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Operation Getting More Value In Business

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As a business, providing customers with value for money. However, you mustn’t forget to ensure that your spending generates the best results too. Making your capital work harder will lift a great weight from your shoulders while also enabling you to pass some of the savings onto your clients.

So, how exactly can you ensure that all decisions are made in the best interests of your customers? Here’s all you need to know.

StrategyDriven Managing Your Finances Article | Business Financies

Assemble The Strongest Possible Team

The majority of business matters will be handled by your employees. Therefore, getting the recruitment process under control should be the first item on your agenda. This should be followed by an ongoing investment into their development both individually and as a team. The best ways to achieve this are through training and team building exercises. When they work harder, you’ll get more value for money on a daily basis. There is no stronger foundation for success.

Keep Assets In Good Health

Taking care of your business assets will unlock greater performance levels and prolong the lifespans. Keeping business vehicles in good health with the right gas oil is a significant step in the right direction. Meanwhile, computer system updates should bring telling results too. Even though the daily maintenance can have a very significant impact, you must learn to spot signs of faults. The sooner you act, the sooner you’ll restore their health. This should save a lot of money in the long run.

Research Your Purchases

You already know that customers want to get the best value for money when buying products or services. You should take a similar approach before completing your transactions. Simple ideas like using price comparison sites can work wonders. Likewise, you’ll want to check that any company you plan to do with business can be trusted. Falling victim of fraudulent activity or inadequate supplies will harm the venture and could be very hard to recover from. It’s best to be safe rather than sorry.

Know Your Demographic

Marketing is an area where only the best will do. Efficient marketing should be built around targeting a key audience. It’s impossible to impress everyone, but smarter research and insights will allow you to focus on the people that are likely to purchase. SEO, PPC, trade show stools, printed materials, and social media marketing can all be used to great effect. Remember to analyse the success of every campaign and make the necessary adjustments for ongoing success.

Avoid Bad Debts

While you obviously want to get as many sales as possible, you must not force thing when dealing with repayment plans. Good sales figures count for nothing if the money never arrives. Understanding bad debts and how to avoid falling victim to them is vital. While some people will default on payments, but you don’t want to let this become a major problem. Protect yourself in this manner, and your hopes of maintaining a positive cash flow will be greatly increased.

When the financial elements are under control, you can focus on actively driving the venture in the right direction.

19 Essentials Every New Car Owner Must Have

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Just bought a new car? I am sure you are basking in the supple leather and that new car smell with a full-tank, ready to ride off into the sunset.

But are you really ready to drive off? Once your car has gas, it may seem like you have all the essentials, but not quite. Like a good ceramic coating for cars, these 18 items are absolute must-haves for every car owner. They will see you out of trouble and make the difference between a good day and a bad day.

  1. The owner’s manual: as a new car owner, your manual is your best friend. Apart from giving you insight into all the tricks and fittings your car has, it will also be helpful when you are faced with your first car issue.
  2. Car documents: your registration papers, insurance details and license information should ALWAYS be in your car to prevent unpleasant confrontations with law enforcement agents. Remember, that the law demands you have all these documents at hand if you are driving. Keep them all in one place for ease of access such as in the glove-box.
  3. Repair information: always have a business card or the contact information of your auto-repair company so you are not left stranded. Your insurance company may also be helpful in this situation so keep your claim forms easily accessible.
  4. Insurance: a new car is like a baby, you have to protect it. The best way to do this is by getting insurance. Car insurance gives you coverage during accidents, vandalism, fires, theft and many other situations. If you are in New Zealand, consider using a provider such as AMI Insurance or talk to your current insurance provider about providing cover for your new car.
  5. jumper-cables-926308_640Jumper Cables and a battery booster: jumper cables are used to kick-start weak batteries. If your car battery dies, you can easily give it some juice and be on your way. This is very useful if you are in a hurry, or running late. You can also get a compact jump-starter kit, many of which have USB connections that can charge multiple devices.
  6. Duct tape: the usefulness of duct tape can not be overemphasized. Car owners have used duct tape to hold up their fenders, to keep wind-shield wipers in place, to keep the spare key stashed under the back tire, in short, to do a thousand things and more. You need it.
  7. Lug Wrench and Tire Jack: one of the first skills you should acquire as a new car owner is how to change a set of tires. To change them you need these two tools, a tire jack and a lug wrench, and most importantly, an inflated spare tire. If you have a jack and leave the lug wrench at home, you will not be able to change your car tires should the need arise.
  8. Lug nut key: depending on the type of car you have, your lug nuts may have special locks, so you will need a lug nut key in this situation in order to change your tires.
  9. Tire Pressure Gauge: this handy tool helps you check how much air your tires have lost and how much to add. Tires may not look flat, but it is still advised that you check them regularly.
  10. Envase_WD-40WD 40: next to duct tape, WD-40 is the second holy grail for car owners. WD-40 is a degreasing agent traditionally used for squeaky hinges. But, it can also be used to clean rusty license plates, clears carbon residue from spark plugs, protects spark plugs from moisture and removes grease, dirt and grime from car parts.
  11. A Multi-Tool kit: multi-tools give many different tools in one compact package. Most multi- tools contain screwdrivers, scissors, sharp edge, and a pen knife that you can use in indifferent situations.
  12. Reflective Triangles and Flares: another night-time essential, reflective triangles or flares are placed on the road, if you have pulled off to the side of the road, in the direction of oncoming traffic to prevent other drivers from running into you or your vehicle. They increase visibility for other drivers and keep you safe until help arrives.
  13. A change of clothes: this is very essential, you don’t want to miss an important meeting because someone spilled coffee on your shirt or you got caught in the rain. Neither does it paint a good picture for you to show up wet or stained. Also have gloves, a warm jacket, a spare tie, a scarf and a warm cap or hat.
  14. Glove compartment essentials: there are certain things that must be in your glove compartment. Having them there will save you time, prevent stress and even save your life. They include:
    • Pen/pencil and paper
    • Emergency money (keep this stashed in more than one place)
    • Make-up
    • Sanitary towels, pantyliners or tampons
    • A car hammer to break windows and seat belt cutter for dire emergencies
    • Instant cleaning items: antibacterial wipes, tissue, paper towels or a regular hand towel, and hand-sanitizer.
  15. Fire extinguisher
  16. Emergency supplies kit: you are going to spend a lot of time in your car so it makes sense that you are ready for emergencies. You can keep your emergency kit in your trunk.What should this kit contain?
    • Tactical flashlight: useful for night-time situations
    • Lighter, matches and any other fire starting equipment
    • Snacks such as energy bars, granola bars, and protein bars , also instant foods such as noodles. Dried foods such as jerky are also good to have.
    • Water
    • Weather radio
    • A physical map
    • A space blanket
    • Umbrella or raincoat
    • Chains, carpet or cardboard scraps: you can place these under your tires to gain traction on snowy, icy roads.
  17. Wind-shield Wiper Fluid: when driving in winter conditions, wiper fluid will make it easy to keep your screen clean and get slush, sludge and ice off. You need clear visibility when driving during the winter, wiper fluid will help you.
  18. Ice-scraper and Snowbrush: a winter essential, ice-scrapers will help you get ice, sludge and snow off your windshield without any scratches or damage to your car. Use a snowbrush to get snow off your car roof, this prevents the snow from sliding down your screen when you start driving or flinging off onto other cars and people.
  19. Car Coating: Now that you have a new car in place, you surely don’t want damages. So, how about going in for ceramic coating for cars, right during the vehicle purchase process. With this type of coating, you can easily clean your vehicle. Also, it’ll help you protect your car from chemical stains and harmful UV rays.

Now, you are ready to drive off into the sunset without looking back. But you can get a theoretical lesson on how to change your tires or jump-start your battery here.

A 3 Step Plan To Deal With Your Weaknesses As A Business Owner

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StrategyDriven Entrepreneurship Article | A 3 Step Plan To Deal With Your Weaknesses As A Business Owner

You won’t like to hear this, but you’re not perfect. Nobody is, and nobody ever will be. Some people seem like they’re perfect, but they have weaknesses just like anybody else. As a business owner, you can’t afford to let your weaknesses get in the way of your success. You have to understand how to deal with things that hold you back.

As it happens, this is a lot easier than it seems. Dealing with your weaknesses can be boiled down into a straightforward three-step plan – which can actually only last two steps, but you’ll learn about that later. How do you do it? Well, read on to find out…

Step 1: Identify your weaknesses

It begins by recognizing where your weaknesses lie. Many of you probably haven’t thought about your strengths and weaknesses before. More specifically, you only think about your strengths! Assess your life and consider what you’re good and bad at. Is marketing your weakness? Do you struggle with productivity and time management? Are you really bad at organizing your admin tasks?

Look at your daily workload and think about what comes easy to you and what is more of a struggle. If possible, ask someone close to you if they can think of your weaknesses. Often, you need someone else to point something out before you realize it yourself!

Step 2: Learn from the experts

Once you know your weaknesses, you can start improving them. The easiest approach is to learn from the experts in your weaker fields. Let’s say that leadership is a particular weakness of yours. You’ve acknowledged this, and now you can attend online business classes focused on leadership. Here, you’ll be taught key points and skills from someone who is a strong leader and knows what it takes to become one.

The same goes for any other weakness you have; get help from people who deem your weakness as their strength! Business classes aren’t the only way to do this, you can also read books, listen to podcasts, etc.

Step 3: Hire people who know best

After the second step, you may be in a position where you’re more confident and have conquered your weakness. In which case, you can carry on with running your business. However, what if you still struggle and can’t wrap your head around a certain topic? In this instance, move onto the third step where you hire people who know best.

If you’re really bad at something and it’s taking too long to master it, get someone else to do it for you. Hire an admin assistant to organize your day if you still struggle to handle all the admin tasks. Outsource a marketing agency to draw up your marketing strategy if you can’t get to grips with it. Source help from experts to cover your weaknesses and ensure your business has no cracks!

After following these steps, you will be in a position where your weaknesses are no longer a problem. Either you have mastered them, or someone else is taking care of them. Either way, your business is in a much better position.

What Is POS Software and Why Is It Important?

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StrategyDriven Tactical Execution Article | What Is POS Software and Why Is It Important?The global POS software market was $12.23 billion in 2018. The market is expected to grow by a CAGR of 15.1% within the next seven years.

A point-of-sale system can transform your business by providing a comprehensive solution to everyday issues. If you’ve been dealing with human errors, unrecorded sales, and faulty inventories, POS software can help.

So, what is POS software, and why do you need it in your business? Here’s is our detailed guide on the point of sale software (POS) and its importance.

What Is POS Software?

Point-of-Sale software is the system eCommerce and brick-and-mortar stores use to execute sales. To understand POS better, you can consider it as an advanced cash register that gets combined with a computer. It allows cashiers to input customer orders and tally the involved costs, even before consummating the final financial transaction.

A POS system can incorporate other systems or software like the eCommerce platforms and accounting apps to expand the capability and flexibility of a business. As such, the POS software definition revolves around its primary purpose, which is processing sales.

POS software does more than sales processing. Here are some of the roles played by the POS system software:

  • Customer data management
  • Analytics
  • Inventory tracking
  • Sales monitoring and reporting
  • Employee management
  • Robust integrations
  • Mobile connectivity

On top of different roles, there are different types of POS software, too. Read more on that below.

Types of POS Software

POS software is in two types: cloud-based and on-premise. For the on-premise POS system, you need to be within the location if you want to use it. Terminals are the leading on-premise POS.

With cloud-based POS, you’re assured of flexibility as it allows you to use any compatible and connected devices for easy access to the dashboard. This system is preferable as it will enable you to execute sales and check your business even when you are miles away.

Some other types of POS system software that fall within the category include:

Mobile POS

A mobile POS can be used in-store or outside a shop. It manages and processes payments besides having other functions that include inventory tracking. The mobile POS is ideal for small businesses or sole entrepreneurs due to its affordability, ease of operation, and setup.

Desktop

A POS system running on a desktop is an on-premise solution, often in a checkout station. If you go for the best hardware version, the desktop POS will prove reliable and robust. However, it’s quite bulky, and you can’t move around with it.

Open Source POS

Open-source software allows businesses to create custom solutions using their source code. Business owners can create the open-source POS system with external contributors, or internally. This type of POS system software is ideal for companies that have a variety of technical resources.

POS Apps

POS Apps can work with any compatible devices or hardware for easy access to data and management of business operations. POS apps are best for a business that want customizability and flexibility.

Multichannel POS

A multichannel POS integrates with several commerce channels, which is one of its most sought-after capabilities. The channels are usually the third-party online marketplace, your website, pop-up shops, stores, wholesale, event sale, and many other channels. This POS is best for eCommerce merchants selling in-person or the multichannel online brands.

Why Is POS Software Important?

If you’ve been asking ‘what is POS system,’ there you have it. So, why is POS software essential for business owners? Here are some of the benefits you stand to enjoy if you have the best POS software:

Time-Saving

Your POS system keeps track of the movement of goods within and outside the store. The system will keep you updated on your stock. It further submits relevant orders to suppliers when you’re almost running out of inventory.

POS software also makes it easier to retrieve information about a particular product. You’ll reduce the waiting time, which is a plus in customer service.

Employee Management

On average, the cost of losing a worker to turnover is about 33 percent of an employee’s compensation. It is crucial to embrace tools that improve how you relate to your team. POS software is a managerial tool that can help in establishing the right reward criteria.

Consequently, your workers will be more enthusiastic and effective. Customer service will improve, and the sales will rise. If you’re looking for a tool that will be a resource in your employee management, consider the point-of-sale software.

Avert Mistakes

The entire system will be automatically updated if you make price changes. You don’t have to worry about inconsistencies as everything will be the same across the platform. With POS, it will be hard to contest with customers over inaccurate pricing.

Sales Report

POS software gives you an overview of your business processes as it keeps a cashflow record. If you need data on any product, you’ll find it effortlessly. The POS system saves crucial information about your company’s financial status, sales, and inventory.

With such data, it easy to have a realistic short-term budget. You can also make several predictions based on the reports.

Reduced Thefts

Theft from either customers or employees is one of the main concerns of retail stores. The POS system gives you control of your products. Strong tracking of items hinders common theft.

Invest in POS Software and Watch Your Business Thrive

Improving the sales process is a dream for many business owners. Despite embracing several tools to increase efficiency, many people are not familiar with POS. So, what is POS software in a nutshell?

POS software is a central component for businesses. The benefits of POS software are irresistible. From increasing the efficiency of processes to improving customer service, you need to get the best POS software for your company.

Our blog is all about businesses. Keep exploring for a range of articles on marketing, strategy, management, and execution, among other business-related topics.

Security Training Options

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article | Security Training Options

Security training is a must for anyone that wants to make it in the industry. Irrespective of whether you are interested in becoming a CCTV operator or a door supervisor, you need to attain your license. This all begins with finding the best security training provider. Read on to discover how to do so.

The first thing you need to look out for is experience. Make sure the company has been in operation for a considerable number of years, as you don’t want a group of people that are effectively going to be learning on the job.

They should also have a wide assortment of different courses for you to choose from, for example, door supervisor training, bodyguard courses, first aid training and much, much more. Don’t only look at the course title, but check out the syllabus. You want to make sure the courses are modern and in line with the security of today.

They should not simply provide you with training and leave you to it either – they should help you to apply for your licence once you have completed your course. The best companies will have all of the details about applying for the licence on their website, making it much easy for you. At this point, it would be beneficial to note that you will need to renew your licence every three years. For example, the use of drones has become prominent in the security sector over the past few years. You can head to DrDrone for more information. The latest training courses will cover this.

In addition to this, you should take the time to read reviews that have been left by previous customers. This is the best way to get a truthful picture in regards to the level of quality you are likely to experience. If you come across a lot of negative comments, you know to look elsewhere.

What You Need To Find Out Before Taking A Course

Different security training courses have long been popular with those that want to make it in the security industry. If you have booked a training course, read on to discover the information you need to know beforehand.

The first thing you need to do is assess the dates and times for the security training course in question. In most cases, this will be a short, intensive training course, with the aim of ensuring you pass as quickly as possible. You may need to take time off work to accommodate this, so it’s worth finding out how long the course lasts per day.

Aside from this, you need to find out what you are going to need to bring with you. The best training course providers will supply all training materials so that you don’t need to spend extra money on this. However, it is likely that you are going to need to bring proof of identity with you and possible proof of address as well.

You also need to make sure your English language skills are up to scratch if you are going to take this test. You will be expected to have good knowledge of the English language if you’re to work in the private security industry. You don’t want to spend your money on a training course if your language skills are going to let you down. Don’t let this dishearten you though; arrange some English lessons until your tutor tells you that you’re ready.

What Course Is Right For You?

Firstly, one option to consider is CCTV training, which is designed for people who want to have a career as a CCTV operator. Once you have this licence, you will have the ability to monitor and work with CCTV camera systems that oversee any public spaces. For example, you could work for the local council or a busy shopping centre. The options are extensive.

Another popular option is a security guarding course. Once you have completed this, you will have the ability to work on unlicensed premises. This includes businesses like universities, banks, and construction sites. Please note that you cannot work on licensed premises with this course. If you wish to do so, a door supervisor course is advised. If you take the security guarding course you will learn about what you should and should not be doing on the job, as well as information on good communication, managing conflict, what it is to work as a guard and other things you need to be aware of, such as basic first aid.

Another option you may want to consider when working in the security sector is door supervision. You will need to obtain your door supervision licence, which will involve taking a training course. There are some other requirements too, such as being over the age of 18-years-old. As a door supervisor, you will have a number of different roles. This includes determining whether an individual is allowed to enter a licensed premise, such as a pub or a nightclub. You will not only be concerned with determining who is able to enter the building, but you are responsible for keeping everyone inside safe as well. Having tact and diplomacy is critical, as challenging situations can often arise and you will need to be able to defuse them. There are a number of other qualities you need to have as well, including having good people skills and being calm when troubling situations arise.

There is then the upskilling training for those who have been impacted by the new assessment rules that recently came into place regarding training to become a door supervisor. A lot of people need to take regular courses depending on their role in the security sector.

So there you have it: an insight into the world of security and the different options that are available. We hope that this will help you to carve out a career for yourself in this exciting sector, as demand is high and there are certainly diverse opportunities available.