Small Business Tips and Ideas - BizSieve.com

A Short List Of Some Of The Biggest Problems Business Managers Face Today

Running a business has always required a lot of hard work, a lot of time, and a lot of dedication. No one ever said that running your own business would be easy, yet entrepreneurs from all over the world are opening up new businesses every day so that they can offer something unique to the public and so that they can be their own bosses and make their own decisions.

Today, there are new challenges that managers in the past never really had to deal with. Continue reading to access a short list of just a few of the problems that business managers in the 21st century have to tackle.

The Perks and Challenges of Social Media

Social media websites reign supreme among Internet users. Gone are the days when people would visit a company’s official website to learn about it and to get in touch with the business owners. These days, people check Facebook, Twitter, and other social media websites where they spend most of their time instead. Therefore, in order to run a successful business today, you need to invest your time and resources into a domain name for an official website, as well as a multitude of social media pages that are customized and able to connect with users directly. And then, of course, comes the task of marketing not only your website but also all of these social media pages and posts so that you can get through the clutter that is on the Internet and actually connect with customers who are interested in what you do.

So Much More Competition

It is easier than ever before to start up a business of any kind. This means that there is a lot more competition out there. The good news is that a lot of these businesses do not make it unless they really know what they’re doing. But if you find yourself in an overly saturated market, it can definitely be a challenge to get people to take note of you. Stiff competition has made it much more difficult for small businesses to succeed, especially since they are also up against large corporations that have a hold on major industries.

An Uncertain Economy

Tough economic times make it harder both for customers and business owners. After all, if customers cannot afford the products and services that are offered by small businesses, these companies simply cannot survive. Therefore, as long as the economy will remain uncertain, business managers need to take the right steps to keep customers satisfied and to keep their costs as low as possible in order to transfer those savings to their customers by providing low prices.

Running a business today is a tough job, and it can be more stressful than ever before to make sure that your business stays afloat. From stiff competition to a harsh economy, if you can manage to keep your business going today, you really have what it takes to be a business manager.

About the Author: Brian Smith, the author of this post, works at Yellowstone Capital, a capital firm that provides business loans. Through his blog, he advises people on topics like business management, finance and marketing. In his spare time, he likes to express himself through his blog posts.

Are you ready for the holiday retail season?

If you are a smart retailer or small business owner, you will probably know what we are talking about. Yes, the holidays are here and so are the heat and the fever of shopping that’s on its full swing! If you are keen on preparing for a successful holiday season, you can’t just afford to sit alone and aloof like that. You will need to gear up and prepare so that you can compete with the online retailers and also their storefronts. The benefits of the core holiday shopping season are not lesser known and not limited in terms of benefits, we suppose!

If you are looking to squeeze the most on the sales front from the holiday season, then you should start the needful by looking at some of the tips we have stated for your below.

Count what’s in!

You may look ahead pursuing the industry publications and also the top websites to get a bit on the experts insights and find out more on the products that are likely going to be the best sellers. This would help you ensure that you already have the plenty of supply and so that you don’t lose on the game. You can also choose to consider the gift-oriented trade shows. You can also go ahead and explore the relevant shows for your own industry.

What are the customers talking about?

Even though the holiday shopping might not be on the minds of most of the customers out there, you still have good reasons to look out for what your prospects are taking about. Look for the little details and concerns that might be bubbling up in the social media. Watch out for what they are carving and what are the brands that they are more than willing to follow and why! Do they have any special desires, something that you can fulfil this holiday? This is an interesting step taken to spot the trends. You can also ask your customers to give you the feedback and enrich your knowledge or research with their much valued opinion. This is an amazing way to actually localise the trend, as soon as you learn more about them.

Have an eye on your local customers!

In order to ensure that your best customers are visiting your store more than once, you will be required to do the needful. This will require you to reach out to them right early in the holiday season and even long before. you can consider offering them a special shopping time and provide them a much more interesting and engaging shopping experience which is also lot more stress free.

Watch out for your reviews!

Customers are usually more than willing to find out the ratings of your product on your website and also your store. Now if you are lacking in terms of stars and your competitors are already up for more, you do have a fair idea on who is going to get a better business. You must pay special attention to the online reviews and if there seems to be a negative feedback, make sure that it has been dealt with so that your store rises up in score even much before the holiday season finally commences.

What about the last year’s marketing plan?

And you thought it was to be left out? Make sure that you also review the marketing plan you had in the previous year in order to find out what actually worked and what did not! Were there any typical marketing activities that you knew attracted your customers more? Figure out and make plans accordingly.

You must ensure that you have prepared a logical calendar and have started marketing out the plans right ahead of time. Don’t leave out things to the last minute. Make sure that you have planned all the activities that you wanted to take to your holiday season this year. There is nothing wrong in marking the dates on your calendar and then ensure that the planning has been done backward right from there. Merchandise your store and for the season of sale and big hot shot!

About the Author: Evans is a blogger and content marketer. Currently, he is associated with Rope-Barriers.com, a leading UK based supplier of executive posts. Click here to view its range of executive posts.

How To Choose The Best Business Mobile Phone

With so many mobile handsets on the market nowadays, choosing between them can be difficult. But if you’re looking for a business phone, your options are slightly more limited. As opposed to personal phones, business phones are less loaded with media features, and more about connectivity. The best mobile phones for business usually come at premium prices, but the functionality that you get makes the cost worth it. If you’re looking for the best phone for business, then today we’re giving you a list of some of the features that you should be looking for.

The Best Mobile Phones are Practical…

Something to keep uppermost in your mind whilst choosing is that the phone above all else needs to be practical. How practical it is really depends on what kind of business you’re in. Building workers or architects who are often on building sites have different needs from office workers. If your job often takes you outside, or to places like construction sites, you’re going to want to consider either flip phones with their protected screens or specialist rugged phones that are designed to withstand shocks, drops and even water. Even the normal businessman needs to keep some practicalities in mind, such as the size and weight of something that needs to be kept in a shirt pocket. Whatever you choose, it needs to be practical, not just good looking.

Good Connectivity…

Since this is your business phone, you’ll need to be constantly connected so that you don’t miss important calls, emails or messages. That means have a good range of connection options. Minimum you’re looking for WiFi and 3G capability. More top of the line phones now offer 4G, which gives better internet speeds and therefore efficiency. However, 4G services are not available in all areas or through all mobile service operators, so it’s important that you check whether you receive 4G services in your location. Additionally, you’ll probably need Bluetooth as well, to be able to connect to a headset or a hands free set whilst driving. Most phones nowadays have Bluetooth, but look for something that runs at least Bluetooth 2.0 to get the speeds that you’ll need. The best mobile phones for business will have all of these options.

To Keyboard or Not to Keyboard…

Traditionally, good business mobiles have been equipped with physical QWERTY keyboards, we’re thinking of Blackberrys and the Nokia business series. A physical keyboard makes typing long emails and memos a lot easier. However, as smart phones are trending towards bigger touch screens, physical keyboards are disappearing as a feature. And the truth is that on the top of the line five inch screens that we’re seeing nowadays, on screen typing is a lot more comfortable than it used to be. If you want the keyboard though, both Blackberry and Nokia still offer devices with a physical keyboard.

Good GPS…

Decent GPS services can be vital for security, as we’ll discuss below. But it’s also a useful feature for business people on the move. GPS will allow you to use map and navigation apps, and therefore let you know where you are at any given time, and direct you to that out of town meeting. This also means that you can ditch the expensive car satellite navigation system, since everything you need will be in your phone.

Good Security…

A business phone needs good security, to protect both the information you have stored inside it and your reputation should someone else find your phone and use it for messaging or calling. There are a few security features that you will want to look for. Firstly, choose a hand set that has pattern recognition. This will allow you to set a pattern to use to unlock your phone. Pattern locks are much more difficult to break than traditional code locks. Secondly, look for a hand set that allows remote data wiping. This means that should your phone be stolen you can access a program from your computer that will erase all the data on your phone remotely, meaning that no one will get their hands on your information. Finally, you’ll also want to look for handsets that feature Phone Location services. A lot of top end phones feature in built programmes that use the phone’s GPS to pin point the location of the device. Should you lose your phone, you simply go online and access the program, and you’ll get a map showing you exactly where your phone is. This can be useful if your phone gets stolen, but it’s more useful for letting you know that you left your phone in the office.

Organisation and Scheduling…

Also, look for a phone that has good scheduling apps. The iPhone in particular has excellent scheduling functions, letting you use a calendar with alarms, location based reminders and even letting you know about scheduling conflicts. You need more than just a calendar setting, so make sure that you get a phone that can handle your scheduling needs.

Emailing…

Most business communication nowadays is done through email, so a good email server is a necessity. The majority of phones use push services to get email from a server to your phone, meaning you get instant notification of new mail. Look for a decent mail programme that’s easy and fast to use. Some phones have mail applications with complicated procedures for attachments and the like, which just aren’t convenient or efficient.

The Best Business Phones…

In terms of brand, probably the best business phones on the market nowadays are made by a very select group of manufacturers. Apple’s iPhones makes a good business choice, as do any of the high end HTC models. The Samsung Galaxy S series may be designed more as personal phones, but they double nicely as business phones too. In terms of Windows phones, the Nokia Lumia series, particularly the Lumia 920 is a great option. And Blackberry do still make a nice business phone too, whether you choose the physical keyboard or the full touch screen new Z10 model.

About the Author: When Sam Jones was looking for the best mobile phones for his daughters he found a really helpful price comparison site.

The 5 Best Budgeting Shortcuts For Small Businesses

If you have just purchased or opened a small business, you may know your trade well, but when it comes to budgeting, your skill set could be lacking. If you are like most small business owners, budgeting is your least favorite managerial task. That is because budgeting is not an exact science – especially during changing and challenging economic conditions. In fact, you may see your actual budget vary significantly from your planned budget during economic difficulties.

When there is a downturn, and you need to tighten your financial belt, you will need to re-evaluate your budget and make some changes. Read on for five simple tips that will help your small business put together a top-notch budget.

1. Emphasize Customer Service

During rough times, your business may not gain many new customers. In order to hold on to those you do have, you will need to provide excellent customer service. Outshine your competitors to retain the sales you already have after the economy improves.

2. Cut Costs

When times are tight and cash is needed to advertise, pay a crucial bill, or capitalize on an opportunity, cutting costs is essential. Take a look at which budget items can be controlled or altered – put off making purchases until the next billing cycle, or ask creditors for a change in payment terms.

3. Talk with Suppliers and Clients

When difficulties loom, talk with your company’s suppliers about renegotiating your credit terms If you have had a good relationship, chances are that the vendor will work with you to lower your minimum payments, adjust a due date or reduce your interest rate. At the same time, keep in contact with your own clients to ensure they pay you on time. Call any clients that have gotten behind on their invoices, and encourage them to get their accounts current. Consider offering a discount to clients for paying their bill in full now. Check your books and make sure you are billing all your clients in a timely manner.

4. Issue Employees Business Prepaid Credit Cards

Many small businesses allow some flexibility in what their managers, representatives and salespeople can charge to the company. Rein those costs in by providing your employees with business prepaid credit cards and establish some hard and fast rules about what they can be used for. Choose a plan that allows instant funding from your mobile device or computer when expenses come up, rather than depositing lump sums in advance that may tempt spending. Track the business prepaid credit cards through your computer or mobile device, to monitor how the funds are being spent.

5. Reduce Administrative Expenses

To keep your budget on track, slash your office expenses and administrative costs. Eliminate company travel and entertainment as much as possible. While it is smart to buy office supplies such as envelopes or toilet paper in bulk for maximum discounts when finances are good, when budgeting gets tight, only spend when absolutely necessary. Cut back or eliminate expense accounts, membership fees, lunches out, unnecessary services. Do your own maintenance and mow your company’s lawn yourself. Limit long distance telephone calls. Consider every possible way to cut corners and lower costs without seriously compromising your business. Request employee input into which expense areas could be reduced.

Bottom line – small business budgeting is a fairly easy but essential process that will allow you to forecast and match your current and future income and revenue to your monthly expenses. Ensure that enough money is available to keep your operation up and running, to expand, compete, and to guarantee a solid emergency fund.

About the Author: Marilyn Smith specializes in covering the latest news of interest to small business owners, including business prepaid cards.

How Can You Pick A Good Security Services Provider For Your Company?

Employers need to protect their employees and their company assets from outside elements with ill-intent. Though companies may be determined to pick the best company to provide them security services, most of them could ask “How can you pick a good security services provider?”

There are a lot of businesses now offering efficient corporate security. So how will you know which one to hire? In choosing the best company to get for your business’ security services, you should be asking these questions:

1. Are they licensed?

Getting a licensed security personnel means you have properly trained professionals guarding your property. It’s essential to make sure the service provider has licensed personnel to take care of your company’s security needs.

2. Do you trust them?

Before hiring a company for their security services, you must gauge if this is a company you can trust. If at the first few meetings you immediately get the notion or inkling that you can’t trust them, be very wary. Don’t just brush this off. Instead what you can do is do further research about the company and find out about their reputation. You can ask other businesses who they’ve worked for or check online for any reviews or feedback previous clients may have shared.

Trust is very important and it’s vital that this is established before the agency actually provides the services to your company. The company can’t be there 24/7 to check on the security staff they have hired, so it’s important they trust them to do what they’re supposed to.

3. Are they experienced?

Experience is a major factor in determining the competence of a security services provider. The longer they have been in service, the more experience they have in dealing with and handling different types of security issues. If the company is still fairly new there is a big chance they haven’t been exposed to many security issues yet which means they might not be the best ones to hire for your company’s security.

4. Are they quick to respond?

A security services company should have a system that enables a quick response from the management and the team to ensure emergency situations are handled immediately and any concerns you may have will be addressed quickly.

5. Do they have the latest technology for their security equipment?

Even if the security personnel are properly trained, if they are not updated with the latest security equipment, then they would not be as effective. Pick a provider who has a staff adept with the latest commercial security systems. It will also be good if this provider personally provides the equipment and is capable of installing them for you so you won’t need to look for another provider to do this.

6. How much does their service cost?

Though price is something you should consider last, this is still a big factor that should determine which reliable security services provider to choose. The important thing to remember is you should be getting the value for your money. A top-notch security service doesn’t always mean huge costs. On the other hand, it doesn’t mean just because a provider charges highly they provide quality services. Make sure you are not duped into signing a contract with someone who’s just all talk. Be sure you find someone who can also walk the talk. Ensure the company is getting its money’s worth.

When it comes to a business, the people working in it and the information housed inside it are the bloodline of the company. If it’s safely guarded then the company can focus on doing business as they’re assured their most important assets are protected and no harm can come to them. In picking the right security services provider, businesses must make a tough decision on getting the right one for their company. With these guidelines, businesses will be on the right track of doing so.

About the Author: A self-professed geek, Debra Wright has dreamt of being a writer since as long as she could remember. She has recently written about a number of topics online, including electronic security, and hopes to get more people interested in security services through her written work. Get to know her more through twitter @debrawrites…