Business Archives | Page 9 of 19

Feng Shui’s Guide To Attracting Luck In Business

The ancient principles of Feng Shui can be used to draw more customers, to attract positive energy, and to create a financial foundation. Let us take the toilet or restroom as an example. The toilet is a “Yin” water energy space, which can have a draining effect in the sales.

If you do not want your sales to go down the drain then, do not call attention to your store’s toilet!

I SEE THE LIGHT

Location plays an important part in the business’ costs and revenues. For starters, owners must consider whether a particular location is accessible to their target clients. Now, let us add Feng Shui into the mix.

A good location includes a main door that faces the open space. The main door’s strategic placement allows light to enter. A well-lit office or store enables positive energy to flow throughout the day.

THE ENERGY IN MOTION

Without a shadow of doubt, people are influenced by emotions when making a purchase. In Feng Shui, emotions are symbolized by energies in motion. Create inviting energies by incorporating pleasant music, vibrant scents, quality air, and well-designed lighting.

The key here is motion! That being said, Feng Shui suggests that you change or rearrange your diplays on a regular basis.

KEEP THINGS FRESH

To attract more customers and to stimulate sales, Feng Shui advocates that you keep things fresh! There are many ways maintain a “fresh” establishment without breaking the bank.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Firstly, you may rotate your merchandise every season. Secondly, you may diversify the products offered in each branch. Lastly, online shops can provide a variety of options at different price points.

LESS IS MORE

Speaking of online shops, your business’ website can act as a strong promotional tool. Stimulate the harmonious energy by setting a neat and simple homepage for your online consumers.

Furthermore, you can create a good business energy by using smooth or curved lines and graphics. You read that right! Avoid straight and sharp lines at all costs.

THE EPICENTER OF POWER

Cash registers must be placed in powerful spots called the “commanding positions”. Commanding positions are usually diagonal from the entrance.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

For the “lucky corners”, you may place the special products or the attractive products. Lucky corners are usually opposite and diagonal to the door. Adding plants to the lucky corners can increase the growth energy, which can boost sales.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

4 Time Management Tips To Help You Work Smart

We all posses a set of (or at least one) positive traits useful in the workplace. Mine just happens to surround time management. Time is a finite commodity that you cannot take back! Thus, I make it a point to strategically exhaust it.

Managing time is not about squeezing as many tasks as you can within 24 hours. Instead, it is about carefully choosing which tasks you can fulfill to alleviate stress and which tasks you can leave behind. Simplify your operations in order to accomplish your tasks at a faster pace. Consider these tips to work smarter:

FIRST THINGS FIRST

As much as I want to discuss about the catchy Iggy Azalea song, I am going to expound on the seemingly unfamiliar territory of prioritizing. Prioritizing focuses on determining the order of the items in your to-do list. Stephen Covey, the co-author of “First Things First”, introduced four categorizations for one’s tasks. The categories are:

a. Important and Urgent,
b. Important and Not Urgent,
c. Urgent and Not Important, as well as
d. Not Urgent and Not Important.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Write down at least three “Important and Urgent” tasks that you must accomplish by today. Waste no time in addressing each one. Reap the sense of accomplishment as you fulfill each one of them. Use this motivation to tackle the less vital items.

USE SPARE TIME WISELY

No matter how busy your weekday can get, you still have a decent amount of down-time. Use your waiting time wisely by completing simple tasks such as calling possible sponsors for your company event. While you are waiting to board the next bus, you can answer important emails with your mobile applications.

As a pre-school teacher, I envision my lesson plans whenever I have idle moments. My finest thoughts spark when I am relaxing in the shower or when I am running a mile in the town stadium. Maximizing my spare time allows me to push my creativity beyond limits.

ELIMINATE THE UNNECESSARY

Taking a series of commitments can be detrimental to your schedule. Whenever you agree to help out a co-worker, you are increasing your personal workload. You may not be able to immediately tackle the tasks assigned to you!

It is hard to refuse to friendly requests from colleagues especially if you are the type of person who loves lending a hand. However, if you want to jump-start your productivity, it is important to learn to say “NO” or “not at this moment”.

ABSORB FUTURE’S ESSENCE

It is no secret that I am an avid people watcher! Not to sound creepy, but it comes from my background in Psychology. Let us move on to the anecdote. As I was sipping my hot mocha, I overheard two women talking about their careers. One seems to be the other’s mentor. I realized that they were both dancing instructors as the discussion went on. The “mentor” shared valuable tips such as preparing an overall timeline and strict goals for each day. She said that it was better to record one’s routine to record any flaws, before the presentation comes. She made some valid points!

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Having a realistic plan eases the tension of the coming days. You know your glistening target and the corresponding moves to achieve it. Now, you do not have to be prudent to absorb the future’s essence. Start by sparing at least 10 minutes before your shift ends to clear out your desk and to prepare your task for tomorrow. Alternatively, you may clear your desk as you arrive to the office. Allot the first 10 minutes to prioritizing your to-do list.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Surefire Ways To Save Money On Your Next Event

For the past couple of months, I have been spearheading one of our company’s main events. This newfound responsibility made me realize why some institutions hire Event Managers and other professionals. Making sure everything runs smoothly within the tight budget was a burden that I had to carry on my shoulders. However, I kept thinking how this event will soon bring new contacts and exciting memories.

To deliver good results on a shoestring budget, consider these tips:

START PRIORITIZING THE VENUE

A huge chunk of your budget focuses on the event’s venue. Moving away from the CBD area and dwelling on the outskirts is a smart move for your wallet, but your attendees may be discouraged. You need to consider their travel time and parking fees.

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Let us be honest! The venue that you will choose will never please everyone. This is why my boss highlights that conducting a “location survey” prior the event is a bad idea. If you cannot take their opinions into account then, you must depend on your negotiation skills. Find a person on the inside who can help you with the booking process or offer you discounted rates. Ask recommendations from your friends and family members.

WORK WITH SPECIALIZED STUDENTS

In a competitive job market such as ours, Polytechnic and University students are keen to secure working experience before they fully join the workforce. Make this your advantage by hiring interns or part-timers. I am not talking about hiring any student that is willing to offer their knowledge for a relatively cheap rate! Hire people who study graphic design, photography/film, management, and marketing.

If you are willing to spare some time to training, both of you can benefit from the experience. Think about it! You are giving a worthwhile experience and pleasant recommendation for the intern while the business is receiving low-cost (and sometimes free) services. Post job openings at www.freelancezone.com.sg and www.gumtree.sg for FREE!

SEEK A MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP

My co-worker was approached by an agent from a prestigious insurance company. He was interested in setting up a booth at our event. This works favorably to both of us as our clients belong to his targeted age and socioeconomic group. This situation proves that sponsors can pay by providing products or services at reduced or no cost. Some institutions prefer exposure as their currency. Sponsors do not always have to provide cash!

Approach possible sponsors by privately messaging their social media accounts on Facebook or Instagram.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As the head of the event, it is essential to go the extra mile. Do not settle for two or three options. Widen your options and shop around!

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

How To Prepare For The CEO’s Nerve-wrecking Questions

Shifts in the workplace have occurred, along with the screening methods for position placement. It is no secret that preparing for any job interview takes effort and dedication. Moreover, it comes with a considerable amount of stress. Its final phase, the interview with the company’s CEO or President, may heighten the tension. This is the coveted peak of the candidate’s journey.

What shall you do to ace your final interview?

Well, researching on the company’s background is an obvious priority. Familiarize yourself with the company’s offerings (i.e., products or services) and history (i.e., including hierarchy) as well as the mission and vision. Knowing more information about the company enables you to prepare better.

Your next task is to uncover your own self. Understand how your journey was like before you decided to apply for the position. Were you a fresh graduate who stayed with the same company for 3 years? Or, were you not afraid to hop between jobs? The CEO or President will have so much insight based on the decisions that you made along the way.

Aside from these two elements, you must make your way around the tricky interview questions. Know how you will answer the following:

1. Can you describe your learning process?

My background in Psychology and education highlights the fact that everyone learns in a different manner. This is why I am a devoted advocate of individualized instructions. That being said, your answer to this question will show how you will perform given the demands of the available position.

As Stephen Baker (CEO of Attivio) once said: “Having a candidate articulate how they would learn a new topic or skill is a great sign of discipline, organizational skills, and intellectual curiosity.”

2. Why are you here today?

It may sound simple, but the answer entails profound introspection. Be specific when it comes to discussing your career motivations. Ensure that these motivations are in lined with your long-term goals.

This question will help the interviewer judge whether you are there for purely personal reasons or whether you desire to flourish the company’s current state. Gordon Wilson, the CEO of a UK-based software firm, urges that you must find a split between the personal benefits and that of the company’s. He was quoted saying: “if you benefit the enterprise the personal thing will come.”

3. Would you rather be feared or be respected?

If you are applying for a higher position, it is likely that you will be asked about your leadership style. This particular question never fails to catch individuals off-guard, according to Michael Gregoire. Michael is the CEO of an IT management software company called CA Technologies.

There is no distinct “correct” answer for this question. However, you must lean towards the answer that is best suited for the role. For example, it will be better if you are respected than feared in a collaborative workplace environment.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Consider these tips while you are preparing for your upcoming interview. May the odds be in your favor! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, 3 & 4

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