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Business doesn’t just walk through the front door of your office does it? If it did then everyone would be a successful business person! But as any successful business person will tell you, there are many aspects to ensure that you are on a winning team, and one of the most effective ways of ensuring you are successful is to build up a circle of business friends and acquaintances.
The old cliché ‘people buy from people’ is as true today as it ever was, and knowing the right people with the right connections is what it is all about. Of course the modern term for this is ‘networking’ but the principle is nothing new, the concept is as old as business itself.
Having said that, some people seem to have an innate ability to ‘network’, to get easily with people and even enjoy the experience of getting to know strangers, but for many, perhaps the more reserved of us, whilst we recognize the importance networking plays in business relations and success none the less we feel uncomfortable in the company of strangers.
Of course, one might joke that a gin and tonic or two helps ease any social reticence, but of course this approach may not leave a favorable impression with your new acquaintances!
Perhaps the first thing to realize is that you are networking for a reason and that other people you meet (for example at a convention or exhibition) and likely to be in the same situation as yourself. Furthermore, remember that whoever it is you are trying to network with does have many things in common with you; at least some common business interests (or else why are you at the same convention?). Striking up that initial conversation is always the difficult part. We are all afraid of rejection, but in reality remember the other person is probably feeling the same!
So, next time you go to a trade show or convention, and you know deep inside that it would be useful to know the rep from Acme Corp. take a deep breath, stroll over and say ‘hi!’. In all probability they will find your own companied offering of interest to them too and very likely a mutually beneficial business relationship may result!
Finally, remember that networking is not only about meeting and making useful contacts. There is another old saying, ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer still’. Networking in the right environment can give you key information on competitors and rivals!
Nothing is more important than a good Logo design. It will be the first impression of your company to many of your potential customer base. How many times have you met someone, seen their lousy business card with a bad logo design, and you instantly judge their company and offering. Don’t let it be you on the bad end of this meeting!
What is the Purpose of a Company Logo Design?
In a nutshell, instant recognition of your business! A visually strong image that is retained by those who see it, and hence they retain knowledge of your business.
What is Logo Design?
Logo Design is significant for the visual image of the business. A Logo is how a company gives the first visual impression of the business. Prior to starting a logo design much consideration is given to the manner in which the company logo will be created. The design of each logo should be in accord with the name of the company and its market place.
What are some of the advantages of logo design?
1. Logo design provides a unique and innovative identity to corporations, products, services, institutions, agencies, associations, events, or any kind of organizations.
2. Logo design presents the business professionally in the market.
3. Logo design aids to differentiate publicly the company or business from other entities.
4. Logo design helps in attracting potential customers and client to the business.
5. Logo design is as influential to the business as the business name. It is very important that the company logo is original and distinctive so that is serves to identify the business to the marketplace.
What to look for in a logo design?
A well designed logo should be clear, simple and eye catching. Using simple color variety and clear text. Making a logo too ornate simply makes it difficult to remember. You can create your own logo of course, if you have the flair, but often the company lacks the expertise to create an effective logo. As investment in the logo is huge (cost of printing letterheads, business cards etc) it might be better to hire a professional logo designer. A professional logo designer can achieve an effective logo that is best suited for the business. As well, it is important that the company logo is innovative and that another business is not using a similar logo design. The logo design can be copyrighted and registered to the business it represents.
What to avoid in a business logo design?
The recipe of a perfect logo design is simple color patterns and original ways to deliver something new to the customers. A business should steer clear of heavy decorating of the logo and different arrangement of color in the logo design. Over decoration of a logo can making it look ‘cheap’ or overly showy to your clients. The arrangement and harmony of the logo design is very important. A good logo is what helps your company stand out from your competitors!
Adolescence brings with it many challenges for both parents and kids. Young people, still new to the world, are embarking on a journey of self discovery and awareness. Frequently their journey more closely resembles a stampede of bull elephants than it does an innocent soul-searching endeavor. But we have all been through it and we know that growing up is not easy.
And there are young entrepreneurs out there who see the world in a truly positive light. Sure, they have their ups and downs like most teenagers, but they are motivated, focused, and want to make a difference.
Where do these young entrepreneurs come from? What is it that makes them what they are?
Many young entrepreneurs had experiences early on in life that lead them towards an entrepreneurial path. In general, there are two possible ways young people feel compelled towards entrepreneurship: inspiration and avoidance. Both can act as powerful catalysts for taking action.
In the case of inspired action, the young entrepreneur most likely grew up in an environment where individuality, responsibility, and financial literacy were encouraged. Even if the parent made little money to support his or her child, the underlying message often centered around taking initiative and following one’s own path.
On the other hand, in the instances where avoidance is the primary motivator, the child usually wants to avoid becoming like their primary caregiver, who was most likely a negative influence that they do not wish as a role model.
So how can you positively reinforce what is needed to be a successful entrepreneur in your own offspring? Here are a few basic steps to take, that should also result in better bonding between parent and child.
1. Teach your child in creative, ‘outside-the-box’ ways. Consider giving actual stocks as Christmas presents in addition to the traditional type of gift. This can be a fun way of learning the markets!
2. Make self-awareness and wealth consciousness the highest priorities. This entails a significant amount of soul-searching. And while many adults are adverse to the concept of change, often letting go of fear and facing your demons can be the most inspirational model for your child.
3. If your kid acts up, stand in your truth. Don’t beat around the bush or overreact. Of course, you want to be sensitive to your child’s feelings and come from a place of authentic compassion. But when it comes down to it, tell it like it is; they’ll appreciate it in the end.
4. Give your child ample opportunity to discover independence for him or herself. It’s critically important that your child learns the process of creating one’s own experience of reality from a first-hand perspective. Sometimes this requires being more firm or lenient than one would like. Yet remember that you grew through making mistakes and so will your child.
If you see your child exhibiting entrepreneurial behaviors, make sure you show your support throughout his or her growth process. And if your kid is struggling to find motivation, don’t worry, as long as you follow the guidelines above, you will instill the characteristics of greatness and, in due time, inspire the leader within.
Everyone knows the term, but what exactly is a chamber of commerce? One concise definition is:
‘An organization that organizes businesses in town’
And another:
‘an association of businessmen to protect and promote business interests’
Well that about sums it up, but what benefits can you get by joining your local chamber of commerce? Most chambers advocate five main benefits:
1.helping local businesses in legal/judicial matters
2.providing timely business related news and information
3.provide benefits to its members by way of discount schemes, joint promotions etc.
4.community involvement
5.strengthen business relationships through networking, although in many cases this benefit is implied rather than overtly stated!
1. Helping with legal/judicial; matters.
This typically includes things such as encouraging the efficient use of limited resources the government has dedicated to small businesses in their effort to reduce regulatory barriers, provide capital, and spur economic development. Expand and strengthen our infrastructure. Failure to do so can have devastating effects on a small business’ ability to survive. They’re called “essential” public goods for a reason: Your business can’t thrive and prosper without them. Also promote a tax policy that allows small businesses the opportunity to reinvest more money in the growth of their businesses.
2. Providing timely news.
Usually via newsletters, websites, emails and meetings. Important breaking news and changes to business related legislation, planning applications etc can be conveyed in a timely and accurate manner.
3. Members discount schemes.
For example, special rates and other benefits on Credit Cards and charge cards. Special deals with shipping companies. Negotiated advertising discounts in local and national press; cheaper insurance quotations and group cover; discounts to trade shows and exhibitions.
4. Community Involvement.
There’s strength in numbers. A Chamber fosters a sense of community among its members. Let your customers and employees know you’re doing the best for your business—and for them. Support your local charities via the chamber; get involved in local functions and parades. You will also have the ability to display the local chambers logo in your business to add kudos to your organization.
5. Business relationships.
Last but not least, the ideal place to cultivate new and develop existing business relationships and friendships. This is where you can network with your peers, informal deals can be done and sealed, as well as finding out what opportunities lie in the wider community.
Domain names – company name or keywords?
Domain names, also referred to as a URL (uniform resource locator) or web address, are now ever prevalent in almost every aspect of our lives. But what makes a domain name a GOOD domain name?
Then again, what do we mean by a ‘good’ domain name?
Let us consider what characteristics make up a good domain name.
Size does matter
In the case of domain names the smaller the better. Of course short domain names are harder to find but if you can find one it has a number of advantages such as, it’s easier to remember, harder to misspell and easier to incorporate into advertisements.
Easy to remember
Try to get a name that’s easy to remember and sounds good. General words are best for this but since these are all gone at this stage you should look for non generic names or combinations of generic names which rhyme and sound good together.
Relate to your business
If you use keywords which are related to your business industry you will help your search engine rankings. What’s even better is if you can get your actual business name or a name similar to your company name as your domain name, this way all your off-line branding will pay off online as Internet users should be able to guess your domain name from your business name.
Avoid similarities
This means you should avoid choosing domain names that already have similar counterparts online, if you choose one of these people could end up on your competitors site rather than yours because they got confused over the two domain names.
.com is best
You should always aim for the .com version of a name, that’s what most people will go to after doing a search or after typing something directly into their address bar, if you register .tv or .net or any of the other available extensions and your competition has the .com version then you’ve just lost a potential customer.
You can promote your website instead of someone else’s when you’re sending emails as your domain name will be in the email address, for example info@liberty-computers.com is helping to promote liberty-computers.com while liberty-computers@aol.com is helping to promote and brand AOL.com
You’re likely to have more traffic to your website with your own domain name because more people will be returning as they can remember your address and because many search directories such as Yahoo only index websites with their own domain name.
Domain names are so cheap nowadays that there’s no excuse for not having one. Follow the suggestions above and you won’t go far wrong!