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How to Further Your Company’s Green Credentials

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |Green Credentials|How to Further Your Company’s Green CredentialsWe’re beginning to understand more and more about the impact that we have on the natural world. And while a lot of the literature and guidance on how we can solve the issue is geared towards individuals, the truth is that it’s by and large companies that do most of the damage, and which to make the biggest changes. The good news is that as well as helping the environment and reducing your expenses, by making the changes you’ll be making your company more appealing to customers. Studies have shown that consumers are increasingly less likely to give their money to companies that don’t have a wider social conscience. Below, we take a look at a few essential tips that’ll further your company’s green credentials.

From the Ground Up

If you’re going to make the biggest and best changes to your company’s environmental record, and reduce your energy expenses too, then you’ll need to take a look at the current set up of your current work premises, and see how you can make changes. It can take a little time and effort to have a greener company, but once it’s done, you’ll be among the leaders in the field, and will enjoy all the benefits that the changes can bring.

New Initiatives

The idea is to build environmentalism into the fabric of your company, rather than trying to tack it on at the end as an afterthought. So take a look at all aspects of your business, and see how you can make changes. There are many new initiatives that are more environmentally friendly than the old ways of doing things. For example, you can encourage ride sharing among your employees, or setup of a bike storage area. One of the best ways to reduce your company’s carbon footprint is to allow your workers to work from home — and this can bring a host of other benefits, too.

Waste Products

All businesses produce waste, but some produce much more than others. If you have a lot of waste, then it’s important that you’re setting up systems to manage this waste properly. This will help to avoid contamination and allow you to recycle as much as possible. If you’re involved in an industry that involves produced water, then you’ll want to work with a company such as mulholland energy services to ensure correct disposal. And if you have a lot of waste products, then look at partnering with a local recycling company.

Reviews and Updates

Keep in mind that your work may never be fully done on this front. There are always new practices, technology, and ways to do things, but you can only implement them if you know what they are. Keep up to date with the latest environmental moves in your industry, and also consider hiring an environmental consultant — they’ll have a level of expertise that allows you to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the green side of your business, and be apart of the future.

It’s Not A One-Sided Approach: Working With Suppliers To Generate Better Business

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |Working with Suppliers|It’s Not A One-Sided Approach: Working With Suppliers To Generate Better BusinessEvery company has its crosses to bear. Usually, this is in relation to excessive expenses, whether you are concerned about the costs in the supply chain or you are not improving your bottom line, sometimes we have to look further outwards to ascertain better cost-cutting methods. Our supplier is a very notable example because it can be a very fraught relationship when we don’t do things our end or sometimes we end up relying on them for so much, but they don’t deliver. What can we do to ensure that we improve our relationship with any supplier so we can generate better business?

Do What You Can To Maintain A Strong Relationship

It is not a one-sided approach. Sometimes we need to remember the importance of doing what we can to maintain a good working relationship with our supplier. Sometimes we can be on first name terms with people. It all depends on the industry you work in because if there are companies that are operating on a mass scale, like PEAKHD that provides fluid for diesel engines and industrial equipment, they will have numerous other businesses to contend with. From your perspective, think about improving your communication and keep them in the loop when possible. Working with a supplier on a long-term basis is a beneficial practice. Having clear and consistent communication will result in a more organic relationship further down the line.

Using Technology To Manage The Relationship

As there are so many plates to spin (especially if you are working with numerous suppliers) it’s important to make sure that you have everything in order. Supplier management software can help you keep track of information about every supplier in one handy place. But we have to remember that technology can result in us being somewhat faceless with regards to the supplier relationship. Use the tools, but make sure that they are the support network that helps you and your suppliers.

Consider The Cultural Impacts Of Your Supplier

While the world is becoming more connected we can find ourselves dealing with suppliers further afield. Sometimes they’re on the other side of the country, but increasingly they are on the other side of the world. This means that we’ve got to think globally but also think about the cultural and language barriers that may present themselves. At the same time, we must remember that the documentation can vary from country to country. Having an adequate Service Level Agreement (SLA) that you have drafted can help to navigate any potential problems. You must also think about the differences in currency. And perhaps, most obviously, think about the differences in time zones.

Working with your suppliers to generate better business is almost as important as the relationship you have with your customers. When we choose the right supplier it can be a long-lasting relationship but this means that when we work with suppliers there are components we have got to consider to make life easier for them and us. It isn’t a one-sided approach.

Essential Tools Coworking Spaces Need To Survive

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |Coworking Space|Essential Tools Coworking Spaces Need To SurviveThe business world is changing. More and more professionals have chosen to embrace an independent career, whether as a freelancer or a solo entrepreneur, to reach out to their audience. Similarly, more and more businesses support remote working options and encourage their employees to manage their working hours as and where they see fit. As a result, coworking areas have become a popular alternative to the typical office space. For commercial property managers, launching a coworking space is a fantastic opportunity to tap into the changing work environment.

However, with a variety of choices for remote workers, coworking offices need to be smart about their offering. It takes a lot more than a cozy chair and good WiFi to appeal to the modern workforce.

A user-friendly booking system

You need to think of your coworking service in the same terms as an Airbnb rental property. You never know when the next remote team will need a space to meet and cooperate. That’s precisely because life can be full of unexpected surprises that you need to make it as smooth and easy as possible for your users to book out the space they need.

Taking inspiration from Airbnb, you need a booking platform that lets people manage not only the space they need but also the payments and cancellations in real-time. A smooth booking flow ensures you can make the most of last-minute bookings. Besides, it also helps canceled spaces to be remarketed to future users in a matter of a few clicks.

Customizing equipment for that last-minute client visit

Typically, remote businesses tend to book coworking spaces when they want to organize a meeting with partners and clients. As a result, they want to make sure they can receive their guests in the best possible situation and boost their reputation in the process. While providing meeting rooms is a no-brainer, you also need to consider last-minute branded stationery needs. Remote teams tend to buy their stationery, which means that when employees get together, they’re likely to have an inconsistent arrangement of pens and notebooks. You can help to create a homogeneous impression with a stationary room where they can find everything they need.

Additionally, adding a programmable laser cutter to engrave their logo on the chosen items can bring everything together. If you’re unsure about how cutters work, you can find the reviews of Boss laser here for clarification. You can even make personalized stationary part of your premium package.

StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |Coworking Space|Essential Tools Coworking Spaces Need To SurviveA high-quality coffee machine that everybody can use

You can’t picture an office space without a cup of coffee. If you are going to retain your clients, you need to invest in a quality coffee machine that can be set to make everybody the perfect brew. What does it matter?

Ultimately, remote teams are known to choose coffee shops as a working base, so providing high-quality brew will ensure they don’t ditch you for a local Starbucks’ or any other coffee chain with good WiFi.

Attracting remote businesses and entrepreneurs is no easy task for coworking companies. Building a working space that suits people’s needs is crucial to create a list of loyal and returning clients. More importantly, once you’ve set the basics – WiFi, furniture, decor, etc. –, you need to think outside the box to become the indispensable partner of remote workers’ success.

What to Consider When Buying a New Commercial Property

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StrategyDriven Starting Your Business Article | Entrepreneurship | What to Consider When Buying a New Commercial PropertyLeasing a commercial property isn’t the best option for a lot of businesses. Therefore, if you have made the choice to buy your next business property, you are opening yourself up to more flexibility and more freedom to allow your business to grow.

That said, there are a lot of important areas to take into account when searching for the ideal commercial property.

The Maintenance Costs

Alongside your fixed monthly outgoings, you’re going to have to prepare for maintenance costs over time, and any unexpected issues that may arise. This means you should consider any commercial property that you view with the expected maintenance costs in mind.

For example, are there any structural features of the building which you see as having a high maintenance bill? Does the sheer size mean more maintenance should be expected?

Maintenance is always a must, no matter the building, so budgeting for it is essential. You should also seek out a dependable maintenance service such as urban-propertymaintenance.com.

The Need for a Survey

Having any new potential business property professionally surveyed is a must. You shouldn’t elect for the cheapest and quickest option, either. Although it’s preferable to save money, you will lose money in the long run if you fail to have a property survey in the first instance, resulting in your property running into problems further down the line. Ensure that you have a thorough survey carried out, which is specifically tailored for commercial properties.

The Location

Your location needs will vary depending on what your business entails, so you’ll need to think carefully about yours. Location can be a crucial factor in the successful running of your business.

Consider the following:

  • Do you have clients regularly visiting your business premises? If so, the property will need to be in an easily accessible location, and close to your main clients.
  • Do you have a large team of staff who will work on site? If so, the property will need to be easily accessible for them, and not difficult to travel to.

Also think about the impression that you want to give of your business; you need the property and location to reflect this in a positive light if you are going to have external individuals and clients visiting the commercial property on a regular basis.

Transport Links

This is an imperative consideration if you have people traveling to the premises on a daily basis, whether they are staff or clients. If your new commercial property is near plenty of public transport links, such as train stations and bus stops, then this is a huge positive.

If you can’t find a property which is close to public transport links, or if your commercial premises is in a very remote location, then you need to ensure that there is at least a car park for staff and visitors.

A commercial property in a remote location, without a car park, and far away from any public transport links, will be very problematic and may be seen as unprofessional if you are failing to provide these needs.

Be More Productive With These Office Tips

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StrategyDriven Entrepreneurship Article |Productive office tips|Be More Productive With These Office TipsWorking in an office environment is sometimes a stressful job. It is a working environment that is often fast paced and sometimes it is hard to balance every little job and reach your goals.

If you have been sure going creating a productive office space recently it is important for you to try and make some key changes for efficient working. Today we are going to take a look at some of the ways you can make a change to your office space this year and be more productive.

Make it light

An office space cannot be dark and drab if you are to work in it effectively. You need to make sure that the office has plenty of natural light as well as bright light sources such as a 2×2 led panel above desk areas. Light helps people to stay awake and focused and it will ensure that they are able to work efficiently throughout the week.

Hire an Accountant

Running a business is stressful enough but if you are also trying to budget your business it can become a difficult and overwhelming task rather quickly. Instead of trying to budget for your own business and risking making mistakes, hire an accountant to handle it all for you. It will save you time and will ensure that you can be more productive at work.

Schedule social media

If you are looking to better market your business with an online presence, one of the things that can be very time consuming is making social media posts to go out throughout the week. To save you some time throughout the week, schedule them all in one sitting with an app like buffer and this will allow you to maintain an online presence without taking too much time out of each day to create new posts.

Virtual Receptionist

Who enjoys answering the phone? No one! If you don’t want to spend every 10 minutes having to stop working to answer the phone, a great idea would be to get a virtual receptionist. All calls will go through to them and they will simply update you with messages when needed.

A happy environment

The most important thing you can do to create a productive work environment is to make the office a happy and homely place to be. The office is a place where you will spend a lot of your time during the week so ensure you bring some comforting touches to the space. This includes things such as plants, cushions, sofas and artwork. The last thing you want is to have an imposing space that leaves no room for inspiration.

Avoid clutter

A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind. If you constantly have clutter all over the office and your desk, you won’t be able to concentrate very well on your work and nothing will get done. Always make sure that you clear away paperwork and clear the space to make it feel open and light. This will make a huge amount of difference.