The essential elements of finding a business partner

two men shaking hands

So you’ve decided to start your own business?

Well, don’t rejoice too early. You will probably need to start finding the right business partner(s). There are also a few essential elements to keep in mind when searching for the ideal person.

How to find the right person for your business

Before you start your search for a business partner, assess your strengths and weaknesses. This way, you can find a partner who is complementary to your skillset.

Trust is also a factor when choosing a business partner. This person will be working with you closely, day in and day out, so make sure that you can count on them implicitly. Do they have the same values as you? Can you see yourself working with them for the long haul?

Criteria for choosing a business partner

Consider the following three criteria:

  • Find someone with knowledge of your industry.

This person will help you navigate the waters and make sure you don’t make any rookie mistakes.

  • Find someone with a skill set that complements your own.

This is someone who can help you take your business venture to the next level. If you’re not great with numbers, for example, it would be helpful to find a partner with financial expertise.

  • Ensure that you and your partner share the same goals and values.

This is the foundation of any successful business partnership. If you can’t see eye-to-eye on the big things, your partnership is doomed to fail.

The benefits of partnerships
female colleagues discussing work over coffee

Image Credits: bbc.com

A good business partner can lighten your workload and help you achieve your goals.

They can also fill in the gaps of your weaknesses and help you grow as a business owner. 

However, finding the right partner is essential—you don’t want to end up with someone who’s going to hold you back or drag you down.

Steps for forming a successful partnership

Start with a frank discussion about both of your backgrounds, skillsets, and how previous experiences can be leveraged towards your new venture.

You should also discuss your long-term goals and vision for the future of the business. This will help you in creating a co-owner agreement that outlines each partner’s roles and responsibilities, as well as what would happen in the event of a disagreement or one partner wanting to move on.

It should also cover who gets what percentage of profits, who has decision-making power in which areas of the business, etc. Having this agreement in place from day one will make sure that expectations between each partner are set from the get-go.

When you’re looking for a business partner, keep in mind the things that are essential to you. Do you need someone with a lot of experience in the industry you’re working in? Or do you need someone with a lot of business experience? Think about the qualities you need in a business partner and start your search by targeting those people. Use your network to find people who might be a good fit and reach out to them. The more people you talk to, the more likely you are to find the right partner for your business.

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How to Overcome the Fear of Trying New Things (Again)

The new Year of the Rabbit is the perfect time to take the leap by learning or trying something new. You can take up ceramics, learn French, start a book club, plant a seed, go back to the dating scene, or try indoor rock-climbing. As for me, I have to learn how to drive again.

I started learning how to drive in 2016 and encountered several accidents in the first few years. As time passed, I became more fearful and started to avoid driving by myself. I do not want to quit just yet. I am slowly regaining the confidence I once had.

The thing that no one mentions about stretching yourself is that it really sucks sometimes. Yes, trying new things is exciting, but it can also be terrifying and embarrassing. Getting over the initial fear of trying new things and actually having fun is part of the journey.

On that note, here are four strategies you can apply to overcome the fear of trying new things.

#1: JUMP WITH THE RIGHT MINDSET

People tend to approach a new experience in two ways – wanting to learn a skill or wanting to master it. The former encourages the learner to make mistakes and figure out how to do the process while having an enjoyable time. While the latter finds delight in doing well, impressing others, and discovering their natural talent in something.

Learning a new skill and having the ability to laugh at your own mistakes takes off the pressure. Creating mishaps is part of the process. For instance, you want to finish a marathon. Running in under two hours can be your goal, but getting in shape and meeting new friends are worthy outcomes too.

#2: REMEMBER THAT IT’S OKAY TO NOT LOVE IT RIGHT AWAY

No matter what new skill you are trying to learn, it is more likely that you won’t have a blast at the beginning. Organizational behavior researcher Keith Rollag once highlighted: “From an evolutionary standpoint, trying new things, for much of human history, could have been dangerous. Your performance can have a big impact on your status.” Status affects our ability to get the resources we need to survive. The fear of trying new things was an issue of survival.

One of the challenges of starting new experiences, joining new groups, and meeting new people is the anxiety of being the newcomer. Not loving the process right away is not a sign that you have made a terrible mistake. Instead, it is part of being human.

#3: DON’T CONFUSE YOUR FEELINGS

Anxiety and excitement are two sides of the same coin. Ever notice that all these feelings manifest in the same way? Whether you are nervous or excited, you get butterflies in your stomach and sweaty palms. You pace back and forth. Notice a man in his first job interview and compare it with a man who is about to propose. Both men feel adrenaline coursing through their veins. The body interprets the high-stakes situation in the same way.

This just shows that the brain is creating the story we tell ourselves. Bringing awareness to this fact will help us to manage our feelings better.

#4: BREAK IT DOWN INTO SMALL PARTS

The best way to deal with your current situation is to break down a task into manageable steps. When Michael Phelps competed in the Beijing Olympics, he had to swim with visual challenges. His goggles began filling with water the moment he dove in the 200-meter butterfly race. He recalled the race in an interview with CBS News:

“They started filling up more and more and more. And about 75 meters left in the race, I could see nothing. I couldn’t see the black line. I couldn’t see the T. I couldn’t see anything. I was purely going by stroke count. And I couldn’t take my goggles off because they were underneath two swim caps.”

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Despite not being able to see where he was and where he was going, he counted the strokes. He bagged the gold medal in that race and broke the world record. Breaking down the task into several parts motivated him to finish the race. A person who is learning how to drive can start by learning the safety protocols and theoretical background of driving, before practicing in an actual driving course.

Learning takes time and your journey is uniquely yours.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Why survivor bias is a major pitfall and how to avoid it

Fooled by the Winners: How Survivor Bias Deceives Us

Survivor bias is a type of cognitive error that can lead to faulty decision-making.

This bias can be dangerous because it can cause us to overlook potential red flags and make poor decisions based on inaccurate information. So how can we avoid it?

Below, we will discuss some ways to minimize the effects of survivor bias and make better decisions based on the information that’s available.

What is survivor bias and how can it affect our thinking?

Survivorship bias occurs when researchers focus on individuals, groups, or cases that have passed some sort of selection process while ignoring those who did not.

In other words, it happens when we place too much weight on the successes and forget about the failures. This is a major pitfall because it can lead us to make mistakes about the world around us.

We might think that a certain strategy or approach is more successful than it is, or that a particular subgroup represents an entire group. It’s important to be aware of survivorship bias and to take steps to avoid it so that we can make sound decisions based on accurate information.

The dangers of assuming success when using survivor bias
analyzing data

Image Credits: analyzingalpha.com

When you’re relying on survivor bias, you’re making the dangerous assumption that everyone who has made it this far must be good.

You’re not considering the possibility that this person’s success may be a one-time fluke, or that they got lucky in some way. This can lead to some pretty bad decision-making.

For example, if you’re hiring for a new position and only consider the candidates who have been successful in their previous roles, you may be overlooking someone who is perfectly suited for the job but has had a few rough patches along the way.

Another common example of survivor bias at work is when investors put all their money into a single stock, based solely on published investment fund return data. This can be a disastrous decision, especially if the company suddenly goes bankrupt.

Practical tips to reduce the risk of making decisions based on survivor bias

When it comes to making decisions, be aware of the pitfalls of survivor bias. 

Here are a few practical tips to help reduce the risk of making decisions based on this type of error:

  • Don’t rely on anecdotal evidence.

Survivor bias often leads people to make decisions based on personal experiences or stories they’ve heard from others. However, personal experiences are not always representative of the larger group, so gather data from a variety of sources before coming to any conclusions.

  • Exercise caution when comparing groups.

It’s natural to want to compare different groups and see which one comes out on top. However, this can be a risky move, especially if you’re not taking into account all the factors involved. Always use caution when comparing groups and make sure you’re looking at all relevant facts before drawing any conclusions.

  • Remember that success is not always representative of the entire group.

Just because a particular group or investment has had success, doesn’t mean that every other group or investment is doomed to fail.

When it comes to making decisions, be aware of the potential for survivor bias. This is when you make decisions based on the evidence you have in front of you, without taking into account the fact that you might be biased. For example, if you only looked at successful businesses, you would be underestimating the risk of starting your own niche business. This is a major pitfall because it can cause you to make mistakes based on your beliefs. To avoid this, try to look at the evidence from as many different angles as possible. This way, you can make a more informed decision based on a well-rounded point of view.

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5 Mind Tricks to Help You Stick to Your Budget

When it comes to spending less and saving more, it is tempting to bury our heads in Sentosa’s sand. The way we manage our finances today is entirely different from the way money was managed in the past. It is getting increasingly easier to spend money, and more challenging to save money.

When done right, budgeting can direct a series of clever financial choices to move you closer to the things you want out of life. Take the time to get this right at the start, to give yourself a massive advantage and benefit from the results for years to come.

Start by using simple brain tricks to help you stick to your budget.

#1: TREAT YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT LIKE A BILL

Consider your savings account as another monthly bill. Start by allotting money towards your fixed expenses, followed by assigning a certain amount towards your future. You can use this fund either for your retirement or your future goals, but do not go out and blow it on things you do not need.

Saving for your future is just as important as paying your other bills. When you treat it that way, you will develop a wealth-building mindset.

#2: MAKE SMALL BARRIERS TO CURB YOUR SPENDING

The convenience of online banking and banking apps cannot be denied. Your banking app can show you the movements of your funds in real time. Moreover, you have the ability to input your debit or credit cards directly onto your phone to experience fast payment processes. When there is no barrier between you and your money, it becomes easier for you to spend more.

Place a barrier between you and your emotional shopping tendencies. Whether you are keen on putting a long passcode on your banking app or using two-factor authentication for your online banking, you will be less tempted to spend when barriers exist.

#3: GAIN CONTROL OF SMALL, FREQUENT PURCHASES

Your small, frequent purchases add up. Every time you buy a coffee or eat out, your ability to save decreases. It might not seem too much at the moment, but it adds up to a significant amount. Track your expenses by writing down every small purchase per month. This will increase your awareness and help motivate you to cut down on your spending.

You might be shocked to see the number at first. However, you will be able to recognize why you are struggling to save.

#4: WAIT 15 MINUTES BEFORE MAKING A PURCHASE

As you are walking down the aisle of the nearest grocery store, you find it difficult to resist the promotions from left to right. Control your spending by giving yourself 15 minutes to ponder about your potential purchase. Giving yourself 15 minutes will allow you to resist your impulsive purchases.

If you can, it is even better to wait for a full day or a week before making purchases. Remember that having a waiting period is the best way to train your brain.

#5: GO OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

We are creatures of habit. This is why people resist changing their insurance provider, telecommunications provider, and so on. There is a desire to keep everything the same and anything different can be perceived as a loss.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

However, staying in our comfort zone means that we are paying more for services than we need to. Pushing yourself out of it will allow you to shop for the best deals. Start with reassessing your mobile plan, before moving to your utilities, insurance, and other providers. Revisiting these plans on a yearly basis will ensure that you are maximizing your hard-earned money.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Exploring the mind of a buyer: Keys to unlocking buying decisions

Singaporeans queuing outdoors

When you’re selling a product or service, understand the psychology of buyers.

After all, with an awareness of what motivates buyers, it’s easier to convince them to buy from you.

In this article, we will explore the basics of buyer psychology. We will discuss the different factors that influence buyers and offer tips on how to appeal to their motivations. Read on!

What is buyer psychology?

Have you ever wondered why people buy the things they do?

Or, more specifically, what goes through a person’s head when they make a purchase?

If so, you’re on the right track. That’s because buyer psychology is the study of human behavior when it comes to buying decisions.

In other words, it’s the study of why people feel the way they do about brands and products, and how those feelings translate into purchasing behaviors.

It’s a fairly complex area of study, but it’s something that any seller should be familiar with. After all, if you want to be successful in sales, you need to understand your buyers on a deep level.

So what does buyer psychology involve? Well, it involves understanding why shoppers behave the way they do. This can include anything from understanding how emotions play into buying decisions to understanding how social influences affect choice.

Additionally, it involves understanding the buyer’s journey—the process that leads a shopper from first considering a product to finally making a purchase. Keep scrolling if you’re interested in learning more about buyer psychology (and who isn’t?).

Understanding the stages of buying
a woman holding onto a credit card

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The buying process is not a simple one. It’s a journey that buyers go on, and it consists of three main stages: problem recognition, information gathering, and evaluating solutions.

During the first stage, buyers become aware of a problem or need that they have. In the second stage, they start to gather information about possible solutions. And in the third stage, they evaluate those solutions and decide which one to buy.

Keep in mind that buyers are often influenced by their emotions and need when making a purchase decision. So it’s wise to understand how those factors play into their buying behavior.

Harnessing social influence to drive purchases

When you understand the social psychology of shopping, you can create more effective promotions. For example, if you want to drive sales of a new product, you can use pressure to your advantage.

Create a sense of urgency by telling your customers that the product is in limited supply. Or, tap into the power of authority by mentioning that an expert or authority figure recommends the product. You can even get your customers to act out specific behaviors, such as liking or sharing your post.

Analyzing how your online presence impacts buying decisions
a toy cart with miniature shopping bags and boxes

Image Credits: africa.businessinsider.com

People want to make sure they’re buying quality products, so you need to be clear about what you’re selling, why it’s worth the cost, and what makes it unique.

Your website or landing page should show the quality of your products with clear images and descriptions, while also making the buying process as easy as possible. Beyond this, delivering a great experience—from start to finish—plays a massive role in whether a customer becomes a repeat customer.

Think about creating high-value content that stands out from your competition, offering incentives for new customers, responding quickly to inquiries, and always being transparent about pricing or any guarantees. All these actions can go beyond simply providing a product—they can help create an unforgettable impression for potential buyers.

Leveraging buyer loyalty for repeat purchases

Regarding buyer psychology, one concept you should be aware of is reciprocity.

Put simply, this means that if you do something nice for a customer, they are more likely to do something nice (in this case, making a purchase) in return.

To leverage the power of reciprocity and encourage repeat purchases, you can use psychological triggers like repeat discounts, free shipping, or loyalty gift cards to create an emotional connection.

Existing customers will often respond positively because they feel special when offered something at a discounted rate. Additionally, post-purchase services and interactions are key in ensuring buyers feel valued and appreciated after making their purchase.

By offering delivery updates that personalize the experience, responding to feedback with thoughtful consideration, and providing prompt customer support when requested, you can help increase the likelihood that your customers will become loyal and devoted fans of your brand.

Exploring the mind of a buyer is key to unlocking their buying decisions. By understanding their unique needs, preferences, and motivations, you can create a personalized experience that will resonate with them. Furthermore, building long-term relationships with buyers is meaningful and will lead to more sales in the future. Keeping educating and providing value that meets their needs. With these strategies in mind, you can unlock your buyers’ buying decisions and increase your sales in no time.

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