Business Tips Archives - Page 2 of 6

Tips for Small Businesses Anxious About US elections

admin September 13, 2016

By Rigor C. Arellano

When the upcoming presidential elections gets 1 in 4 small business owners concerned more than competition, then, America, we’ve got a brooding problem.

Business owners wary of incoming changes, like tax law reform, may affect getting new (and even retaining their current) employees, later on hurting job creation and domestic hiring.

What with controversial presidential platforms, uncertain economic growth, and rising healthcare costs at risk, even consumers are faced with valid reasons for worry.

While worrying can sometimes help push us through hard situations, more often than not it will just make us feel tired, stressed, and age faster. Not to mention, stray us away from what we must focus on: The actions we can take now.

So here are a few tips that small business owners can spend time thinking about to help shape their company’s future, and in part, the national economy’s as well.

Election year is a “dead policy year”

Worried about change? As far as policies are concerned, not much is going to. Election years are dead policy years, says an article on Forbes.com.

To help ensure that a political party’s candidate will win, everyone is trying to keep things as they are. That means, you most probably won’t hear any news about tax reform soon or until the Inauguration January 20, 2017.

Now is a good time to borrow

You might want to take advantage of borrowing money now for that additional capital you’ve been eyeing.

We don’t know yet if the government will raise interest rates, but if they do, access to funds will tighten and borrowing will cost more. So while the rates are low, plan, go and borrow.

The economy will continue to grow

The economy will continue to grow at a moderate pace this year at between 2-3 percent, according to Fujioka and Marks of Forbes.

Reportedly, there is no expected legislation coming out of Washington soon that can significantly affect the economy. Talks about repaying the country’s debt, Washington’s biggest issue to date, have also been set back until March 2017.

The rise of good technology and its falling cost

Market demographics, customer concerns and satisfaction, and other useful business data are no longer limited to companies using a room full of servers dedicated to data and analytics.

Due to the fall of technology costs, small businesses have now the power to own automation platforms that were once only available to big enterprises.

And let’s not discount the influence and impact of social media. Properly used, small business owners can imprint both their services, credibility and branding right down to their consumers’ subconscious by establishing their presence on social networking sites. And, it’s free.

Look up the cloud

In the pursuit of new digital heights, humanity’s youth have eventually reached and exploited the cloud.

Now, new generation of business people rising through the ranks have persuaded most companies to move to cloud technologies.

Access to Web-based services like storage, collaboration and organization tools, accounting software online, has opened up global opportunities for small businesses throughout the years. And the integration of different programs that can be useful from day-to-day operations to income tax computation are becoming more ubiquitous, and fast.

“The more small businesses use technology to streamline their operations, the more productive they become,” advised Fujioka and Mark.

After we cast our votes come election day, we’ll be waiting in anticipation how the incoming president can effect our businesses, our lives. But worrying about what worse things could happen next to the point of immobility won’t help solve anything. It never will. But concrete plans of action can.

Now, what’s your move?

Go the Extra Mile with Pokemon Go, ‘Coz You Wanna Give the Very Best

admin September 8, 2016

By Rigor C. Arellano

You’ve probably heard of local businesses, or better yet, seen your favorite store (online or not) with a Pokemon Go-themed (social media) poster or promo by now.

If not and you’re still wondering why, and whether it would be worth it to drive your business into the same direction as they are, then you might want to read on.

Their numbers are rising

The number of smartphone-users-turned-Pokemon-trainers have been steadily rising, nearing Twitter’s daily active users, and fast. This is despite the app being officially launched in just a handful of countries.

Being a geolocation-based app, many people once hiding in their apartments can now be found in abandoned streets searching for pikachus, lapdoses, and charizards all across the wireless-networking enabled lands.

And at some point they’re going to get tired, hungry, thirsty. Or even, at a glaring instance, would suddenly want to multitask having seen that a pair of shoes or jeans they were looking for was in a shop where a PokeStop was.

Which is why, tons of small businesses have also risen to the challenge of serving not only the avid Pokemon trainers’ needs, but going an extra mile to help satisfy them and attract more of the app’s users at the same time.

Luring them in

“I own a pizzeria that’s a Pokestop and I literally did this all day. I had a ton of kids and adults (mostly adults) come in for a slice of pizza and a drink until the lure ran out.”

The statement above is just one of the many success stories from a store owner and Reddit user who used lures in the game to drive more customers their way.

Simply put, lures attract pokemon; the shop that has them invite Pokemon Go users. It’s an in-app purchase. But for just $1.19 an hour, you’ll soon see people walking into your store without so much as a screech or a holler. That’s what lures are for after all: Place it, and wait.

If you happen to be in a location, however, that the Niantic Labs’ universe has luckily chosen to be near a Pokemon Gym or is one, then you won’t even need to pay for any lures to get customers to come.

The magic of Pokémon Gyms

Pokemon Gyms are where players come out and come together to battle each other or to seek rewards. There are three teams — Instinct, Mystic, and Valor — and their members are constantly flocking to Pokemon Gyms to try and take ownership of it.

To join in on the action, some businesses offer free stuff like drinks or shirts for winning teams. Not only do they promote healthy competition and active participation, but also earn a place in the players’ hearts by rooting on and showing their support.

If your business isn’t right in front or is a Pokemon Gym, then by all means: Set up shop now near one. Coupling your kiosk with a lure also won’t hurt; not to mention a sign that might say, “Free Pokemon.”

To know whether your store is near a Pokemon Gym, you can use Niantic’s game Ingress as a guide. Or, you can submit a request now to be one or be a PokeStop through the Lab’s support page.

And then there’s social media

From encouraging your players to post on Snapchat, to liking a Pokemon Go-related Facebook post from your official page, to simply tweeting about their experience in your store, social media can boost your efforts to both engage with your customers and tap a growing fanbase.

Just be sure to reward their efforts as well like giving them discount coupons or by featuring the post with the most likes and handing them a nice treat the next time they come by your store.

(For more ideas on how others are using social media with Pokemon Go players in mind, see here.)

Looking ahead

With all the success it has done for other businesses, does it mean that you should go Pokemon Go-crazy on all your future promos and other sales ideas? Probably not, especially considering that the direction of the app’s success if still unfolding: On whether it’s going to be a short-time wonder or a well-loved classic. But if it being on the Apple Watch is any indication, then including it in your business promo repertoire may sound good for the long-term.

But taking a few steps to think of creative ways to not only show your current and potential customers that you care can benefit your business, and yourself as an entrepreneur.

Reality is, despite some Pokemon fans having long outgrown playing the Nintendo game, they still came back when one of their favorite childhood games was now available on their smartphone. And all because some people went the extra mile to make it possible, and gave awesome reasons to keep them coming back for more.

Who knows? They might do the same for your store. Ask any Pokemon Go fan. The extra steps are worth it.

7 Reasons Why Hiring a Virtual Receptionist Makes Logical, Financial Sense

admin August 30, 2016

In today’s tech-savvy times, we can order Indonesian takeout food with a click of a button. We can purchase a venti mochaccino with a quick scan of our iPhones.

Granted, it’s not how Back to the Future described it to be, but you have to admit, it’s a pretty great time to be alive — technologically speaking.

Of course, today’s wonders are not limited to acquiring sustenance and much-needed caffeine.

Technology has given us the ability to have our calls answered by friendly folks who work outside the four walls of our offices. These helpful men and women are called virtual receptionists, and they are all the rage with small-medium businesses — and for good reason, too.

If you haven’t heard of virtual receptionists yet and what they can offer a company, we’ve listed down 7 compelling reasons why hiring one would make logical, financial sense:

1. No excuse will get in the way — As a business owner, we’re sure you’ve heard the most creative to the most hardly thought of excuse in the book when it comes to absences and tardiness.

Virtual receptionists eliminate that awkward tango. For example, if you get virtual receptionist services from Gabbyville, you’ll get a team of dedicated virtual receptionists working for your business. So if one of the receptionists is sick (allergy season is right around the corner), the call will be routed straight to another virtual receptionist in your team.

Someone will always be there to pick up the phone during business hours. No excuse, no matter how valid, will get in the way of your business.

2. Focused workers are great workers — Sometimes, life just gets too darn busy. Even for your in-house receptionist, who may be balancing speaking to your clients in person, scheduling another client over the phone, and answering an important email one-handed.

Your front desk personnel may be too busy helping a client with necessary forms, while giving directions to another , that the phone is left unanswered. You may have just missed your biggest client to date.

With virtual receptionists working for your company who will answer all calls, book schedules, handle cancellations, answer frequently asked questions about your business, and make outbound calls, your in-house staff can focus on attending to the needs of your clients face-to-face, especially if you’re running a high-traffic clinic, dental office, or law firm.

All calls and all clients are handled professionally and efficiently. What a beautiful thing that is.

3. Dependable — During emergency situations (such as snowstorms, hurricanes, and yes, even Black Friday) when neither you nor your staff have a way of physically getting to your office to answer calls or reschedule appointments, having a virtual receptionist on your team truly comes in handy.

So even if the 6 train is down, you’re snowed in, or stuck in line at Walmart, someone will be there to pick up the phone or make important call-outs. Rain or shine, your business is able to serve your clients, which is needless to say, impressive.

Which brings us to our next reason.

4. Sound like a big shot — No matter what business you’re in, it is always imperative to impress your clients. And they can get finicky at times.

Some only give you one chance to make a good impression. And if their initial over-the-phone experience is sub par, they may find services elsewhere.

Say, you have a startup, and you think that your unique selling point is a great edge. But that’s not enough to bank on. You would need to get stellar customer service to get recognized. You’d be surprised how many customers make a jump from one company to the next based on how well or badly they are treated.

So even if you’re operating solo in a humble office in Queens, but have professional virtual receptionists fielding your calls and cheerfully answering important questions, you’ll sound like a big shot and quickly turn inquirers into bona fide loyal patrons.

At the end of the day, it boils down to how great you treat a customer and how great a customer feels about your company.

5. Save your time and office space — If you’re unwittingly tied to the office phone, trying to dodge calls from telemarketers, receiving long-winded yet unprofitable calls, and still, ending up missing important client calls, you’re not putting your time to good use.

The hours you spend on answering calls can be used to brainstorm a better business model, improve your product, create marketing collaterals, or put up valuable content on your website. And you can’t do that if you’re on the phone half the day.

As your VR answers all calls, schedules appointments, and calls clients up, you can focus on things that require your utmost attention to help elevate your business to its full potential.

Also, a virtual receptionist considerably frees up your office space. Have a team of professional receptionists work for you sans deskspace.

6. Pay for services and nothing else — We did the math for you: we found that you would have to shell out around $50,000.00 a year for an in-house receptionist. This amount covers base salary, health insurance, and social security, to name a few.

But what this doesn’t cover is the amount you lose when potential client calls are unanswered during lunch breaks, days off, unforeseen absences, and lateness. And the sad part is that there’s a huge chance that it’s bigger than 50 grand.

With virtual receptionists, the amount you’d have to pay for services is drastically smaller. In Gabbyville’s case, you would get a team of your very own virtual receptionists for the price of one.

Not only that, most virtual receptionist services are flexible. There are plans that would fit any business, big or small. A big HR plus: cancelling services are way easier and drama-free than firing out someone in person.

Did you stop reading this to pick up the phone? — Then maybe it’s time to get a great virtual receptionist, stat.

How The 5 Sentences After Hello Can Grow Your Business

admin June 13, 2016

There’s an old adage that says, “You only get one chance to make a first impression”. It’s true, and first impressions are more important than you might think. If you’ve ever done sales, you know that when the customer walks through the door, you only have a few moments to set the tone for your entire encounter.

Yet not every customer will physically walk through your door, and first impressions are often made long before a customer even approaches your premises. Getting the phone answered is obviously a must, but first impressions are the key to recognizing your business’s true over-the-phone potential. Answering the phone is just the first step in getting a customer’s business. A caller wants to hear a friendly voice and a positive attitude.

Callers who have a positive phone experience are 10-15x more likely to go from potential customer to actual customer than someone who has only done an internet search. On the other hand, 79% of customers won’t call back if calls are unanswered and 69% won’t call back if they get a busy signal.

Setting up positive expectations is at the core of potential long-term business relationships. This means that, as part of a first impression, the first 5 sentences after ‘hello’ have the potential to make or break nearly every first encounter. So if you’re relying on someone to answer your phones, you need to be sure that they know how to set up a positive expectation within five sentences.

The first step is to have a friendly, positive-sounding voice answering the phones. The second is to make sure that this person is knowledgeable about your business and how to help the customer get information and speak to the right person. This means no answering machines. Avoid them at all costs! In today’s mobile-driven world, there is no reason why a potential customer should not be able to speak to a friendly, knowledgeable representative whenever they call during business hours.

If you are unable to afford an in-house receptionist, then a virtual receptionist can provide the same service at a fraction of the cost. And if you have a professional answering service, you won’t have to worry about missed calls, because you aren’t relying on one lone receptionist to field every call and question.

Virtual receptionist services have a team of people to make sure that every call gets answered promptly and professionally, because your business is their business. Remember, positive tone, positive expectations, and positive phone experiences equal positive cash flow in terms of satisfied customers.

Getting To Know You: Six Things You Need To Know To Keep Clients Happy When Working Remotely

admin June 9, 2016

Working remotely has its advantages. Whether you turn a spare bedroom or another area of your home into your office, or have another place for peace and quiet where you are most productive, staying focused and keeping on track are vital. Here is a list of six simple thoughts and ideas that can be used to help you stay accountable and on track.

From the first point of contact with a potential client, building trust should be your main objective. Be honest about what you are able to do and when you will be able to do it. Don’t set unrealistic expectations on yourself. Make sure they are aware of your limits and what you are capable of. This will not give a negative outlook or impression. It is simply letting them know what they can expect out of a business partnership with you.

After you have made it clear what you can accomplish for the client, create a very clear and detailed contract. Include deadlines, descriptions, and the amount you have agreed upon for your services. It is also important to make sure that everyone involved has signed and received a copy of the signed contract.

Once you have agreed and accepted the project, communication will play a vital role in the relationship between you and the client. Keep them informed of your progress and where you stand as far as meeting deadlines. You want them to be well aware of the value of your service and demonstrating what you are accomplishing along the way will speak volumes about your work.

While working on the project, create mini milestones for yourself and set dates and times of when you want to have these goals accomplished. If you are going to keep the client informed, it is important to make sure you are following your own standard and staying on track. This will also show you what areas you excel at and where you could use a little more effort in developing your craft.

While working on your client’s project, make sure you are accessible to them. You may not need to drop whatever it is you are doing immediately to provide them with details, but make sure you are checking for voicemails or emails on a regular basis. If a client thinks you are trying to dodge them, it may lead to them being uncomfortable and looking for other options.

One of the most important tips you can remember is do not assume anything. If you have a question or are in doubt, contact the client immediately. It is easier to remain on schedule by losing a few extra minutes for a phone call than what it is by spending hours or even days trying to fix a misunderstanding.

The Top 5 Reasons Picking up the Phone Is Better Than Sending an Email

admin June 2, 2016

All of this modern technology is great, but sometimes it aids in a lack of human communication. We forget this so easily, as we go about our days snapping pictures for Instagram and tweeting our latest thoughts.

It’s good to take a step back from technology and do things the old-fashioned way. So many times, we begin to type out an email instead of just simply picking up the phone to call the person. It’s time for a change! Here are the top five reasons picking up the phone is way better than sending out an email. We know you’ll agree!

1. It’s just plan easier. Sending out an email takes time. You have to think about what to say, and type it out in a grammatically correct format. If you pick up the phone, all you have to do is use your voice! You can also multitask while you’re on the phone, which is a plus.

2. There’s no confusion. Texting and emailing can be a little confusing for the correspondents. Sometimes, words can be misinterpreted, which can lead to confusion. By talking on the phone, you minimize all that confusion, and you can communicate freely with whomever you’re speaking with.

3. It’s nice to hear someone’s voice. Admit it, hearing your best friend’s voice is way better than receiving an email from her. You can catch up quickly and get more in detail with what you’re talking about.

4. It’s fast. Emailing takes a while. You have to email back and forth, sometimes multiple times before you are done with the conversation. Talking on the phone is direct, and you get straight to the point. There’s no waiting game to play, you just talk, and everything follows!

5. It’s personal. Sending texting and emails can be so impersonal. Using your voice is so much better! You’ll have better, stronger relationships.

Pick up the phone! Technology tends to complicate things. Instead of opting for complication, why not opt for simplicity? Picking up the phone used to be something that people looked forward to. Technology has made us dread this kind of direct contact, and that’s not good. So, next time you need to communicate with someone, don’t send an email–pick up the phone! Make it a habit, and soon enough you’ll do it without even realizing it. Those around you might pick up on the habit as well.

Hide and Seek: 3 Ways Your Small Business Can Save Money

admin May 30, 2016

While owning a small business may fulfill one of your lifelong dreams, it’s also incredibly difficult work and at times, managing the finances associated with it can be stressful.

The biggest struggle for the majority of small businesses lie in the financial aspect and they occasionally struggle to remain profitable throughout the duration of the business. In order to help save money, here are three money-saving tips that can be used in any small business.

Double Up On Advertising

For a new business just starting up, one of the biggest expenses lie in advertising. While there’s not really a way to get out of advertisements to initially promote your business, there are ways to help reduce your cost of advertising once your business has launched. One of the best ways to do this is to include advertisements with your invoices and other collateral you send out.

If there’s a new promotion or coupons that you want to get to your customers, you will save a lot of money in the long run by sending it with material your customers are already getting. If you wish to send advertisements to other customers, make sure you get the biggest bang for your buck by including promotional material coupons and other collateral all in one envelope.

Lease Equipment

As a small business, purchasing all of the equipment you need to start up your business can come at a high cost. Office equipment is expensive to begin with, but purchasing it brand new only makes the cost even higher. Odds are you don’t need to actually purchase the equipment, so why not lease the equipment? Leasing the equipment means that your cost is lower upfront and if there are any problems with the equipment, the costs are most likely covered under your lease agreement.

Hire Interns

Hiring interns is a true win-win situation for everyone involved. For your business, you get a full-time employee without spending any extra cash. For the intern, they receive on-the-job experience they can use with them after they leave the job. As an added benefit, if you like the intern and the work they completed, you can hire them after the conclusion of their internship so you already have a trained employee ready to go on your staff.

As a small business, it’s always important to look for opportunities to save money anywhere possible. Even though your business may be booming at the time, you should always try to manage your business from a financial standpoint that allows your business the best chance for growth. While there are plenty of tips to help save money as a small business, following the three tips above can help put your small business on the path to success.

5 Money-Saving Hacks for Your Medium Business

admin May 27, 2016

If you’re a business owner, chances are good that you are constantly looking to save money for your business. While business may be good, it’s always important to manage it from a financial standpoint that provides you with the most opportunity for growth. The following are five money-saving tips and tricks for you and your business.

Hire Interns

Hiring interns is a win-win situation for everyone involved. For your business, you find full-time (or sometimes part-time) employment without spending money. For the intern, they not only receive college credit, but they also receive beneficial on-the-job experience. In addition, if you like the intern, you can hire them at the conclusion of their internship and you will have a new full-time employee who is already trained for your business.

Don’t Purchase New Equipment

While it can be tempting to want to have the newest, top-of-the-line equipment, it’s important to realize there may not be a need for such equipment. There are plenty of reputable companies that sell refurbished equipment such as printers, scanners and computers. Most times, this equipment can be found at large discounts and can save your business a lot of money. In addition, purchasing recycled printer cartridges for your printers and other devices can help cut back on costs.

Go Paperless

Going paperless can save your business money since you will significantly decrease your costs when it comes to printers, ink cartridges, paper, toner, folder, paper clips, and other materials associated with using paper. With today’s technology, many tasks can be completed without printing out the documents. While it will still be necessary to print some documents and materials, cutting back on printing is an easy way to save money.

Manage Utilities Properly

While there is no way to avoid paying utilities such as telephone, internet and electricity, there are ways to help reduce those bills. While it may be expensive in the beginning, switching to energy-efficient light bulbs in your business will help save money on your bill over time. If that doesn’t seem possible, make it a priority for your employees to turn off lights when they’re not in use.

Barter

Bartering with other businesses is a great way to reduce your costs. Devra Gartenstein of Demand Media writes, “Bartering saves money because the goods you exchange cost you less than the value you attach to them if you use your regular retail price as the basis for establishing value.” Odds are good that you have something another business owner is looking for and they probably have something that you want.

Use this to your advantage and help get what you need, all while helping other businesses. It’s possible that not all of the strategies and tips mentioned above will apply to your business, but if they do, give them a shot! You will be surprised to see how much money you can save by implementing these 5 strategies.

Try This, Not That: 6 Simple Swaps That Will Save Your Small Business Money

admin May 24, 2016

You’ve worked hard to make your small business successful. There have been more 18 hour days than you can remember. Yet, when the end of month profit numbers come in, your net profits aren’t commensurate with your expectations (or your labor). Profits are coming in, but the comparison against outgoing monies is barely positive. Obviously the situation calls for a change. How can you make this happen? Here are 6 Simple Swaps that Will Save Your Small Business Money.

Use Laptop computers

Possibly the greatest amount of money going out is your energy cost. A great way to reduce your energy consumption is by switching from desktop computers to laptops. Laptops offer energy savings of up to 90% when compared to desktops.

Examine your phone usage

It is possible to reduce communication costs by reducing the number of lines in use. A closer look at your current plan or switching to a more computer based system such as VoIP can also keep your costs down. Customer service can be kept at a high level regardless of which option you choose.

Take taxes into consideration

Year end tax bills can severely affect your business’s bottom line. An online savings account where quarterly tax monies are kept can eliminate those year-end tax bills and penalties. Hiring an accountant can serve a two-fold purpose: they can keep your books in order, and are knowledgeable about tax breaks and deductions.

Internships

Develop relationships with local colleges for internship possibilities. Interns receive college credits while working for your business in a seasonal or general position. You might even discover a young, sharp new employee for the future.

Word-of-mouth advertising

If advertising costs are eating into your bottom line, website testimonials can expand your footprint. With the connectivity engendered by today’s internet, it’s easy for your clients to pass on information and positive reviews to a larger audience.

Pre-printed forms

Why go to the added expense of custom designing forms for your business? Pre-made forms are available at numerous internet sites. Best of all, they’re free.

Starting your own small business is something you’re proud of achieving. All the hours you’ve spent trying to make it successful shouldn’t be in vain. By controlling costs, it is possible to finally reward your hard work, and your vision. Yes, you love the work you’re doing, but shouldn’t you make a little money too? Isn’t that why you started your business?

Get Connected: How to Keep Employees and Clients Happy While Working Remotely

admin May 20, 2016

Soaring energy costs, downsizing, and commuter traffic are all factors in making working remotely the best solution for employees and employers. Remote work offers many opportunities and cuts costs, but it can be difficult to balance client and employee needs and happiness.

How do employers help maintain that balance? Here are some principles to help every working professional maintain a healthy remote work relationship:

Policy

When an employee works remotely, management needs to clearly communicate their expectations. State working hours and productivity goals explicitly, and make policies for rush delivery work and after hours work clear. Schedule deadlines, meetings. and conference calls well in advance and in a timely convenient manner. Presenting expectations as being in the employee and client’s best interest is essential. When management communicates expectations and planning for work-at-home employees, everyone wins.

Technology

A true craftsmen selects the best tool for every job, and so it goes with remote work. Whether it is a Virtual Private Network, or if your company already supports a service for teleconferencing by web or by phone, it is essential to choose the best service that meets everyone’s needs. There are a vast number of options available for multiple platforms, and when IT departments give testing feedback about each option, choosing the right app becomes a matter of choosing between best alternatives.

Flexibility

Remote-working employees will have issues come up. To think or plan otherwise is unrealistic. Illness, life events, and emergencies will interfere with their productivity. Having team redundancies in place and maintaining a healthy rapport with clients is key to minimizing the impact on productivity when the unexpected arises. Employees need flexibility to feel secure in their job while dealing with the occasional crisis. Building trust between all parties is important to any healthy working relationship, but it is especially vital when employees work remotely.

Communication

As with any successful and productive team, it is impossible to overstate the value and importance of effective communication. Team members working remotely should make themselves as available as if they were in the office. No matter which media is used, effectively sharing information and communicating regarding ongoing projects and work according to remote work policy is essential. Remote employees also need to communicate immediately if they will not be able to contribute or complete work so that workflow remains uninterrupted.

Productive team communication is essential to maintaining healthy and happy client, employee, and management relationships. These four principles are enough to get any business started on the road to remote work success. Maintain and maximize them within any business or organization, and reap the benefits of a happy and productive remote workforce.