Top 5 Must-Have Skills For Project Managers

For every $1 billion invested, companies in the US lose $122 million due to bad management. Here's the thing: building a plan from scratch and taking it to an end, while respecting both the deadlines and the original budget, isn't for everybody.

Thanks to the new technologies, projects have more chances to a happy end. But, software alone isn't enough to put things on the right track. You need to be a killer project manager to keep up with challenges -- to deliver high-quality results, fast, and without spending more than your clients or your company can afford.

Whether you get your PMP certification in San Diego or any other part of the country, you need more than passing the exam to become a great project manager. Here are five skills you must develop as a PM to turn every new project into a success.


Effective Communication

Communication is vital for a successful project. That's why, as a project manager, you should know how to talk to your colleagues, clients, and superiors. Better yet, when your team communicates efficiently, it's easier for everybody to finish their tasks in time and to make the right decisions inside the group.

However, effective communication goes beyond sending explicit emails and organizing efficient reunions. You need to master a wide range of abilities in this field:

• Learn to listen. A good project manager asks for feedback and looks to all team members.
  
  
• Ask the right questions. You can avoid a lot of delays and communication errors when you take the time to understand what's happening inside the team.
  
  
• Update the team on a regular basis. As a project manager, you must know everything about progress and new milestones. By informing all the team, you get to gain more trust, motivate your staff, and increase productivity.
  
  
• Encourage efficiency. When you communicate with your team, you should always stress the importance of doing things the right way -- instead of rushing them to finish faster.

Time Management

Time management is the key to increased productivity and efficiency. That's why your job as a project manager is to organize and plan all the activities to make sure that your team delivers on time.

To develop killer time management skills, you need to focus on these three elements:

• Planning. For every project large or small, preparation is everything. Project managers who take the time to define all activities and to estimate durations are more likely to respect deadlines and bring the project to an end.
  
  
• Setting reasonable, clear goals. 37 percent of projects fail because they lack clear objectives. You need more than a guideline to make things right. Set measurable goals, with realistic deadlines. Getting ISO certified, for example, can take months. If you're hurrying your staff, you risk losing more time fixing errors in the long run.
  
  
• Prioritizing. It's fundamental when you need to avoid distractions and focus on the critical things. Not all tasks are equally necessary to the success of the project. Make sure you don't keep all the team blocked just because one member is behind schedule.

Problem Solving

The most important skill of a PM is the ability to come up with solutions to a crisis. Machines and complex AI software can improve workflows and increase productivity, but they can't make decisions for unpredicted problems -- and as long as you work in this business, there's always going to be something to solve.

You must learn to get to the bottom of any problem, identify the causes and come up with innovative solutions. The faster, the better.

Your problem-solving skills can keep a project going even in the hardest times. Plus, your ability to analyze and evaluate the situation (and to take action) can save your client significant resources.


Risk Management

In 2017, the US government lost $32 billion due to failed IT projects. Whether you're working with small or large companies, there's always a risk for things to go wrong.

That's why your risk management skills are essential for any project. You must learn how to identify opportunities and how to make the most of every challenge during the project.

In many situations, you can identify risks early in the project. Discuss scenarios with your team members and learn to read between the lines, when watching numbers. This way, you can see possible risks right from the beginning and counter them effectively.

Opportunities always come with risks. It's your job as a project manager to evaluate and decide if the reward is worth the risk. And, what measures can help you reduce it to minimize the damage.


Leadership

As a PM, you must inspire, motivate and communicate on a permanent basis. All eyes are on you, expecting guidelines and solutions.

Besides self-confidence and self-esteem, you need solid knowledge and experience to be a good leader. From stakeholders to clients and team members, everybody expects you to make decisions and implement them.

You must be the person who works hard, listens to everyone, and has an accurate answer to any question. Everything less than that and your peers will stop following you. The success of any project depends on how you use your leadership skills for the best.

Being a good leader means having all other skills -- competent, excellent communicator, empathy, problem-solving, team builder, to mention some. Plus, you must know how to use these skills to improve your team's results. Because a good leader always works with an efficient team!


Did you find this article helpful? Are you a project manager? Please let me know by leaving me your valued comments in the comments section below.

Related articles:
Top Personal Skills That Will Stand You In Good Stead In Business
5 Ways To Make Your Small Business More Efficient
How To Best Increase Efficiency And Profitability In Your Business

For more business tips, use this link:
https://www.derekjones.co/search/label/Business%20Tips


If you found this or any of my other posts helpful, don't forget to share the posts to your favourite networks using the toolbar on the left-side of the screen or by using the "Share" buttons located at the bottom of each post.

As ever, if you want to stay up to date with the latest blog posts, don't forget to follow on Facebook and Google+, via Email or by subscribing to our blog feed.

You can also follow me on Twitter @djones1509, Google+ and on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/djones1509
https://www.google.com/+DerekJonesUK

Until my next post in 7 days on why you should be careful when doing business with Minerals-Water Limited on eBay, have a great and productive week ahead. See you back here on Monday 21st May!

© 2018. This article is DMCA protected. Republication is prohibited.

Website Management: The Importance Of Quality Web Design

** Update 4th May 2018: Normal service will resume on Monday (7th May) on Derek's Home and Business Blog. Thank you again for your patience and understanding and for the continued support during the difficult period! Want to guest post on the blog? Visit the "Write For Us" page above for more details. **


Note: Some technical changes are being made to the blog such as secure connection, new sharing buttons etc. If you encounter any errors, please let me know.

Changes in Web technology have changed the way that people design websites. It really is incredible to see just how much it has changed in the last couple of years. Nowadays, Web users want competitive websites that look and function at optimal levels. People do not stick around on sites that are low quality in design and usability. There are several reasons why quality Web design is an essential part of all websites.


Clear Communication

Communication is the main reason that people hire Web designers. They need all elements of the website to communicate effectively with people online. Sites have to be user-friendly and allow people to be able to get the help that they need right away. It is definitely essential for sites to be easy to use and super user-friendly. Designers start by choosing the right page layouts and templates with borders that define where the text starts and stops. Websites without page layouts have misaligned text that seems to run off the page and can be really hard to follow making the site seem confusing. Your site is certain to fail if it only has one block of text like this. It is also a good idea to be sure that you have enough space for ad banners and page tabs that are clear and easy to follow. With tabs, your visitors can move from one page to another with ease making it super easy for them to find exactly what they are looking for. At all costs you need to make sure that you avoid creating disorderly pages that make you look disorganized and irresponsible. Nobody likes a webpage that is hard to use and difficult to follow.


Interactivity

Websites are becoming more and more competitive every day. That is why when it comes to your site you really need to step up your game. Nowadays, the most visited and popular websites are interactive. Because of this, it may be a really good idea to try to incorporate a variety of multimedia layouts into your Web designs such as videos, pictures and sound files. Make your site interactive to provide interesting ways for people to gather information about your business. Professional website development includes a major focus on creative website designs. The right development company provides you with a variety of unique, interactive designs to choose from. Choose transition effects for users who want to move between different pages on your site. Place a different picture in the background of each individual page.


Marketing

When it comes to sites it is also essential to incorporate your Web designs into an effective marketing strategy. Design your website for the purpose of reaching your targeted audiences online. You may also want to use different templates and themes that relate to your particular type of business and services. You could even include stock photos of professionals working inside of an office building to appeal to business people and make your company seem super friendly and personal. Luckily, experienced Web designers have created themed websites before, so it helps to get suggestions from them as they may have some really good ideas that can help you easily find your way to success.

A good marketing plan is necessary to get more than clicks. You want visitors to convert and turn into regular customers. Make your site stand out among the millions of others made by companies exactly like yours.

To summarize, create your website with the use of high-quality Web designs. When you take the designs seriously, more people will take your business seriously, too. Work with a qualified Web designer to receive more visitors and stir up more interest in your business over time.


Did you find this article helpful? Please let me know by leaving me your valued comments in the comments section below.

Related articles:
Beginner Steps For Launching A Website
Mobile-Friendly Site Designing: Things You Shouldn't Be Doing
Five Keys To A Successful Web Design And How You Can Achieve It For Free


If you found this or any of my other posts helpful, don't forget to share the posts to your favourite networks using the toolbar on the left-side of the screen or by using the "Share" buttons located at the bottom of each post.

As ever, if you want to stay up to date with the latest blog posts, don't forget to follow on Facebook and Google+, via Email or by subscribing to our blog feed.

You can also follow me on Twitter @djones1509, Google+ and on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/djones1509
https://www.google.com/+DerekJonesUK

Until my next post, have a great week ahead and thank you for all the support during my absence.

© 2017. This article is DMCA protected. Republication is prohibited.

Finding Perfect Venues For Business Events

Since you are reading this article, you most likely have a business or corporate event coming up and you need to find a suitable location. Business events are nowadays crucial for setting up collaborations, networking, offering awards and education. With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that there are basically hundreds of different venues that you can consider. Many can end up feeling overwhelmed to see such a variety.


Locating Suitable Venue Options

Event success is highly dependent on where it is held. This is a reality that we cannot dismiss. The good news is that the internet can help out a lot. There are always websites that list business venues so that you can see what options are available. For instance, if you live in London, Venue Search London can be used.

Make a list of all the options that seem to be suitable based on the information that you find about them on the internet. Then, try to narrow down your list by looking at events held there in the past and how successful they were.


Questions You Need To Ask

Before you decide to actually consider a business venue location, you need to ask yourself some really important questions. For starters, you need to know what the available budget is for the event. Then, you have to think about how many people will attend and the business outcome that you expect. Based on these questions, you can actually end up making a good list of venues that are suitable. However, things do not stop here.

Questions have to continue and need to be focused on the exact event type that is organized. For instance, do you need to host people for more than one day? Do you need food or entertainment? To put it simple, lay down on paper everything that you imagine your event to need. Then, see if it is possible with the considered venues and if not, try to find some that do. You basically have to think about everything from parking to extra staff needed.


Proper Planning Takes Time

Organizing a successful business event is not something that you do in a week or two. This is especially true when referring to those that require overnight stay or are held for more than one day. It is always a good idea to have a team that is in charge of the entire process and that you plan everything way in advance.

When referring to choosing a suitable business venue, there are many mistakes that are made and unfortunately, in most situations people end up faced with problems that they did not see coming. As a very simple example, let us say that we talk about a conference. A speaker might require projection equipment. Does the venue have this or do you need to rent one? Such questions appear as you organize an event.


Finding A Perfect Business Venue Location

To sum up, we cannot tell you what venue you have to consider since this varies from one business to the other and from one city to the next. However, we can tell you that the most important thing is making sure that the venue can accommodate exactly what you had in mind. Never hurry your research since this is definitely the most important part of the process.

Consider as many venues that seem suitable at first glance as possible. Your initial choices will be based on available budgets but keep in mind that negotiations are sometimes possible. You cannot dismiss a venue before meeting with a representative of the company that owns it. Those meetings are the ones that will actually showcase if you can hold your event there or not.


Did you find this article helpful? Are you planning a business or corporate event? Please let me know by leaving me your valued comments below.

Related articles:
How Easy Is It To Hold A Successful Networking Event?
How To Match A Speaker's Style To The Audience

For more business tips, use this link:
http://www.derekjones.co/search/label/Business%20Tips


If you found this or any of my other posts helpful, don't forget to share the posts to your favourite networks using the toolbar on the left-side of the screen or by using the "+1" and "Share" buttons located at the bottom of each post.

As ever, if you want to stay up to date with the latest blog posts, don't forget to follow via Google Friend Connect (button on sidebar), on NetworkedBlogs, via Email (maximum of one email per day), on Facebook and Google+ or by subscribing to our blog feed at:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DereksHomeAndBusinessBlog

You can also follow me on Twitter @djones1509, Google+ and on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/djones1509
https://www.google.com/+DerekJonesUK

Until my next post at the end of the month on 5 ways you are losing engagement by not using social media for your business, I wish you every success with your business! See you back here on Monday 31st March!

© 2014. This article is DMCA protected. Republication is prohibited.

How To Find The Perfect Balance Between Traditional And Online Marketing

The world's most popular brands can be found both online and offline. At the same time, many small businesses hope to reach a global audience via Internet marketing. Thanks to the modern technology, physical boundaries are no longer a constraint. Business owners and service providers can reach customers from all around the world with a few clicks. However, marketing online means added expenses for many companies. Finding the perfect balance between traditional and digital marketing can be difficult. That's why you need to experiment and try different strategies to see what works best for your business.


The Rise of Online Marketing

Traditional media is on the decline. Most people use the Internet to read news, search for information about their favourite brands, and stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends. Only a few are still buying newspapers and print magazines. Digital marketing has surpassed traditional methods of marketing such as radio and newspaper ads. It makes perfect sense for companies to reach out to their prospects on the Internet.

While direct mail marketing and multi-channel marketing still work, print media has lost its power in today's digital world. Advertising products and services online is more affordable and convenient than paying for radio or TV ads. Commerce is shifting more and more online. Statistics indicate that over 61 percent of Internet users research products over the Internet. Approximately 92 percent of business owners who have blogged several times a day acquired at least one customer through their blog.

Recent studies have shown that 20 percent of customers have purchased something because of ads they saw on Facebook. More than 64 percent of smartphone users are shopping online from their mobile devices. These numbers show how popular Internet marketing is. If you don't promote your small business online, you are missing out on potential clients.


Online vs. Traditional Marketing

Digital marketing offers measurable results and involves lower costs. Business owners have access to a wide range of tools for tracking their online campaigns. They can check the number of clicks through sponsored links and assess the success rate of campaigns through Google Analytics and other programs. These features do not exist in radio or TV advertising. Unless your traditional marketing campaign has a direct call to action, such as "call this number" or "check out this website," there is no way to assess your results in real time.

Whether you use email marketing, social media marketing or SEO, promoting your business online will save you time and money. While it is true that many business owners remain sceptical about using digital marketing, its benefits cannot be denied. People who find your brand online become familiar with your products and develop trust. You can interact with your target audience on social networks, blogs, forums, chat rooms and other online platforms. Sending out tweets or sharing industry news on Facebook is free and can dramatically increase your exposure.

If you want to reach a local audience, you should use both traditional and online marketing. Think about who your customers are, how they buy, and where they go. For example, if you own a clothing store, you can distribute flyers and brochures in your area. At the same time, start a Facebook fan page and then set up a Pinterest account. Share photos of your products, connect with potential clients, and encourage them to visit your clothing store. Offer special deals and promotions to those who "like" your fan page or follow your brand on Twitter.

When you find a balance between digital and traditional marketing, you not only engage your prospects, but also give them a reason to choose your brand. Promoting your business online is one of the best ways to learn more about your customers. The data they leave behind indicates their buying preferences as well as their concerns. Business owners can use this information to assess customer behaviour, request feedback, and improve their products.


Did you find this article helpful? Do you use both online and traditional marketing strategies for your business? Please let me know by leaving me your valued comments below.

Related articles:
Why Online Marketing Is Just As Important As Traditional Marketing
Traditional Marketing vs. Social Media Marketing For Beginners

For more articles on traditional and online marketing, use the following links:
http://www.derekjones.co/search/label/Online%20Marketing
http://www.derekjones.co/search/label/Traditional%20Marketing


If you found this or any of my other posts helpful, don't forget to share the posts to your favourite networks using the toolbar on the left-side of the screen or by using the "+1" and "Share" buttons located at the bottom of each post.

As ever, if you want to stay up to date with the latest blog posts, don't forget to follow via Google Friend Connect (button on sidebar), on NetworkedBlogs, via Email (maximum of one email per day), on Facebook and Google+ or by subscribing to our blog feed at:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DereksHomeAndBusinessBlog

You can also follow me on Twitter @djones1509, Google+ and on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/djones1509
https://www.google.com/+DerekJonesUK

Until my next post on Monday on how Facebook can help your SEO, I wish you every success with your marketing! See you back here on the 17th of March!

© 2014. This article is DMCA protected. Republication is prohibited.

Could Franchising Be The Right Route For You?

Starting a business is an exciting but challenging time and the reality is that over 50% of startups fail within their first year of trading. This can be down to a number of factors including employing a weak business model, poor marketing and a lack of capital.

In contrast, franchises tend to have a far higher success rate than new businesses because they already have a proven business model and a strong marketing plan with a powerful brand behind them. As a result, it's well worth at least finding out a bit more information about franchising and whether or not it could be the right route for you if are considering setting up you own business.


What is a franchise?

If you aren't already familiar with franchising, the idea is quite straightforward; essentially a company grants an individual the right to sell their goods and services in an area and trade under their name. Many high street chains aren't 100% corporately owned and choose to operate franchise models, so it's not something that hasn't been around for a while. Popular franchises include McDonalds, Subway and Cash Converters.


The benefits of starting a franchise

There are a number of benefits to setting up as a franchise, most of which will differ slightly in different models, but generally speaking there are a number of benefits to starting a franchise. Express Accountancy, one of the UK's leading accountancy franchises have come up with the following benefits that being a franchisee can present.

• Raising finance can be easier - One of the toughest things about setting up you own can be raising the finance you need. You can find yourself being turned down by countless banks, even if you think that you have a full proof business model. Many franchisors have strong relationships with lenders and it can often be easier to obtain the required finance as you'll be operating under a proven business model.
  
  
• Franchisor usually handles sales and marketing - Sales and Marketing isn't the easiest thing as a startup, in fact, a lack of any real strategy in this area is a big reason why so many businesses tend to fail in the early stages. However, as a franchise owner, your franchisor will often take care of a lot of this. Say for example you choose to operate an accountancy franchise, the franchisor is likely to have established some successful lead generation channels already and you will benefit from this.
  
  
• A proven business model - Successful and sustainable business models can take years to fine tune and as a startup, you'll need to learn from your mistakes quickly to ensure that you are operating the right model. As a franchise, you'll already be part of a model that has been tried and tested, which means that you can focus more on the day to day running of your business and making it a success, rather than constantly tweaking with operations and processes.
  
  
• Franchisors will help and guide you - It's in the best interests of the franchisor for you to make a success of your franchise and many franchise models include training and unlimited support. Let's go back to that accountancy model, you could be the world's greatest accountant but have no experience of running a business whatsoever, well this is where the franchisor can help. Usually they'll offer training to prepare you for managing your business and if you need any help or guidance along the way they should have support systems in place. You aren't on your own!

Starting your own franchise

The process of starting your own franchise will vary greatly according to which franchise model you decide to adopt. Each franchisor will have different process and expectations of potential franchisees, so make sure you read through the franchisor's prospectus and website to get a better idea of the process from start to finish.

As was mentioned earlier, in terms of raising the finance required for your initial franchise fee and any other costs that need to be covered, make sure that you speak to your franchisor as they may have good relationships with certain lenders if you are struggling to raise the finance yourself.


Is franchising the right route for me?

Only you can answer this question, the facts are there, you get more support with a franchise and they have a higher success rate. However, maybe you are someone who is fascinated by building up a brand and really going it alone. Sit down, weigh up the pros and cons of both and take those initial steps to being your own boss.


Did you find this article helpful? Do you run a franchise business? Please let me know by leaving me your valued comments.

For more business tips, use this link:
http://www.derekjones.co/search/label/Business%20Tips


If you found this or any of my other posts helpful, don't forget to share the posts to your favourite networks using the toolbar on the left-side of the screen or by using the "+1" and "Share" buttons located at the bottom of each post.

As ever, if you want to stay up to date with the latest blog posts, don't forget to follow via Google Friend Connect (button on sidebar), on NetworkedBlogs, via Email (maximum of one email per day), on Facebook and Google+ or by subscribing to our blog feed at:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DereksHomeAndBusinessBlog

You can also follow me on Twitter @djones1509, Google+ and on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/djones1509
https://www.google.com/+DerekJonesUK

Until my next post on Monday with five effortless things business owners can do to boost their social media presence, have a fabulous weekend! See you back here on Monday!

© 2014. This article is DMCA protected. Republication is prohibited.

What Makes Someone A Successful Contractor?

The contracting world can be a very lucrative one; however, it takes a certain type of person to succeed properly as a freelancer.

Contracting is not like full-time employment where you have a set routine for the week. You will be required to adapt to change on a regular basis and as a result of this it is important that you understand what is expected of you as a contractor.


Organisation

Perhaps the most important of all contractor traits is your ability to organise and manage your time. Working for yourself means having the ability to keep yourself on task and on time is very important.


Reliable and responsible

As a contractor the work you do is a reflection of yourself. You have been asked to take care of a project in a certain amount of time and it is your job to get it done in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Freelancing is not like the normal world of work, there is no one else to hide behind. If things are not going as they should, you will be solely responsible for this. As well as this, if a client is not happy with your work or the way you handle yourself then chances are you could lose the contract.

Not only does this mean you miss out on the earnings of the current job, but you may also find it difficult to find your next contract if you gain a reputation as being unreliable.


Adaptability

This is another crucial trait that a successful contractor must have. Depending on your line of work you may be required to visit numerous different sites and therefore familiarise yourself with new ways of working as fast as possible.


Personable

Moving from site to site will mean that you often work with many different people, therefore being personable is very important. The relationship you build with your client over a short period of time can not only help you in terms of your current contract, but it will ensure you get the best possible reference from that client when the project is over. Remember, as a contractor you must always keep some focus on your next job.


Networking skills

A good contractor must be able to network properly in order to forge new working links. The broader your network of contacts the easier it will be to find work and secure new contracts. Having a strong influence in your professional circle can also help you build a successful career in contracting.


Know what you want

Focus is essential for a successful freelancer. Knowing what your goals are and how to achieve them can help you to carry out your assignment in a fast and efficient manner.

Outside of your contract it is also necessary to have an idea about how you want to work. For example, will you choose to work through a limited company or an umbrella company? For those asking what is an umbrella company? These are the types of questions you must consider if you are to become a successful contractor.


Did you like this article? Please let me know by leaving me your valued comments in the comments section below.


If you found this or any of my other posts helpful, don't forget to share the posts to your favourite networks using the toolbar on the left-side of the screen or by using the "+1" and "Share" buttons located at the bottom of each post.

As ever, if you want to stay up to date with the latest blog posts, don't forget to follow via Google Friend Connect (button on sidebar), on NetworkedBlogs, via Email (maximum of one email per day), on Facebook and Google+ or by subscribing to our blog feed at:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DereksHomeAndBusinessBlog

You can also follow me on Twitter @djones1509, Google+ and on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/djones1509
https://www.google.com/+DerekJonesUK

Until my next post on Friday with information about franchising and whether or not it could be the right route for you, enjoy the rest of the week! See you back here on Friday!

© 2014. This article is DMCA protected. Republication is prohibited.

Leverage Infographics To Drive Content Marketing Success

Digital marketing has always been a fast-moving industry, starting as the result of ubiquitous Internet use and evolving amid a perpetually shifting consumer landscape. One of the arenas within modern advertising throughout the past several years that is particularly indicative of this trend has been content marketing, which started as just a simple process of publishing keyword-rich content and blossomed into one of the most popular ways in which companies cement themselves as thought leaders.

The biggest changes have undoubtedly related to quality and targeting, but now content marketing is beginning to converge with visual advertising efforts. Studies consistently find that images, infographics and videos can drive engagement with content, and further improve a firm's brand recognition, as well as its ability to reach new prospects through Internet channels.


Infographics have an impact

Regardless of which channel or method a business is using to enrich its digital marketing strategy, the best practices are fairly consistent. However, the real challenge is ensuring that all efforts work in orchestra toward brand goals and maintain a consistent, educated and unique voice that resonates with readers.

Here are some of the benefits of supporting marketing content with infographics:

• Bite-sized knowledge: The average attention span of adults in the United States and abroad continues to decrease, as one study published by the National Center for Biotechnology found this figure was at 12 seconds in 2000, dropping to 8 seconds in 2013. As such, infographics - when well made - can help capture and retain the attention of target consumers.
  
  
• Readability: The best infographics will always have a distinctive flow that takes the viewer from one information point to another in a structured and rapid fashion. Just as content marketing articles and blogs now must include lists, subheadings and other features that drive the ability to scan, infographics are founded on this ideal outcome.
  
  
• Shareability: As many digital marketers have learned in the past several years, the most successful advertisements will be shared by users autonomously. Twitter has stated that tweets with images are 94 percent more likely to be retweeted, and why not make the pictures themselves entirely informational?

The current trends in content marketing that relate to the popularity of infographics show no signs of slowing, and business leaders would do well to hop aboard this profitable wave.


What to consider when planning infographics

Alignment should always be the highest priority when starting to roll out a new marketing strategy, as the sheer novelty of the methods can quickly hinder brand consistency. The simplest way to ensure infographic efforts are intrinsically tied to the brand voice is to line them up with content marketing efforts, allowing one to support the other.

One might think that an infographic, or video, would simply expunge the need for written content, but this is not the case. Rather, users and consumers are looking for a comprehensive experience that includes a variety of mediums and channels. As such, content marketers should begin putting more focus into the creation and delivery of engaging infographics to accompany their blogs and other writing.


Did you like this article? Do you use infographics as part of your marketing strategy? Please let me know by leaving me your valued comments.

For more marketing tips, use this link:
http://www.derekjones.co/search/label/Marketing%20Tips


If you found this or any of my other posts helpful, don't forget to share the posts to your favourite networks using the toolbar on the left-side of the screen or by using the "+1" and "Share" buttons located at the bottom of each post.

As ever, if you want to stay up to date with the latest blog posts, don't forget to follow via Google Friend Connect (button on sidebar), on NetworkedBlogs, via Email (maximum of one email per day), on Facebook and Google+ or by subscribing to our blog feed at:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DereksHomeAndBusinessBlog

You can also follow me on Twitter @djones1509, Google+ and on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/djones1509
https://www.google.com/+DerekJonesUK

Until my next post on Wednesday on what makes someone a successful freelancer/contractor, have a great and productive week ahead! See you back here on Wednesday!

© 2014. This article is DMCA protected. Republication is prohibited.

5 Ways To Make Your Small Business More Efficient

Today's small business marketplace remains extremely competitive. Gaining an edge requires savvy business owners to adopt smart practices that transform their operations through implementation of more efficient, cost effective solutions. Here are five ways to maximize the efficiency of nearly any small business.


Take advantage of cloud computing

There are a lot of online resources for file sharing, document creation, project management, and team collaboration. Consider exploring the potential of useful tools like Google Docs, Box.com, Asana, or Co-op. This is especially helpful for small businesses that work with telecommuting team members.


Cross-train team members

Create a flexible and efficient team through cross-training. It's no surprise that many small business colleagues wear multiple hats. Capitalize on this by thoughtfully considering the roles that each team member fulfills and cut potential for down-time associated with absences or overloaded workflow.


Use modern tools to better manage time

Time management is critical for small business owners. Current technology provides a range of useful tools that make this even easier. For people using an iPhone, the calendar function is a great resource for tracking scheduled appointments and tasks. In many cases, it's possible to connect a personal calendar with an online resource, like Google Calendar, for flexible access from any device or computer. There are also many great apps in the iPhone App Store for tracking project time, invoicing, and more.


Take advantage of flexible office space

Currently, there are many small business owners working from home offices. For many of these professionals, there is no need for a full-time office space and the expensive overhead that comes with such an investment. However, there are times when choosing serviced offices to rent makes sense. Flexible office space presents the perfect solution for high-profile business meetings or even basic team meetings within a functional work space.


Create an organized system to manage customers and documents

It's important to keep business documents and customer records well-organized. There are many affordable customer relationship management (CRM) solutions that greatly help with documenting account history, improving process workflow, and even tracking leads that convert to sales. Research helpful software solutions like Act!, Salesforce.com, or Infusionsoft for more information.

As Internet capabilities expand, owners will find even more ways to make businesses more productive. Innovative resources such as cloud computing, serviced offices to rent, and modern time management tools will continue to deliver efficiency solutions for smart companies now, and in the future.


Did you find this article helpful? Please let me know by leaving me your valued comments.

Related articles:
How To Best Increase Efficiency And Profitability In Your Business

For more business tips, use this link:
http://www.derekjones.co/search/label/Business%20Tips


If you found this or any of my other posts helpful, don't forget to share the posts to your favourite networks using the toolbar on the left-side of the screen or by using the "+1" and "Share" buttons located at the bottom of each post.

As ever, if you want to stay up to date with the latest blog posts, don't forget to follow via Google Friend Connect (button on sidebar), on NetworkedBlogs, via Email (maximum of one email per day), on Facebook and Google+ or by subscribing to our blog feed at:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DereksHomeAndBusinessBlog

You can also follow me on Twitter @djones1509, Google+ and on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/djones1509
https://www.google.com/+DerekJonesUK

Until my next post on Thursday on top personal skills that will stand you in good stead in business, have a great and productive week ahead!

© 2014. This article is DMCA protected. Republication is prohibited.

The Essential Guide To Small Business Insurance

More than 40 percent of employers have frozen new employee hirings, anticipating increased insurance costs from Obamacare, according to a Gallup poll commissioned by the employment law firm Littler Mendelson. But many businesses do not realize health care is only one of the insurance concerns facing them. The Small Business Administration (SBA) advises entrepreneurs of the other types of insurance that may be required, depending on the industry, location and lender's requirements.

Even when business insurance is not legally required, it may be advisable to protect the best interests of a company and its owners or partners. Get familiar with these insurance options to help you avoid financial and legal problems stemming from being underinsured:


Employee Insurance

Does the new Affordable Care Act require your company to provide your employees with health insurance? Strictly speaking, the answer is no, but you may face penalties if you are a larger employer and do not make certain levels of insurance available. For penalties to kick in, you must have the equivalent of at least 50 full-time employees. If this applies, possible penalties vary depending on your specifics. If you do not provide coverage, and at least one employee receives a premium tax credit or cost sharing subsidy in an exchange, you may owe a penalty. If you do provide coverage, you must offer specific minimum levels of coverage to avoid penalties.

State laws generally require you to carry worker's compensation if you have W2 employees. This protects you if an employee gets injured on the job.


Liability Insurance

Some small business owners incorporate as limited liability companies to protect themselves, not realizing that this is not the same as having liability insurance. Business liability insurance comes in a number of forms. General liability insurance protects you and your employees against claims of accidents, injuries or negligence. This protects you against payments involving bodily injury, medical expenses, property damage, damage to reputations and legal fees. As a rule, most businesses should carry general liability insurance, even home-based businesses.

Depending on your business model, you may need other forms of liability insurance. Product liability insurance protects you against claims involving items you sell that cause bodily harm. The service equivalent is professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, which protects you against claims of malpractice, errors or negligence.


Commercial Property Insurance

The business counterpart to home insurance, commercial property insurance, guards you against losses related to events such as fire, floods and crime. Commercial property insurance can cover a wide range of disasters, or it can be peril-specific. Remember to insure your company cars, too.


Home-Based Business Insurance

Some entrepreneurs who work from home may not realize their personal insurance does not cover their business. Specialized home-based business insurance can insure you against losses related to your work.


Did you find this article helpful? Please let me know by leaving me your valued comments in the comments section below.

For more business tips, use this link:
http://www.derekjones.co/search/label/Business%20Tips


If you found this or any of my other posts helpful, don't forget to share the posts to your favourite networks using the toolbar below or by using the "+1" and "Share" buttons located at the bottom of each post.

As ever, if you want to stay up to date with the latest blog posts, don't forget to follow via Google Friend Connect (button on sidebar), on NetworkedBlogs, via Email (maximum of one email per day), on Facebook and Google+ or by subscribing to our blog feed at:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DereksHomeAndBusinessBlog

You can also follow me on Twitter @djones1509, Google+ and on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/djones1509
https://www.google.com/+DerekJonesUK

Until my next post, have a fabulous and fun-filled weekend!

© 2013. This article is DMCA protected. Republication is prohibited.

How Twitter Can Help Your SEO

Twitter is a useful tool for assisting with SEO efforts. Considered a micro blogging platform, Twitter is one of the most popular social media sites. With such a large network of Twitter members it is the perfect place to concentrate on SEO. Here are some ways that Twitter helps.


Social Signals

Twitter sends out social signals that become visible in the search algorithm for Google. The social signs can help a website rank higher than it may have otherwise. A greater number of social signs place a greater level of importance on a website, which sends it shooting to the top of Google search results. This goes a long way in helping a website's SEO efforts.

Tweeting in order to build up SEO involves doing a few specific things.


Memorable and Impressive Account Name

Every Twitter user has a profile on the website. If a company is trying to step up their SEO efforts they will want to make sure that the account name they choose is one that people will remember. A good rule of thumb is to choose some kind of variation of the company's name. This variation should be related to what people are most likely to type into a search engine bar when looking for a company.


Insert Backlinks Strategically

While not every tweet a company sends out should include a link back to their website, some of the tweets should. It is crucial to make sure a company is not including their link in their tweets either too often or not often enough. The tweets that do include a link to the company's website will almost always drive an increased amount of traffic to the website.


Include Useful Keywords

When a company sends out a tweet they should make every effort to include a relevant keyword or key phrase into the beginning of the tweet. Since tweets are limited to a maximum of 140 characters, users must choose their words carefully. The shorter a tweet, the more effective it is likely to be. Shorter tweets are also easier for others to respond to or to re-tweet. In many cases when someone re-tweets they want to include words of their own in the re-tweet. This means that the original tweet needs to leave enough room for characters for people to be able to add their own thoughts.


Interaction with Consumers

For companies to be successful it is helpful to interact with their followers on Twitter. Commenting on and re-tweeting the tweets a company's followers post makes them feel like the company cares about them. The more friendly and approachable a company appears to be, the more people will want to give the company their business. Tweeting new website content to a company's followers encourages them to keep visiting the website, which helps greatly with SEO efforts.

These are just some of the ways that Twitter can help companies with their SEO efforts. Twitter is a valuable tool to use.


About The Author: Simon Brisk is the head of manual outreach at Click Intelligence, a search marketing agency based in London, Bristol and Cheltenham. Simon writes about search marketing tips, step by step guides and his experience in the field of online marketing.

Did you find this article helpful? Please let me know by leaving me your valued comments in the comments section below.

For a full list of helpful articles on SEO, use the following links:
http://www.derekjones.co/search/label/SEO
http://www.derekjones.co/search/label/SEO%20Tips


If you found this or any of my other posts helpful, don't forget to share the posts to your favourite networks using the toolbar below or by using the "+1" and "Share" buttons located at the bottom of each post.

As ever, if you want to stay up to date with the latest blog posts, don't forget to follow via Google Friend Connect (button on sidebar), on NetworkedBlogs, via Email (maximum of one email per day), on Facebook and Google+ or by subscribing to our blog feed at:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DereksHomeAndBusinessBlog

You can also follow me on Twitter @djones1509, Google+ and on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/djones1509
https://plus.google.com/104849975941505117776

Until my next post on Friday with the essential guide to small business insurance, enjoy the rest of the week! See you back here on Friday!

© 2013. This article is DMCA protected. Republication is prohibited.

It's A Dog Eat Dog World: Five Pieces Of Advice They Don't Teach You In Business School

Going to college to get a degree in business can help you tremendously in the future. Potential employers may look at your educational history and place importance on the school that you attended. However, business school isn't the only place that you'll learn valuable life lessons. Whether you are in the boardroom or on the sales floor, here are five pieces of advice that they don't teach you in business school, but that you'll probably end up using in the professional world.


Promise The World, and Do Your Best to Come Through

When you are in college, it can seem a bit scary to go out on a limb and over extend yourself and your promises. However, in the real world, it is important to make sure that people know you are confident in yourself and that you have lofty expectations. If you make plans for yourself that are over the top, other people will see your desire and commitment to be successful. And when you complete your task, people will be amazed by all of your work and effort.


Step Up to the Plate

With every profession in life, the people that succeed are those that are willing to step up and lead. In college, you may feel expected to play fair and give an equal amount of work to other students. But in the business world, it's important to put yourself ahead of others and be confident in yourself to get things done. If you want to set yourself apart, you need to do the things that others will not.


If You Can't Find the Problem, It May Be You

Have you ever been in a group project in college where you keep pointing fingers at someone who isn't pulling their weight, but they seem to be oblivious to their lack of contribution? Well, the same happens in the business world. If you keep finding issues or problems with something that you are doing, but you can't pinpoint the root of the problem, it may be time to evaluate yourself. Once you realize that you may be the reason for the problem, it's much easier to begin working towards a solution.


Be Clear

In business school, you will probably learn a lot of jargon that may sound good on paper, but that does not work when used in the business world. When working with a new group of people or advertising to the masses, make sure that everyone understands your message and that there is no confusion. Just remember, the real world isn't a thesis statement that is graded by your professor, it's a message that is being understood by your peers. For example, a dentist should not be using technical terms when describing their procedures, but they should use simple ideas and words that can be understood by everyone. This can be a difficult task; however, a dental advertising service can help with this process.


Always Come Through

In the real world, no matter what your profession is, your word is your reputation. In business school, you can get away with saying you are sick and need an extra day to complete a paper. In the real world, this simply will not work, since others will be relying on your work. If you promise something, or are simply expected to do something, be sure that you do it.

You are sure to learn a lot of great lessons in business school, but there are some things that you simply will need to discover on your own.


Did you like this article? Please let me know by leaving me your valued comments in the comments section below.

For more business tips, use this link:
http://www.derekjones.co/search/label/Business%20Tips


If you found this or any of my other posts helpful, don't forget to share the posts to your favourite networks using the toolbar below or by using the "+1" and "Share" buttons located at the bottom of each post.

As ever, if you want to stay up to date with the latest blog posts, don't forget to follow via Google Friend Connect (button on sidebar), on NetworkedBlogs, via Email (maximum of one email per day), on Facebook and Google+ or by subscribing to our blog feed at:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DereksHomeAndBusinessBlog

You can also follow me on Twitter @djones1509, Google+ and on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/djones1509
https://plus.google.com/104849975941505117776

Until my next post on Wednesday on how Twitter can help your SEO, have a great and productive week ahead! See you back here on Wednesday!

© 2013. This article is DMCA protected. Republication is prohibited.

Online Security For The Small Business: What's The Score?

Any small business will already understand the importance of online security - if not for their employees and themselves, but for the business itself. Imagine being on the receiving end of a hack which results in personal details being released, or a virus that knocks your computer network for six. The problem with some small business owners is they are a little too complacent, with the mind-set of:

"Oh, I'll sort that later, it's an expense I could do without and it won't happen to me anyway."

While it's natural for any business to analyse their spending and cut back on unnecessary investments, online security isn't one of those commodities that can be forgotten about. Even with the economic climate the way it is, there are some things that are worth investing in and protecting your assets is one of them.

Recent research by the internet security giant, Symantec, has found that there has been a significant shift in website threats for small businesses to be a little more concerned than usual. While in previous years, chances of being targeted over larger, more lucrative businesses has been circumstantial but Part 1 of a new Symantec Infographic has shown that this is no longer the case. Nowadays, there have been more and more targeted attacks aimed at small and medium businesses rather than larger enterprises, highlighting the importance of online security, regardless of how many employees you have.

This infographic also mentioned the alarming statistic regarding security breaches - 12% were found to come from within a company's network, implying that you need to protect against third parties from outside and inside your network. The infographic also informed us that there has been a 13% increase in SME attacks in 2012, compared with 2011.

Part 2 of the infographic includes snippets of information about the current phishing trends, including a phenomenal increase in social media phishing. This highlights the importance for online security and diligence within small business setting, especially one which utilises social media networks to their advantage. It's also important to ensure your employees stay at the top of their game and are careful about what they click on when browsing the internet and social media sites during any downtime.

Owners of small businesses shouldn't ignore the importance of online security, investing in anti-virus software and network protection wherever possible. In an age where almost every business has an online presence, we will only see malicious activity rise - don't fall victim to it.


Did you like this article? Please let me know by leaving me your valued comments in the comments section below.

Related articles:
Must-Remember Tips In Securing Your Corporate Social Media Accounts
Spear-Phishing On Twitter: How Not To Become The Catch Of The Day


If you found this or any of my other posts helpful, don't forget to share the posts to your favourite networks using the toolbar below or by using the "+1" and "Share" buttons located at the bottom of each post.

As ever, if you want to stay up to date with the latest blog posts, don't forget to follow via Google Friend Connect (button on sidebar), on NetworkedBlogs, via Email (maximum of one email per day), on Facebook and Google+ or by subscribing to our blog feed at:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DereksHomeAndBusinessBlog

You can also follow me on Twitter @djones1509, Google+ and on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/djones1509
https://plus.google.com/104849975941505117776

Until my next post on Wednesday on using FAQ pages for content creation, have a great and productive week ahead! See you back here on Wednesday!

© 2013. This article is DMCA protected. Republication is prohibited.

Q & A: What To Consider When Setting Up A Home Business

Many people dream of working from home to enjoy a greater work/life balance, avoid the daily commute and experience a more relaxed business setting. If you're about to embark on a home-based venture, read our helpful question and answer guide for inspiration.


Q - How much does it cost?

A - The cost of setting up a home business varies greatly depending on your industry. If your work will be computer-based, you might need to pay for a professional website to be set up, invest in a special desk and an ergonomic chair and pay for things like a business phone line, broadband, virus protection and promotional goods like business cards.

If you're planning to make things, you might need extra space, a workbench, special lighting and equipment. You'll also need to pay to register your company name and might need to pay for business banking services if you want to set up a dedicated account. Other costs to take into account include utility bills, subscriptions to unions and potential insurance costs.


Q - How much room will I need?

A - Again, the amount of space you'll need will depend on what it is you want to do. You might have a spare bedroom or a box room you could convert into a home office, or a shed or garage where you could set up a workbench and store any equipment. You could find setting up only requires a corner of your home with a small laptop table and chair squeezed in, and some stylish metal shelving for storing your paperwork. Take a look at storage supplies for your business at BigDug.co.uk.


Q - Will I need insurance?

A - If customers will be visiting your home or if you'll be travelling to them, you might need to make sure you have insurance to cover accidents or claims that arise from your dealing with clients directly. You'll need to make sure your property is safe and check for any hazards or risks. Public liability insurance can give you financial protection in these situations.

You may also need to amend your contents insurance to cover your equipment, and also take out buildings insurance depending on the type of business you'll run. An alternative is to invest in a specialist policy for home businesses.


Q - Do I need permission?

A - If you want to start your own business, you might need permission from a number of people first. If you already work for a company but want to set up your business on the side, you may need to check your contract or speak to your boss to ensure you can do so. Some contracts have clauses that specify that you can't set up in competition while you're working for the company, or enter into additional employment. However, it's worth asking someone directly as the firm may be happy for you to run your own business and give you written permission to do so.

Another person you may need to check with is your landlord if you live in rented accommodation or your mortgage provider if you're paying back a home loan. If your business doesn't require changes to the property or visits from clients, you may find your plans can go ahead without any problems. However, if you want to alter the building or start taking visits you may have some negotiating to do.


Did you find this article helpful? Please let me know by leaving me your valued comments in the comments section below.

Related articles:
Get A Head Start On The Holidays With A Home-Based eBay Business
The Business Of Pleasure: Profiting From Your Hobbies

For more business tips, use this link:
http://www.derekjones.co/search/label/Business%20Tips


If you found this or any of my other posts helpful, don't forget to share the posts to your favourite networks using the toolbar below or by using the "+1" and "Share" buttons located at the bottom of each post.

As ever, if you want to stay up to date with the latest blog posts, don't forget to follow via Google Friend Connect (button on sidebar), on NetworkedBlogs, via Email (maximum of one email per day), on Facebook and Google+ or by subscribing to our blog feed at:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DereksHomeAndBusinessBlog

You can also follow me on Twitter @djones1509, Google+ and on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/djones1509
https://plus.google.com/104849975941505117776

Until my next post tomorrow on the topic of commerce journalism aka affiliate marketing, enjoy the rest of your day! See you back here tomorrow!

© 2013. This article is DMCA protected. Republication is prohibited.

Get A Head Start On The Holidays With A Home-Based eBay Business

It's only September but a slice of American consumers already have an eye on holiday shopping this year. A survey by RetailMeNot.com found that 10 percent of consumers interviewed said they were starting their holiday shopping before November. If you run a home-based eBay business or are thinking about starting one, now is the time to get a jump on the holiday shopping season.


Look Like a Business

EBay is a competitive landscape with thousands of others selling online just like you. Whether you're selling a few items or managing a large inventory (more on that later), you want an image that looks professional. Most of this starts at your auction template - essentially the design behind your online store. EBay gives a tutorial on creating and managing auction templates or third-party companies like Page Mage will create and manage templates for roughly $5 per month.


Inventory and Shipping

You should have a scope on your inventory before listing that first item. Listing a low amount of items (30 or fewer) is manageable without the help of extra software or auction management companies, but anything more than 50 might get overwhelming. Companies like Auctiva manage an unlimited number of listings for about $15 per month, a necessary opportunity cost if you want to sell big for the holiday season.

Shipping expenses could be one of your biggest financial downfalls if not properly handled. Miscalculating shipping costs can add up to a small amount per auction, but combined that loss can be devastating. Services like USPS will send you free boxes for shipping so long you use their priority service. Enterprise address software can help manage large-inventory shipments and cut down on shipping times, which is crucial for positive feedback and seller ratings since timeliness is a touchy subject around the holiday season.


Use 'Buy It Now'

Driving up an auction price is a great way to earn the most on each listing, but most shoppers want the same convenience they'd find on a retail site like Amazon. "Buy It Now" gives shoppers the ability to click once and be done with it, and it's an instant payment in your account. Every item you list should have a "Buy It Now" price that competes with the market price in other online stores.


Create a Social Presence

Don't just rely on shoppers to stumble upon your listings - create a brand for yourself. Social media is a power tool when it comes to marketing and turning a small business into a brand. Leverage a few of these networks to complete the social circle and draw more customers to your listings.

• Create a Pinterest account and "pin" images of your products as they go on sale.
• Use Twitter to connect with others and share stories behind the items you sell - start a conversation.
• Create a Facebook page to post listings and invite others to comment and share feedback.
• Join a Google+ community that relates to the type of items you typically sell. Most communities allow for some self-promotion.

Start Today

A lot of your competition is still riding the wave from summer sales. Take advantage by starting your holiday sales while the rest are wrapping up for Halloween.


Did you find this article helpful? Please let me know by leaving me your valued comments in the comments section below.

Related articles:
Using A Blog To Promote Your eBay Store

For more business tips plus helpful articles on marketing your business on social media, use the following links:
http://www.derekjones.co/search/label/Business%20Tips
http://www.derekjones.co/search/label/Social%20Media%20Marketing


If you found this or any of my other posts helpful, don't forget to share the posts to your favourite networks using the toolbar below or by using the "+1" and "Share" buttons located at the bottom of each post.

As ever, if you want to stay up to date with the latest blog posts, don't forget to follow via Google Friend Connect (button on sidebar), on NetworkedBlogs, via Email (maximum of one email per day), on Facebook and Google+ or by subscribing to our blog feed at:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/DereksHomeAndBusinessBlog

You can also follow me on Twitter @djones1509, Google+ and on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/djones1509
https://plus.google.com/104849975941505117776

Until my next post tomorrow on what to consider when setting up a home business, enjoy the rest of your day! See you back here tomorrow!

© 2013. This article is DMCA protected. Republication is prohibited.