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All, business start-up

How to Build a Positive Brand

One thing that makes companies successful is branding. We see it everywhere and all the time, from television spots, to radio ads, to catalogs and other marketing materials, businesses put out impressions of themselves to the public. The reason for branding is obvious but it’s not necessarily an easy task. It requires differentiating an entity from its competition to make it instantly recognizable to consumers. A brand has to not only be recognizable, it has to live up to its self promotion and establish a reputation that’s commensurate with its marketing.

There’s practically little else which can destroy a company faster than having a bad reputation. Even the most effective branding won’t allow a company to escape bad publicity or a negative consumer image. Small business owners might not believe that branding is necessary for them precisely because of their small size; however, in a world that is digitally centered, that’s simply not the case. No matter the size of your organization, it needs a positive brand to help propel it forward.

Ways to Build a Positive Brand

To build a positive brand, you’ll need to think about the future–it’s what you do now that’s most important. There are defunct companies that doomed themselves by not being aware of the image they were presenting. Relying on gimmicks is another mistake. Companies that place their marketing efforts into gimmicks usually have little else to offer, and, that’s a precarious position. Being genuine and offering good service with a positive attitude are great ways to build a brand.

Our personality and professional image sets the tone and stage for how we are all perceived. With the reality of a 24/7 online media world that can change things in a real-time split second, one small wrong move or right move can go viral and change everything. —Small Business Trends

To keep your business growing, you have to employ more than one tactic. There are new customers to be found and try your products and services over competitors, and, it’s your brand that will help to convince them to do so. Here are a few ways to build a positive brand:

Create a positive work environment. Your brand starts from within your organization. Remember, your employees have lives outside your company and talk to people about work. This is why it’s important to facilitate a positive environment. After all, people won’t give you any business if they’ve heard bad things from insiders.
Have a clear and easy-to-follow customer service protocol. Your team members are one of the most powerful sales tools you have. The better they deliver, the better your company does. When it comes to customer service, everyone should know how to respond and to do so in a timely, polite manner.
Offer something for nothing. People like free things, practically no matter what they are: great content that is helpful, complimentary items, discounts, and other things can have a big impact. What’s more, if you do this on a regular basis, it will create a positive impression.
Make a commitment to your community. Volunteering is something every leader should do and not just for the sake of networking. When you volunteer, you send a very powerful message about yourself and your company.

Another thing you can do to create a positive brand is to always follow-up with comments and reviews. Good or bad, these are helpful and the way you deal with comments and reviews will say much about your business.
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Stop Enforcing These Dumb Office Rules That Make People Quit

September 6, 2017 No Comments

If you want success, you’ve got to stop doing certain things. And, these include enforcing dumb office rules. Let’s face it, there are a number of do’s and don’ts in the workplace we all seem to recognize as unnecessary. But, for some strange reason, we follow tradition — even when it’s doesn’t really make sense. Giving into the “ways it’s always been notion” simply hinders us in different ways. Okay, rules are fundamental in business but too many rules stifles your employees. 5 Most Hated Office Rules that Drive Employees Crazy Think about it this way — more freedom means more business. Put another way, the more rules applied, the less freedom your team members enjoy. That’s simply creates artificial barriers they must overcome. Which means, it’s a waste of time (and ultimately money) and that’s not going to propel your business forward. When there are less rules, there’s more enthusiasm. Fewer rules also means more creativity. Companies need to have rules—that’s a given—but they don’t have to be shortsighted and lazy attempts at creating order. When companies create ridiculous and demoralizing rules to halt the outlandish behavior of a few individuals, it’s a management problem. There’s no sense in alienating your entire workforce because you don’t know how to manage performance. It makes a bad situation that much worse. —Entrepreneur Now, there are reasonable rules. It might apply to workplace social media use. Or, about limiting overtime. But, there are probably at least a few rules that your employees hate. These cause unnecessary stress and can easily become too overwhelming. If rules are stringent enough, you might lose good talent. Obviously, you need to retain the best talent and attract more. But some rules will make that quite problematic to achieve. Here are five of the most hated office rules that drive employees crazy: Time off rules. We all get sick, tired, and have personal needs. So, if an employee doesn’t feel well, don’t make it a bigger burden by requiring a doctor’s note. And, be flexible. If an employee feels lying is the best way to take a personal day off, there’s something wrong. Treat your employees with respect and you’ll definitely reap the rewards. Approval rules. Try this thought experiment — every time you make a purchase decision or other kind of decision in your personal life, stop to consider how productive it would be to seek an approval. Now, there are reasonable limits but you should trust employees to do what’s in the best interest of the company. Performance rules. Performance evaluations aren’t necessarily the best use of time. In fact, there are plenty of good arguments they just drive people nuts. What’s more, these are often dreaded, boring routines. So, ask yourself if you really need performance rules to meet performance guidelines to reward someone during a performance evaluation. Internet use rules. Unless you’re dealing with super-secret information, there’s really little to no need for internet rules. Your team already knows what is and what isn’t acceptable. Give them the power to do the right thing and they’ll feel respected. On-site attendance rules. The office isn’t always the best place to get things done. Sometimes, working from home or outside the office is better. Requiring people to be in the office or on-site from this time until that time daily simply won’t produce the best results. What hated office rules have you eliminated? Which office rules do you find the most productive? Please share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group. [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]

Want More Sales? Simple. Create a Problem, then Solve It.

October 22, 2021 No Comments

One impressive attribute to Apple’s incredible success is solving problems. More particularly, “creating” a problem and then offering an attractive solution. Distilled down, this is the art of identifying a common issue or need, and then supplying a fix or a fill for said need. Steve Jobs was a master of this strategy. Prior to the introduction of the iPod, consumers simply didn’t realize they had a need for an entertainment device that could store thousands of songs. The story goes like this. Steve Jobs was out for a run when he experienced problems with his MP3 device. This led to inspiration, which he realized that if consumers were given a far superior — albeit much more expensive alternative — they would leap at the chance to buy it. Of course, history shows that Steve Jobs’ instinct was spot on. Another epiphany struck him again and Jobs responded, ordering his company to get to work on a new state-of-the-art device. This, because he feared that competitors would take his successful iPod and integrate it into a multi-functional phone. Of course, this is the birth of the iPhone. Perceived Necessity is also a Mother of Invention The business lesson that people can take from these instances is that there are always consumer needs. Even if they are somewhat obscure, they still exist and are waiting to be filled. Both of these electronic devices prove that there was indeed consumer desire for such things, even if the public didn’t yet know they wanted them. …when developing new products, processes, or even businesses, most companies aren’t sufficiently rigorous in defining the problems they’re attempting to solve and articulating why those issues are important. Without that rigor, organizations miss opportunities, waste resources, and end up pursuing innovation initiatives that aren’t aligned with their strategies. —Harvard Business Review Both products became huge sales successes, as everyone now knows. But at the time, they were a gamble. After all, these were largely luxury items and did not completely match a fundamental, utilitarian purpose. However, their form factor and marketing made them irresistible to consumers and that’s why they’ve gone down in history as two of the most remarkable innovations of their era. How to Identify a Problem to Solve and Sell Although it might seem like too big a feat to pull off, you can take a page from the same playbook. (This is especially true if you’ve been in business for many years, but even that amount of experience isn’t necessary.) The point is that there’s always a need for some type of improvement, innovation, or invention. The question really comes down to necessity and appeal. Here are a few suggestions for how to identify a common problem to solve and sell its solution: Identify a problem or need. Let’s begin with the super obvious — the need to hone in on a need or an issue that can be filled or fixed. If you’ve been working in your industry for some time now, this might even be a common gripe of yours. Think about some type of flaw or problem and that should get you started. Structure an attractive solution. Once you’ve identified a need or problem, it’s time to come up with a workable solution. Of course, this is a lot easier said than done, but the time and effort could be worthwhile in the end. Keep in mind that there are certain elements that can really help your solution sell. For instance, being appealing, convenient, cost-effective, and applicable to a wide enough consumer base to make it valuable to the public. (Or, even to others inside of your own industry.) Test out your new product or service. After you’ve come up with a methodology or product, it’s time to test it out. You should experiment in at least a few different settings, with various scenarios applied to the test environment. This will help reveal any shortcomings and will also provide inspiration as you see it in action. Testing will also help you determine its overall viability in the marketplace. What other suggestions do you have for identifying a want, need, or issue and coming up with the right fulfillment or fix? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your unique perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Pros and Cons of Buying New vs Refurbished Office Equipment

April 12, 2023 No Comments

Office equipment can be quite expensive. But, it’s necessary. So, there’s not a lot of choice precisely because it is an absolute must. Although, there are a couple of options. It’s entirely possible to procure office equipment in two different ways. Small business owners can buy new or purchase refurbished. However, this, of course, raises a number of questions. So, let’s take a look at all the benefits and downsides of purchasing new versus buying refurbished. Pros of Buying New Office Equipment There are many pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to buy new office equipment for your small business. Here are some of the key factors to think about before you commit to obtaining new equipment: Improved productivity and efficiency. With new office equipment, your employees can work faster and more efficiently, which can lead to increased productivity and profits. For example, a new computer system with faster processors and more memory can help your employees complete tasks more quickly. Reduced costs. New office equipment can also sometimes help you reduce your costs in the long run. For example, a new energy-efficient printer can save you money on your energy bills. Improved customer service. Yet another benefit is new office equipment can help you provide better customer service to your clients. For example, a new phone system with call forwarding and voicemail can help you keep your business running smoothly even when you’re not in the office. Enhanced security. Additionally, new office equipment can help you protect your business from security threats. For example, a new firewall can help you protect your computer systems from hackers. Improved morale. New office equipment can help boost morale among your employees, which can lead to increased productivity and loyalty. For example, new office furniture can make your employees feel more comfortable and productive. As you can see, there are some very convincing reasons to buy new. However, just because it’s new does not mean that it’s the right choice for your organization. Just like anything else, there are also some downsides you should be aware of. Here are the disadvantages of buying new. Cons of Purchasing New Office Equipment While these are some compelling reasons to buy new, this doesn’t mean that it won’t come with a few disadvantages, for example: Initial investment. Buying new office equipment can be a significant upfront investment. You’ll need to factor in the cost of the equipment itself, as well as any installation or maintenance costs. Depreciation. The value of new office equipment will depreciate over time, which means you’ll eventually need to replace it. Obsolescence. New office equipment can quickly become obsolete as new technologies emerge. This means you may need to upgrade your equipment more often than you’d like. Maintenance. Of course, new office equipment will require regular maintenance to keep it running properly. This can add to the overall cost of ownership. Training. Your employees may need training on how to use new office equipment. This can be a time-consuming and costly process. Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy new office equipment is a complex one that depends on your specific needs and budget. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Advantages of Buying Refurbished Office Equipment Now, we’ll take a look at the benefits of purchasing refurbished office equipment. Here are the biggest upsides to going this route instead of buying new: Cost savings. Refurbished office equipment is often much cheaper than new equipment. This can be significant savings for small businesses that are on a tight budget. Environmental benefits. Buying refurbished office equipment helps to reduce waste and conserve resources. This is a positive environmental impact that can help you feel good about your business practices. Similar quality to new equipment. Refurbished office equipment is often just as good as new equipment. It has been thoroughly tested and repaired, and it comes with a warranty. Flexibility. You may be able to find refurbished office equipment that is not available new. This can give you more options when choosing the right equipment for your business. Disadvantages of Procuring Refurbished Office Equipment Obviously, there are also some downsides to consider when it comes to refurbished equipment. Here are the things you might come across if you choose to buy refurbished rather than new equipment: Limited warranty. Refurbished office equipment typically comes with a shorter warranty than new equipment. This is something to keep in mind if you are concerned about the potential for repairs or replacements. Possible cosmetic issues. Unfortunately, refurbished office equipment may have some cosmetic issues, such as scratches or dents. This is usually not a major concern, but it is something to be aware of. Compatibility issues. If you are buying refurbished office equipment from a third-party seller, there is a risk that it may not be compatible with your other equipment. This is why it is important to do your research and buy from a reputable seller. Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy refurbished office equipment is a complex one that depends on your specific needs and budget. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. What other pros and cons would you add to these when it comes to buying new or refurbished office equipment? Please take a moment to share your own thoughts and experiences so other people can benefit from your perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.