What Can a Virtual Assistant Do for You? Your Essential Questions Answered
More individuals are turning to virtual assistants today for their business and personal requirements, especially since many of us find ourselves having difficulty balancing all our tasks. But the virtual assistant has levelled up in a big way – they are not just there to manage your administrative responsibilities and ‘standard’ tasks such as organising your calendar, schedule, and so on – they are now a lot more skilled and can present you with various services that you can make use of to grow your business as well. If you are a business owner, you want someone by your side who can help your business move forward and not just remind you of deadlines and appointments or keep your paperwork in order. So what can a virtual assistant do for you? Here, your essential questions are answered.
They can help drive the growth of your business
If you are an entrepreneur or are running your own business, you know very well that you cannot accomplish everything on your own. You would need an additional hand on various projects which can spur the growth of your business. Your virtual assistant can help you in this by collaborating with you so your business can expand and flourish, and they can be a sounding board and advisor in terms of your plans and decisions. To make your relationship with your virtual assistant work, however, you have to give them a good understanding of your ethics, goals, and vision, and you have to be willing to listen to their ideas as well.
Access to talent and skill
Of course, if you want to go the traditional route, you can hire a virtual assistant who will simply perform administrative duties for you. But if you would like to maximise their services, you should rely on someone who has talent and skill – especially with things you are not entirely familiar with. For example, if you are having difficulty managing social media or market research, you can depend on your virtual assistant to do this, provided they have the background and experience to handle the job. Some are also well-versed in marketing, branding, and advertising, and some virtual assistants can manage your website as well. In other words, if you choose your VA carefully, you can have access to a new set of skills and talent that you may not otherwise get if you hire a standard personal assistant.
Reduced operational expenses
As an entrepreneur or business owner, one of your key priorities is to save money and reduce your expenses in any way possible. And a virtual assistant can help you reduce your operational expenses– the service is outsourced, which means you need not worry … Read more
How To Do Your Own Market Analysis
Market analysis is a thorough quantitative and qualitative investigation into the state of a particular segment of the market.
A proper market analysis will enable you to properly understand the market, the players within it, their current state of operation and what you may need to do in order to enter that market.
One part of the analysis, when assessing competitors would be to check a reviews website such as reviewsbird.co.uk in order to gain some insight into what customers are saying about the providers in that market.
Customer experience can be a very insightful tool as you further examine the finer details of your chosen market.
Market Overview
The first step in creating a comprehensive market analysis is conducting an overview of the industry or niche that you are considering.
A proper market overview will give you an idea as to the size of the market, and if that market is growing or shrinking. You will be able to get some historical insight into what’s happened in the years leading up to the current situation.
At this point, you should also be able to make some general forecasts as to the future of the market based on previous and current performance.
You may want to base your overview on statistical information, such as that from the Office Of National Statistics. Other routes to consider would be published data from the governing body related to your business, or public sector data that has been made available.
Define Your Customer
Next, you will be looking to identify who your customer is.
This is not as simple as it may seem at first.
If you are providing a service to individuals, then you’ll need to make a demographic assessment.
You’ll want to know where these people live, how they interact with the market. You will want to know why they interact, and how they spend their money when they interact.
Whether your service or product is a luxury or essential item will have a big impact on this analysis stage.
Consider where else your customers are shopping currently, and examine the strength of this competition.
If you are a business providing services to other businesses (B2B), then you’ll likewise want to know what the current relationship between the businesses currently trading is like.
You may be able to find a chink or a unique selling point.
Very often these unique selling points are based on pain points that are not currently addressed in the market.
Pricing
You will need to consider your pricing.
This will be a function of the previous steps, and not simply pitching in at the lowest number.
Your customers may well expect to pay more for … Read more
5 Reasons Why Starting a Family Business is a Good Idea
Your vision of managing a business might include a picture of your family working with you. This is a great thought because, in today’s global economy, family firms are flourishing. Not only are the most prosperous family companies well-founded, but also excellently run.
Before you start a business, there are various management and financial tips you should learn – at least the basics. Britainreviews.co.uk is a site that provides hundreds of reviews on different companies in the UK. It is a great website to check for finance services companies’ reviews.
The following are 5 reasons why starting a family business is a good idea.
1. Greater incentive to work hard
One of the potential advantages of running a family company is that family members could work harder than they would if they were employed anywhere else. This would allow you to ensure the company’s success because they have a personal interest in the business’s growth. This is different from a business where the employees are working (most times) solely for their income. In a family business, everyone is ready to work hard and take risks for the success of the business.
2. Flexibility in work schedules
When the leadership of a business is composed of members of the same family or clan, the members are usually willing to concurrently carry on several different positions and workloads to ensure the success of the business. As a result of this versatility and flexibility to provide more than what is expected, it drives sustained success, enrichment and a greater understanding of the organisation. Also, as a family, when unexpected incidents arise, you will be more willing to cover for one other than for a non-family co-worker.
3. More relaxed environment
As long as there are no major family disputes, collaborating with family can be relaxing. Since you already know each employee well, you don’t have to take the time to get to know one other and find out their likes and dislikes. With deeply rooted trust among family members, the leadership of the organization will be able to communicate, debate and criticize more honestly and openly.
4. Decrease in costs and expenditures
When launching new sub-ventures for the company corporation or when there are financial challenges, family members are likely to invest their personal financial capital. This lowers expenses required while reinforcing the company’s financial power. As part-owners, this willingness to ensure long-term sustainability is innate.
5. Next-generation ingenuity
The next generation of members of the management and work-and knowledge-force of the organization can be included in the family business early, to raise the strategic advantage over other non-family businesses and have access to their youth. This is a great way … Read more
Co-Working Space: One of the Best Ways to Save Money
When it comes to business, whether you are a CEO, entrepreneur, or freelancer, saving money and better budgeting should always be your priority and Co-working is the best solution for it.
When you have a co-working space, you will need enough furniture for all the people sharing the work space as well as extra chairs for visitors to use. If you are looking to save money on buying office furniture, you can read used office furniture websites reviews on us-reviews.com. You will know where you can get the good quality used furniture at affordable prices.
What is co-working space?
A co-working space is an office setting in which workers of different companies share an office space and thereby allowing different parties to save money through the use of common infrastructure like equipment, utility, etc
Co-working is becoming more popular as businesses across the globe are moving to this option because it is the best way to save money. Co-working space doesn’t demand any major investment to make a workplace, they come at a cheap price compared to traditional office places.
A co-working space is a great place to establish new connections with people from different sectors whom you may have not met in a typical office scenario. It makes people explore new environments, form new connections, and interact with different people with amazing goals. The interesting fact about co-working space is that it allows employees to break the monotony.
Benefits of coworking space and how it can save your business money
- Co-working spaces come fully furnished
- No end of tenancy charges
- Co-working space covers maintenance
- Fixed and Reliable Bills
Co-working spaces come fully furnished
One of the advantages of co-working space is the presence of office furniture in the building. With co-working space you only pay for space you will occupy, the required facilities are already present in the office, and with that, you will be able to save money unlike when running a private business you be the one to provide all required furniture such as chairs and desks or when renting a business property with a lease, you will end up paying extra fees for extra facilities that you might need.
No-end of tenancy charges
Ending a business contract with private leasing doesn’t always come easy, when you want to end a contract you will be charged for any variations in the building or damaged that might have occurred. However, with a co-working space, you don’t have to worry when you want to end your agreement. A co-working space agreement is easy to end with no extra charges.
Co-working space covers maintenance
You don’t have to worry about maintenance with a co-working space. If a piece of … Read more
Should We Get Our Business Ideas Financed by a Bank or by a Particular Loan Company?
For your business to thrive well, you need capital to finance it. A business without a finance system may likely crumble because there is no inflow of capital. Loans are a great way of financing a business. Banks may give a longer time in financing your business. Whilst on loan, the company gives you a particular amount of money that will be repaid in a set time. Getting a loan may be difficult because the loan company will not give out loans if your business doesn’t generate much income. A loan company’s main interest is in getting paid back, and their preferred way of getting paid is through the cash flow that your business already generates. As a result, they will only offer loan if your company has a proven track record of generating cash and has substantial assets. Therefore, it is advisable for small companies with limited experience not apply for loans for banking institutions.
Criteria for Loans
Financial institutions, such as Axos Bank, is a digital bank that provides financial services to businesses and provides banking products and services to customers. They offer financial assistance to businesses for improvements or new developments. To qualify for a loan, business owners must go through an application process. Most loan companies require businesses to provide proposals for how the money will be used and why the funding is necessary. They charge interest on the loan at either a fixed or variable rate.
Forms of Loans
The minimal amount that may be borrowed for a Payday loan is $100. A loan by installment is often made accessible to borrowers with low income and low credit scores. People repay the loan in installments and they attract a lot of increased curiosity than typical personal loans but they are cheaper than Payday loans. Most personal loans are not safe, they do not require collateral and they usually have a bigger interest than secured loans. Loan institutions like Maxlend, offer these types of loans. They also claimto provide emergency funds for business owners, as emergencies will always crop up every time and you need to settle them in such conditions. With some loans being given to you per day, you’ve got the privilege to access your money faster than borrowing it traditionally.
Things you need to note before taking loans
Different loan companies have their terms and conditions in giving out loans. It is advisable to explore and consider any loan company you want to settle for. Some Payday loans incur further expenses and charges if there’s a delay in repaying the loan. It is recommended you read the lending settlement carefully and find out if there are any hidden charges. … Read more
The Importance of Communication on Effective Business Management
Communication is fundamental to man’s existence and survival, as well as for varying organizational growth. It helps people to express their ideas and feelings, and at the same time, allows them to understand the emotions and thought of others. Communication is a process of formulating and sharing thoughts, views, information, feelings, and facts to reach a common understanding.
Being able to communicate effectively is one of the essential life skills one must-have. Individuals with good interpersonal skill are usually strong non-verbal and verbal communicators. They are often regarded as good with people as their vital communication skills aid proper and healthy interactions. This life skill a must-have and an essential instrument for a successful Career.
In this fast-paced world, communication is now beyond new physical interactions. The internet, technological milestones, and hardware products continuously rolled out to help usher in a new frontier regarding information transmission and circulation. Electronic devices are beginning to gain increased popularity because of the vital role they play. Individuals start to check electronic shop reviews, comparing one gadget from the next to ensure an uninterrupted flow of information.
While the need to transmit ideas easily is gaining momentum in human interactions, it is also necessary for business-like transactions. An ability to communicate appropriately is essential in helping one and others understand information more quickly and accurately. While in contrast, poor communication skills can lead to frequent feud, misunderstanding, and frustration.
The importance of communication to a business is limitless. Amongst the various advantages it provides for effective management of business include:
Effective Brand Messaging
To effectively manage a business, one needs to communicate the business goals to the public. To do this, one needs to study the target market and consider what speaks to them differently. The different demographics group available would require the use of different language and phrasing. How one communicates the brand identity in promotional and advertising literature will either put the brand in favour of the given market or keep one on the fringe.
Employee engagement
Acceptable communication practices are essential for healthy employee engagement. Research shows that effective communication is a top factor that statistically correlates to how engaged employees are. A profound internal communication has a significant role in coaching, supporting, and reminding employees of the importance of adhering to the organizational goal.
Relationship Building
Communication is the bedrock for healthy relationships. Today’s business environment relies majorly on relationships in a whole lot of ways. Whether one is recruiting new talent or negotiating a new contract with a vendor, the right type of interactions are the foundation for success. The language one communicates with stakeholders of the business can help pose the company for success or failure. … Read more
HELPFUL TIPS TO MANAGE YOUR BUSINESS
The introduction of new businesses has seen a surge in recent years. Many people have begun to identify their potentials and convert it into a profitable venture capable of bringing in steady inflows of revenue. Telecom services brands, amongst others, had to come up with varying innovations with the hope of penetrating the market and have a significant market share.
Rising numbers of new businesses have been noticeable in the past years; subsequently, there has also been an increase in the number of businesses closing up. Some claim that business owners’ improper funds’ administration accounts for the growth in the rate of businesses closing up Aldermore reviews. It attributes the closing to more factors such as government legislation, increasing inflation, and obsolescence of firms’ offerings.
The growth of new businesses means the possibility of market saturation and an increased level of competition. Therefore, for the latest company to survive through such stringent conditions, there is a dire need for proper management. Business owners are beginning to enrol in courses that help in teaching the rudiments of administration. The following are also essential tips that can help in the proper administration of a business.
· Separate Personal And Business Finances
Many business owners make the error of mixing personal finances with that of the business. Although the company runs from the proprietor funds, there is a need to distinguish the varying funds. It helps in easy paper works preparation as well as adequate funds monitoring.
· Invest In Education
Knowledge is dynamic. Best practices yesterday may already be slipping out of use. Business owners, therefore, have to Keep up with current trends and increase understanding. To keep up with the trends, there is a need to invest in education. That also includes attending seminars and symposiums that have the sole purpose of growth.
· Make The Business An Official Legan Entity
Start-up business owners make the mistake of not making the business a legal entity recognized by law. Most feel safe skipping this step while still trying to ramp up their client base. The implication of not doing so is that if the business enters into any legal troubles, the proprietor’s assets will also be significantly affected.
· Invest In Marketing
Two firms’ products may be similar, but a firm will be growing at a significant pace compared to the next. What distinguishes them is the level of awareness consumers have about both brands. Nobody can be compelled to buy from a brand; instead, a good marketing strategy helps keep consumers’ interest fixed on its product.
· Stick To Processes
Some of the major problems businesses experience is a result of a failure to stick to a process. Every … Read more
How To Reduce Your Office Expenses
The cost of keeping your office up and running is not set in stone. If you allow yourself to be bothered too much, you will find that most of your profits will go into making the office a “standard” one while your business suffers. Here are some suggestions on how to reduce your office expenses:
Reduce your energy bills and share office equipment
Saving your energy bills energy bills is one of the way you can reduce your office expenses. The cost of keeping your utilities running is not a small one. If you are not careful, utility bills can make a major dent in your savings. Try talking to your energy company to doing a free audit for your office so that you can use some quick fixes such as removing the computer and other peripherals from the sockets, etc. Also, instead of buying equipment for your office, you can use the ones offices around you have or outsource the job. For instance, if you are in a building where there are other offices, you can partner with them and buy shared equipment so that both offices can cut costs.
Outsource jobs for cheaper amounts and use cheaper spaces
You do not have to do all the work to keep your office up and running. You can easily hire freelancers to work for you. Make it a habit to outsource the jobs someone else can do for a lesser amount. This way, you can focus on what brings in more money for your business. Another thing that increases your office expenses is the cost of renting a space. If you are looking at spaces that are meant for official offices, you will be spending more. But you can go to an apartment, warehouse, etc., and improve on it. You have to ensure the location is strategic for your business as well. You should also try to get your supplies at a cheap cost by buying in bulk from companies like bulk office supply.
Trade by barter and join relevant local clubs
If you need something, you can decide to do an exchange of services instead of paying for it. You should not use bartering to handle every client but you can get something you need cheaper than the price tag with it. however, ensure the value you are getting in return is tantamount to the value you are giving. Also, ensure you are satisfied with the difference between if you sold the product as opposed to when you barter with it. You should join relevant local clubs as well. You can build relationships with other members of the clubs and leverage these relationships to get discounts on … Read more
4 Common Traps and Pitfalls That All Small Businesses Must Avoid
Starting and running a small business is no small feat – no matter what industry or trade you’ve chosen to make your mark in. After all, unlike larger corporations and well-established enterprises, small companies usually have to work with modest budgets. And with limited financial resources, any error, oversight, or misstep can create irrecoverable setbacks and keep you from achieving your goals.
The good news is that it’s not difficult to steer clear of making potentially catastrophic mistakes. And in this article, we will talk about the most common traps and pitfalls that all small businesses must avoid.
- Refusing to outsource work
A common mistake that many inexperienced entrepreneurs and business owners make is keeping all of the work that their operations require in-house in an effort to save money, only to realise that doing so costs more than they initially thought. So don’t fall into the same trap and outsource work, especially if the job requires the expertise and knowledge of trained professionals like contract packing, warehousing, or fulfilment. In this way, you’ll keep your fixed expenses at a minimum without compromising the work involved.
- Spending before taking the time to shop around
Expenditure will always be an unavoidable reality of business. There’s no getting around this fact. However, this doesn’t mean that you should spend more than what the company requires. After all, the lower your overhead costs, the higher your profit margins. So make sure that you take the time to explore all available options. It may sound like a tedious task to shop around. However, you’ll improve your chances of finding much better deals and cheaper choices if you do.
- Skimping on market research
There’s no denying that optimism is an important quality that no entrepreneur should ever be without. However, we should never pin our hopes on it alone. Instead, conduct extensive market research first. By understanding what your target audience wants, what your competitors are doing, and the expectancy for growth and development in the industry, you’ll be able to minimise your financial risks and maximise the likelihood for your business venture’s success.
- Hiring the wrong people
The workers are the foundation of any company. Without them, it’s highly unlikely that a business can achieve success. As such, it’s vital that you choose the right people. Implement a comprehensive hiring process before you start recruiting. It may sound like a lot of work now, but screening your applicants thoroughly will help you weed out those who aren’t qualified for the job. And, in turn, allow your business to choose those who can fulfil the duties and responsibilities that your company requires.
There are no fool-proof and guaranteed formulas for success in any business … Read more
Last Updated: April 6, 2021 by Ginger
Why Gold is the Right Investment to boost your Finance Portfolio
Suppose people want to make best sure their financial health stays in pristine condition throughout their long-awaited retirement. In that case, precious metal like gold is the best investment to include as part of anyone’s portfolio. It is a finite rarity that everyone craves; investing in bullion is easy and can offer ways to store wealth securely long term. People will find a lot of well-respected investment experts, and financial advisors always recommend this metal is included in people’s retirement fund. Listed below are some reasons why:
The low-risk bullion market is pretty easy
There are a lot of different ways individuals can invest in this precious metal, but the least speculative and simplest way is to invest in billions directly. Using retirement funds to do this is very easy. Individuals simply need to contact their accountants and get them set up with a self-managed superannuation fund.
To know more about precious metals, click here for more details.
It is an easy and simple process. More people weigh up the alternatives and choose to take a more proactive approach when it comes to managing their future financial situation so that individuals can enjoy a prosperous retirement.
Individuals need to preserve their current wealth in a conventional safety net
People’s retirement money is supposed to safely accumulate somewhere – preserving the hard-earned capital until the owner retires so that they can remain comfortable during their leisure days. The majority of reputable experts and financial advisors urge their clients to create a balanced portfolio of investments.
It should contain everything from some risky and high-return stocks and bonds to real estate properties to low-risk assets like cash or precious metals like palladium, platinum, silver, and gold. While gold is thought of as one of the oldest forms of money along with silver, unlike paper currency, this yellow metal can’t simply be printed; that is why it cannot be debased.
When people choose to store their wealth in precious metals, they are choosing assets that hold value securely as time goes on. Its price always goes up during major economic meltdowns. It has also proven itself to be an excellent safeguard against stagflation, hyperinflation, disinflation, and deflation.
Historical performance
In 2001, its price set people back $271 an ounce. After ten years, it cost $1,896 or a near 700% rise. While its price has paused in recent years, what is certain is that gold performs pretty well during economic turbulence like GFC or Global Financial Crisis like what happened during the great recession and the real estate bubble.
Honored through the ages, the original money, the standards of wealth, or the safety net. According to financial experts, its excellent performance despite the economic … Read more