Four Ways To Maintain an Organized Business While Growing

Each of the four methods listed below for keeping your business organized as it grows are born out of a need for managers to work smarter, not harder. Keep that in mind as you try to make sure your business grows and doesn't get out of your control.

1. Streamline the Work

Hiring someone to do intranet development for internal procedures is such a critical part of the process of making sure your business is managed well. You can try to do everything manually, but it is actually much better to have a designer create an intranet system that allows your business to flow paperless, or, as paperless as possible. You don't want to get stuck doing everything when the computer system can do a great deal for you.

2. Sync Scheduling

Using that same intranet system to keep everyone's calendar straight is an excellent idea. Imagine how much simpler it is for everyone in the office to log onto their intranet account and check the main calendar for events rather than trying to handle it all themselves. The less fluff people have to do, the more actual work they can accomplish in short periods of time.

3. Delegate Tasks

You must have a receptionist. Period. You absolutely must put a face on your office's operations, and a receptionist is the perfect person for that job. In the best-functioning offices in the world, from small regional companies all the way up to massive corporations, the receptionist an extremely well-paid employee who makes everyone look good with their acute organizational and interpersonal skills. You can answer the phone yourself, but it will never sound as good or go as smoothly as it would if you had a receptionist whose whole job it was to answer the phone. Having the person on the front line of your business keeps everything feeling stable.

4. Do Not Over Staff

Everyone wants to have all the most talented people in the world working in their office. Moreover, no manager wants to saddle their employees with more work than they can handle. However, in your zeal to be a good person, make sure you don't hire too many people. As the adage says, too many cooks spoil the broth. In this same way, too many employees create overlap, increased salary and benefit expenses, and they just clutter up the office.

This may be the hardest trick to master. If you foresee this area becoming a problem, investing in a training process could help save you from this trap. Finding ways to create order within the office will require a management staff that are fully capable of training new employees. They will create an environment that makes sure everyone stays on task and is organized. Finding quality managers will help drastically in making sure the staff has the appropriate amount of work and won't create any overlap.

Follow each step carefully and we hope that your office stays organized as you work very hard to grow your business.

The Importance of Your Stores First Impression

Lahore City Centre (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You only get one chance to make a first impression and whether we like it or not most of us judge something almost entirely on the first couple of minutes of interacting with it. This is true for people but very few people realise that it’s also true for stores and shopfronts. The first impression you make is one of the most important and sometimes it’s the only one that really matters. So here’s why your first impression matters as much as it does and what you can do to improve it.

Mood

Most people who resent shopping do it because they simply aren’t in the mood and they have to do it anyway. Shopping for most products should happen when there’s an element of comfort and cheer in the attitude of the customer and a good first impression can do a lot to making someone feel more at home while in your store. A friendly or relaxing sign, or even a colour scheme that people associate with welcome and happiness, like IKEA’s warm yellow and blue can put someone in just the mood to buy. A happy customer is a generous customer and that’s important.

Atmosphere

Quite apart from the mood it puts a person in the atmosphere of the store itself also stands on its first impression. Is it a jewellery store that seems regal and elegant? Is it a fruit and vegetable store that seems natural and homey? It’s important to think about what kind of atmosphere you want and what you can do to inspire it.

Branding

Everything you do relates to the brand you are trying to represent. McDonalds, Apple, Coca-Cola, every one of those is valued not because of the products but because of the brand we have fallen in love with. What is the thing you think of as soon as you see it? The Arches, the Apple, the Coca Cola symbol. Signage is a vital part of the first impression and if anyone is going to relate to your particular brand it is going to be entirely necessary.

Employment

The good first impression isn’t just important for the sake of making people buy, it’s also important for gathering potential employees. If you need to gather employees then you’re going to need to make them feel like it’s a nice place to work. There is a distinct difference between a place someone would want to shop and a place someone would want to work. This will also give your employees a sense of what they’re supposed to do and how they should act. This sense of direction and purpose all begins at first glance.

Businesses need people to be inspired to shop there from the very first minute they see it. Most people have short attention spans and a business will usually have only a few minutes to inspire shopping. See www.tuprojects.com for more ideas and to find assistance in setting up a good first impression.

This article was written by Robert Barlow.

One Minute to Midnight Retirement Planning

retirement (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

A mixture of personal circumstances, economic uncertainty and bad luck can leave people approaching retirement with insufficient savings. If you find yourself in this position you have a few options to maximize your savings.

Increase Savings

If at all possible, increase the amount you’re saving. Standard financial lore says to save at least 15 percent of your income for retirement. Try to increase this even more.

Once you’re past 50 the Internal Revenue Service allows you to contribute more to IRAs and 401(k)s. Take full advantages of this opportunity.

Cut Back

Increasing savings, by necessity, usually means cutting back on living expenses. You may need to cancel expensive vacations or purchases in the last years before retirement. Moving to a smaller, less expensive home can free up equity which you can roll into IRAs, 401(k)s or investments.

Add Some Risk (Or Play it Safe)

Depending on which financial advisor you ask, someone playing catch-up on retirement savings should either play it extremely safe or learn to take some risks. The right decision depends on your saving habits and personal preferences.

Highly conservative savers may not see the returns they require to retire comfortably. This is especially true for people whose savings focus on CDs and money market accounts. Adding some risk to a conservative portfolio, such as increasing corporate bonds and stock portfolios, could increase your returns.

On the other hand, we’re talking about a situation where you already lack the funds you need, and increased risk carries with it the possibility of increases loss as well as profit. If you’re not comfortable risking the savings you have, risky last-minute investments are not for you. 

Use Benefits While You Have Them

If you have medical conditions that require attention, take full advantage of any benefits your employee offers. Whether you need surgery, dental work or even access to addiction rehab centers, use your health coverage before you retire.

Using your health benefits before retiring can have a significant impact on how long retirement savings last. The healthier you are, the less money you’ll spend on medical expenses. In other words, taking the time to lose a few pounds now could save you dollars in the years to come. 

Delaying Retirement

If your retirement savings are particularly low, you have another option: delay your retirement. By working an extra five years or so you increase your eventual Social Security income and may be able to take greater advantage of the IRS over-50 programs. Talk to a financial advisor to see how this option would impact your personal finance.

Many retirees now chose a “working retirement,” either out of necessity or the desire to explore a new career they truly enjoy. Some see part-time employment as vital to their retirement income, while others see the job as more of a hobby that gets them out of the house and provides social interaction.

A part-time job won’t bring in the income you’re used to, but it’s not supposed to replace your old employment. Instead, part-time employment helps you stretch your retirement income further. For many retirees whom need supplemental income, a part-time job makes a significant difference.

5 Steps to Take your Business Global

Taking your business globally is a huge venture to undertake but there is a process that works. Here is how you can take your business global in five steps. 

1. Research and plan

Location is just as important online because websites are an extension of the country where they were created. Just like in the physical world, figure out and research which country will suit your goods and products the best. If your business is into exports then chose a market that is open to selling new products and have willingness to create it. However, be aware of laws, language, fees, and cost of shipping. Also be mindful of the strength of your currency on the market. Countries such as, Great Britain, Canada, Slovakia, New Zealand and Turkey are good choices for the dollar.

To get your research started check out these websites;

• BuyUSA.gov
• Export.gov 
• Trade.gov 

2. Take on partnerships

Your start-up plan for your business might have worked perfectly in your home area but it won't on a global scale. Scout out the best in crucial areas around the world and propose a partnership deal that will benefit both parties. Those local teams will already know the dos and don'ts for their market. Setup a license or distribution agreement if funds are low. On the enterprise side, contact business development partners. 

3. Setup a virtual office

Enough though you will have partnerships all over the world, you still do not have an office. It would look unprofessional if you sold a very popular product only to call a meeting at a local cafe. Virtual office suppliers have administration staff on hand and spaces all around the world for you to use. This could be conference rooms or simply an office already furnished. For more information on virtual offices check out Servcorp Virtual Office for ideas.

4. Invest in a foreign branch and employ your own staff

Think of it as having a franchise except you own it but it is overseas. Though travel is a must until you employ a business partner, the virtual office would still come in handy. Just be mindful of laws. Domestic management works better than foreign management because the country might lack managerial sources and other resources.

Market, market and then e-market

Advertising your business is a huge must because in other countries you are brand new. Nobody knows you and what you provide, so start by getting locals to market for you. This will outline the foundation for marketing and then you can expand on the client base they get. Market some more in a new creative way once you have learned the trends and then invest in e-marketing. It is better to do marketing on the ground first because you need to gain credibility first before tackling the online world.

Once all of these steps are completed, reassess the entire plan and evaluate the areas that need improvements. Business is a place that changes and there is always something new to learn. 

Items You Can Invest In For a More Senior-Friendly Home

Oh the excitement of being retired, forgetting work-related stress and just travelling or relaxing at home! Staying at home and enjoying some personal space is a good way for seniors to unwind. But spending more time at home means having to transform it into a place that won’t be at all stressful to move around. 

There are two things to think about when improving your home to be more senior-friendly and comfortable: security and safety. These are also the two things that you should not hesitate investing in. Security means enough equipment to fend off intruders or trespassers and adequate devices to call for help in times of emergency. To achieve a safe environment, one must make sure that all the rooms in the house are not hazardous. Here are some add-ons that will certainly add more safety and security to your home. 

Grab Bars

With slippery tiles and often-wet floor, the bathroom could be the most dangerous room for a senior. Prevent unwanted accidents by adding as many grab bars as needed in the bathroom. The best spots to install them are on the walls by the bathtub and the toilet. This makes getting up and down a whole lot easier and it serves as a good support to keep seniors from slipping while maneuvering around. You can find basic easy mount grab bars starting at $30 or you can go for more sophisticated bars at $100 and above.

Handrails

As grab bars are for the bathroom, handrails are also quite useful in the stairs and hallways. These are excellent add-ons to help you balance your walk if you are already having a problem with it. Select areas in the house which you deem necessary to install these. Aside from the stairs and hallways, it is important to remember that anywhere where steps are present is a good location for handrails, like the swimming pool for instance.

Ramp

This is a significant home improvement that you can do to create not only a senior-friendly home, but also a favorable place for the disabled. Make things a whole lot easier for those who are in wheels by adding wheelchair access ramps in the main entrance and in the driveway or walkway. Opt for something that has a non-slip paint finish or ones that are easily adjustable and expandable. A ramp is an add-on that is very convenient to set up but will surely serve its purpose very well. They can be a little costly, with wheelchair ramps generally starting at $500, but they are good add-ons you will eventually feel the need to have.

Lights

Yes, more lights. That might mean an increase in your electricity bill, right? Well, it’s one way to keep your home safe after all. A quick yet helpful add-on to your house is good lighting. Make walking and doing things easier with adequate lights. Crucial areas that need good lighting include the bathroom, kitchen, and entryways. Lights in the hallway makes it easier to move around or go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, so make sure this area is also covered. To save on the expense, choose long lasting bulbs to avoid spending on replacement, or go for fluorescent or LED lighting as they are more efficient than incandescent bulbs.

Home Alarms

Regardless of the age of the household members, a security alarm is a good defense against trespassers. Once it is set off, it can either connect to the service provider who can send help over or it can simply create enough noise to call the attention of the neighbors and to create panic on the intruder. Another alarm that is also useful is the smoke detection alarm. These two should therefore be present if you want to keep your home safe. Make sure however that the control panel of the alarm is installed at a level that you can easily access and operate.

Phone

Medical emergency is something that you should always be prepared of even when at home. A phone therefore should be considered a necessity in order to respond to undesirable incidents. Keep the landline unit in a strategic place, like near the bathroom, as this could be the most accident-prone room. Likewise, make sure to have a mobile phone as backup. Opt for senior friendly phones like the Samsung Jitterbug has a tie-up with Great Call, a carrier that serves as personal operator for its users. Simple communication devices can go a long way for your safety.


Author Bio

A blogger based in San Diego, California, Amanda Smith has a penchant for writing about technology and gadgets, travel and arts, health and wellness, and just about anything that tickles her fancy. When she’s not writing, she’s busy catching up on her favorite sitcoms with her yellow Labrador, Chandler Tribbiani. More of her works can be found at wordbaristas.com.

Sunday is National Coffee Day Get Some Free Coffee

English: A photo of a cup of coffee. Esperanto: Taso de kafo. Français : Photo d'une tasse de caffé Español: Taza de café (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sunday is National Coffee Day. I wonder who designates these kind of holidays. Anyway, I think this is an appropriate way to use a Sunday. I will be visiting my local coffee establishment and having a taste of their fine brew. The folks over at "Best Coffee For You.com" have put up a list of the festivities going on at some of the national coffee shops.

Here are a few places you should visit tomorrow. You definitely will find free coffee and maybe a couple of deals on beans and supplies.

10 Ways to Enjoy National Coffee Day

Caribou Coffee

Get a free small coffee with printable or digital coupon at Caribou Coffee on Sept. 29. You can also buy an Amy’s Tumbler refillable cup for unlimited coffee-of-the-day refills through Oct. 31. The tumbler promotion is in honor of Amy Erickson, a former “roastmaster” for Caribou Coffee who lost her battle with breast cancer at just 33 years old.

Dunkin’ Donuts

In order to get a free 10 oz. hot coffee or 16 oz. iced coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts on Sept. 29, you’ll need to download their mobile app. Navigate to the “offers” tab to find the coupon. You can also score a 16-ounce package of coffee for $5.99 or a 14-pack of K-Cups for $7.99 on Sept. 28 and 29.

Krispy Kreme

Receive a 12 oz. cup of coffee from Krispy Kreme on Sept. 29, or pay $1 for a specialty drink including their seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte. You can also enter to win a free coffee every day for a year when you sign up before Sept. 29.

Starbucks

Try a taste of Ethiopia, Starbucks’ latest blend, for free on Sunday, Sept. 29. You can also get a free, commemorative ceramic mug when you purchase a pound of Ethiopian coffee (while supplies last).

Einstein Bros.

Starting on Sept. 27, buy one coffee beverage and get the second one free. The offer applies to both hot and iced specialty lattes and drip coffee orders.

Tim Hortons

Get a free coffee when you purchase another coffee from Tim Hortons on Sept. 29. Just tell the cashier “Happy National Coffee Day” to get the deal.

Peet’s Coffee & Tea

Get a free 12-oz Maple Latte when you buy oatmeal or baked item between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sept. 29. The offer is only available at retail locations (not supermarket or airport locations) and can be presented on your mobile device.

Kangaroo Express

With over 1,500 locations in the southeastern U.S., the National Coffee Day offer from Kangaroo Express convenience stores will have you jumping for joy. Get a 12 oz. coffee for just one penny between 8 a.m. and noon on Sunday, Sept. 29.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Head to Anaheim Angels Stadium to get a free Americano machine during Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Trade Up Your Cup event on Sunday, Sept. 29. The first 2,500 customers who trade in their old, electrical coffee maker between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. will receive an Americano machine — valued at $149 — in exchange.

Wawa

Get a free 16-oz. cup of coffee from Wawa on Sept. 29 when you fill out a form on their Facebook page. You’ll receive a coupon upon completion to present to the cashier for redemption.

Enjoy!