5 reasons why Lalamove is the delivery solution of choice for businesses this Chinese New Year

delivery solution for business

During CNY, giving gifts is a popular practice as households and businesses share well wishes and season’s greetings to appreciate people, partners and organisations. As such, this is the peak period for many businesses, particularly for those in the catering and gifting industries. Having a resilient supply chain is critical to make the most out of this period. Here are 5 reasons why Lalamove is the choice delivery solution for business owners during this key festive season.

1) Same-day Delivery And Speedy Service

On-demand delivery allow businesses to offer same-day delivery providing a coveted advantage over their competitors. This is where Lalamove stands out with its same-day delivery offering, delivering anything locally in 55 minutes. Using the Lalamove app or website, it is extremely convenient to book a delivery in only a few simple and fuss-free steps. In this world where speed and convenient fulfilment are key, this greatly expedites the time required for a product to reach the customer’s destination upon order confirmation. Moreover, businesses can also attract customers who appreciate the convenience of on-demand delivery especially when it comes to impulse purchases.

2) Operational Flexibility

Besides on-demand and same-day deliveries, Lalamove also accepts advance orders which is suitable for businesses which deal in bulk pre-orders. By utilizing the multi-stop delivery function which groups up to 19 orders in a single trip, businesses can serve more customers in a more efficient, synergistic and cost-competitive manner.

Another operational flexibility offered by Lalamove is in the range of products that can be shipped. Lalamove is able to deliver a wide range of products ranging from delicate flowers to bulky props and food items. More importantly, Lalamove has a fleet of refrigerated lorries that allow business owners to restock perishable goods anytime to ensure the freshest products on delivery.

3) Pay For Only What You Need

Adding to business owners’ operational flexibility is the ability to pay for what they need in terms of delivery vehicle. Lalamove has an extensive fleet of vehicles, ranging from motorcycles, cars, MPVs, vans and up to 14ft lorries. Their specifications and dimensions are all conveniently available on Lalamove’s website, allowing business owners to accurately gauge their transportation requirements before selecting the right solution to match their needs.

Moreover, with Lalamove offering island-wide delivery across the whole of Singapore, business owners no longer need to worry about the location of their customers while saving time and money.

4) Reduce Business Overheads

Lalamove doesn’t just help business owners increase their revenue by reaching out to a wider customer pool, they also help reduce fixed overheads. Business owners should recognize that with Lalamove, there is no need to invest in a fleet of commercial vehicles or hire driver partners on fixed salaries. Without these fixed costs, entrepreneurs can be reassured that their own businesses are more agile, have lower fixed overheads and able to react more nimbly to seasonal demand or economic conditions.

With Lalamove, business owners can deliver more during peak periods, especially relevant during periods such as this upcoming Chinese New Year, which will again see increased demand for logistics. Along the same vein, during quiet times, business can save more and need not worry about unused transportation capacity.

5) Trusted And Reliable

A reliable last-mile delivery partner is absolutely essential to the success of business operations. For business owners who often put in their best efforts to ensure that their products exceed customers’ expectations, it would be their worst nightmare if these products do not reach their customers on time or in the right conditions. Not to worry, Lalamove is here to ensure the last leg of business owners’ supply chains are as strong as they can be.

Lalamove’s driver partners are trained to ensure that customers’ deliveries are always in the best hands. Both business owners and customers can gain further peace of mind by tracking the deliveries via the Lalamove mobile app. This way, business owners avoid the hassles of misplaced goods, constant follow ups, items arriving in an undesirable state especially during peak periods like Chinese New Year.

With Chinese New Year around the corner, why not tap on a trusted partner such as Lalamove to deliver your goods? To sweeten the deal, here’s Lalamove’s Chinese New Year promotion – enjoy 2x 40% off* your deliveries for first-time users and 2x 30% off* for existing users from 2 to 11 January 2023. At a later date of 12 to 16 January 2023, new users get to enjoy 1x 40% off* deliveries. Visit Lalamove’s Chinese New Year promotion to find out more. T&C apply.

 

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How to respectfully disagree with a colleague without making things uncomfortable

female colleagues disagreeing in a meeting

You’ve probably been in this situation before: you strongly disagree with a colleague about something, but rather than share your opinion, you hold back for fear of causing conflict.

It’s easy to let disagreements fester when we bottle them up, but it’s also important to find a way to communicate effectively with our colleagues.

In this article, we will explore some tips for respectfully disagreeing with a colleague without making things uncomfortable.

Make sure your tone is respectful and thoughtful

You don’t want to come across as confrontational or aggressive.

Start by explaining your point of view clearly and concisely. Be prepared to listen to your colleague’s response, and be willing to change your mind if they provide a valid argument.

Avoid using sarcasm or inflammatory language, and try not to take things too personally. If things get heated, take a break from the conversation and revisit it later. It’s always best to resolve conflicts diplomatically, and that doesn’t mean you’re compromising on your beliefs.

Acknowledge the other person’s point of view

Acknowledging their perspective doesn’t mean you agree with them, but it shows that you’re listening and that you respect their opinion. It also helps to establish a calm and respectful tone for the conversation.

Avoid personal attacks or criticism

Don’t attack anyone personally, criticize, or make them feel defensive. Just because you disagree with someone doesn’t mean that you need to be loathsome. Frame your requests in a way that’s constructive rather than critical.

For example, rather than saying “you’re doing it wrong,” try “I think there might be a better way to do it.” Use “I” instead of “you” statements. For instance, say “I didn’t like the way that felt” instead of “you made me feel uncomfortable.”

Avoid accusing words or phrases
serious talk between colleagues

Image Credits: thomasnet.com

Try to use neutral language.

Rather than saying “You’re wrong about this,” you could say “I see things differently.” Or, instead of “You’re not considering all the facts,” you could say “I think there’s more to this than what we’re seeing.”

By using neutral language, you will increase the chances that your colleague will be open to hearing your perspective and potentially changing their point of view.

Respect differing opinions and stay open-minded

This doesn’t mean you have to change your sentiment, but it does mean that you need to be open to the possibility that you might be wrong. And, of course, the same goes for the other person too.

When you respect differing opinions and stay open-minded, it shows that you’re mature enough to hear what others have to say. It also creates an environment where people feel comfortable coming to you with their thoughts and opinions—even if they collide with your own.

Be careful of body language and facial expressions

Your body language and facial expressions can say a lot more than your words—so be aware of what they’re conveying.

For instance, if you cross your arms across your chest, that can come across as defensive. Instead, try to keep your arms open and your hands visible to show that you’re not being confrontational.

And if you’re making a statement that you know might be controversial or polarizing, it can help to offer an explanation or qualifier. For instance, instead of saying “X is the best way to do things,” you could say “In my experience, X has been the most successful approach.” This helps to show that you’re not closed off to other possibilities and that you’re just sharing your point of view.

Disagreeing with a colleague can be tough, but good to learn how to do it the right way. You don’t want to make them feel defensive, so be respectful. We hope you’ve found the few tips in this article useful for future implementation. Now, put them to good use this new year, and let us know if it works.

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Is it possible to over-prepare for an interview?

woman practicing her speech

When it comes to prepping for interviews, it’s easy to go overboard.

You might spend hours researching the company, preparing questions, and rehearsing your responses. But is all that effort necessary?

In this article, we will take a closer look at over-prepping. Plus, we will give you some tips on how to strike the perfect balance between preparation and overkill.

What does it mean to over-prepare for an interview?

We want you to picture a candidate who has memorized every fact and detail about the company. This can include everything from the company’s history to its latest products and services. What do you think?

Potential drawbacks of over-preparing

Many interviewers see over-preparing as a turn-off. If you come across as robotic, it can make you seem inauthentic and unlikeable.

Another potential downside of over-preparing is overconfidence. It’s good to be confident, but you don’t want to come across as someone who’s rigid and inflexible. Ultimately, the key is to find the right balance between preparation and authenticity. Strike a chord between the two and you will likely be golden.

Tips to avoid over-preparing
in an interview

Image Credits: jobstreet.com.sg

You might be tempted to try and prepare for every possible question an interviewer could ask you.

But the truth is, you can’t predict everything. And if you focus too much on preparing for specific questions, you will end up sounding too rehearsed.

Instead, try to focus on having thoughtful conversations with your interviewer. Be prepared to respond to common questions they ask, but also take the opportunity to ask them questions about the company and the role. This will help you appear interested and engaged, rather than reveal your overzealousness to ace the interview.

How to get the most out of an interview

Your goal should be to have a meaningful exchange with the interviewer that gives them a sense of who you are and how you would be a fit for the role.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare:

  • Avoid memorizing and over-practicing responses. This can make you sound scripted and unnatural. Instead, focus on understanding the question and giving thoughtful, sincere answers.
  • Plan to avoid over-preparation. Strike a balance between being prepared and over-prepared. If you spend too much time memorizing, you may come across as stiff in the interview.
  • Focus on being a thoughtful participant in the conversation. Be present in the moment and be ready to talk about your experiences engagingly.

It’s possible to over-prepare for an interview: by doing more than just enough research on the company and the position you’re interviewing for. You know everything—and we mean everything—about the company, from its history and culture to its current goals and challenges. You’re able to recite the company’s mission statement backward and forward, and you’re eager to show off. Over-preparation is not just knowing your stuff inside and out, it’s the highway to being robotic. And with the rise of AI and tech, interviewers would certainly appreciate humans being more human.

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Practicing fairness in the workplace: Challenging manager favoritism

colleagues interacting in the office

Imagine you work for a company and you’re good at your job.

You do your work diligently, meet deadlines, and go the extra mile to help your team.

But then you realized something strange: your manager is paying more attention to a colleague who isn’t as qualified as you are and seems to be doing less work.

The more you pay attention, the more you realize that this colleague is getting preferential treatment. They’re always the first ones to get new projects, they’re being consulted on decisions that should be made by people with more experience, and they seem to have a personal relationship with your manager.

What do you do?

Signs of a manager practicing favoritism

For one, you feel like you’re being treated unfairly.

Additionally, if you see your manager socializing with specific employees outside of work, or if they’re constantly helping that same few with their work duties, that’s another sign of favoritism. If you suspect that your manager is playing favorites, speak up.

Challenging their behavior can be tough, but do what’s right for you and your career.

Discussing the issue with your boss
colleagues talking in a meeting room

Image Credits: businessinsider.com

If you’re feeling like you’re being unfairly treated at work, discuss the issue with your boss. But before you do, gather your evidence and plan out what you want to say.

When you bring the issue up, be sure to diplomatically state your case. It can be easy to come across as resentful but stay professional. And remember, you’re not accusing anyone of anything—you’re bringing up facts.

If your boss is receptive, he or she will be happy to discuss the issue with you and try to find a solution. However, if your boss is defensive or unwilling to listen, that’s a sign that you may need to plan your leave.

Taking action against biased decisions

If you’re the victim of your manager’s favoritism, it can be understandably difficult to take action. 

After all, this is the person who has the power to approve or deny your requests, and you don’t want to make things worse.

That said, you have a right to be treated fairly at work, and if you feel like you’re being discriminated against, there are steps you can take.

First, try to identify any unconscious biases that might be at play. These could be things like your manager favoring employees who share the same educational background or who share the same hobbies.

Once you’ve identified any possible biases, speak with your manager about your concerns. It’s possible that they’re not even aware of their bias, and a discussion could help to resolve the issue.

If speaking with your manager doesn’t lead to any changes, it might be time to escalate the issue to HR. Remember, you have a right to a fair and supportive workplace, and HR can help to ensure that you’re being treated fairly.

There’s no question that managers can wield a lot of power in the workplace. But what happens when they start playing favorites? If you feel like you’re being overlooked for promotions or assignments, and you know that it’s because your manager is playing favorites, take action. It’s not fair when someone abuses their power, and you don’t have to put up with a toxic work environment.

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Achieving the dream: How to be the boss everyone wants to work for

boss and employee at work

So you want to make a good impression on your team?

Following these tips will help you create a positive and productive work environment—and (hopefully) be the boss that everyone wants to work for.

Establish trust and respect

Start by establishing trust and respect.

People have to feel like they can trust you before they follow your lead. And respect is earned by being fair, consistent, and communicative.

Be sure to treat everyone with respect. Believe in yourself and your team, and always stand up for what’s right. And when there’s a mistake, own up to it.

Communicate openly and often

You want your team to feel like they can come to you with any question or concern, no matter how big or small.

The more open and communicative you are, the more they can trust and respect you. Make sure to schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your team members, and be sure to check in with them to see how they’re doing and what challenges they’re facing.

And if there’s something you need to share, do it promptly—no one likes feeling like they’re being kept in the dark.

Set expectations and provide feedback
giving feedback to a colleague

Image Credits: TLNT.com

Setting expectations for your team and providing feedback will help them understand what you’re looking for and how they can improve.

Make sure that your expectations are clear, reasonable, and achievable. Nobody wants to feel overwhelmed or undervalued, so be sure to set the bar at a level that everyone can reach.

When it comes time to provide feedback, be specific and actionable. Your employees can only improve if they know what they need to work on. And remember to give credit where it’s due—recognize your team’s successes, no matter how small.

Empower employees to act autonomously

This means giving them the freedom to make decisions without having to check with you first.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should just give your employees free rein. You should still provide guidance. But it’s wise to trust your employees to make decisions on their own.

This approach can lead to better decision-making because employees will take more ownership of their work. And it can also boost morale because employees will feel valued and authorized.

Show appreciation for individual efforts

Recognizing individual efforts can be done in several ways, such as through rewards, public recognition, or simply saying “thank you.”

When you take the time to show appreciation for what your employees do, it helps create a positive work environment where people feel appreciated. This, in turn, can lead to increased motivation and productivity.

Encourage a healthy work-life balance

This doesn’t mean that you have to offer unlimited vacation days or let people work from home every day, but it does mean being understanding when someone needs to leave early for a doctor’s appointment or take a mental health day off.

Remember that your employees are people, with lives outside of work. And when they’re happy, they’re more likely to be engaged at work. So do what you can to support your team in their efforts to maintain a healthy balance.

As we close, how can you make sure that you’re the boss everyone wants to work for? Here’s a quick recap before you go: establish trust, communicate openly, set clear expectations, give employees autonomy, show your appreciation, and walk the talk on a healthy work-life balance. Did we miss out on anything?

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