ReportWire

Tag: growth hacking

  • 7 Critical Pieces of Business Advice for Entrepreneurs | Entrepreneur

    7 Critical Pieces of Business Advice for Entrepreneurs | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Going out on your own as an entrepreneur can feel both intimidating and exhilarating at the same time. Though you may have the skills and experience to get started, knowing the responsibility relies solely upon you may not feel like the same security as working a regular 9-5 job. However, a sense of freedom and accomplishment makes the risk feel worth it.

    Every person who’s decided to take the leap and forge their path has felt a bit of uncertainty at some point along the way. After all, several unknown variables exist, but learning to forge ahead builds resilience.

    When embarking on an entrepreneurial endeavor, it’s important to go at the pace and in the direction that feels right for you, but here are a few pieces of general advice as you start your journey.

    Related: 9 Lessons to Learn From Being in the Entrepreneurial Trenches

    1. Commit to the process

    As an entrepreneur, you wear all the hats. You are the boss, the operations, the accountant, the cheerleader, and so on. Therefore, it’s up to you to champion your brand and adapt as needed.

    Even when times get rocky (and they will), you must dig in and believe in your business.

    No one will care as much about it as you are, so be discerning when deciding who you work with and bring on board to help reach your goals. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, so not everything may happen as quickly as you’d like. Have patience in the process.

    2. Get organized

    Having big ideas is the exciting part, but the reality is you have to get things organized to execute well. Take advantage of project management tools and programs for invoicing, scheduling and online branding and promotions.

    Ensure your focus on business growth isn’t taking away from delivering a quality product or service. There must be an excellent balance to maintain your clients and entice new ones to come aboard. Getting organized takes more time initially but will save you invaluable time and money once your business is up and running.

    3. Be confident in your rates

    Setting rates is one of the most challenging things for entrepreneurs, mainly because they’re unsure what they should be. Research your industry averages and factor in your expertise, experience and skills to come up with a rate you’re comfortable with.

    However, don’t sell yourself short. Not everyone may be a good business fit for you, and vice-versa. Focus on building quality client relationships rather than worrying too much about quantity.

    Related: Confidence Will Make All the Difference to Your Hustle

    4. Seek the support of others

    Every business has competition, but every industry has plenty of room for anyone wanting to succeed. Reach out to the support of other entrepreneurs through networking and social events or even online. Sharing stories of struggles and tips for taking your business to the next level can motivate you during the lulls.

    It allows you to be part of a community even as you’re running a business solo. Plus, camaraderie can help you feel less alone when you’re unsure of the next step.

    Related: 6 Principles From the Navy SEAL Code That Will Make Your Team Stronger

    5. Channel gratitude

    The frustrations of being an entrepreneur can lead down a slippery slope of feeling sorry for yourself. Some days, it’s going to feel like nothing is going right. Other days, you may compare yourself to others in your field and wonder why their success is coming more quickly. In these moments, wanting to quit can feel all too easy. Don’t.

    Allow yourself time to feel and reflect, but switch those feelings to gratitude for everything you have and the promise of where you are heading. There will be bad days, but when you change your perspective, you can turn things around for the better.

    6. Stay true to yourself

    Being an entrepreneur is a test of your integrity. With so many different challenges and new situations coming your way simultaneously, it can be easy to lose sight of your goals. While stepping out on your own is an emergence from your comfort zone, you want to do so as your authentic self.

    There will be shortcuts you find along the way; just make sure they align with how you want to do business. It’s essential to pause and check in with your strategies, your partnerships, and your path to ensure it is still true to you. Otherwise, you may reach a place of burnout or breakdown because you’re misaligned.

    Related: Understanding Entrepreneurial Burnout (And How To Deal With It)

    7. Celebrate the wins

    Life as an entrepreneur is busy. There are weeks when it’s hard to track what day it is. However, as chaotic as your schedule gets, take time to celebrate the big and small wins and plan rewards.

    A reward can be as small as treating yourself to lunch or as big as acquiring new office space to help grow your brand. Whatever marks the effort feels valuable to you, do it. Acknowledging your accomplishments along the way will motivate you to keep going, improving, and growing. And more than that, you deserve it.

    [ad_2]

    Kelly Hyman

    Source link

  • How to Achieve A Deep Level of Focus by Breaking Habits and Taking Breaks | Entrepreneur

    How to Achieve A Deep Level of Focus by Breaking Habits and Taking Breaks | Entrepreneur

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As an entrepreneur, time management is crucial for achieving success. As an immigrant founder, I understand the importance of hard work and dedication to make your business thrive. However, it’s important to remember that working nonstop without taking breaks can lead to long-term negative effects. Studies have shown that prolonged work sessions can lead to burnout, decreased productivity and even physical and mental health issues. To be truly successful, finding a balance between working hard and taking time to rest and recharge is crucial.

    We all must start taking more breaks during our work day and disconnect for a bit. Rather than following the traditional belief that you should only stop when you’re tired, I think taking small breaks before you even start to feel tired is essential.

    This can help prevent burnout and increase productivity in the long run. I have seen the benefits of taking regular breaks and disconnecting from my own business, and I encourage others to do the same. It’s essential for us as successful entrepreneurs to lead by example and prioritize our well-being to continue achieving our goals.

    Related: Increased Productivity Will Increase Your Happiness

    It’s important to remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, finding activities that break out of our routine and give us a glimpse of the fun and judgment-free spaces can benefit everyone. This can be anything from walking, meditating, reading a book, or even taking a quick power nap.

    The key is to find something that helps you relax and recharge. It’s also important to take some time to disconnect from work and social media. This can help us to focus on ourselves and our well-being without any distractions. By finding activities that work for us and taking regular breaks, we can increase our productivity and enjoy the journey of being an entrepreneur.

    Below I’m sharing the three most unique time-off break ideas I can recommend:

    1. Making coffee and washing the dishes

    Taking a break from work is essential for maintaining focus and productivity. But instead of scrolling through social media or checking your phone, try something unconventional like making a coffee or washing the dishes. A recent study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that performing simple, mundane tasks such as washing dishes can positively impact our well-being. The repetitive motion of these tasks can be meditative, allowing you to focus on the present moment and release any pent-up stress or tension.

    Making coffee (a favorite activity of mine, especially a good iced espresso latte) can be a great way to break the monotony of work and give yourself a bit of pleasure. Plus, it’s a great way to take care of daily tasks and disconnect from technology. The aroma and the taste of freshly cursed coffee can help to enhance our mood and decrease stress.

    So, next time you need a break, try making a coffee or washing the dishes. You’ll be surprised how it can help you to relax, refresh your mind and increase your focus. There are great brands that offer a selection of decaf coffee beans and ground coffee for a more anxiety-free experience.

    Related: 3 Reasons Espresso Could Be Your Shortcut to Productivity (It Works for Elon Musk)

    2. Taking your dog for an unexpected walk

    It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of work and responsibilities, which can lead to feeling burnt out and unproductive. Taking your dog for a random walk is a unique activity that can help break the cycle and increase productivity. Not only does it give you and your furry friend some much-needed exercise and fresh air, but it also provides an opportunity to step away from your work and disconnect from technology. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your work-life balance.

    These unexpected walks can also help to return to work with a fresh perspective and renewed energy, which can increase productivity and a better work-life balance. So, next time you feel stressed or unproductive, try taking your doggy for an unexpected walk, and you’ll see the difference it makes.

    Related: Why You Need More Exercise as an Entrepreneur (and 7 Creative Strategies for Getting It)

    3. Disconnecting and enjoying hookah

    Smoking hookah is a unique activity that can be a great way to take a break from work and relax. Hookah, also known as shisha or waterpipe, is a traditional method of smoking flavored tobacco enjoyed for centuries in the Middle East, India and other parts of Asia.

    Smoking hookah is often considered a social activity, and it can be a great way to bond with friends or colleagues while taking a break from work. Preparing and smoking hookah is a ritual in itself and can be a great way to disconnect from work and other stressors.

    In addition to being a fun and social activity, smoking hookah also offers several benefits for your overall well-being. Here are two benefits of smoking hookah during your time off:

    1. Stress relief — Smoking hookah can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long work day. The act of inhaling and exhaling smoke can be soothing, and the tobacco flavors can help to calm the mind.
    2. Increased focus and concentration — Preparing and smoking hookah can be a great way to clear your mind and focus on the present moment. This can help to improve your concentration and focus when you return to work.

    Smoking hookah can be a unique and enjoyable way to take a break from work and relax. Whether you are smoking alone or with friends, smoking hookah can offer several benefits for your overall well-being and help you return to work refreshed and focused.

    In conclusion, taking a break from work is essential for maintaining focus and productivity. Making a coffee or washing the dishes is just one unconventional example of how to do this, but there are many other ways to break your routine and refresh your mind.

    It’s essential to find activities that work for you. Take the proper time to experiment with different options and find what works best.

    [ad_2]

    Pierre Subeh

    Source link

  • 7 Crucial Ways To Scale Your Startup or Business

    7 Crucial Ways To Scale Your Startup or Business

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Did you know that Quibi launched in April 2020 and imploded six months later? It shut down in October 2020, despite receiving funding of $1.75 billion. This article should motivate others to start scaling, so why did I start so dismally?

    Entrepreneurs want to scale, but not all businesses are ready for scaling. Some startups never make it big, so first, analyze if your business is prepared to scale up.

    Related: 4 Keys to Grow and Scale Your Startup

    3 telltale signs you are ready to scale

    1. You meet and exceed business targets: As a new business, your sales forecasts and action plans cannot predict how your business fares. Use exact time frames, expenses and average revenue for accurate sales predictions and increased profitability. Document met (and exceeded) targets to assess your statistical data. Next, set attainable, higher goals; if you still beat those, it may be time to scale.

    2. Your long-term business goals are challenging: If you are meeting revenue targets, why would the long-term goal of increasing profits be an issue? Your monthly returns may be great because you are fulfilling existing demand. Your long-term success may seem challenging because you currently lack people or resources. Refusing sales orders as your demand increases makes extended goals look challenging. This lack indicates that your business is growing quicker than you expected.

    3. Your supply is insufficient for your demand: Rising demand for your products or services is precisely what you aimed for, right? You will lose customers if you lack inventory, employees, or time to keep up with surging demand. The hype and brand image you build will also dissipate. Your revenue and expansion depend on your customer base. Improving customer handling ensures that they remain satisfied with your brand. If your startup is ready to grow, reinforce your infrastructure first.

    Related: How to Know When It’s the Right Time to Scale Your Business

    Successfully scaling a startup

    Entrepreneurs and business owners who scale up earn higher revenue at lower investments. Effective scaling improves your profit margin and increases revenue while reducing costs. Once you have determined that you are ready, the next question is how to scale your business. Below are seven ways you can successfully scale your startup.

    Data helps predict the resources required to scale. While scaling, it is crucial to maintain productivity and efficiency. A successful business handles spikes in workflows without losses like employee turnover. The following strategies make scaling up less stressful and improve efficiency and productivity.

    1. Create a business plan

    Create a durable strategy and include a monthly sales projection and milestone deadlines. List your target audience, ways to approach them and marketing strategies for conversions. These guidelines will help you track your progress.

    Do not forget to log known and expected expenses. Your current expenditure will be the baseline to measure how much it will cost to scale up. Make sure you document all the relevant details, or you may run into cash flow problems.

    Related: 7 Steps to a Perfectly Written Business Plan

    2. Build a team

    Hire employees or contractors, or embrace a franchise model as your operation scales. Work towards developing a cohesive team of people with diverse skill sets and talent.

    Inform your team members about all expected goals and objectives. Look after your team, and encourage regular meetings to understand their pain points. Brief them on key performance indicators to improve their performance. Do not foster employee burnout by expecting employees to take on added roles as you grow.

    3. Reduce costs of products or services

    Reduce material costs and buy used equipment. Hire inexpensive labor and reduce wastage. Compare vendor services and choose the most cost-effective ones. Use effective online marketing strategies that are often free.

    Negotiate for lowered rent or equipment expenses with vendors. Ask shippers for special rates to reduce shipping charges. Find ways to lower energy consumption and switch to green energy, which will cost less in the long run.

    Related: 4 Smart Ways to Reduce Costs Starting Right Now

    4. Optimize your product (or service) for buyers

    Identify your target market and learn how to reach and sell to them before you scale. Keep building your brand image on established online platforms. Create value additives, such as blogs, DIY articles, press releases and industry publications. Ask customers for reviews to build credibility.

    Track sources you get the most traction from to identify and fix issues in your lead funnel. Use the money saved by reducing costs to augment your product or service. Invest in customer service and functionality improvements, add new features and train your employees.

    5. Streamline processes

    Processes and procedures should be in place before companies scale up. Break tasks down and assign priorities. Automate because it saves you time and money and boosts employee productivity.

    Automated billing invoices your customers or adds any applicable surcharges. Automated customer support boosts your customer experience.

    Related: Want to Streamline Your Life? Get a System.

    6. Assess finances and funding

    Scaling costs money. It uses lesser investment but yields better returns. Scaling by using only reinvested profits may be difficult. You may choose to bootstrap to be self-sufficient, but that is not always possible.

    Apply for a business loan or line of credit from banks or lenders, or approach investors to fund your growth. The money you borrow will cost less than equity if you manage repayments well. Carefully choose repayment schedules, interest rates or investor control options.

    7. Improve your marketing

    Small businesses often rely on referrals or free online social media campaigns. You may need to supplement your marketing efforts as you scale.

    Focus on organic marketing channels such as search engine optimization and content marketing. Optimize your campaigns to control budget spending if you run paid campaigns on any platform, and set realistic goals to track campaign performance.

    Related: 10 Marketing Strategies to Fuel Your Business Growth

    Conclusion

    Any business growth requires elaborate planning for short-term and long-term business goals. These goals will guide you on the need for investors, recruitment and automation and their relevant solutions. Scaling is attractive because of its returns, but you will face challenges.

    Stay efficient and avoid errors by keeping data and processes streamlined. Increased customer retention helps; use your customers’ feedback and suggestions for improvement. You can do this.

    [ad_2]

    Yasin Altaf

    Source link

  • 10 Travel Beauty Essentials You Need

    10 Travel Beauty Essentials You Need

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Work environments aren’t limited to traditional offices these days. Many opt to work anywhere with Wifi to create a better work-life balance. Others travel extensively for their jobs, heading from city to city with few home stops in between.

    When traveling for work in any capacity, it’s convenient to have a “go” bag packed with your favorite beauty essentials. It takes the guesswork out of packing and ensures you are stocked up before boarding your next flight.

    Related: 5 Beauty Products Every Traveling Entrepreneur Needs in Her Suitcase

    Here are ten must-have beauty items to keep you looking polished and professional wherever you are.

    1. Face cleansing wipes

    A pack of travel-sized face cleansing wipes can easily be tucked into a carry-on and used in a pinch. Get rid of dirt, grime and old makeup easily when a full facial cleanse isn’t an option. Find wipes with soothing ingredients like aloe or eucalyptus to perk up the senses and calm the skin.

    Also, make sure they’re alcohol-free to avoid stripping the skin of needed moisture post-flight. Simple Exfoliating Facial Wipes with aloe vera, pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E are gentle yet effective for all skin types. When you’re in a hurry but need to wipe the slate clean, so to speak, these will be your saving grace.

    Related: Packing Hacks for Business Travelers

    2. Eye mask and earplugs

    Studies show people sleep better in dark, quiet environments, which makes an eye mask and earplugs an essential travel combination. It’ll help you sleep more comfortably on a plane, train and in your hotel room.

    It’s easy to fall off your natural sleep cycle when traveling from time zone to time zone, which is the first thing that will affect how you look and feel. Protect your sleep schedule for the sake of not only your beauty routine but, more importantly, your overall health.

    Related: How CEOs Optimize Their Sleep Schedule

    3. Lipstick

    It’s amazing what a swipe of lipstick or tinted lip balm can do to make you feel immediately put together. A bold color can feel empowering, while a neutral tone can add just enough of a hue to feel poised and ready to go. Remember to keep lips moisturized by sloughing away dry, cracked skin and applying a lip treatment at night. Then, tuck a favorite shade into your “go” bag and keep a reserve at home so you’ll always be prepared. Get the pigmentation you desire with the hydration you need to keep lips flake-free.

    4. Dry shampoo

    Dry shampoo buys time between washings to keep hair looking and smelling fresh. Adding dry shampoo gives a boost to limp locks and helps out with oily strands. Spray directly at the root and allow the product to absorb before styling. It’s a simple solution to give life back to your hair when stretched for time. Plus, it keeps hair from drying out from washing it too much.

    A go-to for travelers is Act+Acre Plant-Based Dry Shampoo. Its clean, scent-free formula does the trick when heading straight from the plane to an important meeting or from a day in the office directly to a business dinner. Plus, the small travel-sized container can be discreetly tucked away and pulled out to use whenever needed.

    Related: The Must-Have Items in These Entrepreneurs’ Travel Bags

    5. Face moisturizer

    Climate changes can quickly dry out the skin leaving behind a tired appearance. A lightweight moisturizer keeps skin healthy, supple, and bright. Choose one with SPF for sun protection and a formula designed for your skin type. Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Face Lotion contains SPF 15 and alpha-hydroxy acid to boost skin tone.

    Also, if you want to limit the use of a heavy foundation, a tinted moisturizer works as a good substitute, such as EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectum SPF 40. It provides light coverage without the caked-on finish foundation can often have if the skin is too dry.

    6. Eye drops

    Those who wear contacts already know the importance of eye drops when traveling. However, even if you don’t need glasses, eye drops soothe tired eyes after a long commute or after hours of looking at a screen. There are several name-brand options, but generic eye drops work just as well to brighten up the eyes and keep them from feeling so dry.

    Related: 5 Ways to Use Eye Contact in a Business Meeting to Get What You Want

    7. Mascara

    Mascara is one of the top beauty essentials many refuse to leave home without. It’s another product to pack to make the eyes pop. Opt for a smudge-proof formula like CoverGirl Smudge Proof Mascara that’ll stick with you during a day of travel without smearing. Add a few coats but avoid layering it on too thick to keep the look natural and business-appropriate.

    8. Concealer

    A hydrating under-eye concealer helps to camouflage dark circles and instantly brighten up the face. The trick is to tap the product into place rather than rubbing it back and forth with a brush or beauty sponge. CoverGirl Turblend Undercover Concealer is ideal for all-day wear, providing a matte finish. Use the third finger to dab it under the eye and smooth it out gently. A concealer stick is important when traveling for work to keep the face looking fresh.

    Related: 15 Business Etiquette Rules Every Professional Needs to Know

    9. Blush stick

    A blush stick provides a two-in-one advantage when used as a blush and eye shadow and doesn’t require a brush to apply. Stick to a neutral shade like the Charlotte Tilbury Moon Beach blush stick, a peachy, rose gold hue, and use clean fingertips to blend into the cheekbones for a natural-looking flush. Work situations don’t necessarily require a full face of makeup; sticking with a few beauty essentials can keep you looking polished.

    10. Dental floss

    Though floss may not be deemed a true beauty essential, it’s necessary to have it with you at the ready. Nothing is worse than experiencing an entire meeting or client dinner with food stuck between the teeth. Never get in this type of compromising position (and subsequent embarrassment), and remember to add it to your bag.

    Consider these ten beauty essentials part of your travel arsenal to prepare you for wherever your work travels take you next.

    [ad_2]

    Kelly Hyman

    Source link

  • Lab Ventures Announces Miami’s First Growth Hacking Summit, June 14, 2017, at The LAB Miami

    Lab Ventures Announces Miami’s First Growth Hacking Summit, June 14, 2017, at The LAB Miami

    [ad_1]

    Press Release
    –


    updated: May 25, 2017


    Miami, FL, May 25, 2017 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Lab Ventures is hosting the first Miami Growth Hacking Summit on June 14, 2017, at The LAB, bringing together leading growth hacking experts from around the world.

    Participants from companies of any size, from start-up to large corporation, will have the opportunity to learn actionable solutions they can immediately implement to drive sustainable revenue growth. Digital disruption has brought an entirely new toolkit of non-traditional Sales and Marketing tactics, or “hacks.” Pioneers in this field will share their secrets, including specific and proven strategies that any commercial-minded executive must understand to compete in today’s marketplace.

    Speakers include growth experts from Amazon.com, Sendgrid, Discovery, ESPN, Solomoto, RebrandCities, Growth.ly, AdHawk, and more.

    Tickets available now at https://miamigrowthhackingsummit.eventnut.com  #MGHS

    This one-day seminar is directed toward Sales and Marketing leaders from companies of all sizes, including:

    • CMOs and CEOs 
    • Directors of Sales, Business Development, and Human Recourses
    • UX and Design experts
    • Entrepreneurs and StartUp founders
    • Technology evangelists
    • Professionals engaged in the mobile, marketing and content ecosystem
    • Practitioners of SEO, Social Media Marketing, and Brand Storytelling
    • Creative professionals working in an agency setting
    • Students interested from Engineering, Computer Science, Marketing, and Business fields

    About The LAB Miami

    Located in the heart of the vibrant Wynwood Arts District, The LAB is Miami’s original co-working space. In 2012, the founding members of the LAB teamed up with The Knight Foundation and a group of angel investors to convert a 10,000-square-foot warehouse into a shared office space and event venue. Since then, a growing number of Miami’s brightest and most forward-thinking entrepreneurial minds have converged here to share their ideas, learn from one another, and build amazing companies and projects. Whether you’re looking for strategic collaboration, wish to learn new skills, or simply want a creative space to call your own, the LAB is the ideal creative campus for all innovators and entrepreneurs. 

    CONTACT: Pam Granoff, pam@thelabmiami.com 

    Source: The LAB Miami

    [ad_2]

    Source link