How to drive traffic to your site

You set up your website and social media accounts, then expect people to visit them on their own. However, creating them and leaving them at that are not enough to reach your audience. You have to come up with some activity and engagement to let them know and draw them to your site.

Acquiring new customers and strengthening your relations with your existing ones involve an active pursuit online. Your internet presence has to be felt by your target market through strategic actions that will encourage them to visit your website. Before you launch any online marketing campaign, you have to ensure that your site has valuable content that will keep your visitors to come back and share it with others.

Now, how do you drive traffic to your site? Read on the following strategies that can help you with your site traffic.

Organic search

Every minute, millions of searches take place online. Your site can land in the first pages of search engines if you include the right keywords in your content. Internet users now use longtail keywords to narrow down search results, which you can employ in your site. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is one of the activities that site owners do to draw visitors. Even when algorithms change, it is important that your content is rich and images are properly tagged, without engaging in black hat tricks. Explore web directories and listings and see how they can contribute to your site’s searchability.

Social media

The popularity of social media has gone unnoticed by site owners and managers that it has become central in online marketing. Social networks like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Youtube and Reddit have become vital in linking and sharing sites, engaging customers and forming communities. Because social media platforms vary depending on usage, culture and trends, you have to customise your content accordingly. Tapping on the influence of online personalities also help in gaining credibility and authority to your brand.

Paid Ads

Advertisements are no longer limited to broadcast and print media. Brands turn to websites, search engines and social networks in placing ads. The likes of Google Adwords, Bing Ads, Facebook Ads, Instagram Sponsored Posts, Youtube Ads and Twitter Ads are also gaining the public’s attention. Other brands even get into advertisements promoted in online games. The good thing about ads online is that you can target your audience based on internet behaviours and site visits.

Referrals

Sites with high visitor rates can help boost traffic to your site through linkages. There are different ways to drop your site’s URL in sites with good domain authority. You can do this through link exchanges, guest posts, comments (as the first commenter) in blogs, and forum or Quora interactions. Of course, you have to select the sites where to put your site’s URL, as they must align with your brand and industry. Other methods are through webinars and article marketing, where you seed writeups to article banks, newsletters and syndication sites.

Email marketing

The best way to retain customers and constantly communicate with your existing audience is through email marketing. When they subscribe to your site, they can receive updates, announcements, news and stories about your brand. It is also helpful to always put in your email signature a link to your site.

Direct traffic

When people are more familiar with your site, they can simply type it in their browsers for reference. Make sure that you always put your site’s URL in your business cards, marketing materials, advertisements, presentations and the like. Having a domain name that is easy to remember is necessary to make it top-of-mind among your clientele.

With increasing site traffic, you can nurture visitors and convert them to become your loyal customers. Apart from these strategies, consistency is key in attracting more people to your site. You have to come up with fresh content regularly and update the information posted there. Moreover, you have to keep yourself abreast with the latest trends and news so you can align your strategies with whatever clicks with your target market.

20 Podcasts for entrepreneurs

The beginning of the 21st century saw the rise of podcasts as a new way of sharing information to the public. It broadcasts content and distributes them as audio files using apps or the internet. Entrepreneurs saw the value of podcasts in increasing their knowledge as they can conveniently listen to them anytime they want.

When you are in-between meetings, driving to work or back home, doing your exercise or wanting to spend a peaceful night without overworking your eyes, you can easily turn to podcasts to hear the insightful tips and inspiring stories of those who have traversed the entrepreneurial journey and made it successfully.

EO Melbourne members Nathan Chan of Foundr and Tristan White of The Physio Co have podcasts that focus on business and leadership. There are many more materials that you can help you in your growth as an entrepreneur. We have put together a list below of a few examples that can make you gain additional knowledge.

$100 MBA Show

Omar Zenhom and Nicole Baldinu are the persons behind the $100 MBA Show podcast, featuring real entrepreneurs and business experts that share tips and advice or conduct actionable lessons as guest teachers.

a16z

With a tagline of “software is eating the world”, the a16z Podcasts centres its discussions on news, trends and forecasts on tech and business culture.

Duct Tape Marketing

Thought leaders, influential marketers, successful entrepreneurs and business experts grace the podcast as John Jantsch interviews them about their experiences and learnings in their business life.

EntreLeadership

Running a business and leading a team is a challenging job. EntreLeadership acknowledges this reality by helping entrepreneurs become better leaders through advice from CEOs, heads of companies and business owners.

Entrepreneurs on Fire

Entrepreneurs on Fire founder and host John Lee Dumas created the podcast to inspire business owners and fire up their entrepreneurial journey with stories and strategies from those who have been in the journey themselves.

Growth Now Movement

With a mission to teach the world on smart decision-making and living life happily, entrepreneur Justin Schenck talks to entrepreneurs, business leaders and executives on how they overcome challenges and enable themselves to grow in their respective fields of endeavour.

How to Start a Startup

Composed of lectures from experts, this podcast created by Sam Altman and the Y Combinator team at Stanford details the basic steps in establishing and building an enterprise effectively.

Millionaire Mindcast

How do you build your wealth and enrich your lifestyle? Millennial entrepreneur Matt Aitchison turns to inspiring individuals as they share how to overcome hardships and be financially free.

Mixergy

Mixergy features entrepreneurs through interviews and courses that give a glimpse of the entrepreneurial journey and impart business knowledge so you can prepare for it accordingly.

School of Greatness

If you want to listen to game changers in various industries and fields of interest, you can pick some lessons from them through the School of Greatness podcast of Lewis Homes that offers business and self-development sessions.

Self-Made Man

You can be a self-made man yourself and learn how you can hone and improve your mindset, productivity, entrepreneurship, money, health, marketing and relationships through talks by some of the leaders in these areas of interest.

Smart Passive Income

Pat Flynn takes his listeners behind the secrets of making a living online through strategies, advice and interviews on how to build an online business.

Stanford Entrepreneurial Thought Leader Series

Familiarise yourself in the entrepreneurial landscape through the success stories of leaders who overcame the bumpy ride that the journey entails.

Startup

Gimlet Media’s Startup is a documentary series on the entrepreneurial journey that shows how to start a business based on case studies.

The GaryVee Audio Experience

Gary Vaynerchuk, the man behind the GaryVee Audio, presents in his podcast episodes some interviews, speeches, chats and insights on entrepreneurship and other interesting topics.

The Influencer Podcast

If you are curious about how to become an online influencer or learn from one, then this podcast is for you. Julie Solomon will show you the world of successful bloggers, social media influencers and industry experts through engaging conversations with them.

The Top

Highlighting top entrepreneurs, Nathan Latka gets them to share in 15 minutes or less about their businesses, revenue data and other helpful insights.

Tim Ferriss Show

The Tim Ferriss Show Famous showcase personalities within and outside of business wherein they share tactics and tools that helped them succeed in their particular field.

Unemployable

Brian Clark has founded eight successful enterprises, and he shares his lessons and experiences through his podcast. He is joined by guests who also have rich stories to impart to his listeners.

Youpreneur

In Youpreneur, you will find podcast episodes that revolve around building, marketing, monetising and growing your brand and business to make them profitable and lucrative.

Listening to the stories of successful people, especially their struggles and determination to prosper will motivate you to keep going on your entrepreneurial journey. As they share their experiences, you will learn specific strategies, tools and solutions that you can apply to your business. These podcasts are helpful in your growth as an entrepreneur because they present positive ideas that you can bring to both your business and personal life.

Planting and growing the seed of entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is like gardening where you plant and nurture your business so that it grows and bears fruit. It takes a lot of labour, notwithstanding external factors, to achieve the result you envision. Nevertheless, you till the ground, water the plant and care for it until it yields its produce for a good harvest.

Gardening is a therapeutic activity for busy entrepreneurs. There is nothing better than to feel nature in your hands. Also, it brings many good lessons that you can apply in founding and managing a venture.

1.) Know your soil

There are different kinds of soil – clay, chalky, peaty, sandy, silty, and loamy, the last being the ideal one. Determine the type of soil in your garden to know the plants that can survive and grow in such an environment. In the business setting, there are plenty of industries and markets to penetrate when you start an enterprise. Take a look at trends and players in the field and study how you will fit in such space.

2.) Select your seeds

Depending on your soil and environment, you have to choose the kind of plants you want to grow. Will it be flowers, vegetables, ornamental plants or fruit-bearing trees? Learn which plants complement each other and which ones would be disadvantageous if placed in the same area. Similarly, be strategic in the products and services you want to focus on your business. Make sure they address a particular need and provide a solution to a specific problem.

3.) Layout your location

When you have identified the seeds that go in a particular soil type, layout your garden. Decide the plants that should go together and those that you will place under the sun or in the shade. Location is crucial in business. It is ideal for your office or shop to be near your target market. Make your interiors a pleasing environment for your team and customers.

4.) Ready your tools

You need gardening tools to get you started. Plus, you need to get your hands dirty. When you build and run an enterprise, you need to have the right tools to manage it well, such as equipment, materials, skills, systems and software. At the initial stage of the business, you have to be hands-on with every aspect of the operation to familiarise yourself to the whole process and take care of your finances. Join professional groups like EO Melbourne to expand your learning and help you accelerate the growth of your business.

5.) Plant the seeds

Seeds are delicate, so you must handle them with extra care. Dig deep enough for the seeds to germinate. Be mindful of the distance between plants. Also, to avoid confusion, label your seeds. When everything is ready, it’s time to invest in your business and plant your brand in the mindset of your clients and prospects. Let your brand stand out from the rest. Establish and maintain good relations with them.

6.) Nurture according to their needs

The right amount of soil, water, sunlight, air and other minerals will help your seeds to sprout and grow. Never overdo them or else they will die. If you know your seeds well, you must know the amount of care they need to make them sturdy. In business, engage your customers and communicate with them. If you know exactly their needs and wants and deliver that kind of product or service to them, you will gain their trust and loyalty.

7.) Take out weeds and protect them from pests

To protect your plants against harmful factors, you have to weed out the grass, create boundaries against animals, and look out for pests and insects. As an entrepreneur, review your books regularly and avoid unnecessary spending. Hire and retain good employees, but don’t hesitate to let go of those that do not fit your standard and corporate culture.

Indulge yourself in this interesting hobby. It’s a good way to reflect and nurture your creativity where you get to spend some alone time with nature. You will find the activity not only relaxing but also insightful as you can pick lessons that you can bring to your entrepreneurial journey.

Essential business software tools

Speed and efficiency are necessary ingredients in running a business. You need tools that will help you fast track your operations effectively, sort out your internal structure, keep up with the demands of your clientele, compete well in your industry, and protect your venture from possible threats.

Advanced technology in this smartphone age has an enormous selection of applications that can bring your business up-to-speed and efficiently like a well-oiled machine. It has made offices go paperless and enable remote transactions to happen in real time. There is a software for every aspect of your business that can systematise your processes and aid you to cut on time, effort and resources. The basic ones are office suite, security suite and e-mail service.

What are the various areas in your venture where you can use software to help you manage your business? If you have a limited budget, there are free software but may not have the full capacity you need. Otherwise, you can invest in software that can best serve your business requirements. You can look into these few examples and explore other resources available out there.

Accounting, budget and invoicing

Keeping tabs of your income and expenses is one of the trickiest parts of a business. You can be on top of your cash flow when you have the proper financial system in place where you can accurately record your numbers and generate reports.

Examples: Xero, Quickbooks, Wave, Freshbooks, Sage 50c, Zoho

Backup and Recovery

Data and information are vital to your venture. Thus, there is a need to protect them to avoid losing them entirely. Choose the most suitable software that has the capacity that can match your company’s requirements.

Examples: CloudBerry, EaseUS, Nakivo, Wondershare, Carbonite

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Acquiring, engaging and retaining clients, whether it’s a B2B or B2C company, are necessary to generate sales and profit. 

Examples: Zoho, Salesforce, HubSpot, Bitrix24, Pipedrive

Database

Organising your client list, business contacts, and other information is a good way to record and keep information. Find a software where you can easily draw out the kind of report you need, such as the demographics of your customers or spending habits.

Examples: Microsoft Access, Oracle Database Cloud Service, TeamDesk, MySQL, SAP Sybase ASE, Microsoft SQL Server

E-commerce

The rise of online transactions has become a common reality nowadays. E-commerce has made things faster and easier for customers without them having to leave their homes or offices.

Examples: Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix, Weebly, Volusion

E-mail marketing

E-mail still generates a huge return on investment (ROI) and an effective way of engaging customers. But if you have a huge list and need to send e-mails regularly, a marketing tool that can do that in a single click is most helpful. Thankfully, there are now sophisticated applications that can do that.

Examples: MailChimp, Constant Contact, ActiveCampaign, SendinBlue

File storage and document sharing

Organisations turn to cloud storage as a business solution for storing and sharing huge files. With file storage and document sharing software, it is efficient to operate if you have offices or team members working in various locations.

Examples: Google Drive, Dropbox, Sharefile, Apple iCloud, SharePoint, Slack, Samepage

Project Management

Implementing and overseeing a project can be a tedious process. But you can ease your worries if you have software that can easily track the project, allow team collaboration, minimise errors and generate reports.

Examples: Slack, Bitrix24, Samepage, Confluence, Wrike, Trello, Zoho Projects

Task Manager

When you are overseeing a team, it is good to manage their tasks and deliverables through software that can help organise the workflow.

Examples: Monday.com, Wrike, Evernote, Smartsheet, Asana, Quire

Time tracking

Professionals, freelancers, contractors and companies with work-from-home staff rely on time tracking software to charge bill hours or monitor workload and output.

Examples: Hubstaff, Time Doctor, Tsheets, Bitrix24, Zoho People, Timely

Thanks to technology, it is easy to connect and work with your team regardless of time and distance. Software applications can keep you on the same page and reduce mistakes. If you have a good command of every aspect of your business, you can determine the software that can best fit your needs and help you cut on time and budget. Find one that can perform two or more functions to make it economical, timesaving and proficient for your organisation.

Industries where startups thrive

More and more startups are on the rise, and there are industries where new businesses thrive. Such industries provide an environment that allows recent players room for growth and opportunities. Emerging industries set the stage for fresh ideas and concepts while established ones experience a changing landscape through disruptive technology.

If you want to start a business or enter a new playing field, you can take a look into these markets which may open doors for you and lead you to success. It would also be a good topic to discuss and explore with other entrepreneurs and business groups like EO Melbourne on how they foresee the future of ventures within these business spheres.

Green and renewable energy

The increasing concern on environmental issues has paved the way for businesses to provide solutions to ecological problems. People are taking into consideration other sources of energy that are less harmful to the planet. Companies and individuals are becoming more conscious of redefining their methods to ease the pollution, reduce carbon footprint and address global warming and climate change. From the use of solar energy to the implementation of paperless transactions, there is a lot of potential for startups in this arena.

Artificial intelligence

It used to be a distant dream for societies to one day do things with a snap of a finger. Now, it has become more of a reality with the use of artificial intelligence. New products, equipment and processes that use the AI technology are on the rise, although still in the infancy stage, which leaves more space for several players to shape and develop this industry.

Education and online learning

In today’s world, learning goes beyond the four walls of the classroom. It now transcends time and distance through educational software and online materials. Whether it’s early education or a professional course, there are plenty of choices where you can improve your knowledge within a chosen field. Even individual experts have come up with online programs and training sessions to improve one’s capability.

Video and mobile games

With the advent of smartphones and gadgets, gaming has become more accessible to everyone. Gamers prefer to play a variety of games, and they range across various age brackets, locations and demographics. There are new games developed every month, and several companies have joined the bandwagon of creating video and mobile game apps that continually delight consumers.

Health, beauty and wellness

Today’s fast-paced and stressful lifestyle brought people to become conscious of their health, wellness and beauty. Although this is not a new industry, more startups are entering the scene that disrupts the current mindset and trends. Wellness services and applications, health centres, and ethical practices are making waves globally, creating a different approach to taking care of one’s body.

Mobile Food

Food is one of the basic needs of human beings. But this age-old industry has been transforming over the years because of the changing lifestyle, preferences and eating habits of people. Businesses that venture in the mobile food industry flourish, especially when times are financially challenging for consumers. Street food is always a mainstay for locals and travellers in cities all over the world, which is why there are always newbies that enter the scene.

There are several other industries where startups are seen to be on the upsurge. As our societies evolve and more needs and challenges are faced, there will be an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to join the business world. Also, we constantly experience progress, transformation and disruption, which may be both a threat and an opportunity to existing and upcoming enterprises. Nevertheless, keep your eyes open and be ready for doors that may open up in the future that may lead you to achieve your goals and become a successful entrepreneur.

The similarities between dating and customer relations

Others may think that business is a cold-hearted transaction devoid of any emotion. But what they fail to see is that companies that thrive and succeed are those that place a high value on their relationships with their stakeholders, such as their patrons and consumers.

Whether it’s a retail business or a B2B company, good rapport with the customer or client is necessary to keep things going. Several studies point out that the cost of acquiring a new customer is higher compared to retaining existing ones. To capture your client’s interest and secure their loyalty, you have to put your focus on understanding them, their wants and needs. It’s like courting someone you like and make that person fall in love with you. We can probably use a few ideas from dating and apply them to customer relations.

Attracting their attention

When you set your eyes on someone you want to woo, you will do certain things to gain their attention. You send flowers, write romantic messages, dress up or make your presence known to that person. In marketing, you need to be out there. You come up with advertisements, utilise social media, beautify your store, polish your website or create a beautiful packaging and catchy taglines. Sometimes you have to customise your approach depending on the response of a particular client or consumer. Before you plan out your strategies, you have to find out what ticks and clicks to your prospective customers by conducting research that can provide insight into their preferences.

Getting them excited

If obtaining the attention is the first hurdle, the next one is to get the person interested. You have to excite them to get a second, third or more dates. It’s the same thing with customers. The first engagement with them should be memorable, but you have to come up with other means to make them come back for more. It’s either you sign them up for a rewards system, offer a discount on their next transaction or highlight your unique value proposition to gain their trust and confidence to your brand. Make them look forward to recurring encounters with you.

Communicating good news and issues

One of the reasons why relationships fail is that both partners do not communicate properly. As you get to know each other more, you have to express your appreciation of the person or discuss issues in the onset. Similarly, customers are pleased when brands inform them of milestones, good news and possible concerns ahead of time. Whether you do email blasts, social media posts or community forums, constant communication with your customers will make them feel valued, especially if you listen to their suggestions and get their feedback.

Resolving problems

No relationship is perfect. There will always be misunderstandings and disappointments. But you have to work hard to go beyond that bump if you truly want lasting relations with the person you love. If there is a problem, you can nip it in the bud before it blows out of proportion by finding a resolution. When it comes to business, make sure to resolve any problem that your customer may encounter with your product or service. You can go the extra mile in assisting your clients, particularly your loyal patrons so that they will keep coming back regardless of the hiccups.

Elevating the relationship

A relationship is like a journey. You either move forward or go backwards. Despite the ups and downs, you have to put more effort to strengthen the bond. Customers of companies that show strong rapport with their clientele often turn out as ambassadors and help attract new patrons. You have to come up with ways to elevate the affiliation of your loyal clients to your company so that you grow together in this journey. This is one reason why some brands build online communities to involve their consumers to their brand.

The question now is this: Is your relationship with your customers only for now or is it for keeps? Whether it will lead to an enduring and deeper correlation or something temporary, you alone can give the answer to this. It all depends on your actions. If you know your customers better, you will know the right path to forge ahead.

Planning your business budget well

Keeping track of one’s finances is a primary concern of every entrepreneur because cash flow is an integral part of any business. A yearly budget needs to be drawn out to forecast and assess the financial aspect of your business more efficiently.

A budget is your plan interpreted into numbers. It is your roadmap that will guide you as you work on your short-term goals. A budget is a business tool for planning, monitoring and evaluating your venture’s progress based on your projected and actual income and expenses.

Even if you hire bookkeepers, accountants, auditors and experts in this field, it pays a lot if you are also knowledgeable about the financial side of your business. Given that, it is best that you work with your team when you draft your annual budget. To make sure that you plan your venture’s budget well, you can consider these few tips that can help you and your team.

Set targets

It starts with identifying your targets for the year. From there, specify the requirements, materials and tasks involved and estimate the equivalent cost. Having those quantifiable figures will help you assess your progress as you work your way towards your goals.

Research on costs and trends

To make your numbers as accurate as possible, research on actual costs that will reflect on your budget. If you have been operating for quite some time, your previous financial statements could be your reference as a benchmark but consider other factors that may change your current cash flow. Talk to your suppliers and partners, familiarise yourself on tax laws, check the market trends, know the industry standards, and adjust your budget accordingly.

Break down per month

Monitoring your cash flow vis-à-vis your budget is easier if they are broken down into months. When you divide your budget this way, you can check the difference between your forecast and the actual income and expenses as you progress throughout the year. Other businesses also apportion their budget per department or per project.

Get into the details

When you put items or entries in your budget, be as detailed as possible. Make everything quantifiable. Remember that time also has an equivalent cost. Review where you can trim down the budget. Be conservative in your sales projections as you overestimate your possible expenses. Include changes in the business cycle during peak and non-peak seasons. Factor in your company’s capability to absorb the workload and count overhead expenditures.

Come up with contingency

Similar to how you plan your life and your business direction, you must always allocate a contingency fund that will cover emergencies and unforeseen circumstances. Have a plan B, C or D when you create your budget. Mark the items that you can easily adjust and those that are non-negotiable.

Nowadays, there are plenty of tools, templates, apps and software that can make budget planning faster and more efficient. Educate yourself about the financial side of your business by reading accounting books, listening to podcasts and attending learning events, such as those held by EO Melbourne. Once you surpass the hurdle of the first few years of your venture, you can approach budget planning with confidence and increased knowledge.

The benefits of blogging to your business

Blogging has been around for more than two decades, and it has become widely used from personal journals to marketing and commercial purposes. Various brands and companies have also turned to blogs to communicate with their stakeholders. A blog gives an added dimension to your website, which usually has standard pages that do not need frequent updating.

There are several platforms with template designs that enable individuals, groups and companies to start blogging quite easily. Plugins and apps allow users to incorporate various features in their blogs that make it more attractive for readers. Moreover, blogs have become a rich source of information and entertainment among those who explore the world wide web. EO and its various chapters have also come up with blogs that have provided additional insights to members and readers. The ideal case is to host or attach your blog to your website to make it easier for you and your audience.

To have a blog, you should dedicate some time and effort to plan your content, post regularly, and respond to comments and queries. It’s not expensive to maintain a blog, which is why several ventures are also utilising this for their marketing efforts. Here are some of the benefits that having a corporate blog can bring to your business.

Increase traffic to your website

For your website to generate more traffic, it must have fresh content. Keeping a blog allows you to come up with new posts on a regular basis. It can increase your website’s SEO and inbound links when you have more articles through your blog, especially if you link it back to pages in your site. With more stories and information you share, you increase the searchability of your site as you harp on keywords that are related to your brand or business.

Inform and educate your customers

Through blog posts, you can explain concepts thoroughly. You can go beyond featuring your products or services but even come up with creative articles related to your industry that can be additional resources to your customers.

Connect you with your customers and prospects

Your website can be quite limiting as it will only present very pertinent information about your business. But you have many things to tell your audience beyond the details of your venture and some FAQs. The content you put in your blog can be customised based on the preferences of your readers, which can spark discussion and engagement.

Provide human touch

A blog provides a voice for your business, one that they do not often hear. You can inspire others through stories, highlight your people, share your passion, and put a human face to your company. That way, it strengthens your relationship with people as they see your brand beyond the logos, products, packaging or brochure.

Add value to your brand

Because you can talk about your brand in-depth, you can highlight its positive points without having to make it a hard sell. When you touch on other topics related to your business and provide relevant angles, you raise your brand’s authority, adding value to it that can endear to your customers and prospects.

Maintaining a blog can be either enjoyable or burdensome, but don’t lose your focus and always bear your readers in mind. You also have to stay close to your branding in any article you post. If you do well, it can lead to long-term positive results which can bolster your image and bring in additional income to your business.

Rafting through the entrepreneurial rapids

It’s a wonder why there are people who put their lives on the line, go through the rigours of the current and raft through the rapids of a wild river. The risk is high, and the rewards are not visible. It is comparable to the entrepreneurial journey. Not many may comprehend the people that take this path, but those who have been on this track fully understand the satisfaction it brings.

The perils of letting the powerful flow of water push you along a maze of huge sharp boulders are extremely high. It’s the same with putting your efforts and resources in establishing and running a business – you can gain so much or lose a lot. Despite the hardships, the whole adventure brings excitement and adrenaline rush. The satisfaction that the end of the surge gives to those who take it is even greater for those who finish it.

Proper mindset, preparation and skills are needed to wade through the challenges that the course of the flow may bring. There are a few pointers that people have to bear in mind as they take the entrepreneurial wild based from the preparation and experience of those who do white water rafting.

Choose the right level

The important thing is to assess first your capability and the difficulty levels. If it is your first time, tackle the beginner’s class and work your way up. There’s no need to rush to the most difficult level. It is crucial to have steady growth regardless of the pace that you can carry out. Familiarise yourself with the different rivers and courses so you will also determine the twists and turns you need to take.

It pays to know the ins and outs of the industry you are entering. You have to immerse yourself with the people to know the pulse of the market. There’s nothing wrong with starting small and ending big rather than opening big then the spark will die out in a short amount of time.

Develop great teamwork

When you go rafting as a group, you move as one unit and not as separate individuals. Everything has to be synchronised, and everyone has to paddle hard. Good teamwork and leadership are necessary ingredients to achieve success. That is why it is important to trust your guide and listen well to his commands.

Involve your people in the various stages of your venture, from planning to execution to evaluation. Build your team in a way that you become one mind and heart as you face the same direction. The burden is heaviest on the business owner, but you have to face the difficulties as a team to get through them.

Maintain proper balance

Balance is a key factor as you go through the rapids. Even when you fall, always find your balance. But it is not something that you achieve overnight. You have to work on it until it becomes a natural thing to you. This applies not only on the individual but also to the group. The team has to find its equilibrium on the raft amid the flips and splashes.

The entrepreneurial journey is full of ups and downs. You have to know when to stay all night and when to rest. Otherwise, your body and other aspects of your life will suffer. However, balance is not only bound in life and personal matters. It also applies to your team’s structure. See where every member can complement each other and the entire group so that you will develop harmony and unity.

Safety first

Wear the proper gear and check all the equipment before you embark on this fun adventure. Wetsuit, trainers, a floating device, and helmet are among the basic items. Take out unnecessary things, such as jewellery or accessories, which may harm you or others. Review the safety tips and observe them. Protect yourself not just against the rapids or the large rocks but also from the harmful rays of the sun. Bring sunscreen and first aid kit.

Look after your finances. Have some security measures in place to protect your business from crises and adversities. Document everything and set up proper systems and processes to fill in gaps in your operations.

Train well and paddle hard

Learn proper techniques and do warm-up exercises before the rafting activity to prepare your body to the rigorous motions of the river. Stretch your muscles so you can exert energy and force when the going gets tough and the tough gets going. Moreover, have the presence of mind during preparations and at the activity proper.

Equip yourself and your team with the proper skills and capabilities to make your business heavy-duty. Constant learning and training are essential to keep yourself and your venture growing. Pour your passion into your business so that you will achieve the goals you have set that will bring you to success.

The biggest struggle is at the early stage when you are trying to learn everything. But as you continue rafting and devoting yourself to the business, experience and familiarity will widen your comfort zone. You can learn from others who have gone before you, especially those that are already braving their entrepreneurial rapids, which you can find in EO Melbourne. Nevertheless, keep your eyes ahead and focus on the destination. Watch out for the waves and meet them head on to surpass the turbulence. Most of all, have fun and enjoy the ride.

Cloud storage: where to store your data

The 20th century saw the creation of cloud storage, but it was in the 21st century when it gained widespread use. Many businesses, especially those with offices, staff or dealings in two or more locations, have resorted to putting their data on a cloud platform for easy storage, sharing and collaboration. Understandably, it is a technology that most companies turn to in making their operations faster and more efficient.

There are advantages and disadvantages to using cloud platforms. It takes less physical space and infrastructure when you store data on the cloud. Running out of hard drive space is often a concern for computer users. Sharing of files is also easier because files may be accessed anytime, anywhere without sacrificing hard drive space. Meanwhile, because a third-party server stores the information, it runs the risk of falling on the wrong hands, with you having little control over it. Also, you always have to back up your data in case any uneventful thing happens.

Choosing which provider to host your files depends on your requirements and budget. There are those that are for free but with a limited capacity. If you prefer a bigger space and more secure software, then you have to be ready to shell out some money to acquire and maintain it. But first, it is good to familiarise yourself with the different platforms so you can choose which ones you can tap for your business needs.

Dropbox

Dropbox is probably one of the early players in this game as it began in 2007. It provides options for individuals and teams, offering the best sync technology, file recovery, and easy, secure sharing. One can set up an account for free, but there are plans available for some added features.

Capacity/Plans:

• Individual - Basic (2 GB free), Plus (1 TB at USD9.99/month), and Professional (2 TB at USD19.99/month)

• Team – Standard (3TB at USD12.50/user/month starting at three users), Advanced (As much space as your team needs at USD20/user/month), and Enterprise (customised solutions)

Google

The most common Google app for data storage and sharing is Google Drive, which can be used by individuals and teams at home, school or work. Google also developed Google Cloud as a business solution, which has improved security, advanced storage tiers and other features to support enterprises.

Capacity/Plans:

• Google One (combination of Google Drive, Gmail and Google Photos) - 15 GB free space, 100 GB at USD1.99/month, 200 GB at USD2.99/month, 1 TB at USD9.99/month, 2 TB at USD19.99/month, 10 TB at USD99.99/month, 20 TB at USD199.99/month, and 30 TB at USD299.99/month.

• Google Cloud Storage – Coldline (USD0.007 - USD0.014 per GB/month), Nearline (USD0.01 - USD0.02 per GB/month), Regional (USD0.02 - USD0.035 per GB/month), and Multi-Regional (USD0.026 - USD0.036 per GB/month)

iCloud

Apple’s cloud storage and computing version is the iCloud. The software allows iOS users to back-up data from their devices to remote servers, which they can access and share with other users. iCloud can be opened not only in iOS gadgets but also in macOS and Windows devices.

Capacity/Plans:

• 5 GB free, 50 GB at USD0.99/month, 200 GB at USD2.99/month, and 2 TB at USD9.99/month

OneDrive

Microsoft also came up with its cloud storage facility, called OneDrive. Apart from safety and accessibility, OneDrive also offers users access to their files even when they are not online. It also incorporates Office 365 in OneDrive.

Capacity/Plans:

• 5 GB free, 50 GB at USD1.99/month, 1 TB at USD6.99/month or USD69.99/year (comes with Office 365), and 6 TB (1 TB for 6 users) at USD9.99/month or USD99.99/year (comes with Office 365)

IDrive

IDrive offers multiple device back-ups and online file syncing as well as IDrive Express, where there are quick back-up and data retrieval through physical storage shipment. It also has snapshots and versioning which allows you to retain a maximum of 30 versions of all the files saved in your account.

Capacity/Plans:

• Personal - 5 GB free, 2 TB at USD69.50 in the first year, 5 TB at USD99.50 in the first year

• Business – 250 GB at USD99.50 in the first year, 500 GB at USD199.50 in the first year, 1.25 TB at USD499.50 in the first year

Box

Launched in 2005, Box allows its users to share files and collaborate. It serves individuals and businesses with a mobile application available in various smartphone operating systems.

Capacity/Plans:

• Individual – 10 GB free, 100 GB at US11.50/month

• Business – 100 GB at USD5.80/month, Unlimited storage at USD17.30/month, Unlimited storage plus unlimited external collaborators at USD28.70/month

Amazon Drive

Amazon also joined the cloud offering in 2011 through the Amazon Drive. It offers users the capacity to store files on remote servers, back them up, and share them. Its additional feature is photo printing through the Amazon Prints service.

Capacity/Plans:

• Amazon Photos – unlimited storage for photos, 5 GB free (videos, music and other files)

• Amazon Drive storage (photos are not counted in the storage allocation if you are a Prime member) – 100 GB at USD11.99/year, 1 TB at USD59.99/year

• Prime membership – USD12.99/month

There are many more cloud platforms that you can find. It’s a business solution that can help you in running your venture more efficiently, especially if you have remote offices or team members in various locations. If you are considering using this in your operations, be sure to take a deeper look into its capacity, security, performance, and pricing. You can also check with other business owners on their experience in using any of the cloud platforms. Test first those you are considering before you decide which one is the best for your enterprise.

Business leadership styles you can learn from entertaining guests

You let friends and family members in. But even before they could settle, you gave them a rundown of your house rules. In short, you tell them how you want them to behave in your territory. While this can set the order in the home, it can also be restricting.

EO Melbourne is a rich repository of such learnings. Whether you interact with other members, attend chapter and global events, or listen to enriching speakers, you will find several sources of inspiration from other business leaders. Here you can refine your leadership style as you learn from the experiences of other entrepreneurs.

Apart from business groups and associations, you can also get a few insights on leading people from day-to-day occurrences. One example is on how you entertain guests in your home. We have our ways of treating visitors who come to our doors. See below where you come close as a host and as a business leader.

1.) Expects guests to abide by rules

You let friends and family members in. But even before they could settle, you gave them a rundown of your house rules. In short, you tell them how you want them to behave in your territory. While this can set the order in the home, it can also be restricting.

An organisation needs a leader who is visionary, firm and good in decision-making. Being authoritative allows business owners a lot of control over their ventures and saves them time and effort. It may be effective, especially in large companies, but it limits the participation of the team and can often lead to disgruntled members.

2.) Commands guests to do things

A gracious host sometimes offers refreshments to guests to make them feel at home. You make room for participation, but you give instructions to your guests on what they need to do every step of the way. They perform the tasks, but they do not have a say on the food preparation.

When you are leading a team, giving orders and directives is welcome, especially if time is short or a crisis is happening. However, it can suppress their creativity and capabilities. It leaves little room for your team to give their opinions and ideas, which may cause discontent and frustration among them.

3. ) Encourages guests to try things or activities

Guests feel encouraged when hosts show their know-how and allow visitors to try their hand on it. Imagine how fun it is if you are good at gardening or baking and you make your guests participate, allowing them to add their insights. It becomes an exchange of learnings that make the moment satisfying.

In the business setting, your people will feel inspired if you share your expertise with them and make room for them to infuse their proficiency. Having a bit of autonomy will allow them to make mistakes and learn from the experience. It can work if your members are quick to learn from coaching, but not for those who may not be able to execute ideas properly.

4.) Nurtures guests to make them feel comfortable

Hosts can make their guests feel good by drawing attention to their strengths. It can uplift their spirits, which can generate friendly conversations and warm ambience. But boundaries can get blurred and may be susceptible to abuse. They feel too at home that you may lose control over them.

Praise and nurture can foster a positive environment for your people. It is ideal if your team members are disciplined and efficient. The downside is that it may embolden people to slack in their work and settle for mediocrity.

5.) Asks guests for feedback

Visitors will feel valued if you ask them their opinion, preference and insight. They can voice out their perception and recommendations freely. With this, you can do activities at home based on suggestions of your guests.

Individual members of your team can shine if you inculcate a democratic process in your organisation. It is essential that trust and respect reign in such a set-up. Although it will make your staff satisfied, the method can stall development and progress.

6.) Sets an example for guests to follow

Sometimes you want visitors to behave in a certain way inside your home or do things without ordering them directly. You do this by showing how things are done, setting an example to them. Meanwhile, it can put pressure on your guests, with no guarantee that they will be able to keep up to your standards.

As a leader, you can set the pace of how your team should work. While it’s good to be their role model, this style of leadership may frustrate them if they are not able to meet your criteria.

Each style of leadership has its advantages and disadvantages. There is no perfect type, and you can always improve on your leadership. You may lean toward a particular leadership form, but you can adapt to different kinds of governance depending on the situation and the people involved. As you guide your flock towards success, steer them in the right direction using both your head and heart so you can discern the proper way to lead and motivate them.

Augmented Reality as a business tool

Augmented Reality (AR) has become a buzz term because of apps that utilise this technology. However, do not confuse AR with VR or virtual reality. VR provides an immersive experience beyond the physical realm into a simulated environment. Meanwhile, AR produces computer augmentations over a real scenario, mixing reality with enhanced graphics.

Still, AR is considered to be in the infancy stage. It started gaining popularity only recently because of games like Pokemon Go and social media enhancements like Instagram’s Superzoom. Several industries now incorporate this technology into their businesses. Let us take a look where AR can be applied to improve one’s products, services and operations.

Construction and interior design

Architects and interior designers can employ AR before building the physical structure by designing edifices and interior spaces where they can superimpose computer-generated images to real-life scenarios. It allows experts to foresee probable challenges and find solutions to them proactively.

Retail and clothing

The advent of e-commerce has brought shopping to a higher level that sparks creativity and innovation online and in-store. With AR, consumers can now preview goods before buying them and visualise how they fit in the actual realm. An example of this is the virtual dressing room of online shops.

Manufacturing and engineering

Creating products, machines or processes can be more precise with the aid of AR. Car manufacturers can factor in accurately crash scenarios. Others can calculate risks more effectively and address discrepancies between digital images and physical models.

Healthcare and Medicine

The breakthrough of AR into medicine can help save lives and improve health. X-rays, ultrasounds, patient monitoring and vein location, to name a few, can be more exact with the use of AR.

Education and training

Simulations are paving the way to in-depth training and honing of one’s skills. Some institutions have even started employing AR and VR into their methods of instruction. In the long run, schools will benefit from this technology in refining education and academics.

Travel and Tourism

There are many computer software and smartphone applications for travel that provide composite views of computer graphics and the real world. Users can view on their screens both the things around their environment and the information about them. Some apps provide accurate data on distance and directions that help in navigation.

Marketing and entertainment

We sometimes see newscasts and advertisements that use holograms. More and more brands attract consumers through AR apps and services. Not only do they gain attention and pique the interest of prospective buyers but they also engage customers through interactive features.

There’s a lot of room for progress with technology like AR. How it will move your industry and business remains to be seen. But as you keep your business abreast with technological advancements, don’t lose focus on relationships and putting human touch in your dealings with stakeholders. To expand your knowledge and understanding on the latest trends on entrepreneurship and business, take advantage of the learning events in EO Melbourne. Learn from fellow business owners and discuss with them the pros and cons of AR in one’s business.

Your diet, your business and you

The holiday parties may have you binging on food that it’s time to shed the unwanted fats and get into shape. The new year calls for a new you – a better and healthier version of yourself. You may want to hit the gym, do some physical activities, or watch your diet. But it’s always good to do some research before you decide the right course for you, as a particular activity or diet may pose risks to your health.

Let us take a peek at the different kinds of diets to orient ourselves with how they affect our body. People go on a diet for various motives, may it be for weight loss, lifestyle change, or medical reasons. Should you decide to choose a particular path, remember that it is something you are bent on doing for the long haul. Like in business, opting for particular food intake is a commitment to achieve the expected results. We can also get some ideas from the types of diet on how we can improve on running our business.

Paleo diet

As the name suggests, the Paleo diet is eating foods taken by our ancestors during the Paleolithic Era. The premise is that farming, agriculture and processed foods are a mismatch to our body. Mimicking the sustenance that cavemen consumed in the early days meant eating food that is high in fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals.

There may be skills or people that are a mismatch to a certain role or position. Having regular team building or skills audit will help you determine how to hone your team and assign the right people with the right skills to the job that fits them in your organisation.

Ketogenic diet

The term “ketogenic” comes from the word “ketones”, the tiny fuel molecules produced when the liver breaks down fats in the body. Ketosis happens when the body is low in glucose, so the brain shifts to ketones to keep the body going. This diet involves ingesting low-carb, high-fat food.

Often in business, we tend to concentrate only on the “glucose” or the biggest thing that keeps us going. Always have alternatives. Have a plan B, C or D in place. Do not put everything in one basket. Diversify the sources of income. Do not limit yourself with only a handful of clients or offerings. Come up with succession planning in your structure.

Atkins diet

Dr Robert Atkins is a cardiologist that introduced the Atkins diet. It also works based on the principle of ketosis. There are four phases in this diet where intake of carbohydrates is cut down while consuming protein. The last phase reintroduces carbohydrates, but in controlled portions and select types only.

A healthy dose of everything is also a good lesson in business. Look at your books and see where you spend the most. You can manage your finances by taking measures to infuse change until you get a steady flow of your income and expenses.

The Zone

Balancing one’s diet is the principle behind the Zone where a plate is composed of a bigger portion of low-glycemic carbohydrates, smaller portion of lean protein and a bit of monounsaturated fat. It’s objective is to reduce inflammation in the body.

Some business owners tend to spend the majority of their time on their ventures. Even outside of work, they still think about it and rarely switches off. While passion and dedication are important, too much focus on work may also result in burnout and illnesses. Take time to enjoy the other aspects of life.

Blood-type diet

Created by Dr Peter D’Adamo, this kind of diet works on the premise that there are food types that react differently depending on the blood type. According to him, the lectins or protein components of food tend to bind with antigens on our blood cells that result in agglutination. To counter this, he has a recommended list of foods to eat and to avoid for various blood types.

Every business, market and industry has varying dynamics at any given time and space. There is no single clear-cut formula for success because certain methods may work differently in various situations and characteristics. Thus, it is important to test and research which ones may work for your business.

In the end, it is always best to consult with an expert, whether it’s for your body’s health or your business’ well-being. If you are bent on going on a strict diet, a nutritionist or a physician can shed more light on the best method to go forward. You may also find clubs composed of people who are already in the process of dieting, and they can be your support group. As to entrepreneurship, a mentor or an organisation of like-minded business people can help you look after your growth and that of your enterprise. Joining groups like EO Melbourne can be a great venue for you to learn and increase your business knowledge.

Whatever path you want to take, it’s good to have people to be with you on your journey. With the right company, you can meet the challenges ahead and continue towards your goal because you have fellow travellers who walk with you.

10 fun activities for team-building

Taking time off from one’s busy schedule is a welcome respite for every person – business owners and staff members alike. Apart from vacation and annual leaves, a good way to break free from the confines of workspaces and work routines is to have team-building activities where the entire team can have fun together. The beginning of the year is the best time for some pep rally to set the tone for your internal environs.

Whether it is your annual planning or team-building session or a weekend getaway or an after-office bonding activity, doing something out of the usual work that you can enjoy as a group keeps a healthy business atmosphere. As they say, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” When things go dull around the workplace, it can pose a problem to the business as well.

Team-building activities bring great benefits to a company, no matter the size of the business. The change of environment, especially when you hold it somewhere conducive, and the intention of nurturing your team provide positive reinforcement to your staff. These sessions can motivate individual members of your group and engage them in your business on a deeper level. The activities can also enhance their creativity, leadership and problem-solving skills. They also strengthen the communication between members as well as build trust, confidence and teamwork among them. Most of all, it is a time for them to enjoy each other’s presence. In the end, it will increase their productivity, which can bring good to everyone.

If you plan to hold this annually, it would be good to come up with some exciting exercises for them. Below are ten games and activities that can make your team-building extra fun and enjoyable.

1.) Telephone charades

It’s a great icebreaker where, in each team, a person acts a charade for the next person in the line without the others watching. The second person then passes on the charade to the next until it reaches the last person who will guess the word or phrase. Not only will this generate lots of laughs but it will also tap into the creativity of each member and establish rapport among them.

2.) What’s my name?

Members will have a tag on their backs indicating a famous person, a profession or a type of person that they have to guess. Everyone will go around to ask questions, preferably answerable by yes or no, and observe how others treat them to get clues on the word written on their backs. This exercise can help determine stereotypes and allow members to interact with each other.

3.) Jigsaw puzzle contest

Let teams complete a jigsaw puzzle where the fastest one will be declared the winner. You can also modify this activity, such as hide certain pieces, set challenges to obtain the last piece or mix some pieces with the other teams so that they negotiate and exchange. Here, you will see the dynamics of the teams, which ones are good at leading, negotiating, and problem-solving.

4.) Survival game

You can set a scenario for this game, such as being stranded on an island or lost in the wilderness. Teams can choose ten objects they will bring to survive. It can be a pen-and-pencil activity or actual items in a box. Each team will then rank the items and justify the rank. You can even ask the teams to build or create something out of the items they have. It’s a decision-making and creativity exercise for everyone.

5.) Helium stick game

You can involve the entire team where members line up facing each other with their index fingers extended in front. Place the helium stick over their index fingers. They bring down the stick, which must remain in contact with all the extended fingers at all times. Otherwise, they have to start all over again. It’s a fun game of patience and teamwork.

6.) Escape room

Escape room games are gaining popularity, especially for team-building. Members are locked in a room and must solve a mystery or challenge within the allotted time for them to escape the room, or else, they will suffer the consequence. The situation will allow members to exhibit their capabilities in negotiating and solving problems.

7.) Scavenger hunt

What makes this activity fun is that members can do this around the neighbourhood or outside the venue. Teams are assigned to find or do a particular scene and take photos of the assignments on the list. You can take this further by requiring them to come up with a slideshow or movie of the photos they have taken. It will bring out the creative side of your members.

8.) Minefield

Divide the participants into pairs or small groups where they choose a member to be blindfolded. This member will go through obstacles and must avoid mines until they reach the end of the course. Teammates can only shout their instructions to guide the blindfolded member. Learn how different individuals issue orders and carry them out.

9.) Cook-off

Another fun way to strengthen the bond of your staff is to do practical activities, such as cooking. You can implement this in different ways. Some do this as a relay where only one team member can perform a particular task one at a time. Afterwards, you can dine together and enjoy the dishes your staff has prepared.

10.) Community service or volunteer work

Doing community service or volunteer work is an activity that your members can do together and find fulfilment. Let them do the planning, preparation and implementation, including choosing the service and the organisation that will benefit from this activity.

Having a strong, dynamic team is a vital pillar in keeping your business formidable. Infuse the fun aspect in your corporate environment and nurture your corporate culture with your company values. Always build your team up to drive them forward to your goals.

Building an online community for your brand

The advent of social media has provided brands and businesses with a new way of communicating with their customers and loyal patrons. If before, the way of reaching out to them is through telemarketing and e-mails, engagement with them is taken to a different level with the growth of online communities. Having an online community is not as simple as talking to an audience. There is a dynamic exchange of ideas and opinions that allows customers to be more involved in the brand.

Creating a community allows your consumers to interact with you and share their feedback, stories and insights in a faster and bigger scale. While it is good in building relations with your stakeholders, it also opens up a window for negative reactions, which is why it is something you have to consider very seriously for your business. Before you decide to utilise this strategy, you have to determine first if an online community is something that you need because it takes a lot of effort and commitment to maintain one.

With a community of customers – loyal or disgruntled – you have direct access to their feedback and insights, which you can use for research and development of your products, services, or business, as a whole. It’s also an avenue for you to clarify or address any problem or concern. Knowing that you are listening to them also lessens frustrations from your customers. By establishing an open line of communication with your consumers, you can generate repeat customers and even turn them into your brand ambassadors that can bring in new ones through word of mouth.

But building an online community is easier said than done. Whether you create a forum, host it in your site, or use any of the social media platforms, there are tips to guide you on how to start and strengthen a community online.

1.) Content is king

Having informative and interesting content will hook your existing members and even drive new members to your online community. It should keep your audience engaged through facts, stories and questions. Remember that it’s not a one-way street. It’s not just you talking. It’s also an avenue for your audience to participate and voice out their opinions. You can even generate your content from your members. That way, they feel more connected to your brand.

2.) It’s all about value

Starting an online community is just a small percentage of the big picture. Sustaining it takes a lot of hard work. Members stay in the community when they find value in it. They may get new information regularly, voice their opinions, find gratification or earn new friends along the way. You have to form a special relationship with your community because trust is a key ingredient in keeping it together. Respond fast to queries or concerns in a tactful manner.

3.) A mine of expertise and ideas

Since an online community is composed of human beings, it is also a dynamic organism. Allow some room for your members to show their talents. Enliven discussions to generate lots of ideas. Be generous in giving affirmation to them. When there are insights or works from them that you want to use, be sure to recognise them and give them credit.

4.) Community guidelines are important

Like in any group, it is expected that there will be varying opinions, ideas and reactions. One person can react differently from another in a given situation. To avoid conflicts and install order in the community, you must set down rules and guidelines for everyone to follow. That way, members are aware of boundaries and limitations, making sure they don’t overstep on another person’s space.

5.) A community has a culture

The culture you want to infuse in your online community must reflect the values of your brand. But don’t make it too hard sell. The best way to influence the culture of your community is that you set yourself as a good example. Call out those who go out of bounds but in a non-offensive way. Acknowledge those who embody your corporate values.

6.) Let go of control

To make your community thrive, you often have to step back and allow them to take the reins of running it. You’ll be surprised at how eager they are to respond to each other’s questions, police those who do not follow the guidelines and initiate endeavours for the good of your brand.

There are more things you can do to create, develop and maintain an online community. The important thing is that you have to feel their pulse to know their needs. You can also listen to stories of business owners who have done the same. If you belong in organisations like EO Melbourne, it is a rich resource to mine lessons from the experiences of other entrepreneurs.

Regard your online community as your support base, setting a stage for them to shine and reach their full potential. It’s a give-and-take relationship that you, your brand, customers and prospects can align and help uplift each other.

Hiking towards business success

There are many parallelisms to the entrepreneurial journey, and we can draw lessons from various activities which we can apply to the business space. We don’t have to look far because the great outdoors is a rich resource of business insights. Bringing your venture to success is like hiking uphill to the peak. While climbing a mountain sounds exciting, it is full of challenges and risks, although the results can be extremely rewarding.

If you are planning to go for a hike or start a business, there are a few things to bear in mind before you set out. Even if you have been doing either one of these or both for quite some time, you can still refresh your perspective with a few reminders.

1.) Research is paramount

Before you embark on any hiking adventure, gather as much information as possible on the trails, the elevation, the weather, the preparations needed, and other details that will be helpful to you.

If you are starting a business, launching a new product or campaign, or coming up with an initiative, collect the data that can aid you in setting your objectives, strategies, plans and budget. Research is important to help you steer your business on the right path.

2.) Decide on the trail, distance and time

Once you know your options, choose a trail that can match your fitness level. If it is your first hike, opt for a shorter distance and an elevation that you can manage to scale. Determine the time you will allocate for the climb.

Decision-making is a key factor in entrepreneurship. You have to set your vision and goals, which includes your timeline on when you want to achieve these things, early on. Having a target in mind will guide you in making decisions, big or small.

3.) Study the terrain and directions

Do you know how to read maps? It’s time you familiarise yourself on how to understand maps and use a compass. Know the terrain of the place you are hiking so that you can better prepare for it.

In business, you have to understand your industry and market so that you can navigate your way to success. When you know your competitors, stakeholders, prospects, and other players in the industry, you can also define the direction that your business will be taking.

4.) Create a checklist

A checklist of what you need to do and bring can help you in your preparation for the actual hike. It keeps things organised, allowing you to focus on more important matters.

When you have big goals for your enterprise, it is beneficial to narrow them down into smaller goals and monthly, weekly and daily checklists. You don’t want to miss anything, as you want to cover everything when you are running a business.

5.) Get in shape

Hiking is a physical activity. Thus, exercise is necessary to prepare your mind and body for the challenge ahead. There will be difficulties, so you have to eat the right kind and amount of food.

You will find that learning about finances, marketing, sales, human resource and various aspects of the business is useful to the entrepreneurial journey. Similar to hiking, you have to stay healthy, both in mind and body, to lead your business to success.

6.) Pack the essentials

A first aid kit, food, and emergency items are some of the things necessary to bring when you go on a hike. But you have to pack only the weight that you can carry on your back. Otherwise, you will end up with a heavy load that will become more of a burden than an asset to your activity. Your checklist will help you determine which ones to prioritise.

With so many things happening inside, around and outside your business, you have to filter through all the noise and focus on what is important to your business.

7.) Gear up

Wear the right shoes that can sustain you throughout the hike. Layer your clothes and choose those that you can use in the changing weather. Make sure they are comfortable enough and can protect you from the harsh conditions on the trail.

Put up some security measures and safety nets for your business. You’ll never know what may happen to the economy, market or your operations. It’s good to think of the worst and do the best that you can so that you can achieve your goals.

8.) Find a hiking group or hiking partner

Hiking alone is not only lonesome but also susceptible to many dangers. While there is serenity in doing the hike by yourself, it is better to have people with you who can help you along the way. It is also exciting when you do it with a partner or a group.

The business world is a cutthroat environment, especially with the fierce competition where everyone wants to get the bigger piece of the pie. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is advantageous when you navigate through the entrepreneurial waters. Groups like EO Melbourne have become a source of support to many business owners because of the learning events and programs that help members wade through the challenges of running a business.

There are other things to bear in mind when you want to go on a hike or run a business. Get the support of your family or friends by sharing your plans with them. Observe proper etiquette and respect others, whether you’re on the trail or the entrepreneurial journey. When things get tough, take a break and adjust your pace. Remember that in hiking and business, you are racing against yourself. You can set your targets based on your capabilities and determination. Push yourself but don’t go over the limit.

All set? Gear up, go after your dreams and reach for the top.

Understanding Generation Z for your business

The Millennials are getting older, and a new breed is making waves in society. “Generation Z” is becoming a buzzword these days. We read several articles differentiating this age bracket from its previous generation, the Millennials, which has become a household term globally.

Generation Z is the youth at present, which can help drive your business to success in the future. Before we get into Generation Z, let us first review the different age groups that comprise our current societies. Although individuals belonging in the same cohort may vary from person to person, there are distinct traits that are common in a particular peer group collectively. It is because they may have shared experiences due to the same trends that happen within their life stages. The exact year when a generation begins and ends are not defined universally because of the disparity in characteristics of such group in various geographic areas.

1. Traditionalists – These are the people born in the late 1920s to 1945. They are also called the Silent Generation. As the name suggests, they are conformists and loyal. This generation is composed of those who have experienced World War II and other wars.

2. Baby Boomers – Born in the latter half of the 1940s to the early half of the 1960s, the Baby Boomers are also the so-called the ”hippies”, “Generation Jones”, and other monikers. They have strong work ethics and are competitive and goal-oriented.

3. Generation X – They are those born in the second half of the 1960s to the latter half of the 1970s. They are independent, hardworking and associated with work-life balance. This generation experienced the transition from analogue to digital.

4. Millennials – This generation is made up of those born in the late 1970s and early 1980s to mid-1990s. Sometimes referred to as Generation Y, Millennials are tech-savvy and may shift jobs as they prefer more flexibility in work schedules.

5. Generation Z – Persons born in the second half of the 1990s to mid-2000s.

Generation Z characteristics

The Generation Z is the youth of today. Some of them are already entering the workforce and making decisions actively. These are some of the qualities of the Gen Z, which you may find useful when you engage with them.

They live in a digital age. With all the current technological advancements, they can communicate and interact easily and fast through various social network platforms and smartphone apps. They access information with a click of a button. Brands convey their messages through mobile and social media marketing. Because of the large influx of messages, the Gen Z crowd will most likely respond to those with great visuals.

They are financially literate. The financial downturns may have occurred before or during the time they were born, and they grow up conscious of the need to save and prepare for their future. Many of them earn a living while still in school, and they are more entrepreneurial than their other counterparts. Given the amount of information, how-to guides and instructional demos available online, Gen Z members are more inclined to create a business and do things DIY.

They are realistic and practical. This generation is aware of the risks and dangers in societies, brought about by certain realities like terrorism and recession. They approach things with caution, leaning more on frugality and practicality instead of extravagance and idealism.

They think global. Most societies exist in multi-cultural settings nowadays. Borders are getting blurry because of the digital space. Travel and instant communication are more common and accessible. One can easily connect with others in various parts of the world. These factors allow Gen Z to be more inclusive and accepting, allowing them to approach things from a broader perspective.

The Gen Z crowd is your consumer and emerging employee. It is important that you know how to reach out to them, position yourself well in their consciousness, and make them an active part of your business. Which is why certain brands create communities that can support and drive their enterprise. You can learn from the Gen Z members with their fresh insights and creativity, especially if you aspire for an increased and more significant presence in the markets you target and the industries where you belong. It’s about time you take a closer look at Generation Z and include them in your plans.

Maximising e-commerce for your businesses

The advancement of technology has brought many businesses and brands to enter a new world where they can market and sell their ideas, products and services more efficiently – the cyberspace. E-commerce has made transactions faster, safer and convenient for both sellers or service providers and customers, breaking boundaries and timezones as it is on a global scale.

E-commerce is growing by the minute, and it has generated trillions of US$ in sales over the last few years. The transactions are not only limited to B2C sales but also include B2B deals. It goes to show that businesses utilise online platforms for sales and marketing, both in retail and wholesale.

Doing online selling and marketing can generate swifter results while saving costs on overhead expenses because you don’t have a physical store. However, there are still advantages in having a brick-and-mortar store where people can see and experience the products and services firsthand. If you opt to do online transactions, be sure that you stand above the fierce competition offering the same kind of services, you have efficient and secure delivery of your goods and services, and you can immediately respond to queries and concerns 24/7. Remember that the cyberspace can be accessed globally, and entering into that arena means opening your business to an international audience.

Once you have assessed the pros and cons of doing e-commerce for your business and found a greater advantage in doing it, you may consider the following suggestions.

1. ) Invest in a good site

Customers should be able to access and navigate your site straightforwardly. Get an expert who can layout your site and can provide the needed support. It is important to have software that can run an online system which you and your team can manage with no or little difficulty. Also, make your site secure and safe for you and your clients to avoid hacking and any form of cyber attacks.

2.) Provide great content and appealing visuals

Your content, such as your copy and visuals, must have a hook that can attract your customers to your site, substantial information to retain them, and credibility that can convince them to avail of your offerings. Share stories or come up with articles relevant to your brand and your audience. Use SEO to drive your site to the top of search engines.

3.) Utilise social media

Nowadays, it’s not enough that you put up a site and populate it with information. You need to promote your site, too. One method is to capitalise on the growing population of social media. Utilise the social networks you find suitable in advancing your business, which includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube, and Pinterest, among many others. Study the behaviours of users per platform and customise your postings and responses based on those data.

4.) Engage influencers

A little help from online-savvy personalities can also boost your online presence and e-commerce transactions. Do affiliate marketing and reach out to bloggers and social media accounts that have a huge following. Establish relationships with them and partner with them in certain marketing campaigns. Allow them to test your products and services and engage them in making your offerings better and more visible to others.

5.) Create an email list

Although social media is powerful, there are so many messages coming in every second in these platforms that may dilute the communication stream. It is still effective to use emails in conveying your message to potential buyers or clients. Email is also a good way to personalise your communication to your audience and strengthen your relations with your existing customers. Employ email marketing alongside your social media plans to boost your presence online.

6.) Build an online community

In cyberspace, it is no longer a one-way street. There are many opportunities for dialogue and conversations. Create an avenue for your customers or clients to have an open communication line with you. Involve them in some of your projects. Listen to their feedback and respond to them right away so you can build trust between your brand and your market.

7.) Hold an online initiative

You can conduct a cyber sale event, contest, giveaway, social media parties, or other initiatives that can draw more people to your site and your business. Keep your audience and market interested in your brand through special projects that will excite them. It is good to have something for them to look forward to happening in your site throughout the year.

With the way technology is advancing to the future, there is no doubt that more and more businesses will be including e-commerce into their operations. If this is the path your venture wants to take, the critical part is to enter it fully prepared. Gather as many information as you can and consult with the experts. Then, assess how you can make the most of online selling and marketing and let it work to your advantage.

What businesses can look forward to unfolding in 2019

The beginning of the year marks a time when people are hopeful of how the rest of the year will unfold. We may never predict what will happen next. But patterns in recent events can indicate various possibilities that the immediate future may bring. The present economic landscape can shape one’s business outlook, which is helpful to goal-setting and short-term planning.

New developments in industries, markets and trends can prepare you on how you can grow your enterprise as you incorporate these advances to your business. The good news is that industries and economies are gearing up for stronger performances. The Reserve Bank of Australia, on its November 2018 Statement on Monetary Policy, reported that the “GDP growth is running above 3 per cent.”

Technology

Technology is a constant player in the ongoing growth of various industries. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help different sectors like human resource, especially in the selection process of candidates, and aid business owners in decision-making. Companies can capitalise on AI for their sales and marketing initiatives. New software and mobile applications are also on the rise, given the progress of the Internet of Things (IoT). Communication and networking are no longer limited to human interaction as machines are getting smarter and can also communicate and network with each other.

Security

Since transactions take place faster and in bigger volumes nowadays, security measures are also improving and getting more sophisticated. If this is something you have not begun doing, you can look into various cybersecurity tools that are available in your industry. Offence and defence are part of the game. While you go aggressive in your sales and marketing campaigns, make sure that you also protect your resources and data, as well as the privacy of your clients and customers.

Personalisation and audience engagement

The use of machines, robots and AI does not mean that everything will be impersonal. In fact, because of these technological advancements, you can personalise your messages and approach, talking directly to your specific audience. Increased interaction and engagement will fill the cyberspace, which is why you need to stand out by attracting and retaining your consumers through conversations. It will enable businesses to understand better their clients. You can tailor fit your messages, products and services to certain sectors or clients to appeal more to the individual preferences and tastes of customers.

Cloud-sharing and remote working

Advanced technology can help you save not only time but also cost and resources. Files are stored and shared on cloud servers. With people and businesses communicating and exchanging information in real time anywhere in the world, companies revolutionise their organisational structures and operations to take advantage of this development. Organisations get the services of freelancers and assign certain positions and roles to staff members based in various locations worldwide.

As the business landscape continues to evolve and transform, you can either create a disruption or allow others to disrupt your business. Keep your eyes open for new things to come and act fast and accordingly on what is best for your enterprise.

A guide to making New Year’s resolutions for entrepreneurs

With the changing of the calendar and another year approaches, we start putting together our New Year’s resolutions, hoping for another beginning that can help us become better than the previous years. Others may not subscribe to the idea of New Year’s resolutions, but in business, there is a parallel mindset which is more related with goal-setting.

It is about time to assess and evaluate the things that you need to stop, minimise, improve and start doing. Whether you are making a New Year’s resolution or doing your end-year evaluation or annual corporate planning, you have to go back always on your purpose when you started your business. You may have updated your main objective, often articulated in your vision and mission, years after you have established your venture, but it’s nice to bear in mind the “why” behind your enterprise.

If you have been doing this for quite some time, you can review your past resolutions, goals or plans. If not, you can consider assessing and planning the following areas that can help improve yourself and your business. Choose the most urgent that will affect your venture positively and start listing down your resolutions under those items.

Personal development

As the business owner, you lead your team and your entire business. You also have to grow in parallel to your company or enterprise. What new skills do you need to learn or hone? What are the things you should do to improve yourself as a person and as an entrepreneur? It could be joining EO Melbourne and its various learning activities. Analyse your strengths and weaknesses and focus on areas where you need to exert more effort for your personal development.

Family time

Come up with a specific checklist on what you can do consistently to ensure that you still provide quality time and attention to your family. Having a happy environment at home can also extend to other areas of your life. You can start a new habit in the family that everyone will enjoy.

Business goals and targets for the year

If you have a specific picture of what you want to achieve for the year, list down the particular actions you need to do that will bring you towards those targets. The action items must be very specific so that it is easy for you to do them, monitor, and plan accordingly.

Staff development and company culture

Your internal environs are significant to the success of your business. Take a look at how you can attract and retain good people and endeavour on making your company a preferred place of work for your team members. Maybe you need to restructure your organisational chart or come up with programs for staff development.

Client relations and networking

What should you do to strengthen your relations with your existing clients and expand your network? It could be joining a business group like EO, having dinner with a client once or twice a month, or attending four conferences or conventions during the year. You can also renew ties with old friends you have never seen for a long time.

Finances and systems

Are there areas in your financial operations that need to be improved? If there is any, write down what you will do to achieve better results on the financial side of your business. There may be areas in your operations that need to have a more efficient system for faster and better outcomes. You might want to introduce a technology, upgrade your systems, hire an expert, or study finance-related or systems-related short courses. With IT and automated systems now flourishing in various industries, it would be good to include this in your New Year’s resolutions.

Marketing

These days, marketing one’s brand, product or service go beyond the traditional methods. New media platforms have become important tools in executing marketing strategies and tactics. If this is uncharted territory to you, then you have to familiarise yourself with these platforms and start incorporating them in your business.

Social Causes

This is probably one aspect that you want to be involved in the future. You may not have enough resources yet to support a cause, but you can start planting the seeds of good works by checking some charities or social causes that are close to your heart. You can also volunteer your time and expertise in helping out sectors of society that may be in great need.

Are you ready to welcome the coming year? Face the year 2019 aiming for a better version of yourself, and take your business to the next level. Make your New Year’s resolutions work for you. Look at it on a positive light as something that will add value to you, not burden you. Most important of all, whatever you have listed there, enjoy the exercise of fulfilling them and ticking them off.