With grad school fees on the rise and the level of debt that students end up with mounting, it is no surprise that students are taking a more in-depth and considered approach to picking the right grad school.
Knowing what students are looking for based on both their wants and needs helps grad schools clearly communicate the information that prospective students need to make that all-important decision, and this knowledge can help grad school applicants check that they are asking the right questions.
Read on to find out what today’s prospective grad students are looking for when deciding which grad school to choose.
Return on investment
Because grad school is not a cheap endeavor, students want to know that they will be getting value for money and a significant return on their investment. Prospective students want to be able to apply the skills they learn at grad school directly to their working life the moment they step into it, which means grad schools need to be able to provide learning that is up to date and applicable to real life.
For grad schools, the marketing experts at https://www.sextantmktg.com/ can help make sure the key information students seek is clearly and widely disseminated. Grad school provides excellent progression opportunities in most fields, and students look at these progression opportunities when assessing each course. Grad schools should have clear information on the recent successes of its graduates to help prospective students plan the career they want to follow. Alumni groups can also help prospective students get a better idea of the career trajectories of graduates.
Academic quality
Academic quality is important for grad students. The quality of teaching, course content and teaching materials and access to a network of professionals and support within the chosen subject of study are factors that many prospective students take into consideration.
Tutors who have vast tangible experience within their fields are often preferred, as they will be able to draw on that knowledge to answer students’ questions or concerns.
Flexible learning
Flexibility is an increasingly important criterion that prospective students are looking at because perhaps more than any previous generation, they shoulder a greater range of responsibilities outside of school.
Post-grad students often work full-time jobs to be able to afford to study, and also, more and more students are starting their education journey later in life, due to a change in career path. Rapid advances in technology mean that many workers need to update their skill set to remain competitive in the workplace. This means they may already have children or other responsibilities that require education provision to be flexible.
Flexibility for grad schools should include the option for distance learning as well as in-person study, and also remote access to the resources needed to complete the program.
It is also important to offer courses that take into account students’ varied pace of learning. It is important that learners can take on as little or as much time as they need to complete a program and have access to tutors and course materials that can facilitate that.
https://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/pexels-pixabay-267885.jpg8001200StrategyDrivenhttps://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/SDELogo5-300x70-300x70.pngStrategyDriven2020-09-02 20:00:252020-09-02 13:39:15How Do Prospective Students Choose a Grad School?
A Limited Liability Company or an LLC is a company structure that borrows some features from Corporations and others from Partnerships.
Similar to Corporations, LLCs provide you with a huge advantage in the form of limited liability protection. On the other hand, LLCs have a flow-through taxation structure, just like it is in Partnerships.
In a nutshell, LLCs can be considered hybrids.
If you are someone who is looking to form their own LLC, take a step back. First, consider the pros and cons of LLCs carefully.
What Are the Advantages of LLCs?
Let’s first check out the advantages of forming LLCs:
Forming LLCs is easy and also relatively inexpensive.
Because of the limited liability feature of LLCs, none of the members is liable to pay the debts of the LLC personally.
The members of the LLC can decide how they want the profits to be distributed.
You don’t need to maintain formal records of resolutions or meetings for LLCs.
LLCs do not have a double taxation system.
What Are the Disadvantages of LLCs?
While LLCs do offer a lot of advantages for small business owners, they do also have their own drawbacks.
Here are some of the disadvantages of LLCs:
Federal, as well as state-level filings, are required for all LLCs.
You need to pay state filing fees for the year when you form the company, and every year consequently.
An LLC isn’t the best structure for companies with investors who want to make their companies public.
Now that you have a balanced perspective on LLCs, you can make an informed decision. If you are still interested in forming your own LLC, here is what you need to do.
Steps to Form Your Own LLC
The first step to form your LLC is to apply for your LLC EIN (Employer Identification Number). Once you get it, you need to file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.
That’s not all.
In addition to this, you are also required to make an operating agreement for your LLC. This agreement should outline the financial as well as functional frameworks for your LLC.
It should also clearly define responsibilities and profit distribution between members. Although creating an operating agreement isn’t a requirement in all states, it is recommended that you make one.
Want to know more about forming LLCs? Check out the infographic below by GovDocFiling.
Brett Shapiro is a co-owner of GovDocFiling. He had an entrepreneurial spirit since he was young. He started GovDocFiling, a simple resource center that takes care of the mundane, yet critical, formation documentation for any new business entity.
https://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/GovDocFiling_-_Infographic-01-small.jpg233450StrategyDrivenhttps://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/SDELogo5-300x70-300x70.pngStrategyDriven2020-09-02 19:30:332020-09-09 22:35:07Facts About LLCs All Business Owners Should Know
Many people think about starting a business from home when they are passionate about something and/or have a talent. Working from home and being your own boss is an attractive prospect, but for most, it is certainly not an easy or quick way to make a living.
When deciding whether to start a home-based business, there are two key questions to ask yourself: are you ready to start a business, and are you in a position to run a business from home? The answer is not necessarily a simple yes or no, as there is a lot to consider. This article outlines the key points to examine before you make the decision.
Your personality and talents
We are all born with a predisposition for certain talents and traits, i.e. we are naturally better at some things than others. That is not to say that we cannot learn, diversify, and develop with experience, but often we have the greatest success in what comes naturally and what we enjoy.
Take some time to consider your talents and personality traits which could be assets when running a business, e.g. creativity, self-motivation, communication, resilience, discipline. You may decide that you are not well-suited to running a business and would be better suited to being employed but with more flexible hours/remote working options.
Your skills
While we are born with personality traits and talents, our skills are developed as we go along through experience and training. You might have design skills, organizational skills, writing skills, accounting skills, or people management skills, for example. You can gain and develop new skills as you run your business, but it is best to begin a business which complements what you already have.
Your talents, skills, experience, and interests should all come together to influence your choice of business. Starting a business in an industry in which you have no experience or knowledge is setting yourself up for an uphill battle, so capitalize on your assets. You should begin with a long list of possible ideas before whittling them down to just a handful of options which pique your interest.
Your home
Now that you have some ideas for a business, it is time to consider whether they are likely to function as a home-based business. There are several factors to consider including the location of your home, any local laws or licensing issues, how much space you will need, equipment, utilities, and living arrangements.
If you have a garage or spare room, you may be able to run a business, but if you are restricted on space or need a professional office where you can meet with clients, it may not be suited to a home business. However, if your business can be run from home with the exception of the occasional meeting or day in a professional office, you can make use of serviced offices Belfast as and when you need to.
Your income
Of course, the big question for anyone looking to start a new business is profitability. You may be exceptionally talented and/or skilled, but if people are not going to pay enough for the service or product, it is not a viable business. Can you make and sell enough units of the product to cover your running costs? You need to be sure that there is a market for your business and that you are offering something which other companies are not. Only businesses which can generate profit are worth investing your time and energy into.
https://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/pexels-olia-danilevich-4974914.jpg8001200StrategyDrivenhttps://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/SDELogo5-300x70-300x70.pngStrategyDriven2020-09-02 18:00:332020-09-02 13:29:30Are You Ready to Start a Home-based Business?
While many ideas for businesses never fully come to fruition, some entrepreneurs dream big enough to actually put pencil to paper. Though starting a business amidst the current pandemic might feel impossible, over 69% of American entrepreneurs begin their businesses right from the comfort of their own homes. If you’re wondering how to go about making your own entrepreneurial dreams a reality, consider the steps below on how you can start your own business even during these uncertain times.
Have a Concrete Idea
It’s no secret that many business ideas seem good in theory but become much more complex in practice. Whether your idea for your small business is one you have fleshed out on your own, or one you’ve developed with the help of family and friends, make sure it’s a solid one. A good rule of thumb is to start simple. For example, should your dream be to develop an entire clothing line, it’s probably in your best interest to begin with one category of garment at a time, such as blouses and shirts. Focussing your creative energy on one portion of your idea will likely save you money at the beginning of your business venture, and it will also keep you from feeling overwhelmed as you work to get your business off the ground.
Conduct the Proper Research
The nature of the business world is a competitive one and thus requires the right amount of research if you plan on entering it. Conducting market research along with taking the time to do a full competitive analysis as it pertains to your business is vital to the success of your company. As you do your research, use the questions below as your guide:
Is there a demand for the product or service your company offers?
Who is your target consumer?
What is the population size of the consumers you plan to market to?
Does your target audience live in your area or are they elsewhere?
What do you plan on charging for your product or service?
Who else already offers your product/service and what can you do to set yourself apart?
Though your research isn’t required to be limited to the questions above, answering them will give you a starting point for where you stand amongst your competitors and what you’ll have to do to stand out as a business. For more information on market research and competitive analysis, utilize this guide from the SBA.
Develop a Clear Business Plan
It’s important to note that having a business idea is vastly different from having a business plan. There are numerous online resources available that outline the proper steps for developing such a plan. Block out some time in the coming weeks to sit down and write. A simple Google search on how to write a business plan should suffice for the information you’ll need to get things started. If you plan on presenting your finished plan to investors, be sure to keep it concise and to know your audience. However, if you’re composing your plan simply to keep yourself on track, make sure you’re using the future as your guide. Have an emergency fund should things go south, and look for ways your business can adapt should the pandemic continue for longer than expected. Business plans are essential to the overall success of your company and are a perfect guide for you to stay on track and organized.
Know Your Funding Options
Once you have a plan in place for your company and you’ve done the proper research, the final piece to the puzzle is locking down your funding. While there are plenty of options to choose from, make sure you consider non-traditional funding methods such as:
Crowdfunding: As the name suggests, this funding alternative is all about who you know. If you’re a big networker, this may be a great option for you aside from a regular business loan. Take to your social media outlets or even create a GoFundMe page and get the word out. Though those who fund your business are not guaranteed a return, you can always offer them perks when you do get your business off the ground.
Home Equity Loans: While most individuals use home equity loans for affording a college education or for funding a home renovation, they can also be used to cover business expenses. The appeal of a home equity loan comes from it’s low interest rates, making them a stable option long term. If you are unfamiliar with how these loans work, use this home equity loan resource as your guide should you be interested in using one to fund your business.
Microfinancing: This option of funding was developed specifically for entrepreneurs who may not even have the option to go traditional with their funding. Microfinance organizations provide small loans in order to help entrepreneurs get their business off the ground in the beginning. Microfinancing is an option for those who want to achieve their dreams but have no collateral to do so. For more information on microfinancing, consider this article on: what is microfinance?
While traditional business loans are still an option, the unique choices listed above may be more viable funding alternatives during these uncertain times.
As you put the steps above into action, remember to stay focussed on your goals. Starting a business can be overwhelming and discouraging at times, so be sure to maintain a strict budget and use your business plan as your guide when you feel lost. With the right research, a clear plan, and the proper funding, any business dream can be made possible.
https://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3769021.jpg8001200StrategyDrivenhttps://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/SDELogo5-300x70-300x70.pngStrategyDriven2020-09-02 17:00:442020-09-02 13:18:53How Can I Start My Own Business?
It’s important for any business to ensure it’s making the most of its resources. Often, you don’t need to add anything to your company in order to improve its performance; you’ve just got to make better use of what you’ve already got, and this is where streamlining comes in.
Here are five tips to help you streamline your business.
Planning
There’s got to be a plan, and there have to be goals that everyone is aware of. If you don’t have these two things, then it’s difficult to know what direction your business is going in. The better your planning is, and the more people understand their individual goals, the more efficiently your business is likely to run.
Make sure you’re taking the time to invest in your business planning, and be open with your communication in conveying goals.
Finances
It’s much easier to do that planning and create realistic goals if you’re on top of your finances. You should know exactly where you are with your finances, and the best way to do this is to get the best bookkeeping services in Boston.
Not understanding how your finances stand is a perilous situation in business, but the more you know, the more you can streamline how you use that money.
Finances are clearly a vital aspect of any business, but too often, people don’t pay enough attention to them.
Hiring
It’s extremely difficult for your business to run efficiently if you’re not hiring the right people. A company can be a complex, interconnected entity, and if there are just a few pieces that aren’t working well, then it can cause problems for the whole system.
This means you’ve got to put care and attention into every hire and really make sure you’re focussing on the process of how your recruit.
When you need to make a quick hire, this can be very difficult, but so often it’s worth taking the extra time and making sure you get the right person.
Software
Even if you’ve got amazing employees throughout your business, they can’t do their job effectively if they don’t have the right tools.
Any business today needs to make sure they’ve got the right software. It can be expensive to invest in new software, but it can quickly earn that money back through streamlining processes. If you think about all the small inefficiencies you have across your business, then they can add up to a huge amount, and the right software can help in this area.
Culture
Culture plays a huge part in how well a business operates.
If there’s a negative culture where people end up doing the bare minimum, then it’s going to have a big impact. However, when you create the right culture where people can thrive, then you will find everything becomes much more streamlined.
Business culture isn’t something you can change overnight, but you can take active steps to create the kind of culture you would like. A positive atmosphere can make the world of difference, so it’s well worth investing in.
https://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/pexels-anthony-shkraba-4348401.jpg8031200StrategyDrivenhttps://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/SDELogo5-300x70-300x70.pngStrategyDriven2020-09-02 16:00:492020-09-02 13:03:195 Tips to Help Streamline Your Business
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Business Programs
How Do Prospective Students Choose a Grad School?
/in Professional Development/by StrategyDrivenKnowing what students are looking for based on both their wants and needs helps grad schools clearly communicate the information that prospective students need to make that all-important decision, and this knowledge can help grad school applicants check that they are asking the right questions.
Read on to find out what today’s prospective grad students are looking for when deciding which grad school to choose.
Return on investment
Because grad school is not a cheap endeavor, students want to know that they will be getting value for money and a significant return on their investment. Prospective students want to be able to apply the skills they learn at grad school directly to their working life the moment they step into it, which means grad schools need to be able to provide learning that is up to date and applicable to real life.
For grad schools, the marketing experts at https://www.sextantmktg.com/ can help make sure the key information students seek is clearly and widely disseminated. Grad school provides excellent progression opportunities in most fields, and students look at these progression opportunities when assessing each course. Grad schools should have clear information on the recent successes of its graduates to help prospective students plan the career they want to follow. Alumni groups can also help prospective students get a better idea of the career trajectories of graduates.
Academic quality
Academic quality is important for grad students. The quality of teaching, course content and teaching materials and access to a network of professionals and support within the chosen subject of study are factors that many prospective students take into consideration.
Tutors who have vast tangible experience within their fields are often preferred, as they will be able to draw on that knowledge to answer students’ questions or concerns.
Flexible learning
Flexibility is an increasingly important criterion that prospective students are looking at because perhaps more than any previous generation, they shoulder a greater range of responsibilities outside of school.
Post-grad students often work full-time jobs to be able to afford to study, and also, more and more students are starting their education journey later in life, due to a change in career path. Rapid advances in technology mean that many workers need to update their skill set to remain competitive in the workplace. This means they may already have children or other responsibilities that require education provision to be flexible.
Flexibility for grad schools should include the option for distance learning as well as in-person study, and also remote access to the resources needed to complete the program.
It is also important to offer courses that take into account students’ varied pace of learning. It is important that learners can take on as little or as much time as they need to complete a program and have access to tutors and course materials that can facilitate that.
Facts About LLCs All Business Owners Should Know
/in Starting Your Business/by Brett ShapiroA Limited Liability Company or an LLC is a company structure that borrows some features from Corporations and others from Partnerships.
Similar to Corporations, LLCs provide you with a huge advantage in the form of limited liability protection. On the other hand, LLCs have a flow-through taxation structure, just like it is in Partnerships.
In a nutshell, LLCs can be considered hybrids.
If you are someone who is looking to form their own LLC, take a step back. First, consider the pros and cons of LLCs carefully.
What Are the Advantages of LLCs?
Let’s first check out the advantages of forming LLCs:
What Are the Disadvantages of LLCs?
While LLCs do offer a lot of advantages for small business owners, they do also have their own drawbacks.
Here are some of the disadvantages of LLCs:
Now that you have a balanced perspective on LLCs, you can make an informed decision. If you are still interested in forming your own LLC, here is what you need to do.
Steps to Form Your Own LLC
The first step to form your LLC is to apply for your LLC EIN (Employer Identification Number). Once you get it, you need to file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.
That’s not all.
In addition to this, you are also required to make an operating agreement for your LLC. This agreement should outline the financial as well as functional frameworks for your LLC.
It should also clearly define responsibilities and profit distribution between members. Although creating an operating agreement isn’t a requirement in all states, it is recommended that you make one.
Want to know more about forming LLCs? Check out the infographic below by GovDocFiling.
About the Author
Are You Ready to Start a Home-based Business?
/in Starting Your Business/by StrategyDrivenWhen deciding whether to start a home-based business, there are two key questions to ask yourself: are you ready to start a business, and are you in a position to run a business from home? The answer is not necessarily a simple yes or no, as there is a lot to consider. This article outlines the key points to examine before you make the decision.
Your personality and talents
We are all born with a predisposition for certain talents and traits, i.e. we are naturally better at some things than others. That is not to say that we cannot learn, diversify, and develop with experience, but often we have the greatest success in what comes naturally and what we enjoy.
Take some time to consider your talents and personality traits which could be assets when running a business, e.g. creativity, self-motivation, communication, resilience, discipline. You may decide that you are not well-suited to running a business and would be better suited to being employed but with more flexible hours/remote working options.
Your skills
While we are born with personality traits and talents, our skills are developed as we go along through experience and training. You might have design skills, organizational skills, writing skills, accounting skills, or people management skills, for example. You can gain and develop new skills as you run your business, but it is best to begin a business which complements what you already have.
Your talents, skills, experience, and interests should all come together to influence your choice of business. Starting a business in an industry in which you have no experience or knowledge is setting yourself up for an uphill battle, so capitalize on your assets. You should begin with a long list of possible ideas before whittling them down to just a handful of options which pique your interest.
Your home
Now that you have some ideas for a business, it is time to consider whether they are likely to function as a home-based business. There are several factors to consider including the location of your home, any local laws or licensing issues, how much space you will need, equipment, utilities, and living arrangements.
If you have a garage or spare room, you may be able to run a business, but if you are restricted on space or need a professional office where you can meet with clients, it may not be suited to a home business. However, if your business can be run from home with the exception of the occasional meeting or day in a professional office, you can make use of serviced offices Belfast as and when you need to.
Your income
Of course, the big question for anyone looking to start a new business is profitability. You may be exceptionally talented and/or skilled, but if people are not going to pay enough for the service or product, it is not a viable business. Can you make and sell enough units of the product to cover your running costs? You need to be sure that there is a market for your business and that you are offering something which other companies are not. Only businesses which can generate profit are worth investing your time and energy into.
How Can I Start My Own Business?
/in Starting Your Business/by StrategyDrivenHave a Concrete Idea
It’s no secret that many business ideas seem good in theory but become much more complex in practice. Whether your idea for your small business is one you have fleshed out on your own, or one you’ve developed with the help of family and friends, make sure it’s a solid one. A good rule of thumb is to start simple. For example, should your dream be to develop an entire clothing line, it’s probably in your best interest to begin with one category of garment at a time, such as blouses and shirts. Focussing your creative energy on one portion of your idea will likely save you money at the beginning of your business venture, and it will also keep you from feeling overwhelmed as you work to get your business off the ground.
Conduct the Proper Research
The nature of the business world is a competitive one and thus requires the right amount of research if you plan on entering it. Conducting market research along with taking the time to do a full competitive analysis as it pertains to your business is vital to the success of your company. As you do your research, use the questions below as your guide:
Though your research isn’t required to be limited to the questions above, answering them will give you a starting point for where you stand amongst your competitors and what you’ll have to do to stand out as a business. For more information on market research and competitive analysis, utilize this guide from the SBA.
Develop a Clear Business Plan
It’s important to note that having a business idea is vastly different from having a business plan. There are numerous online resources available that outline the proper steps for developing such a plan. Block out some time in the coming weeks to sit down and write. A simple Google search on how to write a business plan should suffice for the information you’ll need to get things started. If you plan on presenting your finished plan to investors, be sure to keep it concise and to know your audience. However, if you’re composing your plan simply to keep yourself on track, make sure you’re using the future as your guide. Have an emergency fund should things go south, and look for ways your business can adapt should the pandemic continue for longer than expected. Business plans are essential to the overall success of your company and are a perfect guide for you to stay on track and organized.
Know Your Funding Options
Once you have a plan in place for your company and you’ve done the proper research, the final piece to the puzzle is locking down your funding. While there are plenty of options to choose from, make sure you consider non-traditional funding methods such as:
Crowdfunding: As the name suggests, this funding alternative is all about who you know. If you’re a big networker, this may be a great option for you aside from a regular business loan. Take to your social media outlets or even create a GoFundMe page and get the word out. Though those who fund your business are not guaranteed a return, you can always offer them perks when you do get your business off the ground.
Home Equity Loans: While most individuals use home equity loans for affording a college education or for funding a home renovation, they can also be used to cover business expenses. The appeal of a home equity loan comes from it’s low interest rates, making them a stable option long term. If you are unfamiliar with how these loans work, use this home equity loan resource as your guide should you be interested in using one to fund your business.
Microfinancing: This option of funding was developed specifically for entrepreneurs who may not even have the option to go traditional with their funding. Microfinance organizations provide small loans in order to help entrepreneurs get their business off the ground in the beginning. Microfinancing is an option for those who want to achieve their dreams but have no collateral to do so. For more information on microfinancing, consider this article on: what is microfinance?
While traditional business loans are still an option, the unique choices listed above may be more viable funding alternatives during these uncertain times.
As you put the steps above into action, remember to stay focussed on your goals. Starting a business can be overwhelming and discouraging at times, so be sure to maintain a strict budget and use your business plan as your guide when you feel lost. With the right research, a clear plan, and the proper funding, any business dream can be made possible.
5 Tips to Help Streamline Your Business
/in Managing Your Business/by StrategyDrivenHere are five tips to help you streamline your business.
Planning
There’s got to be a plan, and there have to be goals that everyone is aware of. If you don’t have these two things, then it’s difficult to know what direction your business is going in. The better your planning is, and the more people understand their individual goals, the more efficiently your business is likely to run.
Make sure you’re taking the time to invest in your business planning, and be open with your communication in conveying goals.
Finances
It’s much easier to do that planning and create realistic goals if you’re on top of your finances. You should know exactly where you are with your finances, and the best way to do this is to get the best bookkeeping services in Boston.
Not understanding how your finances stand is a perilous situation in business, but the more you know, the more you can streamline how you use that money.
Finances are clearly a vital aspect of any business, but too often, people don’t pay enough attention to them.
Hiring
It’s extremely difficult for your business to run efficiently if you’re not hiring the right people. A company can be a complex, interconnected entity, and if there are just a few pieces that aren’t working well, then it can cause problems for the whole system.
This means you’ve got to put care and attention into every hire and really make sure you’re focussing on the process of how your recruit.
When you need to make a quick hire, this can be very difficult, but so often it’s worth taking the extra time and making sure you get the right person.
Software
Even if you’ve got amazing employees throughout your business, they can’t do their job effectively if they don’t have the right tools.
Any business today needs to make sure they’ve got the right software. It can be expensive to invest in new software, but it can quickly earn that money back through streamlining processes. If you think about all the small inefficiencies you have across your business, then they can add up to a huge amount, and the right software can help in this area.
Culture
Culture plays a huge part in how well a business operates.
If there’s a negative culture where people end up doing the bare minimum, then it’s going to have a big impact. However, when you create the right culture where people can thrive, then you will find everything becomes much more streamlined.
Business culture isn’t something you can change overnight, but you can take active steps to create the kind of culture you would like. A positive atmosphere can make the world of difference, so it’s well worth investing in.