Successful Blog

Does Your Business Need a Boost?

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No matter how many years you have devoted to your business, are you sensing that your company needs a boost?

If this is the case, what steps do you plan on taking to give your business the boost it needs to keep pushing forward?

From a financial boost to more brand recognition, there are times where you have to act.

That said is now the time to give your business a boost?

Don’t Delay and Live to Regret It

If your business in fact needs a shot in the arm these days, here are some ways to go about it:

  1. Financial boost – It may be where your business needs financial punch to make things go where they need to. If this is the case for you; how best to go about this? You could seek a small business loan in hopes of infusing some punch into your company. If you opt to go this route, be sure to do your research on the different loan providers out there. Make sure you know who you are dealing with. Research each loan provider you consider working with. Doing this allows you to separate the good ones from the not so good ones. Along with experience, you want a provider with a track record of success in helping folks. It is also important that you get the best customer service possible from any provider you go with. At the end of the day, a financial shot in the arm could make quite a difference.
  2. Website boost – How much time do you spend concentrating on your company’s website? If the answer is not much at all, this can prove rather detrimental to your brand. That said it may well be time to go out and get help for your website. One of the ways to go about this is by finding a good SEO company. With the right search engine optimization provider, you can get your website going. As you deploy better SEO options to your marketing, you should see an uptick in traffic over time. One of the ways this is done is by an SEO provider giving you good marketing content with which to work with. As more consumers see blog posts with keyword links back to your website, you stand to gain traffic. The key here is make sure you give consumers a website worth looking at.
  3. Morale boost – Last, if you have employees with you, you may find that a morale boost is in order for your business. Over time, the morale of a workplace can dwindle. When it does, it is important for leadership to change course so that things in all hopes pick up. If you do not get your workplace morale going in the right direction, it can have a myriad of consequences. Do your best to get your employees fired up once again about what they do and the customers they serve. From a more fun environment to incentives to grow in their jobs, make sure your workers know you care.

In getting more consumers focused on your brand, it may well be time you gave your business a boost.

Photo credit: Pixiebay

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

 

3 Keys in a Better Small Business Outlook for You

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As you review things at your small business, does most of it make you smile?

For some small business owners, there are things in play that in fact make them cringe.

If your small business is in need of some changes, will you make them in time before it is too late?

Money May Be Your Number One Focus

In looking at how you can have a better outlook for your small business, focus in on these three areas:

  1. Money – How are you doing these days when it comes to your business finances? If things are tight, you may well need to look into a line of credit. When you apply for a line of credit, be sure you have all your business financial info in place. If you do not have all the necessary info available, it can slow down the application process. It could even prevent you from getting a line of credit in the first place. Even with approval, reassess your financial approach to running your business. Are you doing all you can to keep debt down? Have you done a good job up to now of finding good deals? Such deals include when you buy supplies from vendors. Are you getting a good deal on the property you rent for your business if you do not own your grounds where you work out of? By being a good manager of money, your small business has a much better chance of sticking around for the long haul.
  2. Staff – Unless you are able to run your small business on your own, you will need help. Hiring the right employees goes a long way in determining the success or failure of your company. With that in mind, have you done a good job up to now of bringing in the right talent? While you might have the wrong hire now and then, do not make a habit out of this. Not only does it give customers pause to do business with you, but it can impact worker morale in your company. Over time, a revolving door at your company is going to come back to haunt you. That said make a strong effort to get the right people in the first time around.
  3. Promotions – Last, how good of a job are you doing as it relates to promoting your brand? Keep in mind that brand promotions go a long way in determining how much business you will end up doing. If not taking time or spending money when necessary to promote your brand, you could end up missing out on sales. Also take note that not all brand promotions are going to cost you dollars. For instance, you can use social media to spread the word about your brand. If you have been slow to gravitate to social networking, change this up. Social media is one of the best resources out there that your business should be taking advantage of.

In watching out for your business, how do things look?

Photo credit: Pixibay

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

 

 

Do Co-Working Office Spaces Really Help Productivity?

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By Kayla Matthews

Co-working office spaces are popping up all over the country and inspiring people to look at office culture in a new way. In the past five years, co-working office spaces have grown 21 percent and are expected to grow two to four percent more each year.

What Is a Co-Working Office Space?

Co-working office spaces are designated workspaces shared among remote and independent workers who want the sense of an office without the competitive corporate atmosphere. In addition to offering desks and work lounges, co-working spaces often provide other office amenities like meeting and conference rooms, coffee machines and kitchens. The goal is to provide a productive working environment with a better culture than the traditional cubicle or home office.

Benefits of Co-Working Office Spaces

With their emphasis on the individual having control over the workplace environment, co-working spaces are drawing more professionals each year. Harvard Business Review says co-working spaces also foster more dedicated employees and new ideas. Business News Wales also sports positive reports of co-working spaces, saying that 89 percent of people who co-work are happier than those who don’t.

Here are some other benefits of co-working office spaces.

  1. Sense of Community

Co-working office spaces provide a sense of community that you could normally get in the typical office environment — without the office politics. Workers who feel alienated and disconnected working from home or in a solitary space can take advantage of a co-working office, connecting with others and the working culture again.

  1. Networking Opportunities

Being with other professionals who are working in different industries and fields offers a prime opportunity to broaden your network. A small chat at the co-working kitchen or sharing a desk with someone you wouldn’t normally interact with could spark a potential partnership and friendship. Plus, you never know what ranks of professionals are sharing your space and can provide referrals and recommendations.

  1. Affordable Space

The average cost of a co-working office space is about $295 a month depending on location. Included are electricity, internet, air, heating and maintenance. Unlike in traditional office spaces, desks, chairs and other office furniture is provided. Some facilities even offer additional amenities, making it a better value than a traditional office.

  1. Flexibility

With a co-working space, you use it when you need it. You’re not obligated to be there from nine to five or any other set of hours like in a traditional office, and you don’t have to be committed to using the space for longer than you want to. Co-working office spaces offer shorter lease and contract periods than typical office spaces.

Drawbacks of Co-Working Office Spaces

Even with all the benefits that co-working office spaces provide, there are drawbacks too, including the following.

  1. Distractions

The best thing you can do to help your productivity is to eliminate distractions. But when you’re working in a space that’s open to everyone, there are ample opportunities to become distracted.

Co-working office spaces are usually open-air and made for individuals who are coming and going. With people constantly moving around, arriving and leaving, your eyes can get drawn away from work. Plus, without walls to block sound, you can hear everyone’s phone calls, cell phone vibrations and music unless you have headphones in.

  1. Lack of a Designated Spot and Privacy

When you become comfortable in a certain place, you assume ownership. Because co-working spaces are shared, the spot you’ve come to be most productive at might be taken the next day, and you can’t personalize your desk without taking pictures and supplies home each day.

Most co-working spaces are also open air, which means everyone sees and hears what you do.

  1. Hidden Fees

Some co-working office spaces aren’t all-inclusive. There may be hidden fees or costs in addition to the amount you pay to rent your space, including:

  • Commuting or transportation costs
  • Purchasing food and drinks
  • Renting a locker or other storage
  • Printing and copying charges
  • Reserving a meeting or conference room

Things to Consider

Before you select and lease a co-working or other office space, here are some things to consider:

  • Location
  • Length of lease or contract
  • Workspace layout
  • Internet speed
  • Amenities
  • Security

Choosing Your Office Space

When it comes to considering a traditional office or co-working office space, determine which one fits your productivity style. Changing your environment could be just the move you need to amp up your productivity and get things done.

 

About the Author: Kayla Matthews writes about communication and workplace productivity on her blog, Productivity Theory. Her work has also appeared on Talent Culture, MakeUseOf, The Muse and Fast Company.

Featured image: Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash

Is Your Small Business Firing on All Cylinders?

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In running a small business, is it firing on all cylinders?

For some small business owners, they are missing out on one or more key facets of success. As such, it can leave their companies in peril if they do not tend to the matter sooner than later.

With that in mind, are you taking the steps to make sure your business operates at its greatest potential?

How Are Your Finances Going?

One key to piecing together a successful brand is making sure your money situation is good.

That said you want to do all you can to be sure you have the funds to keep things running as smoothly as possible.

So, when was the last time you sat down to look at your financial books?

In the event you are having trouble making ends meet, it may be time to consider small business loans.

Should you decide to consider a small business loan, where best to start?

For starters, know which loan providers are most worth your time.

One of the ways to go about doing this is by going online. Once on the Internet, you can research to see which loan providers would have your best interests in mind.

If you’re friends with some other business owners, ask them who they went to when they were considering a loan. The feedback you get from your friends in the small business world can prove quite fruitful.

Once you have a small loan provider you think you can work with, determine how much of a loan you in fact will be seeking.

Also take into account what the loan will be geared towards.

Among some of the reasons you would be seeking a small business loan:

  • Financial capital to grow your business
  • Money to pay down debts
  • Added funds to buy office equipment
  • Taking on more inventory

No matter the reason you could be seeking to take out a loan, be sure to do your homework. When you research different loan providers and why you need a loan, there’s less chance of making a bad decision.

Staying Up to Date on Employees and Technology

As important as a loan can be for you make it a point to not overlook the importance of employees and technology.

When it comes to your employees, do you do all you can to go about hiring the best out there?

Although you may make a mistake or two in hiring at times, you do not want to make it the norm. Too many bad hires can lead to a revolving door at your company. In the event you have investors, they do not want to see too much turnover. The wrong hires can also lead to issues as far as employee morale.

As it relates to technology, do your best to have the latest tech available to you and your employees.

Keep in mind that there are many savvy consumers out there. As such, they expect you to be a leader and not a follower in technology and the customer experience.

In doing all you can to make your business fire on all cylinders, are you coming out ahead?

Photo credit: Pixibay

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

 

Let Your Customers Help Market Your Business

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How much marketing of your business do you do? Of even more importance, are you doing the right things to market your business?

Unfortunately, too many owners come up short in marketing their businesses. As a result, they can be missing out on some great opportunities to pull in more business.

One of the best ways to market your business is by letting your customers spread the word.

With that in mind, is it time your customers went to work for you?

Have You Been Missing Out on Good Marketing Opportunities

In deciding to let your customers help market your business for you, keep these ideas in mind:

  1. Social media – Given many of your customers are likely on social media, let them spread the word. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and more are all top-notch social sites. As such, customers talking social in regards to your brand can help lead to better marketing. This is true whether marketing the best steak knives or countless other products. When you see your brand mentioned in social circles, get involved in the conversation. For instance, a customer goes to your Facebook page and has a question or even an issue with your business. Do not let the matter go unnoticed. Consumers appreciate when business owners lend them an ear. Even if you do not get more business from that customer, he or she may be happy enough with a response to recommend you.
  2. Testimonials – It is not uncommon to do testimonials in hopes of landing more business. You should ask customers if they’d be willing to do this with you. Whether a TV ad, online note or others, customer testimonials can help generate sales. To increase the chances of testimonials, be willing to give your customers incentives. This can be discounts on future sales and more. A good testimonial from a satisfied customer can lead to bringing in other consumers.
  3. Word-of-mouth – Even with how great social media and testimonials are, word-of-mouth is big. That said make it so your customers want to tell their family and friends about your brand. This all starts and ends with great customer service. Your customers want to be treated like kings and queens when they come to you for business. As such, don’t drop the ball in this all-important endeavor.

In letting customers help market your business, are you getting the job done?

Photo credit: Pixibay

About the Author: Dave Thomas writes about business topics on the web.

Is Your Business App Getting the Job Done?

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Having the right mobile business app in today’s digital age is nothing short of essential.

As your brand looks for sales and revenue that goes with it, is your mobile business app doing all it can to assist?

If your mobile business app is not getting the job done, are you missing out on prospective sales and money?

Review Your App on a Regular Basis

Once you’ve come up with the right business app, the work does not end there.

It is important that you review your app on a regular basis. Doing so helps you to make sure it does all it can to promote and secure sales for your brand.

Among the reasons your mobile business app can benefit your brand:

  1. Consumer visibility – Your app has the potential to get in front of millions of consumer’s eyes on a daily basis. With that in mind, make sure your message is being seen and heard in a clear manner. Instead of consumers finding you on computers, your app can download on a device in seconds. Once it is on there, it is easy for consumers to open it up to browse information or buy goods and services from you. Whether you offer the Bismanonline mobile app or others, get to millions of consumer eyes.
  2. Marketing tool – Any successful business can tell you that marketing is key to success. That said your app can be the tool you need to interest a consumer in your brand, in all hopes leading to a sale or two. With that being the case, use your app to market info on your brand, when you have sales and more.
  3. Spreading the word – Another app benefit is a consumer spreading the word among themselves. If you have satisfied customers, they will more times than not spread the word for you. They get family members and friends who have an interest in your brand to download your app. Before you know it, word is spreading like a wildfire.
  4. Offers convenience – Unlike the days of calling a restaurant for a table or doctor’s office for medical care, more consumers are going the mobile app route. As such, allowing customers to check in via your mobile business app saves time. Your customers appreciate the feature. They do not have to spend more time on the phone trying to book appointments.
  1. Seen as an innovator – Last, having a mobile app can allow your brand to stand out from competitors. If some or much of your competition does not offer consumers a mobile app that can help you. Many consumers may view you as innovative and having a handle on today’s technology. As such, you get more consumer eyes and increased sales.

If your company does not have a mobile app or the one you have is not getting the job done, change things moving forward.

With the right app in your corner, your small business stands to be the beneficiary in more ways than one.

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