6 Common Mistakes Small Business Owners Frequently Make

January 9, 2020


To say that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the country’s economy is an understatement. In the U.S, there are over 30 million small businesses, with half a million more coming up every month. These businesses employ over 57 million people highlighting their influential role in the economy.

However, things are not so rosy for most SMEs startups. It is tough to set up a small business in the current, highly competitive business environment. A large number of small businesses fail with records showing only 50% of SMEs survive past five years.

If you want to set up a business, it is important to learn from those who came before you. Learning from their mistakes will set you up for success. Here are some common pitfalls you should avoid.

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Filed Under: Management Tagged With: ,

How to Write a Winning Business Plan

January 5, 2020


Every business idea begins with the hope of being successful. There are many businesses that start but only a few sustain. The challenges are ever increasing in this global market. The opportunities are endless, but it is only viable for those who are smart enough to adapt, keep up with the changes and take risks. As a blueprint is essential before building a house, a business plan helps to bring focus on the business. It determines whether the business idea is worth the effort or not.

A great business plan can be made only when you know your business very well and get deep into all the details. The key components of a business plan are as follows:

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Filed Under: Management Tagged With: ,

3 Tips to Avoid Tyre Damage and Save Business Cost

December 18, 2019


Did you know there is a way to extend the life of your vehicle? Being business owners, we are always on the go and reaching on time at our destination is very important. You cannot do that if you have bad tyres. Not just this, worn out tyres will only add up in your costs later as they lead to poor vehicle health and then you have to spend money on car maintenance. Birmingham’s roads are always crowded and the only way to survive is having a vehicle that will not disappoint you.

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Filed Under: Operations Tagged With:

3 Key Areas You Need to Address to Improve Retail Sales

December 11, 2019


Although it’s true that it is almost 2020 and by now the best brands all have a hefty online presence that counts on an arsenal of virtual assets, the physical nature of brick-and-mortar stores can still serve as an immense advantage. You should study and wield your position to your advantage if your business is fortunate enough to count on a physical address. The rules are different in the world of physical retail.

There is a lot to say about effective and efficient retail, but the broad strokes can be boiled down to five simple elements that drive sales like nothing else.

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Filed Under: Sales Tagged With:

5 Essential Tips on Marketing Yourself as a Remote Employee

December 5, 2019


In today’s gig economy, working part-time from home as an employee or as an independent contractor has become a way of life for many, including Single parents, Full-time students, Stay-at-home parents and retirees.

Whether people need schedule flexibility, the “extra” income or to do something personally and professionally fulfilling with their spare time, working remotely is the solution.

Luckily there is plenty of remote work out there – one recent survey indicates that remote work opportunities have increased over 91% over the last 10 years and over 159% over the last 12 years. More than 50% of the workforce in the U.S. reports that working remotely is a standard operating procedure.

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5 Questions to Ask Before Your Start SOC 2 Audit

November 27, 2019


They say knowledge is power, but at the moment, data and information seem to be more valuable. Hacks and data breaches have become a common feature in today’s world. Hackers have become bolder and relentless in their pursuit of data heist. This is why the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants came up with the SOC 2 certification.

The SOC 2 certification is awarded after a SOC 2 audit, which reviews your companies’ internal controls by evaluating the aspects of your system such as; security, privacy, processing integrity, confidentiality, and availability.

Achieving SOC 2 compliance will help your company in many ways, one of which is that customers and companies will trust you with their data. However, the SOC 2 compliance isn’t easy as you have to jump through hoops to get that certification. The questions answered below will help you ease the process.

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Filed Under: Operations Tagged With: ,

Using Predictive Product Recommendations to Increase Your Email Conversions

November 20, 2019


What if we told you that you have the potential to know what your customers want before they even realize it? Imagine how sending the right products at the right time could improve your email conversion rates.

Well, with the help of predictive product recommendations, this can become a reality in your email marketing. By using this predictive, data-driven tactic, you can provide your customers with a more personalized experience while limiting the manual lift on your teams.

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Filed Under: Marketing, Technology Tagged With: ,

How You Can Connect Your Home in the Digital Age

November 8, 2019


Homeowners consume a fair amount of energy to keep their homes functional and comfortable for their families. Smart home devices, however, can help reduce energy consumption. For example, automated blinds, smart lights, a smart thermostat, smart fridge, smart outlets, and other devices can help homeowners cut back on electricity and HVAC system energy consumption. These smart devices allow you to program them to be used in a particular way and can even automatically adjust how much energy they use based on your daily activities. Take advantage of smart home devices to keep your energy consumption in check.

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Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: ,

What Should You Consider Before Starting Your Driving Lessons

November 1, 2019


Learning to drive is a big step and an important landmark in your life. Passing a driving test opens up so many opportunities and freedoms, so no doubt you’ll be itching to get started.

Before you do though there are a few things you should think about before you even set foot inside a learner vehicle. The main point to think about, aside from organizing a provisional driving license, is how to choose your driving instructor. The instructor you choose will determine how well you do in your driving, how quickly you learn and how quickly you can get to the stage where you are ready to pass your test.

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Filed Under: Employees Tagged With:

3 Ways You Can Develop Amazing Products in the Fashion Industry

October 30, 2019


The fashion industry is ever-changing. Good designers are always in demand. People want to look their best while being both stylish and comfortable. Coming up with the inspiration to develop appealing designs is a challenge. Here are three suggestions for fashion businesses to use to come up with winning designs.

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Filed Under: Strategy Tagged With: