Successful Blog

Does Your Business Need a Little More Room?

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Group Of Business People Having Board Meeting Around Glass TableHave you stopped recently and looked around your office space?

For those individuals running businesses, they might be a tad overwhelmed if they stop to see how quickly their offices can fill up.

From all the office equipment to the number of employees you have working for you; it does not take long for free space to become all but non-existent.

In the event that best describes your office, what options do you have in front of you?

While there are a few options you can consider, have you thought about simply turning to a storage facility, giving you as much room as you need for excess files, office supplies, office machinery and more?

If not, you may want to give that idea a try sooner rather than later.

Store More Stuff and Reduce the Frustration

While you could consider relocating to a bigger office space in the event your current one is proving too small, that may very well prove more expensive, especially in the short term.

If, however, renting space at a local storage facility sounds like a better choice, there are some factors not to overlook in choosing the best unit for your needs.

Among these:

  • What will be stored? – If you are mostly in need of space for filing cabinets and boxes of documents, that should prove rather easy to store in a facility. There are likely a number of self storage units in your community, some of which may be very close to your current office address. Check around through your business contacts, along with using the Internet to see what would best meet your requirements. Unless you need to store excess office machinery or office furniture, finding a storage unit simply for paperwork/filing cabinets won’t be all that difficult;
  • Where will it be located? – Where you store your excess business documents, supplies, along with whatever else may be necessary, means finding a storage unit close to the office. You don’t want to have to drive clear across town just to access a couple of boxes of documents etc. Unless there is an issue with neighborhood security and/or the storage facility itself, finding the one closest to your office would typically make the most sense. That said it doesn’t hurt to check out some other nearby ones so you have at least more than one choice to work with;
  • What does it offer? – This is one of the more important parts of the decision you will have to make. You definitely want a storage facility that offers climate controlled units, along with secure locks and video cameras. Security should always be a top priority, especially when storing company paperwork, some of which is likely to include customer information on it. Entrance to the facility should also be secure, meaning only customers are allowed into the storage center. This is best done by requiring either entry with a key or a password on a computer pad;
  • What are the costs? – Last but not least, about how much can you expect to pay for renting a storage unit on a monthly basis? For some business owners, the cost will override any other factors, so this can prove quite important when all is said and done. Yes, you may not like the idea of having a monthly storage unit bill, but if it means still saving money over renting a more expensive office space, isn’t it worth it? While a bigger office may be the answer at some point and time down the road, turning to a storage facility now could be your best bet. You don’t want employees coming into an office each and every day where they are literally tripping over one another because of space issues.

As your office space becomes scarcer, this is an issue that you will have to address sooner or later.

You could look at it from the point view of your company is hopefully growing if space is becoming restricted.

More paperwork, more employees etc. can be a sign that your business is growing, certainly something very few business owners would be disappointed in.

Finding the best way to accommodate that growth may mean turning to a storage facility to take care of your items at least for the time being or becoming a whiz at reorganizing your current office.

Either way, a growing business is always a good problem to have.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

Make It Your Business to Defend You and Your Brand

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Personal BrandingIf you have worked many years to establish your brand, imagine how quickly all that work can go down the tube if you are alleged to have committed a sex crime. Think it can’t happen to you? If so, change that line of thinking now.

Whether true or not, many individuals (including those running businesses) get caught up in sex crime allegations at some point and time in their lives.

As a result of such allegations, their professional and personal images take a hit, a hit that some will find difficult to ever recover from.

If you are dealing with such allegations, make it your business to defend you and your brand.

Standing up for Your Reputation

The first thing you need to do if alleged to have committed a sex crime is making sure you have legal representation.

You may think that paying for a criminal defense attorney is out of the question, so you will end up representing yourself.

Stop for a moment and think about your legal experience. Safe to say, it is probably slim to none. As a result, you need to find an attorney who will fight tough cases.

Once you have that attorney in your corner, the next important detail is going to work on the prosecution’s case.

Even though you never want to verbally attack the alleged sex crime victim, you have every right (and need for that matter) to look for holes in their story.

The sex crime allegation against you could be any number of charges. Among some of them:

  • An employee at your business accuses you of inappropriate conduct towards them or another worker;
  • A customer to your business accuses you of inappropriate conduct towards them;
  • Someone outside of your business accuses you of inappropriate conduct towards them.

No matter who is coming forward with the allegations, you need an experience legal professional to nip these charges in the bud before they do both professional and personal damage to your image.

For those business owners thinking that such allegations will just go away, it is important to not get into that mindset.

Even if you are totally cleared of any sex crime allegations, the stigma of them can hover over your business for weeks, months, perhaps even years. This is all the more reason to deal with them immediately and thoroughly.

Don’t Lose Focus on Your Business

As you deal currently with a sex crime charge, make sure that your business does not suffer as a result.

If you are going to be tied up with your legal team and/or in court, it is important that your business still keeps up its day-to-day operations.

In the event you run the business by yourself, consider getting some temporary help in to hold down the fort. If you have employees under you, delegate some of your responsibilities to them. The key is making sure that your business is able to meet the needs of your customers whenever and wherever necessary.

Speaking of customers, do you go public with the allegations you are facing?

Many criminal defense attorneys will tell you to stay quiet on such allegations, fearing that you are just opening up a can of worms if you go public, especially on social media.

The decision ultimately has to be yours, though it certainly would behoove you to listen carefully to anything your attorney tells you.

On the one hand, talking about your case in public to customers, on social media sites etc. does of course open up the possibility of something you say being used against you if your case goes to trial.

On the other hand, you do want to get out in front of the matter and make sure your side of the story is heard.

Since there is a good chance some or many of your customers (current and potential) are likely to have heard of your sex crime allegations, use your best judgment as to what you should and should not say.

In the end, your brand could take quite a hit from such allegations.

Along with your personal freedom, your other big focus should be on keeping your brand alive and healthy.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

Don’t Drop the Ball with On-Time Customer Payments

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Paying The BillAs you step back for a minute to analyze how your business is doing, take a look at your financial well-being.

For most business owners, their survival revolves around being financially solvent. Seems like an easy concept, but you might be surprised how many individuals running companies struggle with staying out of the red.

That being the case, are you doing everything within your power to make sure your customers make timely payments?

If you are dragging your feet here, you could end up getting behind on payments, leaving you in a precarious position.

So, are you prepared not to drop the ball with on-time customer payments?

Keeping the Money Flowing in

So that you can make sure (as best as possible) that you do not fall behind on customer payments, remember these important tidbits:

  • Invoicing – First and foremost, make sure you are sending out necessary invoices on time each month. While some of your customers will pay in-person (especially if you own a physical storefront), others will need to be billed for the purchasing of products and services. For that latter group, you can’t do the invoicing whenever you get around to it. For one, it throws the customer off (especially repeat ones) when they are expecting an invoice around the same time each month. Secondly, it can create a backlog in the invoicing process, again leading to problems. Lastly, you won’t get paid in a timely manner, oftentimes the biggest of all the concerns. If you are having issues with invoices, it could be something as simple as making them up in the first place. In the event that is an issue, look to work with a vendor so you can create a free invoice. Putting an invoice together should take little time and effort, so don’t make it out to be a big project;
  • Deadlines – If some customers are not paying you in a timely manner, you are often left with few avenues to turn to. The one that many business owners dread, heading on over to a collection agency. No, it isn’t something you’d prefer to do, but you also want to make sure you get your money before too long. In looking at the collection agency option, use it as a last resort. It may simply be that a friendly reminder or two nudges some customers into paying you when all is said and done. Remember, the customer has already purchased products and/or services from you, so they owe you money if they have not already paid up. Do not feel bad about having to go after them for the money that is due you;
  • Assistance – Lastly, it may simply be a case that you need to hire a financial assistant to make sure you get your funds when you should. If you’re a small business owner, the idea of hiring someone may make you hesitate at first, but you also want to make sure all your business needs are being met. Bringing on someone with an accounting background (even in a PT role) is perfectly fine. Doing so removes one more responsibility from your shoulders, allowing you to concentrate on other important facets of your business. Just make sure that whomever you decide to bring on has a good financial background, plus is orderly and works well without lots of supervision.

If you drop the ball when it comes to your customer payments, your business can suffer sooner rather than later.

While some aspects of your business can take a backseat at times, invoicing and customer payments have to be priorities.

Sit down and review how well (or not so well) you are doing when it comes to customer payments.

You might be surprised to see that you are not doing as well as you should be.

When that happens, putting your finger on the problem and ultimately fixing it, that is your best road to travel.

If you have customers struggling to meet their bills, you can work with them (to a degree), that is without letting them take advantage of you when all is said and done.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

How Are You Leading Your Employees?

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Senior Business Man Working On Office Table With Smiling Face HaWhat do you look at as being your assets leading a company?

Some business owners are natural-born leaders, having those impeccable qualities that it takes to oversee others.

Meantime, some business owners acquire those traits over years of working for others, seeing what works and what does not work in running a company.

No matter how you came about being a leader, passing those abilities on to others over the years is one of the best contributions you can make as a business owner.

With that being the case, how are you leading your employees?

How to Be a Great Leader

In your efforts to be the best leader you can be in running a business, remember these tips to help others along the way:

  • Be an example – First and foremost, leading by example is crucial if you want to have a strong business model. When your employees see how it is done, they’re more likely to give you their best. On the flip side, being a yeller and a screamer does you or your employees absolutely no good. Yes, there are times when you will become frustrated in the workplace, but cooler heads should always prevail. If you have a problem with one or more employees, settle those issues professionally and in a private;
  • Be calm – As mentioned a moment ago, being calm under fire is a great characteristic to have as a business leader. When times get tough (and you know they certainly do), work to find solutions. Part of those solutions may come from your days ascending to a leadership role. Whether you took college courses in business management and leadership areas or got first-hand experience in jobs over the years, the ability to design how you want to lead is critical;
  • Be confident – There will be times when your business undergoes some transformations and/or some rough spots. Employees will look to you as the calming force to get them and your brand through it all. Showing a side of confidence (not cockiness or arrogance) is crucial during those times. As you guide your business through some difficult stretches or even unchartered waters, many of your employees will see you as a business owner they will want to be tied to for years to come. In doing so, you accrue loyalty from many of those under you, assuring you that you have a formidable team to go to battle with each and every day;
  • Be open – Do you currently have an open-door policy for employees wanting to vent when necessary? If not, you should consider doing just that. While it is not the job of your employees to complain about this and that in the workplace, they will on occasion want to discuss matters with you, matters that could be impacting their ability to fully get the job done. It could be an issue with a customer or customers, perhaps a matter with another co-worker, or how the overall business model is or is not working. When employees feel relaxed and confident in talking with you, it is a win-win for them and of course for you;
  • Be a future thinker – Finally, while your business is living in the present times, you have to think about where you want your brand to be five years down the road, three years down the road, even a year from now. Having an eye on where things are trending in your industry and how those trends will impact your brand are both important. That thinking towards the future is also important for your employees. If they see you talking gloom and doom about your business and/or your industry, do you really expect lots of them want to stick around? When you talk about growing your business, seizing the opportunities that are out there, you paint a much more positive vision for all.

Being a leader can certainly be stressful at times, but would you want it any other way?

There are many people who end up fearing leadership; many others take the bull by the horns and run with it.

When all is said and done, which one are you?

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

Will Your Brand Stand Apart from the Crowd?

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Progress Forward Movement Momentum Measure Advancing Results 3dPromoting your brand is something that sometimes can seem like a 24/7 job.

But what if you failed to properly promote your brand? Could your business stand on its own two feet or would the end be in the near future for your company?

With all the competition that is out there for so many different businesses, it is important to separate oneself from the crowd.

In some cases, you may be able to do that all on your own. In other instances, you need the help of experts, experts knowing how to get the most brand attention possible.

So, will your brand stand apart from the crowd?

Know Where to Deliver Your Message

In running your business, you either hire brand promotion experts in-house or you seek outside help. Either way, do not convince yourself that this is not a priority, it truly is.

If you go in search of a media buying agency, what qualifications should they have?

For starters, any agency you consider doing business with must have the ability (and experience for that matter) to dig deep and truly understand who your audience is.

As an example, if you’re selling real estate, you shouldn’t be necessarily targeting the elderly. Yes, some elderly do change homes and/or apartments from time to time, but most will end up staying in their homes until they choose to move into a retirement center or pass away.

When you deploy a media buying agency to work with you in promoting your brand; they do the research (and analyze it) to truly get a better feeling of your audience.

Remember, consumers in 2016 have many avenues they can turn to in order to buy the products and services they rely on, so don’t make matters more complicated than they need to be.

Having a better feel for your audience includes knowing about their buying habits (where they like to shop, when they like to shop, about how much money they are likely to spend per shopping experience), approximately how much income they bring in on a yearly basis, whether or not they like to travel, if they have any important medical needs etc.

With knowledge of your audience and what types of shopping habits they demonstrate, the next key is seeing how your products and/or services can capture their attention, leading to more sales.

Don’t Ever Assume

For example, if you sell home healthcare products for senior citizens, where will you direct much of your marketing and advertising needs?

Remember, although the elderly typically do not spend as much time on the Internet as their younger counterparts, you would be foolish to avoid all online marketing and advertising initiatives directed at senior citizens. That would also include not having a presence on social media.

It is important to note that many elderly individuals and couples are limited in terms of physical mobility. As a result, they can’t get out to stores, malls etc. as much as younger folks. In turn, this means a fair amount of the elderly use the Internet to browse for and ultimately buy goods and services.

So, imagine if you had zero online advertising and marketing initiatives directed at senior citizens? Do you see now why you would be missing out on a piece of the pie?

Lastly, be sure to socialize your brand’s message.

Whether you are using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, LinkedIn or countless other social mediums, you should be pounding your message home regularly on such sites.

Once again, don’t discount the elderly or any other group for that matter, thinking that social medium is a wasteland for many consumers.

As it turns out, many consumers check their social media sites on a daily basis, oftentimes more than once.

By being there and offering them valuable products and services, you once again increase the odds of seeing your sales numbers going up.

Standing apart from the crowd is not rocket science, but it does take some time and effort on the part of anyone working with your brand, along with you and your team.

If a media buying agency was not on your radar before, paint a new image moving forward.

 Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

Are Identity Theft Thieves Eyeing Your Business?

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Keyboard With Blue Security KeyIs your business as fully protected as you would like it to be?

For those running businesses with physical locations (office spaces etc.), keeping intruders out is a relatively easy task.

You have locks on the door, perhaps video cameras watching over your building, maybe even security guards. No matter what it takes to keep your office and workers safe, you’re willing to do it.

But what about those intruders you can’t see coming through your workplace doors? How do you keep them at arm’s length?

As all too many business owners have unfortunately discovered, identity theft thieves are a problem, a problem that has potential to cost those running companies major dollars. When you throw in the notion of upset customers, things can get out of hand rather quickly.

With that being the case, are identity theft thieves eyeing your business?

Take Steps to Protect Your Company

So that you can keep your business (and your employees) as safe as possible, are you covering the following bases?

  • Physical safety – Going to and from work should not be a big deal, but some employees (depending on where the office is located) may feel threatened at times en route to and leaving the office. Do all you can to assure them that they have nothing to worry about during this part of their day. If your office is in a rough part of town, either look to hiring security and/or recommending workers travel in pairs or larger groups during the day or night;
  • Identity theft – It is oftentimes the hidden dangers that can be the most damaging for a business owner. If online criminals are targeting your business, do not take the threat lightly. Just one successful identity theft attack against your brand has the potential to do major financial damage, along with the negative public relations fallout that would ensue. While online criminals are always looking for new ways to go about striking businesses (and consumers for that matter), you can lessen the odds you will be hit by making sure your online security software is as strong as it can be. One problem for business owners may be that they feel they are too busy to sort through the various security software programs on the market. As a result, they open themselves and their brand up to attack. One means to solve this part of the equation is by turning to services that review various security software programs. Whether you opt for an Identity Guard review or others on the market, the time spent doing so will prove well worth it. Once you have a security software program in place, make sure it is regularly updated;
  • Employee awareness – Since your employees are the bread and butter of your organization, it is imperative that they are part of your front line of defense against criminal actions. Whether it is a customer trying to get away with something to damage your business or an employee trying to cheat the company, your employees’ eyes and ears always should be focused. Unfortunately, some employees have been known to (and were caught) commit identity theft against their employers and/or customers. You should always have a system of checks-and-balances in place to lessen the odds of this problem occurring in the first place. For example, having one employee in charge of the books (accounting etc.) may seem ideal, what if that person has some dishonest intentions in mind? Having another set of eyes to review the books etc. is certainly not a bad idea. In the event you catch one or more employees committing illegal acts against your business (stealing money, identity theft etc.), make sure they are not only susceptible to losing their jobs, but could also face legal action.

Whether the threats come from outside your business or ultimately prove to be inside jobs, you can’t put your brand at risk.

Do your best to limit the chances of one or more people taking your business to the cleaners.

Remember, it is not only the financial fallout that occurs from identity theft and/or employees stealing from you, but you also lose credibility among your customers when such acts take place.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.