Business Archives | Page 16 of 19

Create An Irresistible Window Display To Improve Your Sales In 5 Ways

When you walk pass a shop at Orchard Road, the window display is the first thing that leaves an impression on you and other potential customers.

Visual merchandising, that includes window dressing, is an important tool to engage the customers to go inside and to encourage them to purchase more. Thus, it optimizes the product presentations and the market sales. Aside from this, the significance of window dressing is more than improving sales – it is about building an image!

That said, here are 5 ways to create an eye-catching window display:

1. CHOOSE A THEME

As you are planning your window display, choose a unified theme or message you want to convey. For example, since 2016 is the Year of the Monkey, dress the mannequins with glittery or formal outfits perfect for the parties then fill the backdrop with banana trees and monkeys hanging around them.

Image Credits: displayhunter2.blogspot.com

This uniquely festive jungle theme surely caught some eyes!

2. SHOWCASE A VISIBLE SIGNAGE

An effective signage can bring customers that both walk and drive by. Get the attention of passing motorists and shoppers by making your display larger and by making the colors contrasting.

For example, it is advisable to use yellow background especially with black lettering to convey an informative message as it works best in visually crowded environments. It can also be used with contrasting colors of red and blue.

3. BE DIFFERENT

People love to snap and share aesthetically pleasing places and products on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms. Thus, to get noticed and to bring more people in the shop, dress your window in a non-traditional fashion. Put your mannequins upside down or have a music festival backdrop – your imagination is the limit!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

As window displays change frequently, you must not be afraid to try new ideas and new themes.

4. MAKE A CLEAR FOCAL POINT

Remember those commercial advertisements that stick to people but they forget the product itself? Do not make the same mistake with your window display!

Highlight the products you want to introduce or to feature by strategically grouping products together. For example, if you are featuring a huge tote bag, group it together with smaller purses so it can stand out. When dressing your window, ask yourself where you want the shopper’s eyes to go first and what you want them to view next.

5. BE BOLD

Debbe Hamada, owner of Tilde shop, makes sure that her window display can be see from a distance even though she usually spends less than S$42 (US$30) on it. She uses bold colors and shapes to attract more people in. In fact, 2 out of 10 customers go inside simply because they have seen something colorful in their windows.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

You do not need to be crafty to make a bold statement, simply put the most vibrant products together and create a structure with it such as a pyramid or a diamond.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

5 Books Every Inspired Entrepreneur Shall Read

A good portion of your business decisions are usually influenced by personal experiences. However, as a budding entrepreneur, you will be able to grow by seeking the knowledge and advice of the successful people before you. What better way to start than by reading books that can inspire you?

That said, here are “5 Books Every Inspired Entrepreneur Shall Read”:

1. THE EFFECTIVE EXECUTIVE BY PETER DRUCKER

For Peter Drucker, an effective execute gets the right things done. To do so, he identifies the five practices that are essential to the business, namely: setting right priorities, managing time, making effective decisions, knowing how and where to deploy strength, and choosing what to contribute to an organization.

Image Credits: facebook.com/UnleashUrBiz

Filled with insights and perspectives into seemingly obvious scenarios, this book has been inspiring people for over 45 years.

2. TRIBES BY SETH GODIN

In this book, Seth Godin argues that with our modern world, everyone has the opportunity to start a movement and to bring a group of like-minded people together. He refers to this fanatical group of people as a tribe. Examples of tribes are those who follow the latest offerings of Apple and Starbucks.

Image Credits: facebook.com/tribesbysethgodin

According to him, if you are an entrepreneur who wishes to have a loyal following, a great tool to use is the Internet. Furthermore, he highlights the importance of uniqueness and fulfilling unmet needs to the overall growth of the business.

3. THE INNOVATOR’S DILEMMA BY CLAYTON CHRISTENSEN

“The Innovator’s Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail” is a bestselling classic by the businessman and Harvard professor – Clayton Christensen. This book comes from the idea that businesses will decline innovations based on the assumption that consumers cannot currently use them. Thus, these potentially great ideas only go to waste.

Image Credits: facebook.com/HBR

By knowing this dilemma and using it to your advantage, you can be able to beat other businesses in their own markets.

4. TO SELL IS HUMAN BY DANIEL PINK

In this fascinating read, Daniel pink offers a fresh perspective at the science and art of selling. Although you may not consider yourself as a salesman or saleswoman, all entrepreneurs must understand how to sell and this book teaches you how to. It breaks down the stigmas about salesmanship and manifests the uncomplicated strategy for moving others.

Image Credits: facebook.com/ToSellIsHumanTheSurprisingTruthAboutMovingOthers

5. CREATIVITY, INC. BY ED CATMULL AND AMY WALLACE

“Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration” is one of the small amount of prime books about creative leadership and business. It is filled with meaningful insights about what develops, drives, and sustains an innovative culture.

Written by the Co-founder and President of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios Ed Catmull with the help of a journalist named Amy Wallace, this interesting read is a must not only for entrepreneurs but also for business leaders!

Image Credits: facebook.com/CreativityIncBook

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

4 Crowdfunding Platforms In Singapore – What Are Their Risks And Returns?

Crowdfunding is a relatively new concept that has rapidly gained popularity in Singapore. It is a means by which a large number of people can finance a business via a platform.

There are four distinct types of crowdfunding, each of which caters to different requirements:

7 Famous People Who Still Earn Millions Beyond The Grave

They may no longer be breathing in this world but they probably earn more in one year than most of us will in our entire lives!

These numbers, accumulated by Forbes, show the top earning dead celebrities in 2015…

7. JOHN LENNON

Yoko Ono’s soulmate that is better known as the singer-songwriter of the Beatles – John Lennon takes the 7th spot.

With a whopping total of US$12 million (S$16.9 million) in 2015, this iconic musician continues to share the revenue of his recorded and published music. Other ventures such as the Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil show are also earning him money even after death.

6. MARILYN MONROE

One of the famous entertainers of the 50s is the dashing Marilyn Monroe. Although she died more than 50 years ago, her legend continues as the Authentic Brand Group bought the rights to her brand. Her branding consists of a lingerie line, clothing label, perfume, and spa treatments. In 2015, these earned her US$17 million (S$23.9 million).

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

This proves that her beauty still captivates the hearts of many!

5. ELIZABETH TAYLOR

Aside from her movies, this legendary leading lady has been reigning supreme in the celebrity fragrance business. One of her top fragrance called “White Diamonds” is still continuing to sell even after 24 years.

All in all, Elizabeth Taylor earned about US$20 million (S$28.1 million) this year!

4. BOB MARLEY

Bob Marley, a reggae superstar, may not be an outright entrepreneur when he was alive but he became one in his death. This is due to three reasons namely: his Marley Beverage Company, his House Of Marley, and his music royalties.

He really does not need to worry about money as he is still earning US$21 million (S$29.6 million) after his death!

3. CHARLES SCHULZ

It is rare to see people who cannot recognize who Snoopy and Charlie Brown is! With the release of the “Peanuts Movie”, their creator named Charles Schulz who died in 2000 earned about US$40 million (S$56.42 million) this year. He is said to be earning a cut from the licensing revenue of the popular comics too.

2. ELVIS PRESLEY

The King of Rock and Roll’s magic lives on until the present day as his brand and name is still earning an impressive amount of US$55 million (S$77.5 million). This is largely due to the sales of his albums, memorabilia, and Graceland ticket sales.

Elvis, we can’t help falling in love with you!

1. MICHAEL JACKSON

Smooth as his pipes were, Michael Jackson has been bringing home the bucks gracefully since young. Consistently, he has been earning triple-digit millions every year after his death in 2009. Thought that was thrilling? How about if I told you that he earned US$115 million (S$162.1 million) this year alone?

Well, his undying talent still drives the force of his Cirque du Soleil show, his Mijac Music catalogue, and his music royalties including the half of the Sony/ATV publishing empire.

See his everlasting career here:

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Genius Ways To Save Money As A Start-Up

As a budding entrepreneur, your new business is tied with cash. With hundreds of things on your plate, you are either looking for more ways to boost your profits or more ways to save money.

Look no further as this list will explore smart ways where your small business can save money in its early phases…

1. SAY “YES” TO FREE AND CHEAP ADVERTISING

You do not need the fanciest commercials or the flashiest banners to bring in more customers. For now, all you need are free websites to post your ads.

Online classifieds are a good choice as these are cost-effective, convenient to relay contact, visible to a large-scale of consumers, and the you are able to edit a listing anytime. Browse a list of premier advertising websites here.

2. ONLY HIRE PEOPLE WHEN YOU NEED THEM

As a start-up, you are testing every aspect of your business including the amount of labor necessary. Do really a marketing team or can you handle the marketing aspect by yourself?

Instead of hiring professionals to do the job for you, you can commit several hours in developing skills. This is why it is not a good idea to hire a huge team of workers and waste a hefty amount on wages earlier on.

And when you decide to hire help, good sources of quality yet low-cost labor are university or polytechnic interns. If you are willing to supervise and devote your time to training, both of you can benefit from the experience. Think about it! You are giving a worthwhile experience and good recommendation for the intern while the business is receiving low-cost (and sometimes free) services.

3. USE A BUDGETING SOFTWARE

If you have zero knowledge on accounting or you need more help in your budget planning, then you must consider accounting software.

Aside from using an Excel spreadsheet, you may budget like a pro by using accounting software called inDinero. inDinero helps you run the small business better as it safeguards your transactions, your cash flow, and your expenses. It connects the bank accounts so you can visualize where your money goes. Furthermore, it helps you with your payrolls and taxes.

4. ARRANGE ONLINE MEETINGS

Globalization paved way for international affairs to be easily accessible. So if you have clients or workers who are overseas, what better way to hold meetings than by using inexpensive online tools such as Skype video conferencing or Facebook video chat?

To save even more, invest in laptops instead of desktop computers, as these laptops are not only less expensive but also consume less energy. Whenever possible, use these laptops and Internet tools to communicate effectively.

5. SAVE ON YOUR WORKSPACE

Office spaces in Singapore can get very expensive! Instead of forking out your wealth, you can consider sharing your space and splitting the rent with another small business. In fact, you can rent a flexible space for as low as S$450 a month with Regus.

Regus is a global company that has been around for more than two decades. With over 25 building locations islandwide, you will be able to find a space that suits you best!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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