Must-Have Accessories For The Modern Businessman

by

20 June 2019

Business

modern businessman

The tech revolution has brought with it a revolution in business dress codes.  No longer does a tailored suit necessarily signify competence.  In fact, were your tech guru to turn up in a shirt, tie and suit you’d probably feel very anxious that this person wasn’t the real deal.  That said, that’s ok in a Silicon Valley boardroom won’t necessarily go down well in the office of a New York financial advisor.  The old dictum that ‘The more you deal with a client’s money, the more conservatively you should be dressed, ’still carries some weight.  Dress codes are crucial, they are subtle, shifting communicators. Get them right and your client will feel confident in your competence, get them wrong and an impeccable pitch may leave your client with niggling doubts.

Accessories are an important part of your appearance and the impression that you make: they have a practical function but are also objects which signify style and quality and reassure your client that you are successful and have good judgment.  Times change and our times change fast and that’s why a touch of tradition is so reassuring.  So, here’s a mix of old and new which will serve you well.

An understated watch of quality

An understated watch of quality

It’s old fashioned technology, but so is the wheel.  You’ve got the time on your phone and your tablet, but a watch remains the most convenient way to track time and when you are running to a tight schedule it is a crucial accessory.  It is of course far more than a practical tool, it’s a stylish and attractive adornment.  The simpler the better, a slim body and a clean face, uncluttered by knobs and dials.  A diver’s watch is great for divers but not for the boardroom.  A watch can also signify affluence, if you are wearing a Rolex, it is a clear indicator of both taste and affluence.  That doesn’t mean that you need to spend thousands on a wristwatch, there plenty of great stylish watches out there for under $200 such as the Daniel Wellington Classic Cornwall or the Skagen Ancher.

A Quality Pen

A Quality Pen

There will be times when a pen is required and when an important document is being signed how could you possibly use anything other than a quality pen.  A fountain pen is a wonderful thing but it’s for personal use and there’s always the risk of ink where you don’t want it, so a quality ball pen is an obvious choice.  The Montblanc is unquestionably the Rolls Royce of pens but there are plenty of other pens which are pleasing to look at and a pleasure to use.

Understated cuff links and a leather belt

Details matter and although these accessories may only be glimpsed by your client, they speak volumes about your style and good taste.

A Leather Bag

A Leather Bag

The rise of veganism might persuade you that you should opt for some alternative fabric but if you are concerned about the environment then a leather bag, which will last a lifetime, is a better choice than synthetic material, full of toxic chemicals, which will need replacing in a few years.  A leather bag is a thing of beauty and a practical and reliable accessory.  A briefcase is unwieldy and outmoded, much better to go for something which allows you to be hands-free, such as the Messenger bags or Satchels from MAHI, both of which are big enough to take your laptop, electronics accessories and paperwork.  A satchel or messenger bag also works well as a weekend bag or cabin bag, so they are great for those short notice trips.

A Business Card

A Business Card

Remember that scene from ‘American Psycho’ where the Christian Bale character reveals his new super stylish business card? Well despite a world of cyber-everything here’s a traditional business accessory that still has its place.  A stylish small card is more memorable than a note on a phone or an email.  There’s an important moment of human interaction when you hand that card over and the fact that it’s a physical experience makes it more memorable.  Do not produce your card from the depths of some scatty, stuffed billfold but from a slim leather wallet.

A Lint Roller

A Lint Roller

Your presentation was outstanding, but all your client noticed were the fibers on your suit.  A lint roller tucked away in that Messenger bag means that you can give yourself a quick once over and feel confident that you are spick and span.

Dopp Kit

In a global marketplace, travel has become part of a businessman’s working life.  Trips abroad are often short and at short notice, so you need to be ready to travel at any time.  A Dopp kit which you keep packed and ready to go means that you’ve only got one object to remember, instead of arriving at your hotel to discover that you haven’t packed a razor.  A Dopp kit enables you to keep all your toiletries in one place and is a compact and convenient storage accessory.

Electronics Organiser

It’s undignified and unprofessional to be seen to be scrabbling about in your bag for a lead or a charger while everyone waits for your presentation.  Make sure that you know where everything is by storing it in an electronics organizer, that way you won’t leave anything behind, and you’ll know exactly where everything is.

Portable Charger

Portable Charger

Flat batteries have put pay to many a promising presentation.  Can you really be trusted with a client’s account if you can’t manage to charge your laptop?  A portable charger can be used on the go and buys you invaluable peace of mind.

Compact Smart Projector

Problem with the projector? Be the one who’s prepared and pick up instant brownie points by plucking a compact smart projector from your bag.  It’ll interface with your phone or tablet and project straight onto a blank wall.  New tech, which you know how to use, and which solves a problem neatly is a great way to convince clients that they are in safe hands.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Airbnb BUsiness

What are the key pillars of a profitable Airbnb business?

When you start advertising on Airbnb or similar short-term vacation rental websites your primary objective is to turn your lodging into a stable source of income. Essentially, the success of your rental project depends on your ability to attract good, payable guests who will stay in your cozy corners, get an excellent experience, share it with other travelers on the Airbnb platform, and, ultimately, turn into your brand advocates with all the perks applicable. The snag is that not all Airbnb entrepreneurs know how to embark their venture on the path to success. In this guide, we will tell you about the pillars of a flourishing Airbnb company. Define your mission So you choose short-term hosting as a way to earn extra dollars for your happy living. First, you need to determine a simple mission statement. Your mission vision will shape how you operate your new-born startup and the experience you deliver to your tenants. Elaborate on a business plan and define your goals by asking yourself the following questions: How do you want to work? How much time and resources can you pour into your business? What is your vision of perfect hosting? What are your goals? How many deals do you need per month to meet expenditures and earn? How are you going to beat competitors? What should you do to make your listing appealing? What actions do you need to take to run your business smoothly and effectively? How will you protect your place from unruly guests? How will you ensure compliance with local tax legislation? Like any business, leasing out on Airbnb will involve certain expenses and investments. You should have a pretty clear sense of all your possible disbursements and incomes to ensure your Airbnb business is simply worth it. Even if it is a single spare room in your condo that you are going to rent, it is still a business, though quite small. And the business must be legal to thrive. To exclude any problems with the Law, consider hiring a professional accountant or an accredited Airbnb management company that will help you obtain all necessary municipal permissions and secure your total compliance with all administrative codes and tax authorities as well as assist you with procuring an LLC status as your business grows. Survey the market Anything you can do to elevate your listing or make it unique and attractive is a chance to charge more in your market. Scrutinize real estate websites; explore what other Airbnb hosts, lodgings, and local hotels have to offer. Find out whether they use dynamic pricing to update their rates based on various factors like seasonality, upcoming events, weekends versus weekdays, etc. The initial research will help you make the right decisions. Now think about what you can offer to make your guests happy. Is your home stuffed with all modern comforts to ensure a relaxed stay? Is your place pet-friendly? Do you have parking, a swimming pool, or a barbecue zone? Is the interior uniquely decorated? Do you provide extra little surprises for your cherished guests such as bottled water, coffee, sweets, or a free souvenir they can take as a memento? Added sophistication, delight, and comfort renders you the right to safely increase the price for your vacation rental property. Stay sober about your expenses and profits Tally your costs by creating a spreadsheet of expenses that can be divided into three categories: Upfront costs: the things you need to buy to make your spaces comfortable and beautiful before anyone experiences it including renovations, decoration elements, furniture, appliances, and photography. Ongoing costs. These include all items consumable by the guests that you will have to periodically replenish: toilet paper, towels, batteries, light bulbs, personal hygiene supplies, broken dishware, bedding, linen, etc. Management and maintenance costs. Think of the fees for outsourced cleaning, repair works, exterior and lawn upkeep if you are not going to tackle these issues on your own. Be in the loop with your numbers like utility bills, WI-FI, mortgage, and consider them when setting the price for your service. Outsource professional management Running an Airbnb business is a time-consuming and stressful venture, especially when you have to do everything on your own without competent assistants or the second host. You have to deal with bookings, verify guests, restock supplies, arrange cleaning between stays, and maintain everything in working condition to ensure a flawless stay. Just a hell of a work. If you are not very sure about your managerial efficiency, yet, you want your Airbnb enterprise to thrive, hiring a team of professional rental managers can be a smart move. Ask yourself whether you have time and knowledge to cope with the multiple Airbnb fuss and bother on your own, or you can outsource a dedicated and competent Airbnb manager to do all the work on your behalf to free you up and ensure a wonderful customer experience, as this is the manager’s primary job. Reckoning to a well-trained rental manager is also reasonable when you want to have a stable source of income through renting out without breaking local tax laws and housing codes, as the field experts always know how to stay law-abiding, yet, profitable. More about the services of such companies you can read on masterhost.ca. Assess your offer from the guest’s point of view How can you make your guests feel as welcome as possible? Have you considered all the needs your future client may have while staying within your confines? Beginner Airbnb hosts should seriously consider investing in comfortable mattresses, sofas, and quality bedding. The first thing you appreciate in a hotel is the bed’s comfort, so make sure your guests can enjoy a comfortable stay and sleep well on your beds. Very often guests give 5 stars simply because of the great bed, which eventually translates into improved ranking in the Airbnb search results and increased occupancy rates. Provide your guests with perfumery articles in case they forget to take them. To succeed in the Airbnb business, you should have a clear idea of the guest’s wants and wishes. Have you ever thought about why people choose the same hotel over and over again? Because they know what to expect: the feeling that no one has lived in the room before you, carefully folded towels, the smartphone chargers on the bedside table... Guests want every detail to be meticulously considered. Be attentive to the desires of your guests, and they will want to come back to you again and again. Put it on autopilot Hosting isn't easy, given the heap of tasks and arrangements to struggle with. But with modern-day advancements of technology, running an Airbnb company can easily turn into a breeze as you can automate most of the repetitive, time-eating procedures and free your hands for something more important and exciting. There are lots of powerful software solutions and cloud-based apps, either free or pretty affordable, which help to boost the efficiency of short-term vacation property through comprehensive automation of key business processes. These include guest communication, booking management, task allocation, multiple-account management, auto-pricing, guest review writing, and insightful financial reporting and performance statistics.  

READ MOREDetails
product placement in movies

6 Shameless Examples of Product Placement in Movies We’d Like to Forget

Imagine you're on the edge of your seat in the middle of an action-packed, spellbinding movie. After a few climactic scenes, the main character makes a frantic phone call. He then cracks open a can of soda. Nothing about this scene seems out of the ordinary. The character is simply quenching his thirst after a big police chase or a kung fu brawl. That is until some familiar brand of soda appears on the can in a big, bold, unapologetic font. Talk about a plot twist. But product placement in movies is nothing new. Old school marketing techniques show how far companies will go to advertise. They'll even go as far to pay directors and producers to feature them in films. There have been great instances of advertising that worked well in films. But there have been plenty of others that were so shameless and unnatural, we wish we could forget them. Here are 6 of the silliest, most cringe-worthy moments of advertising in movies. 1. Starbucks (You've Got Mail): 'You've Got Mail' may be the first film to portray online romance. Given that it takes place in 1998, AOL was practically its own character in the film. Without it, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan's characters would have never "met" and fallen in love. But AOL wasn't the only company to get prime ad space in 'You've Got Mail.' At the beginning of the film, Tom Hanks quips about the obscurity of Starbucks. His character's snarky commentary doesn't serve much to the plot. But it does help to give the audience somewhat of an introduction to his character. All while appealing to pretentious coffee drinkers like his character in the process. 2. Designer Brands (Sex and the City): Curious which movies with the most product placement made our list? It shouldn't come as a surprise that the 'Sex and the City' film featured dozens of fashion labels. After all, fashion was a constant theme throughout the hit TV series. The series has long appealed to women in the 20-30 age bracket. So, when it went to the big screen, tons of the biggest fashion labels came calling. You better believe Louis Vuitton and Chanel made a handful of cameos throughout the film. But some other products made the cut, too. Nike, U-Haul, Apple, and Marie Claire are just a few of many brand name drops in 'SATC'. Producers and creator Darren Starr were clearly not ashamed. 3. Reese's Pieces (E.T the Extra-Terrestrial): Not all instances of product placement in movies are bad. Certain films have done it so subtly we hardly pick up on the smell of advertising. Steven Spielberg's 'E.T the Extra-Terrestrial' is undeniably one of those movies. Who could forget when Elliot entices E.T by scattering Reese's Pieces around the woods and back to his house? Hershey's certainly cashed in when E.T became a box office hit. But this was back in 1982. So, can product placement still hold merit today as an advertising technique? The technique may actually be more effective than ever before. You can discover more about the different ways this technique continues to work. 4. Popeyes Chicken (Little Nicky): Whereas E.T is a good example of subtle product placement, Adam Sandler's 'Little Nicky' is not. It's one of several Happy Madison comedies that wasn't well-received by critics. But it gained a cult following for its ridiculousness and quotability nonetheless. In one scene, Adam Sandler, who plays the kindhearted son of Satan, learns how to eat with the help of a talking dog. What does he learn to eat with? Popeyes fried chicken. And the large takeout box of it sits in the center of the shot. Even a big K-mart bag makes a small cameo, as well. The scene concludes with Nicky proclaiming how awesome Popeyes chicken is. Not subtle in the least, but the scene is something fans continue to quote to this day. 5. "I Will Not Bow to Any Sponsor" (Wayne's World): Is it any less shameful when a movie calls itself out on its attempts to advertise? Few films are able to make fun of themselves about their blatant attempts to advertise. But the first 'Wayne's World' film provided a plot where it was possible to do so. Wayne and Garth sell their public access show to a big-time TV producer. In the build-up to the climax, the producer confronts Wayne and Garth about their contract. They agreed to air an interview with the show's new sponsor, but Wayne insists otherwise. What follows is a satirical scene of obvious advertisements all surrounding Wayne's opposition. While opening up a box of Pizza Hut, Wayne proclaims, "I will not bow to any sponsor." Wayne goes on to explain that he doesn't believe in "selling out" while holding a bag of Doritos and drinking a Pepsi. Garth also gives his two cents on the idea of selling out while clad in Reebok gear from head to toe. 6. Heineken (James Bond Franchise): The character James Bond has always had an affinity for dry martinis. This trait has inspired fans of the franchise to become martini drinkers for decades. But over the years, James Bond has dabbled in other commercial alcoholic drinks. In 1997, the famous film franchise partnered up with the Dutch beer company, Heineken. Heineken has advertised the James Bond films since 1997's 'Tomorrow Never Knows.' The ads have always been over the top, contributing to the promotional side of the Bond franchise. But Bond himself never drank the Dutch beer until 2012's 'Skyfall.' In one scene, while James Bond is in bed cuddled up with his latest love interest, he drinks a Heineken. For any fan who has ever wished to be like James Bond, this scene is definitely inspirational. At least that's the kind of association Heineken had intended to portray. The Power of Product Placement in Movies: If you've ever watched a movie and noticed an advertisement, you may have reacted one of a couple of ways. You may have hardly noticed or didn't care all too much. You could've felt preyed upon as a consumer or felt the ad ruined the experience. Or, you may have thought to yourself, "Wow. That was actually a great instance of advertising." Product placement in movies allows companies to reach a worldwide audience. Depending on how big the film is, these audiences can reach into the millions. When characters we love use certain products, we're more inclined to buy them. But there are other lots of other innovative and clever ways to advertise in movies - and beyond. If you're in need of some inspiration, check out more advertising news and ideas. Read Also: Online Marketing: Selling Your Product And Services Important Things To Consider When Packaging Your Product

READ MOREDetails
Selling Your Business

Crucial Aspects To Bear In Mind When Selling Your Business

Nobody likes to give up their hard-earned business at once. Sadly, unforeseen situations often compel us to give away our treasured organization. Now, the matter is which factors compels you to sell your business.  If the profitability of your business falls drastically.  The second important reason is if your experienced buyers show red flags.  The third and most important reason is perfect competition in the market.  As we know the reasons for selling a business, it is important to know certain steps to help you get its right value after selling. The first step is to know the valuation of your business as per the current market rate. The second step is due diligence as well as financial trends.  Knowing The Worth Of Your Business: What It Takes? Several factors help you know the real worth of your business. It's not something Google or Wikipedia will tell you. Check out some of the key factors that you should consider while bringing out the best worth of your business:-    1. Book Value Of Your Business  Take your total assets and subtract it from your total liabilities. It is one of the most straightforward approaches you can adopt to trace the correct valuation of your business. You can get the data of your business valuation directly from your accounting / record-keeping books.  However, it works like a summary of your business valuation. The only limitation of this process is that you cannot get any future data on your revenue and earnings. It will give you a fair idea of the current valuation of your business as per the current market scenario.  2. Make Cash Value Analysis  If you understand your cash flow analysis correctly, you will consider the current and future potential earnings. Furthermore, it is also possible to measure the valuation of your business for a specific period. Additionally, selling your business is not difficult if you follow the correct process. Now, if you do not have clarity regarding the terminologies of cash flow analysis, seek the help of online accounting software. There's a higher probability of using a financial planner that can assist you in accurately preparing this business valuation.  3. Consider Using a Revenue Multiplier  This is less sophisticated but still an effective tool for quickly determining a company's potential value. The winning secret? It multiplies your company's current sales with multiple scores. Let's get this concept clear with the help of an example.  A company with a value of $200K annual sales with a multiple of 5 will be worth 1 million. So, the more an investor becomes confident about the ROI, the more valuable your company will be.  The multiple that you will use will depend on several factors such as:-  Competition in your industry.  Market potential.  Timing of your business. The power of your management team.  4. Earning Multiplier  The price-earning ratio is one of the best formulas to understand your business's valuation. Here, the Price Per Share method is widely leveraged. First,  divide the current market trading price by earnings per Share.  After this calculation, there's a tentative understanding of the net profit earned by the company. The rule here is if you get higher EPS, your company has a higher valuation. Ultimately, the company's current share price will highlight your company's position in the stock market compared to your competitors.  5. The Tax Implications Assessing the tax implications of selling a business is also a crucial stage. The structure of your business will help you determine its valuation. It will determine the tax responsibilities you will face after concluding the sale.  Your business's overall tax liability will be determined based on the nature of the business assets and the method of sales you want to employ. Additionally, you can seek the help of a proficient tax consultant to get the correct value for your business taxes. Steps For Preparing Your Business For Sale You need to follow some simple steps to prepare your business for sale. Some of the crucial steps that you must consider here are as follows:-  Determine your objectives and goals for your sale.  Identify where your business stands today in comparison to other companies.  To get the correct value of your business from the buyer, you must compare your financial goals.  Identify whether there exists any mismatch between the valuation and the goals of your business.  Collect all your diligence material.  Identify who all are your potential bidders.  Optimizing your business for sale not only aids in attracting qualified buyers but also positions you to achieve a higher sale price by presenting your business as a well-organized, profitable entity with transparent operations and a solid financial footing. Identifying The Right Buyer For Your Business There are some of the simple steps that you need to employ to find the right buyer for your business. Some of the key factors that you must take care of here are as follows:  1. Determine The Profile Of Your Buyer  Before you search for your potential buyer, it is important to understand the ideal buyer profile. It includes several factors, like financial resources, management style, and industry experience. These are some of the crucial factors that you must consider before selecting your business buyer.  Your business buyer needs to understand the real value of your business both in monetary terms and reputation-wise. This will make things easier for you.  2. Conduct Market Research To Find Potential Buyers  You need to conduct market research to identify your potential buyers. Here, you have to compare the rates different buyers offer you. Select the best bid that suits your business valuation.  Some businesses employ mergers and acquisition techniques to get the best buyers for their organization. It includes the private equity groups that help you select the best buyer for your company. Private equity groups are categorized as industry and subsectors.  3. Consider The Budget Of Your Buyer  Different buyers have different budget limitations with them. Now, you must calculate the valuation of your company first. After that, you can review your buyer's budget. The budget that matches your business valuation will be your buyer.  Therefore, you must understand your buyer's budget constraints to select the right buyer for your business. Sometimes, businesses opt for an auction process to make the sale for their business.  4. Evaluate The Bids From Interested Buyers  Once you have evaluated the potential buyers or attracted the potential buyers, It is essential to evaluate each bid and negotiate the terms of the sale. The business selling process is a lengthy method.  It takes a complete evaluation of the process to get the right value for your business within a particular time. Here, proper planning of the bids matters a lot. Thus, you must be careful and select the best bid.  This is why finding the right buyer for your business ensures a smooth handover and contributes to the business's long-term success and growth under new stewardship. Final Take Away  Hence, if you want to sell your business, then the correct valuation and the right selection of buyers are important. Selling your business is a heartbreaking process.  If you can control your emotions and fix the right valuation of your business, then you can get the right value.  You can use the money to set up another business, which could be a better option. Now, you can share your opinions and comments with us in our comment box. This will help us to know your take on this matter. Additional Reading: How To Sell A Small Business Without A Broker? Tax Implications For Independent Event Planners Choosing The Right Business Insurance Agent In Illinois

READ MOREDetails