Category: Business

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Search Engine Marketing

FIRST BUSINESS? Here Are SEM Tricks Which Actually Works

Despite being one of Southeast Asia's smallest countries, Singapore has a highly advanced economy.   The country is a consistent global business hub, with many multinational companies setting up headquarters there. One primary reason is its strong economy, but its strategic location also plays a key role.   This location allows for a unique cultural mix of Asian, European, and American influences. This advantage makes Singapore a top international business community.   Over the years, competition has intensified, making marketing more critical than ever. Working with an SEM agency in Singapore is now standard practice.   Many businesses are trying to gain an edge over their competitors. Creating strong Search Engine Marketing campaigns is vital to your company’s success.   However, doing this is easier said than done. If you're new to SEM techniques, here are a few tips to help your small business stand out.  Tips on Doing Search Engine Marketing for Your Small Business Here are some basic tips to begin your SEM journey, whether for a new business or job.  Choose the Right Keywords Search engines use keywords to match web pages with user searches. So, choosing the right ones is crucial.   Doing so ensures your site reaches your target audience. When using pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, keyword optimization is vital to ranking high in search results.   Various tools can aid in keyword research. With them, you can analyze competition, search volume, and relevance. Doing this ensures that your investments are well spent.  Create Quality Content Content is king in any marketing strategy, and Search Engine Marketing is no exception. A visually appealing ad or website is important to catch attention.   But your content is what keeps users engaged and interested. Creating valuable, high-quality content shows your expertise and credibility.   As a result, users feel inclined to trust your brand. With this, you can generate more leads and boost conversions.  Know Your Competition Consider your business, audience, and objectives when creating a Search Engine Marketing plan.   But also look at the bigger picture and analyze your competition. Working with an SEM agency in Singapore can provide more insights with professional tools and expertise.   Competitive analysis shows you what others are doing. You can see what methods work and find ways to differentiate yourself.  Monitor Your Strategy A common misconception about Search Engine Marketing is that it’s over after executing your campaign.   However, like SEO, Search Engine Marketing is an ongoing process.   It’s not just a one-time strategy that you can leave alone. Consistently monitor your strategy to see if it’s generating the desired results.   Technology is constantly evolving, and new SEM practices are coming over time.   Staying updated ensures you don’t miss out on potential opportunities to boost returns.  Post March Update SEM for Beginners Now that we are done with the basics, here is how you can do SEM right with the current Google Update.  Search Engine Marketing (SEM), it’s time to step up your game. After Google updated in March this year, keeping up with the changing times and how things are done is crucial.   Here are seven tricks to help you do SEM with the new Google update.  First things first: Mind your keywords  Don’t forget that the recent update has made Google much smarter at understanding user intent. This means that you might need to change your old keyword strategy.   Go through your list of keywords and find those that match as closely as possible to what your target audience is looking for.   Lastly, long-tail keywords have become extremely important because they cater to potential customers typing in exactly what they want.  Ad Copy  Next, let’s discuss ad copy. Google is now favoring relevant and engaging ads. Your ad copy must be crisp and clear and speak your customers' language.   Don’t beat around the bush; be very specific with your messaging. Highlight what sets your product apart from the competition (if possible, use dynamic text in your ads for added personalization).  User Experience  Another factor you should remember is the landing page experience after this update. Google now considers how users engage with a website when they land on it after clicking on an ad.   A quick, mobile responsive site with easy navigation is critical to keep a tab on here. Check if your pages are optimized for mobile viewing (they should also load quickly across devices).   Also, ensure the context matches pre-click expectations and provides visitors with a seamless user experience through their conversion journey.   SEM Tools  Budgeting is another area you need to be strategic about. The update has more advanced bidding available now, so make sure you make the most of what you spend using those tools.   Consider Google’s automated bidding strategies, for example. They do all the heavy lifting and ensure you achieve your desired goal without constant manipulation.   Never Stop Researching!  Also, continue testing and trying new things. The digital marketing industry changes almost daily – get comfortable being uncomfortable, especially after this last update, as some things may remain unnoticed for longer than others.  Following these tactics and remaining flexible, you can use the March update to increase your SEM efforts and results. Keep testing and learning, and you’ll learn the most.  Read Also: 8 Key SEO Strategies for E-Commerce Websites Required Content Marketing for Your E-Commerce Curious About Search Engine Optimization? Let’s Get to Its Roots Online Marketing: Selling Your Product And Services

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Employment Law Tips

7 Best Employment Law Tips For Businesses In Dubai

Are you planning to do business in Dubai? If yes, you must know the rules and regulations of employment laws in Dubai to settle there comfortably, especially the employment law, to start your job or business there. If you want to excel in your business field, you must know the country’s laws in the best possible manner. You cannot consider things for granted here. You must make your plans in the right direction to achieve your objective in the best possible way. As per the report of the Gulfnews, the labor laws are well protected in Dubai, and you cannot make any mess with it there. Best Employment Law Tips For Business In Dubai in 2021 Several employment law tips you can follow in Dubai to carry on your business successfully there. Therefore, let’s explore some of the essential facts in light of this matter. 1. Your Employees Have The Right To Take Annual Leaves The employees in Dubai have the full right to take annual leaves on several occasions; being an organization’s employer, you cannot ignore this fact. There are several kinds of leaves that you can enjoy there. For instances: Your employees can enjoy one day’s leave for new Year’s day. Your employees can enjoy the Islamic new year for one day. Your employees can enjoy Eid al Fitr for two days. Employees can also enjoy Eid Al Adha for Four days. Employees can also enjoy National Day for two days and Commemoration Day for one day. These are the leaves you must give to your employees if you are working in Dubai. You cannot bypass these leaves being an employer of an organization. The worker is entitled to annual leave for one year. Understanding the various national holidays and addressing any possible disputes that may or may not arise requires you to seek the assistance of the best uae law firms. They have an idea about the nature of society and will be able to guide you in the best possible manner. 2. Your Employers Must Pay The Wages Regularly  Your employees are entitled to receive the wages regularly in terms of the national currency of the state. Workers who are employed for monthly or annual wage must be paid once per month. An employer cannot force their employees to purchase their products from their stores. It will be considered an offense if the employer does so in Dubai. If you have accidentally breached the law, then you can consult the best law firm in Dubai. It is not necessary that your employees must buy the food or any goods from the owner’s shop in Dubai. You need to understand the law of the land before developing your business plan in Dubai. 3. You Cannot Deny The Maternity Leave Of Your Employees   You are not supposed to deny your employees maternity leave, even in the case of your immense work pressure. As per the labor law of the country Labour Law No eight and Article Number 30. A female worker is entitled to maternity leave for 45 days. Being an employer of the organization, you cannot evade out this law. 4. Your Employer Is Not Allowed To Keep Your Passport  Your employer is not allowed to keep your passport in their custody. You are not entitled to keep your employees’ access; it is actually against the law of the land. Furthermore, no employer can terminate the employee for not surrendering the passport. Your basics must be cleared regarding the employment rules in Dubai. Without the right knowledge, you cannot excel in your field. Ensure that you have not committed such mistakes in Dubai while running your business there. Your policies must be correct enough to deal with this matter efficiently. 5. Your Employees Must Not Bear The Cost Of Residency Visa Your employer must bear the cost of the residency visa in the UAE. The company must take the responsibility of the employee in this regard UAE. The Visa cost and sponsorship costs are the sole responsibility of the employer. If you want to grow your organization in the UAE, you must know this rule in detail. You cannot afford to make a mess with the law of the land. The only thing you must be aware of is that you must not violate the nation’s rules while operating your business in Dubai. 6. You Cannot Force Your Employee To Work For More Than 8-9 Hours A Day   You cannot force your employee to work for more than 8-9 hours a day in the UAE. It is a criminal offense and against the labor law of the land. You must know this fact in advance before setting your organization’s rules in the best possible manner. The total working hours for an adult in Dubai are 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week. You need not exceed that landmark in your case. The more vigilant you will be in this regard, the better it will be for you. 7. Employers Consent Is Not Required For Resignation The employer’s consent is not required if your employee wants to resign from your organization. It is solely the discretion of the employee to do the job for you. You cannot force your employee to stay and work for your organization. It is your employee’s sole individual decision and being an employer, you cannot force your employee to stay in your organization without their wish. It is wrong from the endpoints of the employer. Ensure that you know the rules and the regulation of the state in the best possible manner. Conclusion Hence, if you want to run your business in Dubai successfully, you must know the land rules in the best possible manner. You cannot ignore these facts while you are opening your organization in Dubai. Ensure that you have followed the laws of the nation in the best possible manner.  Make sure that you have followed the rules of the country in the best possible way. Ensure that being a leader of your organization; you have not violated the rules of the nation. Make sure that you have followed the rules in the best possible way. The more precise you are in adopting your business policy with the nation’s laws’ alignment, the better it will be for your organization. Try to maintain the employment law properly to run your organization successfully. Read Also: Can an Employee Claim for a Personal Injury When Working From Home? Picking the Right Law Firm for You and Your Family Why Do Businesses Need Lawyer’s Advice?

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Startup Ecosystem

The Growing Startup Ecosystem of Dehradun

Startups are often associated with the bustle of the big cities – the busy metropolitans which attract talent from across the country to its teeming opportunities, rising businesses, and thriving lifestyle amenities. No one would quite think about the quaint hilly landscape of Uttarakhand, mostly known for its scenic views and local cottage industries when one thinks of startups. But its leading city Dehradun, known as an education hub, is also becoming home to several startup companies. Today, the state boasts of over 66 businesses that are a part of the Government of India’s Startup India program. Investing in local talent, the State Government’s efforts like the Startup Uttarakhand Initiative and the announcement of Uttarakhand Startup Policy 2018, have boosted the entrepreneurship scenario in this hill town. The town has a mostly agrarian population as well as ex-military and other service-background folks who have a limited risk appetite. But over the years, private investors have grown to explore start-up enterprises in the state. At present, numerous IT companies in Dehradun have sprung up, making it one of the startup and technological hub of the nation. Here’s a look at some of the factors that are driving growth: Partnerships: Under the aegis of the State Government, a specialized advisory group on startup, innovation, and entrepreneurship has encouraged the growth of startups in the state. While this is already a great boost for the local startup ecosystem, partnerships with giants like Amazon, Google, Headstart Network Foundation, and EChai Ventures also offer the much-needed support to help the startup ecosystem blossom and thrive. Moreover, Dehradun also has its very own TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) chapter which brings the community together to uplift the entrepreneurship scenario. There are a few more state-funded initiatives like Angel Investment Workshop, Startup Yatra, and Startup Grand Challenge which have contributed to startup development in the form of entrepreneurial guidance, financial support, etc. Incubators in and around Dehradun: Incubators are important to propel the growth of startups and similar ventures. Here are some incubators in and around Dehradun that are nudging the city’s ecosystem forward. US Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UCES): University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES)-based business incubator’s aim is to nurture tech-startups. It has incubated several startups in and around Dehradun and has also impacted business outreach in other states, including expanding to support software companies in Delhi. Their main focus lies in areas like energy technology, edtech, transport tech, food processing, e-commerce, gaming, etc.  Technology Business Incubator (TBI): An initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the central government of India, TBI has its focus on sectors like dairy and food processing, bio-pesticides, chemical engineering, etc. Startup Incubator and Entrepreneurship Development Society (STRIEDS): A brainchild of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, STRIEDS has built an interactive space for young business enterprises to engage with students, boost college-based entrepreneurship and career opportunities. It is recognized by the Startup Uttarakhand initiative. Technology Incubation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (TIEDS): Started by the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, TIEDS was established to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Uttarakhand. Some of the startups incubated under the TIEDS are Log9 Materials, Fermentech Labs, and more. Infrastructure and Facilities Tier 2 towns like Dehradun offer startups affordable rents, shorter commutes, and better quality of life.   As a result, talented students can now find jobs locally with these startups, reducing the need to migrate to Tier 1 cities. The pandemic has further fueled reverse migration, increasing available resources and talent.  In conclusion, Dehradun is emerging as a smart city. It won’t be surprising to see capable ventures from its soil contribute significantly to India's startup ecosystem.   As more states continue pushing for entrepreneurial growth, Tier 2 cities like Dehradun will play an increasingly vital role in strengthening the national startup landscape.  Hidden Startup Gems in Uttarakhand's Smaller Towns  Exploring startup hubs often leads us to bustling cities, but Uttarakhand's smaller towns like Haridwar and Almora have untapped entrepreneurial potential.   These regions, usually known for tourism or agriculture, are quietly fostering startup ecosystems that deserve more attention.  Why Haridwar and Almora?  You might be surprised, but Haridwar's spiritual significance is just one part of the story. It’s also home to industries and tech hubs that are laying the groundwork for startups.   Almora, on the other hand, with its picturesque landscape, offers unique opportunities for eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and even e-commerce ventures.  In these towns, the local population is filled with skilled artisans, professionals, and small business owners who are gradually embracing the startup culture. What if more platforms could connect these talents to the digital marketplace or investors? Imagine the impact.  Government Support  Fortunately, Uttarakhand's government is stepping in. They’ve extended initiatives like Startup India to these smaller towns, offering resources and funding.   This means there’s potential for even more growth in unexpected places. Think of the possibilities in sectors like organic farming, renewable energy, or digital education.  A Growing Community  It’s not just about government support, though. You’ll find small but growing communities of entrepreneurs in these areas, ready to exchange ideas and offer support.   Startup incubators and mentorship programs are slowly emerging, creating a startup ecosystem that’s friendly to new businesses.  But what if you’re not from Uttarakhand? Well, these towns are still attractive for outside entrepreneurs. With lower living costs, a quieter lifestyle, and room to grow, they offer advantages that busy metro cities simply don’t.  Don’t Get Overwhelmed  Starting in a less-developed area might feel daunting, but with the right planning, you could be at the forefront of something big.   Plus, these towns are still small enough for you to make a meaningful impact. Keep it simple, stay focused, and watch your startup grow.  Who knows? Haridwar or Almora might just be the next hidden startup gem waiting to shine.  Read Also: Courses For Entrepreneurs Are Worth It – Here’s Why 7 Foolproof Ways to Increase Your Chances of Finding Startup Funding Useful Marketing Tips for Startups

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Employee Recognition Awards

7 Best Employee Recognition Awards Ideas For 2021

When you are running a business, your employees become your assets. If your employees grow, so does your organization. Hence, it becomes very important that you take care of your employees. Custom employee recognition can be one of the best ways to make your employees feel comfortable and encouraged working in your organization. Showing your employees that they are being valued for their hard work and reward them accordingly will help your business in the long run. The key to achieving this goal is understanding Employee award wording ideas. If you can develop the best and innovative ideas, you can boost your employee's morale and motivation. Why are Employee Recognition Awards Important? It has been seen that the employees who have been appreciated by their organization are more likely to feel satisfied with their work. Once you start encouraging employees for their good work, you will see a boost in productivity. As we have started cruising through 2021, we hope that this is the best time to understand employee recognition's importance to boost your business productivity this year. Fulfilling Careers Workplace loyalty is not derived from the job. The workplace environment and fulfilling careers nurture it. According to a report, it has been seen that 78% of the employees agree with the fact that they will stay with the currency employers if they know they have a career in this organization. With employee recognition, you can motivate your employees and ensure that they see your organization as the best career opportunity rather than a job. Respect Knowledge Everyone works hard to build their skills set and expects others to respect that. According to a report, almost 53% of the employees believe that if their knowledge and skills are being respected, they will spend more time with the respective organizations. Understanding Progress Yes, goals are important. But that can only be achieved by understanding the working process. Employee recognition is not limited to big win; it can also support and nurture the next generation of employees in your organizations. Best Employee Recognition Awards Ideas There are multiple ideas that you can adopt to recognize your employees. We have prepared a handful of them. Let's explore. 1. Formulate A Proper Plan To Recognize Your Employees Before you can prepare yourself to recognize your employees, you need to formulate a proper plan to track their achievements. Remember that these awards programs and recognition events are not just for show. They are meant to boost your employee's morale and the organization's productivity. Hence, it becomes very important that you figure out an appropriate strategy. Do not forget about your work culture. Employees' recognition ideas should be relevant to your work culture. 2. Celebrate Employees Birthdays Birthdays are the best event to make your employees feel special. You can start targeting your employees' birthdays. This will make them feel special and a part of the organization. When you celebrate your employees' birthdays, they will feel connected to the organization on a deeper level. This practice can make them feel an inseparable part of the organization. This will act as a driving force and help them to boost their productivity. Even a small event like celebrating employee's birthdays can motivate them to give their best performance to the organization. 3. Cheers From Peers Creating the best working environment is the role of the pers. The working environment should be like this where the co-workers can celebrate the achievement of the other co-workers. And when the time calls for it, they stand alongside the organization's bad times. This will ensure that the whole organization can perform as a team and bring positive results day in and day out. 4. Reward Them With Trophies Every sport has trophies. These trophies change hands every year depending on the champions. You can use the same concept in your organization. This practice will motivate your employees to be the best in the organization. Once they know what they can achieve by working hard, they will try their best to achieve that goal. 5. Collect Employees Feedback We have hardly seen any organization taking feedback from the employees. Feedback is a necessary part if you want to improve your organization as a whole. Taking feedback from the employees will give them an idea that their views matter in the organization. You can take feedback on the followings: What do they feel about the organization? What do they think needs to be improved? What drives them to work for you? What will drive them further? Ask your employees these questions, and take their answers as suggestions. This practice will kill two birds with one arrow. Not only are you getting valuable feedback, but you are also getting to know what your employees think about you and your organization. 6. Public Your Appreciation Recognizing your employees is a good thing but recognizing them in public is even better. You must devise a perfect appreciation program where you or the employee can recognize the best performer among the employees. By appreciating the best employee in public, you are not only boosting the morale of the employers, but you are also giving them a goal to achieve. The public execution of the appreciation shows that you are confident in your employees and want others to step up their game and reach this podium. 7. Track Team Wins Every organization has several teams, and every team competes among themselves subconsciously. You must track your team every year and award the winning team. This will not only help you understand how other teams are performing, but you will have an idea of how the organization can improve. Working with the team will help you understand the working of your organization, and you will know what you need to expect from them. This is a perfect device to find out non-performing teams and motivate them to work better. Conclusion From the points mentioned above, you now know how employee recognition can help you develop a perfect plan for your employees' recognition. If you want to cope with the market and stand back on the feet again, employee recognition might play an important role. Read Also: Why In-Company Training Results in Better Employees 3 Steps to Hire the Perfect Employee What Are the Ways to Prepare a New Employee? Possible Reasons Why Your Employees Aren’t Too Productive and What to Do About It How to Increase the Safety of Your Employees

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Mobile Solar Generators

Everything You Need To Know About Mobile Solar Generators

Solar power has been around for quite some time, and the first photovoltaic cells were created in the 1950s.   Since then, technology has been improving, and the efficiency of modern photovoltaic cells has increased immensely, making solar power a viable option.  If you are considering getting mobile solar generators, here is everything you need to know.  What Are Mobile Solar Generators?  Most solar generators are static, which means they do not move. However, there are mobile ones that you can transport to any location and use if there is enough sunlight.   These items are common with people who love camping, RV camping, and boats, and they come in a variety of sizes.   They are also popular for use in infrastructure projects, agriculture, and even remote communities.  Mobile solar power generators have a bank of photovoltaic cells. These cells turn sunlight into energy, which can then be stored in batteries. This type of power generator is handy for your next outdoor adventure.  What Do You Need for Mobile Solar Generators?  When you are looking to purchase or make mobile solar generators, four components make the device, which are:  Solar Panels  An Investor  A Solar Charge Controller  Solar Batteries  The solar panels and batteries are the parts of this device that can vary in quality. You will want to select the most efficient solar panels you can afford and high-quality batteries to store your electricity.  How Do They Work?  You first need to transport your system to where you want to set it up and then assemble the solar panels. The solar panels collect energy from the sun, which is converted to a Direct Current (DC), and it is then passed through the solar charge controller.   The controller regulates the voltage of the electricity when charging the battery, where you store the power to be used later.   When ready to use the energy collected from your solar panels, the inverter converts the DC power into AC (Alternating Current), which most electrical appliances use.  The Pros & Cons of Mobile Solar Power  There are a lot of benefits to using solar power, but there are some drawbacks as well. One of the best things about solar power is that it is 100% clean and renewable energy that you are using, and there are no fuels to burn, which will create pollution.   They are also relatively simple to maintain, and the biggest task will be to clean the solar panels and ensure that they are running at maximum efficiency.  There are some cons to solar power as well. The biggest one is that there is a significant upfront cost required to purchase the equipment you will need.   You are also limited to the amount of power you can store, depending on the size and efficiency of your batteries. The charging process is also slow.  The expense of solar technology can pay for itself in a short time, so it is worthwhile to invest in.   You will have the luxury of being able to use your electrical devices wherever you go, safe in the knowledge that you are doing your part for the environment.  How Mobile Solar Generators are Good for Digital Nomads  As a digital nomad, one of the things you will love about this lifestyle is that you will have all the freedom to work from wherever you may be.   That said, it can be challenging to stay connected or keep your devices charged, and that is where mobile solar generators come into play with an easy eco-friendly solution.  Whether you’re working in a coffee shop or camping in the wilderness, mobile solar generators will keep your devices charged. Here’s how.  On-the-Go Power  Mobile solar generators are lightweight and compact, so you can take them with you on the road.   No matter if you’re driving in a van or RV or backpacking around the world, your generator comes with you to power your mobile office no matter where you set it up.  Minimize Digital Nomad  As a digital nomad you can minimize your carbon footprint by using the sun as your source of energy, instead of relying on fossil fuels.   Most of us tend to be living a sustainable and minimalist lifestyle already, so this suits us well!  The initial investment for a mobile solar generator may seem high, but it pays for itself over time. With the sun as its fuel source, you save on fuel costs. Additionally, many nations provide tax credits or reimbursements on renewable energy usage.  Quiet Operation  Traditional generators can make a lot of noise, which isn’t necessarily something you want in a quiet, natural environment as a digital nomad.  Mobile solar generators don’t produce any noise pollution. So, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings without a constant drone running a petrol engine.  Independence from the Grid  Modern mobile solar generators are equipped with advanced batteries that store energy efficiently.   This means you can have a consistent power supply even on cloudy days or at night.   Many models also offer multiple output options, including USB ports, AC outlets, and DC carports, to charge various devices simultaneously.  Since you don’t need electricity to generate more electricity with these gas-free solar generators; you are not chained to the local electricity grid.  Especially when it takes weeks for electrical companies to get everything up and running again. Yes, it’ll not affect you at all.   Read Also: The Benefits of Solar Lighting in a Nutshell 10 Steps To Take To Set Up Solar Panels At Home What You Should Know About Solar Energy for Schools Benefits What Are Solar Incentives? Prepare Your Solar Panels for the Fall

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KFC documentary

KF Documentary: Tips For Small Business To Learn From KFC’s Brand Turnaround

It wasn’t that long ago that reports about KFC’s sales falling were drawing a rather dismal picture for the brand. And yet today, it’s standing strong as ever, proudly taking the title of the second most popular fast-food chain on the planet. Today in this KFC documentary, we will look into the strategies KFC used to regain its position. The turnaround this brand managed to accomplish in a handful of years is rather miraculous in the world of business, and many can learn from its example. Some of the techniques used by KFC in its road back to the top can be adapted for small businesses that are working their way up their own niches. KFC Documentary: Brand Revival After KFC fall to the ground and fail to satisfy their customers with their product in 2013, they decided to connect with the customers on the emotional levels and started marketing business once again. This time they took the help of the digital platform to reach out wider bandwidth of audiences. 1. Make Advertisements Branded And Fun Ads are annoying, and people skip them, right? Well, KFC managed to create a series of ads that people were really looking forward to watching. Each was an entertaining clip featuring ‘Colonel Sanders’ in some new interesting role. Colonel, the founder and greatest asset of KFC, is the embodiment of the brand today. On the contrary, the company is immortalizing him by turning him from a real-life showman and marketing genius into a fictional hero who has his own fan club. There are even books about his rise to the brand icon role now. A small business will not be able to launch a multimillion campaign with fancy ads, but you can create a character that will give a personality to your brand. Choose something or someone that your target audience will be able to relate to. Your goal is to make your marketing seem less like self-promotion and more like a friend or idol offering advice. 2. Make Your Customer Feedback Count One thing that KFC has always been focused on was delivering a top-quality customer experience. One of the main methods the brand uses to achieve that is directly asking for feedback and actually using it. All you need to do in order to share your opinion and be heard is to fill up the KFC survey. Have you ever done this yourself? Did it help improve the service or address any issue you had? Did you feel like you can contribute to the betterment of your favorite fast-food restaurant by taking that survey? Considering how smoothly the KFC customer service runs, the answers to those questions are most likely ‘yes’. And that is what a small business owner should learn from KFC. You need to establish a way for your customers to provide feedback (a customer satisfaction survey is a good start). Then, you need to pay attention to that feedback and follow up on it immediately. Today you can find or develop specialized solutions that will process this information to make this easier. That’s why the survey format is optimal for small companies that cannot hire a full-time call center service. KFC Documentary: Final Thoughts Of course, there was more to KFC’s triumph, like leveraging humor as well as extensive work in local market research and launching dozens of localized projects, like traditional menu changes. However, as a small business owner, you need to start with things that can bring tangible results right away. Read Also: Basic Small Business Tips for Noobs Who Want to Start a Venture in 2020 Cost-Effective Custom Mobile Accessories Packaging for your Small Business How To Empower Your Small Business through Digital Marketing? How To Sell A Small Business Without A Broker

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Restaurant Space

How Restaurant Space Landlords Can Be Successful

If you have a rental company and specialize in restaurant space, you should know there are certain pitfalls you’ll want to avoid. You can also take specific steps to ensure you have the best success opportunity. There is an art to setting up a rental space and coming up with a contract that your tenant will love. We’ll take a few moments to break down your best moves if you want to get tenants for each of your properties that will stay with you year after year. Figure Out Which Restaurants Tenants Stay with You Longest The first rule of restaurant property development is to figure out what works in a particular locale. For instance, you’ll want to think about: What other cuisines have worked in your city Whether there will be any call for that food type in the space you have available This step will require research. Look at your neighborhood and see which cuisines and restaurant types have found prior success. If what the tenant is proposing to you sounds like too much of a departure from what has worked previously, you might give the space to a more promising candidate. Offer a Lower Rate for the First 3-5 Years When a restaurant first starts out will be the most challenging time for them. That’s because: No one knows about them yet They might not have the money for an aggressive marketing campaign You should keep this in mind when you talk to a potential candidate. You might offer them a multiple-year contract, but you can tell them you’ll keep the rate lower for the first 3-5 years. After that, if they catch on, they should have no problem paying more. After five years, a restaurant will either be a neighborhood fixture, or it will fold, and the owner will try their luck elsewhere. Consider Whether the Property is Liquor License-Ready Most restaurants want to serve alcohol because if people order it, it drives up their bills. Dining establishments can also mark up alcohol prices considerably, and people seldom have any problem paying for it. However, getting a liquor license can sometimes be tricky. If you know for a fact that you have a rental property that is liquor license-ready, that will appeal to many potential restaurant candidates. They will be fighting with each other to get that space if they know there’s a license waiting for them. Look into Laundry and Other Nearby Services A restaurant owner or operator will also probably look favorably on a space that has additional amenities nearby or onsite. For instance, if laundry services are in the same building or right next door, they can wash their employee uniforms there. The owner or operator might also look for things like on-site employee parking. They might look for public transportation that drops their employees off right in front of the property. They may like it if the space is right by an expressway for their employees who drive to work. At the same time, if there are diverse properties nearby, that will work in their favor. For instance, if there are office buildings or similar establishments across the street, the workers will probably come over frequently for meals. Provide Restaurant Exclusivity You might also have a restaurant space that’s part of a larger property. If so, you’ll know your restaurant tenant will have to share the space with other entities. They should have no problems with that, except if you let other restaurants move in. It’s not helpful if they have to compete with other food-preparing establishments in the same building. You can promise them exclusivity. You can agree in writing that as long as they are in that space, you will not allow any other restaurants to move in. That should make the owner happy. Consider Lease Flexibility Options You can also make the tough financial market into account. With the pandemic wreaking havoc on the restaurant industry over the past year, you might have some potential tenants who are leery about moving in and committing to a multiple-year lease. You can put language in the contract stipulating that you will not evict them if they can’t pay the rent for one month, or even two, provided they pay within a designated period after that. You can’t let it go forever, but a restaurant owner will like to know that if their sales tank for a few weeks, you will not immediately change the locks on them. Read Also:  Online Ordering Systems Setting the Trend for Restaurants 3 Best Seafood Restaurants in Patchogue, New York The Best Restaurants To Visit In Newark NJ 7 Restaurants You Must Experience in Melbourne 6 Tips to Maximize Refrigerator Use in Your Restaurant

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Energy Provider

How to Choose a Clean Energy Provider for Your Texas Home or Business

Keeping Texas clean is a priority for most Texans. Clean energy is one way to do that. Choosing clean energy helps lower carbon emissions, which helps to slow climate change. It also lowers overall energy costs and helps create a steady energy supply in the future. It can be cumbersome to sort through all the information on the internet to find an energy provider who uses renewable sources. Having a general idea of where to start and what you are looking for can really help you figure out what energy company to go with as you try to use clean energy in your home or business. You can find cheap energy companies in Texas and compare energy rates by making good use of energy comparison websites. Understand Clean Energy Clean energy, also called renewable energy, is generated from naturally replenished sources. These sources include solar energy, wind, water, nuclear, bioenergy, and geothermal sources. All of these energy sources are practically limitless instead of fossil fuels, which can take billions of years to renew. When looking for a clean energy provider, it is good to start by looking at their energy sources. If they mention a specific kind of renewable source, it is safe to go with that option. You must be sure where your energy is coming from if clean energy is essential to you. Make sure you don’t just take them for their word if they use buzzwords like “clean energy” in their marketing materials. Companies may get a small amount of their energy from renewable sources so that they can make that claim. However, it would be best if you went for a company that gets at least 50 percent of its energy from renewable sources if you want your energy source choice to make a meaningful impact on the environment. Find Providers Near You When searching for a clean energy provider, the first step is to determine what companies provide energy services for your area. Unfortunately, some more rural areas may not have the option to choose a clean energy provider. For locations with that option, search for "clean power companies in Texas,” like Chariot Energy or a comparable source to power your home or business. With any power company you find, make sure that they are rated for both business and residential areas. Investigate Your Options Find out what companies provide energy services for your area. Look for their story and see how long they have been working in clean energy. Look for businesses they work with and investors or politicians they have ties to. Their associations can tell you a lot about how serious the company is about clean energy. You should also look up independent sources to get ratings on their clean energy track record. Search for individual companies on independent review websites and the Better Business Bureau to get an accurate idea of what they truly stand for. You also want to make sure they have an excellent customer service track record. Compare Offers and Plans Once you have decided on the power company you want to use, you will have to compare its plans. Some companies offer “green pricing,” which allows customers to pay a premium to use only clean energy. This premium helps companies with the added costs of switching to green energy and with the addition of other clean energy sources to their mix. Suppose you can’t find a company that offers clean energy, or you want to give a little extra help to the industry as a whole. In that case, you can also purchase green certificates, which help companies around the country transition to clean energy. The Texas Choice Deciding to move to clean energy is good for the environment and good for Texas. It can be confusing to sort through all the information out there, but if you stay organized and sort through the data in smaller chunks, you can find the right energy company. It can save you money and save the wide-open spaces of Texas in the process. Read Also: The Dallas Texas Resource for Metal Conex Boxes What You Should Know About Solar Energy for Schools Benefits

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Market a Small Business

How to Market a Small Business in a Big City?

Big cities tend to have a highly competitive market base. As such, small businesses based in large cities like New York might find themselves at a loss when trying to develop a marketing strategy to engage a large audience with a relatively unknown brand. Market a Small Business in a large city like NYC requires a multi-faceted approach, and your plan should not merely emulate that of larger brands that may have much larger budgets. There are plenty of effective marketing strategies available for every budget. Working with a professional digital marketing agency will give you an excellent return on your investment if you have a limited budget. If your business is based in the Big Apple, you may want to consider having a New York digital marketing company help you perfect these strategies as they know how to serve the market best. 1. Research Conducting thorough and comprehensive market research services in Singapore should be the first step in your marketing campaign. The data you collect reveals vital information about your potential consumer base as well as your competitors. You can then use this information to tailor your marketing strategies to reach your audience best and stand out amongst the crowd. Singapore is a global business hub known for its pro-business environment, making it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs. If you're wondering how to set up a business in this city-state, the process is straightforward, with efficient registration procedures and minimal bureaucracy. With its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and favorable tax policies, Singapore provides a strong foundation for both local and international businesses to thrive. So, research more! Here are some of the objectives that market research aims to achieve: Know Your Audience This involves general information about your target audience—their demographic information, location, what they do, what they like, how they act, etc. Identify Your Competitors Knowing who your competitors are is vital to building brand awareness. Knowing your competitors means knowing what products/services they sell, their marketing strategies, and what kind of audience they target. Spot Emerging Market Trends Stay up-to-date about your target consumer base’s latest developments and mold your marketing campaign to remain on-track with those developments. 2. Create Quality Content Content marketing is the strategic use of high-quality, relevant, and on-brand content like blogs, videos, or articles to market your brand or a product to a well-defined audience. Typical content marketing strategies include, but are not limited to: Social Media Content Marketing  This involves the consistent uploading of a relevant content on various social media platforms. This content can include images, videos, animations, stories, or even live customer service videos. Blogs  Blogs are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to produce content on the web. It is essential that your blogs are creative, engaging, and contain original copy, not plagiarized from other websites. They should be well-researched and tailored to the specific audience that your brand is targeting. Paid Advertisements Sponsored ads require financial investment, but they can be a great way to reach a broader audience and ensure that your brand remains visible and relevant on the web. Content marketing is an excellent way for small businesses to market their brand or product with a minimal investment. 3. Leverage SEO Search Engine Optimization(SEO) is another vital aspect to consider when developing your digital marketing strategy. SEO involves curating your website and its content to rank higher in a search page result. With more and more businesses developing a web presence, having good SEO scores should be high on your marketing strategy’s priority list. SEO isn’t always cost-prohibitive; the price for SEO implementation depends on who is setting it up and working on it. The initial investment can range from cheap to spendy, depending on what level of ranking you desire for your site. If you decide to do SEO yourself, start by researching relevant terms and keywords for your industry. You can then add internal links and secure backlinks (another facet of content marketing), produce quality, highly-legible copy, write blog posts with numbered lists, and add relevant keywords throughout your website. Properly implementing SEO will establish your site as an authority and drive more traffic directly to you. 4. Have a Strong Digital Presence When digital ads account for half of all ad spend, developing and maintaining a strong web presence is imperative for any serious small business. A robust online footprint includes both your business website as well as social media pages. It is a cost-effective way of building brand awareness in your target market base. Developing and maintaining a business website should always be one of the top priorities of your marketing campaign. Your site will serve as the primary representation for your brand on the internet, which is crucial in building consumer loyalty and brand reputation. For top-notch website creation, there are several options for you to consider. The first one is using CMS like WordPress. The second one is custom web development. For this, you can hire RoR developers, a UX/UI designer, and a project manager. Additionally, social media can serve as an excellent digital marketing tool to reach a broader or more specific target audience. Social media serves as the vehicle to transport your brand to the masses and increase its visibility. 5. Generate Leads When your marketing campaign loses its potency on a specific target audience, you’ll need to generate new leads that you can then use to either find a new audience or expand the one that you’re already targeting. Here are some ways to generate new leads: Optimizing Your Landing Page  Use landing page strategies like implementing Call-To-Actions and write compelling headlines to improve your website’s traffic and conversion rates. Lead Generation Software  As the name suggests, this software identifies and collects new leads from multiple sources. With the right software, you can generate quality leads that significantly boost your conversion rates and sales. Data Validation Software  This is similar to lead generation software, but instead of crawling the internet for leads, it validates the information you already have. It works in one of two ways; it can either complete a batch validation analysis of a lead data spreadsheet or live as an API on your site’s contact forms and checks the data’s accuracy in real-time as forms are submitted. This can save time and effort when pursuing new leads. Email Marketing  Email marketing remains one of the most cost-effective ways to generate brand awareness and boost sales. These include implementing newsletters, sign-me-up forms, or generating automated email ads for specific audiences. Budget As a Tool, Not a Barrier Small businesses should develop a very different marketing strategy than large corporations in a big city like NYC. Approaching marketing from a small business perspective is the best way to ensure the most effective use of limited budgets and resources. Your finances should never be a hindrance to achieving your marketing goals. With proper strategies and a bit of creativity, your marketing campaign can be just as impactful as your competitors'. Read Also: Optimize Your Small Business Revenue by Taking These Steps Basic Small Business Tips for Noobs Who Want to Start a Venture in 2020 How to Empower Your Small Business through Digital Marketing?

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Cabover Trucks

The Main Reasons Why Cabover Trucks Are Less Common Than Long Hood Rigs

If you’re not familiar with the term cabover trucks, perhaps you will recognize these trucks by their full name, cabin over engine trucks. Or perhaps you don’t know much about them at all. No wonder, seeing how they’ve become far less common after 1976 after some regulatory changes made longer trucks an option. We reached to a reliable truck manufacturer that was around to see these trucks come and go, to tell us more about this truck type, its advantages and disadvantages, and why it is no longer as popular. Why They Were Popular In the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, the length regulations for the trucks dictated the maximum length of 65 feet (both truck and trailer). In 1976, as 75 feet became the norm, these trucks were gradually phased out by long hood trucks. Keep in mind that this trend is only present in North America, as Europe largely still uses cabover trucks for several reasons, with maneuverability being one of the most important ones. Elegant car seat pillow to keep you cool even on hot summer days. Maneuverability Due to the shorter axis distance, these trucks are a lot simpler and easier to maneuver. Backing up in narrow loading docks and changing lanes in heavy traffic is a lot simpler. The position of the driver at the very front of the vehicle also facilitates maneuverability as it gives the driver better visibility. As both roads and streets in Europe tend to be smaller and narrower, trucking companies there still prefer this type of truck. In fact, in some European countries which are more flat and open, like the Netherlands, long hood trucks can also be found. Fuel Efficiency Even though most people think that the more aerodynamic shape of the long hood trucks makes them more efficient, the simple truth is that European trucks are smaller and more efficient. In addition, more stringent emissions regulations in the European Union has forced manufacturers to make trucks more fuel-efficient compared to the US and Canada. In this case, it is not the shape of the truck, but the region where they are prevalent that led to the increased fuel efficiency. Lacking Safety Even though there are some clear advantages of having the driver in the very front of the vehicle, there are also some disadvantages. One of the clearest faults of a cabover is that the driver is far more vulnerable in case of an accident – there’s less truck between the driver and the impact. Despite the fact that modern cabovers have numerous protection advancements compared to the older models, they still fall flat compared to the long hood trucks. Lack of Comfort during Long Rides Another big disadvantage of a cabover, especially for the long haul is the less comfortable ride compared to the competitors. The shorter wheelbase is typically cited as the main reason why the ride is not as cushy as in a long hood. However, there is another important reason – in a cabover, your driver’s seat is directly on top of a wheel, making all the bumps much more visceral. There was an attempt by the manufacturers to resolve this problem, but it resulted in more expensive vehicles – just one more reason why they were gradually replaced by the long hoods. Which Are Better, Then? It is really difficult to pick one over the other – different businesses may prefer different trucks, preferring the fuel economy and maneuverability of a cabover or the safety and comfort of a long hood truck. It is always best to choose the truck based on your needs and your business model, which is why both types of trucks still exist and are available for purchase. Read Also: What to Consider When Buying Heavy Duty Truck Alignment Equipment How Crane Trucks Can Drastically Improve Project Efficiency 7 Ways Truck Accidents Differ from the Regular Car Crashes

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Professional Services

Launching a Business? Hire These 5 Professional Services for Help

Starting a business can be expensive. You want to be mindful of where every cent is going. While a frugal approach to business expenditure is encouraged, there are some services you need to invest in to take your business to the next level. Failure to get  Professional Services help with cash flow and computer systems management may result in unwanted issues in your business. Let’s go over some of the recommended professional services to spend on: 1. Lawyers Your business will have to comply with several federal and local government regulations that you may be unaware existed. An accomplished attorney will expose any legal loopholes that you might run into as you launch your startup. Since it is their field, they will be abreast of any changes that may affect these laws and advise you on how to conform. Being compliant from the get-go can save you substantial litigation costs down the road. It will also lessen the possibility of being shut down for non-compliance. Many business owners think that they would be able to do without a lawyer if there are no on-the-horizon legal issues. However, if you need a general counsel attorney you will be able to enjoy many of the legal services that can help you grow the business. For example, a trained legal counsel can show you ways and means of minimizing risks, ensuring coverage, and making sure all your paperwork is always in order. 2. Accountants While their work may seem lackluster, accountants are the beating heart of any profit-seeking venture. Trained in using standardized tools and techniques, they help businesses keep track of their cash inflows and outflows, assets, and liabilities. The reports they produce periodically will give you a clear indication of whether your business is currently on the right side of the profit-loss divide and whether its future is healthy. When you hire an accountant for a startup business, you also improve your chances of staying on the Internal Revenue Service's good side. The last thing any fledgling venture needs is to be liable for hefty fines when revenue streams are yet to stabilize. Savvy Certified Public Accountants will help you discover and take advantage of all the tax breaks for which you qualify. 3. Web Developers Operating any modern business without an online presence is equivalent to conducting your business in a cocoon. Close to 60 percent of the global population uses the Internet actively. First impressions are everything. To make the right one, you need to have a reputable web developer team on your side. Your web developer will be responsible for designing and hosting your site. They will ensure that it has all the functionalities you require and offer support when you suffer downtime or external attacks. 4. Content Creators and Marketers Having a functional website is only half the equation. Content creators and marketers will provide you with a means of reaching out to your clientele, both through your website and your social media handles. They will come up with creative on-brand messages that they will broadcast through these channels to capture the hearts and minds of your target audience. Having digital marketers as part of your team will not only help you reach your potential customers where they are. It will save plenty of cash you would have spent on advertising through traditional media. Digital content creators have a finger on the pulse of current trends and will have the know-how to make your products or services a part of what is trending. 5. IT Experts IT experts are needed to manage your business' devices and hardware, along with the front and back-office software systems. Your tech consultants will help you put these systems in place as well as keep them running smoothly. If you have an online presence or any functions that rely on the Internet, you need to invest in these systems’ security. Contrary to what many small business owners think, they do occasionally get targeted by hackers. With a proactive team of IT experts well versed with the latest cybersecurity threats on your side, you won't have to spend sleepless nights wondering if your site will be next. Two Heads Are Better Than One It is tempting for small business owners to try to be a jack of all trades. You would rather juggle your own books, fix your own networks, and manage your own social media to avoid spending too much on outsourced expertise. While conducting some of these services yourself can save money and grant more control over your operations, you can achieve better results by hiring help. Besides exposing your business to diverse financial and operational risks, you will become an impediment to its growth if you adopt the one-man-army approach. Read Also: 5 Tips For Transport & Logistics Business Owners Before Investing In Insurance Startup Business Management: How to Effectively Incorporate Use of SEO Top 5 Types of Startup Business Loans Best Server Management Tips for Startups

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Business Hack

Alex Dee Discusses How to Scale Your Business Hack

This works for all businesses! If you're in Marketing, consulting, or coaching, this applies even more to your field! What Got you Off the Island is Not What this is Keeps You Growing Hack Ryan Holiday What shifts you have to make as an entrepreneur when you scale: The best way I can describe it is a baseball analogy. In the Dominican Republic, there is a saying in the baseball league that you can’t walk off the island, which means you have to hit your way off in the baseball league. The players that make it off the island are usually some of the best hitters. But once they get into the major league, it becomes different, because it’s about bat discipline and talent is very different. So, what got you there to get off the island is not going to be what allows you to maintain your success because you’re in a whole different league. That is what it’s like when you are scaling your company. What got you there is not going to be exactly what allows you to scale to another level! Be ready to shift and pivot and learn in order to grow! Not the How, But the Who Hack – Dan Sullivan: As you scale, there are going to be all areas in your company that is going to require your attention, from sales to marketing, to operations. So how do you take all of this on and still manage to scale? There’s a great hack for it! It’s called not the how but the who rules! Once you figure out what you need to scale (process, sales, marketing, etc.), don’t ask yourself WHAT do I need to learn? Ask WHO is the best at that and get them on board! This will allow you to scale quickly vs. having to go learn another skillset now vs. staying in the lane where your talents are best served! So, to scale, instead of just figuring out the what, you need to figure out The Who, so you can do it faster! Be Cautious and Bold Hack - Mindset for scaling: you Must exercise your caution in laying out your plans but be bold in carrying them out. A man who is all cautious will never dare to take hold and be successful, and a man who is all bold is merely reckless, and must eventually fail. You must have both the caution and the boldness, to ensure success. How to Keep from Falling When you’re Experiencing Success Hack  David Metzer: I think the biggest thing that led to my downfall was losing my values. There are really only a few things I use now to play the top of my game and stay there. Number one gratitude; just being grateful for whatever you have, no matter how big or small. Number two is Empathy for others. As I got into this competitive world, I became an asshole. I was more worried about taking rather than giving that I really didn’t focus on anyone else and I went straight to blame and shame and justification, as I was Midas! Meaning I turned everything into Gold, right? So, it had to be everyone else’s fault. Number three is accountability. There are two parts to this one: what was as my part that the thing that went wrong, and what lesson did I learn so I don’t go thru this again. The fourth is effective communication. What I mean by that is not just being a team leader and effectively communicating with everyone on your team on what you want and how to run a company. Rather, what I mean is that I had lost my ability to effectively communicate what inspired me! When I was making money and I got done with spending it, it took me a while to learn that I need to give back and be of service. I wish I would’ve done it when I had the money instead of having to lose it and build it back up again. But that’s part of lesson learning that I have here, so I can inspire others so they can avoid the same mistakes. 7 Growth Hacking Ideas that will Boost your Startup 7 Expert Hacks for Downsizing to a Smaller Apartment

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