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Tag: business owners

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Guidelines to Creating an Effective Branding Strategy

branding_strategy

In today’s highly competitive business world, creating a compelling branding strategy is a vital aspect of achieving long-term success. A well-crafted branding strategy goes beyond just having a logo or a catchy tagline; it encompasses a set of actions designed to shape how a company is perceived, remembered, and differentiated from its competitors.

Branding is the heart of a business – it reflects the company’s values, personality, and pledge to its customers. A strong brand can fuel emotions, build trust, and establish a loyal customer base. A good example is when we think of brands like Apple, Coca-Cola, or Nike… that’s when we quickly grasp the power of effective branding on a company’s growth and sustainability.

Creating a branding strategy is a comprehensive process that involves thorough planning, research, and thoughtful execution. A strategy will outline the roadmap that guides all brand-related activities, ensuring consistency in messaging, visual identity, and customer experience. Whether a company is a startup or an established enterprise, a well-defined branding strategy can revitalize its offerings and elevate it above the noise in the market.

Here is a general framework to use as guidelines while creating a branding strategy:

Define the business and its target audience

Clearly describe what the business offers and the value it provides. Identify its target audience by understanding its demographics, needs, preferences, and behaviors. This knowledge will shape the branding efforts.

Research the market and competition

Conduct market research to gain insights into the business industry, competitors, and consumer trends. Market research provides a valuable understanding of consumer preferences and dislikes. It gives clarity into the competitive scope and helps the business position itself effectively.

Establish the brand purpose and values

Determine the underlying purpose and core values that guide your business. What does the business stand for? What does it require the brand to represent? These elements will form the foundation of the branding strategy.

Develop the brand identity

Create visual elements that embody the brand, including a logo, color palette, typography, and design style. Ensure these elements align with the brand’s personality and resonate with the target audience. Consistency across all brand touchpoints is crucial.

Craft the brand messaging

Develop key messages that effectively communicate the brand’s value proposition, unique selling points, and the benefits it offers to customers. Ensure the messaging is consistent, clear, and tailored to resonate with the target audience.

Determine the brand voice

Define the tone and style of communication that aligns with the brand’s personality. Consider whether the brand is formal or casual, serious or lighthearted, authoritative or friendly. Consistency in the brand voice across all channels is important.

Build the online presence

Establish a strong online presence through a professional website, and ensure constant activity on relevant social media platforms. Create a consistent visual and messaging experience across these channels. Engage with the audience, provide valuable content, and actively manage the business’s online reputation.

Deliver exceptional customer experiences

Ensure that every interaction with the brand reflects the brand’s values and exceeds customer expectations. Provide excellent customer service, personalize experiences, and listen to customer feedback to continuously improve.

Create brand guidelines

Develop the brand parameters and document its strategy. Include visual elements, messaging, and voice clarity. These guidelines ensure consistency across all marketing and communication materials, whether created internally or externally.

Build brand partnerships and collaborations

Explore opportunities to collaborate with complementary businesses or influencers that align with the brand’s values. Partnering with trusted entities can help expand the reach and build credibility.

Measure and refine

Regularly monitor the performance of the branding efforts. Track key metrics such as brand awareness, customer loyalty, and engagement. Collect feedback from customers and make adjustments to the branding strategy based on data and insights.

Evolve and adapt

As the business grows and market conditions change, be prepared to adapt the branding strategy. Stay updated on industry trends and evolving customer needs. Continuously refine the brand to ensure relevance and competitiveness.

A successful branding strategy requires consistency, authenticity, and a deep understanding of the target audience. It’s an ongoing process that requires regular evaluation and adjustments to stay aligned with the business goals and market dynamics.

In conclusion, a well-executed branding strategy is an integral part of a business’s success, fostering customer loyalty, trust, and a strong market presence. It requires a deep understanding of the target audience, a clear brand identity, and consistent communication across all channels. By investing time and effort into creating a robust branding strategy, companies can cultivate a strong brand that stands the test of time and leaves a lasting impression on their customers.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post! You may follow BizReflections blog for future business related posts and updates. (FOLLOW button in sidebar). I would also like to invite you to subscribe to BizReflections YouTube channel. Our channel has a collection of business videos that equip small business owners for growth.

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Branding: A Simple or Complex Process

branding

Branding is when we create a unique and distinct identity for a product, service, company, or individual. It involves shaping and managing various elements such as the name, logo, design, messaging, and overall perception associated with the entity.

Effective branding will help differentiate the offering from competitors. It will also aid in building trust and recognition among the target audience.  In addition, branding will give us the opportunity to convey the values and promises we want to associate with the brand.

To create our own brand, it is recommended to consider the following steps:

Define the brand strategy

Start by clearly defining the brand’s purpose, values, and unique selling proposition (USP). Identify what sets the brand apart from its competitors and the key messages intended to communicate.

Understanding the target audience and defining their needs is crucial for developing a brand strategy.

Conduct market research

Research the target market, including its preferences, demographics, behaviors, and competitors. This information will help position the brand effectively and tailor its messaging to resonate with your audience.

Create the brand identity

This involves designing the brand’s visual elements, including a logo, color palette, typography, and overall style. The brand identity should reflect the essence of the brand and extend an appeal to the target audience. It is recommended to hire a professional designer or agency if needed to ensure high-quality visual assets.

Develop your brand voice

Determine the tone and style of communication that aligns with the brand’s personality and resonates with its audience. It is important to consider factors like whether the brand should be serious or lighthearted, formal or casual, authoritative or friendly. Consistency in the brand voice across all communication channels is crucial.

Design the brand messaging

Craft a compelling brand story with key messages that effectively convey the benefits and value of the brand to its target audience. Clearly articulate what the brand stands for and why customers should choose that brand over competitors.

Build an online presence

Establish a strong online presence through a professional website and presence on relevant social media platforms. Consistency in visual design, messaging, and brand voice across these channels is important. Engage with the audience and create content that aligns with the brand values and that echoes with its target market.

Consistency in branding

Ensure that every touchpoint with the brand consistently reflects the brand values, from customer interactions to product packaging. Consistency builds trust and strengthens brand recognition.

Monitor and adapt

Continuously monitor how the brand is perceived and adjust branding developments accordingly. Collect feedback from customers and engage in conversations to scale the effectiveness of the branding strategies. Modify the branding as needed to stay relevant and align with evolving market trends.

Remember, creating a strong brand takes time and effort. Consistency, authenticity, and delivering on brand promises are key to building a successful and memorable brand.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post! You may follow BizReflections blog for future business related posts and updates. (FOLLOW button in sidebar). I would also like to invite you to subscribe to BizReflections YouTube channel. Our channel has a collection of business videos that equip small business owners for growth.

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Avoiding Mental Hindrances to Entrepreneurial Success

mental-challenges-for-entrepreneurs

As an entrepreneur, I can testify that entrepreneurship can be a very rewarding journey, however, it can also come with a load of mental challenges. Going into entrepreneurship may seem exciting and fun, but it requires qualities like resilience, courage, and balanced thinking. In this blog, I will list some common challenges that entrepreneurs face. And I will also give some suggestions on how to prevent or manage them.

Stress and Pressure

Starting and running a business can be highly stressful. Many elements of the work may contribute to mental fatigue. The pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty, long working hours, and managing multiple responsibilities can take a toll on an entrepreneur’s mental well-being.

To prevent unnecessary stress, it is important to prioritize self-care, set realistic goals, delegate tasks, and seek support from mentors, friends, or a professional network. Building a strong support system and practicing stress management techniques, such as exercise, taking time to relax, and practicing reflective thinking, can help alleviate stress.

Fear of Failure

As entrepreneurs, the fear of failure haunts us at times. Failing to meet goals, the denial of a bid or deal, and the fear of losing a major client; all are common challenges for entrepreneurs. Yes, the risk of business setbacks, financial losses, and the fear of disappointing oneself or others can be overwhelming.

To overcome this fear, it is crucial to embrace a growth mindset and reframe failure as a learning opportunity. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network, setting achievable goals, celebrating small successes, and learning from setbacks are key techniques to overcoming entrepreneurial fear. Remember that failure is often a stepping stone to success.

Isolation and Loneliness

Entrepreneurship is a solitary journey, especially in the early stages of building a business. The lack of colleagues around or the longing for a traditional work environment can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

To prevent the effects of isolation, actively seek out networking opportunities, join entrepreneurial communities, attend industry events, or consider co-working spaces. Connecting with like-minded individuals can provide support, collaboration opportunities, and a sense of belonging.

Burnout

In order for entrepreneurs to succeed in launching a business, they have to put in long hours of work and sacrifice personal time for the sake of their success. This can lead to burnout. And suddenly we find exhaustion, decreased productivity, and loss of motivation setting in.

Preventing burnout requires awareness of setting boundaries, prioritizing work-life balance, and recognizing the importance of rest and relaxation. In addition, It is important for entrepreneurs to learn when and how to delegate tasks and establish a schedule that allows for breaks and leisure activities. Cultivating hobbies or interests outside of work will definitely help!

Decision-Making Overload

Entrepreneurs face numerous decisions on a daily basis. They find themselves constantly having to make important choices that range from strategic alternatives to operational matters. Decision fatigue can be exhausting, leading to analysis paralysis and poor decision-making.

To prevent decision-making overload, develop a clear vision and mission for the business, establish decision-making frameworks, delegate decisions when appropriate, and focus on the most critical choices. I personally find that seeking advice from mentors or trusted advisors can also help gain insights and support the decision-making process.

Work-Life Integration

Achieving a healthy work-life integration can be challenging for entrepreneurs who are deeply invested in their businesses. Entrepreneurs have the tendency to get consumed in their own world forgetting their human need for others.

It is important to set boundaries and establish dedicated time for personal life, family, and self-care. Schedule specific hours for work and stick to them as much as possible. Create routines that allow for quality time with loved ones and activities that bring joy and relaxation. Maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life outside of work ultimately contributes to the overall success of an entrepreneur.

While these suggestions can help lessen mental challenges, it is important to keep in mind that entrepreneurship is a unique journey. Our individual understandings of behaviour and surroundings may vary. My experiences and practices as an entrepreneur may be different than yours, and vice versa. Each one of us gets to walk our own journey. However, if one continues to struggle with persistent mental challenges, it is advisable to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who can provide personalized guidance and support.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post! You may follow BizReflections blog for future business related posts and updates. (FOLLOW button in sidebar). I would also like to invite you to subscribe to BizReflections YouTube channel. Our channel has a collection of business videos that equip small business owners for growth.

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Employment and Non-Employment Work Relationships: Navigating the Complexities

employee_agreement

As a startup or small business owner, it’s important to understand the complexities of the employment and non-employment work relationships that exist in Ontario. There are three main types of service contracts, each with its own unique characteristics and legal implications.

Independent Contractor Agreement

The first type of contract is the Contract for Service, also known as the Independent Contractor Agreement. In this type of relationship, the service provider is considered to be operating their own business and is not an employee of the company they are providing services for.

Additionally, independent contractors are responsible for their own equipment, employees, and financial risk, and have the opportunity to profit from their work. The company has limited control over the activities of the independent contractor and is not responsible for providing termination compensation or liable for torts committed by the independent contractor.

Employee Agreement

The second type of contract is the Contract of Service or Employee agreement. In this type of relationship, the service provider is considered to be an employee of the company they are providing services for. The company has complete control over the employee’s work hours, tools and equipment, work methods, and has the right to terminate their employment.

 In the case of termination without cause, employees are entitled to statutory minimum notice of dismissal, reasonable notice of dismissal under common law, or pay in lieu of notice. The company also has the right to expect employees to act in good faith, avoid conflicts of interest, protect the company’s assets, and maintain the confidentiality of the company’s business information.

Dependent Contractor Agreement

The third type of contract is a hybrid of the first two, known as the Hybrid of Contract for Service and Contract of Service or Dependent Contractor agreement. This type of relationship is most commonly found with commissioned sales agents and professionals such as physiotherapists and chiropractors.

 In this type of agreement, the service provider is economically dependent on the principal and may have limited control over their work. Dependent contractors are not considered employees but may be entitled to termination compensation if the contract does not address it.

employees-meeting

Differentiating between these types of contracts can be difficult, but it is important for employers to make the distinction as it can have legal implications. For example, if an individual is considered an employee or dependent contractor, the employer may be held responsible for termination compensation and vicarious liability for any torts committed by that person.

Understanding the nature of these relationships is also critical in cases such as union certification applications before the Ontario Labour Relations Board and workers’ compensation claims. Employers must carefully examine the specific facts and circumstances of each case and seek guidance from an employment lawyer to make informed decisions and mitigate potential risks.

In summary, understanding the distinctions between independent contractors, employees, and dependent contractors is vital for employers navigating the complex landscape of work relationships. The implications of these distinctions extend to matters such as termination compensation, liability for civil wrongs, and workers’ compensation claims. By carefully examining the nature of these relationships and seeking guidance from an employment lawyer, employers can make informed decisions and mitigate potential risks.

Submitted by:

Roberts Obradovic Law | admin@robertsobradovic.com | (647) 724-5179 | www.robertsobradovic.com

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post! You may follow BizReflections blog for future business-related posts and updates. (FOLLOW button in sidebar). I would also like to invite you to subscribe to BizReflections YouTube channel. Our channel has a collection of business videos that equip small business owners for growth.

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Digital Transformation: How to Transform Your Business for the Future

digital_transformation

Digital transformation is the process of integrating digital technologies and strategies into all aspects of a business. The main objective of this process is to fundamentally change how the business operates and delivers value to its customers. The practice will include rethinking and redesigning business processes, creating new business models, and leveraging technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

The typical outcome of a successful digital transformation is to improve customer experience, increase employee productivity, and drive revenue growth.

And here are some key steps to transforming a business for the digital age:

Define your vision and strategy

Start by identifying what the core values of your business are and how can technology support them. Then, define your long-term vision and strategic objectives. And finally, develop a roadmap that outlines how you plan to achieve your goals(*). The homework in this step is foundational, and we will discuss the details and how-to’s in future blog posts.

Create a digital culture

Digital transformation requires a culture with three pillars: openness to experimentation, risk-taking, and continuous learning. Empower leadership and all employees to embrace new technologies, and foster a culture of innovation.

Invest in technology and infrastructure

Evaluate your current technology supply and determine what needs to be updated or replaced. Invest in modern digital tools and infrastructure that can support your business objectives.

Streamline your operations

Redesign your business processes to streamline workflows and eliminate holdups. Use data and analytics to identify areas for improvement and automate repetitive tasks.

Engage with customers

Leverage digital channels to engage with customers and deliver personalized experiences. Use analytics to identify customer data and insights to tailor your products and services to their needs.

Foster agility

Digital transformation is an ongoing process that requires responsiveness and adaptability. Develop a flexible, agile organization that can respond quickly to changing market conditions and customer needs.

In summary, digital transformation encompasses more than just technology. It requires a fundamental shift in the way businesses operate and a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. Work on transforming your business for the future and stay ahead of the competition in this digital age.

* Read the blog post titled “A Roadmap to Business Transformation”

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A Roadmap to Business Transformation

business_transformation

Developing a roadmap for business transformation requires careful planning and consideration of the unique needs of a business. Staying aware of the business conditions and necessities is of high importance to develop a successful roadmap for transformational change. Here are some key steps to follow:

Define the vision and goals

Start by identifying the long-term vision and strategic objectives for the business. What are the core values of the business, and how can technology support them? Define the goals for business transformation in terms of specifics and measurable outcomes. Located the areas that require reshaping to prepare for the future and equip the business with the right tools to implement transformational change.

Assess your current state

Conduct an inclusive assessment of the current operations, processes, and technology infrastructure. Identify gaps and inefficiencies that need to be addressed to achieve the business vision. At one point there may be a need for assistance especially when it comes to areas that require some expertise. Do not hesitate to seek professional help when needed in order to achieve the goals for business transformation.

Prioritize areas for improvement

Based on the final assessment, prioritize the areas that have the greatest impact on achieving the business goals. Identify the specific initiatives that need to be taken to address these prioritized areas. And acquire the tools that are essential to make transformational change happen.

Develop a technology strategy

Define a technology strategy that aligns with the business vision and goals. To do that, we need to identify the technologies that will achieve organizational objectives and develop a plan for implementing them in a structured and timely manner.

Create a change management plan

A successful business transformation requires change management that includes communication, training, and engagement. Develop a plan that outlines how the organization will communicate the changes to its employees and stakeholders, and provide training and support to help them adapt.

Establish governance and metrics

Establish structures and standards to monitor progress and ensure accountability. In addition, define metrics that will measure the status and success of the transformational change. And finally, establish processes for monitoring and reporting on its development.

Implement and iterate

Implement the roadmap in a phased approach, starting with the highest-priority initiatives. Continuously monitor and adjust the plan based on learnings and the acquiring of new insights. It is recommended that the monitoring process happens regularly, so ensure it’s incorporated into the implementation plan.

In summary, developing a roadmap for business transformation is a complex process. It requires careful planning, collaboration, and execution. By following the above-listed steps, one can develop a roadmap that outlines a clear path to a futuristic business transformation that is aligned with organizational vision and goals.

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The Key to a Professional Business Image

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Having a designated business address is an important aspect of starting and growing a successful business. A business address is key to a professional image. It can enhance credibility and help to separate personal and business dealings. It can also be necessary for legal compliance and for receiving mail and packages related to the business. In today’s digital age, a corporeal business address may not be necessary for day-to-day operations. However, it still plays a vital role in building a strong and trustworthy brand. Whether you are starting a new business or looking to expand your current operations, finding the right business address provider can help you achieve your goals and take your business to the next level.

When looking for a business address provider, consider the following factors:

Location:

It is important to look for a provider with a strategic location. Pick an address in a reputable and convenient area.  Aim to have it close to your target audience or business partners, as that will not only enhance your image but it will also make you seem reachable upon need.

Mail Receipt:

Make sure the provider offers secure and convenient mail receipt services. Some providers offer Package receipt while others may not. Some providers offer designated mailboxes while others may not. Assess your business needs and find the providers that fit what the business requires.

Professional Image:

Look for a provider that offers a professional and credible business address. For example, having an address in a corporate building vs having an address in a retail store. Only you can determine what works best for your business! Strategize, and choose a provider that can enhance your marketing and advertising expression.

Customer Service:

Choose a provider with responsive and helpful customer service. At times you may need to connect with the provider to ask a question or resolve an issue. It is during these times that you rely on your provider’s approachable customer service.

Cost:

Incorporate the cost of a business address provider in your budget. Review the services offered making sure they meet your business requirements. Shop around for affordable pricing so you do not exceed your budget.

Additional Services:

Look for providers that offer additional services, such as mail forwarding, virtual office services, and meeting room rentals. Even though you may not need all that as you start up your business; however, these are services you may need later on as the business grows.

Reputation:

Research the provider’s reputation. Search for online reviews and speak with other business owners. Your provider’s reputation will become your business reputation; so make an informed decision when choosing a business address provider.

business-address-huddlespace

Make it a part of your home business strategy

If you are a home business, consider having a business address. Establishing a professional image, meeting legal requirements, protecting privacy, and managing mail and packages are crucial to operating a business. Separating personal and business finances and improving marketing and advertising efforts is vital for growth. Getting a business address helps to establish credibility, promote privacy, and maintain a clear separation between personal and business dealings.

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Google Search Tricks You Never Thought Exist

Search_image

How often do you use Google search?

Google’s plan for its search feature seems to be geared to continuously increase the number of searches even without any submission by the user. We are at a point now where we ask Google for everything! Want to know the weather? Ask Google. Want to get the location of a business? Ask Google. What to know where a restaurant is? Ask Google.

Google seems to appreciate that people are using their search feature and they are definitely investing in it. Now we can perform searches that are based on keywords and get our results without even having to submit the search. Let’s test that:

Go to Google and type the following search keyword: Weather

Calculations_Search

Isn’t it helpful to save time and get the result instantly without even submitting the search? Wait, there’s more! Google search has extended its feature ability to do simple calculations.

Let’s try another function. This time let’s try the calculation:  567*44=

calculator_google_search

Google now instantly gives us the answer, without even submitting the inquiry for any calculation! That means that now Google search can replace our calculator for simple calculations. In fact, now Google has its own calculator under the search term: Calculator Google.

travel_comparison_search

To take that further, Google search now does complex calculations, graph functions, and it solves geometry problems. It converts Fahrenheit to Celsius, currency and weight comparisons, and a lot more.

Google search even compares travel information including price comparison!

travel_comparison

Future Features

More Google searches are coming up every year. And there will be new features with artificial intelligence in years to come including a 360-degree shopping experience that is still being worked on.

If you are a fan of Google products like I am, keep looking out for new search features regularly. Google’s latest technology will definitely continue to contribute efficiency to our daily work routine.

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Hackers are Real: Are you Cybersecurity Ready?

cyberattacks-cybercriminals

By Michael Castro 

As businesses grow more complex and interconnected, they need a robust cybersecurity posture. This is especially true in the fast-paced, digital world. A secure business can respond quickly to changes and protect its data from unauthorized access. Michael Castro, founder of Canadian-based cybersecurity firm, RiskAware, has led cyber security teams at some of Canada’s largest companies and currently provides Board of Director Security Consulting and virtual CISO services to a variety of organizations. 

Here are Michael’s top five tips for business owners and executives to increase their cybersecurity benefits: 

Protect Your Business Reputation

Your business has a reputation to protect. You need to make sure that your business is not the target of cybercriminals. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to steal sensitive information and target your company. To protect your business, you need to create a solid cybersecurity plan and implement it. Cybersecurity for business executives should have the ability to determine what their business needs to protect and implement a plan.

Better Website Security

A secure business website does not have a weak link in its cybersecurity chain. You need to make sure that your web server is protected and secure, and you must have an active firewall. A good firewall can protect against hackers, viruses, spyware, and other malicious attacks. A robust cybersecurity plan also needs to include a secure website.

Assists in Remote Working

Cybersecurity can be a challenge for businesses located out of the country. Many companies are based in foreign countries and rely on an international workforce. To maintain a secure working environment, you must have a robust cybersecurity plan in place. Your goal should include remote working policies and procedures. A safe business should also have a policy on how employees will be trained and vetted for access to sensitive information. The cybersecurity business importance, for business executives, is to ensure that their data is secure.

Enhanced Data Management

When you have a strong cybersecurity plan in place, you can ensure that your data is protected. You can also save your business information by implementing an excellent cybersecurity policy. Your business should also have a data handling policy and procedures. These policies will help to improve the organization’s ability to protect its sensitive information from hackers and unauthorized access.

Cybersecurity is a need for business executives who want to protect their company’s data and information. Cybersecurity is an essential aspect of your business, and you need to make sure that it is appropriately managed. To ensure that your cybersecurity plan is effective, you need to ensure that your information is protected from hackers and cybercriminals.

Ensure CEOs/owners understand the risks within their organization

The board of directors has a primary role in developing an organization’s risk management program and must be familiar with its operation and evolution. Risk management is identifying, quantifying, and controlling risks in a project or the entire organization. Projects that do not incorporate risk management are often at a higher risk of unsuccessful.

The Board ensures full awareness and comprehensive understanding of the risks within their organization. The necessary measures – such as policies, procedures, processes, and control mechanisms to address these risks – are in place. This is a crucial responsibility of the Board, and it is an area where many boards fall.

Submitted By:

Michael Castro, founder of Canadian-based cybersecurity firm, RiskAware | info@riskaware.io

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What I Wish I Knew When I Started This Journey

business-networking

Have you just started your entrepreneurial journey? Let me share with you some lessons learned.

I remember it like it was yesterday.

I was attending my first networking event as a new entrepreneur, and on the drive there, I almost talked myself out of going.

Public speaking wasn’t new to me. Before starting my business, I had built an award-winning 15-year career in public relations and corporate communications. I advised, wrote for, and trained managers, senior executives, and politicians on communication.

But this was different. This was me talking about me. I had no idea how challenging that was going to be.

When my turn came to introduce myself and my business, I stumbled through my intro. I felt wholly inadequate as I compared myself to other entrepreneurs in the room. I admired those who appeared confident, clear, and who knew exactly how they served. I wanted to be like them.

That day served as a touchstone moment for me. It showed me how much I needed to learn to believe in myself and I didn’t yet know-how. It provided me with the opportunity to see that entrepreneurship was a journey of becoming – a journey that’s not talked about enough, and one which new entrepreneurs would benefit from learning more about.

You don’t know what you don’t know, right? Here are three lessons that flowed out of that day that I wish all new entrepreneurs knew:

  1. No matter how awesome you were in your 9-5, entrepreneurship is a different beast. I don’t mean to scare you. The reality is in your 9-5 you had a specialized role. In your business especially at the beginning, you’ll wear many hats. Some you’ll master. Others you’ll need help with. You’ll learn. You’ll fail. You’ll get back up and adjust.

  2. You’ll come face-to-face with feelings of inadequacy. “Not enough” and “not worthy” will show up a lot. Avoid believing these stories. A large part of the entrepreneurial journey is learning to let go of self-limiting thoughts and beliefs, and continuously moving forward with purpose.

  3. You’re not alone. I developed relationships with entrepreneurs who were present at my first networking event. We talked about our challenges with growing confidence and learning what it meant to be an entrepreneur. We found comfort knowing we weren’t alone. There are many entrepreneur communities. Find yours and lean into them.

May these lessons serve you as they served me in the brave and fulfilling journey of entrepreneurship.

Submitted By:

Fazeena Haniff | CEO & Leadership Communication Coach | The Conscious Communicator hello@theconsciouscommunicator.ca  | www.theconsciouscommunicator.ca

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Meeting Customer Needs in a Pandemic Era

Meeting_customer_needs
Meeting customer needs: the objective of every business.

Listen as you read …

Are you one of the enterprises that had to remodel its business processes in order to stay operating during the COVID-19 era? Or are you still running your business in survival mode? Meeting customer needs in a pandemic era have been the focus of every business.

The Difference

Innovation in remodeling the business is what differentiates businesses that are meeting their monthly revenue from businesses that are struggling to survive. The Pandemic has changed lifestyles and closed businesses and the need to restructure and remodel the business will allow more room to meet customer needs. The pandemic has really hit the business community hard, especially in trades like food, events, and hospitality industries.

A Business Guide

Here are Four tips to guide the business as it innovatively remodels its offerings:

  1. Time to Reflect: Take time to reflect, evaluate and write down the current offerings of the business. It is very important to have a clear view of what’s current in order to identify the sudden change that took over since the pandemic started.
  2. Identify Changes: With an open mind, identify the changes that were imposed on the business. Keep a log in order to enhance clarity of the situation . Sometimes business owners find it difficult to embrace change. However, in the world of business, change has proven to be evident. In normal days business owners have to keep watch for trends and quickly adapt to the changes that come with them.  While the pandemic brought major changes to the business world, business owners still have to adapt and be open to alter their practices.
  3. Brain storm: Reflect on the list of changes that the business had experienced one at a time. Write down innovative remodelling ideas for the business.  It can be amendments to practices and operations, or it may be bringing in some new products or services. While brainstorming mark down creative and innovative ideas as they come to mind. And always keep customers as the target audience and core mark to the new model.
  4. Create a Plan: Now that all the facts are at hand, it is time to organize the collected data and edit the list of remodelling ideas. With that we are equipped to establish a readiness and come up with a plan. The objective behind that process is to implement change. Modifications that are geared to regain consumer confidence and recommence consistent growth for the business.

Summary

That exercise will restructure the business model to retain and acquire customers in a pandemic era. Once that practice is complete, and the business starts running with the new model, then it is time to craft a marketing plan that works in sync with the new changes.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post! You may follow BizReflections blog for future business related posts and updates. (FOLLOW button in sidebar). I would also like to invite you to subscribe to BizReflections YouTube channel. On our channel there is a collection of business videos that equip small business owners for growth.

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BizExpo

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resons-vs-excuses

Reasons versus Excuses

Often, we offer a reason or excuse when something didn’t happen, or is not done. Why is it we don’t spend as much energy on using a reason or excuse when something is successful, completed, or done?

By Cheryl Clark

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entrepreneurial-fear

Make A Lasting Impact

As business owners we drop the ball. As business owners we make mistakes. As business owners we screw up. As business owners our actions and our lack of actions has an impact.

By Cheryl Clark

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business-growth

“Validation” a Game Changer?

I see content as being educational pieces, creating awareness, providing opportunities that lead to sales, sharing accolades and accomplishments, and branding one’s self as an expert.

By Cheryl Clark

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dark web

How Dark Is The Dark Web?

Let’s explore what the dark web is and what we can do to keep our data safe from bad actors within this hidden part of the web.

By Jonathan Bullock

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A Leader’s Journey

What does management actually mean? Does it automatically make you a good leader? I mean just because you are gifted at what you do, doesn’t mean you will be able to step into your boss’s shoes, does it?

by Ritu Kohli-Sethi

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ground for sale

Setting The Grounds For Sales

With time and patience, our marketing tools become stronger until, at last, we’re selling regularly, having “transferred our feelings” to an ever-growing loyal clientele.

By Phyllis Cohen

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PERCEPTION: MAKE IT OR BREAK IT!

perception

Do start-ups, or maybe entrepreneurs in general, focus on their business, or do they get easily overwhelmed and distracted by competition? Is competition always a threat or can it be an extension to business objectives at times? Whether we make it or break it in this competitive world will depend on the perception that guides our business journey

Businesses have always struggled with the idea of being close to completion and in many cases, they have fiercely tried to find ways to fight competitors. Like any other business concept, things do fall back on how a business owner perceives competition.

Here are 3 ways to perceive competition in hope that readers will opt for the realistic choice:

An Enemy

Continue with the attitudes of the past and stay distant from competitors. If approached, reject and sadistically object their presence and continue to viciously bad mouth and fight them.

A Stranger

Embrace the passive approach. Take the attitude of “I recognize your presence, but stay away”.  As long the competitor does not interfere with my business I am safe and I can make gains.

A Lead

Reach out to competitors and meet them face to face. Ease down the perception that you may be a threat to them.  Share some best practices of the industry and exchange information that may benefit both parties.  Approach competitors with an open mind, be willing to give first so you may build trust. Work on establishing a relationship that will ease down existing boundaries and reshape them into boundaries that are built on respect and that will create a win-win situation for both businesses.

Yes, competitors can be leads and may be very good leads at times.  Strategize as you build relationships and stay focused on the objectives that you have set for your business.

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4 BUSINESS TIPS TO START OFF 2019

new year

The start of every year may be a proper time to work on setting new business goals and resolutions; after all, it’s the start of a new beginning that has major significance to the whole world.  Here are 4 business tips that will help you start off 2019.

  1. Review your vision for the business:  Starting off the year with eagerness and drive for the vision will help kick off the business year and set it in the right direction.  Evaluate where the business is at and set new milestones for 2019
  2. Categorize your mailing list:
    • Segment your audience and know who your clients are.  Stay in touch with them and seek their opinion and feedback.
    • Know how many leads were acquired during the previous year and make plans to increase this number by setting goals.
    • Pin point acquaintances and ensure to stay in touch with them during the course of the year.
  3. Review the products and/or services list, evaluate the performance of each item and based on that “keep, “discard” or “introduce NEW”.
  4.  Establish a realistic marketing strategy that is based on achieving goals and reaching milestones for the year.
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PRIORITIZING INCREASES EFFICIENCY

prioritizing tasks

Every day brings with it new tasks, situations, and a to-do list that may get overwhelming. Thinking of the day ahead and the things that need to get done can be stressful and frustration may take over. One proven solution to stay in control is to apply prioritizing techniques.

Prioritizing what must get done in a day is a skill that anyone can acquire with a little bit of organization and discipline. However, learning to stay focused and focused on goals requires determination and persistence.

Each day, one gets to do planned activities and unplanned activities.  It is easy to prioritize planned activities. Applying a few prioritizing techniques will increase efficiency on a normal day.  As for the unplanned activities that unexpectedly come up, the best way to handle them is by making decisions that are focused on business goals.

Techniques that may help in the prioritizing process:

  1. Create a To-Do list the night before. Just work on a list without even thinking of what should get done first or last.
  2. First thing in the morning, get the To-Do list and read it carefully. Based on business goals for the day take out the tasks that may not seem important for that day.
  3. Number the remaining items on the To-Do list based on importance to the set goals for the day.
  4. Deal with unplanned activities that may unexpectedly arise, by making decisions that are based on daily goals.

During the prioritizing process, learning to say “No” may seem a difficult practice at first. However, it is a practice that needs to get done in order to stay focused on the prime tasks assigned for each day.

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