18 Easy Tips to Start Your Business

Blueprint to starting a business -from ideas to implementation.

Starting a business, where do I begin? Information overload. I've complied what I've learned over the last 8 years of being on the internet.


Write down a list of services in your area that could be filled.

Write down a list of what your hobbies, interests are.

Research and see if there is a need for the service. Check if there is competition. If there is, see if you can do something easier/better/different. Is there a problem you can solve for your customers? In our area, I would love a delivery place that offered healthy foods such as good old-fashioned green beans with a hamburger instead of fries. Research a need in your area and see if you can fill it. Research the laws in your state. If you're thinking of starting a bakery, check with your local health inspector to find out what is allowed. If you're thinking of running a business out of your home and will have customers pick up orders, make sure and check with your local business zones. Some areas may not allow excessive traffic, it's best to do your research.

Once you've decided what you want to do, research the business name and make sure it's available. You'll need to register it with the state. Most states allow you to do this online for a minimal fee.

Taxes- get legal. If you're selling a product, see if you need to collect state sales tax. In my state, I collect taxes on products purchased in my state only and then forward to the Department of Revenue once a year.

Buy a domain name with your business name. 1and1.com and GoDaddy offer domains. This usually costs less than $10 for a year.

Hosting-ask friends and family for referrals. I love my host. Uptime is very important as well as response time. I host with a smart entrepreneur who owns her own servers and monitors them regularly. If there is a problem or I have a question, I know that she is one email or phone call away. I don't get referred to another person for another issue.

Create a website. There are tons of ways to do this. There are many templates you can find, both paid and free. I've used both, plus created mine from scratch as well as paid to have my website created from scratch.

Shopping cart-How are you going to sell your product/service? There are as many shopping carts out there as there are ways to start a business. A free shopping cart that is easy to use is Mals-e. It integrates easily with Paypal.com. PayPal also has their own shopping cart and buy now buttons. When considering a shopping cart, look at the features that you are going to need. Are you selling 20,000 different products? If so you'll need a shopping cart that lets you use Excel or other programs to upload information. If you're selling 10 or even 50 items then Mals-e will probably work for you. Mals-e creates a HTML button to insert into your page. The customer is taken to a secure form where they input their payment information.

Are you secure? If you will be accepting credit cards, you will need to be certified PCI compliant for credit cards. Some shopping carts take care of this for you. I currently use Ultracart and they offer PCI compliance with their cart. I have a SSL certificate that I pay a yearly fee for. To get the certificate, I had to prove who I was and get it verified. This protects both you and your customer.

Learn Search Engine Optimization (SEO)-Learn it and keep learning it. This is how you get the best search engine results, which can mean the difference between your business making a profit or losing money. If your website is optimized correctly Google and other search engines will find you and send traffic to your website, resulting in more sales. Cricket's search engine optimization class is the best and it's free!

Now that your website is up and running and you have a working shopping cart, it's time to advertise. When you built your website you used keywords that others would find you with, right? It's important to understand that just because you have a website up and running, it doesn't mean customers will magically find you. There are many new websites going up every day so yours has to stand out. You can start by adding original, unique content using your keywords. To find your keywords, use a keyword finder. Google has a free one. Another way is to brainstorm. What would you type into Google to find you? Who needs your services? Who is your target market? Where can you find them?

Accounting- set up a method to keep track of sales and expenses. It doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as an excel spreadsheet or even old-fashioned pen and paper. QuickBooks is a popular program that is easy to set up and maintain, just do it from the beginning or you'll spend time backtracking to put information in.

Marketing plan-Create a map of where you're going and how you are going to reach your goal Get your free business marketing plan workbook.

Ideas- Keep track of all your ideas. I write them down and put them in my folder of ideas that could be implemented with time and money.

Have a support system. I have a fabulous group of women who have their own specialties. I've learned so much from them. When I'm having a bad day I can go to them and vent. It's extremely important to have a support system in place. Realize that you can do this but it will be hard work, long hours and little pay up front.

Work, Love and Enjoy- My best advice comes from Kay Green, work your business like a business every day. Set up a business schedule and stick to it. Work on your business every day. My friend and mentor taught me this. She went from one product to having a storefront and being a leader in child safety and baby products, all within less than 10 years..

Read these tips, make notes and read it again. Remember that although this is step by step, it can be accomplished by doing more than one thing at once. When you're an entrepreneur you will wear many hats. If there's something you don't know, reach out to your network and ask for help.


Terra Williams is an entrepreneur who balances a home, career, husband, and four kids. She offers scratch off stickers and free scratch off templates at http://www.EasyScratchoffs.com to create your own scratch off tickets.


 By Terra L Williams

Article Source: 18 Easy Tips to Start Your Business

Leadership Gifts From the Sea

Estimates of the numbers of species of animals and insects range into the millions. Of them all, it is only the male seahorse that gets pregnant and gives birth. Just as many humans like to hold hands as they walk together, this underwater creatures likes to swim with another seahorse, tails joined. Able to escape predators by virtue of their protective coloration, seahorses use their tails to connect to corals. Then, they use their long snouts to get their food-plankton and other tiny ocean inhabitants.

There are leadership lessons to be derived from this seaside snapshot:

o Be known for a distinctive capability.
o Most work-related tasks are not gender-specific.
o Let your subject-matter expertise be your protective coloration.

Consider these questions and discuss your thoughts with someone whose business acumen you respect:

How many examples can you cite of "linking" with another person to accomplish a leadership objective?
What sustains you?
To what are you "connected"?
How extensive are your networks?
What makes you stand out?
When is it worth copying someone else?

Regarding the uniqueness afforded by the seahorse's conceivability, be inspired by these observations.

Benjamin Mays:
"Every man and woman is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done."

Primo Angeli:
"A great trademark is appropriate, dynamic, distinctive, memorable, and unique"

Brian Setzer:
"If you try to copy Johnny Cash, it's just going to sound dumb."

John F. Kennedy:
"If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity."

Chief Joseph:
"The earth is the mother of all people and all people should have equal rights upon it."

Assignment and Application
At least once a year, prepare a one+ paragraph statement of what sets you apart from others. List your unique capabilities, your beliefs, your view of the world--at least the world of business. Include the things of which you are most proud and the things you have achieved in each twelve-month period. Use the assessment as "fodder" for your next performance review.

To help you determine and refine the best that is in you, think about what Anais Nin had to say about what is within us: "Each friend represents a world in us--a world possibly not born until they arrive." Expand your circle of friends. And befriend inspirational figures--if only by reading about them. Here's one to get you started.

Cara Dunne-Yates, who worked as a law clerk for the Public Council on Children's Rights while studying for the bar exam. She has also participated in the Paralympic Games. Additionally, this refuse-to-stay-at-home mother graduated Harvard magna cum laude and then went on to UCLA Law School.

An active life? Yes, but in addition to all this, Cara was a downhill skiing legend with ten medals to her credit. Further, she wpm both silver and bronze medals in international competitions for tandem bike racing.

Two more interesting facts about Cara. She has battled breast cancer. And, she has been blind since age five. In view of Cara's determination, can you commit to discovering more about your own capabilities?

Finally, if you are communing with God or perhaps seeking His presence in your life, be encouraged by Mohatma Gandhi's assertion, one that echoes the value of expanding your network of friends: "If you haven't found God in the next person you meet, there's no point in looking for him any further."

Dr. Marlene Caroselli,  msmccpd@gmail.com, is the author of numerous articles and 60+ books on business topics.


 By Marlene Caroselli


Article Source:  Leadership Gifts From the Sea

ISO 9001 Standard Quality Framework and Their Benefits

ISO 9001 Standard Quality framework display an administration structure that empowers your firm to actualize the required controls in tending to dangers, checking and measuring execution of your organization. It is likewise an essential outline, maybe, for use in overseeing picture of your business and furthermore notoriety. Regardless of the possibility that you have invested a superior measure of energy in business school and have enough involvement in directing the whole operations of your firm, having the vital approaches and conventions set up will in any case defend your business from potential emergencies later on.

Maybe one of the more critical parts of an ISO 9001 standard quality administration is that you will have the capacity to make general enhancements by the way you run your organization. From dealing with your risks better to driving down working expenses, from enhancing your piece of the pie to expanding your fulfill client list, this ISO 9001 standard QMS framework will give you an edge over every one of your rivals. Moreover, when you get outside affirmation for QMS, specific for global benchmarks, for example, the broadly utilized ISO 9001, your business pulls in new customers. By getting affirmation to ISO 9001 Standard, you impart to new customers that your organization is profoundly dedicated to exclusive requirements and that you have the capacities to do what you say your organization can do.

1. Increased Company status and reputation
Alongside expanded quality come distinction and a positive reputation in your industry. As your clients take note of your extraordinary and steady quality, so will your rivals. So will other people who might search for somebody in your industry to work with. A considerable measure of awesome things can occur for your notoriety for being you begins to actualize a quality administration framework.

2. Significant serenity that you are conveying what you guaranteed your clients.
At long last, you have your own significant serenity that you are making the best decision for your clients and the market when you execute a proficient quality administration framework. Regardless of whether you are keen on ISO certification at this moment or could very well be interested in it later on, you will feel great realizing that the items you offer are of high caliber.

3. Life span and development for your business.
When you work with an ISO 9001 standard advisor to enhance the nature of your items, you guarantee that your business will be around for quite a while to come. At the point when your items turn out to be more profitable and are steady after some time, you begin to pick up the trust of the purchaser. Your fabulous quality is discussed in groups and informal spreads. You get to be distinctly a standout amongst the most trust brands in your market since you mind enough to work with a quality administration framework that keeps your items at the highest point of the market.

4. More prominent chance to offer in business sectors around the globe.
There are untapped markets that you can't get into today without being ISO guaranteed. The best way to get ISO 9001 standard ensured is to work with an ISO certification body who thoroughly understands quality control and the benchmarks for certification. The certification body can give rule to execute a quality administration framework that goes for accreditation and that you can stand to keep actualizing later on. Keeping in mind the end goal to remain a rival in these overall markets, you should be extremely reliable with executing and recording your framework in accordance with quality.

Ursindia is an ISO Certification Body, who provides ISO 9001 Certification and Lead auditor Training Services in all over India.

For more details Login: http://www.ursindia.com/iso_9001.aspx


 By Karan Sachdeva

Article Source: ISO 9001 Standard Quality Framework and Their Benefits

No College Careers: 3 High-Paying Careers With No College

Completing college will take a decent amount of time. For some the idea of college doesn't even interest them. Some don't have any interest in racking up thousands of dollars in debt to pay off for the rest of their lives. However, bills are still real and need to be paid! In order to pay these bills you will need money! So, here's a few high-paying jobs you can do without any college!

1. Real Estate Brokers - Medium annual wage for this profession is around 58K! Real Estate Brokers are essentially the "middleman" between buyers and sellers. In order to do this, you don't have to have any college, however, there is a license and you have to do what your state requires of you in order to obtain that license.

2. Gaming Managers - Unfortunately, this isn't for digital video games. By Gaming Manager, I'm talking more across the lines of casino related games. Gaming Managers have a medium annual wage of 65K! You can do this with no college, however, there is generally a training program and you will likely have to start out at some casino entry-level before moving on to the gaming manager position.

3. Commercial Pilots - Fly planes and be able to make a medium wage of 73K! You will have to meet basic requirements such as being at least 18, pass requires health tests, and that includes a drug test. You will also have to train as a private pilot and meet a certain amount of flight hours before being accepted and approved.

Bonus Job - Welding - Welders can make an average annual income of around 40K. I added this job as a bonus because although the pay is lower than the others I listed above, you can began this career quickly! You will need to have a high school education as well as undergo a small amount of training. The second you get your certification you can begin job searching and likely get assistance from the same organization that provided you with your certification. For such small requirements and training, you can make an extremely livable income.

Do you remember being told you can do anything? Well, you can! What they didn't tell you is that it will require work! Big or small, in order to achieve any amount of success in life you will need to do some work! That's why if you are going to do something for the rest of your life, just be sure that you enjoy it! You definitely don't want to work for something and do it for years and years just to end up hating it.

"Discover How To Make $1,500 Per Week Starting Today!" http://dustinahalemarketing.tumblr.com/

Get Your FREE Report Today! (Limited number of reviews sent out weekly)


 By Dustin A Hale


Article Source: No College Careers: 3 High-Paying Careers With No College

HR Lesson - Why Succession Planning Is A Data-Driven Discipline

Do you know... How many employees will retire or leave your organization in the next 1 or 2 years? What if these employees are managing key roles in your organization?

Are you prepared for their exit?

Untimely death, sudden resignation and a gradual replacement plan are some of the situations that may require you to be prepared with the potential leaders and fill key positions, whenever required.

Even if it is sudden exit of key employees, succession planning, when tied with smart strategies, can make a huge difference between success and failure in an organization. Succession management is a systematic process of analyzing data to identify and develop potential leaders, when old leaders leave, retire or die.

To manage complex succession planning process, many software vendors provide integrated succession management software to help organizations in preparing future leaders and staying competent. It also helps in identifying skill-gaps so that the missing skills in employees can be identified and developed. Developing internal employees to fill key positions in a company has never been so easy before.

Does Your Organization Need Succession Management?

No matter how big or small your organization is, you need to implement succession planning process in order to ensure that employees are constantly developed to fill key positions within a company.

For instance, Janet is a top performer in John's team, so she is more likely to succeed John whenever the need arises. Not to forget, the biggest benefit of a well-planned and systematic succession management program is - the organization remains committed to identify and develop employees, like Janet, who can take over a leadership role without interrupting business in any way.

Talent management system also keeps managers on the toe to identify key employees in each team, continuously encourage them to improve their skills and consider them when key positions opens up.

It is true that succession planning process brings a win-win situation for employees and employers, where both of them gain benefits.

How Employees Feel Encouraged When Their Employer Implements Succession Plan?

1. A top performer knows that there is a more challenging, leadership role awaits for him/ her. This gives them a reason to develop skills, outperform and improve performance. In this way, employees feel valued, engaged and they tend to retain with the organization for a longer span.

2. Employees are always eager to stay with an organization that provides best career development opportunities. To attract and retain top talent, a successful succession plan is must. When employees realize that their employer plans for their growth and development, it keeps them motivated and it builds strong employee-employer relationship.

3. Potential leaders are identified and they are introduced to the rest of the organization. So when an opportunity comes up, these employees are considered for a key role even in a cross-functional area.

Advantages of a Succession Management Plan For Employers

1. Preparedness: The need to replace employees on key roles may come as a surprise to you. So, if your organization already has a set of potential leaders, your organization may continue to perform business processes as normal.

2. Save Time & Money: Planning future of your company and developing your top performers should be managed at the same time. Developing internal people will save an organization from recruiting, hiring and on-boarding external employees. Training top talent internally could mean less time spent in recruitment functions and money can be saved significantly.

3. Strengthen Your Workforce: While succession and talent management is all about strengthening employee skills, but it also unveils weaknesses of your workforce. Offering training and resources to push back employee weaknesses enables an organization to develop a highly competent workforce.

Effective succession planning prepares an organization for all sorts of eventualities. For a successful succession management, each of these HR practices, including internal & external training opportunities, lateral moves, assigning potential leaders to special projects and more, holds great importance.

Don't spend time in facing difficulties to fill key roles, instead plan a succession management strategy and take help of a professional   succession planning software to identify, develop and manage potential leaders in your organization.

Bhatia Tushar is CEO-founder of cloud-based global HR Platform EmpXtrack. Saigun Technologies (parent company) Was founded by Tushar with a mission to provide HR automation for small and median businesses. He has worked in the US for a number of Fortune 500 companies and has steered the launch & growth of successful businesses. An alumni of IIT Delhi, Tushar is an expert in Product Architecture & Design and focuses on Enterprise Application Integration and Product Development Frameworks using multiple technologies. http://www.empxtrack.com


 By Bhatia Tushar

Article Source:  HR Lesson - Why Succession Planning Is A Data-Driven Discipline

Lean Practices Can Help Any Business

I started practicing Lean Management in the 1980's when I was responsible for the smooth operation of 16 adhesives manufacturing plants, and believe me I have heard nearly all of the reasons why Lean will not work in a given business. Excuses such as "We are low volume, high mix," "We are high volume, low mix," "We are a custom shop," "We are not manufacturing," "We don't make automobiles" and the ultimate excuse, "We are unique."

It is true that each business is different or "unique" and the Lean approach needs to be customized for each individual company. In all of my years of experience, I have never run into a situation where Lean did not have the opportunity to considerably improve a company's safety, quality, delivery, lead-time, cost, customer satisfaction, employee morale and stockholder value.

The origins of Lean rest with the Toyota Production System implemented decades ago. Toyota was inspired by some of our industrial and quality leaders like Henry Ford, Fredrick Taylor, W. Edwards Deming and Joseph Juran to name a few. The key thought is that because each company is different, you cannot blindly adopt what works for Toyota or any other company for that matter, you must adapt Lean principles to fit your business.

Lean is a mindset, a way of thinking with a commitment to achieve a totally waste -free organization that is driven by the customer. It is about leading with respect and full employee involvement. Lean is achieved by simplifying and continuously improving all your processes (administrative and manufacturing). I challenge any business, no matter how "unique", where this concept doesn't apply.
Some of the benefits achieved through the proper implementation of Lean are as follows:

• A minimum of 50 percent improvement in quality defects per year
• 99 percent On-Time Delivery to Customer Request Date
• Reduction in customer lead-time of 50 percent per year
• 15-20 percent improvement in productivity per year
• Double digit inventory turns within the first two years
• Significant improvement in market share as a result of better service and quality

The organization's shareholders benefit as well, such as a sweeping improvement in employee morale as they become more involved in designing and improving the work processes they operate on a day-to-day basis. Customer satisfaction significantly increases as your quality and lead-times improve. Finally, your stockholders experience the benefit through higher quality earnings and a solid balance sheet.

In the final analysis, any business (service or manufacturing) has the potential to flourish from Lean. I have never witnessed a situation where Lean, when properly implemented, did not have a significant impact. In order to realize the full benefits of Lean, leadership needs to be fully committed and resist the tendency to revert to the old way of doing things.

Contact us today at  info@quantumassocinc.com to learn how we can help you apply lean to your business.

Willie L. Carter is the president of Quantum Associates, Inc. He helps management unlock the full promise, energy and speed of their processes. Carter is a Certified Lean Sensei, a Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence, an experienced facilitator, coach, and author of the book, "Process Improvement for Administrative Departments: The Key to Achieving Internal Customer Satisfaction." His company Quantum Associates, Inc helps executives improve their processes to unleash organizational velocity creating a faster enterprise.


 By Willie Carter

Article Source:  Lean Practices Can Help Any Business

Make Bid Bonds Great Again

You used to love them. They were so easy. Now they are in dollar amounts and percentages, sometimes with a limited maximum value. They can be electronic or digital. Sometimes a letter is required instead. Sometimes nothing is required instead! There may be a single or annual charge for it or maybe it is free! It's outta control...

So here is your chance to catch up with everybody's favorite: The fun and fascinating world of Bid Bonds.

The Basics

These instruments accompany a contractor's proposal during the acquisition process for a new project. This is routine on public work, such as federal state and local municipal contracts. The procedure may also be used on private projects at the contract owner's discretion.

The bond guarantees that, if awarded, the bidder will sign the contract, furnish the required Performance and Payment Bond, and commence with the work - or - pay the difference between their bid and the next higher bidder (subject to the maximum dollar value of the bid bond.)

Cost

Usually free although the surety is entitled to charge for them. Typical charges could be an annual bid bond service fee or a per bond charge.

Underwriting

The decision to issue the bid bond is based on the underwriter's willingness to provide the related P&P bond, because that is the real money transaction. The decision is NOT based on the dollar value of the bid bond. Rely on the fact that the underwriter will not provide the bid bond if they do not feel they can support the final bond.

Bid Spreads

If the bidder is more than 10% below the next bidder without a plausible explanation (I have a special machine, I already have materials, I'm already working next door, I'm super fabulous, etc.) the surety could decline the final bond, resulting in a bid bond claim.

Alternative Forms of Security

In addition to a bid bond, proposals may also be secured using a cashier's check or irrevocable letter of credit, depending on what the project owner (Obligee) is willing to accept.

Percentages

The Invitation or Bid Solicitation describes the proposal requirements. It will state if a bid bond is required and the amount.

The bond value is often expressed as a percentage. Example "20% of the attached proposal amount." This is convenient because the underwriter doesn't want to know the actual bid amount (to preserve the bid confidentiality). It is the best way to express the exactly correct amount when typing the bond in advance.

Capped

Because the percentage bond actually has an unknown dollar value at the moment it is executed, language is sometimes added establishing the most it can be worth (to prevent a wildly high amount the underwriter didn't expect). Example, "10% of the attached bid, not to exceed $100,000."

Fixed Penalty

"Bond Penalty" is the term used to express the bond dollar value. A fixed penalty bond has a stipulated amount, regardless of the bid. Example, "Maximum bid bond amount required: $20,000."

Surety Letter

Some owners choose to require a letter from the bonding company, but no bond. Federal projects are handled this way at times. The letter talks about how much they love the client and the contracts they are willing to bond.

Consent of Surety

This letter is the surety's written promise to issue the P&P bond if the contract is awarded.

Electronic

A scanned copy (pdf) of the executed bond may be acceptable for an online bid.

Digital

Some state departments of transportation use this. The surety registers with the obligee in advance and the bid bond is "filed" online using a unique identification number.

Funky Land

Now some of the weird stuff:



You may encounter a bid bond requirement, but no final bond (P&P bond) to follow

Can also have the opposite: No bid security required but a final bond is needed

No! You are not required to use the same surety for the bid and final bonds - although the bid bond provider fully expects to be the final bond provider and may hunt you down and kill you. (Just kidding!!!)

Yes! If you obtain a bid bond under the promise to provide collateral, you are allowed to get the final bond from a different surety that is not demanding collateral. (But you face the hunt and kill thing again)

When you acquire a project using a Consent provided by ABC Surety (their promise to provide the bond upon award of the contract), you are not prohibited from taking the final bond from XYZ Surety. However, good protocol dictates that you remain loyal to those who enabled you to acquire the job (meaning ABC).

No Free Lunch

If you default (cause a bond claim), the surety will come after the contractor, it's owners and spouses for recovery. Remember: Bonds are not insurance.

Make Bid Bonds Great Again

So there you have it. These instruments are fussy and sometimes complicated. It is imperative that they be executed correctly and filed on time or it can cause the bid to be thrown out (loss of contract.) This always makes people very crabby (Read: LAWSUIT).

The key is to review the written bonding requirements as described in the bid advertisement. Use any mandatory bond forms that are stipulated and double check the correct execution and typing of the document including name spelling, job description, project identification details and the correct bid bond amount.

Now that you know, you can start to love bid bonds again!

Steve Golia is an experienced provider of bid and performance bonds for contractors. For more than 30 years he has specialized in solving bond problems for contractors, and helping them when others failed.

The experts at Bonding Pros have the underwriting talent and market access you need. This is coupled with spectacular service and great accessibility.

Contact us today and discuss how you start a new bonding relationship for your company, or increase your current bonding capacity. Call 856-304-7348.

Visit us Click!

Not available in all states including Idaho.


 By Steven Golia


Article Source: Make Bid Bonds Great Again

How Much Sales Is Involved With Business Development?

If you ask a group of people what they think business development is, you would most likely get a few different answers. There is even a chance that your own view of business development and sales may be used interchangeably.

Business development involves more of a strategic approach such as strategy, marketing, customer management, and partnerships; these activities encompass about 75%-80% of the approach, and sales about 20%-25%.

When I get asked the question, does business development have something to do with sales? Yes, it does. Is it related to business growth? Most definitely it does. Does it have anything to do with business strategy? There is a good chance it does.

Business development is a culmination of these different activities but most importantly, it's all about shifting to the point of view of the client. This will provide you with that new perspective and will have you balance your efforts across these key activities that you and your client will both need and address. Whenever you conduct your business development efforts make sure to take the perspective from the client's point of view and try to develop a deeper understanding of what their problem is. Realize that the client only cares about one thing and that's their own group or company's survival and the problem that they are facing. The client is only interested in you if they identify a need/problem or pain point that you can solve and provide a solution for it. It's the kind of value that you can provide them that will enable them to consider your firm for the project.

If your firm's approach is strictly from a sales perspective, generally, the economy of scale is to grow as large as you can. The strategy is to sell your product or service with a clear price and value directly to an identifiable individual client.

From a Business development perspective, the economy of scale is much smaller because the approach to your service is more strategic with the intent to create a partnership. It entails cultivating a relationship with the client and provide a service that could be more cyclical by working through existing partner infrastructures.

In my 14+ years of professional experience in management consulting, business development has been stretched to encompass a wider variety of activities with the intent to stay smaller in size. In its most traditional definition it is all about developing partnerships, which often includes some sales. Whereas, strictly sales are more transaction oriented where scalability is the differentiator.

Ernest is a Director for Bradson Consulting. The firm with a unique model, combines client relationships from Fortune 100 and 500 companies like Nike, T-Mobile, AT&T, Microsoft, and Expedia etc. with a deep network of the region's top consulting talent. This approach provides our clients with senior consultants with the specific expertise and industry experience that is relevant and applicable to their needs. Our clients engage us for both leadership and execution within critical business initiatives.

For consultation or to learn more about how we can help your company, Feel free to reach Ernest at  ernest@bradsonconsulting.com or visit http://www.bradsonconsulting.com.


 By Ernest Peralta


Article Source: How Much Sales Is Involved With Business Development?

Why Narrow Your Niche?

To market effectively, you must focus on what problem you solve (niche) and who you want to work with (target). Your niche is the problem you can solve or what you're an expert at. That expertise is determined by your experience and your interest.

There could be many people who have the problem that you solve, and it's much easier to find those people if you first carefully define who they are. And, if they can see exactly how you can help them, they will respond to your efforts.

Maybe you are someone who has resisted this, perhaps for fear of losing possible clients due to over specializing. Or it could be the fear of picking the wrong niche. It could even be a form of procrastination or self-sabotage.

Whatever the root cause is, it's something that you must take a closer look at if you want to get more clients. And despite these fears, I am recommending that you not only choose a niche, but also make it a narrow one.

You see, a wide niche, may actually attract fewer potential clients, because you aren't addressing a particular urgent need. Many people need medicine, but they will respond only to marketing that addresses their specific ailment.

When you solve a specific problem of a specific group of people, you have a better chance of being seen as the expert. And experts can attract more clients and can charge more for their services than generalists.

So when you narrow your niche, you increase your chances of being perceived as the expert, and consequently you will attract more clients and be able to charge more.

A narrow niche also serves as a welcome gateway. By offering a specific group a specific solution to an urgent problem, you're simply helping them walk through a gateway, and then inside that gateway you can show them all the different other ways you can help them.

Inside the gate are all the great breakthroughs and transformations your clients need to make. That's where it all happens.

But if you don't convey what your niche is clearly enough, they can't see that the gateway is for them in the first place, and they'll never even consider walking through it. You need to get them through the gate first.

Tips

Selecting a narrow niche can be challenging but necessary. Here are some tips:

� A niche is your specialty---the problem you solve and the solution you offer.

� A narrow niche actually can attract more qualified clients than a wide niche.

� By offering a specific group a specific solution to an urgent problem, you're simply helping them walk through a gateway.

� People want products that offer a specific solution to a specific problem.

� When you solve a specific problem of a specific group of people, you have a better chance of being seen as the expert.

� A specialist has more perceived value than a generalist/jack-of-all-trades.

� When you are perceived as the expert/specialist, you attract better clients, and you can charge higher fees.

Using Your Niche to Find Self-Selected Clients

Your niche is the gateway to all your products, but first you have to get people through the gate. By clearly defining the problem you solve, the right people will respond to your marketing materials. In this way qualified leads self-select themselves by opting in to your list and going through your sales funnel. By the time they schedule an appointment, they are practically sold on your services before you even talk to them.

Jeannette Koczela trains life coaches, consultants, and solopreneurs to run their business more profitably by teaching them business skills and how to use LinkedIn to get all their clients. Download her free eBook, "How Solopreneurs Can Get Quality Leads Every Month Without Spending a Dime" HERE to find out how you can get your clients on LinkedIn too.


By Jeannette Koczela


Article Source:  Why Narrow Your Niche?

Setting Goals to Hit the Right Target

When setting your annual goals you may first want to redefine and narrow your target market. Why do you want a narrow target market? It's easier to market to a well-defined target, because then you can find them in groups. Finding groups of leads is a better use of your time than going after them one by one.

Defining your target market is simply locating the people who are most likely to need your service. You can separate people by age, income, profession, location or other demographics, as well as psychographics (mindsets).

Once you've clearly defined who your solution is for, it's also easier for them to find you. Also, if you can zero in on one problem and one solution for a specific group of people, it's easier to create marketing materials.

You can speak their language and attract them, rather than chase after them. They feel that you are speaking directly to them, and that makes it easier for them to raise their hand and say, "Yes I need your help."

When you know who your target market is, you don't waste time pursuing those who aren't ideal clients. You stop trying to attract just any client and start attracting ones who are a vibrational match.

You enjoy working with each other, and the relationship is mutually beneficial.

Create an "avatar"

A great way to define your ideal client/target market is to create a profile or "avatar" to go beyond demographics, such as gender, income, location, age, by listing the qualities that you would want them to have.

Consider qualities such as reliability, sincerity, honesty, willingness to change, flexibility, and sense of humor.

You can also chunk it down by breaking the possible target market into smaller segments. Do this by identifying a group of people with 1) very specific identifying characteristics, such as people starting a home business, people with dog problems, or people who need to lose weight; or 2) problems that you can solve, such as people recovering from breast cancer, people deciding on a new career, or people in search of their life purpose.

A version of you

Another thing to consider when defining your ideal client is that they are probably a version of you... some form of you in the past, who was facing the same problem that you now can solve.

For example, maybe you've gone through a painful experience in a relationship, and now you coach others how to avoid that experience. Or you may have taken years to find your life purpose, and now you coach people to find it in a few weeks. Or you learned the "hard" way how to present teleseminars and now you can coach people how to do it the "easy" way.

One of the biggest mistakes solopreneurs make is they often overlook their life experiences as part of their expertise. They ask, "Why would anyone care about what I've done, or what I've accomplished?" But the truth is, people reach out and follow a coach because they resonate with their story. People want to learn from people who solved a problem similar to the one they have.

As you get to know that ideal client you can language your offers specifically to them. The more you know about your ideal client, the easier it will be to attract them to you.

Tips for Defining your Target:

Defining your target market is the key to finding them offline and online. Here are some tips:

� It's easier to market to one group of people who need your solution because they'll know you are speaking to them.

� You're going to get a better caliber of client because you are speaking their language and you will naturally attract them.

� It may be helpful to create an avatar of your ideal client so you can get a clear picture in your mind of who to attract.

� Your ideal client may be a version of you before you had the transformation you are helping others have.

� Market research will help you find the language that your ideal clients use so you can use it in your marketing materials.

� When networking, tell people who you help and what their problem is to define your target market.

Watch Out: Not Getting Narrow Enough

Many coaches and consultants are concerned that if they narrow their target market, they will be leaving money on the table from all the folks that they are leaving out. This myth couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, just the opposite is true: when you narrow your market to a specific group of people with a specific problem, you have a much better chance of finding qualified leads and turning them into clients.

Jeannette Koczela trains life coaches, consultants, and solopreneurs to run their business more profitably by teaching them business skills and how to use LinkedIn to get all their clients. Download her free eBook, "How Solopreneurs Can Get Quality Leads Every Month Without Spending a Dime"�


 By Jeannette Koczela

Article Source:  Setting Goals to Hit the Right Target

Cheap Couriers - It's Time to Change

As the technology has seen a severe development, mobile phones, e-mails and various social media have taken the place despite the fact that those processes still exist.

Though the huge changes have been made almost for everything, but a few things will still be around for now and in the future as well. Those things can very well be the shipping and courier companies. No matter, how developed the world becomes, businesses and individuals will always need to send the important documents, parcels, and gifts. The first thing which comes to their mind is the couriers for the quick and secure service providence. Plus, it is an advantage that the modern technology has helped to make the shipment and courier process to be easier, more effective and reasonable for the clients.

Cheap couriers are always equipped to avail you with all these mentioned services and they will lend you a hand with all the proficiency to assist you to get all the things required. It is certainly difficult to find the exact budget that you are looking for when you are thinking to avail as Courier Company but if you check properly and compare the prices, you may find the deal that suits your budget. Thus, the next time you will be in a need to deliver your belongings in, considering the cheap couriers can give you a lot of monetary freedom.

Now you can find ample of people who would say that the cheap things will be behaving like the cheap ones. Well, this thing may be right for some services but when you are talking about the courier and shipping companies, the scenario is something else. Cheap couriers have made themselves a superior option to choose with the high values for your goods and the wok under the expert's supervision and with the proper expertise. Your belongings will be delivered without taking a lot of times and you can feel relaxed. The cheap couriers serve both in domestic and international shipments, so, you can save countless money choosing the particular service.

Do you still have doubts about the service providence of the cheap courier companies according to their commitment? You don't need to worry anymore because nowadays, the dependable shipment methods do not charge you a whopping price as the affordable rate is required only. So, if you are thinking to send something locally or in a wider range, the search for the other sources ends here. These courier companies are the rich sources to be your companion when your parcels are needed to be sent somewhere else. So, availing the cheap couriers the next time you need a courier would be the best option that you can choose.

Secured delivery Service is one of the most recognized   cheap couriers which performs the exact work which it commits and that is the thing people are finding the best in the company.


 By Carlton Mansour


Article Source:  Cheap Couriers - It's Time to Change

7 Ways to Make Your Presentation More Expressive

Did you know corporate business presentations which are expressive are likely to receive more attention from clients than those which are overloaded with information? Well yes, it's a fact. You probably must be wondering from where this expressive comes! Don't worry we are here to help. Listed below are some easy to use tips to make your clients go head over heels for your service or product.

SHORT AND GOOD CONTENT

Let's face it - Clients are not there to see how much content each of your slides hold. Rather they would be happy to know what is it that you offer them, how you work and how that work stand out from the rest of the presentation design companies. So, skip out the unnecessary information and focus on the services you offer.

APPROPRIATE TITLE

Supplement your content with an appropriate title. Keep the title short, usually between 1-3 words. Review it to see if it matches with your content. Remember within a few minutes you must explain everything the clients need to know. A good title, in that case could be of great help. It would help grab the attention and make them remember the point, that your slide makes.

MAKE YOUR FONT APPEALING

Proper use of fonts can make your presentation worth the attention of your client. Human mind tends to remember facts that are pleasing to the visual senses. So, choose your font wisely. Also, don't forget that the size of the font in your laptop and the projector may vary slightly. Therefore, make sure that your font size is large enough so that the person at the other end of the room read it without any extra effort.

CONTRAST THE TEXT AND THE BACKGROUND

To make your slides easily readable, your text and the background should be highly contrasting. Sometimes the best presentation designs tend to lose client's attention just because of the inappropriate contrast. So, choose the best contrast that is visually appealing, impressive as well as that makes the slides compelling to read for the clients.

USE RELEVANT IMAGES

Say goodbye to those in-stock images! Instead, use professional quality images. Remember not to use cheesy images that would fetch negative impression. Multiple images in a single slide might take away all the focus to themselves. Therefore, try using single and relevant images. Many corporate presentation firms lose clients despite their good content. So, research images well on Google, buy them and use them. Some websites even provide free images. Utilize them to your advantage and you are done with a more professional looking presentation.

KEEP THINGS SIMPLE

In anxiety to impress their clients many business presentation firms use too much of everything. It makes the presentation cluttered. For example, colors look good but too much usage might turn a well-organized presentation into a blunder. So, it's best to keep things simple. A clear font, a visible font size, a contrasting background, less numbering and bullets, a suitable template and there you go!

A WISE CONCLUSION

Let's dive into the realm of psychology! The way things end, gets engraved in the human mind in a better than how things start. Well, a wise conclusion can prove to be a boon for a corporate presentation. Carve out your conclusion such that the clients go home having imprinted your presentation concept in their minds. End it with a short summary of all your slides, give a positive outlook and the client is all yours!

These are some of the best presentation designs followed in corporate presentations. Use these to add glow to your presentation. And keep exploring more! The more you explore the better you learn. Be in tune with the clients. Be conversational and casual yet not so much that you lose the professional shell of your presentation. All the best!


 By Dharmendra Ahuja


Article Source: 7 Ways to Make Your Presentation More Expressive

The Importance of Marketing Management

Management in marketing should be properly done to make a business successful. The relation between the consumers and sellers certainly play an important role in the marketing industry.

Here is a list of some marketing importance given as follows -



Marketing helps in movement, transfer and exchange of products - The movement, exchange and transfer of goods are helped by marketing. Intermediaries like retailers and wholesalers help to provide goods and services to the consumers. Both the customers and producers enjoy the benefits. The specific requirements and preferences of the consumers are informed to the producers by this method. It also helps the customers know more about the products which are produced by manufacturers. The design of the goods acceptable to the customers is involved too, just as the transfer of ownership between producer and customer is also facilitated.


It maintains and raises the living standard - The standard of living of the community is raised and maintained by marketing. The standard of living is delivered and created by marketing to the society. It does so by providing products and services to the customers at an affordable cost. Three classes of people- poor, middle and rich are comprised of by the community. Marketing supplies all the products that these three classes use. A reasonable level of living standard is achieved even by the poorer sections of the community with the help of latest techniques.


It creates employment - Employment is created too. It helps to offer jobs to many people of the society. Financing, selling, buying, warehousing, transport, risk bearing and standardisation are the main functions of marketing. Large numbers of people perform different activities in these functions. Marketing has widened the scope of large scale industrialization and production. Many employment opportunities are created by this widened role of marketing.


It is a source of revenue and income - Income or revenue can also be generated with the help of marketing. It encourages some specific activities to obtain income. Profits can be earned by selling and purchasing goods. You must create place, time and possession utilities to enjoy maximum profits.


It helps to make decisions - Presently, marketing is considered as a complex job. It not only manufactures products, but it is a specialized activity to create relationship between producers and consumers. The mechanism is largely dependent on by the producers. It also helps them to make their business strategies.

Thus, you now know the importance of marketing in a business world.

Need a business marketing firm? Contact our experts!


 By Sanghvi Urmil


Article Source:  The Importance of Marketing Management

Funders Want Outcomes, Not Output

Funders, foundations, government agencies and even donors, want the organizations they fund to demonstrate outcomes, not report activities and outputs. They want to fund results oriented programs, not read touching stories.

Funders want to see:


Strategy more than tactics - Improve graduation rate through tutoring VS X number of participants in an after school program

Big picture versus tallies of activities - Produce X number of people in jobs that pay $15 or more per hour employed for 1 year or more VS Train X number people in manufacturing skills and Assist X number of people in resume preparation

Partnering more than referring - Partner with X number of organizations to provide GED qualified participants for a workforce development program VS Refer clients who cannot read to literacy organizations. Partner implies interaction - Refer implies you are done

Effectiveness instead of blood, sweat and tears -X number of program participants plan to choose a career in healthcare VS Spoke to 25 student groups on healthcare careers and participated in 3 high school career day events

Systemic change versus heart-rending anecdotes - Facilitated the adoption of new policy by the Sheriff's Department that directs officers to contact Solicitor's office before detaining juveniles VS Story about a School Resource Officer that counseled two eleventh graders and kept them from dropping out

Evidence of follow-up and follow through - Provided resources that enabled X number of program graduates to stay employed in years two through five VS Contacted X number of program graduates to complete survey about employment status

Depth, breadth and commitment of relationships with stakeholders - Coalition of a high school, a community center, parents, Boy Scouts and two churches provide tutoring and support for at-risk sixth graders. Detailed MOUs exist between the organizations; parents and student participants sign commitment letters. Grades and test scores of student participants are monitored. The outcome goal of the program is that promotion from sixth to seventh grade will improve each year. VS A community center that offers an after school program for middle schoolers with volunteer tutors and monitors. There are no MOUs with other organizations or schools. Participation by students is voluntary; parents are not required to be involved. Because there is no formal relationship with the school the community center cannot obtain grades or test scores.

Obviously it takes time to focus on outcomes and develop program, measurements and relationships that will accomplish those outcomes. But the time is an investment in a proposal and a program that will get funded.

Janet W Christy is a consultant specializing in getting information (from people's heads, reports, studies, focus groups, etc.) into a usable form, such as an operational/business plan, grant application, evaluation/assessment, report, policy manual or developmental plan. Janet's blog can be found at   https://janetwchristy.wordpress.com/ You can see more information about Janet and her firm, Leverage & Development, LLC at http://www.leverageanddevelopment.com.



 By Janet Christy

Article Source:  Funders Want Outcomes, Not Output

How To Start A Sportswear Brand

The Complete Guide To Starting A Sportswear Brand
Do you want to start up a sportswear brand? Do you have some great design ideas or a cool new apparel concept? Can't you find the styles you are looking for? The time could be now for you to start up that brand you have been thinking of. But where do you start? How do you go about to make it all happen?

If you want to set up your own clothing brand, then this article is for you. We'll give you an overview of the steps involved in starting your own business, and information that you have to think about.

Starting Up

Step 1. Idea & Customer Need.
It all starts with an idea. Maybe you can't find the clothes you are looking for, or you have a strong design opinion that you want to show the world. You are better off if you can connect your idea to a customer need. If you strongly believe in your idea, you should go ahead and make it happen.

Step 2. Market Scan.
You have a great idea for sure. The question is: is it unique? Perform a thorough market scan. Search the web, visit shops and read relevant magazines. You want your brand to stand out in the competition and find your target niche. If some other brand already has your idea, you will always be number two.

Step 3. Business Plan.
It can be great to have a business plan if you want to bring other people on board, e.g. investors or partners. But primarily, the business plan is there for you. It forces you to ask yourself those tough questions and look at your business venture from different angles. The business plan is a living document that will change and evolve over time, usually things don't go exactly according to the initial picture in your head.

Step 4. Branding.
Put a lot of time and thought into your brand identity. There are many brands out there so you need to make yours stands out. Create brand awareness and loyalty that connects your customers to your label. It is important that your brand ties together with your actual products.

Step 5. Money.
Nothing is free. Nor to create a sportswear brand. In your business plan you have made an initial budget and you have an estimate of how much it will cost you to set it up. How will you finance it? Can family or friends help you? There are special start-up loans as well as investors to turn to. Going to an investor early on means giving away more of your company. But maybe that's the best way to get it started and make your dream a reality?

Step 6. Entrepreneurship.
Running your own business isn't a 9 to 5 job. It is not the hours you spend in the office that matters. What matters is what you produce. You are your own boss and you need to make it all happen. You will live and breathe your brand, working 24/7. All people have great ideas. The differentiator is that the entrepreneur makes them happen. It will require you to put in the work and follow through on your dream. Are you cut out for this or not? Is it really what you want?

Step 7. Team.
As mentioned in step 6, setting up your brand will require a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Can you do it all by yourself? Even if you can, is that the most efficient way to do it? Make sure to liaise yourself with talented and driven people that can help you out where you fall short. If you are a designer find a good business partner, and if you are a business person find a good designer. No one can do it all and you shouldn't either.

Step 8. Define The Collection.
Leaving the start-up phase behind you, it's now time to start the product development, the process of making your garments. The first step here is to define your collection. Focus on your brand identity, your vision, and the products you wish to create. Make sure your collection is clear and has cohesion.

Step 9. Design.
You have structured and defined your collection and the designer can start sketching. Get back to the inspiration and the brand image, and the customer you want to have. The styles should fit in with the vision and identity of your brand. The designer needs to make great tech packs so you can carry on with your product development.

Step 10. Sourcing.
Sourcing means finding factories, materials, and accessories. Materials is a science by itself. If you know your price points, performance requirement, and quality level, it will help you narrow down your search for the right materials. Accessories can be cords, zippers, pullers etc that you want to include in your garments. Then you need to find a factory that suits your needs, can produce your styles, and believe in your concept.

Step 11. Pricing.
In the start-up phase you had a first look at the costs and the prices for your styles and production. Now when the collection is defined, you have sourced materials and found factories, and hence production costs, you need to check your pricing again. Does it add up? Will it be profitable? Review all the posts in your budget and see how you can recalibrate it. In the end you want to live and work, doing what you love. You don't want it to be an expensive hoppy that you poor money into.

Step 12. Pattern & Prototype.
This is a very crucial part. Even though you have great designs on paper, you need to transform them into garments that look and feel the way you want. Based on the tech packs you need to find a good pattern maker, which isn't easy. The pattern is made in your wanted sample size and will later be graded to fit several sizes. With the pattern you will start making your prototypes. In between every prototype you will measure, fit, and adjust the pattern to improve your garment. Typically you will need 2-3 prototypes per style before you have a sample ready to show/sell.

Step 13. Production.
Once you have arrived at your final prototype (sales man sample), you can start planning the bulk production. Discuss this with your factory as early as you can. They need to plan in your production in their schedule. They of course need to know how big your production will be, the number or styles and sizes per style. We suggest you write an agreement with the manufacturer stating delivery times and quality requirements.

Step 14. Shipping.
You have the bulk production ready and need to get your fantastic garments to your customers. Depending on your sales strategy you can have one or more customers. There can be shops, end-users, and wholesalers. Take a look at your logistics, negotiate with transportation partners, and plan how you will repackage the goods to suit your designated customer.

Step 15. Marketing.
Let the world know your brand's story. Marketing is your products, your meetings, your communication, and everything you do in you business. Be honest in everything you do, let the customers understand why you do it, and what your brand is about. You want to get your message out. Tell the world about your products and what differentiates them from the competitors.

Step 16. Sales.
It doesn't matter if you have the best products in the world with the best story, if no-one buys them. In the end it all comes down to sales. You want your garments to sell, so you can reinvest and develop your collection and keep doing what you love. If you work with retailers, the traditional way is to show at trade fair and to take your collection in garment bags and visit the shops. This way you end up having multiple mini presentations and demonstrations of your awesome collection. Not all buyer are open to new things, so don't get discouraged when it gets tough. Believe in your brand and keep going.

Step 17. Order.
The manufacturer usually has minimum quantity requirements for producing your garment. This should at least be your selling target. Sell, sell, sell, and collect your orders to meet those minimums. At the same time, keep track of your minimum requirements for materials. How much fabrics are on each roll that you buy? You don't want to buy too much fabric that in the end turns into left over. A good recommendation is to only produce the garments you have orders on. Don't stock up, unless you have an online business, and therefor need your own stock.

Step 18. Customer Service.
Take care of your customers. You make your garments so that your customers can have them for their intended need. Don't disappoint them, put yourself in their shoes and just see how you can help them. How will you handle complaints, returns, delays? Talk to your customers, put your ego aside, and use the information to make even better products in the future.

Visit Sportswear Inc. at http://www.thesportswearinc.com to learn more about starting a sportswear brand.


 By Klas Kristiansson


Article Source:  How To Start A Sportswear Brand

Three Major Sources Of Funding Startups

Are you a new entrepreneur? Do you need ideas as to how to get funds for your new business? Here are a few basic ideas which almost all entrepreneurs use to grow their business.

Bootstrapping

The best way to build a company is without the help of any financer. And it is possible also. Bootstrapping basically means building of a company with the blend some of personal savings and borrowed cash from family and friends. Some of the clever founders get back a huge amount of their money by starting their company in countries where the living cost is comparatively low like Chile or Vietnam. Also, with the help of government grants they are able to grow easily until the returns start rolling in. A few crowdfunding platforms encourage cash donations from the public in exchange to early access to company's products. This has made it easier for the founders to get capital without giving up a valuable equity.

Equity Funding

If bootstrapping is not a likely option for the founders, then they can craft a stake in the company for investment purpose. Whereas risking wealthy firms are best for startups that require lot of cash and aim to grow quickly. Not to forget there are quite a lot of other equity options for organizers with diverse business ideas. New founders must try and get their company into an accelerator. They have a two-three month program which is basically designed to aid new startups to work through the initial phases of the development. This program also helps you to find possible investors at the end of the program. Accelerators have also launched a few success stories, whose organizers have received some funding and valuable guidance from some of the skilled entrepreneurs in return for a 7% to 10% stake in their businesses.

Debt Funding

It is not advisable for a young startup to go to debt funding in its early stage. It must be something of a last option. But in some cases, a small amount of cash is required at the earliest. In these cases it makes sense for the company to take out steady, old loan and spare the trouble of finding an investor. In such cases, it is advisable to check if the business is eligible for any government-aided loans. Such loans usually have promising rate of interests and malleable repayment plans.

Thus, irrespective of the route an entrepreneur chooses to go down for financial aid, it is important that he/she takes time to wisely consider the goals of the startup and how the funding strategy adopted will help them achieve it.

You can get an inheritance funding company to help you out. Read more!


 By Rajesh B Sanghvi

Article Source: Three Major Sources Of Funding Startups

Diversity & Inclusion - Will Donald Trump Erode The Gains Made?

Right from the time he declared his intention for the senior most political position in the USA, to its realization, many (or at least as the media made us believe) kept thinking he was the biggest joke of the century. Then he won and was sworn in as POTUS. The whole world is now watching and listening pensively every other hour for the most unpredictable "breaking news" from the White house. Bills are being signed and the effect of some is almost immediate.

The global workplace is already feeling the "hands-on effect" or rather the presidential "landing force" of Donald John Trump.

His campaigns were littered with statements, actions and scandalous stuff that indicated POTUS had little regard for all mankind besides if not certain creeds. "Diversity and inclusion" was a foreign ideology which he didn't have and still has no time for. He didn't shy from making it known that he had a disliking for the Muslim community, the Mexicans immigrants and in general anyone he considered non-American. He shot from the hip and any opposition was dealt with accordingly.

A quick comparison with his predecessor and you can quickly tell these are two men from different planets. While Obama carried along everyone and even led the diversity campaign globally, Trump has given the strongest hint that he is not just about to fit in the same shoes. The most recent bills he has signed have caused global jitters with immigrants and foreign citizens working in American finding themselves stranded (some being aliens: Read Mo Farah's tweet message) at the country's entry points.

While the US has always led the diversity & inclusion discussion, it remains to be seen how this great workplace agenda will be advanced in 2017 and beyond in light of Trump's presidency.

Obama's administration advanced the agenda with a heavy inclination on institutionalizing the LGBT community. However it is imperative to understand that Diversity is larger than sexual orientation and in certain continents the sexual orientation is a non-issue. Religious and race/ethnicity matters take the centre stage.

While it may be too early to make a concrete decision on certain matters, the LGBT community has already raised concerns on the deletion of its page from the white house website. They feel this could be Trump's subtle way of watering down the gains and recognition they got from the previous government. His vice president, Mike Pence, has expressed staunch opposition to gay rights as have some of the President's recent cabinet picks.

I would dare say that Trump has thrown stones in the hives of three kingpins of Diversity; sexual orientation national origin, and religion. The LGBT community feel their identity and freedom is under a real threat, non-Americans are daily waking up to the uncertainty of their being in the US and the global Muslim community is enraged for being tagged as dangerous (if not terrorists) to America's peace.

While the global workplace has been working hard to create an awareness and environment which embraces employees' differences, the recent and most likely long term actions of Trump will in no doubt be a stain to this fabric.

Global enterprises like Google are already feeling the heat. Most of the tech giants in the US have a huge proportion of immigrant employees not mentioning the fact the Google's global CEO is an Indian immigrant. The Silicon Valley known for its technological finesse is touted as being an "immigrant employees" driven. History points to the fact that America's economy is what it is thanks to the immigrants and the favorable immigration policies then.

Trumps policies and actions will affect every other village in the global space. Originating from the USA, every bit of action and policy will sweep across the entire planet and the wave will have a significant impact on the diversity agenda. If there were governments and organizations that felt pushed into this fold or embraced it for political correctness sake, then this "Trump moment" could provide a window of opportunity for them to reverse gains made.

Global networks like PwC which have fully embraced the Diversity & Inclusion agenda and even formed a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Partner Advisory Board, will be watching keenly on the next move from the most powerful house in the universe in the days to come.

No doubt tensions are going to run high, discussions at the workplace will be re-defined, local and International labour policies might change and communities and religious groups that feel discriminated will brace themselves for uncertain times ahead. Discrimination of the once valued "strong link" of human workplace interaction may rear its ugly head globally and locally.

In light of this strange turn of events, it is still important for workplace leaders and the HR teams to constantly remind their teams of the immeasurable benefits derived in an environment that makes everyone feel respected and valued regardless of their differences in ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, education, and religion. They should continue working and reinforcing workplace cultures, practices and relationships that support a diverse workforce.

The power of diversity is only unleashed when we respect and value differences. The gains made should be safeguarded by all and sundry at the workplace. http://theplatform101.com/



 By Stephen Ogolla


Article Source: Diversity & Inclusion - Will Donald Trump Erode The Gains Made?

Safety Flooring: The Two Indispensable Steps to Follow

Recent studies have shown that most of the unfortunate accidents, whether in houses or in workplaces, happen due to slips and trips over wet and unclean floors. Well, to avoid this, many extensive sectors starting from medical to commercial, industrial and domestic decided to take two necessary steps. While one is to install fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) grating systems, the other is to clean and keep up the floors properly. In the following discussion, let us explore these two measures in details.

1. Glass fibres and resin combines to form FRP gratings. Owing to their structural strengths, these products have diverse applications. So, why FRP gains advantage over all the other conventional metals? This is because this material has its own beneficial aspects. Let us look at them.

• FRP is a lightweight material hence the systems made of it could be installed without any difficulty.
• It is anti-corrosive in nature. This means it would not rust even if exposed to water or oxidizing conditions.
• FRP has high impact endurance, which means it can sustain heavy loads, extreme pressure, and harsh weather.
• It is resistant to heat, fire and caustic chemicals, thus, could be used in any kind of demanding situation.
• FRP is a durable material. Thus, the grating systems made of it would most surely last for longer periods and would need low maintenance.

Apart from the above-mentioned advantages, the anti-slip property of the gratings gives maximum safety. Disastrous mishaps could be easily avoided if one uses non slip grating systems.

2. Dirty or messy floors could also lead to accidents. Thus, you must pay proper attention and clean the floors regularly. There are certain methods, which you could try to clean the floor. Let us look at them.

• Scrub the floor with a cleaning solution to remove all sorts of stains and blotches.
• Industrial floors or the floors of hospitals and clinics tend to become smelly. One could get rid of such offensive odours through bleaching powder.
• If rust marks attack the floor, you could clean it with dry cement, which acts as pumice stone and remove the stains quickly.
• Well, cleaning and washing are fine, but at times your floor may suffer from permanent damages. In such cases, renovating the entire flooring arrangement would be practical.

According to top-notch industries, creating and implementing these steps have helped a lot. A floor which is properly cleaned and have non slip grating is most certainly safe for the residents of a house and staffs of a workplace.

Rajib Saha is an author, who writes about the ways to have safe flooring structures. According to him, installing non slip grating and cleaning the floor regularly would most certainly prevent accidents.


 By Rajib KR Saha


Article Source: Safety Flooring: The Two Indispensable Steps to Follow

Knowing More About The Growth And Stability Of Retail Jobs

Today, the fashion retail industry is growing and proving to be a very stable business sector. One of the benefits of pursuing a career in retail fashion is the breadth and diversity of available opportunities. For example, if you are good at dealing with people, there are plenty of fashion jobs that you can try pursuing. There are plenty of positions available in this industry ranging from marketing positions to merchandising and management.

If your inclinations lie in designing, there are plenty of fashion design jobs you can try as well. Other opportunities include those related to buying, marketing, finance, and supply change. Indeed, retail is a growth sector these days. Unlike other industries which are confined to a particular location, retail shops are strategically located in various places in the area.

Even with the increased prominence of online shopping, retail continues to grow, keeping pace with the demand of consumers and tourists. The retail sector is one of the sturdiest and more robust sectors. In fact, during the economic crisis, many retailers increased their workforce.

In terms of stability, very few industries can match the retail sector. When you talk of scope and variety, very few industries can match fashion retail. Whatever your level of experience may be, you are assured of finding a position that matches your interest, skill, and experience.

You can certainly find work in areas like marketing, finance, human resources, buying, and visual merchandising.

Retail also has a low barrier of entry, with many companies willing to take employees with limited experience for some positions. On top of that, it is fairly common in the industry to see people work their way to the top. Retail employees also enjoy a few perks that can leave employees in other sectors green with envy. These include big discounts on store merchandise.

The great thing about this industry is that many retailers provide employees with training programs as well as a fast career progression. Although many retailers accept graduates from different backgrounds, you will have a better chance of landing a retail job if your educational background is related to business, management or economics. It also helps if you are highly skilled in relationship management and customer service. This can be your edge to land the job you want.

For those who want a long-term job in retail, they should take the time to determine the specific role or career direction that they want to pursue. It is also a good idea to brush up on their knowledge of the business side. Indeed, retail jobs are growing and are still proving to be stable as ever.


 By Mike Timothy Hawk


Article Source: Knowing More About The Growth And Stability Of Retail Jobs

It's Time to Enhance Your Presentation Skills

Are you missing out on potential clients despite your perfect blend of good content and best presentation design? Well, maybe you need to work on your presentation skills. Many a times, due to anxiety to impress clients, many corporate firms fail to pay adequate attention to their presentation skills. This may seem a small matter initially, but it can impact your business in the long run heavily. It may cost you lot of time to enhance and develop your skills, but a good start costs you nothing. Confused about how to start? Well don't worry, we are here to help. Follow these five steps, polish them and ace yourself at presentations.

Be conversational:
Do you remember back in school where lousy speeches in assemblies used to make you yawn and sleep? Well, that happened because it's difficult to engage the human mind in one direction for a very long time unless of course there is a very interesting movie going on. So, it's best to keep your presentation conversational. It helps keep the client's mind active and it also helps you stay energetic throughout the presentation session. Also, keep it casual (keeping the professionalism alive) and add some humor (only if you are good at it) in your content. Many corporate firms tend to lose clients because of their inability to hold the attention of their clients for a long time. Therefore, being conversational is of utmost importance.

Don't be in a hurry:
"Do not be in a hurry to succeed. What would you have to live for afterwards? Better make the horizon your goal; it will always be ahead of you". This famous quote by the renowned English novelist, William Makepeace Thackeray says it all. Most business presentation designs are well organized, well composed, well comprehensive, yet it fails to attract clients. Do you know why? Probably because they are in a hurry! They jump from slide to slide wanting to accomplish their task quickly. This leaves a bad impression on the clients. They might have questions to ask, but you are a way too fast for them to reach you. Be calm, focused, go slow (yet not so much), enjoy the process and you just made a client for your service already! Isn't that just simple?

Answer patiently:
You might be well versed about your product or service, but your client isn't. They might ask questions to gain clarity on the presentation. It's your responsibility to answer them calmly, patiently and confidently. Don't forget to wear your smile while answering. The more clearly you answer, the more likely you are to impress the client. Therefore, it's also imperative to have all your answers ready honestly. Many corporate firms at the end of their presentation include a separate question and answer round, which often fetch them points. It shows that you have really worked hard on your presentation and is ready to face any challenge ahead. So, decide a time frame, say around three to five mins at the end of the presentation and the day is all yours!

Conclude well:
As much as you need to focus on your introduction, you need to focus the same on your conclusion or sometimes, more! This is because about 70% people remember how things end rather how things start. Therefore, a wise and a positive conclusion can surely cast a spell on the client. There are certain important things that corporate firms should understand while setting up their presentation viz, their presentation design should be best among other competitors, it should convey all the necessary information about your product or service that you offer and most importantly, it should have a positive ending. It is bound to leave a huge impact on the client and who knows, they'll be all yours.

Practice, practice and practice:
You all must be aware of the fact, "Practice makes a man perfect." Well, yes it applies here too. We understand that you are already running short of time, but how about working after the normal working hours? Yes! to make your presentation a success you need to go that extra mile! Specially if you are new at your job and lack experience. The number of hour's corporate companies spend in designing their presentation to achieve the best presentation, they need to invest the same amount of hour in practicing their presentation. This generates confidence, boosts your energy levels and creates connection with what you have written in those slides. The more confident you are, the more likely you are, to win the client's attention.

To sum up, a good content and a good presentation design properly blended with the above tips can help you credit your business and further build up your firm's reputation. In addition, be warm, be comfortable, work on your inefficiencies, improve them and you are finally ready to deliver your presentation and win over your client's heart.


 By Dharmendra Ahuja


Article Source: It's Time to Enhance Your Presentation Skills

Benefits of Garnet Abrasives

Garnet is a mineral widely used for sandblasting, and is commonly derived from deposits of either Almandite or Andradite. There are many advantages to using Garnet minerals over other minerals, as it can be used for both wet and dry sandblasting applications. As an industrial gemstone, garnets create a profile that is virtually free of embedment. Due to this reason it is used for coating adhesion, and is also excellent for applications where it is required that there is low or no transfer of grit into the substrate.

Garnet is preferred as a sandblasting mineral in tanks and other confined spaces where use of a low dusting abrasive is necessary; and in dry docks, bridges, and shipyards where water contamination is a concern. It is also widely used in Aluminium and Fiberglass surfaces, Hangar decks and Industrial Painting. Garnet is used in powder coating and in denim blasting as well. It is available in shades of colours ranging from Pink, Red to Brown, and Grey to Brown; and in densities ranging from 135 lbs/ft3 to 150 lbs/ft3.

Benefits of using garnet applications

Low Dusting emissions

Garnet is proven to be a fast and clean blast media. Blast cleaning using Garnet is cleaner, as it provides significantly lower dust emissions due to its inherent material toughness. The material has high specific gravity and allows for rapid settling. This is advantageous as it causes minimum disruption to nearby operations, and allows for clear operator visibility.

Higher Productivity

When there are a larger number of grains of a particular shape impacting on the surface at a high speed, it is possible to achieve very fast cutting. Smaller grains of garnet accelerate much more easily and offer greater impact energy to surfaces. This results in a superior cleaning rate - which is usually twice the rate achieved when using conventional abrasives.

Lower consumption of the mineral- possibility of recycling

Garnet is a very cost effective abrasive as it will last much longer due to its hardness. (Mohs Hardness is 7 to 8 depending on the type of garnet used). Also, when garnet is used, there are many more active grains impacting the surface which greatly reduces abrasive consumption. This also means that you can recycle a number of times, typically at least two times, and sometimes more when starting with a coarser grade.

Environmental Safety

Garnet is found to be non-toxic with very low free silica levels (generally less than 1%). This ensures that there is no hazard of silicosis, or any risk of contamination from leachable heavy metals or radioactive substances. Due to lower consumption and recyclability, disposal volumes are greatly reduced. This makes the use of garnet environmentally safer and more sustainable. As a result, garnet is often used to blast structures that are nearby bodies of water, so that there is no contamination by the blasting media itself.

Excellent for coating prep use - produces Superior Surface Quality Garnet grains are able to clean deep into the cavities and pitted areas right down to the bare metal, which results in a blasted surface that is free of embedment and rogue peaks and troughs.
All rust, soluble salts and other contamination's are thoroughly removed.

Garnet sizing and profiles:

16 - Very Coarse, used for blast rooms on blasting steel, bridges, ships and tanks
36 - Coarse, used for thick coatings, marine fouling, and rust
30�40 - Intermediate, used on heavier coatings and rust
30�60 - Medium, used for new steel and maintenance for coatings
80 Mesh - Medium Fine, used for aluminium and other sensitive substrates, including marine aluminium applications, and hydro blast cleaning operations
100 Mesh - Fine, can be used on aluminium and fiberglass, as well as for rust removal and mill scale on new steel, also a perfect water jet cutting abrasive


 By Usha Sunil


Article Source:  Benefits of Garnet Abrasives

Thanks Your Employees With Affordable And Astonishing Corporate Gifts

As an entrepreneur, your main motive is to generate a solid and long-lasting relationship with not only clients but employees as well. It is good to treat your employee the way you want them to treat your most important clients. They have a great role in the success of your company. Thus, it is important to say "Thanks" to make them realize how important they are for you and your company. And the best and economical way to complete the task is to surprise them with a gift. Yes, Gifts are perfect to explain our emotions to the recipient.

However, you have to be sure that we are talking about professional emotions, so, don't pick anything that hurt their sentiments. For the most reasonable and remarkable range of Corporate Gifts, you can contact the leading company that deals in all such items. From the treasure of ideas, we pick out some of the great options you can choose for gifting purpose.

Corporate Pens: Pens a corporate gift that has great value for all. You can gift it to your employee with the warm wishes that they touch new heights in their careers. Undoubtedly, it touches their heart and they remember it for the lifetime.

Corporate Dairies: For sure, you know corporate gift must be realistic or practical, so, the recipient can use it every day. And nothing can be more realistic or practical than the Corporate Dairies; after all, from writing schedules, appointments or to make notes, you need it all day long.

Coffee Mugs: The best gift one would like to have and especially if you customize or personalize the design. It is a perfect corporate gift to Thanks your employee. They can use them regularly besides, design personalization makes them feel valuable for your company, which automatically boost their morale.

Gift Hampers: If you are planning to give some sweet sort of thing, so, the ditch the plan right away. This is because a sweet box is an old school; twist the idea with great and customized Gift Hampers.

Office Accessories: Employees are the important part of your company and taking care of their need is the foremost duty of an employer. It sticks them to your company and they work dedicatedly for it. And when it comes to appreciate them or say Thanks, so, nothing can beat the office accessories. It fulfills their needs and increases your respect on their mind.

So, these are some classy ideas you can pick to say Thanks to your employees and to boost their morale. Try any of them and give a surprise to your employees.

Looking for Corporate Gifts in Mumbai, then without any doubt, contact Nikos. We offer the best Promotional Gifts In Mumbai in a customized manner.


 By Naresh Chainani


Article Source: Thanks Your Employees With Affordable And Astonishing Corporate Gifts

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