Succeeding With Outsourced Software or Web Development


By Ador Talukdar

Having employees or freelancers several thousand miles away in a different time zone can present its own set of problems, regardless of the difficulties of just trying to get everybody on the same page with a development.

The Agile and Scrum processes were direct responses to the needs of modern businesses, where employees might be clocking in in the morning as their comrades left for the evening. Having tasks chopped down into manageable and (very importantly) trackable chunks meant that it was suddenly possible to coordinate complex tasks across continents and get a result.

Communication is Key
There are a number of communication platforms that everybody can use together to keep communications and tasks in one place. Skype, WhatsApp, Google, they've all got ways of making sure everybody gets the message and knows what they're doing. Uploading tasks to the cloud so everybody can access it, comment on, test and review it makes successful development much faster and more comprehensive. You need a revision quick? Push it into the cloud and see who can be allocated the task.

Meetings
Yes, meetings. They shouldn't be what everybody dreads, and with Agile they're supposed to be kept to a minimum 10 minute "stand up" at the start of each work session. Not often the case in reality as there's often a lot to discuss, when done right they can ensure everybody knows what they're doing and when to do it. Outsourced tasks are treated largely the same as tasks taken inboard with the Scrum process, making it a (hopefully smooth) process.

When a development task is broken up into small slices and allocated in the Scrum process, employees are generally going away to work on their task and reporting in when they need help or have finished. To avoid this being isolating, having a meeting where everybody gets to report both helps people feel part of a team and makes sure everybody is doing the right thing. It's not uncommon for someone to say in a meeting "no, that's not what I asked for!" And that's the benefit.

Work it out
What needs to be outsourced and what needs to be kept onshore? That is the question. An analysis with Agile can show you who has what skills and what time available, giving you a pretty quick answer to the question. You can then Scrum it and allocate where needs be. It sounds much simpler than it often is, but it is efficient when you get it right.

Time Differences
If you can, exploit the time difference. If they're doing it right, at the end of the day all your employees and freelancers will report in at given times, meaning you can set tasks for the "night shift" to do in preparation for your "day shift". This works for everybody as it keeps nobody waiting and makes everything much faster.

Know the Goal
Everyone on every team needs to know what they're working towards and a rough path of how to get there. Especially your outsourced help, talk to them as much as possible, as often as possible about developments, improvements, revisions and the tasks at hand.

Article Source:  Succeeding With Outsourced Software or Web Development

Does Your Business Have Mojo?


By Ursula Jorch

What makes one business better than another? Better at making money. Better at marketing. Better at setting up great systems.

Yes, all the great business skills that people put into practice definitely play a role.

But it's more than that. Every business that puts those skills into practice doesn't necessarily do as well as the founders had hoped, in a sustainable way.

What's missing in those businesses that don't achieve their promise is mojo.

Mojo is about impact. About using your leadership to bring together all the elements of your business to make a positive difference in the lives of the people it comes into contact with.

How do you get mojo? By actively appreciating that your business has the potential to become a difference maker in people's lives. Let's break that down:

See and choose the impact you can have. From the many possibilities of impact, of difference-making, choose the difference you want to make. What change would you like to see in the world that you and your business could influence?

Connect to where you are. Being an active part of your community with your business makes for great mojo. People recognize the connection, and adopt your business as their own. And your business is affected by where you are: it's the terror of your business, like the climate, soil, and weather of grape growers: that special mix of people, location, and surroundings. Even if your business has clients around the world, that is a community too.

Serve your customers willingly and well. When you appreciate that your business can make a difference in people's lives, you feel motivated to amp up your customer service to an unprecedented level. You're making a difference, after all! It's more than just delivering a product or service.

Embrace your team. All the people that come together to make a difference with your business are important. Team members and suppliers too. With that level of appreciation in mind, your relationships with these VIPs can shift to care and recognition. They become loyal to the business and the impact it is having.

Keep it manageable. Not everyone has to have an empire. Keeping your business the size you want, where you know everyone and can talk to them and hear about their lives, is a worthy goal too. Perhaps more worthy than building just for the sake of size. With size, you can waste what you've built through hierarchy. If you lose your impact along the way, then what is the point anyway?

Business isn't just about the mechanics, the spreadsheets, the tangibles. Great business is an art. Mojo lets you be an artist, in your own unique way.

Mojo creates intimacy, a deep connection between your business and the people it touches. The relationships with team, clients, suppliers, and the community is one of the great rewards of your business and one of the crucial generators of mojo that your business radiates.

The mojo effect ripples out. Fulfilled and satisfied team and clients become people who can make a positive difference in other people's lives too. It's all part of your mojo!

Ursula Jorch is a speaker, business coach and consultant who helps entrepreneurs grow a successful business that makes a difference in the world. A 21-year successful entrepreneur herself, Ursula helps you define the difference you want to make in the world and develop strategy and marketing so you have ever-expanding impact.

Find Ursula on her podcast, Work Alchemy: The Impact Interviews where she interviews impactful entrepreneurs and leaders like Seth Godin and Marianne Williamson, and at http://www.WorkAlchemy.com for free resources for you and your business.

Article Source:  Does Your Business Have Mojo?

Top Ways Traders Lose Money


By Chris Bouchard

Did you know that 1 out of 10 traders loses money in the financial markets when trading?

Despite the damning statistics and the inherent uncertainty in the outcomes of trading, traders continue to take the risk and invest their money with the hopes of getting a return.

Experienced traders and stakeholders have highlighted several ways in which traders lose money. From this information, we have selected top ways traders fail that can assist you to avoid making the same mistakes.

Trading to learn

Most traders who have sustained losses from their trading experience acknowledge that they started trading without receiving any formal training from a professional. Armed with only the basic information about markets, some people invest and start trading hoping, ignorantly, that luck will be on their side. Instead of learning how to trade, these investors begin trading to learn how the markets work. This reversed prioritization of events leads to insurmountable losses, making it harder for the trader to ever recoup the lost money.

Risk management

Understanding the risk level of a trade and the risk category that investments are placed is the first step to avoiding losing money when trading. Conducting a risk assessment of the investment opportunities in the market enables a trader to determine the leverage that they hold against the investment and whether it is worth placing a wager using the leverage. Without a risk assessment, a trader may place a wager on a portfolio that has a high-risk premium and ends up losing the leverage among other losses.

Money management

Lack of money management skills, traders hold on their stakes for either too long or release them too fast. Therefore, despite making a profit from a transaction, the trader ends up losing money.

Transaction costs

Like any other investment, trading has its operational costs that have to be factored when generating a profit and loss statement. A trader may lose money despite having a positive return in a trading period based on the costs incurred over the period. The adjusted transaction costs deducted include taxes, commissions, and utility bills, among other resources including time spent trading and conducting other activities related to the trade.

Tools of the trade

Markets are time sensitive and data-intensive platforms. Traders who have appropriate data at the right time are more likely to win than the others in the same market. Lack of tools for efficient data analysis and communication causes some traders to make trade decisions ex-post. For example, having a slow internet may hamper the trader's efficiency and hence a trader will make decisions using delayed data feed.

Discipline

Lastly, traders lose money because they lack a trading strategy or if they have one, they deviate from the plan. For example, a trader without a diversified portfolio is likely to lose money because of lack of risk spreading. Consequently, trading without a limit order or a take-profit order exposes the trader's positions to further risk of losing money with the hopes of a 'miracle' at any time.

So how do I avoid losing money?

With the basic information on how traders lose money, it is paramount that you understand the best way to avoid these predicaments by learning how to become a successful investor.

Chris Bouchard is a strategic consultant who works with non-profit leaders and social entrepreneurs to apply concepts and techniques to identify complex strategic issues, find practical solutions, and devise strategies to create and win a unique strategic position. He also offers project development, proposal writing, and project evaluation services.

Article Source:  Top Ways Traders Lose Money

Don't Make A Big Mistake When You Sign Your Claim or Certification


By Richard D Lieberman

The Contract Disputes Act of 1978 ("CDA") contains a few simple requirements for claims over $100,000, including certification. Yet to this day contractors have consistently violated the certification requirements and, as a result, had their claims dismissed by the Boards and Courts. This is a big mistake that is easy to avoid. The mistake happened most recently in NileCo Gen'l Contracting, LLC, ASBCA No. 60912, Sept. 22, 2017. It seems as if a technology-crazed world sometimes refuses to use the most low tech machine of all-the pen-because the pen is just not electronically convenient. Government contractors should be lower tech when signing claims.

The CDA states that each claim for more than $100,000 must be certified to state that:

1. The claim is made in good faith;

2. The supporting data are accurate and complete to the best of the contractor's knowledge and belief;

3. The amount requested accurately reflects the contract adjustment for which the contractor believes the government is liable; and

4. The certifier is authorized to certify the claim on behalf of the contractor.

41 U.S.C. � 7103(b). These particular requirements are included in Federal Acquisition Regulation ("FAR") 33.207(c) and the disputes clause in every contract. The FAR also states that the certification may be executed by any person duly authorized to bind the contractor. Id. Although the Contract Disputes Act does not define the term "execute," the Boards of Contract Appeals have consistently held for at least 10 years that to "execute a Contract Disputes Act certification, there must be a signature by a certifier." "Signature" is defined in the FAR as the discrete, verifiable symbol of an individual which, when affixed to a writing with the knowledge and consent of the individual, indicates a present intention to authenticate the writing. This includes electronic symbols.

FAR 2.101

A failure to sign the certification as required strips the Court of Federal Claims or the Boards of Contract Appeals of jurisdiction to hear the claim and is not a correctable defect that can be corrected to restore the jurisdiction.

Here are four cases over the past ten years (the last of which cites a 1993 case), where a "pen and ink" signature would have saved the contractor from having its claim dismissed by the Board:

(1) NileCo Gen'l Contracting, LLC, ASBCA No. 60912, Sept. 22, 2017. The contractor merely used a typewritten signature block ("Anwar Ahmed Director"). The Board dismissed the claim even though the contractor claimed there had been a course of dealing permitting use of the typewritten signature block. The Board noted that the parties could not override the jurisdictional requirement of an executed certification through a course of dealing-and could not confer jurisdiction by agreement of the parties.

(2) ABS Dev. Corp., ASBCA No 60022 et al., Nov. 17, 2016. For some of the claims in the appeal, the contractor used several typewritings of a name (presumably typewritten by electronic means) purporting to be signatures. "A typewritten name, even one typewritten in Lucida Handwriting font, cannot be authenticated and therefore is not a signature. [also] The typewritten "//signed//" is not a signature because it cannot be authenticated. Anyone can type a person's name, there is no way to tell who did so from the typewriting itself." These documents were dismissed as unsigned certifications.

(3) Tokyo Co, ASBCA No. 59059, April 23, 2014. The claim was stamped "TOKYO COMPANY For general contracting & services Baghdad-Iraq Build 23 St. Al-Karadaa" above the typed words "General Manager of Company BENIAMEN MONADHIL." The Board held that a stamp bearing the company name, explaining what it does, and its address and the typed but unsigned name of the general manager "are not particularized and do not specifically identify the person executing the certification." Again, the claim was dismissed.

(4) Teknocraft, Inc., ASBCA No. 55438, April 3, 2008. The company marked its certification as follows:

//signed//

Sam Kumar

President

Technocraft, Inc.

The Board stated that the notation "//signed//" in the signature block was tantamount to being void of a signature, and was a fatal defect. "The computer generated nonspecific notation is not a discrete verifiable symbol which can be authenticated. As we discussed in Hawaii Cyberspace, citing Youngdale & Sons Const. Co v. United States, 27 Fed. Cl. 516, 561, n. 87 (1993), the necessity to sign the certification is to hold the signer 'accountable for any falsities contained therein.' Without a signature, the purported author of the certification could just as easily disavow the certification because "//signed//" cannot be authenticated. Proper execution of the certification is fundamental, going to the essence of the requirement."

The Takeaway: Using the "high-tech" method of signing a CDA certification or claim may result in a big mistake. Use the "low-tech" method of signing them-with a pen, not with a computer. Do not type "signed" or anything else-insert a real, live signature of a person authorized to bind your company and avoid this easy pitfall. Sign both your claim letter and your certification the same way-with a pen. While it may be easier from an electronic standpoint to use a typed signature, the risk is too great.

Further note: the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce ("E-SIGN") Act does not require the government to accept electronic signatures. The Act provides that a governmental agency need not accept electronic signatures with respect to a contract. See Excel Bldg. & Dev. Corp., B- 401955, December 23, 2009, 2009 CPD � 262, citing 15 U.S.C.� 7001(b)(2), FAR 4.502. The Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") has issued guidance to federal agencies explaining that the Act does not force contracting parties, whether the government or the private sector, to use or accept electronic signatures and records. See Guidance on Implementing the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, Memorandum for the Heads of Departments and Agencies, M-00-15, OMB, Sept. 25, 2000.

Article Source:  Don't Make A Big Mistake When You Sign Your Claim or Certification

You Landed That New Job! Now What?


By Anna Watkins

Congratulations! Your long search is over, and you are ready to begin your new job. Ahhh •••• Now you can just relax. Right? Well, that depends on what you want.

Whether your search was only a brief one or you needed months to acquire the job, your focus has been on the job search. Actually performing in your new job will require a different mindset. You may view this situation as the answer to your dreams and the chance to contribute within an organization where you are deeply committed to the mission. The other side of the coin is that you accepted the job because you have been searching a long time and this was your first offer.

Regardless of the circumstances, it is wise to examine your new situation and how it fits into your career path. We begin with a multiple-choice exercise. At the end of every day, review your experience and answer this item.

This job is:

a)

A good place for me to grow and develop for years.

b)

An appropriate "launching pad" where I can learn and prepare to move on.

c)

Not a good match for my skills and preferences.

d)

Still a mystery to me.

Any one of these choices can be the right answer! Think critically to answer honestly. This continuous assessment will keep you fully conscious and ready to do whatever it takes to keep your career on track. Your answer may change from one day to the next. I would be very surprised if it didn't! The important thing is that you use this exercise to focus your energy so that you can benefit yourself and your employer, providing the best value you have to offer.

What else can you do?

Have a plan (and follow it) to get acquainted with your co-workers, customers, and others who are involved in the organization's business. Relationships are core to any work situation. You will be spending many hours with your co-workers and clients, and you want to nurture cordial and cooperative relationships with this new "family."

Study the past, present, and future of your job. Read materials on file and ask questions to find out how it was done previously and why. Inquire about changes. Be willing to learn from the past before applying any great new ideas. This shows respect for tradition and for your colleagues.

Read the mission and vision statements of the organization. Keep them posted or stored where you can find them quickly.

Find out who has moved up in the organization and how they accomplished their success. Look for someone who can serve as your mentor. As soon as possible, start learning names and "who does what" so that you can function successfully within the organization's structure. Write these down! Ask for advice and other information. Most people love to help and are pleased to be asked.

Keep your supervisor informed about what you are doing and seek feedback. Maintain a log of the tasks you have started or completed so that you will have a handy reference.

Be patient with yourself. You have entered a new environment, and it takes time to become acclimated.

Before you leave work each day, ask yourself, "What have I learned today?" If you record your answers, this can make a very interesting resource for you. It will help you to see patterns, understand the culture, and track your progress. This journal can also help you formulate the right questions to ask and to see new directions you can pursue in the organization.

Paying attention and following these tips will serve you well, whether you see the new position as the beginning of a satisfying longtime career or as preparation for another job.

Congratulations on starting a new chapter in your life. Good luck!

If you would like coaching on how to keep a job and use it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, please contact me. I would love to assist you as you travel forward in your career path. Please contact me via my website http://www.one-e-anna.com

Article Source:  You Landed That New Job! Now What?

Employee Suggestion Schemes


By Ronjon Kar

"Employee suggestion" schemes are an effective way of generating cost saving initiatives. In addition to the financial benefits, there is usually a positive impact on workplace morale. Encouraging and rewarding staff to put forward cost saving ideas is likely to result in many initiatives being identified, in part due to the number of personnel thinking about reducing costs. Sometimes ideas that appear inconsequential make a significant difference. Sainsbury's saved over �60,000 after a member of staff suggested repackaging mangoes. The shop floor worker noticed that the supermarket sold greater volumes of fruit as a result of a "two for �2.50" promotion. The mangoes were supplied in boxes of five, which resulted in considerable wastage due to the odd number. Repackaging the fruit so that it was supplied in boxes of six resulted in considerably less waste. The "Tell Justin" ideas scheme has generated over 50,000 ideas to date since it's inception in 2004.

1) Keep it simple

The most effective suggestion schemes are usually simple. Siemens Automation and Drives in Cheshire have a scheme called "Ideas Unlimited". The site employs around 400 staff and generates over 4,000 suggestions per year, of which approximately 75% are implemented. Savings identified through the scheme are estimated to be in excess of �1m per annum. There are no paper forms to complete, with ideas submitted through an intranet application comprised of just four screens; (i) idea generation, (ii) evaluation, (iii) acceptance, (iv) rejection and implementation. All managers are invited to appraise initiatives, with a culture of driving efficiencies embedded in the organisation's culture.

A straightforward employee suggestion programme could for example offer rewards of �50 (bronze), �100 (silver) or �200 (gold) for approved initiatives, with exceptions possibly made when remarkable cost savings are achieved. An alternative, more elaborate approach could be to offer employees a percentage of delivered savings. Whilst this sounds great in principle, it is often very difficult to quantify precise savings, leading to administrative effort in validating amounts saved, and the incentive due to the eligible employee.

2) Recognise and reward good ideas

Praise and recognition have an enduring impact on employee engagement. Some businesses have a monthly bulletin or intranet in which employees are given recognition for delivering successful cost saving initiatives. For example, Siemens Automation and Drives regularly publish a league table which reports savings by department. This generates healthy interdepartmental rivalry, together with conveying recognition for good ideas.

It is worth considering that rewards should ideally be commensurate with the level of saving delivered. Exceptional ideas should not only be acknowledged but rewarded accordingly. In 2017, Argos received bad press when an employee came up with an idea that allegedly saved the company �1.5m. Following Sainsbury's takeover of Argos, the individual suggested that delivery drivers only refuel at Sainsbury's petrol stations. The employee received a �10 gift card in way of a thank you!

3) Listen to your employees

A Gallup study in 2016 found that only 17% of workers strongly agree that their company has open communication throughout all levels of their company. Regular engagement with employees is likely to have a positive impact on overall participation. Encouraging, listening and acting upon feedback from staff will improve the likelihood of running a successful employee suggestion scheme.

4) Analyse results

Monitoring metrics such as: (Ii number of ideas submitted, (ii) number of ideas implemented, (iii) amount saved, and (iv) amount saved per full time equivalent (FTE) will provide useful data.

5) Other considerations

There are many operational challenges that need to be thought-out when rolling out an employee suggestion scheme. For example:

1. Should staff over a certain grade be eligible? (E.g. senior management and directors?)
2. Should employees be rewarded for savings identified within their designated area?
3. Who is responsible for approving initiatives, and what is the process?
4. Have tax implications of rewards been given due consideration?
5. How does the business ensure that employees are not focussing on identifying cost saving initiatives at the expense of their day-to-day role?

There are many points that require careful thought and deliberation when implementing an employee suggestion scheme, but the financial and staff morale benefits are usually worthwhile. http://www.costsavingsweb.com

Article Source:  Employee Suggestion Schemes

You Make It Happen


By Catherine Rose

Procrastinating is not an option when there is work to be done. You have to stay one step ahead of the game. We have to always be looking for ways to enhance and improve your business. No time to be idle, every second counts. The more time you waste the next person is already gaining steps ahead of you. In today's business market there is a lot of competition out there and each business owner is claiming their business service or product is the best. Competition is getting stiffer and stiffer. Sharpen your marketing and public speaking skills. No one notices something invisible. You must socialize so people will know who you are, what you do, and where to find you when needed. Create a website for your business if you have not already done so. Tell the story of what inspired your journey. If you already have one and have had it for a while now might be a good time to refresh it, people pay attention to every detail now days.Buyers are looking for the most they can get for their dollars. They want professionalism not peanuts.

Cover all your basis, make sure you keep business cards on hand at all times and distribute them. You can leave them in places locally in your neighborhood like mini markets, banks, post offices, laundromats, and your local library. A lot of these places have bulletin boards where customers can post ads, leave flyers, or business cards. It's a good investment to get your business listed in the local business yellow pages in your city or state. Small ads in your weekly neighborhood reader could prove to be profitable and get your name and business on the lips of folks in your area. Networking and good advertising is essential to the growth of your business. The success of your business is what you make of it. If you put 50% into it then you will only see half of what it could possibly be, why not put your all into it and work at making it stand out from the rest. Remember you only get out of it what you put into it.

When artists and innovators attempt to turn their skill or passion into a business they have to remember it is not always easy to do. It is natural to receive compliments from family and close friends on our concepts and ideas but we have to be able to accept constructive criticism from outsiders because not everybody will see our vision as clear as we do. We have to be able to take the good with the bad and not give up when we receive an opinion from someone that is not as positive as we would have liked it to be. You may have to do some research in order to help you more effectively market your business. The buyers market is huge and there are many that posses the same skill you have and sometimes better.

Have your own creative mark that makes you unique. It may take a while but don't give up. Don't wait for someone else to see your vision come to fruition. You have to make it happen. If you are blessed to have help that's a good thing but that is not always the case and some only have themselves to rely on. Be patient if you are the sole investor in your business, keep in mind it might take you a little longer for everything to fully come together but stay focused and motivated. Don't be discouraged, have patience and continue to take it one day at a time until you get there. Keep a positive attitude and work hard. It will happen.

Article Source:  You Make It Happen

The Truth About Menu Boards


By Kevin Purcel

Digital Menu Boards are utilized in less than 20% of restaurants in overall nation. The other 80% are needlessly missing out on some incredibly easy and effective ways to increase the bottom line.

What's today's special?

Over half of restaurant customers look to menu boards specifically to find out what's on special. But incredibly, almost half the time the very information that these eager customers were looking for, literally with their money in their hands, was nowhere to be found! For the 80%, it's easy to see why. Imagine how difficult it would be to change static chalkboard signage every time you change your special. For owners of digital display systems, what's on your display can be changed at the touch of a button, with the changes automatically reflected in your POS system, too.

This disadvantage is especially crushing if your major target consumers are younger. The Millennials, perhaps the most important demographic for QSR establishments, are less set in their ways about everything, including the food that they eat. They are looking for new food experiences and your meal specials are prime candidates. Why would you want to miss this opportunity?

One picture is worth 1000 words:

QSR customers are in a hurry. They won't take a time to read lengthy explanations. That's why pictures are essential, especially if you're promoting a new menu item. A tantalizing vision of your latest promotional special, in all its mouthwatering glory in living color, will have your customers reaching for their wallets far faster than any verbal description. While posting great pictures is as easy as a few taps on a keyboard for operators boasting digital display systems, it will present much more of a challenge for those still stuck with chalkboard or painted signage.

Greater control with digital signage:

For franchises or other types of multi-site operators, what customers see on menu boards can be centrally controlled. A new limited time offer and new pricing can be made to appear at all your locations, whether they are on the other side of town, or on the other side of the continent. And, if you're spending millions on advertising that great new blockbuster offer on the web and on TV, you want to make sure that what your hungry, eager customers see on your menu signs is in sync with the expectations that you spent so much time, effort and money in creating.

Origin Display Group | Origin Menu Boards | Origin Digital Signage | 888-235-2579

Article Source:  The Truth About Menu Boards

10 Steps on How to Develop a Business Properly


By Adnan Monsur

(A Business Development Manager's Point of View)

So you want to develop a business, huh? Well, you're just in luck. This article will help you whether you are planning to start up new or have an existing business that you would like to expand. This is a step by step guide on how to start, improve, and expand a business while minimizing loss on your part. If you are starting new, please read this article carefully from the very beginning. For those, who already have an existing business and would like to improve or expand, the latter part of the article will be more useful.

Every business starts with an idea. You will find that throughout the article, I have emphasized the mental aspects of people rather than physical or financial aspects. Call me philosophical, but the mind is where everything happens. I have seen and experienced it time and time. When your mind is fully committed, there is literally nothing that you cannot do. Let's begin.

Step 01: Find Your Passion

To start a business, you need to find out what it is that you are truly passionate about. "Why is that important", you say? The answer is simple. You really do not want to get yourself stuck into a kind of work that you hate. There are plenty of planning and executing involved in a brand new business and if you are passionate about it, they would not feel like work at all compared to a kind of business you do not care for. After all, happiness is the end result of anything that we do in life. Why not choose a business that would make you happy while doing it?

"When your vacation becomes your vocation, you have succeeded in life".

Step 02: How to Sell It

Now that you have found your passion, let us figure out how to use it to bill people who are in need of the kind of service you can provide. Even though yours is the most ridiculous passion ever, believe me, there are millions of people who would be glad to have your services. As a matter of fact the stranger and more unique your passion is, the more likely you are to succeed simply because that type of business doesn't exist yet. That also doesn't mean that if your passion is something common or usual, you shouldn't do it. Even if it is something common, if you really love it, you will always find ways to do things differently than the others and that itself is the winner.

Let's say that you are passionate about cars. You are more likely to succeed in an auto shop, auto parts shop, or a repair and modification shop. Sure, there are plenty of those out there, but if you love it, it is going to be one of a kind. Maybe your shop has a nice waiting area where your customers can have a seat and a free beverage when they come to drop off or pick up a car, or you may have free stickers complementary to having their breaks fixed. Once you're in the business, you'll figure that out.

Step 03: The Planning

Write down your unique ideas and prepare a presentation. Take some time to do it. You should not rush this part. If a new idea comes while you are in the middle of the planning stage, do not hesitate to change. Edit and modify until you are fully satisfied and you can see a clear mental picture of your business. I cannot emphasize how important this is. You have to be absolutely clear and certain. If there are parts that are hazy, leave for a while, do something else, and come back to the planning table again when your mind is clear. You will see later how we will reuse this step over and over again.

A thing to remember here is that I am not talking about the "Hows". At this point, you're not thinking how you will start the business. That will come later. Your focus at this stage is the "Whats". If you start thinking about the "Hows", you will ruin your plan because you will start to think about things such as "How do I get the capital", "How am I going to find an ideal place" etc. The "Hows" will show up later when you are clear about the "Whats".

Step 04: Visualize Your Success

Now that you have had the clear picture of your business, visualize how it would look and feel when it is fully operational and successful. You must be able to taste the success. This again is another important stage. Why-you ask? There will be obstacles on your way to success. This is the picture that will keep you going. It will also help keep your team motivated in the future should you need to inspire them in times of hardship. You, the leader, must have that picture of success handy at all times.

Step 05: The Needs

You are clear about what your business will be and you have a clear picture of success. By now, you are mentally ready, so let's get physical. The physical needs of the business include 3 things: infrastructure, personnel, and finance.

Infrastructure: If your business is local such as an auto repair shop, you will need a space, an office, a storage area, and some furniture. If your business is virtual, you will need a website or other computer based applications. In any case, you have the clear picture (Step 03), so you can create a list of infrastructural needs.

Personnel: If it is a kind of business that you can do totally on your own, then you are it. If not, you are going to need assistance. Use Step 03, and find out how many people you will need and what their jobs and qualifications should be. You may also look among your friends, relatives and acquaintances that may have those qualifications and would be happy to help you in the beginning. Having a good friend or partner at this stage is very helpful. If you have a friend who shares almost the same vision as you, you have hit the jackpot. Things are a lot easier with a good friend beside.

Finance: This part is slightly uncomfortable for a lot of people. For this reason, a lot of great ideas never see the light of the day. Many would give up at this sector because they believe there is no money. If you feel that, please remember that the financial industry was built on great ideas. It is their purpose to invest. How else do you think the Empire State Building was built? One person didn't put all his money into it. The idea was great and was simply backed by several financial institutions. The truth is there are numerous banks, lending agencies, and investors who are looking for a great idea to invest in.

However, ideally you, as the owner of the business, should have at least half the initial capital you need. If you are currently in a job, you can start saving up. If you already have the money, begin at once. If you do not have anything, use your Step 03 presentation to attract a wealthy relative, friend or an investor.

I have mentioned in the beginning of the article how important the mental aspects of the people are. I would like to elaborate on this a little bit more since finance is a huge issue. Fear is your only true enemy here. This is the only one thing that you have to overcome, and you have to face it no matter what. I will help you with a few tips on how to do it, but you have to walk this path.

First of all, it is okay to be afraid. It is a part of who we are. Just remember that "Courage is not the absence of fear. It is having fear and still doing the thing you are afraid of". In other words, FACE IT. After all, "At the end of our lives, we only regret things we haven't done or chances we haven't taken". What is the worst that could happen? We all die, and it is better to die quickly doing something we love than live a long boring life doing things that are safe and comfortable. Use Step 04 and have that taste of success, and get out there. Here are a few types of fear that you may have and how to overcome them:

Fear of Rejection: Yes, you will be rejected. Not a lot of people would understand what it is you are trying to do, so do not take it personally, and move on to the next. When you do your presentation, prepare your best and do it with passion. People invest in sincerity. I know I would. I would invest my own money if I saw a person who was genuinely passionate about a project even though I didn't understand the business. Why? Because he would not give up on this until successful, so it pays to have your Step 01.

Fear of Loss: There is always a possibility of loss. After all, it is a new business and you do not know all the pits and falls. Trust in yourself that if you make a mistake and have a loss, you will also know how to get out of it. It is your idea, and you know best. Loss will happen when it happens, and you will know what to do then- no need to worry now.

Fear of Embarrassment: Yes, there are those who would always have something to say especially when you are having a hard time. You will be ridiculed and laughed at. However, wouldn't that be sweeter when you come around triumphant? How could you win if you have never been defeated? Prepare to take the embarrassment and defeat, use Step 04 through these times, and come back a winner. People remember a hero- not an average person.

I hope the tips on fear would help you overcome it. Now that you have found the capital provider/s, there is one thing you should consider. Find an investor who is willing to wait for the business to properly run, which is ideally 6 to 8 months. There are investors, banks or lending agencies that would loan you the money but would want their interests or return of investment (ROI) almost immediately. This is short sighted. A wise investor knows that if the business isn't fully operational and he starts to claim his money, neither will the business succeed nor will he get his money back. Therefore, choose someone who will wait. That way, the business is safe and the investor gets his full ROI.

Step 06: Start

Find your place, find your personnel, and go for it. Use your partner as a right hand man and divide jobs. One can find a place and buy the furniture and the other can do the hiring. Hire the best quality people you can. Keep in mind that the first set of employees will be your core team, and you must be comfortable working with them. Remember Step 03, so you will know how many people you need and what qualifications they must have.

Step 07: Employees

Make sure everyone knows clearly what they are doing. Create a fair employment policy where good jobs are rewarded. Also, make sure that employees that are not really up to the job are given chances and training before you let them go. It sometimes helps to pair up one good employee with another bad one so that the bad one can learn from the good. You may also create a profit sharing plan. This makes employees take care of your business as if it is their own.

Step 08: Market

Market your business and do it professionally. Once you have established your business, you must reach as many customers as possible. You may ask a professional photographer to take pictures of your facility, and ask a graphic designer to create brochures.

Online presence is also important. Create a good website. It is easy nowadays, but if you have the means, give it to an IT professional. See if you can create an app for smartphones for the services you provide. Offer promotions and discounts on your brochures and website.

Regularly meet your core team to discuss how to improve services or reach more customers. Have an open mind, take all their ideas and pick the ones that best suit you, and execute. These are several ways to market your business: Door to Door Marketing, Telemarketing, SEO, API (Create an app), Advertising.

On my next article, I will solely focus on Marketing Strategies.

Step 09: Expand

Expand your business. You already have one business model now, so all you have to do is copy and paste, so do not refuse a chance to expand. If it is a local business that serves only the local customers, open another branch or start franchising it to other cities. At this point, financing should not be a problem. Plenty of investors and financers will gladly give you the money. If it is an online business, expand your SEO or Customer Support team, and the whole world will be your market.

Step 10: Balance

Last but not least, create balance in everything you do. From the very first step to the last, balance is the key. The lesson on balance is huge, but I will discuss it briefly.

Too much of anything is bad. Do not work so hard that you lose your family, friends or health. After all, money is no good if you cannot share it with people you love, or if you have to spend most of your money in the hospitals. You have to keep the balance between your business and personal life. Also, no good idea can come out of you if you are overworked and tired all the times. When you feel stuck, get away for a while and come back later. You will find a solution.

There are ups and downs in life as well as in business. The lesson on balance also tells us that you should be cautious when you are succeeding and patient when you are failing. When you are succeeding, do not spend money unnecessarily on things you don't need. Also, when you are failing, do not give up because success is just around the corner. It is the darkest before dawn, so "This too shall pass".

You must also create a balance between you and your employees. You are their leader. If you are too hard on them, they will quit or even worse sabotage the business. If you are too soft, they will play more than work.

At the end, all businesses are about people. From your employees to your investors to your customers, balance all relationships. Share and enjoy your success.

Conclusion

I have gathered the information for this article from different life coaches, motivational speakers, and my own life experiences as a business developer. I hope it helps. Dream big and go for it.

You may contact me if you have questions or want to know more.

  https://adnanelsonline.wixsite.com/adnan]https:

Article Source:  10 Steps on How to Develop a Business Properly

Success at What You Do Depends on What You Do


By Catherine Rose

Persistence, drive, and motivation are three key components in reaching your goal. Nothing is achieved sitting around and thinking about it.

Devise a plan, set goals for yourself and get started. No, you might not be able to get where you want to be as fast as you desire but taking consistent steps daily puts you closer and closer to achieving what you want.

Have Faith

Stop using the words, No and Can't, yes you can and don't procrastinate!

Find something your good at and develop it. What are you passionate about? Perhaps your beginning point can be in doing what you love. Many things start off as a hobby and the next thing you know you are consistently doing it. Sometimes we have to think outside of our comfort zone. Even if someone else is doing the same thing you are doing, so what. Each person has their own unique touch and personality. Put your all in it and let your light shine through your talent.

Share what you do with others, don't be afraid to showcase your talent. Use your own judgment as to how much you want to show, a little at a time is OK. Create a blog or website and let people know a little bit about you and the talents you posses. When people get to know you they become more interested in what you are doing and the get a glimpse of the person behind the product.

Remember you are the face of your brand. Bees are more attracted to honey then vinegar so put on a happy face, be friendly and welcoming. Be encouraging as well to others who might be apprehensive about stepping out on Faith to showcase their own talent and expand their horizons. As you grow to know one another and each other's talents lift each other up and encourage one another to keep pushing forward even when things might not move as fast as you like.

Be Patient

Nothing happens overnight, every thing takes time. We have to be patient and trust the process in getting ourselves organized, products stocked for selling, advertised and sold. Take pictures of your finished work. Show before and after pictures to show how you turned much of nothing into something, people like seeing others creativity.

Marketing

Name your business, have business cards printed up with your blog, website or Facebook link on it so people can find you. Make sure to put either your email address or a phone number where you can be reached in case people have questions about what you're selling. Decide what method of payments you will be accepting and be sure to list price everything and make mention if any shipping and handling charges apply. Be precise and specific when listing each item you plan to sell such as dimensions, colors, etc. Be sure to make mention of the length of time it will take for your buyer to receive your item and try to stick to that time frame. People like getting things in a punctual manner especially after they have paid for it in advance. Pack your items accordingly for safe transit to your buyer.

Keep reminding yourself that you must remain focused, persistent and determined to get where you want to be. It will be worth it in the end. Your hard work will pay off. Keep a journal of your progress. Make supply lists and wait for after holiday sales so you can get supplies at a deep discount. Most of the time you can get them from 60-80% off after the season has pass, there always more expensive when you try to purchase them in season or during that particular holiday. Remember one step at a time to success.

I wrote this article to share with others seeking entrepreneurship but I wrote it mainly for myself so that I too can stay motivated and keep in mind if first you don't succeed, try again. You never know what you can accomplish if you don't try. Stay motivated and keep your eye on the prize!

Article Source:  Success at What You Do Depends on What You Do

Is It Stress Or Is It Pressure? Why You Need To Know


By Bill Stainton

"I'm so stressed out! Can you help me?"

I get that a lot, particularly when people hear that one of my areas of expertise is helping people produce under pressure. It's a fair question, but an off-target one. Fair, because stress and pressure are similar. Off-target, because they're not the same.

Here's the difference. Stress is a condition. You have a tough job, or an unhappy marriage, or unruly kids. These can all cause stress. Pressure, however, is an event. You have a "make it or break it" presentation to give to an important client on Tuesday at 9am. You have an audition with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for the one open cello spot. You're making the potentially game-winning free throw in the division basketball championship.

Think of it this way. When you're under stress, you just want to make it go away (or at least minimize it). In a pressure situation, on the other hand, you either succeed or fail. Win or lose. Crush it or choke.

Being a student is stressful. Taking the SATs is pressure.

Stress is a dimmer switch; pressure is a toggle.

Why is this important? Because in a pressure situation, the stakes are higher - and the solutions are different.

Producing under pressure is, to a large extent, about mind control. Literally. It's about what you choose to focus on - and, to a sometimes greater extent, what you choose not to focus on.

Put even more simply, it's about minimizing distractions.

But here's an interesting twist. These distractions vary, depending on the type of pressure event you're facing - and there are basically two:

There's the pressure event that primarily involves thinking: taking the SATs, delivering a TED Talk, asking for a raise.

There's the pressure event that primarily involves muscle memory: sinking the winning putt, playing a Beethoven piano sonata in concert, parallel parking with your in-laws in the car.

For the thinking events, you'll get better results when you can focus on the task at hand. This means weeding out distractions like room temperature, the fight you had with your significant other this morning, or that weird sound your car is making when you turn left. Those may be valid concerns, but they're concerns for another time. You need to be able to put them aside and devote all your thinking power to the task in front of you.

For the muscle memory tasks, conversely, you don't want to think too much about them! Your expertise for these tasks is stored in a different part of your brain, and if you try to bring it to the conscious thinking part (your pre-frontal cortex), you'll end up overanalyzing it - which leads to choking. This is why a seasoned, professional golfer goes into a slump when she starts thinking too much about, say, the mechanics of her backswing.

Stress is tough, but pressure is critical. By knowing the difference, you'll be better equipped to tackle each one with the appropriate tools.

For 15 years, Executive Producer Bill Stainton led his team to more than 100 Emmy Awards and 10 straight years of #1 ratings. Today Bill helps leaders achieve those kinds of results--in THEIR world and with THEIR teams. His website is http://www.BillStainton.com

Article Source:  Is It Stress Or Is It Pressure? Why You Need To Know

The Truth About Menu Boards


By Kevin Purcel

Digital Menu Boards are utilized in less than 20% of restaurants in overall nation. The other 80% are needlessly missing out on some incredibly easy and effective ways to increase the bottom line.

What's today's special?

Over half of restaurant customers look to menu boards specifically to find out what's on special. But incredibly, almost half the time the very information that these eager customers were looking for, literally with their money in their hands, was nowhere to be found! For the 80%, it's easy to see why. Imagine how difficult it would be to change static chalkboard signage every time you change your special. For owners of digital display systems, what's on your display can be changed at the touch of a button, with the changes automatically reflected in your POS system, too.

This disadvantage is especially crushing if your major target consumers are younger. The Millennials, perhaps the most important demographic for QSR establishments, are less set in their ways about everything, including the food that they eat. They are looking for new food experiences and your meal specials are prime candidates. Why would you want to miss this opportunity?

One picture is worth 1000 words:

QSR customers are in a hurry. They won't take a time to read lengthy explanations. That's why pictures are essential, especially if you're promoting a new menu item. A tantalizing vision of your latest promotional special, in all its mouthwatering glory in living color, will have your customers reaching for their wallets far faster than any verbal description. While posting great pictures is as easy as a few taps on a keyboard for operators boasting digital display systems, it will present much more of a challenge for those still stuck with chalkboard or painted signage.

Greater control with digital signage:

For franchises or other types of multi-site operators, what customers see on menu boards can be centrally controlled. A new limited time offer and new pricing can be made to appear at all your locations, whether they are on the other side of town, or on the other side of the continent. And, if you're spending millions on advertising that great new blockbuster offer on the web and on TV, you want to make sure that what your hungry, eager customers see on your menu signs is in sync with the expectations that you spent so much time, effort and money in creating.

Origin Display Group | Origin Menu Boards | Origin Digital Signage | 888-235-2579

Article Source:  The Truth About Menu Boards

The Art of Asking Questions - Humanology for You


By Jessica J Lockhart

Interacting with human beings sometimes requires knowing how to ask questions. But not just any questions; the right questions depending on the goal and the person being asked. This applies to interactions with friends and family and to working relationships. What is it that you want or need to know? What is the question being asked for? Different questions will yield different answers, or no answers at all. It's fundamental to know what type of question to ask in order to get the information that is needed or sought.

If there is a situation to clarify or information to be had and your only request for information requires yes or no for an answer, you won't get too far. Imagine a manager who needs to get to the bottom of a problem in a conflict between two employees. He sits with each person involved in turns and asks them questions that need yes/no answers. He will need hours to obtain some kind of information. It could go something like this...

- Did you have an argument with X?

- Yes

- Did you start it?

- No

- So X started it?

- Yes

That could take forever.

On the other hand, more open-ended questions could also lead some people to not knowing what or how to answer. Imagine a conversation between a manager and an employee who's often late...

- Why are you late so often?

- I don't know. I try to be on time

- But you are often late. Why?

- I don't know

That could also take forever.

Different styles are needed under different circumstances and depending on the goal to be reached and the characteristics of the person being asked. The most important aspect of any question is its answer: what is it that the question is trying to discover? Questions should always be posed based on the goal they need to reach. So, if confirmation or refutation are needed, a closed-ended question requiring a YES/NO answer will help most. Closed-ended questions can also prove useful when open conversation is difficult for whatever reason and as an icebreaker.

So, if dealing with a very shy or angry person, open-ended questions might prove impossible to handle the situation. If that kind of person is given the choice to answer and volunteer information, he or she might feel blocked, stressed or upset. We might need to use closed-ended questions just to get them talking and relaxing a bit; just to get the conversation flowing. Let's imagine a scenario in which information is needed from a very angry or a very shocked client... If the questions we start posing are of the why-kind, the client might lose control over his temper and just let go of his anger or frustration. If, on the other hand, a set of yes/no questions is offered, that might give him the time and pace he needs to calm down and slowly start a conversation that might result in more open-ended questions later.

Closed-ended questions are therefore very useful when trying to confirm or refute information and when trying to guide the conversation very much.

If more information is the goal, open-ended questions (who, when, how, why, where... ) can help better if properly used. If details are needed, open-ended questions offer the interviewee the possibility to give them. Let's imagine a situation in which a conflict between two employees needs to be solved. We already saw in the example above that closed-ended questions would lead the manager nowhere. Let's explore a different scenario:

- How did the argument with X begin?

- Well, he took one of my tools and didn't return it, so I had to go fetch it back.

Just that first "how" question offers the manager much more information than any YES/NO question would. Open-ended questions give people the opportunity to express themselves. They help us get more details. Let's see another example...

- Why are you feeling upset?

- I'm feeling upset because he should have returned the tool and not make me go and get it. That made me waste a lot of time.

- What else are you feeling?

- I'm really angry. I needed to finish something but couldn't because I needed that tool and then had no time left.

- What would you like to do about this now?

- I would like to make sure that my tools remain by my post all the time.

By not "putting words in people's mouths" and letting them express what they truly think and feel, the conversation can expand and grow. People can then explore aspects of the problem that they might have not thought about before. Open-ended questions are also very powerful when trying to unblock certain situations. Let's see an example:

- What do you want now?

- I don't know (blocked)

- How are you feeling now?

- Disappointed. That's how I'm feeling. I wanted the company to organize the working stations better.

- How would you organize them?

- I would make sure that...

By changing the question and giving the person the chance to explore other aspects of the same issue, a conversation can be unblocked and more information shared. If the goal is to get more details, to understand the person being asked, to move forward, open-ended questions can help a lot.

There are many systems and sets of questions being used in companies and by professionals today to try and get information and help situations evolve faster and better. Toyota, for instance, created a 5-question system to help analyze problems by repeating "why" to all answers offered when researching a situation. Example:

- Why did you get into the argument?

- Because he took my tools

- Why did he take your tools?

- Because he didn't have any

- Why didn't he have any?

- Because we need to share one set with the worker next to us and that person was using theirs

- Why do you have to share the tools?

- Because the company believes that one set per two people is enough

- Why do they think so?

- Because it usually is. But they forgot to consider rush hour and individual speed.

The system applies the logic that we just explained: ask open-ended questions to get more information. Toyota decided that 5 "why" questions would offer them enough information to understand the underlying problem in order to solve it. Once again, the questions are asked to satisfy a certain goal: getting enough information to solve a problem. The "why" set of questions are OK in this case because the goal is obtaining that information.

Why questions might not be the right ones, though, under other circumstances. If the goal is to get information from a person who doesn't understand the situation for whatever reason (lack of knowledge, fear, guilt... ), "why" could block that person, in which case, other open-ended questions might help better. Let's imagine one situation in which a person feels guilty...

- Why did you take those tools?

- I don't know (blocked)

- Why did you act that way?

- I already said I don't know! (maybe getting angry... )

Changing questions...

- What did you need those tools for?

- I needed them to attach the pieces.

- Where were your own tools?

- I can't find them. I think I lost them.

By changing the open-ended question, we unblock the conversation once more, offering the interviewee the chance to answer and explore. This example clearly shows how the goal and the person's characteristics are what really matters. If we insisted in asking why-questions, the person would be completely blocked and no information would be obtained. The goal was getting the information.

Keeping the goal in mind and considering the person's characteristics are the keys to asking the correct questions.

One last very important aspect to bear in mind when asking questions is pace. People need enough time to think about their answers and give them. At the same time, when too much time is given, people might feel blocked by not coming up with an answer. Closed-ended questions need less time for their answers. Open-ended ones should not be rushed. If a person doesn't answer a question even when enough time is given, a different type of question should be asked. Observation is key in this aspect of question-asking. If the interviewee gets nervous or upset, make sure that the questions being posed are not overlapping one another and that the answers given are not interrupted. Make also sure that the person looks relaxed and comfortable. When in doubt, ask them if the pace is OK for them.

Asking questions should therefore always consider both the goal to be reached and the person being asked. Bear both in mind and your process will be much more rewarding and complete.

And remember to enjoy life... ALL of it

Do you want to know more? http://www.jessicajlockhart.com/en

Article Source:  The Art of Asking Questions - Humanology for You

Top 5 Techniques to Reduce Manufacturing Costs


By Arjun N

Manufacturers are always looking for techniques to reduce their cost. Here are five of them that will help the manufacturers reduce cost irrespective of their sector. The primary step would be to assess their process and do on internal audit. Only when the big picture is at view, methods can be implemented to reduce the costs.

Energy Efficiency

Most of the time without our notice we tend to waste a lot of electricity. Implementing sensors that would stop the machines immediately after usage can reduce quite a lot of cost. Replacing energy guzzling machinery with those consuming less energy can save up to 10% of the cost. Usage of alternative energy sources like solar energy which is the cheapest source of energy can cut down operating cost significantly.

Fixed Cost Reduction

Machinery for a manufacturing industry is very important, but only a few machineries are constantly used. Hence, owning the machinery that is used passively wouldn't be feasible; renting/leasing such machinery can reduce the fixed cost. Using automation in production process can decrease the labour cost abundantly. Outsourcing advertising, marketing and sales could also help in cost reduction.

Overhead Cost Reduction

Maintaining inventory by not over producing and recycling/selling the wastage or scrap of the raw material can always free up and manage the factory space and reduce wastage. At times, outsourcing supply can reduce the business space, risk, staff, and maintenance of vehicles. Buying raw materials at bulk and sharing it with another manufacturer can reduce the material and inventory space. Intercom and internet calling, conferencing and video calling meetings can help reduce administrative cost.

Reduction in Labour Costs

Usage of technology for the manufacturing process like implementing sensors and automation, robotics can drop down as the number of labours drops as the automation requires less human interference and is more accurate. Using part time workers and free lancers can eliminate the idle time of labourers. Implementing methods to increase efficiency; comfortable positive workplace, eliminating overtime as it reduces efficiency, training employees, getting to know the employees, reskilling of the employees rather than assigning them monotonous task can help the manufacturer make optimum use of the labour force.

Customer related cost reduction

Technology can help the manufacturer cut down the cost in every stage of the manufacturing process and also at marketing. Using technology for marketing, advertising and promoting of goods can reduce cost abundantly. Designing products digitally 3D print of the product would help the manufacturer in better understanding of customer needs and can reduce correction and reproduction.

Article Source:  Top 5 Techniques to Reduce Manufacturing Costs

BIM Process Risks for MEP Design Service and How to Mitigate Them


By Kuldeep Bwail

Global construction practice has seen substantial changes over recent years, with the arrival of BIM being a key factor. Building Information Modelling, known as BIM, is a process that involves the creation of 3D models, which enables designers and engineers to create accurate construction scheduling, estimate costs and adapt intelligently to design changes. Accurate building information models and precise building designs are created from the outset, which benefits all stakeholders in the construction process, particularly MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) designers. MEP (M&E) designers or engineers design MEP services, while MEP contractors are then responsible for spatial coordination, detailed design, fabrication and installation. Though BIM drives an effective process for MEP (M&E) design services, there are some risks involved. We look at how these risks can be mitigated.

Firstly, it is useful to understand exactly what the BIM process contributes to MEP engineering design. A BIM model helps visualise spatial MEP requirements. Detailed views are created for analysis, and any clashes of spatial requirements are identified and can be resolved at an early stage. Designs can be altered to mitigate any clashes, and these changes can be seen in the model.

The progress of the MEP design and coordination workflow process has been supported and driven by technological advancements. BIM technology has played an important role in making this possible, especially the use of 3D models through Autodesk's BIM 360 tool. BIM 360 is a cloud-based software platform developed primarily for construction, which employs checklists, equipment tracking and the monitoring of tasks to improve quality and on-site safety. Within BIM 360, models can be utilised for 2D construction documentation and the 3D coordination of trades. BIM 360 permits the control of processes by project managers, subcontractors, designers and architects at all design stages. It enables the sharing of vast amounts of information between stakeholders and easy communication.

MEP designers can utilise architectural, structural and trade models to plan in detail from the onset of a project by designing in 3D. In general, the process involves MEP design and installation workflows that will streamline planning, designing, coordination, fabrication, installation and construction of a project. Following architectural design, the MEP design engineer develops building services design elements, such as lighting, cooling, heating, drainage, waste, fire prevention and protection services. In most cases, the design engineer is not involved with the detailed spatial design of building services. Usually, it is the MEP, or trade, contractor who carries out the detailed spatial design and installation. It falls to the MEP contractor to convert the consultant's design into an installation-ready MEP format and provide MEP shop drawing services. At times, fabricators creating ductwork or pipework elements, electrical ladders or sprinklers in a module also contribute.

The BIM process brings all stakeholders on to the same platform at every design stage.

Therefore, an effective collaboration tool would be required to:

Enable access to MEP designers, architects, structural designers, MEP contractors

Host various formats for files and documents

Ease communication

Permit designers and shareholders to work on the same models and share design data

BIM 360 Team with Collaboration for Revit (C4R) offers this. It integrates stakeholders and project information into a single cloud-based platform and improves quality while reducing rework. Checklists can monitor safety on site, equipment can be tracked and asset data can be collated. Any problems can be resolved early in the design process, minimising delay, cost and rework.

BIM Process Risks for MEP

Communication

If architects, modellers and designers do not communicate properly, designs may not be properly integrated and the occurrence of errors in the MEP model will increase.

Building Code Understanding

Client needs and local code requirements are of paramount importance and must be clearly understood. If misunderstandings of building codes and client requirements occur the MEP design will be negatively impacted.

Coordination

Stakeholders must coordinate effectively. Any modification executed by any MEP service should be communicated to all other trades. Failure to do so can create hazards at the project implementation stage.

Cost Estimation

The BIM process can help determine overall costs and take off quantities. MEP resources, labour and prices are considered, but materials availability and costs may vary over the duration of the design and implementation, affecting cost estimation.

Technical Knowhow

Effective BIM usage requires in-depth knowledge of BIM technology and Revit, Navisworks, etc. to develop precise MEP designs. Errors could prove costly.

Incomplete BIM Use

In common practice, BIM is used for a specific MEP objective rather than for each and every part of the design process. These include:

Remodelling or renovation

Material takeoffs and estimation

Design models by contractors

Detailed models of MEP components

Unless the BIM scope and output are accurately defined, the intended use of the BIM model may not occur.

BIM Model Not Shared with Construction Team

When 2D documents are printed from the model, some of the 3D data may not be transferred. The construction team may need to design a new 3D model, leading to unexpected changes. Designers may not share models with contractors because they are incomplete or do not tally with the construction documents, creating errors and tensions.

Not Possible to Model Everything

Creating models is time consuming. Many details, such as size, shape, location, quantity, and orientation with detailing, fabrication, assembly and installation information, can be included. It may not be possible to create models for every portion of the design, resulting in an incomplete overall picture.

MEP Design Handoff

Contractors traditionally received 2D line diagrams, schedules and specifications of the design from MEP designers. Currently, an increasing number of MEP design engineers create models, raising confusion about who is responsible for duct placement, equipment placement and coordination responsibility - designers or contractors. Models created by MEP designers may not be spatially accurate enough during the early stages.

However, there are several ways to mitigate these shortfalls, such as:

Early BIM Adoption (During Design Stage)

All project stakeholders should be encouraged to use BIM from the design stage, with clear guidelines for its use. If BIM is adopted at a later stage without clear specification of its purpose, the results could be confusion, wastage of time and increasing costs.

Defined Roles within the BIM Process

Design and modelling roles must be clearly defined before beginning design. If MEP subcontractors need to provide MEP BIM, with accurate routing, attachment details and equipment connections, they must be clearly informed of this and it should be part of the contractual obligations. They will not be able to rely on MEP consultant models in such a case.

Improved Coordination Skills

MEP design in BIM currently utilises improved spatial coordination skills during the design phase. This could be a result of employing more technically qualified professionals for these services, and as a consequence, contractors are presented with more accurate models to work with.

Accountability for Coordination

Internal coordination is necessary for a viable BIM model, much like a 2D drawing set used to be. Revisions, modifications and file versions must be coordinated as well. Since 3D models are complex, coordination must be monitored and controlled to prevent expensive and unnecessary rework. Even though files can be hosted in the cloud, it is advisable to maintain backups.

It is a certainty that precise, effective design with fewer errors is possible using BIM but there may be challenges in achieving those designs. Specifying the role of BIM, its usage, the stakeholders involved and the challenges to be expected can help optimise the benefits of using BIM and minimise its risks. The positive impact of building information modelling will be felt for some time. Analysing and mitigating the risks involved in its use can only benefit the industry and its players.

Kuldeep Bwail is a Director at XS CAD Limited, a leading pre-construction planning company providing 3D BIM Modeling to Homebuilders, Architects, Retailers, etc. operating in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Europe and India.

Article Source:  BIM Process Risks for MEP Design Service and How to Mitigate Them

How You Can Become Taller Naturally


By Anand Kumar

Your height has a lot to do with so many factors like your genes, diet, age, activity levels and so on. As a result of this, there are some things you can do to boost your height if you really desire it and if you are still at the growing stage.

Eat a balanced diet

You should consume a balanced diet and avoid too much fatty foods that will make you look plumpy because you will look shorter. It is also important for you to make sure that your diet consists of lean protein like fish, soy, white poultry meat, etc., in order to enhance muscle growth and virile bones. You also need enough zinc from foods like pumpkin, oysters, peanuts, just to mention a few. Vitamin D also promotes bone and muscle growth, and you can get this from milk and cereals.

Get enough sleep every night

Your body grows when you sleep, hence, it is important to sleep very well at night. If you are a teenager or younger than 20, you should get between 9 and 11 hours of sleep every night. Getting good, sound sleep will boost the production of human growth hormone (HGH) which is naturally produced through the pituitary gland, particularly when you are deeply asleep.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercising can assist you to grow taller during your teen years and in puberty. You should get a workout for at least 30 minutes everyday and you can join a gym in order to get access to exercising as well as muscle-building machines. You can also become a member of a sports team and take advantage of the competitiveness to exercise. If you can't get yourself to do all these, you can walk around and you will be amazed at how easy it is for you to exercise. Walk to school, grocery, library, etc. and before you realize it, you are already working out.

Do not stunt your growth

Even though there is a limit to what you can do to increase your height, there are many steps you can take to avoid shortening your height by environmental influences. Drugs and alcohol are believed to be partly responsible for stunted growth, especially if you take them while you are young. Caffeine consumption is also linked to not getting enough sleep which may hinder your normal growth.

Expect to be in your 20s before you stop growing

It is very important for you to know that you will get to your twenties before you will stop growing. If you are still at the puberty stage or under 18, you are definitely still growing and you should work hard not to stunt your growth.

Article Source:  How You Can Become Taller Naturally

What Is Digital Transformation And What Does It Really Mean For Your Business?


By Uthra R

What Is Digital Transformation?

The Global Center for Digital Transformation says that "organizational change is the foundation of digital business transformation". That's because changing the nature of an organisation means changing the way people work, challenging their mindsets and the daily work processes and strategies that they rely upon. While these present the most difficult problems, they also yield the most worthwhile rewards, allowing a business to become more efficient, data-driven and nimble, taking advantage of more business opportunities.

Define 'digital' in digital transformation

While the focus is on changing how the business works at every level, technology underpins all digital transformation projects. But what technology?

Obviously this changes as time goes on, but typically businesses want to adopt technologies that help them harness and make sense of the vast quantities of data they are sitting on, as well as preparing for trends like the Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile.

That means analytics tools are high up on the agenda, as well as cloud computing, which lets you store data outside your own data centre, potentially closing this down. You might also want to focus on collaborative tools, like file-sharing, mobile devices, and apps, that let your employees work wherever they are, and which give them instant access to information - especially useful for salespeople visiting customers, for instance.

What Digital Transformation Means For Your Business?

Accepting and moving toward digital transformation doesn't simply mean jumping on every technological bandwagon that comes along. Doing that is like putting a bunch of cut up vegetables in a pot and calling it soup. Unless you put the right ingredients in the pot and turn on the stove, you'll never make soup-at least not soup that anyone wants to eat. Instead, each company has to spend some time thinking about what digital transformation really means for them.

Companies need to think about transitioning core business processes and digitalizing the client/business process first. They have to think about which applications, platforms, and solutions fit into their culture, daily operations, and budget. There is unfortunately no cookie cutter solution that businesses can opt into. It's a process that requires personalization and a knack for following trends.

Digital Disruption And Focusing On The Consumer

Digital disruption is another key term that describes what digital transformation can do in society at large. Smartphones created a disruption, Uber created a disruption, and wearable technology continues to create disruptions. With each key technological advancement, the daily lives of consumers change a little more. The norm is shaken up, and the advancement adds value to consumers. Businesses that take advantage of the new changes, and who understand how these changes affect daily life, can modify their practices to meet the needs of the consumer.

Consumer-centrism is one way to ensure that you're meeting the demands of the digital age. Knowing where your customers are interacting online and how you can meet them on their own turf will enhance your ability to make their lives easier and to make sales. Every business has to think about digital transformation and the power of disruptions now. There is no longer time to take baby steps and get your feet wet. It's a sink or swim environment for many businesses.

Planning Ahead For Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is both an end result and an ongoing process. You have to make the initial move, and then you must continue to evolve or be forced out. There is no quick fix for digital transformation. When you sit down with your team to discuss your company's digital future, think about the near future, but also the long-term goals of your company. To maintain relevancy, you will need to implement digital solutions that keep your company moving forward into the digital era and not standing still or moving backwards.

At every step, think about the business experience. What can you implement to streamline in-house operations? What can you implement to facilitate customer interactions? These aspects that will drive your digital transformation. For some companies that may mean adopting an integrated payment solution so that customers can login to an online portal and pay their bills. For others, it may mean getting on social media and posting relevant content on a regular basis. Any move to the digital space is part of the digital transformation.

Over the long term, the digital experience will shift. How can you make changing an easier part of the business process? Transparency, a group mission toward digital relevance, and constant listening to customer behaviors may all be important for shifting your company's focus away from legacy business practices and to a more digital oriented future.

If your business is seeking to get into the race of digital transformation, it is important to act right now. Late adopters can have serious disadvantages since the competition is already in the domain. If you are looking to adopt a business model that utilizes a digital core, we can help. Embrace the digital transformation with the best developers to get to the forefront of change.

Article Source: What Is Digital Transformation And What Does It Really Mean For Your Business?

The Tragedy of Non-Competitive Sales Managers


By Alex Valassidis

Are you one of those guys (girls) placing tens maybe hundreds of calls on a weekly basis? And besides that, you have this Sales Coach over your head (Manager, Rep, etc) pushing you to achieve your KPI's and you constantly hear all these advice on how you should do this or that, what tricks you should use to succeed in cold calling or sales.

Fact is that those coaches, most of the time are uneducated idiots with a very limited perception of the world, people that because averagely did a little bit better as cold callers in the past were given this position.

I can explain to you why in those positions you find most of the times idiots with no sales management skills.

First, is the lack of a combined background.

With regards to a Sales Coach, Sales Managerial position you find 2 kinds of people. The ones that started as simple salespeople and climbed their way up. They started as simple salespeople because they did not have another choice. These ones are most of the times experienced, talented professionals that know the practical aspects of the work done, however their lack of theoretical education, limits them regarding their managerial role. Short-sighted, know how to solve the day in, day out issues, but lack vision and analytical thinking, and incapable of having what is needed for the role of sales manager.

On the other hand, you have those "educated" Sales Managers, the ones that supposedly have the sales manager qualifications, that come straight out of the college and never, ever sold anything, and even if they did, that was just for training purposes and only a job that was made for the experience. They never get under the skin of this job, and although they have analytical thinking and maybe vision, they talk nonsense because they have never sold anything and do not know what it takes.

More than ever in today's world are missing: Hardcore Salespeople, educated, with analytical skills, marketing knowledge, IT literate, to work as Sales Managers and Sales Coaches.

Secondly, is the lack of independent thinking

"Corporate reality" and real-world reality are 2 terms that nowadays distance themselves every day more and more. Leaving and working in a big corporation make people adapt to the norms and "culture" of the corporation, most of the times with disastrous effects not only on the corporation but most of all on themselves. The "politically correct" way of thinking of a corporation, which is the do's and don'ts, do not only kill creativity, not only prohibit you from thinking outside of the box, and not only distance you from reality and the real responses you would have received if you lived outside of the "big hug" of the corporation where you work but most of all kill your independent thinking and the no-nonsense, no bullshit reality a prospect of yours wants to hear. How possibly are you going to address real issues that a prospect is facing in the real world if your response is the script someone wrote in the company where you work. How is it possible to bring results if your opinion is not going to be listened to?

Thirdly, is the lack of understanding what qualities a really good salesman has

A close friend of mine had an interview with a hiring manager, a 25-year-old guy of a big and known British corporation. During the interview, my friend (a world-class salesman) told the hiring manager that the core of the sales is equal regardless if you sell oranges or super sophisticated IT solutions. The hiring manager's response was with great disappointment: "Unfortunately sir, we do not sell oranges here." And my friend's CV was dumped in the garbage bin.

For some reasons, my friend had a talk with the managing director of the company some weeks after where he referred to the conversation with the hiring manager and the managing director asked him why he said that. His response was: "Sales are generated through the same triggers to all people, and the complexity of the product makes the facade of the sale complex. However, the core of it is based on the same principles the sale of a simple product is based. Diplomacy is not one of my strengths; honesty and sales results are." The managing director took the chance and gave him the position he asked as a salesman in the company, where he proved to be the best salesperson the company ever - ever had.

When I had interviews in big corporations, I was often asked by the hiring manager, "Is money the only important factor for you to work for us?" A certain poor girl that was put in the position to be the one to judge who the company is going to hire as a salesman and who not to, had been advised by the idiot she had as a manager that salespeople with some "niveau" do not care about how much they earn, other values are more important. So, let me tell you this: GOOD SALES PEOPLE WORK FOR MONEY AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON THEY ARE WORKING IS ONLY MONEY. If a salesperson you are interviewing tells you that money is not important to him, or they are not as important as other things, do not hire him, he is a bad salesperson. Welcome to the real world.

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Article Source:  The Tragedy of Non-Competitive Sales Managers

Three Ultimate Keys for a Successful Business


By Mayank Mishra

Money can't buy us happiness, nor poverty can. So it's crucial to earn money even if you are not inclined towards being a rich person. As grown-ups, we all think to make money. Some opt for jobs, while rest try to do business. Jobs are easier, have fixed monthly income with predefined office timings. No headaches as such. So why people turn towards doing business?

Broadly there are two categories of people who start a business viz.

Not interested in doing job
Want to do something of their own

People of both categories initialize a start-up business at some time in their life. But, do you know that 8 out of 10 businesses fail in their first 18 months. They fail because most of the businesses are fueled mainly by money. When the money runs out, the business takes its own course and lead to failure.

Business is loosely defined as busy+ness. If you know your product and do improvisations in your product, you are going in the right direction. This article deals with three basics of business, hierarchically. If you follow these basics, a successful business is guaranteed.

Product

Are you completely aware of the product you are doing the business of? Are you proud of your product? If you are one of the persons who thinks that his/her employees will do all the work and he/she will enjoy the profit, then it will not work in the long run. Most of the big businesses today, started in a backyard with enthusiasts about that product. They succeeded because they loved what they were making, they were proud of what they were doing. You need to be passionate about the product you are doing the business of, and it should be something original. If you want to start a business and still don't know what to do, then find your passions and you will find the product. A good product can never be denied by a market. Everyone likes to have good things.

Packaging

A market behaves like a herd. Once a product has been seen as a garbage, it takes a huge amount of time, money and tactics to re-establish itself. Don't let your that awesome product be seen as a garbage, just because it does not have a beautiful clothing. Give it your best or hire someone who can help you with that. Packaging is how you present your creation. You definitely do not want it to be seen as a garbage.

Marketing

This is the easiest part of any business. Today in the era of the internet this part has become quite easier. Almost 25% of total money for marketing of various businesses is spent on internet. Your that awesome product and its beautiful packaging will go in vain if no one knows about your product.

If you invest only money in the business, you won't last long, but if your product is genuine along with beautiful packaging and wise marketing, you can build the brand that can shine.

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Article Source:  Three Ultimate Keys for a Successful Business

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