6 Tips To Tell Your Story Effectively

by Adam Witty, Founder and CEO of Advantage | ForbesBooks

Computing pioneer Alan Kay said, “Scratch the surface in a typical boardroom and we’re all just cavemen with briefcases, hungry for a wise person to tell us stories.”

Storytelling is the hot trend in business communications. Smart entrepreneurs are rushing to humanize their websites, marketing outreach and presentations with inspirational stories of the creation, challenges and success of their companies. They’re discovering that telling their story, whether via a 280-word tweet, a 280-line speech or a 280-page book, may be the most effective way for them to connect with potential customers.

As a business book publisher who’s been working with entrepreneurs and CEOs for over a decade, I can tell you that there are stories I heard in 2005 that have stayed with me and some from last week that I’ve all but forgotten.  With an effective story, your company lives in the minds of customers.  Without one, it fades into the background.

Through all this, I’ve picked up a few tips on how to make your story unique and memorable.

1. It’s about them.

Researchers have found that to be effective, a story has to be clearly relevant to the customer’s own individual experiences and concerns. If it isn’t, they tune out.  So when you share your story on a blog, in a presentation or on your website, ask yourself ‘what’s in it for my audience?’ Are they getting useful information out of this – information that will engender trust –  or have I wasted their time?

2. Grab their attention.

Studies show that the average adult’s attention span is 8 seconds – less than that of a goldfish – so share the most dynamic part of your journey at the beginning.

Entertain: The most effective speeches, presentations, websites and business books use the same techniques as any greatstoryteller.  They have a beginning, a middle and an end or, in business parlance, inspiration, conflict and resolution. Share the drama, the failures, the successes and all the emotion attached to the ride.  These are the moments that will create a connection between you and potential clients.

3. Keep it simple.

It’s easy to convince ourselves that the details of our stories are fascinating.  They’re not. The simpler a story, the more likely it will stick.  Share who you are, how you got there and the lessons your audience can learn from your story.  The End.

4. Don’t boast or exaggerate.

The quickest way to lose an audience and potential customers is with a self-congratulatory tribute.  You should be a central figure in your story but don’t be obnoxious about it. Share the glory.  And no fake news.  Did the seed money really come from tips you made as a waiter, or did it have something to do with that gift your parents gave you?  All information is traceable, so tell the truth.  If you lose the trust of your customers, you’re out of business.

5. Be Optimistic.

Whether your audience is live or online, they want you to leave them feeling hopeful.  How they feel will feed directly into whether they want to continue their relationship with you. As Maya Angelou said, “At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.”

6. Now mix, bake and spread.

Put all this together and create versions of your tale that can be shared at a business gathering, a cocktail party or an elevator ride.  Write them down.  Check off all the boxes.  Use this mnemonic: STORIES. Simple + Truthful + Optimistic + Relevant + Immediate Impact + Entertaining = Success.  Practice them in front of people.  Got it? If so, you’ve got a story that can take you and your business far.

Adam Witty is the Founder and CEO of Advantage | ForbesBooks, the authority marketing specialists. Working with business entrepreneurs and professionals to elevate their brands and grow their businesses through publishing, he has built the company into one of the largest business book publishers in America, serving over 1,000 members in 40 U.S. states and 13 countries. Adam is also a sought-after speaker, teacher, and consultant on marketing and business growth techniques for entrepreneurs and authors.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade To Ergonomic Office Furniture

If you spend a lot of time at your office desk, you’re probably familiar with the pain and stiffness that comes with sitting for hours in the same spot. When we think of on-the-job stress, desk jobs might not be the first career paths that come to mind, but sitting for hours can cause physical pains that you will definitely feel over time. Ergonomic office furniture works with the human body to combat these symptoms of physical stress while providing a significantly more comfortable work experience.

Taking care of your body is important, no matter what job you do. When you upgrade your office furniture to more ergonomic and user-friendly designs, your body will thank you with less aches and pains and more productive time spent at the office.

Physical Benefits of Ergonomic Furniture.

Improved Posture

Fixating on one’s own posture might seem like focusing on something small or inconsequential. In reality, this couldn’t be any further from the truth. Improper posture causes short and long-term health problems, up to and including:

• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Digestive problems
• Changing of the spine’s curve
• Cardiovascular problems
• Varicose veins

An ergonomic chair that better supports your posture will alleviate you of these concerns in both the short-term and long-term. A chair that’s designed with the human body in mind and can be adjusted for optimal comfort will make your back feel better and even improve the overall performance of your body.

Optimum Comfort

Sometimes, sitting at a desk all day is anything but comfortable. However, a more user-friendly chair that can be adjusted to meet your unique needs will make your day feel notably more comfortable. Standard chairs aren’t crafted with the specific needs of its user in mind, but most bodies don’t fit this one-size-fits-all approach.

Reduces Pressure on the Hips, Back and Neck

Spending six or more hours in a standard office chair each and every workday causes havoc on your body, particularly the parts of it that are most effected by poor posture. Unlike your typical office chair, the ergonomic alternative offers:

• A greater seat depth that makes sitting more comfortable and cradles the user’s hips
• A headrest that supports both the head and the neck
• High enough chair backs to cover and provide support to the entire back

Other Reasons to Choose Ergonomic Office Furniture.

The physical benefits of using an ergonomic office chair are pretty impressive, and they tie directly into how your work day is spent. Enhanced productivity comes about as a result when employees are better and more comfortably accommodated.

The overall quality of your time spent at work improves when you’re not in pain. Even for those of us who have “learned to live with” the pain caused by standard office chairs, feeling uncomfortable in your own bones and muscles drives down your productivity. Pain is a massive distraction and can hinder even the most competent employee’s ability to do their job at peak performance.

With your pains relieved by the presence of an ergonomic seating solution, you’ll feel more focused on the tasks assigned to you and can produce a higher quality of work. You and your employer are guaranteed to appreciate this, making ergonomic chairs quite a win-win!

Ergonomic seating for employees also facilitates a safer workplace culture, which (again) is a win for everybody. Many employees who spend significant portions of their lives behind a desk report both short-term and long-term physical pains and aches that impede their daily lives. Some people believe that these aches are the inevitable result of a fruitful day spent at work, but more are beginning to realize how unnecessary it is to put themselves through it.

Ergonomic office furniture is an efficient and effective way to minimize at-work stress, employee fatigue and even some pretty severe long-term health problems. Considering how much time an employee might spend behind their desk or in a chair during the workweek, buying a new chair to mitigate these problems doesn’t seem like very much to ask for.

So Let’s Recap.

Ergonomic seating improves an employee’s private and professional life by ridding them of the stresses caused by improper posture. Standard seating solutions are not catered to the unique needs of one human’s body, and can create an atmosphere where short-term and long-term health and productivity problems may arise.

Ergonomic office chairs offer:

1. Improved posture
2. Less stress on the upper body
3. Optimum workplace comfort
4. Increased productivity due to better overall wellness
5. A boost in favor of a more body-friendly work environment

These are not tiny advantages. These are significant and can, in fact, be life-changing. And all it takes is a relatively simple chair.

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The Future Of Wired & Wireless Technology Across Platforms

When the internet was initially introduced to home users it was with a wired connection. Home users would have a dedicated router which was connected to the main connection and to all the wired connections located in the various places throughout the home.

The connection of choice at that time was the wired connection. It was more reliable, with no connectivity issues. The wired connection was speedy with connection rates faster in comparison to early wireless connections. In the early days of wireless connection, people would often be concerned about freeloaders leeching off of their wireless connection. This could result in slower download speeds for the home user.

Introduction of Wireless Connections.

Slowly but gradually offices began to shift their internet connections from wired connections to wireless connections. Even though the devices were physically not going anywhere, it became cheaper to install a wireless connection for several computers at once. With so many devices connected to each other internet security became a serious concern. Several different companies stepped up to provide users with solutions to all of their security qualms. Connecting different devices wirelessly also became popular. Connecting devices wirelessly meant that users did not have to read lengthy essay writing explaining how to install the device. Everything was plug and play and seamlessly connected without wires from a wireless mouse, keyboards and even webcams. The computer also started becoming physically smaller in shape and size.

Present Day Wireless Connections.

Today wireless connections have become a fundamental component of society. Mobile phones, PDA’s, laptops and even banking applications support the use of wireless connections. Now the speeds achieved by wireless connections can hardly be achieved by wired connections with the same level of accessibility. It is easier to install a wireless connection in comparison to a wired connection. Devices for use with wireless connections are easier to configure. Now the main security concern for the average user is protecting their identity while using the internet. At home and even in offices and large corporations the wireless connection is the connection of choice.

Future of Wireless Technology.

5G is the fifth-generation of wireless technology according to IEEE standards. 5G internet speeds will be much higher than traditional wireless technology. The internet speed on a 5G device can reach up to 20Gbps download and 10Gbps upload including all the other devices connected via 5G. Users will be able avail VR and 4K streaming options as a standard. 5G will also feature enhanced coverage and quality of connection. You will be able to download a 2 hour movie in a matter of seconds. This is just to give you a rough idea of the speed a 5G network device can provide. These blazing fast speeds will also open up business opportunities for new enterprises. This will also mean that self-driving cars are not unimaginable anymore.

Incorporating 5G and IoT.

IoT is an acronym for the Internet of things. This refers to everyday appliances or devices which will be connected to the cloud computing. With 5G providing support for high speed connections as a standard there will be much higher need to store data efficiently, enormous amounts of data. This is where IoT and cloud computing comes in. The IoT is a technology which will be collecting data from all the various sensors located in all the numerous appliances connected to it. All this information from these sensors will be sent back to the cloud. Think of the cloud as the main hub of data for a particular network in a specific location.

Everything will be connected to the IoT, from lights, kitchen appliances and even entertainment electronics. With high speed support for large amounts of data, driverless cars will become widespread. The sensors in one car will be able to communicate with other cars on the road. Each car will be able to seamlessly send information about its bearings and acquire information about the position of other vehicles. All this advancement in technology will present new implications of the technology in otherwise archaic methods.

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How Business Owners Can Avoid Getting Turned Over To A Collection Agency

In today’s uncertain economy, it can be extremely easy for many business owners to fall in debt. Unfortunately, this will lead you to getting turned over to a collection agency, which is not only embarrassing, but it can be detrimental to your overall credit profile. Sure, most creditors will give you ample notice before turning your account over to a collections agency, but this doesn’t make the process any easier. Once you are turned over to an agency, you will receive numerous phone calls and get letters reminding you to pay your debt.

At the end of the day, it is always best to come up with some kind of arrangement, before your account gets turned over to a collection agency.

Consider Getting In A Contract.

When you come to the realization that you are not going to be able to pay back your debts, you need to immediately get into a contact with your creditor. It is true that practices change from company to company, but most creditors will turn your account over once you are 90 days behind on a payment. If you are willing to get into a contract that states you will pay back the pending amount, your creditors will be more willing to forgive your misfortunes. Just remember when lenders send accounts to collection agencies they lose money, so it is always in their best interests to work with their clients.

Pay In Full If Possible.

If you can come up with the resources to pay your creditor in full, it will without a doubt be in your best interest. Not only will this take care of your credit problems in one fell swoop, but it will ensure that your account doesn’t get passed off to some nagging collection agency. In addition to this, paying the loan off in full will help you build some trust and understanding with the lender, which could be extremely beneficial for future lending purposes.

Making Payment Arrangements.

If you have ever tried to delete collections from your credit, you already know that the whole process can be difficult and pain staking. This is why you should consider negotiating payment arrangements with any of your creditors. Just make sure that you agree on amounts that you can actually afford to pay back, so you will be able to fulfill your end of the agreement. If you don’t live up to your end of the bargain this will not only hurt your reputation, but it will end up with you getting turned over to a collection agency.

Set Up Automatic Payment Withdrawal.

With so many responsibilities on your plate, you probably forget to pay your bills from time to time. This is a common occurrence that will not only lead to a hefty late fee, but also a lower credit score. If you have difficulty remembering to pay your mortgage, car loan, utility bills and credit card payments, you should consider setting up automatic payment withdrawal.

Most companies encourage their customers to set up automatic payment withdrawal. In fact, many offer incentives to customers to activate this feature on their account.

Avoid Borrowing To Much Money.

Borrowed money definitely comes in handy for companies of all sizes. These loans allow businesses to purchase high-ticket items that they would not be able to get otherwise. However, it is crucial to monitor your borrowing activities. Limit how much you borrow and if at all possible, you should try to only purchase items that you can afford to pay cash for.

Protect Your Personal Information.

As a business owner, you probably have a high credit score. While all consumers are at risk of identity theft, people who own businesses are among the highest. Hackers know that you likely have a good credit history, so you and your business with become their primary targets. Keep your personal identifying information protected at all times. Do not share this information with others, even members of your management team. Remember, no one can be trusted when it comes to your personal information.

Minimize Your Credit Card Usage.

Credit cards offer a great means of accessing items that consumers could not afford otherwise. And, credit card companies are very willing to offer credit to businesses and consumers with a high credit score. Even though you are tempted to utilize your credit card to make purchases, it is crucial to make sure these purchases are necessary, before you swipe your card.

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What To Know When Looking For A Web Host In Canada

When first partnering with a web host to help them build their online presence, many people aren’t aware of the numerous benefits that come with choosing a locally-based company. If your small business is situated in Canada, choosing a Canadian web host will not only save you money (as you won’t have to worry about conversion costs), but you’ll enjoy more privacy as Canada does not impose the same strict policies as the United States when the threat of a breech or attack is imminent.

A local web host will also help you expand your local audience base.

A Local Host Uses Local Servers, Just Like Your Audience.

When you’re using a search engine to mine for information, typically what comes up first are stories or the websites of businesses located in the same general vicinity as you. Now, say the majority of the people you sell to are located in the same city or province as your company – wouldn’t it make sense to have your site on a server that’ll increase your visibility with this audience? Your website will receive better domain authority on a local search engine which is valuable for those who want to focus their marketing efforts to reach a geographically targeted group.

A Local Host Offers More Personalized Customer Service.

If there’s ever a question or concern with your service, it helps to have a customer care centre comprised of employees that understand your needs more intimately, and this isn’t always likely to happen when customer support is located halfway across the hemisphere. With a web hosting company in Canada you know that customer support is positioned in the same country as your business, so those on the other line will better understand your use of the language and they’ll also be aware of issues occurring within networks close by.

A Canadian Host Handles Your Data More Discreetly.

Web hosts working out of the United States are subject to The Patriot Act, which allows government officials to enter a server should they believe they have rightful cause. There is also less privacy protection overall and American authorities can take away access to your own data or spy on you without a court order. In Canada however, there is better protection for both individual and business data. Many web hosts such as HostPapa will also offer a premium security suite and encryption service as part of their business-tier packages.

Many emerging companies don’t think about where their web host is located, but it can make a big difference to their overall online experience. Partnering with a local Canadian service ensures your confidential information is protected, along with that of your clients and customers. It also offers better local outreach opportunities and tailored customer service that can meet your business needs faster. Why choose a foreign provider when you can reap the benefits of one that is closer? Before confirming your service, make sure you’re aware of where they’re working out of before you sign up.

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10 Branding Techniques You Should Know About

Branding is one of the most important aspects of any business but as expected, it is never a walk in the park. Branding is a capital-intensive process, requiring both the human capital as well as the financial capital to be invested in it to ensure it reflects what the company offers and stands for.

Let us look at some great branding techniques.

1. Humanize your brand.

A brand needs to appear like a human and not a faceless organization. Humans like to deal with humans who understand their pain-points, appreciate their circumstances, and help them be better people. Let your clients see your brand as a person with a personality, traits, strengths, limitations, and a core value system. If they like the person they are dealing with, they’ll be happy to put their faith in you.

2. Develop a distinctive identity for your brand.

Just like a human, your brand too needs to have a personality. According to your interests, passions, strengths, and the values that drive you, you define your niche. Do your homework, and understand your clients. When you do that, you can plan on how you’ll deliver value to them. When your clients see that you care for them and their interests, you’ll form a bond that transcends business goals and needs.

3. Set yourself apart with your distinctive personality markers.

A brand is as good as the values it works by, and the principles it upholds. Identify the traits that best define your brand, and work to grow your brand in terms of those. When you do that, you acquire a persona and a voice, and your actions reflect your motives. The consistency in your brand image will help customers identify who you are, what you do, and how you can make their lives better. This start with something as humble as picture roller blinds and extend to projections on large buildings – it needs to be consistent.

4. If you marry your client, then you must fulfill your vows.

The idea is to be honest and self-aware about your strengths and limitations. Know what you are capable of, and only then commit to it. And once you’ve made a promise to deliver, try to deliver value at all costs. When you deliver exactly what you’ve promised, and continue to do that every time – you forge a relationship that will last a lifetime.

5. Stick to your niche, and retain your voice.

Your core values & your message should come across consistently. When you build a character with a distinct personality and preach your message, the customers who subscribe to your message will follow you. Be sure that your voice and message is consistent, and people will continue to listen. This establishes and strengthens your character, and helps your customers put their faith in you. When they come to you, they’ll know what value they’ll get.

6. Don’t be redundant – be a multi-dimensional person with many messages.

Just too many brands do the mistake of preaching the same thing again and again, which leaves the customer irritated, thinking, “Yes, we’ve heard it before a million times.”

Your core identity and your core message should manifest themselves in different forms. Deconstruct the idea to break it into several smaller pieces of a puzzle that fit together to paint the entire picture.

7. Match your identity to your scale.

The market and the customers value and respect a relatable character. Most of the brands are too big to make a connection with, and you can use exactly this to carve out your identity and scale it accordingly. Everyone adores a character that they can relate to, and the most relatable characters are the most human ones. When your brand has an approachable identity, clients are more inclined to admire and subscribe to your mission.

8. Be a small explosive, but dare to go with off with a bang!

Small brands have the flexibility of not being stuck with protocols and long-drawn processes. By choosing to be foresighted and self-aware, you can identify opportunities and make the best of them. Being agile and honest is the key here, as it takes courage to go against the grain and do something that most will shy away from. The will to experiment creates the scope for larger payoffs.

9. Deliver more value and then let the customers make an educated call.

Your brand and its success are always going to depend on the value it creates for the users. Choose to not sell short by engaging in gimmicks. A customer is always inclined to believe in you and go by your words if you bring them value. Choose to go all in – obsessively deliver value to your client, and they’ll follow suit.

10. Reel in your customers, and keep them on their heels!

It’s important to create intrigue amongst your customers. Tell stories that subtly give them a message, and then have them figure out the rest on their own. The idea is to make the process enjoyable, almost like a game. You first engage your customers with a valuable message, and then let them grow smarter and understand you better. This creates a connection on the basis of intellect and admiration.

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How To Start A Business In College

College is a tough time when you’re young. You’ve got loads of different aspects of life vying for your attention, and you’re not sure which ones to grant time to and which ones to forget about. It can be hard to cherry-pick the things that deserve your focus. Obviously your studies is one of the things that you should always spare time and effort for, this is because that is why you are in college in the first place. But it’s then hard to split up your leftover time between socialising, hobbies and everything else.

Well there are some people who want to do even more than that, some students long to start a business that will see them through the rest of their college time. Crazy, right? But its understandable why some students feel like this, a lot of students feel their course isn’t challenging enough and their real desire is to start up their own independent entity, through which they can begin to make money. Do you feel you are one of these people, yet you just don’t know how exactly to go about getting started?

Well we’ve got you covered. We’re going to give you a few tips on how to start your own business whilst still in college. You can thank us when you are rolling in money and you haven’t even reached your final year!

Vintage Clothes!

Vintage clothes are a big seller in and around College’s as students like to look stylish but a bit retro at the same time. This can definitely be seen as a business opportunity by those that are savvy to it. What you can do is go around collecting pieces of vintage clothing, from your parent’s house or from charity shops around where you live. When you feel you have a sufficient amount of clothing in your possession you can start advertising it. A lot of people use social media such as Facebook and Instagram. These sites give you the opportunity to showcase the clothes in stylish pictures that you can take yourself. Post up a few posters around campus with a link to the page that you are selling the clothes from, and after a while you should see people start to take notice. As long as you have a bit of an eye for what’s fashionable, you should find that people slowly see your site as the place to go for amazing vintage clothes.

Do essays!

You know this one is good as there are fully fledged businesses built on the same system. Students everywhere struggle day after day with the work they have been set, from high school to College, there’s always a student in trouble. That is why custom writing service Paperial has popped up over the last few years. These sites offer a service that is a god send to students everywhere. Students get support and help with their custom research paper that they are struggling with, no matter what the format and subject of the work is. They get it from an expert source, and they pay for the privilege. This may all sound a very big deal, but you can run something that is similar just being yourself! Post around your campus that you are willing to help younger students out with whatever work they are struggling with (as long as it’s a subject you study). You can also post this on the College forums or College Facebook pages. You’ll find that people start to come to you with their problems. Sort out a fee with them and get to work helping students. Before long, your first customers will have told their friends, and you’ll have more and more people coming to you for help. You’ve got to be careful with this one because as soon as a student see’s a possibility for good help on their work, they will all jump at the chance!

College is a really hard time for students. But some of those that study have their eyes on other things, and that’s okay! But always make sure you spare time for your studies. Using these tips, you can start off your aspirations to run a business early by doing a number of things. Neither of them are that time consuming and they are designed to get your idea off the ground and running as soon as possible. Have a look at them and see what revelations you have!

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How To Fund Your Business When A Bank Loan Isn’t An Option

by Mike Prendergast, Finance Director, Quick Capital

Easy and quick access to money is vital to helping your business not only grow, but survive. It means you can cover unexpected costs, replace equipment, buy more stock to increase sales, or simply boost cash flow during a difficult month.

It’s a fact that nothing can ruin a business faster than a lack of regular cash flow. A survey of independent business owners in December 2017, revealed that concerns with cash flow keeps 63 per cent of them awake at night, with a third claiming a lack of funds actually stunted their growth plans.

Where once the bank would have been the first port of call for a loan, the 2008 recession all but closed off this option for independent businesses – and it’s never fully re-opened. High street banks now insist on a detailed business plan and apply tougher tests and restrictions and for the party taking the loan to be in a position to prove, with increasing certainty, the ability to pay it back.

On top of this,  applicants like small businesses are increasingly being categorised as high-risk and so will generally need to provide security (normally a home or car) or put in equity and  arrange for all business banking and insurance to go through the lending bank.  This can  sometimes  be nigh on impossible.

All of these factors combined are completely ruling out high street banks for many business owners seeking funding to grow, which is placing them under unnecessary pressure. A recent survey by the Federation of Small Businesses found that nearly two thirds (63 per cent) of business owners think they are unfairly disadvantaged by the banks.

But this doesn’t need to be the case. In the vacuum created by the big banks, many innovative and attainable alternatives have emerged that are much more suited to small business needs.

Here are a few:

1. Peer To Peer.

These are online services that match lenders directly with borrowers. Operating entirely in the digital space, their lower overheads compared to traditional banks means they offer lower interest rates for borrowers. According to the Daily Telegraph, £3.2bn was lent out by peer-to-peer lenders in 2016 alone.

The main downside – and one that could be a major concern – is that it is still a relatively new entity. Although the industry became regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in 2014, this strand of lending has been plagued by defaults, which has led to threats of a crackdown from City watchdogs.

Going down this route also means you can’t choose who you’re borrowing from and your debt can be passed from organisation to organisation without you having any say in the matter. This may be one to avoid if you only want to deal with lenders who share your ideals and principles.

2. Crowdfunding.

Thanks to sites such as Kickstarter, this form of alternative lending is very well known and popular. Crowdfunding enables you to raise money by asking the public to each donate a small amount of money in return for a reward or experience, such as shares in the product or company.

So far it has been used to raise funds for everything from movies to board games. It does tend to be better suited to those with unique ideas, but it has also proven a success for more ‘normal’ businesses recently such as restaurants. Earlier this month, a Cambridge-based vegan restaurant that used crowdfunding to open its first site in 2016, had once again surpassed its target to open a second restaurant in London, securing almost £378,000 from more than 380 investors.

3. Business Angels.

Think Dragons’ Den and you’ll know what this form of investment is all about. These angels are wealthy individuals who put up their own cash, often their expertise too – but who want to make returns from the loan. The UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA) says that each year around 18,000 investors collectively lend an estimated £1.5 billion to businesses. This makes it the UK’s largest source of investment for independent businesses.

The downside, as viewers of Dragons’ Den will testify, is the differing levels of involvement your investor might want to have in the business. So establish from the very beginning whether they are simply a silent partner or if they intend to be hands on and provide advice.

4. Business Cash Advance.

Also known as a merchant cash advance, this is a very straightforward form of lending for businesses that have at least 6 months trading history. Independent businesses can borrow anything from £500 to £300,000 against future credit and debit card turnover – the only requirement is that you accept card payments.

Unlike a bank loan, the decision on the amount of money and whether an application has been accepted is quick – no complicated business plan or security required. In fact, thanks to having no scrutiny on how you spend your money, the decision can take as little as 24 hours. If you are successful the money will be with you within 72 hours.

The agreed amount – most are around the value of one month’s card turnover – is then simply repaid as a percentage of daily card payment transactions. Repaying in this flexible way means removing any worry about whether or not you will be able to afford that month’s payment.

In conclusion, whatever your business, there are lending solutions out there that are right for you and a much better option than having to plead with the dreaded bank manager.

 

Mike Prendergast is the Director of Quick Capital, which he launched in 2015 after recognising a gap in the market for flexible alternatives to bank loans. Mike now directs a company that provides independent businesses with business cash advances – with repayments, crucially, tailored to customers’ incomes. In addition to his role at Quick Capital, Mike is also co-owner of its parent company, Merchant Rentals. The company – which he co-founded in 2002 – is one of the leading providers of outsourced electronic payments systems.

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Common Website Design Mistakes That Can Hurt Your SEO

In February 2018, CNBC published news on how Lumentus, a digital communications agency of immense repute, has decided to strengthen its SEO expertise as part of its global expansion plan. It has planned to spend on bringing specialists on board to make a meaningful difference. Every aspect of online marketing, including website designing, mobile application development, SEO and social media marketing have assumed tremendous importance in today’s digital marketplace. This is precisely the reason why specialists in web design in Dubai like Nenen provide designs that go hand in hand with powerful SEO strategies.

Reputed website design services in Dubai opine that every aspect of website designing is closely related to online marketing strategies. Here are some of the common mistakes that can hurt SEO and compromise search engine rankings.

1. Skipping the H1 Tag.

Your website can have the most altruistic content, coupled with the best images and graphics. However, without the H1 tag, chances are that it will never be found. The H1 tag is one of the first elements inspected by search engines to figure out what the page is about. You need to have this tag always and include your target keyword in it without fail. An intelligently worded H1 is always the key to higher search engine rankings.

2. Using Media Files and Images that are Too Large.

Including images in your website is one way of making it interesting and attractive. However, it is important to be careful with the size of your media files. Images that are too large can impact the site load speed negatively and in turn result in lower rankings. It is important to understand that prominent search engines reward pages that take less time to load. There are “page speed scan tests” available for checking load time.

3. Using Popups.

Search engines like Google have advised businesses to refrain from using too many popups on their websites, since they are considered to be highly disruptive and responsible for compromising user experience, mostly on mobile devices. Too many popups would, therefore, mean low search engine rankings. It is time for online marketing specialists to reassess popup strategies in order to improve search engine rankings.

4. Embedding Text into an Image.

Embedding text into an image is a bad move for improving search engine rankings. To begin with, search engines may not be able to actually “see” the image in the manner in which the human eye can. Hence, they may not be able to read the text on the image. It is more important to include an H1 and a subheading and some important keywords for improving search engine rankings.

Website design is not about aesthetics alone. Some of the elements included in the designing are key determinants of search engine rankings as well. These have to be specifically taken note of.

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5 Tips For Making Money With A Successful Blog

You may have heard of a handful of bloggers who earn five figures a month with their blog. You have a passion for writing and a specific niche, so you should be able to do the same, right?

Wealth and success through publication of a blog aren’t out of your reach, but you’re probably also aware that this is not as easy a path as everyone would like to believe. A successful blog is a true business that requires time and effort.

High-grossing bloggers work a full-time schedule and understand the ins and outs of the industry. Most important, they launch their blogs with a concrete plan for making money.

If you’re starting a blog and aspire to lose your nine-to-five job, follow the five tips for monetization below to help you realize your dream.

1. Affiliate Links.

One of the most popular and easy tactics to implement a monetization strategy is affiliate link programs. This is done by obtaining a link to a specific product or website and including it in your blog.

If a reader makes a purchase through the link you provided, you’ll earn a commission off that purchase.

There are many affiliate link programs, but one of the best and most widely used is Amazon Associates. It’s easy to sign up and incorporate links, and the proceeds are transferred straight to your bank.

As a general rule, you should only use links to products you honestly believe in. If you’re doing this just for the money, sooner or later your readers will catch on, and you’ll have an increasingly more difficult time persuading anyone to make a purchase through your affiliate links.

2. Online Courses.

Online courses perform well in the blogosphere. People understand the value of education, and they’re willing to pay for it. You could offer courses on starting a successful blog (if you’ve figured that out) or something more specific to your niche.

Say you’re a blogger who specializes in income real estate. You can offer classes on practical issues like maximizing the value of your properties, establishing funding, or flipping houses. You could also focus on the marketing side of things with topics like how to start a blog when you’re a landlord, how to advertise your rental properties, and utilizing social media.

The options are plentiful for bloggers who have specific talents. If you can develop a useful online course, you may be able to bring in a little extra cash with that.

3. Advertising.

Selling ad space on your website another popular method for making money. You can use CPC/PPC (cost per click or pay per click) ads, which usually consist of banners that appear in a sidebar or your content. You get a commission every time someone clicks on an ad.

There are also CPM (cost per 1,000 impressions) ads, which pay you a fixed dollar amount depending on how many people see the ad. These aren’t the only two advertising options, but they’re among the most popular and effective ways to generate income through advertising.

You can learn more about advertising options and find advertisers on platforms such as Google AdSense. It’s a network designed to connect businesses and bloggers, and it’s one of the easiest ways to get advertising started on your blog.

4. Sponsored Posts.

Advertising is a good way to make passive income, but you don’t get to exercise much control over the content. That can be annoying or offensive to your customers; plus, the visitors who are tech-savvy enough to use ad blockers won’t even see the ads.

Sponsored posts are an appealing alternative. Rather than publish an advertisement on your blog, a company will ask you to write a blog post that promotes its product. This is a great way to make a little quick cash, especially if you land a continuing commission based on the number of views you attract.

Be careful with sponsored posts, though. You need to follow all the laws about disclosures and comply with the FTC’s Endorsement Guides. Also, you should only write about products you believe in and that relate to your niche, otherwise you may alienate your most loyal readers.

5. Sell Products.

A blog makes a great retail platform if you’re interested in designing products and handling inventory. Online shopping is a steadily growing activity, so if you can offer unique, trendy items that your followers love, you shouldn’t have a problem making money that way.

If you’d like to make money from selling products, but don’t want to have to manage inventory, you might try using Merch by Amazon. There, you can have your designs printed on such items as T-shirts, coffee mugs, blankets, and more.

Merch handles the transactions, manufactures the product, and ships it — all for a nominal fee. This removes the responsibility for the inventory and keeps your time available for other pursuits.

The above list comprises the most common ways to monetize a blog, but these aren’t the only strategies. Research the matter further if you’re interested in other potential strategies, and focus on writing a great blog to entertain and add value for your followers.

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FinTech Will Continue To Change How We View Real Estate In 2018

As technology drives our push towards advancements in many aspects of our lives, it is beyond doubt that these changes will also be felt in real estate. In 2018, we will continue to experience many changes in how real estate firms deal with buyers and sellers, with proptech and fintech major forces integral to how we deal with the process of buying and selling homes.

It is conceivable that a radical overhaul in the real estate business could lead to the traditional means of purchasing property being completely phased out. The requirement to even leave our existing homes to search for another could one day be a thing of the past. Those looking for real estate in Edmonton, for example, can already do so from the comfort of their couch, but completing the entire process without even getting dressed is the exciting future we may have at our fingertips.

But how, is the question.

Data.

The most basic way in which fintech and proptech can improve the real estate industry is in the advantages the use of intricate data can have for the future of how we “do” property. From market predictions and analytics, we may get a greater sense of where trends will lead us as a whole. By integrating behaviors into projections which can be used to model a more efficient way for individuals to interact with suitable buyer and sellers, we can also cut the time a typical house sale takes from sale agreement to completion.

Therefore, we can generally approach a new way to understand what drives migration of those who look to rent, and the social-economic reasons which are behind the patterns and behaviors of individuals who fall into particular demographics.

As fintech continues to influence how we operate as businesses, expect the emergence of new platforms which can also, in turn, direct the way business is done. With advancements in how we fund new businesses also likely to contribute to the emergence of fresh ideas, there may be more control for the average seller.

Blockchain.

Additionally, we may see the impact of blockchain on real estate. The influence of big data on the real estate industry could revolutionize how we pay for transactions, and create scope to introduce new methods which could promote both competition and an evolved way of dealing with the process of purchasing a home. As big data becomes more useful to property owners and moguls, there is also scope to radicalize our expectations in real estate sales.

Additionally, the use of blockchain in real estate could have extensive benefits to the combatting of fraud and money laundering in the industry. This alone is among the chief reasons why real estate will embrace this technology, give that 27% of all real-estate cybercrimes were attributed to wire fraud. Given these problems, we can expect fintech to play a significant role in the re-development of the real estate industry as the next few years play out.

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Forex Scalping 101 – What You Need To Know

It’s no secret that currency exchange has been going on ever since ancient times. Because the craft has such a long history, change is inevitable. Thus, old techniques are phased out by innovation all the time. One strategy that used to be extremely popular in the golden days of trading is that of scalping. Unfortunately, many people steer clear of it nowadays.

However, scalping is still very much feasible, in spite of the obstacles the modern electronic forex floor lays before it. As long as participants use the available technical indicators wisely, profits can still be made from currency trading in amounts of time as short as fifteen minutes, sometimes even less.

But even when considering its obvious advantages, scalping for beginners is a challenging strategy to master because its fast-paced nature tends to leave most newcomers in a state of dazed confusion. Nevertheless, once you’ve got the basics all figured out, you will surely master this particular approach and be able to make a handsome profit off of it over time.

What Is Forex Scalping?

There are quite a few ways to make a profit on the foreign exchange market. Out of all of them, scalping is perhaps the fastest one. It consists of a fast-paced trading style that allows those who engage in it to gain quick money from small price changes among various currencies. This usually happens right after a stock has become profitable.

According to Investopedia, scalpers are a fast-fingered crowd that makes use of the ticker tape which is constantly moving during a market day. In the past, they used bid and ask screens to locate the adequate buying and selling signals by pinpointing supply and demand imbalances. However, this has become increasingly difficult in today’s electronic market.

Nevertheless, scalping is still a popular approach to forex nowadays. Those who practice it make use of three technical indicators in order to gather the necessary data for determining when to profit off of the aforementioned small market movements. When real-time data becomes futile due to lagging and other issues, knowing the prices is indispensable.

Because the strategy is based on minor fluctuations, multiple trades need to be attempted in one day. This is the only way to make a considerable profit. After all, increasing winner number does sacrifice the size of the win, but they all add up in the end. Thus, you could think of scalping as your own FX piggybank.

The Essentials of Scalping.

Scalping relies on shorter times frames, such as M1, M5 or M15. This basically means that you will spend between 1 and 15 minutes on the market. For this reason, having a thorough entry and exit strategy is essential. Here are some of the most aspects to master and apply to your tactic so that you can practice it successfully.

The first thing you need to use is the moving average. It is a standard concept in the field of FX trading, and it consists of a value derived from successive segments represented by price movements. Its purpose is to filter out of the noise of small and inconsistent fluctuations. By using it to determine a trend’s strongest moments, you can establish when to enter a trade.

Once you’re in there, taking profits or cutting loses should be your main concern. Although the market is unpredictable due to its very nature, it is way easier to understand and foresee movements for periods of time as short as those involved in scalping. The most suitable way to time your exits is by watching how the band interacts with a price.

Band penetrations usually predict trend reversal, or at least a slowing down of sorts. When that happens, it’s time to go and collect your wins. On top of that, if price thrusts fail to reach the band altogether, you need to exit the trade as early as possible and cut your losses. You shouldn’t expect to make a profit with every single movement.

Last, but certainly not least, working with multiple charts simultaneously is a sure way to keep track of the background conditions that impact your trading actions. Because real-time data is no longer reliable in the present electronic foreign exchange market, you will need to compare support and resistance levels manually in order to succeed.

Final Thoughts.

Today’s foreign exchange market is ripe with opportunities for success as long as you have the right strategy going in. For those who are interested in trading, the offer is quite varied on this front. Depending on whether you want to engage for the long term or for shorter periods at a time, you need to design your technique accordingly.

Short-term traders can benefit tremendously from scalping. The fast-paced approach relies on profiting off of small movements on the market, which is entirely possible once you’ve got the best entry and exit points figured out. The only thing that’s left to do is to leave the inaccuracies real-time data behind and manually set up the right technical indicators.

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Pathways To Lateral Thought

The best business ideas are the “out there” ones. If we all think along the same lines, then, by definition, we aren’t going to out-perform the rest. This kind of performance may be acceptable in making a living; there’s nothing wrong with a job done well. But, if you’re really looking to do something different in any sphere of life, including business, then you’re going to have to be a little outré.

But have you ever noticed how difficult it is to come up with a lateral and creative thought when you’re put on the spot? You try to force your brain to come up with the kind of “out-there” idea you know it’s capable of but it just won’t come. Well, your brain is giving you a big clue here; it’s because you’re trying to concentrate on the task at hand in a fully conscious and focussed way. This is a mistake. The best ideas come to us at the strangest moments; just as we’re falling asleep, on waking, in our dreams, or while we’re busy doing something completely unrelated. That’s because your subconscious has been working on it while your conscious thoughts were busy elsewhere.

So how do you nurture that laterality?

Find ways of tapping into your subconscious thoughts. Some of these can be fascinating. For example, clairvoyant readings or talking to a psychic can be a unique way of revealing to yourself your innermost thoughts – with the help of a perceptive individual. Whether you believe or don’t believe there’s a magical unknown element to these processes, the people you’re talking to are, unequivocally, trained professionals who will see in you things you aren’t aware of yourself. The same can happen via hypnotherapy or even self-hypnosis or meditation. They’re all ways of shutting down your conscious thought processes and letting the sub-conscious do the “talking” for a while. And this is the spring source of our greatest creativity because it is uncluttered by the mundane practicalities of your existence.

In other words, this is “spiritual” or soulful. Whether you have any strong faith or are a complete atheist and don’t believe in anything that isn’t explained by science, you still have a spiritual side as a human being.

Some people find listening to music stirs the soul, whilst others will find it via singing or through a long relaxing massage or a yoga class, meditation or maybe even a glass of wine. It’s really all about finding whatever does it best for you as long as it’s healthy. For many people, making notes of their dreams or thoughts during the night or on immediate waking can be very useful.

There are lots more conventional ways to improve your lateral thinking, all of which have their place in this process. But these don’t help you prepare your mind to be truly open to creativity in the first place – which is what we’re really looking for here.

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The Seven Elements Of Business Development

by Tom McMakin, author of “How Clients Buy: A Practical Guide to Business Development for Consulting and Professional Services“

Clients aren’t sold services. They buy on reputation, relationships and referral.  Along the journey from not knowing you to engagement, they ask seven questions.

How do your answers to their questions rate?

1. Awareness — Who are you?

If clients are not aware of your firm, you can neither scope nor engage with them. The branding work done by our marketing colleagues is useful here. In the whitespace of corporate need, it is helpful to be known as an option. Think websites, social media, and airport signage. Being known in advance, of course, is not a necessity. Sometimes awareness first comes when you send an email or introduce yourself over the phone.

2. Understanding — Do I understand what you do?

Potential clients need to have an understanding of your capabilities. This is not a trivial point in a world where many firms offer a wide range of capacity. We often ask firms “What are you selling?” only to have them offer up a slurry of undigested professional services pap. Here is the rule: Specificity attracts. For example, “We sift through retail register data and are able to pinpoint which customers and which offers will help you optimize your marketing spend” is more compelling than “We drive digital transformation and strategy in a full range of industries across the globe.” Boil down what you offer to no more than a handful of value propositions where you have a) some form of competitive advantage, b) a data-rich track record of success and c) a statement that is easily understood by a parent or a neighbor. This is your elevator pitch and is the definition of your niche.

3. Interest — Do I have a problem for which you have an answer?

In order to sell consulting services, your client must have a felt need, an interest. At least they should be open to the idea of improvement. Create distinctions which illuminate challenges or opportunities to which you are the answer. This is why practice leads write thought leadership, speak at conferences and more generally work to articulate the kind of “burning platforms” on which urgency and engagement are built. “Did you hear they changed Regulation 8b?” you whisper to a potential client. “We are seeing a variety of responses. How is your company prepared to act?”

4. Belief — Do I think you can do the job?

Potential clients might know you, know you are active in a vertical and have a problem they need to solve, but they need to have a belief that you can do the work effectively. The secret to creating “Belief” is to clearly describe the promise of your service (“we lower costs,” “we drive revenues,” “we position you for future success”), while at the same time highlighting your track record of doing “the same thing for companies in your similar situation.” Think case studies and references.

5. Trust — Do I trust you?

For professional services business development, reputation is the Holy Grail. When you hear, “I’ve worked with her before; she’s a solid player,” you know someone is about to ink a new engagement. Here is the formula for creating trust: (Your effectiveness) x (Your “fit” with the client) x (The amount of time you have known the client) = trust. If you are super-smart and have been calling on a client for five years, you will not win an engagement if the client feels “she just doesn’t get us.” Ask yourself, “How can I demonstrate value to a potential client in advance of the sale, provide evidence of my fit with the buyer, and do this repeatedly over a long period of time?” Working shoulder-to-shoulder with executives builds trust, but so does staying continuously connected over time, so long as you add value when you do. This is why people travel, offer free audits, and distribute research. Abuse this imperative to repeatedly connected, however, and you risk being thought of as human spam.

6. Ability — Do I have the ability to pull the trigger?

Is the company (or division or unit) big enough to afford you? Are you talking to a decision-maker? This is not about pining after those hard-to-get CFO appointments; it is about being thoughtful about where the preponderance of decision-making lies. Here is a clue: It is generally not the CEO and often not in the C-suite at all. Yes, your partner went to prep school with a CEO and that resulted in a new engagement, but mostly, you are selling to the “head of retail operations” or the “director of compliance.” These are the problem solvers in an organization. Seek to be in front of the right level — not too low, but not too high, either. Target those with budget, authority and for whom your services move the needle on their objectives. Understand their mandates and responsibilities. Do your homework. What does the world look like from their perspective, not yours? Care enough to walk a mile in their shoes.

7. Readiness — Is the timing right?

Often you have convinced the decision-maker but for reasons beyond their control, she cannot make it happen. Be patient. You are selling to large organizations with their own idiosyncratic biorhythms, including planning and budget cycles and the Byzantine politics of who is on the rise and who’s not. Be attuned to timing, and never write off a potential client. No one ever needs a consultant, until they do, and then, when they do, it is the professional who has invested in a relationship and who is most proximate to the opportunity who wins the day. Stay in touch.

 

Tom McMakin is the author of “How Clients Buy: A Practical Guide to Business Development for Consulting and Professional Services“. He is also the CEO of PIE, a business development consultancy for professional services firm.  He can be reached at tmcmakin@profitableideas.com.

 

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Understanding E-Commerce Website Development Cost: A Guide

There are a lot of options to consider when building your first e-commerce site. Sometimes, it can get confusing. Some websites perform like Ferrari, while others perform like Honda. One option or another, if you’re a start-up trying to create a website the cost will range from $20,000 to $500,000.

This cost will depend on how you want your website to perform and the company you choose to assist you in developing it. In this guide we help calculate your ecommerce website development cost so that you can create a realistic budget for your business.

What is an E-commerce Site?

An E-commerce Site is a mix between an online vending service and a fully designed website. Products are sold on the site and are marketed towards the company’s target audience (i.e., 20-30-year-olds, male/female, etc.).

When you create your eCommerce site, you have to decide who you’re selling your products too. Once you’ve done that, you can start creating a budget and finding a development company that will make it according to your requirements and needs.

Quick Advice When Creating Your eCommerce Website.

The first thing you need to ask is “What are my goals?”. Having a general idea as to what you’re trying to accomplish will increase the success of your page. Additionally, it gives you expectations that your development company needs to meet. Set up S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reliable, Time-Based) goals to help your hired company work effectively.

Cost.

This table explains the average ecommerce website development cost. Use it as a reference when creating your site so you know what to expect:

	Small	Mid-Size	Enterprise
Design	$5,000	$10,000-$15,000	$35,000-$50,000
Programming	$2,000	$15,000-$30,000	$50,000-$75,000
Data Imports	$0	$3,000-$5,000	$10,000-$15,000
Integrations	$500	$8,000-$10,000	$15,000-$20,000
SEO (annual)	$12,000	$34,000	$50,000
Hosting (annual)	$500	$5,000	$10,000
Total Average Cost:	$20,000	$75,000-$99,000	$165,000-$220,00

Remember, you have to establish a reasonable budget for your ecommerce website development cost. If you’re just getting started, $20,000 is a good deal for a basic website. However, if you have a good crowdfunding campaign or have the money, your website can go for around $75,000 – $220,000 if you want more high-end features (automated response, ai technology searches, increased data size).

What Determines the Cost?

• Design – i.e., If you’re getting your site custom made, it’s going to cost more than using a template.
• Data Imports – Do you need customer data or other forms of data imported to your site?
• Outsourcing – You can reduce the e-commerce website development cost by using developers outside the U.S.
• Company Reputation – Getting service from an experienced, reputable company tends to cost more.
• Market Integration – Integrating your e-commerce market with ERP or 3rd parties might cost you thousands.

Keep these factors in mind when creating your first e-commerce site. While you can take the economical route and outsource it, you’ll want to check the company first. See if their work matches their credentials and make sure that they complete your project on time.

Conclusion.

Your website depends on your capital, resources. And it relies on your ability to hire developers that can complete your project requirements (without lacking quality either). To conclude, get your website costs figured out so you can start obtaining sales and growing your business!

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7 Powerful B2B Content Marketing Trends For 2018

by Uzair Khan, VP of Sales & Marketing at Enterprise Monkey

With 89% of B2B marketers using content marketing in their organization, the stakes for content marketing this year are no different.

From leaping forward from a buzzword to today as a crux and essence of nurturing a B2B industry, content marketing has left no stone unturned for educating the industry best practices to the potential customers.

Ever since content marketing practices first came into existence in the late 19th century, the focus had always been providing value to the customers. Today as we have transcended into the digital age, content marketing has undergone a with a whole new transformation. Today with the onset of technology, content marketing has facilitated more and more people to produce quality content for the customers. This has become both boon and bane for marketers. Boon because there is abundant helpful content, bane because ‘there is an abundance of content’. The competition has increased fourfold with several content creators vying with each other to produce the creme de la creme.

Unlike last year, where content marketing trends involved less technology and more strategy, the year 2018 sees a healthy mix of both along with some extra dose of disruption.

Without any further ado, let us see what trends content marketing has in store for 2018.

Artificial Intelligence.

With Press Association winning a million dollar grant by Google last year, A.I barged into the journalism world and secured its sweet spot in content creation. Giants like Associated Press, Yahoo, and Fox have already been using AI for content creation for a long time.

It has become hard and illogical to put it out there manually. AI is used to streamline these processes and also help you to classify a significant amount data based on user intent. Here’s how A.I is growing in content marketing:

Tailored Feeds on Social Media.

Providing tailored news feeds on social media as per the user interests. This will significantly increase the engagement on each post as the readers are being shown exactly what they want to see. Facebook is already using this technique without readers even realising.

Optimization for Every Individual.

The market is not divided into segments anymore, but into every single individual. A.I will help marketers to optimize the content on real-time basis and provide an unmatchable experience to each customer.

Easier Content Curation.

Content curation has also become quite easy with A.I. Its algorithms have simplified the data collection for content marketers. They can sort the topics that the target audience wants to read about a specific business or the kind of questions that run through their minds. Thus the  content  relevance will significantly increase causing more engagement.

Content Generation.

Using A.I generated content for repetitive and bulk content such as news stories, reports, statistics etc. where creativity has a minimum role. This has further breached into A.I being used for interacting with the customers using chatbots with really direct and simple conversations.

If you look closely, A.I has increased the personalization of content tuning down to a single individual which would otherwise have been very cumbersome manually.

Influencer Marketing.

If you missed it, content marketers have recently shifted their focus from millennials to Gen Z, reason being, by 2020, Gen Z will account for 40% of the total consumers.

Gen Z seek validation from social media. For them, the influencer endorsements are equally important as the celebrity endorsements, and this is exactly why content marketers should care about influencer marketing this year.

Content marketing and influencer marketing go hand in hand. People ‘listen’ to them and that is exactly what you want. Another trend to note here is allowing the influencers to create some of the content for you. This will be like killing two birds with one stone. First, it will ease the load of new content creation and secondly, the trust factor will highly increase among the audience after reading something that’s coming directly from their favourite influencers.

This year the influencer marketing will reach a whole new level, moving from payment model to relationship model. Content marketers will have to focus on building a meaningful relationship with the influencers in order to kindle authentic promotion from their side.

Blockchain.

Blockchain technology has been relatively new in the content marketing arena, but the truth remains that it is being explored aggressively in any industry that you can imagine of.

As we are moving deeper into 2018, the development of blockchain in content marketing is growing as well.

Taking Care of Authenticity.

The main issue with a large amount of content that is being produced today is its authenticity. This decreasing trust from readers can pose a major threat to content marketers. The digital identity authentication facilitated by blockchain technology can take care of this issue. It can be used to validate the produced content and ensure that it comes from a reliable source.

Taking Care of Ad Fraud.

Another sector where blockchain can help content marketers this year is ad fraud.

According to research, ad frauds will cost advertisers about $19 billion dollars in 2018. Content markers can never be sure of whether or not the ad placements they have chosen are reaching  the correct audience. This means that they’ll be paying for fake clicks and impressions without even realising. With blockchain ledger the ad networks will be able to substantiate the legitimate clicks and impressions.

Creating Decentralized System for Influencers.

We understood how influencer marketing is emerging as one of the dominating trends for content marketing this year. But have you ever thought that what if the flattering followers that you see on their profiles are all fake and bought?

All the money that you have spent on the influencer marketing will go down the drain. Blockchain technology will create more transparent and decentralized system for influencers and content marketers.

Reward System for Micro-Influencers.

Even the virality of the content can also be taken care of blockchain by providing rewards to micro-influencers ensuring that they share and promote your content. Infact platforms like  Mavin have already stepped onto this turf.

 

Uzair Khan is the VP, Sales & Marketing at Enterprise Monkey, an Australia based e-business consulting company which helps Small-to- Medium Enterprises and Not-for- Profits and Startups by providing integration, automation and greater visibility of their business processes.

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Things To Include In Your Start-up Company Checklist

Starting a new business can be a fun and exciting undertaking. Companies always start out with ideas that need to be explored and developed, until they crystallize into a business. The potential of creating a company that becomes successful and even exceeds your expectations, is enough to rouse the entrepreneurial spirit.

In order to build a successful business, one needs to make sure that all the necessary bases are covered. Here is a list of things that may not seem obvious at first, but can make the difference between failing and long term success for your business.

Hire a Great Graphics Designer.

New companies should always focus on creating great graphics. Presenting your company using great graphic design can immediately give someone interacting with your company an idea of the level of seriousness that you have about your company.

When you have a logo that looks professional, and your business, online, and marketing materials are of the highest quality, people take you more seriously and are more inclined to give you their full attention.

When looking for a freelance graphic designer, select someone who has a portfolio that you can peruse. When viewing the portfolio when you see a design that catches your eye, ask about the desires of the client and compare that to what this graphic designer created. Are you impressed?

You should also ask about delivery timelines for anything you order and finally make sure to ask for references that you can contact about the quality of the graphic designer’s services. In the end you must be sure that this person can provide what you need consistently, and on time.

Shop Hard for Everything.

When you start your business you should make a budget for every big and small thing you need to operate your company. Everyone understands that the big purchases like renting an office or purchasing computers demand that you identify several before you select the one you want.

But most new entrepreneurs do not shop the small and medium sized purchases and as a result often spend way too much money on them. Things like office furniture, stationary supplies, and even mobile phone can vary in price wildly, so taking the time to check on several sources will put more money in your pocket for other things.

Another key area for hard shopping is when you hire companies to provide important services to you. Key service providers include lawyers, accountants, and online marketing companies. Many people do not think that these services can be negotiated, but doing so can save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars off the final bill. When you speak to these companies tell them that you are a start-up and are tight on funds. Because of this you need a company committed to giving your great services for a great price. Many companies are happy to lower their prices for a new company in exchange for the promise of a higher payment once you start making profits.

Find a mentor.

Nearly every successful entrepreneur was guided by someone who was a successful entrepreneur. Whether it was Bill Gates, Steve Jobs or Jeff Bezos, the most capable business leaders have sought out experience and wisdom to help them guide their enterprises.

Mentors are very valuable because they give you an understanding of the business challenges you will undertake on your road to success. They anticipate likely problems and can offer potential solutions, while also offering support and encouragement.

Locating a mentor can be a challenging job. You want someone who has the track record, but also someone who has the time to provide your mentoring needs. So you should assume that locating a mentor will be process that may take considerable time. But it will be time well spent because you will gain a needed experienced mind to help you steer and grow your business.

Plan for Contingencies.

Every new entrepreneur likes to think that their ideas are great and their plans will work to perfection. Because of this they often only gather the specific money and resources that their plan calls for, without a thought of contingencies. The reality is that almost nothing planned ever goes to plan. The likelihood is that things will take longer to get accomplished, things that seem obvious will become not-so-obvious, and additional funding will be needed to complete many of the things laid out in the plan. This is why it’s very important to have a contingency plan and budget.

Go through your ideas and plans for your business with someone you trust who has a history of successfully operating a company. Ask that person to help you find any areas of your business plan that may go awry. Work through what options you can put in place that can get you back on course. Then make sure that you have the funding for these contingency plans. You may never need to execute these plans but in the event you do being able to move on them might save your company.

Add these key items to the list you have for building a successful company. They will certainly prepare you better for the road ahead.

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