To VA or not to VA: the benefits of a virtual assistant

Goals and checklists are good, but if your day is not enough to fulfil all your tasks and responsibilities, you end up delivering work that is not at par with the quality expected or you suffer from burnout, fatigue and other illnesses. Managing time and obligations is one of the biggest challenges of entrepreneurs. Some of them turn for help by hiring virtual assistants who can do certain jobs on their behalf. It is an option to unload one from mundane work to focus more on urgent matters in the business.

Creating an effective business plan

A business plan is a tool that will help you get to your entrepreneurial destination within the timeframe you set or even at a faster pace. It provides you with a map and directions on how to get there.  Not everyone may be able to read a map, as much as not many may find a business plan useful.  Maybe not in all circumstances, but in major crossroads of your entrepreneurial journey, it is advantageous to have something that you can refer to that can help you stay focused on your goals.

Platforms you can use for online meetings

Doing business in different parts of the globe or having team members in various locations may require a lot of communication to ensure that things go well. In this age of modern technology, being physically apart is not a hindrance in doing business transactions or official meetings. Within EO and among EO members, online meetings are also common and widely used.

Why make your business green

Our planet is aging. It is a fact that we cannot ignore. Harmful products and activities contribute to the worsening of our ecological problems. The rising concern on our environment has heightened the awareness of several industries and markets to take steps in preserving our ecosystem. Going green has become a buzz word where small to large companies implement ways to lessen the negative impact of their operations on the environment, society and the economy.

Tips on creating a successful event for marketing

Most brands and companies organise events nowadays to promote their products and services to their target audience. While it takes a lot of resources and effort to stage an event, organisations still consider it as an important tool in marketing because it provides an opportunity for the brand to have a face-to-face interaction with their market, giving them an experiential taste of their offerings. It can also result in instant sales and feedback if utilised wisely.

Surfing the entrepreneurial waves

Surfing is not for the faint-hearted, and so is the entrepreneurial journey. It takes skills, practice, determination and passion to ride the waves of tribulations. One can brave the perils of surfing or entrepreneurship through persistence because perseverance is necessary to achieve the needed to accomplish.

Finding the right mentor for business

The challenge-laden entrepreneurial journey is not for the faint of heart. One may get lost or burdened going through it, especially for the new ones. It becomes bearable when you take it with other entrepreneurs or when there is someone who can guide you along the journey. A mentor is someone who can do that and help you get to your destination faster.

What you get out of joining business associations

If you are a new entrepreneur or have kept to yourself all these years, it’s probably time to go out of your comfort zone, huddle with other entrepreneurs and consider joining business organisations. There are pros and cons to becoming part of a group. Membership may entail investing your time, talent and treasure into the group, but the rewards can be tremendous if you use it to your full advantage.

How to effectively close a sales pitch

Marketing efforts can only be as effective as your ability to bring a sales transaction into a successful close. Whether you are selling an actual product, a concept or a service, being able to convince your prospect is a skill that can be learned and practised. Many become sharp at selling as they get more experience at it.

The advantages of attending conferences, talks and seminars

Not many may adhere to the thought of leaving their workspace and be with several other people, mostly strangers, to listen to a speaker. Others may prefer to read books, watch videos or listen to podcasts in the comforts of their offices or homes rather than going to a venue, which may be a bit intimidating. However, there is a great benefit in being in that space where you absorb the energy of experts and other like-minded individuals.

Finding ideas for creative marketing

There are times that your marketing ideas hit a slump when your brand appears ordinary and your activities become a routine. It’s always good to put variety in your marketing strategies. You can brainstorm with your team to get various insights, but you still need to widen your horizon to find inspiration from things within and outside your workplace.

12 YouTube channels for entrepreneurs

One of the great resources of information for entrepreneurs is YouTube. There are plenty of things that can be found in this platform, varying from several genres and interests. To help you find amazing content, we have listed down 12 YouTube channels that you can follow and watch their videos that are rich in insights and learnings.

The art of negotiation in the entrepreneurial world

Running a business entails interaction and engagement with different people and various players in the industry. One major component in the entrepreneurial journey is negotiating for your business. You do it when hiring or retaining a staff member, purchasing materials, contracting suppliers, getting into a partnership or marketing and selling your product or services.

Nurturing effective communication in the workplace

Communication happens in our everyday life. It plays a fundamental part in the business world because it keeps the whole engine running. The same goes for any venture, big or small. But for your organisation to run smoothly, you need to hone good communication methods and tone down those that can cause problems.

Why you need market research for your business

Starting a business entails a lot of risks involved. You put into it your financial resources as well as your time, ideas and energy. The costs are high, and the risks are great. There is a huge probability of failure if you do not carefully plan how to build your venture, while your success rate may be substantial if you do the necessary preparations.

Hiring tips from Anthony Holdstock

Sharp & Carter is in the business of recruiting key people, and Partner and Owner Anthony Holdstock, who bought into the business in 2013, talks about how they apply their hiring principles to the firm. From seven people in Melbourne, it grew to 120 people across Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane to become an established specialist recruitment firm in Australia.

Things to know before you franchise

Franchising is one of the business models that aspiring entrepreneurs explore when they think of entering the business world. There is already a system in place and a brand that is recognised by customers. Although there are many success stories on franchising, there are also futile ones. Before you go into franchising, you have to weigh first the pros and cons and their possible effects on you.