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What the Google Pixel 2 and iPhone X Actually have in Common

The Google Pixel 2 and iPhone X are certainly receiving a whole lot of media attention. It’s two creative titans battling it out, attempting to win more customers. But, these two companies have quite a bit in common. At least, in one aspect. And, it applies to you as an entrepreneur.

What the Google Pixel 2 and iPhone X Actually have in Common

What you might think as rivals vying for bigger sales numbers is actually an important business lesson. It’s all about momentum. Keep momentum going and it serves up great rewards. After all, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL were hits. And, we all know the iPhone revolutionized the tech, communications, and entertainment worlds. So, it’s great to take away a valuable lesson from this latest product introduction round.

As the momentum starts and objectives are met watch for a change in pace; just like an out-of-shape runner, the tendency for many will be to stop part way up the hill to pat themselves on the back and look at how much distance they’ve covered. Don’t let them stop! You are pushing a rock uphill, as the momentum starts and everyone sees progress you need to double your efforts to keep it moving. —Inc.com

You probably know there are many components to running a successful business. That’s certainly no secret. But, specific actions can work wonders. For instance, giving up bad habits and other hangups are prime examples. Another strategy is to get in front of people personally. However, you need momentum to stay on track.

How to Keep Momentum Going

That’s what the announcement and release of the Google Pixel 2 teaches us. It’s a follow-up, designed to entice consumers. And, it’s generated a whole lot of media buzz. Now, every single thing about it will certainly be poured over by tech lovers. You can apply this lesson to your business. Keep momentum going and reap the rewards by doing the following:

Set new goals and objectives. As you hit milestones, dedicate yourself to setting new goals and objectives. Planning ahead means moving forward and that’s a great way to keep momentum working for you.
Automate where it is possible. Use automation to your advantage to maximize productivity. Don’t get bogged down where and when it isn’t necessary. You can set content marketing and social media marketing on a schedule, as two examples.
Always keep inspiration nearby. Research from Harvard and MIT reveals books are a great source of inspiration. Engaging your brain in something you love breathes inspiration. And, it also increases your knowledge, so it’s two-for-one.
Schedule time off and actually use it. Another way to keep momentum going is to take time off. That sounds strange at first but makes a lot of sense when you consider the benefits of rest and relaxation.

What ways do you keep momentum going? How do you stay motivated? What methods work best for pushing forward you’ve done? Please share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment!

Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

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Coronavirus Presents an Opportunity to Teach Your Children about Business

June 16, 2020 No Comments

The Sword of Damocles tells a very important story about the stark reality of being in a position of power. For those unfamiliar, Damocles is a court sycophant or flatterer, who pines for the power of King Dionysus II. The king gives his throne to Damocles, who in-turn enjoys fine food and drink, opulence, and entertainment, only to be surprised by a razor-sharp sword dangling over his head, held in-place by a single horsehair. In an instant, Damocles learns power comes with a price. That every leader is under constant threat of being replaced or worse. Crisis can Turn into Opportunity A pandemic was probably the furthest thing on any business leader’s mind prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. Now, hindsight being 20/20, it’s easy to see the sword comes in many forms. And, it’s a great time to teach your children about the inevitable ups and downs of owning and running a business. By becoming an entrepreneur — whether it is simply putting up a neighborhood lemonade stand, launching a landscaping business or developing a new app — kids can learn about budgeting, saving, spending and investing. —CNBC.com You can teach many lessons by having your kid(s) start and operate a small business. But, as we adults know, failure is where the hard but necessary lessons lie. Use this crisis to show your children how to cope and face adversity. It’s a terrific time because there’s no shortage of awareness about the outbreak and quarantines. Meaning, there’s a lot of context and therefore, makes it easier to use real-world examples. Three Lessons the Coronavirus Business Owners can Teach their Kids The moment we’re all experiencing as business owners, managers, and team leaders causes us to question a whole lot of things. And, that’s not a bad thing, especially when it comes to teaching business lessons to children who can later use that information. Here are three important business lessons entrepreneurs can teach their kids: Debt. Everyone knows the risk accumulating debt carries. But, it’s so commonplace, we just don’t appreciate how dangerous it can be when things go wrong. While debt is very often used by companies of all shapes and sizes, when there’s a disruption in the economy, it remains an obligation that can’t be ignored. Debt is sometimes necessary but when it’s used in excess, it can financially ruin a business and even personal lives in a devastating way. Hard choices. Another important lesson to teach is about having to make tough decisions. Being able to evaluate the circumstances, choose essential personnel, and identify where cuts can be made certainly isn’t easy. But, it’s a wonderful life lesson to relate that will make a life-long impression. Streamlining. Call it identifying redundancy or creating efficiency. If you take an honest look at everything inside your business, you’re going to find unnecessary duplication or just flat out waste. Use these examples and make them relatable on an age-appropriate level. What other lessons would you add to this list? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Thinking About Introducing Summer Fridays to Your Employees? Here’s What Small Business Owners Need to Know

June 22, 2023 No Comments

Summer Fridays are a type of alternate scheduling that allows employees to either leave the office early or take the day off at the end of the week. As the name suggests, these reduced hours occur during the summer months and apply only to Fridays. Obviously, team members appreciate the option and this policy can be beneficial to both employees as well as businesses. Just What are Summer Fridays? Again, workplace Summer Fridays refer to a flexible work policy where employees are granted reduced work hours or time off on Fridays, typically during the summer season. The specifics of Summer Fridays can vary depending on the company, but the most common approach is to allow employees to leave early or take the entire afternoon off after completing their required work hours for the week. Reasons to Incorporate Summer Fridays Summer Fridays are a popular perk that can be a great way to boost employee morale and productivity, but it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons before implementing this practice in a small business. Here are the advantages companies can expect to gain: Increased employee morale and engagement. Offering Summer Fridays can boost employee morale, satisfaction, and motivation. Knowing they have extra time to enjoy summer activities or spend quality time with friends and family can increase overall happiness and job satisfaction. This, in turn, can enhance productivity and reduce burnout. Improved work-life balance. Small businesses often face challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance for their employees. Summer Fridays provide an opportunity for employees to recharge, reducing stress levels and preventing burnout. The increased flexibility can also allow employees to schedule personal appointments, attend children’s activities, or engage in hobbies, which can positively impact their well-being. Attraction and retention of top talent. In a competitive job market, small businesses may struggle to attract and retain skilled professionals. Implementing Summer Fridays can be an attractive perk for prospective employees, differentiating the company from competitors. Additionally, existing employees are more likely to stay with a company that values work-life balance and offers flexibility. And, last but certainly not least – increased productivity and focus. Shortened work hours can lead to increased productivity as employees strive to accomplish their tasks within a condensed timeframe. Knowing that they have limited hours available can encourage employees to prioritize their work, minimize distractions, and focus on completing their assignments more efficiently. Considerations Small Businesses Need to Take into Account Before Implementing Summer Fridays Of course, there are always some potential drawbacks or downsides that go along with just about any type of change, regardless of intention and promise. Here are some things small businesses need to consider about Summer Fridays: Impact on operations and client expectations. Before implementing Summer Fridays, small businesses need to consider the potential impact on their operations and client relationships. Adequate planning and communication should be in place to ensure that reduced work hours or the absence of key employees on Fridays do not disrupt workflow or negatively affect customer service. Scheduling and staffing challenges. Small businesses often operate with limited resources, and adjusting schedules to accommodate Summer Fridays may present staffing challenges. Careful consideration should be given to workload distribution, cross-training employees, or arranging for temporary help to ensure essential tasks are covered. Consistency and fairness. It is crucial to establish clear guidelines and policies for Summer Fridays to ensure consistency and fairness among employees. Setting expectations, defining eligibility criteria, and addressing potential conflicts can help avoid misunderstandings or negative feelings within the team. Communication and transparency. Effective communication is key when implementing any new policy. Clearly communicate the details, benefits, and expectations of Summer Fridays to employees. Openly address any concerns or questions and be transparent about how the policy aligns with the company’s goals and values. What else would you include in the pros and cons of instituting Summer Fridays that small businesses should know about? Please take a few moments to comment and 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 to learn more about us and the services we offer.

Cheap But Meaningful Ways to Boost Your Company’s Local Awareness

June 8, 2023 No Comments

In today’s competitive business landscape, it’s crucial for small businesses to enhance their local awareness and brand recognition to stay ahead. While advertising and marketing campaigns can be expensive, there are cost-effective yet meaningful ways to increase your company’s visibility and establish a strong presence in your local community. Cheap But Meaningful Ways to Boost Your Company’s Local Awareness Obviously, this is all easier said than done. With all this in mind, let’s go ahead and explore several inexpensive strategies that can help boost your small business’s local awareness and improve brand recognition. Community Involvement and Partnerships Engaging with the local community is an excellent way to enhance your company’s visibility and build meaningful connections. Consider sponsoring local events, sports teams, or charitable causes that align with your business values. Participate in community service activities or collaborate with other businesses to host joint events or promotions. These activities not only showcase your brand but also demonstrate your commitment to the community, fostering positive word-of-mouth and strengthening your reputation. Example: If you own a bakery, partner with a local charity to donate a portion of your sales to a cause. This initiative not only supports a worthy cause but also generates positive exposure for your bakery, as customers appreciate businesses that give back to the community. Online Presence and Local Directories Having a strong online presence is essential for increasing local awareness. Create a professional website that highlights your products or services, and optimize it for local search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your visibility in local search results. Register your business with online directories and review platforms such as Google My Business, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, as online reviews play a significant role in building trust and attracting new customers. Example: If you run a boutique clothing store, optimize your website by including location-specific keywords and updating your Google My Business profile with accurate information, attractive images, and positive customer reviews. This increases the likelihood of your store appearing in local search results when potential customers are looking for nearby clothing stores. Social Media Engagement Utilize social media platforms to engage with your local audience and promote your brand. Regularly share valuable content, such as tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or customer success stories. Encourage user-generated content by running contests or featuring customer photos. Engage with followers by responding to comments and messages promptly. By building an active social media presence, you can foster a sense of community and increase brand recognition among your target audience. Example: If you own a coffee shop, use Instagram to share aesthetically pleasing photos of your drinks, cozy corners, or latte art. Encourage customers to share their photos using a branded hashtag, and feature their pictures on your profile. This not only creates buzz but also encourages others to visit your coffee shop to experience the ambiance themselves. Local Collaborations and Cross-Promotions Collaborating with other local businesses can be mutually beneficial in terms of brand exposure. Identify complementary businesses in your area and explore opportunities for cross-promotions or joint marketing efforts. For example, you can offer exclusive discounts or package deals when customers make purchases from both businesses. By tapping into each other’s customer base, you expand your reach and increase awareness of your brand within the local community. Example: If you own a gym, partner with a nearby health food store to offer a discount coupon for a gym membership when customers make a purchase at the store. This encourages a healthy lifestyle and exposes your gym to potential customers who are interested in fitness-related products. Local PR and Media Coverage Building relationships with local journalists, bloggers, and influencers can help generate media coverage for your business. Reach out to local media outlets, offering them story ideas or insights related to your industry. Consider hosting local events or participating in local trade shows, which can attract media attention. Being featured in local publications or online platforms increases your company’s visibility and establishes you as an authority in your field. Questions Example: If you operate a pet grooming salon, collaborate with a local pet blogger or influencer to offer tips on pet grooming or demonstrate grooming techniques. This partnership can lead to a feature article or blog post that introduces your business to a wider audience. What other suggestions would you include for how to boost a company’s local awareness in meaningful ways but doing so inexpensively? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your input! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

What the Google Pixel 2 and iPhone X Actually have in Common