Business Solutions Archives | Page 71 of 73

5 Benefits Of Professional Networking

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “Networking” as the exchange of services or information among individuals, groups, or institutions. The online dictionary adds that it is specifically the cultivation of productive relationships for business or employment.

For a thriving entrepreneur or a budding student of business, professional networking is not merely fun and games. Professional networking serves as a catalyst to business development and personal growth. Now its other benefits as you scroll down this article.

1. IMPROVING YOUR CREDENTIALS

Being visible to the potential clients and partners is an important benefit of networking. You will more likely get more referrals as your name will come up when they need the services that you offer.

There are two ways to effectively get noticed. Firstly, attend as many social events and business meetings as possible. This will help build your reputation. Secondly, you may join renowned groups. Nothing can boost your C.V. even more than being an affiliate member or an active officer at an esteemed support or social group!

2. WIDENING YOUR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

We had been looking for the final piece of the puzzle for months! You see, we need one more teacher to complete our team. A former teacher heard about our dilemma and referred her friend. Let us call the candidate Janice. I was surprised at how fast Janice adapted to our school environment. She demonstrated her remarkable skills in storytelling. In a span of a week, she was hired.

It comes as no surprise that employed or previously employed individuals would initially offer a job vacancy to someone they know personally. Networking opens your doors to this type of scenario. You may even come across certain positions that are not listed elsewhere. Whether it is a referral or an offer of partnership, you must be ready to seize the opportunities that come along.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

3. RELAYING YOUR KNOWLEDGE

One of the benefits of networking that I treasure the most is its ability to ignite continuous learning. With networking, you are able to share your ideas and absorb new ones. You may politely ask for feedback or discuss about a business issue. Doing so will help you see the views of other people.

Another product is mentorship. You can find a mentor who has already been where you are today. Allowing the mentor to impart his or her nuggets will allow you to avoid the common pitfalls of the field. Alternatively, you may be the more experienced person of the bunch. It will be rewarding to help a newbie out.

4. GETTING THE POSITIVE INFLUENCE

Use networking as a tool to gain positive social influence. This includes the aforementioned idea of mentorship. Go for people who will uplift you and your business.

The people whom you frequently interact with mold who are as an individual. Being surrounded with positive entrepreneurs allows you to thrive as a business owner. This is why you must choose your social groups wisely. You do not want your credibility to be tarnished just because you are an unknowing member of a “pyramid scam” group.

5. MAKING NEW FRIENDS

Last but not the least, networking is good for building friendships. You meet each other on a regular basis. Furthermore, like-minded individuals attract one another. It is natural to form a strong bond with the group members who share the same interests, values, and beliefs as you. Some of my lasting friendships have been started from networking.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Networking allows you to embrace opportunities and to push your limits. It stimulates the confidence within as you interact and make valuable connections. As a student of business, you must place close to your heart.

Sources: 1 & 2

Budget-Friendly Ways To Motivate Your Employees

Recognizing the efforts of your employees can help show your appreciation, boost their morale, and retain your loyal workers. On that note, here are four budget-friendly ways to reward your beloved employees:

#1: HIGHLIGHT THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

Recognize the exemplary performance of your employees by rewarding them with opportunities for growth. Let me share a personal story. Before I got accepted as an educator for an international school, the President highlighted that I will be boxed in a single position for long. He wants us to travel with him to ensure that the school aligns with the global standards of the “main branch”. More so, training will be provided to ensure that we are professionally ready to acquire various roles of the school. Growth is one of the main reasons why I committed for a long period of time.

Growth can be passed down to the employees through seminars and classes that will prepare them for more responsibilities in your company. Afterwards, promote the employee who has manifested that he or she is ready for the next step.

#2: ACCEPT COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS

The plain act of being heard transmits a signal that you value your team. Listen to the opinions or complaints of your employees by establishing a company intranet. An intranet is similar to a social media networking platform, but it is exclusive to the company. An inexpensive way to set this up is by creating a closed-group Facebook page. Allow your employees to post their ideas on the wall. Please reply diligently.

Give credit to the person who came up with the brilliant idea. And, do not forget about the organization who brought the idea into fruition.

#3: SHARE THE GIFT OF TIME

What better way to reward your employees than by giving them one currency that you cannot replace – time? Employees in Singapore pose so much value to their work. If your company works on a fixed schedule, you may consider offering the flexitime incentive to the high-performing employees.

The schedule in my first job followed a 48-hour cycle per week (including overtime). This is similar to how most companies operate. Due to the distinctly long and stressful shifting hours at the office, my rest days were deeply treasured. I shifted to freelancing after a year. I realized that flexibility in time weighs more than any cash incentives I received in the past. Some of your employees may feel the same way.

#4: SURPRISE THEM WITH THE WHEEL OF PRIZES

Turn the fun meter up a notch by creating a wheel filled with attractive prizes. Keep your employees motivated by hosting an “Employee of the Month/Term” competition whereby the winner will be able to spin the wheel. The beauty of this wheel is that you will be able to manipulate the prizes based on your budget.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Here are just some things that you can put on your colorful wheel:

a. Gift cards such as a S$25 card from iTunes or a S$50 card from Takashimaya,
b. Voucher for an extra paid leave,
c. A personalized trophy (i.e., make sure it is shining),
d. An electronic announcement of the specific accomplishments via team email, or
e. A free pass to the latest film in the movie house.

Sources: 1 & 2

How To Appear More Professional At Work

The truth is, no one is perfect! There will be days when you feel consumed by the weight of your work. In the fast-paced Lion City, there are several reasons why you may feel dragged. Perhaps you lack confidence on the management or you are too tired from yesterday’s night shift. Similar events can take a toll on your performance.

Fortunately for you, there are several steps to boost your professional image. You read that right! You can appear confident and motivated in the workplace, regardless of how you feel on the inside.

STEP 1: WEAR SHARP CLOTHES

A night before you go to the office, the first step is to ensure that you wear an appropriate attire. Portraying a professional exterior is not limited to following the strict dress code. Your choice of clothing conveys your approach to work. If you want people to take you seriously, steer away from baggy pants or indiscreet dresses. These ill-fitting articles of clothing may convey the wrong impression to your employer and your clients. Opt for tailored pieces instead.

A sharp look can only be achieved if you pull it all together. This is why you must pay attention to minor details such as the wrinkles on your top or the loose threads on your trousers. Noticing these small details shows that you are likely to see the bigger picture when faced with certain situations at the workplace.

STEP 2: ARRIVE ON TIME

As Don Marquis, an American novelist and poet, once said: “Punctuality is one of the cardinal business virtue s.” He believed that punctuality must always be insisted on one’s subordinates. I cannot agree more! It is a virtue that exudes your respect towards the people around you.

If you are expected to be in the office by 9 am, arrive before 8:50 am. If your lunch break is at noon, ensure that you will be back by 1 pm. Punctuality manifests that you are motivated to accomplish your tasks. Make it a habit to be on time!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

STEP 3: END ON A TOP NOTE

Adding an email signature is the quickest way to show that you are communicating on a professional level. I am referring to the salutations that dictate your departure. It not only provides information for future reference, but it also differentiates your message from the spams.

A simple format includes your full name, your position, your contact number, and the company you work for. You may choose to make your email signature using inexpensive generators like NEWOLDSTAMP and HubSpot.

STEP 4: DE-CLUTTER YOUR DESK

As your employer makes his rounds, he will notice the assembly of your desk. Scattered rubbish and excess litter can make your employer feel that you are distracted. It is best to keep things tidy! Start by organizing the items on your desk. Then, put the important papers in the labeled drawers or in the computer’s folders. Doing so will help you to stay on top of your projects or tasks.

Having a neat desk may seem like you have everything under control, even if you do not.

STEP 5: ASK FOR CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK

Seeking constructive feedback from your superior and your co-workers is the last step. The mere act of being critique sounds scary. However, it will help your performance in the long run. Getting feedback demonstrates that you care about your job and you desire to succeed in it.

Instead of focusing on what you did wrong, focus on your strengths and the areas that you can improve on.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Professionalism refers to having the skills and the competence expected from an employee like you. The way you present yourself influences the level of professionalism that you exude. It is challenging to remain professional every minute of the day, but it gets easier when you make it a habit. Start with the relatively significant changes mentioned above.

Sources: 1 & 2

8 Marketing Emails That You Need To Encounter

Are you doing everything you can to maximize the benefits of your email campaigns? Consider sending out these types of emails.

1. WARM GREETINGS

Upon signing up to the mailing list, it is advised to send out an automated “welcome” email. Most clients are keen to open this type of email the most. So, ensure that you create a good first impression to enhance the image of the company.

2. RECURRING SUBSCRIPTION

Enclosing a newsletter in an email can help your clients understand your latest products and other offerings. It must be sent out in regular intervals in order to build a loyal subscribers and to exude reliability.

3. SPECIAL SHOWCASE

An event invitation email is a good tool to promote an upcoming or ongoing event that the company is hosting. Motivate your clients to register by highlighting the reasons why the event is worth their time. Do so by adding quality visuals or illustrations.

4. SHARING STATUS

For companies thriving in the e-commerce scene, sending order status emails is important to keep the clients in the loop. This type of email includes significant details such as confirmation, shipment updates, tracking number, and delivery date. Sending these nurtures trustworthiness.

5. THOUGHTFUL MESSAGES

Connect with your clients on a deeper level by greeting them during special days. Often dubbed as anniversary emails, this type covers the anniversary of the company, the client’s birthday, and the public holidays. Combine these emails with promotions, promo codes, or a one-time deal to increase engagement.

6. REWARDING PARTNERSHIP

A co-marketing email is sent out when 2 or more companies work together to fulfill a mutual event, task, or promotions. Its bottom-line is to use the existing clientage of one company to widen the reach of the other.

7. CLIENT CONVERTER

To blast a content that aims to turn your existing subscribers into established clients, you may use a “lead nurturing email“. A series of interconnected emails with useful content makes up a lead nurturing email. This type may be time-consuming, but it is highly rewarding.

8. DEDICATED SEND

As the name suggests, dedicated emails focus on a singular topic (e.g., a product or an announcement). It marries the best email marketing techniques – an opportunity to be highly shareable, personable, and potent.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

In most cases, the most efficient email marketing strategy includes the mixture of all these types. Make the most impact by allowing the client to choose which emails he or she can receive.

Sources: 1 & 2

Impress Your Future Employer By Asking These Questions

Most of the Singaporean interviewers that I encountered gave me the opportunity to ask a couple of questions after they were done grilling me.

Asking great questions can help you stand out from the crowd! So, you better come prepared.

WHAT MUST AN IDEAL CANDIDATE HAVE TO THRIVE IN THIS ROLE?

You need not be a people person to have the significant realization that most people appreciate being actively heard. Opening with this question exudes that you have a basic grasp about what the role entails. And, you want to widen your understanding. Keep the conversation flowing by asking on the specific skills and qualities that are needed to become successful in this role.

If the interviewer responds in an enthusiastic manner, you may have an opportunity to discuss more about your background.

WHICH DEPARTMENT AM I SUPPOSED TO BE WORKING WITH?

This stimulating question lets you learn more about the organization. The interviewer will enlighten you about the company culture and your immediate colleagues. If you dislike the “type” (i.e., large or small group) of people who you are working with then, you may not fit well into the organization. A simple query such as this may help you to determine whether you must pursue the position or not.

Acting curious and interested can help you engage the attention of the interviewer.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING HERE?

Most people love to dwell upon the topics which revolve themselves. I am not saying that Narcissism is prevalent, nor am I saying that being conceited is normal. It is undeniable that we are typically interested in sharing our own thoughts and experiences. Ask this question to encourage the interviewer to disclose in a positive manner.

This question shatters the exterior wall of the company as it highlights the inner culture. It allows you to absorb certain information that is hard to assess from the outside.

HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUCCESS OF THE COMPANY?

Some candidates have this “brilliant idea” that behaving politely and answering all the interviewer’s questions properly can land them the coveted position. They are wrong! Interviewers can easily forget you if you do not evoke their intellect.

To make your interview memorable you must take the conversation off script and ask sensible questions such as this. Towards the end of the interview, ask how you can potentially improve the company upon receiving the position. This query shows that you are envisioning a brighter future with them.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

Search the site