’t get left behind. Consider managed IT services so that you can focus on growing and improving your business.

What To Consider When Buying A Car For Your Small Business

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September 27, 2022

If you’re in the market for a new car and debating between using your personal vehicle or investing in a new one for business purposes, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Before we dig into the top considerations, let’s discuss the finances and budget around buying a new car for your business or using your vehicle.

If you’re still making payments on your vehicle, you may want to refinance your car loan to reduce costs, freeing up cash to adjust your budget. Then, regardless of whether you choose to use your car or buy a car for business, you’ll have a little wiggle room in the budget.

There are four factors to consider, from depreciation to tax deductions, before deciding.

Depreciation

Vehicles are a big financial commitment, and their value depreciates quickly. You don’t have to worry about the initial depreciation when you use your personal vehicle for business because you’ve already absorbed that loss.

According to depreciation schedules, new cars can lose up to 20% of their value as soon as you drive them off the lot, and over the first five years, they can depreciate by as much as 60%. So, if you were to buy a new car specifically for business use, that would be a significant expense.

However, if you use your personal vehicle, you’ve already paid that cost. Therefore, using your vehicle for business can save you money in the long run.

Tax Deductions

Businesses, large and small, often face the need for reliable transportation. Whether it’s for sales representatives to get to client meetings or delivery services to ensure goods reach their destination, a dependable vehicle is essential.

Fortunately, several tax breaks are available for businesses that purchase or lease cars specifically for business use. For example, you can deduct a percentage of the car’s total cost, including sales tax, registration fees, and interest, on an auto loan.

Alternatively, if you choose to lease a car for business purposes, you can deduct the entire amount of lease payments made throughout the year. So if your business requires a new set of wheels, take advantage of these generous tax deductions.

Convenience

Another thing to consider is convenience. If you already own a car that meets your needs and is reliable, then it may be more convenient to stick with what you have. Having two vehicles can mean extra insurance costs and deal with maintenance on two cars instead of one.

Of course, if your vehicle isn’t suitable for business use—say, it doesn’t have enough room to transport equipment or clients—then it might make more sense to get a dedicated business car.

Peace of Mind

You expose your personal vehicle to several risks when you use it for business purposes. If you’re in an accident, your auto insurance may not cover the cost of repairs or replacement. And if your car is stolen or vandalized, you could be left with a hefty bill.

With commercial auto insurance, you can rest assured that your business vehicles are protected. If something happens to them while they’re being used for work, your policy will likely cover the cost of repairs or replacement. So you can focus on growing your business without worrying about what might happen to your vehicles.

Insurance

Insurance is essential when deciding whether to use a personal or business car. If you plan to use your vehicle for business purposes, it is necessary to get commercial auto insurance. This type of insurance is designed for business use and is much cheaper than personal insurance.

Insurance companies consider things like Uber, Lyft, PostMates, and other delivery services for business use. You can be penalized if you use your car for these things without updating the insurance. To get the best rate possible, let your insurance company know about any business usage you have planned for your vehicle.

Do What’s Best for You and Your Business

When a small business owner is trying to decide whether to use their vehicle or invest in a new one strictly for business purposes, there are a few things they should take into account.

The first is the depreciation rate; a new car will lose value much faster than an older one. The second is the availability of tax deductions; depending on the type of vehicle and how it is used, the small business owner may be able to deduct a portion of the cost from their taxes.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on each small business owner’s specific needs and circumstances. As a leader and boss, you have the final choice in your hands and your wallet. A new car may be the best option if you need a large work vehicle or frequently travel long distances for meetings. However, your vehicle may be better if you only use their car for local errands and have a limited budget.

5 Benefits Of Outsourcing Accounting Services For Your Business

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September 26, 2022

by Jamie McBrien, co-founder and director of optiBPO

Hiring an accountant can be difficult for entrepreneurs handling small businesses and startups. Most qualified and eligible candidates are employed in big corporations that can afford professional accounting services.

Small businesses thus turn to outsourced accounting services, even though it is commonly believed that accounting and bookkeeping must be done internally by businesses to keep their financial data private and secure.

Taking after the success stories of numerous newly launched businesses, we’d like to share the top benefits of outsourcing for accounting services in this article.

1. Financial Savings.

In general, most businesses consider outsourcing to be an additional, and thus unnecessary, cost to their operations. It is not at all the correct perception. In fact, the opposite is true.

The true value of accounting outsourcing is the cost savings. You only pay for the actual services used when you outsource your accounting. That is, you only pay your outsourcing partner when you require their assistance in particular accounting tasks.

The outsourcing of accounting services also eliminates typical employee expenses such as benefits, insurance, payroll taxes, and paid leaves. By outsourcing your accounting, you lower your overall operating costs.

Additionally, outsourcing accounting is cost-efficient, as third-party service providers offer their services at lower rates, especially if they operate from offshore locations where labor fees are significantly lower.

2. Reduced Time and Cost in the Hiring Process.

Recruitment can be a taxing process. It involves investing in resources every step of the way, from finding talent to conducting interviews and onboarding new employees. The recruitment process can eat up your company’s time and money.

When you outsource, all recruitment-related expenditures will be shouldered by your provider. That leaves you with a great deal of cost savings, allowing you to allocate your company resources better.

3. Accounting Expertise.

Accounting professionals with industry certifications and qualifications are vital for your business, and it’s easy to find high-caliber talent in finance and accounting outsourcing companies.

What’s more, you can outsource roles for a fraction of the cost of hiring and training in-house staff. You don’t have to worry about sacrificing quality either, as outsourced bookkeeping and accounting service firms must constantly improve their skills and qualifications to remain competitive in the market.

You can be confident that your accounting is in the hands of a dependable and knowledgeable team of accountants, provided you choose your outsourcing company wisely.

4. Measurable Metrics.

Outsourcing enables businesses to analyze key metrics that can drive business growth. Reports delivered on time can assist CFOs and business owners in making timely and well-informed decisions.

You’ll be able to identify areas that require further improvement once you have key information. This can lead to improved results for your business. Your outsourced accountants can provide valuable weekly, monthly, and annual reports that will enable you to hit your business goals.

5. Innovative Technology.

The image of an accountant hunched over a pile of ledgers is a thing of the past. When you outsource your accounting services, you can expect that you’re partnering with a company that uses modern technology, such as accounting automation software.

This tool is used by most businesses to save time and reduce the risk of inaccurate data handling due to human error. In addition, accounting software provides real-time reports to accountants, helping them identify and resolve potential problems early on. There’s also a lesser likelihood of internal fraud thanks to accounting software.

Most accounting service providers are well-versed in automation tools such as QuickBooks, Sage, Visma, Xero, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, and others.

The Bottom Line.

Starting and sustaining a small business is no easy task. You must work twice as hard to ensure the success of your company, devoting most of your time and energy to business operations.

Working with an outsourcing company specializing in accounting services lets you handle all your bookkeeping tasks in a timely and cost-efficient manner. Outsourcing your accounting indeed offers value to your company, employees, or customers.

Take control of your business finances through outsourced accounting services. They can help you make sense of how well your cash flow is going and where improvements are needed. A good accountant will likewise offer suggestions on how to improve the overall efficiency of your budding organization.

Jamie McBrien co-founded optiBPO in 2008 and has over 25 years of experience in organisational transformation, shared services, and outsourcing. He has worked with over 100 companies in the past 5 years to offshore a range of business operations to the Philippines. Jamie has a strong track record of building high-performing outsourced teams.

Why Using An Excel To PDF Converter Is Good For Your Home Business

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September 23, 2022

If you own a home business, you’re probably used to using Microsoft Excel. Whether you need to create a sales spreadsheet for clients or keep track of inventory for your store, Excel is a fantastic piece of software that every owner can use. But you might lose all of your hard work if you’re not careful. It’s important to know that you should be able to turn your Excel spreadsheet into a PDF so that it’s safe to store and access.

Here are more reasons why using an excel to PDF converter is suitable for your home business:

All The Files You Need To Share Are In One Easy-to-Access Place.

If you have a business, you probably have a lot of documents that need to be shared with clients and partners. These could include invoices, contracts, reports, and other documents that contain sensitive information such as bank information or credit card numbers. If these documents are stored on your computer, you risk losing control over them if your computer crashes or gets stolen.

It’s better to keep them in one place so everyone can access them no matter where they are located geographically. You would want people involved in your business to have access to your files no matter where they are.

When you convert excel into pdf, it helps prevent all those challenges. It also helps keep the people involved updated about your company. In today’s business world, companies need to keep their employees updated with the latest technology and software programs available today. This way, they will be able to work more efficiently and do their jobs faster than ever!

Easy To Use And Converts Documents Almost Instantly.

You can use any program to convert your Excel document into a PDF file, such as Adobe Acrobat Pro or Foxit Reader. These programs do all the work for you, so you don’t have to worry about anything except downloading them and following their instructions. You can install the software or do it online. The conversion process takes only seconds, which saves you valuable time, and you get more things done.

You Can Save Converted Files On Your Computer.

Using an Excel To PDF converter is an excellent way to save your converted file on your computer without losing any data. This is the only way you should do it if you want to keep your data intact and in one piece!

If you have an Excel spreadsheet containing essential information, such as customer records or employee information, you must keep it safe. You do not want someone else to be able to access this data without your permission. With an Excel to PDF converter, you can save these converted files on your computer so that only people with access rights can view them. You can find many free and paid options for converting Excel files into PDFs if you want something quick and easy.

Keeps Files In Original Format When Sharing Files.

Another reason why converting Excel files into PDFs is beneficial for home businesses is because it keeps all of your original data intact so that you don’t have to worry about losing anything important when sharing files with others in different locations or offices around the world. Suppose there is ever a problem with one of these documents. In that case, all of the data will stay safe and secure on your computer until it’s time for you to open the file again for editing purposes or use another device or program such as Adobe Acrobat.

You can convert your Excel files into PDF files to be viewed on any device. The great thing about using this type of software is that it keeps all the formatting intact when converting files from one format to another. This means that if someone wants to edit or add information to the original document, they will be able to do so because all of the formatting have been kept intact when converting from one format to another.

This gives users more control over their documents’ appearance once they have been converted into a different format, such as PDF. If a user wanted their records to look exactly like they did before being converted into another format, then this would be possible with an Excel To PDF converter by keeping all of the formatting intact when converting from one format to another.

Takeaway: Creating a professional-looking document is an investment. The more time and energy you spend, the more professional it will look. If your document looks unprofessional, viewers will assume that you are unprofessional.

They may never give you a chance to show them otherwise because of first impressions. You need to be able to create a fantastic document that captures their attention, shows them what you have to offer, and keeps them engaged. A good converter will be able to help you with all these needs.

How To Use An ETF Screener

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September 23, 2022

An ETF screener is a powerful tool to help you find the right exchange-traded fund for your investment goals. But with so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to use an ETF screener.

Keep reading to learn how to find the best ETFs for your portfolio.

What is an ETF screener?

An ETF screener is a tool that allows investors to search for specific ETFs. This can help find the right ETF for a specific investment goal or strategy. There are many different types of ETF screener tools available, and each one may have its own unique set of criteria. Some common factors that may be included in an ETF screener are asset class, region, sector, type, and expense ratio. Asset class contains options such as stocks, bonds, commodities, or currencies.

The region includes options such as domestic or international stocks or specific geographic areas. Sectors include options such as technology, health care, or energy stocks. Type includes options such as equity ETFs, fixed-income ETFs, or commodity ETFs. The expense ratio is the annual fee that an ETF charges to its shareholders. The criteria an investor chooses to use in an ETF screener will depend on their personal investment goals and preferences.

How do you start using ETFs?

The best way to start using ETFs will vary depending on your individual investment goals and risk tolerance. However, there are some tips on how to get started with ETFs. First, decide what you want to use ETFs for. ETFs can be used for various purposes, from building a diversified portfolio to hedging against market volatility. Decide what you want to use ETFs for, and then research the best ETFs for your needs.

Second, consider your risk tolerance. ETFs can be more volatile than individual stocks, so it’s essential to consider your risk tolerance before investing. Choose ETFs that align with your risk tolerance and investment goals. Third, create a plan. Once you’ve decided on which ETFs to invest in, create a plan for how you’ll allocate your funds. This will help you stay on track and reach your investment goals.

Next, ETFs can be volatile, so it’s essential to monitor your portfolio regularly to ensure that your investments are still aligned with your goals. Lastly, as your investments grow or shrink, you may need to rebalance your portfolio to maintain your desired risk level. Rebalancing can help ensure that your portfolio is still on track to reach your investment goals.

Who uses ETF screeners?

ETF screeners are used by a wide range of investors for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common users of ETFs include individual investors, institutional investors, financial advisors, pension funds, and hedge funds. Individual investors make up most ETF investors and use ETFs for various reasons, including diversification and risk management. Diversification and risk management are two key concepts in modern finance. Diversification is the process of spreading your investment dollars across several different asset classes to reduce risk.

Risk management is identifying, measuring, and managing the risks associated with an investment. This could include analyzing the potential for losses, measuring the volatility of an investment, and looking at the correlation between different investments. Institutional investors and pension funds use ETFs to gain exposure to specific markets or sectors, hedge their portfolios, or generate alpha.

Financial advisors use ETFs as a way to provide their clients with exposure to a variety of asset classes and investment strategies.

Hedge funds use ETFs to get exposure to specific markets or sectors or as a hedging tool.

Here Are 4 Ways NFTs Are Doing Good In The World

Contributor

September 22, 2022

by David Siemer, CEO at Wave Financial

Non-fungible tokens, which often take the form of collectible art, are now a multi-billion-dollar industry, with collectors scrambling for the hottest tokens in hopes they can sell them down the line and profit from the investment. However, NFTs are not just a quick cash-grabbing scheme, as some critics believe. Because they’re digital assets that can’t be exchanged, altered or split into parts, they have tremendous potential to ensure transparency in economic transactions while promoting social change and responsibility.

The following are just four examples of the many ways NFTs are already being used for the collective good of society.

1. Raising funds for charity.

With the help of NFTs, charitable organizations can raise much-needed funds for their most important causes. For instance, an organization could create an NFT to represent a donation to a non-profit organization or specific cause, such as providing access to clean water for communities in need. These NFTs can then be distributed via social media channels and other online platforms, encouraging people to support the cause by purchasing these tokens and contributing to the fundraising efforts.

By tapping into the vast network of crypto enthusiasts and collectors passionate about supporting social change, these organizations can easily crowdsource donations and support from all over the world. For example, Shelters on the Block uses NFTs to support homeless shelters in the Los Angeles area. Through its online platform, donors, either individually or with the help of an NFT project funding advisor, can purchase tokens representing a night’s stay at one of these shelters. The proceeds from this sale go directly to funding food, shelter, and other essentials for families in need, as well as providing recipients — who often lack access to traditional bank accounts — with crypto wallets and educating them on their use.

Other organizations like GiveTrack also use NFTs as a way to promote transparency and accountability in philanthropy. Using blockchain technology, donors can track exactly where their contributions are going and how they are being used by those who benefit from their generosity.

2. Ensuring individual and corporate responsibility.

NFTs also offer the potential for promoting greater social responsibility among individuals and businesses alike. By utilizing blockchain technology, which enables users to keep track of all transactions involving NFTs, organizations can more easily monitor their impact and track how every donation gets used. This level of transparency allows individuals and companies to see exactly where their contributions are going and how they are making an impact on society. It also enables consumers to hold organizations accountable for their charitable claims and ensure donations are used for social good as promised.

3. Conserving community resources.

With NFTs, it is possible to create more sustainable and responsible fundraising models that put the community’s needs first. For example, a charity could issue digital tokens representing real-world assets like land, natural resources, or renewable energy. These tokens would then be auctioned off to donors for small amounts of cryptocurrency or other forms of payment. The raised funds would then be directly invested into projects and programs that benefit the community. NFTs enable organizations and charities to move to the digital world. Doing so ensures physical resources go where they are needed and community resources aren’t wasted.

4. Providing financial transparency.

NFTs can also be used to promote transparency and accountability within financial systems. By recording all transactions on a public blockchain ledger, these tokens provide a clear audit trail for regulators and policymakers to follow. Furthermore, as NFTs are untraceable by design, they help minimize organizational corruption and fraud by ensuring that transactions are legitimate and fair.

Overall, NFTs bring immense potential to the table for promoting social change. Whether used for charitable causes or fostering greater trust in the financial system, they unlock exciting possibilities for doing good and making a better world around us.

David Siemer is CEO at Wave Financial. The Wave team has been pioneering the bridge between traditional asset management and cutting-edge technology, helping clients invest in digital assets, blockchain technology, and income-generating products.

5 Ways To Turn Your Passions Into Ideas

Contributor

September 22, 2022

by Kenny Straus and Patrick Sipp of Flying Pig Adventures

Nelson Mandela said, “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

Some of us fantasize about quitting our jobs to turn our passion into something big. When we started Flying Pig Adventures, our passion was the outdoors — getting people back outside exploring by horseback, paddle and saddle, or Yellowstone WhiteWater Rafting. We took the leap and built our way to our “something big.”

But too many of us can’t even fathom that something we’re passionate about can be cultivated into a purpose for our lives. Many businesses, small and great, budded through someone’s passion. So how’d they do it?

Below are five steps to turn your passion into authentic ideas.

1. Start Small.

When you find your passion, you want to work on it as soon as possible. But as the saying goes, “haste makes waste,” so start small and create a proper plan. Starting something new, means you’re learning new and important things.

Sticking to a plan helps minimize mistakes. Whatever you wish to accomplish, try it on a smaller scale first, always opting for scalable ideas. When you see good testing results, start working to expand your business — including financial investment.

2. Never Quit Your Day Job.

Sounds contradicting? If you are wondering about funding a business without that 8-5, understand your day job provides safety and security. Thinking of quitting your day job might be tempting when your brain is swarming with ideas, but it’s never a reasonable decision.

So when is it safe to leave your job? When your new venture generates at least 75% of your current salary as a sustainable growing cash flow.

3. Break Down Your Goals.

When goals are big, they seem impossible to achieve. Consider breaking down your big plan into smaller, actionable steps with the future in mind. Try to schedule the tasks when you create the bite-sized goals. It’s a practical way to focus on the process and not on the outcome.

Developing a habit of completing your task following the schedule can help you accomplish your goals faster than you think.

4. Rely On Others When Necessary.

Concentrating on your strengths will keep you happy, healthy, energetic, and confident. For other tasks, however, consider outsourcing them to grow faster. It saves you time and hard work that you need to put into improving your weaknesses.

5. Think Futuristically.

What will your company look like in the next three years? Consider your company’s future goals after two to three years. With a clear vision of the future, you can position your product and services on the right path today.

Suppose you want higher pricing in the future. In that case, you have to work on your services and products to eventually become that high-quality service that your clients will buy at a higher price.

Key Takeaways.

Test your business at a small scale to avoid the risk.
Don’t leave your job till your company generates consistent cash flow.
Break down your goals into smaller, more achievable steps.
Focus on your strengths and take help from others when needed.
Picture your business in the future to plan ahead of the time.

To Wrap It Up.

Turning your passion into a sustainable business isn’t easy and it will not happen overnight. However, you can make the necessary effort that your business deserves if you are highly passionate and well-prepared. So stay passionate, plan ahead, and implement strategically to see your passion come to life.

Kenny Straus and Patrick Sipp of Flying Pig Adventures have been getting their clients back into the outdoors, where the spray of the river, the warmth of the sunshine, and the immensity of the world around them is clear and present. Kenny and Patrick are both family men who have turned their passion for the outdoors into a gateway for their guests to experience an adventure unlike anything else.

How Much Does A Recruitment Business Set Up Cost?

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September 22, 2022

Setting up a recruitment agency can cost a substantial amount of money if you do not have a good business plan set up. That plan should have a detailed list of costs you will need to cover up-front. Some of the prices may vary depending upon your specific location, so you will always want to prepare to pay the high-end costs and be pleasantly surprised when you pay less.

If you are still in the planning stage, or haven’t completed the financial parts of the plan, you will need to know a few things, such as the costs. Some are required before you open the doors for business, while others are optional. On average, a recruitment business setup cost will average around $24k, but let’s break it down into more manageable sections.

Business Type – The type of business you create will affect the amount of registering your business entity in your area. Average costs are from $50 to $500.
Small Business Insurance – Since you are working online, you will want to get specialized business insurance and the basics to cover accidents or other incidents that a customer may use to sue. The average costs are from $500 to $2000.
License And Permits – This will vary depending upon where you plan to operate your business. Some areas will require a state license and county and city permits. The average costs of these can range from $50 to $700.
Lawyer Fees – It is always a good idea to have a business lawyer on your side. The cost of setting up the business with the help of a professional can cost you up to $1500, or more, depending upon how much support you are asking them to give.
Recruitment Agency Software – The recruitment agency software will be the bread and butter of your company, so choose wisely. This can cost you anywhere from $20 all the way up to $1000.
File Hosting Service – You will have a ton of information on your clients and the companies you will send them to. This can be expensive if you have the computer systems store it all. Finding an online hosting service is a better option, but it will cost you $300.
Accounting And Invoicing Software – Accounting is no longer something that you hand write out on spreadsheets. Many software choices can do all the work for you. They can also store, charge, and print invoices, so they are worth the money they cost. This can cost up to $1000, but as low as $100.
IT Support – This is optional for your recruiting company, but unless you are an expert at repairing computers and operating systems, it is a good idea to have some professionals ready to go. This can cost anywhere from $150 to $2000, or more if you need more support than the contract calls.
Office Expenses – Unless you own a building to work out of, you will need to pay rent. Utilities and WiFi will also be required, along with desks and computers. The average cost can be up to $10000 or more.
Payroll Costs – If you are just starting out, you may not need any employees yet, but you should still be looking ahead to pay for help when needed. The costs associated with payroll and insurance requirements can cost up to $3000 per month per person.
Extras – You will need cleaning supplies, office supplies, and so on. You may also have to pay for a website domain, designer, and other add-ons. These costs can be as little as a couple hundred up to $10,000 or more.

You can see that the actual costs of starting a recruitment business can vary drastically depending on what you want, need, and require. The area that you are operating the company in will be a huge deciding factor on the start-up costs, but on average, if you have a minimum of $24k, you should be able to get your business off the ground.

Lending Criteria For Bridging Loans

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September 22, 2022

All bridging loans are unique, with terms and conditions tailored to meet the requirements of the borrower. Lending criteria can also vary from one provider to the next, as some are much more flexible than others with regard to who they will work with.

Applications are assessed by way of individual merit, taking into account a wide variety of factors. With bridging loans, for example, a good credit history is not always a prerequisite for eligibility. Neither is formal proof of income, as would be necessary with a conventional loan or mortgage.

Irrespective of the size and preferred repayment term of the facility, several key criteria can affect eligibility and/or the affordability of the loan offered. You can therefore expect most bridging lenders to take the following into consideration when establishing your eligibility and calculating costs:

Age of the Applicant

Bridging finance is exclusively available to applicants aged 18 years or over. Most lenders also impose an upper limit, but it tends to be much higher than with a standard loan or mortgage. As bridging finance is almost always repaid within six months to two years, it can safely be issued to older applicants.

Residency

It is usually a requirement for bridging loan applicants to reside in the UK, or at least have a registered UK address. However, there are some lenders who also specialise in bridging finance for overseas applicants, looking to make purchases and investments in the UK.

Security

The single most important eligibility requirement, you must be able to provide assets of value as security for the loan. Most bridging loans are secured against property (residential or commercial), but lenders will often accept other viable assets – business equipment, machinery, vehicles, etc.

Exit Strategy

Also important is the provision of evidence regarding a viable exit strategy. This means how and when you intend to repay your loan, complete with due diligence regarding all possible contingencies. The more viable the exit strategy of an applicant, the higher the likelihood they will qualify for an affordable bridging loan.

Credit History

A poor or unestablished credit history will not necessarily count you out of the running for bridging finance. However, the most cost-effective loans with the lowest borrowing costs are typically reserved for clients with a strong credit profile. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your credit history, they should be raised with your lender before applying.

Loan Type Required

Some bridging finance companies will offer loans to private customers and business borrowers for all purposes. Elsewhere, others restrict their services exclusively to commercial customers. There are typically no restrictions placed on how bridging finance can be used, but the allocation of loans to different types of customers varies from one lender to the next.

General Financial Status

Adequate security and evidence of a viable exit strategy are typically enough to qualify for bridging finance. However, your lender will also want to know that you are in a generally strong financial position at the time. If, for example, you already have a long list of existing debts and outgoings, you may find it more difficult to qualify.

LTV and Loan Term

The size of the loan you take out, its LTV and the length of the repayment term will also influence the affordability of the facility. Higher-value loans and those taken out at a higher LTV are more difficult to qualify than comparatively low-value loans. Likewise, a bridging loan that can be repaid as promptly as possible may be easier to obtain than a loan you plan to repay after around two years.

The Evolution of BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later): What Changed, And What’s Coming Next?

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September 22, 2022

In today’s fast-paced world, people want instant gratification. With the rise of online shopping and the proliferation of mobile devices, consumers have become used to having instant access to whatever they want, whenever they want it.

This has created a new set of challenges for retailers, who now have to compete not only on price but also on convenience and speed.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) has meant that BNPL companies, such as Flava and Hokodo, have been able to offer their customers the ability to spread the cost of their purchases over time. This has been a game-changer for many customers, who can now buy what they want without having to fork out the full amount.

Driving Factors of BNPL’s Popularity

As the global economy took a turn for the worse in 2008, many consumers struggled to keep up with their traditional payment methods. This is where buy now, pay later services stepped in as a viable solution for those who needed a little extra time to pay for their purchases.

Over the years, these services have only become more popular, with more and more companies offering them. There are a few key reasons for this popularity:

Ease of use: BNPL services are easy to use and understand. Customers simply choose to pay with BNPL at checkout, and they can then spread the cost of their purchase.
Safety and security: BNPL is heavily regulated, so customers can be confident that their personal and financial information is safe.
The growing trend of online shopping: The Internet makes it easy for customers to shop around and compare prices. BNPL services provide an additional level of convenience for those who prefer to shop online.
Variety Options: BNPL providers now offer a wider range of options, making it easier for consumers to find a plan that suits their needs.

Shoppers Love the Flexibility of BNPL

For many shoppers, BNPL provides a much-needed lifeline. It allows them to buy items they may not afford upfront and spread the cost over a period that suits them. This flexibility has made BNPL extremely popular, particularly with millennials and Generation Z who make up a large proportion of the online shopping market.

The popularity of BNPL is also reflected in the growth of the industry. In 2020, the global BNPL market was valued at $90.69 billion. This is expected to grow to $3.98 trillion by 2030, at a CAGR of 45.7%.

BNPL appeals to shoppers who are looking to avoid debt. Unlike traditional credit cards, which can charge high-interest rates, BNPL providers rarely charge interest or fees.

Also, BNPL can be used for both small and large purchases, making it an attractive option for a wide range of shoppers.

BNPL is Boosting Sales and Customer Loyalty

BNPL schemes make it easier for customers to make impulse buys, which is great news for businesses. The ease of use and flexibility that BNPL offers encourages customers to return to the same store or brand, rather than looking elsewhere for a better deal.

BNPL can help businesses to attract new customers. It is estimated that BNPL schemes could increase sales by up to 30%. Shoppers who wouldn’t normally consider using credit are more likely to make a purchase if they can spread the cost.

The increased sales that BNPL can bring are not just a short-term boost. Retailers who offer BNPL also benefit from increased customer data. This data can better understand customer behaviour and preferences and decisions about future marketing and product strategies.

What’s coming next for BNPL?

The buy now, pay later industry is still in its early stages, and there is plenty of room for growth. In the coming years, we can expect to see more businesses offering BNPL schemes, as well as more innovation in the space.

One area that is ripe for development is BNPL for business purchases. B2B BNPL could make it easier for small businesses to manage their cash flow and grow.

Another area of growth is BNPL for subscription services. This could allow customers to pay for their subscriptions in instalments, making it more affordable and reducing the barriers to entry.

Open loop BNPL schemes will also become more common. These schemes, which are not linked to a specific retailer or merchant, give shoppers more flexibility in how they use the credit.

Finally, we may see BNPL providers teaming up with traditional financial institutions. Regulation around BNPL is expected to tighten in the coming years, and banks may see partnering with BNPL providers to stay ahead of the curve.

Conclusion

The adoption of BNPL is a win-win for businesses and shoppers alike. Businesses get a boost in sales, while shoppers get the flexibility and convenience that they crave.

The BNPL industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years and is showing no signs of slowing down. This growth is being driven by innovation, with new applications and partnerships opening up the possibilities for BNPL.

How To Use A Window Air Conditioner

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September 22, 2022

Depending on where you live, the summer season can bring about sweltering days, with temperatures climbing well into the 90s. While central air conditioning is a great choice to help keep your home comfortable during the summer, it can be expensive. A window air conditioner is a great way to cool a room without having to operate a full-sized air conditioning unit.

Window air conditioners come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that is the right fit for your room. The best window air conditioner will be able to cool a bedroom or other space. Let’s take a closer look at using a window AC unit.

Select the right unit size.

Window air conditioners work by cooling the air in the room and blowing it out of the unit. Most window air conditioners have a cooling capacity of 5,000 BTUs, which is enough to cool a room up to 150 square feet. To use a window air conditioner, first ensure that the unit is properly sized for the room. You can do this by checking the unit’s BTU rating and making sure it is appropriate for the size of the room.

Properly install the unit.

Next, make sure the window you plan to install the air conditioner in is large enough to accommodate the unit. The window should be at least 24 inches wide and at least 16 inches high. If your window does not meet these requirements, you may need to purchase an air conditioner that is specifically designed for use in a windowless room.

Once you have determined that the window is the right size, remove the screen from the window and slide the air conditioner into the window opening. The air conditioner should sit in the window so that the top of the unit is even with the top of the window. If the unit is too large for the window, you can remove the side panels and trim them to size.

Once the air conditioner is in the window, use the included screws to attach the unit to the window frame. Make sure the unit is securely attached to the window before plugging it in. Once plugged in, turn on the air conditioner by using the switch on the front of the unit.

To adjust the temperature, use the buttons on the unit to set the desired temperature. The unit will then automatically adjust to maintain that temperature. Most window air conditioners also have a fan speed setting, which you can use to adjust the speed of the fan.

Maintain the window unit.

Window AC units can be a great way to cool a room without having to install a whole-home air conditioning unit. However, they require some regular maintenance in order to work their best. One important part of this maintenance is cleaning the unit itself. To clean a window AC unit, start by unplugging it and emptying any water that may be inside it. Next, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or dirt from the exterior of the unit. Be sure to pay special attention to the filters and coils, as these are where most of the dirt will accumulate. If the filters are removable, take them out and wash them with warm soapy water. Allow them to dry completely before putting them back in place. If the filters are not removable, you can try using a brush or compressed air to clean them instead. It’s important to have clean filters for efficient operation and improved indoor air quality.

Finally, use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the AC unit. Be sure not to get any water inside of it! Once you’re finished, plug it back in and turn it on. You should now have a clean and working window AC unit!

Window air conditioners can be a cost-effective way to cool rooms in your home, as they are less expensive to install and run than a full-sized air conditioner. By picking the right unit, installing it correctly, and properly maintaining it, you enjoy a cool space all summer long.

[Image credit: Main Photo by Rafael Gonzales]

How To Find Self-Storage Cheap

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September 22, 2022

If you need to store some belongings but don’t want to spend a lot of money, there are some things you can do to find affordable self-storage. In this article, we’ll share some tips for finding cheap storage units without sacrificing quality and security.

Keep reading to learn more.

Finding the Right Storage Unit for Your Needs

When you are looking for a storage unit, the first thing you need to consider is the size of the unit. You want to make sure that you select a unit that is large enough to store all of your belongings. You also want to make sure that you select a unit that is close to your home. This will make it easy for you to access your items when you need them.

Another thing you can do is rent a smaller unit. Most storage facilities offer different sizes of units, and renting a smaller unit will save you money. You can also try splitting the cost of a unit with someone else. This can help reduce the cost per person and make it more affordable for everyone involved.

If you’re able to, it’s also a good idea to visit several facilities in person and get a feel for the different options available. This will help you make an informed decision about which storage facility is best for you.

Getting the Lowest Rate for Storage

When looking for the lowest prices on self-storage, it’s important to shop around and compare prices. Rates can vary greatly from one storage facility to the next, so it’s worth taking the time to research your options. Be sure to ask about any hidden fees or costs, such as administrative fees or damage deposits.

Also, inquire about the availability of discounts, such as those offered for long-term rentals. Many storage facilities offer the first month of storage for free. Some also have great discounts for military members, seniors, students, and others. Be sure to mention any applicable affiliations you may have when asking about discounts.

Another way to make self-storage more affordable is by renting a truck and transporting your items yourself. This can be a cost-effective way to store your belongings without breaking the bank.

Packing Your Items for Storage

Labeling your boxes and containers is an important part of preparing your items for storage. Not only does labeling help you keep track of what is in each box, but it also makes it easier to find the specific item you are looking for when you need it. By taking the time to label each container, you can avoid having to search through every box when you need something specific. This will save you time and frustration.

It is also important to pack your belongings securely to prevent them from becoming damaged during transport. When packing boxes, be sure to fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts or newspaper to keep them stable. You may also want to consider using plastic storage bins, as they are less likely to be damaged than cardboard boxes.

Before packing your items for storage, be sure to clean them thoroughly. This will help to protect them from any dirt or dust that may accumulate while in storage.

When packing your items, be sure to pack them in order of use. This will make it easier for you to find what you need when you need it. In addition, heavier items should be stored on or near the floor, with lighter items on top.

Overall, finding an affordable self-storage unit can help you save space — and money. However, it is also important to consider other factors, such as the quality of the storage facility, when making a decision.

How Do Heat Pumps Work With A Geothermal System?

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September 22, 2022

Every homeowner needs a reliable and effective HVAC system, and geothermal systems have many advantages that you should be aware of. Geothermal systems are extremely efficient and can save a significant amount of money on your energy bills, which is one factor in their growing popularity with homeowners. For those who don’t know, a geothermal heating system is a heating and cooling system that uses the earth’s natural heat to heat or cool your home. The heating mode is facilitated by the system’s heat pump.

If you want to learn more, keep reading to find out how heat pumps work with a geothermal system.

How do heat pumps work with a geothermal system?

Geothermal systems can seem confusing if you’ve never had one before. So, how does a heat pump work with a geothermal system? A heat pump is a device that pumps heat from one place to another, and a geothermal system uses a heat pump to transfer heat from the ground to your home in the winter and from your home to the ground in the summer. The way it works is that a series of pipes are buried in the ground near your home. In the winter, the heat pump extracts heat from the ground and delivers it to your home. In the summer, it reverses the process and extracts heat from your home, and delivers it to the ground.

Heat pumps use electricity to move a liquid or gas between two different temperature zones. This can be air, water, or refrigerant. In most cases, the heat pump will extract heat from the colder zone and release it into the warmer zone. In your geothermal system, the heat pump moves this water between the ground and your home. This process allows you to use less energy to heat your home, which can save you money on your utility bills.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems, like all HVAC systems, require regular maintenance. The system should be inspected once a year by a qualified technician. The technician should examine fluid levels, fans, and pumps, and check that everything is properly lubricated. The technician should also check the wiring to make sure it is in good condition. This way, you can catch any small problems before they become costly breakdowns.

What else can you do to maintain a comfortable home environment?

If your goal is to have more control over your indoor climate, you should upgrade to a smart thermostat. With a smart thermostat, you can program your thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule. This means that you can have your home at the perfect temperature when you arrive, without having to worry about adjusting the thermostat yourself. Smart thermostats have the ability to monitor your energy consumption, so you can make changes to lower your monthly bills. Some models are even able to optimize your usage so your HVAC system is as eco-friendly as possible.

Protecting the quality of indoor air should be a priority for homeowners since indoor air pollution can cause discomfort and create safety risks. One of the best ways to improve your indoor air quality is to invest in an air purifier for your home. Air purifiers work by removing pollutants from the air. This can include dust, smoke, pet dander, and other allergens. By removing these pollutants, an air purifier can help to improve your allergy symptoms, asthma, and other respiratory problems. You should also try to clean your home more frequently and launder items that can trap allergens like your rugs, pillow covers, and bedding.

A geothermal system is a great investment for homeowners for a variety of reasons. One thing homeowners love about geothermal systems is that they are one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems available. Geothermal systems also typically have a significantly longer lifespan than most other heating and cooling systems. This means that you will save money on energy costs for many years to come. Upgrading to a smart thermostat can make your entire system even more effective, as can installing an air purifier. Follow these tips and you can be sure that you’ll be comfortable in your home all year long.

5 Reasons Why We All Need Executive Leadership Coaching

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September 22, 2022

The pattern of official authority instructing, in the corporate world, has flooded up in the ongoing past. There are various reasons why an ever-increasing number of associations are organizing this administration instructing programs for their workers. It upgrades the profitability of their representatives, encourages their officials to wind up better pioneers, and helps them to recognize their possibilities and work to the best of them.

On the off chance that your association has not organized such a program, there are no reasons you shouldn’t do it for yourself. Each person, paying little mind to their association and position, must get official initiative instructing.

Here are the best 5 reasons why everybody needs executive coaching and leadership training:

1. To Get Promoted.

On the off chance that you are looking at an advancement in your firm, there can be no preferable path over to get yourself enlisted in an official authority instructing to light up your odds. As expressed over, an official administration training project will assist you with improving your profitability. Moreover, it will ingrain authority characteristics in you. Having these capacities and abilities will assist you with landing the best spot in the rundown of workers who the business will decide for advancement.

2. To Develop Passion Towards Working Diligently.

Official authority instructing will make you work with devotion and responsibility. It will assist you with developing enthusiasm towards working industriously. With enhanced efficiency and devotion, you will end up one of the brilliant representatives of your association. This energy, devotion, and responsibility towards work can take you puts not just in the present association you are working in yet light up your odds to show signs of improvement, and additionally paying, work in some other huge association.

3. To Develop Sound Leadership Skills.

The most unmistakable motivation behind why you need official authority instructing is that it will create sound administration abilities. It will clear the ideas of administration in your brain and empower you to lead from the front. Having powerful initiative aptitudes is one of the real essentials for each person who is hoping to get elevated to an official dimension in their association.

4. To Be the Best One In Your Team.

In the event that you mean to be the best one in your group, official authority training is the best alternative for you. You will get the opportunity to learn propelled authority aptitudes and capacities, which will enhance your general work effectiveness. While alternate representatives in the group will be on a similar dimension, with regards to aptitude and abilities, with the assistance of official administration instructing, you will be one stage in front of them.

5. To Improve your Soft-Skills.

As much as basic leadership and critical thinking abilities are crucial to turning into a compelling pioneer, delicate aptitudes hold conspicuous significance too. No pioneer can be considered as fruitful and powerful on the off chance that they don’t have delicate aptitudes. Along these lines, if your target, over the long haul, is to end up a fruitful pioneer, official initiative training is an unquestionable requirement for you. It can assist you with learning delicate abilities, alongside enhancing your self-assurance. Regardless of whether you don’t plan to end up a pioneer, delicate abilities are important to be learned as they can assist you with interacting with others in a progressively powerful way.

To total it up, official authority training is for everybody. An individual shouldn’t be posted in a higher position to get official authority training. These projects are for each person who is hoping to enhance their aptitudes and learn successful administration strategies. Various advantages can be benefited by everybody, paying little heed to their activity status, by getting official initiative instructing.

4 Ways Dentists Make Cash Flow Mistakes In Dental Business

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September 21, 2022

Starting and managing a dental business comes with quite a lot of responsibilities. Dental practitioners; in addition to providing stellar and comfortable dental treatments for a wide range of issues, need to come up with ideas to keep the patients satisfied, learn marketing strategies, deal with human resources and staff, handle the inflow and outflow of cash, deal with the administration and IT and so on.

The dental treatment part of the job is often carried out smoothly as dental professionals have spent years in education and have undergone extensive training to be qualified. They are well-acquainted with the ins and outs of dentistry, which makes it easy to tackle any challenge that comes up with regard to the profession. However, what often gets difficult to handle in a dental practice is the business aspect of it. Most dental professionals are not business savvy and are often unaware even of the basic concepts that revolve around it.

One of the major elements when it comes to running any successful business is cash flow. Cash flow is a measure that gives an insight into the cash transferred into and out of your business at a particular duration. It helps in knowing the precise incoming and outgoing capital, allows for comparison, helps determine the budget, reveals areas where change is required and so on.

Although cash flow management is not really complex; dentists being the least exposed to the business world often make mistakes when it comes to this. These errors not only hinder short-term growth but may cause long-term issues as well. This is why you need to proceed with caution when handling cash flow management.

You can make use of billing software to manage cash flow as this will be devoid of errors and accurate in keeping track of dental payments.

Below are mentioned 4 commonly made cash flow mistakes in the dental business that you must avoid:

1. Incorrect payment of taxes.

Each practice has a tax-paying structure such as a sole proprietorship or S-corps that determines how you should pay your taxes. Taxes are not taken out of money a dentist gets from distribution but are pulled in from W-2 earnings in the paycheck. If you run a practice in the combination of sole proprietorships and S-corps to cover the amount owed from distribution payments, you need to pay extra taxes. In case all your income is coming from distributions in a sole proprietorship, then all your taxes are to be paid this way, which might cost you more.

Review your business structure and contemplate which type of tax payment works the best for you. Choosing the wrong formula can have massive negative implications on your cash flow. Therefore, choose wisely.

2. Overhead costs too high.

Overheads in simple terms are the expenses that a business undertakes. This could incorporate staff salaries, equipment, workplace maintenance, marketing, and so on. Ideally, you should have half your costs invested in overheads, which if put in percentage, can be around 55-60%. However, if your business has higher overhead costs; then you need to realize your business is not functioning efficiently and you need to bring about a modification.

Some businesses have their overhead costs closer to 90% or even 95%, which is completely preposterous. Huge overhead costs can disrupt your cash flow significantly thereby leading to severe financial problems. Make sure you don’t make such an error. So, review your expenses, cut down wherever possible and keep your overhead costs within the 50% range.

3. Not having cash for unforeseen situations.

Most businessmen are striving to grow their business and set their practice apart from the competition. For this purpose, they have to get their hands on advanced technology, and the latest tools and equipment that enhance the patient experience. Purchasing these is undoubtedly beneficial. Although in most cases what happens is all these purchases are done at the same time.

Impulsive, unplanned and large stock buying is something you completely must avoid. Divide your purchases over time so your cash flow is not disturbed. A sudden big purchase can deplete your account and cause issues.

There can be situations where you need urgent funds and might not possess them because of your unthoughtful spending. For instance, an in-use, crucial apparatus starts dysfunctioning and needs immediate repair. It is vital that you always have the funds to deal with such situations that are unpredictable.

4. Decision-making in terms of purchases.

Most dental professionals make small purchases from time to time under the cover of cheap purchases. However, justifying spending just because the items are cheap is no excuse. Small expenses add up in no time and will ultimately take a hit on your cash flow. So, it is crucial that you think twice before you make any purchase. Be an informed decision-maker and avoid impulse buys.

Cash flows are a great determinant of the financial health of your business. Although the above-mentioned mistakes might sound minor; know that they have the potential to take a toll on your business. So, proceed carefully when it comes to finances and avoid making abrupt decisions at all costs.

The Most Attractive Benefits To Offer Your Employees

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September 21, 2022

Offering benefits to your employees is a great way to show you care about their well-being and to attract top talent. But what are the most attractive benefits to offer? Well, according to human resources consulting firm HORAN, there are some essential benefits to know about.

Keep reading to find out.

Health Insurance.

There is a multitude of reasons that health insurance, along with dental insurance for the dentist, is one of the most attractive benefits to offer your employees. First and foremost, health insurance is a vital part of ensuring that your employees are able to maintain good health both physically and financially.

According to a study by the Commonwealth Fund, people without health insurance are more likely to forgo needed medical care, including preventive care, than those who have insurance. The study also found that people without health insurance are more likely to experience financial hardship as a result of medical bills. Offering your employees health insurance can help keep them healthy and protect them from financial hardship in the event of an unexpected illness or injury. Additionally, health insurance can help your employees save money on their health care costs. According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, employees with health insurance pay, on average, $1,200 less per year in health care costs than employees without health insurance.

Paid Time Off.

There are many reasons why Paid Time Off (PTO) is an attractive benefit to offer your employees. Here are some key benefits: First, employees who don’t have to worry about forfeiting vacation time or taking unpaid time off are more likely to take time off when they need it. This can help them stay healthy and productive both mentally and physically. Second, employees who feel appreciated and valued are more likely to be productive and happy at work. Offering paid time off is one way to show your employees that you care about them and their well-being. Finally, employees who have access to paid time off can better balance work and personal obligations. This can lead to increased work productivity and reduced stress levels.

401(k) Plans.

Most employees view their 401(k) plan as their most important retirement savings tool. A 401(k) plan lets employees save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis, which means they don’t have to pay income taxes on the money they contribute to their accounts. This can be a big savings advantage, especially if employees are in a higher tax bracket. In addition, many employers match a portion of their employees’ contributions, which can give them an even bigger savings boost. Employers often offer a number of investment options, so employees can choose the ones that best fit their needs.

Flexible Work Schedules.

Flexible work schedules are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, as both employees and employers see the benefits of this type of arrangement for achieving long-term financial goals. For employees, flexible work schedules can mean more control over their own time, increased flexibility to balance work and family responsibilities, and a better work-life balance. For employers, offering flexible work schedules can mean improved employee productivity, decreased staff turnover rates, and a more attractive workplace that can help to recruit and retain talented employees.

Gym Memberships or Fitness Subsidies.

Employers are always looking for ways to attract and keep the best employees. Offering a gym membership or fitness subsidy is one way to do that. Gym memberships or fitness subsidies can be attractive benefits to offer your employees because they promote employee health and wellness. They can also help reduce employee healthcare costs. When you offer a gym membership or fitness subsidy, you are essentially providing your employees with a discount on healthy activities. This can encourage them to make healthier choices and lead healthier lives. Employees who are physically healthy are typically more productive and have lower healthcare costs.

Employers should offer a variety of attractive benefits to their employees to keep them satisfied and productive in their jobs. Some of the most important benefits to offer include competitive pay, good health insurance, a retirement savings plan, and paid vacation time.

Top 3 Tips To Increase Your Instagram Followers

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September 21, 2022

For many years, Instagram has remained one of the main platforms for personal blogging and promotion of goods and services. Initially, the app was used to share photos and chat with friends. But things have changed, these days Instagram has become a real marketing tool.

If you’ve been thinking about creating an account for your business, now is the time to do it. Yes, the competition is fierce and growing every day, but that doesn’t mean your business can’t stand out from the crowd! This is possible if you use effective ways of promotion.

In this article we will talk about the importance of regular publication, the ability to create a base if you buy Instagram followers, and the use of hashtags.

1. Post content on a regular basis.

In order for your posts to be more visible on the site, it is necessary to publish as many publications as possible that will attract the attention of users.

At the same time, there is no universal formula for the frequency of posts. It may be enough for someone to post 1-2 posts a day, but for someone it will not be enough. Overly frequent publication can annoy readers and will not bring results, so we advise you to experiment with the frequency and understand how many posts are suitable for you.

On the other hand, regular publication will give your followers more opportunities to interact. As you know, the more likes and comments on publications, the higher the probability that they will get into the recommendations and become visible to a wide audience. Therefore, you will be able to get more subscribers.

2. Create a base of loyal followers.

It rarely becomes possible to achieve incredible account growth using organic free methods. Even if it is possible, it can take lot of time and effort. For this reason, many small businesses seek third-party support from trusted companies that are engaged in professional social media promotion. Some buy real Instagram followers to help achieve the desired number of readers, but also significantly increase online engagement.

If you do intend to go down this path, make sure that the company is honest with its customers and can guarantee the provision of quality services before making your purchase. Read the reviews of previous customers and study the information on the website to make sure that the specialists are reliable. Your goal is to buy accounts of real people who will later like and comment on posts, creating activity on the page.

3. Using Hashtags.

Every time you post new posts, you have the opportunity to use keywords. Thematic tags are necessary in order for your publications to flash in the recommendations more often and collect more views. We recommend choosing 7-10 pieces of low-frequency tags that fully describe your content. Do not use more than 10 keywords, otherwise the post will look like spam or a cry for help.

Thanks to hashtags many bloggers were able to get a target audience and become visible.

Has Dress For Success Lost Its Meaning?

Contributor

September 20, 2022

by Vicky Oliver, author of “Live Like a Millionaire (Without Having to Be One)“

The office wardrobe is back in play after several months of lounging in sweat pants and pajamas. And while the extent to which workwear leans casual or formal tends to reflect the industry — and even the particular company — in which you work, it’s important to stay within the boundaries established as the norm. Your organization may not have a dress code per se, but look around you and you’ll easily discern who’s conforming and who’s an outlier.

The conventions around dressing for success no longer necessarily mean donning a monotone suit, crisp shirt (or blouse), and appropriately discreet tie or scarf in order to look the professional part. Traditionally, the idea was to emulate those in the position you hoped to attain. The tech industry changed all that. Hoodies, ball caps, cargo shorts, sundresses and overalls make up the attire of the Silicon Valley office workers. Here, dressing for success means only that your clothes aren’t rumpled, dirty, or frayed. On the other hand, overdressing in more formal attire could signal that you don’t belong — including at the upper management level.

Even before the pandemic, an estimated 79 percent of workers in the U.S. dressed casually — and one-third of workers were resistant enough to formal attire that they’d turn down a job where it was required. Nevertheless, if you’re working in an office with a liberal or seemingly nonexistent dress code, it’s still important to stay within unspoken norms.

Here’s how to conform even when it appears your office dress code is non-conforming:

Stand out in the right way.

Garish prints and colors that are more suited to a beach cover-up or a Reggae concert will make you stand out — but not in a good way. Try to display your fashion flair in a less jarring way, perhaps with an exotic headband, a leather bracelet, or even distinctive glasses frames.

Scrutinize skirt length.

Women’s ankle-length skirts, even with a substantial slit, are out of fashion in the workplace. At the same time, beware the short skirt that shows too much thigh when you’re seated. Shoot for knee-length, or just below, when standing. Some say that skirt length could even equate to how competent women are perceived.

Change up outfits.

It should go without saying that wearing the same outfit over and over shows coworkers that you’re either exceptionally frugal, incredibly lazy, or completely lacking in imagination. Even if you have a signature piece — a favorite pair of pants or a jacket in your power color — make sure to switch out what you pair it with.

Know what’s taboo before getting piercings or tattoos.

If you and your buddy want to mark your wild weekend adventure with matching cuff tattoos, think twice. If no one else at the office sports visible tattoos, eyebrow piercings, purple streaks in their hair or other fashion statements that can’t be hidden at the office, this could prove to be a reputation-tarnishing decision.

Keep outdated clothing in the back of your closet.

Those favorite garments you’ve saved from your past have no place at the workplace. Refrain from sporting that out-of-fashion suede vest or vintage dress during office hours. Pull them out solely for the office Halloween party.

Discern whether accessories go overboard.

Those giant earrings that clink on the phone or the cluster of bracelets that jangle as you type will annoy those around you. So will the dangling key chain attached to your belt loop. Avoid any oversize or loud accoutrements. And, while wearing headphones may dampen the clatter, they’ll mark you as checked out from the team. (If you insist on wearing headphones, then make a special effort to show that you are still engaged. Maybe only don them for two hours a day or during a particular busy period.)

Don’t confuse business casual with weekend casual.

It goes without saying — but I’ll say it — halter tops, spaghetti straps, and showing cleavage expose you as an amateur. Dressing too casually or provocatively will harm your office cred. Summon your inner professional. Skin-tight dresses that hug the body and yoga tops should only be worn under sweaters or jackets. Even on casual Fridays, dispense with torn T-shirts and baggy sweats. Worn sandals and boat shoes with holes may scream that you need a raise, but in a bad way.

Honor norms around hygiene.

Work out classes before the day starts or commuting to the office via bicycle are healthy habits, but don’t make your co-workers pay the price by subjecting them to foul body odor. If you hit the gym before you review those spreadsheets, be sure you build in the time to shower afterwards. If you bike to the office, pack a kit with deodorant. Cologne does not cover poor hygiene as much as you may think.

Find the right balance.

In today’s more casual workplaces, dressing for success means showing that you can accurately assess and align with the unspoken rules of your organization’s dress culture. But even if your manager and CEO outfit themselves like they’re heading to a ballgame, lean toward a more professional look. The trick is to fit in by not overdressing or underdressing, but by dressing in a way that signals you care to be taken seriously and that your ambitions tilt upward.

Vicky Oliver is a leading career development expert and the multi-best-selling author of five books, including “Live Like a Millionaire (Without Having to Be One)“, “301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions“, and “Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers, and Other Office Idiots“. She is a sought-after speaker and seminar presenter and a popular media source, having made over 901 appearances in broadcast, print, and online outlets.

How The Internet Has Changed The Way People Live

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September 20, 2022

The internet has undoubtedly changed the way people live. It has opened up a world of information and opportunity at our fingertips. We can now access news, information, and entertainment from anywhere in the world with just a few clicks of a mouse. We can also communicate with people from all corners of the globe in an instant.

Keep reading to learn more about how the internet has transformed our lives.

How has the internet changed the way we find people?

The internet has drastically changed the way that people live by providing them with a plethora of online resources that allow them to conduct research, communicate with others, and entertain themselves. One of the most significant ways in which the internet has changed people’s lives is through online people search engines. Online people search engines allow users to search for information about specific individuals on the internet. This information can include addresses, phone numbers, social media profiles, and criminal records.

Online people search engines have revolutionized how people conduct background checks on potential employees, dates, and friends. These search engines have made it easier for people to obtain information about other individuals on the internet. They have also made it easier for individuals to reconnect with long-lost friends and family members. We can now stay in touch with them via social media websites or email. We can also share photos and videos with them instantly.

How can you stay safe online while using the internet?

Since its inception, the internet has revolutionized the way people live. It has allowed for instantaneous communication and information sharing around the globe. However, with this newfound power comes a new level of risk. The internet is a playground for criminals, and it can be easy for unsuspecting users to fall victim to scams, identity theft, and other malicious activities. Here are some tips on how to stay safe online:

Use strong passwords that are unique to each site you visit and change them often.
Don’t share personal information such as your address, Social Security number, or credit card details with anyone you don’t know personally.
Install anti-virus software on your computer and keep it up to date.
Be aware of phishing scams, emails, or websites that attempt to trick you into revealing your personal information. Look for clues that indicate the message may not be legitimate, such as poor grammar or incorrect spelling.
Avoid clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources.
Be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks; these are often unsecured and can be used by criminals to steal your personal information.

How has the internet changed the way people get information?

The internet has forever changed the way people get information. People no longer have to rely on their local news sources’ limited information. Instead, they can access an unlimited amount of information from all over the world. This has led to a more informed population and has allowed for a greater exchange of ideas. Additionally, the internet has made it easier for people to connect with one another. This has led to the formation of online communities that share common interests and goals.

How has it changed the way we obtain goods and services?

The internet has made it easier for people to find affordable prices for goods and services. This is because the internet allows people to compare prices from different sellers. Additionally, the internet has allowed people to create businesses that sell products and services at lower prices than traditional businesses. For example, websites now allow people to buy used clothing and furniture at discounted prices.

The internet has had a significant impact on the way people live. It has allowed people to connect worldwide, has made information more accessible, and has made it easier for people to do business.

True People Search: How To Find Someone’s Contact Information

admin

September 20, 2022

You might need to find someone’s contact information for many reasons. Regardless of your reason, there are a few ways you can go about finding the contact information you need.

One way to find someone’s contact information is to use a people search engine like the True People Search app. These websites allow you to search for people by name, email address, or phone number. Some of these websites even allow you to search for people by their address or username.

Keep reading to learn more.

How can you use True People Search to find someone’s contact information?

The True People Search app allows users to find the contact information of other people. The site uses data from public records, social media, and other online sources to compile information about a person. This information can include the person’s name, address, phone number, and email address. It also allows users to search for specific people by their names or location.

True People Search is an invaluable resource for anyone who needs to find contact information for someone else. Whether trying to reconnect with a long-lost friend or relative or track down a business contact, True People Search can help you find the information you need. It’s easy to use. Enter the name of the person you are looking for, and the app will return a list of contact information for that person. You can also search for people by location. This is a great option if you are trying to find someone in your local area.

True People Search is updated regularly with the latest information from public records and social media. This means that you can be sure that the information you are getting is up-to-date and accurate.

How can you find the contact information of relatives?

Finding the contact information for relatives can be done in a few ways: online databases, public records, or social media.

The first step is to find out as much information about the person as possible. This includes their full name, date of birth, and any other aliases they may use. Once this information is gathered, it can be used to search online databases or public records. If the person’s contact information cannot be found using those methods, then social media may be used as a last resort. Facebook and LinkedIn are the most commonly used platforms for finding relatives. They can provide detailed family trees that include addresses and phone numbers.

How can social media help you find someone’s contact information?

The internet has made it easier than ever for people to find contact information for others. One way to do this is by using social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn. All these platforms allow users to see the profiles of other users who have connected with them. This can help find someone’s contact information if you only know their name and general location.

To search for someone’s contact information on Facebook, start by visiting the person’s profile page. If you don’t know the person’s name, you can try searching for them by city or state. Once you’ve found the person’s profile, look for the “About” section. This section will list the person’s job title, education history, and other relevant information. It may also include a link to the person’s website or blog. If you can’t find any of this information on the Facebook profile page, try doing a Google search for the person’s name and email address or phone number.

LinkedIn is another great resource for finding someone’s contact information. Like Facebook, LinkedIn allows users to view each other’s profiles if they are connected on LinkedIn. The “Contact Info” section of a LinkedIn profile includes an individual’s email address, phone number, website URL, and address. You can also find out which companies a person has worked at in the past by looking at their LinkedIn profile.

Whether for business or personal reasons, there are several ways to find this information, each with advantages and disadvantages. However, the most important thing is to choose the most likely successful method for the specific situation.

A Business Owner’s Guide To Digital Asset Management

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September 20, 2022

Today, digital assets play an essential role in running a business. These are files and documents containing the company’s digital information. In simple terms, it’s any content stored online. Examples of digital assets include blogs, videos, images, eBooks, audio files, slide presentations, logos, and spreadsheets.

Indeed, having digital assets enables users to access and share the required information easily. However, that might not be possible if those assets aren’t well organized or managed.

That’s where digital asset management comes in.

An Overview Of Digital Asset Management

Digital asset management is a modern technology that allows business owners to create, store, organize, retrieve, and share online content from a centralized location. In simple terms, digital asset management is the use of software that is designed to help manage online content.

Besides, digital asset management provides users with controlled access to the digital content library. This helps protect the company’s information from unauthorized users and all that goes a long way in enhancing a business cybersecurity strategy.

Benefits Of Digital Asset Management

A good digital asset management solution comes with several benefits. Some of these include:

Helps Save Time.

Saving time is a crucial element of running a successful business. However, it’s one of the most ignored aspects by business owners and managers. It’s therefore essential to find ways to save time. When you save time, workers can complete more tasks in less time which helps promote the overall productivity of your enterprise.

Running a business requires you to interact with your digital assets daily. For instance, you may want to share essential documents with workers or send promotional materials to potential customers. It’s, therefore, important to ensure you can access the required files in no time.

Failure to manage your digital assets can lead to a waste of time. This is true since you can spend several hours searching for a single document from scattered digital assets. You can avoid that by utilizing digital asset management solutions.

Digital asset management solutions enable you to store files in one location. It also lets you classify and store various online assets into different folders. As a result, you’ll only utilize a second or retrieve the documents you require. That goes a long way in helping you to save time.

Reduces Asset Waste.

Business owners use a lot of time and money to create digital assets. However, some of these assets are never utilized because they’re always misplaced. Therefore, when people want to use specific digital assets, they can’t find them, forcing business owners to spend extra money to create other new content. You can avoid such a mistake by finding a digital asset management solution that can help you organize and utilize your digital assets well.

The right digital asset management software will help you to categorize, classify, and store files more efficiently. As a result, users can retrieve the required digital assets with ease, which helps eliminate or reduce asset waste.

Enhances Internal and External Collaboration.

Collaboration is necessary for the growth and success of your enterprise. For instance, it ensures all the stakeholders are on the same page, which brings harmony to your business.

You can consider sharing documents via other means, like sending emails. However, such a method might not be good enough when sharing large volumes of assets. Besides, sharing the required files can take much time when you use outdated methods. And this can hurt your internal and external collaboration. This is why investing in digital asset management has become necessary.

Digital asset management enables users to share assets within a single system. This can help enhance collaboration within and outside the organization. You also need to understand that, with a digital asset management solution, external users require no additional software on their end to access or view your assets. However, you must select software that supports multiple asset formats.

Keeps Assets Secure.

Leaving your digital assets all over online exposes your company to cybersecurity attacks. And if you aren’t careful, you may lose critical information necessary for running your business. In the worst-case scenario, you can lose control of your firm. For that reason, consider investing in digital asset management.

Most digital asset management software comes with built-in security features. These include data encryption, automatic updates, anti-virus protection, auto cleaning, and single gateway hosting that helps protect your digital assets against unauthorized access and online attacks.

Reduces Marketing Costs.

Marketing is one of the areas that can attract a lot of costs and can hurt your company’s profits. It’s, therefore, necessary to find effective ways to reduce marketing costs.

You might think that investing in digital asset management requires a big budget and, therefore, no need to implement it. However, investing in one can help save a lot of money on your marketing budget. It can provide you with centralized asset management capabilities to help improve your operational efficiency. As a result, you can share promotional materials with target customers easily and help you reduce marketing costs.

Enables You to Access Files Anytime, Anywhere.

As competition increases daily, it’s necessary to run your business 24/7. This ensures that you continuously connect with clients even beyond business working hours. However, you can’t run an online business without digital assets. Possessing them enables you to share the required information with employees and customers remotely.

Just possessing digital assets might not be good enough to help run a successful business. You also need to manage them and you can achieve that by investing in digital asset management solutions. The right solution will enable you to run your business 24/7 and let you access files or documents anytime, anywhere.

Finding The Right Digital Asset Management Software

As discussed in the previous section, you can reap several benefits by investing in digital asset management solutions. However, you must utilize the right software.

There are thousands of digital asset management software on the market to choose from. Therefore, selecting the right one can be a big hassle. This is true, especially if you haven’t utilized such solutions in the past.

So, how can you ensure you find the best tool for your business enterprise? You can achieve that by implementing the following tips.

Find Scalable Software.

Today, you might be running a small business with a few collections of digital assets. However, your enterprise will grow over time, requiring you to create, store, and share more digital assets. For that reason, you should shop for digital asset management software with the possibility of your business’s future growth.

You must understand that opting for a non-scalable digital asset management software will force you to purchase and install another one when your business expands which leads to wastage of money and even time. On the other hand, scalable digital asset management systems will grow with your business. In simple terms, it’ll accommodate additions of new digital assets without deleting the existing ones. Besides, a scalable tool allows you to add more users as your company grows. Therefore, before you pay for any digital asset management software you see, confirm whether it’s scalable.

Select A System You Can Learn with Ease.

One of the reasons you’d want to install digital asset management software is to enhance the workflow of your business. But it’s only possible if you can learn how to utilize it. So, ensure you find a simple-to-learn system instead of investing in a system that will take you ages to learn.

Opting for a more complex digital asset management system may require more training. which leads to a waste of time. And as a result, it’ll hurt your company’s productivity and sales.

Apart from that, a difficult-to-learn tool may force you to hire an expert to train your business administrators on how to use it which only attracts additional costs and may eventually harm your profits.

On the other hand, simple to learn digital asset management software helps save time and money. You won’t need to spend several hours learning how to use it. Besides, it eliminates the need to hire experts to educate you. You only need to read the guide manual provided to get started.

Choose Software that Integrates with Other Tools.

Installing various kinds of business automation tools helps streamline different processes. As such, you’ll save money, time, and other resources. However, all the automation tools you’ve installed should work in harmony. That’s why you need to find a digital asset management system that integrates well with other types of software you use.

Selecting an incompatible digital asset management software with other computer applications hurts your workflow. It also leads to a waste of time. You’ll also be forced to keep exporting digital assets or taking them elsewhere. Ensure you select digital asset management software that integrates well with other automation tools like CRM, social media platforms, accounting automation software, marketing system, etc.

Purchase A Customizable System.

Your business is unique from others in the sector. It differs in how you carry out your process and procedures. For that reason, you should install a customizable digital asset management system. In simple terms, the software selected should suit your needs. For instance, it should enable you to update your systems and assets with colors that match your brand.

Search for A Tool Optimized for Mobile Devices.

Today, mobile devices form an integral part of running a business. You can use them for marketing your business and connecting with customers. When running your business, you may want to access digital assets while moving. That’s why you must find a digital asset management system optimized for mobile devices. These include smartphones, laptops, tablets, iPhones, and other related gadgets.

Having digital asset management software optimized for mobile devices provides a convenient way to access digital assets. Therefore, anyone working remotely or from home can utilize your company’s digital assets using mobile devices to complete specific tasks.

Purchase A System from A Vendor with A Positive Reputation.

The functionality of your digital asset management software will significantly rely on the vendor. For instance, you can’t expect the system to serve you better if the seller is known to produce low-quality products.

You also need to note that the vendor will be the one to maintain and support your system. Therefore, the selected software won’t serve you if the seller is unreliable. That’s why you need to know about the vendor’s reputation before you sign a contract with them.

You can know the reputation of a specific digital asset management software vendor by looking at other clients’ feedback online. Clients regard a service provider with a good reputation in high esteem. Such a vendor will have more positive feedback than negative feedback.

An established positive reputation indicates that most other clients were satisfied by partnering with the vendor in question. Therefore, the chances of getting high-quality digital asset management software from such a company are high.

Besides, a vendor with a positive reputation will likely offer premium customer service, including remorse support. This ensures that you receive the best return on your digital asset management investment. Therefore, before you contact a digital asset management software vendor, do independent research first and read online reviews about them to make sure that you find the right system from the best seller.

Select A Cloud-Based System.

Lastly, you may consider finding cloud-based digital asset management software to help your company grow. This is especially true if you don’t have enough budget to buy and maintain the required hardware.

Note that on-site digital asset management solutions require a lot of IT resources. And this might not be possible if you don’t have enough capital. On the other hand, a cloud-based digital asset management solution lets you rent instead of buying IT hardware. That enables you to save a lot of money in the long run. It also provides more security for your digital assets.

Takeaway

Adopting digital asset management technology can help maintain control over your digital assets. It helps promote your workflow and control who accesses and uses your assets. Ensure you find the right and best digital asset management solution. You can achieve this by implementing the tips detailed above.

5 Tips For Managing The Finances Of Your Small Business

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September 20, 2022

Managing a small business comes with many challenges. From hiring workers and ensuring their productivity to managing finances, it can be overwhelming.

According to 61% of start-up owners, overseeing a business cashflow is especially tricky. This is because money is critical for ensuring a solid financial future and reducing the likelihood of failure.

Many small business owners are total amateurs when it comes to business financial literacy. And if that is the case for you, it will benefit you to have resources like this available. This post will help you navigate the important initial decisions and the upcoming financial duties.

5 Tips for Managing Small Business Finances

1. Make finance planning strides at the start of your business.

Budgeting, accounting, forecasting, tax planning, and risk management are all part of a comprehensive small business financial strategy.

To truly understand your company’s potential, you need to observe accounting reports and study financial statements at least every month. This will help you to set appropriate financial objectives, such as investing more money for expansion, or staff recruitment. Planning ahead of time is the greatest approach to ensuring financial stability.

2. Develop a budget and plan with it.

Creating a budget usually prevents cashflow crisis. It will help you accomplish revenue targets and correctly anticipate your company’s profits by eliminating wasteful costs.

Ideally, you should start by developing an operational budget that outlines your predicted revenues for the fiscal year. This should contain all of the critical information regarding your company’s costs and operational expenses.

An operational budget shows you if your costs are on track or if you’re already falling off the financial deep end. After developing the operational budget, creating a cash flow budget is necessary to keep track of how much money is coming in and leaving out. This gives a good account of your businesses’ liquidity position and always keeps you in the know.

3. Get a line of credit.

Obtaining short-term financing is another hack that may assist you in managing your small company finance and eventually expanding your company.

When you operate a business, a line of credit helps you meet several short-term finance obstacles that your budget can’t handle at the time. For example, some small pharmaceutical businesses use lines of credit to invest in gene therapy analytical development processes. When such processes yield results, they stand to earn more revenue than they would for waiting behind to gather more capital.

4. Separate personal and business finances.

This is a tip most business owners don’t adhere to. After deciding on a budget, resist the temptation to try and fund your baby company from your own finances by merging accounts or doing cross transactions. This can make you lose track of your financial competence and even incur unnecessary expenses. Always separate your finances!

5. Get a corporate card for business transactions.

Corporate credit cards help navigate the problems of digital purchasing for businesses. They also have a bigger credit limit than personal cards, allowing you to cover all company costs without compromising your personal liabilities. And in addition to assisting in the management of small business finances, they make transactions considerably easier especially for a growing organization like yours.

Final Thoughts

These are some simple methods for managing small business funds and keeping your operations operating effectively. Remember that you already have a lot on your plate as a small company owner. Avoid unnecessary expenses and always be ready to grasp opportunities coming your way.

Three Ways To Create Meaningful Relationships As A Female Entrepreneur

Contributor

September 20, 2022

by Christena Garduno, chief executive officer of Media Culture

The path to entrepreneurship has its obstacles – especially as a female in a male-dominated workforce. In today’s world, however, many women are pursuing their dreams by breaking through industry barriers and becoming powerful, inspirational leaders. According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women are returning to the workforce by the hundreds of thousands – but they can’t do it without a great support system. A vital proponent to a female entrepreneur’s success is creating meaningful relationships that will advance their professional development.

As a successful female entrepreneur and leader who built a career from the bottom up, I’ve faced my fair share of hurdles. From gender stereotypes and internal conflicts regarding how others perceive me, to how I expand my presence in the industry and make a positive impact on younger women with big aspirations. Though the challenge of finding a balance between the seemingly fine line of dominating boss and respected leader does present itself, I’ve found that creating meaningful relationships with those around me has been a huge contributor to my success. When creating these authentic connections, female entrepreneurs set themselves up for continued learning, honest and trustworthy communication, a community of supporters and industry-wide respect.

Here’s a look at three ways to create meaningful relationships as a female entrepreneur.

1. Create Authentic Connections with Other People.

Throughout my life, building authentic connections with those around me – whether in personal or professional settings – has been of astounding importance to me. When I reflect on my success as a female entrepreneur and leader, I can’t help but imagine where I’d be without my team, mentors, friends and family by my side.

Building meaningful relationships is more than exchanging brief greetings and pleasantries as you enter and leave the office – it’s also noticing if someone is having a bad day and approaching them with empathy. Creating these connections is not always easy, but the effort does not go unnoticed or forgotten. Establishing trust, though that too may be easier than it sounds, goes a long way when building relationships with employees, mentors, clients and colleagues – just as it does with a friend. These connections amplify relationships, promote honest and transparent communication, enhance success and pave the way for long-term relationships where compassion is mutual.

2. Build an Impactful Community with Likeminded People.

At the start of my career, I took on whatever function came my way whether it was accounting, media buying or new business outreach. I garnered so much experience in different areas of business, which allowed me to discover my true passion in advertising. Not only did I develop skills in an array of areas while branching out, but I also met new people and developed relationships with those around me.

Strong connections with other women in an array of roles prepares females to have an open-ended approach to business, always looking at the situation from different perspectives. One person’s experiences, however, cannot begin to compare to an entire community of individuals’ experiences – that’s why surrounding yourself with likeminded individuals who you can look to for insights is a vital component to success.

3. Always Be Open to Knowledge and Insight.

Life happens – that’s the simple truth. There are so many unprecedented challenges people face that can’t be put on hold, despite how important a meeting or presentation is. I learned this when I was diagnosed with cancer. Upon battling and beating the disease, I returned to work and realized overcoming the hardship was only half of the journey. Many female leaders find themselves feeling left out or lost after returning from maternity leave or family vacation or taking any time away from the office. They notice their team was able to creatively strategize and achieve success despite their absence. Upon my return, I watched my team closely – in awe of their incredible work – and saw that the success was not a product of one person, but many.

As a female-leader it is critical to remain open minded to the knowledge and insights of others, despite their title or position. I’ve always strived to continuously learn, but when I returned to work, I was reminded very clearly that I depend on my team just as much as they depend on me. Every day is a new day, full of surprises and obstacles, where I lean on my team and continue to learn from them. Many leaders get caught up in the notion that they are experts and know everything there is to know, but reality shows us that input from others is of extreme value. Opening up the floor not only allows leaders to continuously learn from their teams and further their own expertise, but it was also demonstrates that the leader truly cares about what their employees have to stay – garnering an amazing, supportive work culture.

Looking ahead to the future where many more female leaders will continue to emerge and thrive, there are an array of variables that will affect a minority-leader’s success. To manage the unforeseen challenges, women should hold tight to the meaningful relationships they have built along the way. By connecting with others, building a community of likeminded people and always being open to knowledge — females can join together and continue to break the glass ceiling.

Christena Garduno is chief executive officer of Media Culture, a multichannel brand response media agency that drives growth for global clients with innovative and performance-driven media campaigns. She is a member of Forbes Agency Council.

Cyber Security Risk Assessment: How Does It Work?

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September 18, 2022

One of the most important aspects of good cyber security is performing a risk assessment. By understanding your organization’s risks, you can put in place the necessary protections to keep your data and systems safe. Cyber security risk assessment is vital for any organization in today’s digitized world. However, with the vast array of tools and technologies available, it can be challenging to know where to start.

Keep reading to learn more.

What is cyber risk assessment?

A cybersecurity risk assessment is a process of identifying, quantifying, and managing the risks to an organization’s information technology (IT) systems and data. A risk assessment aims to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities and develop a plan to mitigate those risks.

The first step in a cybersecurity risk assessment is to identify the systems and data that need to be protected. Next, you need to identify the threats that could potentially harm those systems and data. Threats can include everything from hackers and malware to natural disasters and human error.

Once you have identified the threats, you need to quantify their potential impact. This involves assessing the likelihood that each threat will occur and estimating the damage that would be caused if it did. The final step is to develop a plan to mitigate those risks. This may involve implementing security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, or backup plans. It may also involve training employees to protect themselves from online threats or developing policies for dealing with data breaches.

A cybersecurity risk assessment can help organizations to understand their vulnerability to attacks better, and it can also help them to prioritize their security spending. By identifying specific threats and taking steps to address them, organizations can reduce their overall risk posture and protect themselves from costly data breaches.

What factors are considered during a cyber risk assessment?

A risk assessment aims to identify vulnerabilities and recommend solutions to reduce or eliminate the risks. The factors that are considered during a cyber risk assessment include:

The nature and scope of the organization’s computer systems and data.
The threats posed to the system by both internal and external sources.
The vulnerability of the system to attack.
The consequences of a successful attack on the system.

What is a risk rating?

A risk rating evaluates and quantifies the risk associated with a given asset or group of assets. Risk rating aims to provide a prioritized list of risks in order of severity so that resources can be allocated in a manner that best protects the organization’s most important assets. There are many different methods for calculating risk, but all generally rely on these factors:

The first step in any risk rating process is to identify and assess an asset’s threats. Threats can come from internal or external sources and can be intentional (e.g., cyber attacks) or unintentional (e.g., natural disasters). Once the threats have been identified, they must be evaluated to determine their potential impact on the organization. This includes assessing both the magnitude of the threat (e.g., how many people could be affected by a data breach) and the probability that it will occur (e.g., how likely it is that a cyber attack will succeed).

Once the threats have been assessed, it’s necessary to evaluate the vulnerabilities of the assets in question. Vulnerabilities are weaknesses in a security posture that attackers could exploit. Identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities is important in reducing risk, so it’s essential to understand which ones are most critical.

Finally, once all the relevant information has been collected, it must be synthesized into a quantitative score for each threat-vulnerability pair. This score can then be used to prioritize risks and allocate resources accordingly.

Cyber risk assessment is a critical process for organizations of all sizes. By understanding your organization’s risks and how they could impact your business, you can make informed decisions about your security posture and protect your organization from potential threats.

3 Reasons To Hire An Association Management Company (AMC)

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September 18, 2022

Managing an association or membership-based organization with parts that typically move is toilsome. As a leader, you always want to know what’s ideal for your team and organization. Instead of handling it alone, you might want to consider getting outside assistance as a possible course of action. You can hire what’s known as an association management company (AMC) that will professionally manage your firm for you.

An AMC is typically a profit-based company composed of professionals from different fields, such as meeting management, non-profit management, public relations, and accounting. AMC has marketing support, event planning and management assistance, membership services, and consulting experts too. Various associations can avail themselves of the management services of these professionals on a fee-for-service basis.

AMC’s clients share expenses on their operations. This allows for better capabilities and offers a way to maintain resources without significant capital investment. Likewise, AMC can have a centralized office that can become the main headquarters of these clients.

Overall, as you can have more saved resources and improved capabilities through an AMC, read on to know other reasons for hiring them.

1. Lowers Overhead Costs.

Overhead costs include public utility fees like telephone and internet connectivity, facility bills, copier and printer costs, technology expenses, rent or lease payments, and equipment maintenance. These types of costs can take a toll on small associations or non-profits. And so, it’s crucial to create an excellent strategy to handle overhead costs. If possible, ensure your more significant investment for your association’s development includes daily expenses.

Investing in an association management company is one way to handle overhead costs. With an AMC, you won’t have to worry about paying large amounts for your technologies, facilities, public utilities, etc. Bigger or smaller associations can spend money depending on their size to maximum uniformity. Likewise, an AMC saves money by allowing its clients to share the costs of using overhead resources.

Smaller or larger associations can spend money depending on their size to maximum uniformity. Likewise, by sharing the costs of overhead resources, an AMC can offer you an excellent price for products and services.

2. They Have The Latest Technology.

Technological innovations are happening faster today than in the past. Consumers highly assume and demand that social media, websites, and other technology will offer them the information and services they want. In addition, some functions of society that are at the rear can also be automated by technology.

Yet, because technologies evolve fast at present, it can be hard to keep your association to remain updated with them. Most associations don’t have the financial resources to carry out new technologies. Luckily, AMC is there to help. They can lower the expenses incurred in accessing the most up-to-date technologies. You can do this without needing to buy your own.

As the technologies that an AMC has can lower the costs of accessing it, an AMC also has the tech stack needed to get ready for unexpected events. And so, you can be assured that having downtime will be avoided. Take, for example, their cloud-based software solution. This software can prevent data loss through possible extreme weather and environmental challenges by storing and securing your data online.

3. Provides Expert Staff.

Spend time assessing your staffing when you, along with your board members, start to examine the model of your association strategically. Your staff contributes to efficiency when there’s hardly enough time to accomplish something. Assess the matter of maintaining your team vs. productivity and the demand for having such staff to complete a particular job vs. performance. Also, check if your staff over-specializes in a specific task which may result in lower efficiency.

Likewise, efficiency is also critical if you’re a small organization. Some have limited staff to manage the organization, and sometimes, tasks are only assigned to someone with suitable bandwidth. This happens, although such a person doesn’t necessarily need to have complete expertise for the job.

As efficiency is vital, one way you can achieve it is by hiring an AMC. An AMC can offer the expertise needed from their sufficient number of staff to manage your association. Your staff can see these professionals as an extension of themselves. They can provide outstanding services that will keep up with and further your association’s overall objectives.

Wrapping Up.

An AMC can be your solution to managing your association or organization. It’s composed of professionals from diverse backgrounds that can provide professional management in different parts of your organization.

There are other reasons to hire them. Some reasons include their ability to lower your overhead costs, access to the latest technologies, and expertise on certain business aspects. Overall, may this article help you decide to choose AMC as part of your association.

4 Signs Your Business Needs An Effective Workforce Management System

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September 17, 2022

It’s not enough for a successful business to have top-notch products, a strong vision, and good marketing tactics. They also need to pay close attention to the internal processes that involve their most valuable asset: their workforce. Without them, a business won’t be able to reach its goals and operate smoothly. As such, it is crucial to consider having a workforce management system in place for your company.

Understanding the Workforce Management System

The Workforce Management System, WFM for short, is a collection of tools that help ensure workers have evenly distributed tasks and workloads or schedules. It also helps with rule or policy enforcement, ensuring regulatory compliance, quality assurance, labor management forecasting, overtime management, payroll, employee scheduling, and more. And as you’ll see, the benefits of WFM systems do not stop there.

It can be difficult to implement a comprehensive workforce management system that can handle a wide range of tasks and give deep analysis. And since implementing them can be costly and time-consuming, it stands to reason that businesses would rather avoid doing so unless absolutely necessary. However, it can be challenging to determine whether it is time for an upgrade.

To help you make an informed decision, consider upgrading to effective workforce management software if you recognize these signs:

1. Your Team Consists Of Many Different Types Of Employees.

Indeed, companies can’t function without a wide range of human resource variables such as employee performance, effectiveness, engagement, commitment, etc. These factors partly address the issue of scheduling workers, but that’s not the only factor to consider.

Do the employees split their time between offices? Just how many shifts do you have daily? Do you rely heavily on seasonal or temporary workers, remote employees, or a combination of full- and part-time workers? If your team’s scheduling is so complicated, having no comprehensive labor management solution can cause unnecessary expenses and lower morale. Hence, it would be best to implement a WFM system to organize your employees’ schedules efficiently.

Work processes, staffing, and employee skill sets can all be taken into account as you create and distribute schedules and rosters with the help of a WFM system. To maximize adaptability and ease of shift changes, you can have the option to do this either manually or automatically.

2. The Manager Juggles Multiple Things.

Managers, specifically human resource managers, often have multiple roles. They take the lead on customer service issues, answer phones, cover for other workers when they are absent, and manage everything on top of it all. After a business has been founded, management may devote more time to helping employees realize their full potential.

By facilitating regular timetables and structuring managerial responsibilities, a workforce management software system helps streamline the tasks of supervisors. Consequently, it gives them enough time to focus on management rather than front-line tasks.

Not only can managers use WFM software to make sure their staff is adequately scheduled, but they can also use it to check in with team members, help them create goals, and improve growth. Its centralized system makes it easier for managers to accomplish all these tasks.

3. Employee Data Is Untrustworthy.

Successful businesses use operational data as the foundation for their decision-making. It is especially crucial when planning strategies to increase profit, broaden their service offerings, and enhance their internal processes. The inability to make informed business decisions and implement necessary organizational changes might result from a lack of reliable and available data. Disparate systems, such as a manually updated spreadsheet not integrated with other fundamental systems of record, create a lack of accountability.

Information collected may include but is not limited to employee abilities and work hours, customer addresses and preferences, expense reports, and payroll data. You can’t make informed decisions on how to advance your company or serve your clients best without first analyzing these facts.

The data you need to fuel your business’s expansion can be gleaned from a workforce management solution that helps to close the gap between disparate systems like customer relationship management.

4. Employees Aren’t Productive And Lack Engagement.

Maximizing productivity calls for solid human resource management. Productivity in the workplace is crucial to any company’s success. And problems like wasting time in pointless meetings, spending work hours surfing the web for entertainment, or checking email every six minutes can decrease productivity in the workplace. Without employee buy-in, workforce management is bound to fail.

The good news is that an effective WFM system that streamlines time and attendance tracking, leave management, and document storage can do good for productivity gains, and consequently, your bottom line. Your organization’s leaders will be more effective in their roles if they have easy access to data that will help them with labor and scheduling, time off requests, and record keeping. Employees appreciate these things, which may result in employee engagement, motivation, and productivity.

Finding The Right Workforce Management Solution

The first step in deciding on the ideal WFM management system is realizing that you need one. Spreadsheets are used by certain businesses to keep track of the many moving parts in human resources management.

Your WFM software must be flexible enough to adjust to the ever-shifting needs of an organization. If you research every option, you can select a WFM solution that will help you maximize the benefits of your investment and reach your desired outcome.

Don’t forget to ask yourself these four crucial questions while deciding on a solution to buy:

When and how will it be used by employees?
How can we put this new information to use?
Will it help us to become compliant with the rules and regulations?
Is there a way to sync it up with what systems we already have?

It’s imperative to find an answer that works for you. Assume limitations; don’t just tick all the boxes, and avoid adding unnecessary specifications as you choose.

Conclusion

The management of employees is as old as commerce itself. Rapid technological development over the past few decades has made this a more challenging issue. The need for workforce management software is only going to continue to rise as more organizations become aware of its usefulness.