All business leaders, and the businesses they manage for that matter, have strengths. These strengths are known as ‘core competencies,’ that is the mainline tasks, priorities, and unique selling points you offer as a firm.
So for example, you may imagine that a dairy farm is excellent at farming, harvesting, providing a good yield, crafting dairy products, and shipping those products to business-to-business clients or customers.
Their core competencies may not involve marketing. As such, they may use outsourced aid to craft a marketing package and develop their branding properly. Would it be prudent for them to generate a marketing department? Perhaps not, this may only become necessary if they grow to a point where structuring this in-house core competency would be essential.
However, not everything can be outsourced perfectly to another department we may a healthy sum to. Sometimes, we have to find a solution in-house, freeing up time to do so outside of our core competencies. But how can that be achieved? Let’s consider that below:
Effective, Simple To Operate Security Systems
Security is an approach we should focus on, of course, but it might not be that your modest business can really justify hiring a private security firm to watch every element of your business 24/7. This is why essential integrations like Access Control Systems can help you gate access, make certain that security is assured, and also seamlessly integrate those measures so your business is easily secured and operable by its staff. Effective, simple, and easy-to-operate security systems mean that safety and security doesn’t have to be a provision you half-focus on, but a worthwhile element of your daily operation – integrated properly.
Booked Training Days
Booking dedicated training days as an essential element of your core staff onboarding and training refresh should be factored-in to your general staff development measure. Sure, this might cost money and time, but it reduces staff turnover, allows you to hire internally for promotional positions, and grants you the chance to switch up the working year for your most cherished employees. Not to mention onboarding them on courses can bring all kinds of skills, like teaching public speaking, renewed compliance measures, or integrating a business-wide approach to cybersecurity.
Software Implements
Software that saves time and money will always be something to appreciate, even if it can feel as though an automated option takes the power out of your hands. So for example – site-wide cloud storage and communicative platform, like Google Workspace to use a major platform example, can help you keep all of the disparate communications and terminals unified as one. In some cases, integrating booking, ordering or client-handling software can help you provide a seamless and better experience for those who interact with your firm. This easy formatting and portable use can save your staff time, too, which again enables yu a more focused approach towards your core competencies.
With this advice, you’re sure to free up the time to focus outside of your core competencies going forward – and you’re more likely to see the benefit as a result..
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Taxi businesses provide an essential service to communities all over the world. Whether it’s getting people to and from work, taking them to appointments, or helping them get home safely after a night out, taxis play a vital role in keeping cities moving. If you’re thinking of starting your own taxi business, or you’re already running one and looking to improve your operations, then check out these top tips.
1. Know Your Local Market
The first step to proper success is understanding your local market. What are the demographics of the area you’re operating in? What is the average income? What is the demand for taxis like? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you to target your marketing efforts and make sure that your business is meeting the needs of your local market.
2. Invest in Quality Vehicles
Investing in quality vehicles is essential for any taxi business. Not only do you truly need to make sure that your vehicles are comfortable and safe for your passengers, but you also need to ensure that they’re reliable and easy to maintain. Investing in quality vehicles will help to keep your running costs down and make sure that your business is providing a high-quality service. You can find quality vehicles online at sites like cabdirect.com but make sure you do your research and compare prices before making a purchase.
3. Hire Quality Drivers
Your drivers are always the face of your business, so it’s important that you only hire drivers who are courteous, professional, and reliable. Make sure you carry out thorough and specific background checks on all your drivers and only hire those who have a clean driving record. It’s also a good idea to invest in some driver training to make sure that your drivers are up to date on the latest driving regulations.
4. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Technology can also really help you to streamline your operations and make your business more efficient. There are several apps and software programs available that can help you to dispatch drivers, track vehicles, and take payments. Investing in the latest technology will help you to improve your service and make your business more successful. In the end, happy customers are honestly the best advertisement for any business.
5. Focus on Customer Service
Your passengers are the people who keep your business running, so you must focus on providing an excellent level of customer service. Make sure your drivers are friendly and helpful and that your vehicles are clean and comfortable. If you can provide high-quality customer service, then you’ll be sure to attract repeat business. Also, don’t forget to ask your passengers for feedback so that you can constantly improve your service.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your taxi business will be a success. Just remember to always put your customers first and focus on providing an excellent level of service. The rest will follow. Also, make sure you keep up with the latest industry news so that you can stay ahead of the competition. Good luck.
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The world of work has been irrevocably changed, and we’re unlikely to ever see a return to full-time office life ever again. But with every adaptation comes a new set of challenges, and when you’re moving from office to home during the week, the lines between your personal and working life can become blurred. It’s important to retain the right level of professionalism when you’re working, but that can be hard to do when you’re working from home.
So how do you ensure that your interactions with colleagues and clients are as professional as they would be if you were in the office?
Use the right channels of communication
When you’re in the office, you can pop by someone’s desk or catch them on the way to a meeting to discuss that task or project. But when you’re all working remotely, it’s easy to let the channels of communication fall by the wayside.
Since remote working often means flexible hours and asynchronous communication, ask your colleagues how they’d like to be communicated with, so you can be sure you’re reaching them on channels they’ll check regularly. It ensures that everyone can be reached easily, but that boundaries are in place to avoid feeling like you have to be connected on every platform 24/7.
Foster inclusivity
Building a fairer workplace is the responsibility of everyone involved, but it can be complicated when you’re working as part of a hybrid team. Inclusivity is the key to driving employee performance and making everyone feel valued and part of the team, so you need to be sure that you’re not treating remote employees as lesser than those working in the office.
Rules are important to ensure that everyone is working on a level playing field and to create a fair team environment. So every member of the team needs to be clear on what’s permitted and what isn’t, so there’s not one set of rules for one group and another for everyone else, and has the opportunity to weigh in and offer opinions before decisions are made.
Check in regularly
Make sure that your colleagues know that you’re on hand to answer questions or queries when they need you to, or even that you’re available to discuss a project or brainstorm ideas when a fresh perspective is needed.
It’s easy to feel as though you’re in your own little bubble when you’re working remotely, but you need to be accessible to your team and flexible to their needs just as you would be in the office. Hiding away at home and dodging emails or group messages is unprofessional and your team dynamic can suffer as a result of it. What’s more, it can mean that your colleagues are left doing more work to make up the difference. Make sure that you’re regularly checking in, responding to requests in a timely manner and being the proactive team member that you would be if you were in the office.
Define goals and expectations
Goal setting is essential to successful remote working, since you have the freedom to work when and how you want when you’re not in the office — and that can often mean you veer off track. You need to have structure and goals in place to keep you moving in the right direction and ensure you’re staying productive, for your own purposes and for the benefit of the business. Remote employees can easily lose sight of the bigger picture, so it’s important to have those common objectives and clear expectations in place so that everyone stays engaged.
Goals are also vital to helping employees stay connected. This structure helps reduce the stress caused by a lack of purpose, where people in the team don’t know what they’re supposed to be working on. Everyone knows what they’re doing on any given day, and they can feel more engaged in the process.
Hybrid working has been adopted by businesses in many industries, but there are still teething issues to overcome, as with any new way of working. To really thrive as a hybrid employee and work productively, it’s important to stay professional and remember that location aside, you still need to maintain the same standards as you did pre-remote working.
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Selecting a business consultant who meets your needs as a company can be challenging. It’s critical to know where to start and to go step by step until you find the perfect fit. Whether you’re seeking assistance with high-level strategy requirements or a specialized, problem-solving expert to enhance your SEO or product-sourcing operation, here are a few tips to guide you.
1. Use the Networks You Already Have
Using your current networks can speed up the search for a business or management consultant. Generic evaluations or reviews are less trustworthy than a referral from a coworker, partner, or another business owner who was in a comparable situation. Inquire with your contacts to find out if they know of any specialists in the area who can help with your particular issue.
2. Look Into Specialized Markets
Check out specialized online marketplaces that can help you find consultants by area, topic, and budget. There are plenty of helpful websites. Use social media sites like LinkedIn to expand your search. Usually, a consultant’s expertise can be determined by how many referrals they have received. Look closely at the top results after searching for terms associated with your problem.
3. Ask Questions
Do not be afraid to ask questions about your consultant’s experience, methodology, and—most importantly—the results of their consulting work. Your consultant may give you a unique perspective on the long-term effects of adopting their recommendations. They help you look beyond the immediate benefits.
4. Ask About Their Background and Credentials
Examine the consultant’s résumé, education history, and industry-specific credentials. If they are eager to research new learning opportunities and update their skills, that’s a positive indicator. Ask about their practical experience. Do they know anything more than you if they are a consultant who just graduated from college? Consider seeking advisors who have effectively owned or managed small firms, large corporations, or relevant departments.
Make sure their background relates to your industry. Even though a former bank CEO may seem impressive, do they have the skills and background necessary to make your cupcake shop a successful small business? They might, but this consultant might be a better fit if your company is also looking at a former restaurant owner who now earns a living helping small eateries grow. Look for experts who have experience with firms and your industry.
5. Check Out Their Track Record
You want a consultant who has succeeded with businesses similar to yours, not just one with the necessary experience. Request references and ask for the consultant’s portfolio or list of the companies they have worked with. Find a consultant with experience in growing businesses that are very similar to yours or helping businesses overcome the types of issues you are facing. You can then get in touch with those firms to find out if they were happy with the consultant’s services.
6. Create a Contract
Once you have the right person for the job, you must ensure that you have a defensive contract. A good contract must entail the following:
The start and end dates
Work and payment milestones
The consultant’s activities in detail
The level of support after the end of your engagement
Reasons to void the contract
Options to extend your contract
If you’re looking for a business consultant, take advantage of the above tips to find the right one. While there are many options in the industry, they aren’t always suitable for you. You must research before signing a contract.
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You know who you are. You are an entrepreneur. A great idea has taken hold, and you cannot shake it off. The realization that you are onto something big has begun to set in. Now it is time to innovate and ideate to create something special – a company of your own. To move towards a profitable endeavor, however, you will need to find your helpers and partners to grow, especially at the outset. Here are some tips to help you get started on your path to great things.
Outsource What You Can
When you are just starting your business you probably do not have a lot, if any, employees other than yourself. Perhaps you have a business partner. Regardless, you are not in the position to tackle it all by yourself. There simply is not enough time in one day to do everything required of you. In addition, you need to have specific skill sets to accomplish certain tasks. Do not fret, however, there is a multitude of tasks you can outsource to professionals. Here are a few:
Payroll – As you are expanding your business, you will be adding employees to your staff. You know that you need to pay them, of course, but do you know the intricacies of payroll taxes, IRS forms, Social Security Administration rules, and withholdings, to name a few? If the answer is no, then your solution is to engage in payroll outsourcing. Payroll outsourcing consists of a third party providing services for compliance and the administrative tasks involved with paying your employees (and you, too). They do everything mentioned above in addition to handling direct deposit or paycheck printing, calculating time sheets, and accrued vacation time, etc.
Legal – When drawing up your new company’s business plan, some legal necessities and questions will undoubtedly arise. When this occurs, will you be the authority on business law who can provide guidance? Probably not. You do not want to run afoul of the law at the inception of your company or miss out on proper procedure and opportunity due to a lack of understanding on your part. Outsourcing legal advice is advantageous because you do not need to stay on top of the latest changes in laws that may affect your business. The third-party legal team will do that for you. It is their role to do their due diligence and stay up to date on laws related to the scope of your business. They will advise you on any needs you require if you choose to expand or change the course of your company, as well.
Cleaning – If you have a small office, it may not seem prudent to hire a cleaning service. Before you dismiss the notion, consider whether you have time to keep your space sanitary and looking like it should. If not, hiring a professional cleaning service will afford you a clean space to work in and meet clients.
Your clients and staff do not want to work or sit in a grimy breakroom. No one wants to use a dirty bathroom. The options are for you to clean the office and bathroom yourself, for your staff to do it, or to outsource. First impressions and employee satisfaction matter, especially when it comes to cleanliness.
Watch this video for some pros and cons involving the outsourcing process.
Outsourcing is a viable and practical solution when you are growing your business. Find the companies that will benefit you most and take tasks off of your plate so you can focus on the business at hand – your business.
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How Can You Free Up The Time To Focus Outside Of Your Core Competencies?
/in Managing Your Business/by StrategyDrivenSo for example, you may imagine that a dairy farm is excellent at farming, harvesting, providing a good yield, crafting dairy products, and shipping those products to business-to-business clients or customers.
Their core competencies may not involve marketing. As such, they may use outsourced aid to craft a marketing package and develop their branding properly. Would it be prudent for them to generate a marketing department? Perhaps not, this may only become necessary if they grow to a point where structuring this in-house core competency would be essential.
However, not everything can be outsourced perfectly to another department we may a healthy sum to. Sometimes, we have to find a solution in-house, freeing up time to do so outside of our core competencies. But how can that be achieved? Let’s consider that below:
Effective, Simple To Operate Security Systems
Security is an approach we should focus on, of course, but it might not be that your modest business can really justify hiring a private security firm to watch every element of your business 24/7. This is why essential integrations like Access Control Systems can help you gate access, make certain that security is assured, and also seamlessly integrate those measures so your business is easily secured and operable by its staff. Effective, simple, and easy-to-operate security systems mean that safety and security doesn’t have to be a provision you half-focus on, but a worthwhile element of your daily operation – integrated properly.
Booked Training Days
Booking dedicated training days as an essential element of your core staff onboarding and training refresh should be factored-in to your general staff development measure. Sure, this might cost money and time, but it reduces staff turnover, allows you to hire internally for promotional positions, and grants you the chance to switch up the working year for your most cherished employees. Not to mention onboarding them on courses can bring all kinds of skills, like teaching public speaking, renewed compliance measures, or integrating a business-wide approach to cybersecurity.
Software Implements
Software that saves time and money will always be something to appreciate, even if it can feel as though an automated option takes the power out of your hands. So for example – site-wide cloud storage and communicative platform, like Google Workspace to use a major platform example, can help you keep all of the disparate communications and terminals unified as one. In some cases, integrating booking, ordering or client-handling software can help you provide a seamless and better experience for those who interact with your firm. This easy formatting and portable use can save your staff time, too, which again enables yu a more focused approach towards your core competencies.
With this advice, you’re sure to free up the time to focus outside of your core competencies going forward – and you’re more likely to see the benefit as a result..
Drive Your Taxi Business to Success with These Top Tips
/in Managing Your Business/by StrategyDriven1. Know Your Local Market
The first step to proper success is understanding your local market. What are the demographics of the area you’re operating in? What is the average income? What is the demand for taxis like? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you to target your marketing efforts and make sure that your business is meeting the needs of your local market.
2. Invest in Quality Vehicles
Investing in quality vehicles is essential for any taxi business. Not only do you truly need to make sure that your vehicles are comfortable and safe for your passengers, but you also need to ensure that they’re reliable and easy to maintain. Investing in quality vehicles will help to keep your running costs down and make sure that your business is providing a high-quality service. You can find quality vehicles online at sites like cabdirect.com but make sure you do your research and compare prices before making a purchase.
3. Hire Quality Drivers
Your drivers are always the face of your business, so it’s important that you only hire drivers who are courteous, professional, and reliable. Make sure you carry out thorough and specific background checks on all your drivers and only hire those who have a clean driving record. It’s also a good idea to invest in some driver training to make sure that your drivers are up to date on the latest driving regulations.
4. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Technology can also really help you to streamline your operations and make your business more efficient. There are several apps and software programs available that can help you to dispatch drivers, track vehicles, and take payments. Investing in the latest technology will help you to improve your service and make your business more successful. In the end, happy customers are honestly the best advertisement for any business.
5. Focus on Customer Service
Your passengers are the people who keep your business running, so you must focus on providing an excellent level of customer service. Make sure your drivers are friendly and helpful and that your vehicles are clean and comfortable. If you can provide high-quality customer service, then you’ll be sure to attract repeat business. Also, don’t forget to ask your passengers for feedback so that you can constantly improve your service.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your taxi business will be a success. Just remember to always put your customers first and focus on providing an excellent level of service. The rest will follow. Also, make sure you keep up with the latest industry news so that you can stay ahead of the competition. Good luck.
How To Retain Professionalism as Hybrid Employees
/in Practices for Professionals/by StrategyDrivenSo how do you ensure that your interactions with colleagues and clients are as professional as they would be if you were in the office?
Use the right channels of communication
When you’re in the office, you can pop by someone’s desk or catch them on the way to a meeting to discuss that task or project. But when you’re all working remotely, it’s easy to let the channels of communication fall by the wayside.
Since remote working often means flexible hours and asynchronous communication, ask your colleagues how they’d like to be communicated with, so you can be sure you’re reaching them on channels they’ll check regularly. It ensures that everyone can be reached easily, but that boundaries are in place to avoid feeling like you have to be connected on every platform 24/7.
Foster inclusivity
Building a fairer workplace is the responsibility of everyone involved, but it can be complicated when you’re working as part of a hybrid team. Inclusivity is the key to driving employee performance and making everyone feel valued and part of the team, so you need to be sure that you’re not treating remote employees as lesser than those working in the office.
Rules are important to ensure that everyone is working on a level playing field and to create a fair team environment. So every member of the team needs to be clear on what’s permitted and what isn’t, so there’s not one set of rules for one group and another for everyone else, and has the opportunity to weigh in and offer opinions before decisions are made.
Check in regularly
Make sure that your colleagues know that you’re on hand to answer questions or queries when they need you to, or even that you’re available to discuss a project or brainstorm ideas when a fresh perspective is needed.
It’s easy to feel as though you’re in your own little bubble when you’re working remotely, but you need to be accessible to your team and flexible to their needs just as you would be in the office. Hiding away at home and dodging emails or group messages is unprofessional and your team dynamic can suffer as a result of it. What’s more, it can mean that your colleagues are left doing more work to make up the difference. Make sure that you’re regularly checking in, responding to requests in a timely manner and being the proactive team member that you would be if you were in the office.
Define goals and expectations
Goal setting is essential to successful remote working, since you have the freedom to work when and how you want when you’re not in the office — and that can often mean you veer off track. You need to have structure and goals in place to keep you moving in the right direction and ensure you’re staying productive, for your own purposes and for the benefit of the business. Remote employees can easily lose sight of the bigger picture, so it’s important to have those common objectives and clear expectations in place so that everyone stays engaged.
Goals are also vital to helping employees stay connected. This structure helps reduce the stress caused by a lack of purpose, where people in the team don’t know what they’re supposed to be working on. Everyone knows what they’re doing on any given day, and they can feel more engaged in the process.
Hybrid working has been adopted by businesses in many industries, but there are still teething issues to overcome, as with any new way of working. To really thrive as a hybrid employee and work productively, it’s important to stay professional and remember that location aside, you still need to maintain the same standards as you did pre-remote working.
How to Choose a Business Consultant
/in Managing Your Business/by StrategyDriven1. Use the Networks You Already Have
Using your current networks can speed up the search for a business or management consultant. Generic evaluations or reviews are less trustworthy than a referral from a coworker, partner, or another business owner who was in a comparable situation. Inquire with your contacts to find out if they know of any specialists in the area who can help with your particular issue.
2. Look Into Specialized Markets
Check out specialized online marketplaces that can help you find consultants by area, topic, and budget. There are plenty of helpful websites. Use social media sites like LinkedIn to expand your search. Usually, a consultant’s expertise can be determined by how many referrals they have received. Look closely at the top results after searching for terms associated with your problem.
3. Ask Questions
Do not be afraid to ask questions about your consultant’s experience, methodology, and—most importantly—the results of their consulting work. Your consultant may give you a unique perspective on the long-term effects of adopting their recommendations. They help you look beyond the immediate benefits.
4. Ask About Their Background and Credentials
Examine the consultant’s résumé, education history, and industry-specific credentials. If they are eager to research new learning opportunities and update their skills, that’s a positive indicator. Ask about their practical experience. Do they know anything more than you if they are a consultant who just graduated from college? Consider seeking advisors who have effectively owned or managed small firms, large corporations, or relevant departments.
Make sure their background relates to your industry. Even though a former bank CEO may seem impressive, do they have the skills and background necessary to make your cupcake shop a successful small business? They might, but this consultant might be a better fit if your company is also looking at a former restaurant owner who now earns a living helping small eateries grow. Look for experts who have experience with firms and your industry.
5. Check Out Their Track Record
You want a consultant who has succeeded with businesses similar to yours, not just one with the necessary experience. Request references and ask for the consultant’s portfolio or list of the companies they have worked with. Find a consultant with experience in growing businesses that are very similar to yours or helping businesses overcome the types of issues you are facing. You can then get in touch with those firms to find out if they were happy with the consultant’s services.
6. Create a Contract
Once you have the right person for the job, you must ensure that you have a defensive contract. A good contract must entail the following:
If you’re looking for a business consultant, take advantage of the above tips to find the right one. While there are many options in the industry, they aren’t always suitable for you. You must research before signing a contract.
Outsource for Proactive Business Solutions
/in Managing Your Business/by StrategyDrivenOutsource What You Can
When you are just starting your business you probably do not have a lot, if any, employees other than yourself. Perhaps you have a business partner. Regardless, you are not in the position to tackle it all by yourself. There simply is not enough time in one day to do everything required of you. In addition, you need to have specific skill sets to accomplish certain tasks. Do not fret, however, there is a multitude of tasks you can outsource to professionals. Here are a few:
Your clients and staff do not want to work or sit in a grimy breakroom. No one wants to use a dirty bathroom. The options are for you to clean the office and bathroom yourself, for your staff to do it, or to outsource. First impressions and employee satisfaction matter, especially when it comes to cleanliness.
Watch this video for some pros and cons involving the outsourcing process.
Outsourcing is a viable and practical solution when you are growing your business. Find the companies that will benefit you most and take tasks off of your plate so you can focus on the business at hand – your business.