Business Archives | Page 9 of 18

Surefire Ways To Save Money On Your Next Event

For the past couple of months, I have been spearheading one of our company’s main events. This newfound responsibility made me realize why some institutions hire Event Managers and other professionals. Making sure everything runs smoothly within the tight budget was a burden that I had to carry on my shoulders. However, I kept thinking how this event will soon bring new contacts and exciting memories.

To deliver good results on a shoestring budget, consider these tips:

START PRIORITIZING THE VENUE

A huge chunk of your budget focuses on the event’s venue. Moving away from the CBD area and dwelling on the outskirts is a smart move for your wallet, but your attendees may be discouraged. You need to consider their travel time and parking fees.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Let us be honest! The venue that you will choose will never please everyone. This is why my boss highlights that conducting a “location survey” prior the event is a bad idea. If you cannot take their opinions into account then, you must depend on your negotiation skills. Find a person on the inside who can help you with the booking process or offer you discounted rates. Ask recommendations from your friends and family members.

WORK WITH SPECIALIZED STUDENTS

In a competitive job market such as ours, Polytechnic and University students are keen to secure working experience before they fully join the workforce. Make this your advantage by hiring interns or part-timers. I am not talking about hiring any student that is willing to offer their knowledge for a relatively cheap rate! Hire people who study graphic design, photography/film, management, and marketing.

If you are willing to spare some time to training, both of you can benefit from the experience. Think about it! You are giving a worthwhile experience and pleasant recommendation for the intern while the business is receiving low-cost (and sometimes free) services. Post job openings at www.freelancezone.com.sg and www.gumtree.sg for FREE!

SEEK A MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP

My co-worker was approached by an agent from a prestigious insurance company. He was interested in setting up a booth at our event. This works favorably to both of us as our clients belong to his targeted age and socioeconomic group. This situation proves that sponsors can pay by providing products or services at reduced or no cost. Some institutions prefer exposure as their currency. Sponsors do not always have to provide cash!

Approach possible sponsors by privately messaging their social media accounts on Facebook or Instagram.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As the head of the event, it is essential to go the extra mile. Do not settle for two or three options. Widen your options and shop around!

5 Benefits Of Professional Networking

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “Networking” as the exchange of services or information among individuals, groups, or institutions. The online dictionary adds that it is specifically the cultivation of productive relationships for business or employment.

For a thriving entrepreneur or a budding student of business, professional networking is not merely fun and games. Professional networking serves as a catalyst to business development and personal growth. Now its other benefits as you scroll down this article.

1. IMPROVING YOUR CREDENTIALS

Being visible to the potential clients and partners is an important benefit of networking. You will more likely get more referrals as your name will come up when they need the services that you offer.

There are two ways to effectively get noticed. Firstly, attend as many social events and business meetings as possible. This will help build your reputation. Secondly, you may join renowned groups. Nothing can boost your C.V. even more than being an affiliate member or an active officer at an esteemed support or social group!

2. WIDENING YOUR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

We had been looking for the final piece of the puzzle for months! You see, we need one more teacher to complete our team. A former teacher heard about our dilemma and referred her friend. Let us call the candidate Janice. I was surprised at how fast Janice adapted to our school environment. She demonstrated her remarkable skills in storytelling. In a span of a week, she was hired.

It comes as no surprise that employed or previously employed individuals would initially offer a job vacancy to someone they know personally. Networking opens your doors to this type of scenario. You may even come across certain positions that are not listed elsewhere. Whether it is a referral or an offer of partnership, you must be ready to seize the opportunities that come along.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

3. RELAYING YOUR KNOWLEDGE

One of the benefits of networking that I treasure the most is its ability to ignite continuous learning. With networking, you are able to share your ideas and absorb new ones. You may politely ask for feedback or discuss about a business issue. Doing so will help you see the views of other people.

Another product is mentorship. You can find a mentor who has already been where you are today. Allowing the mentor to impart his or her nuggets will allow you to avoid the common pitfalls of the field. Alternatively, you may be the more experienced person of the bunch. It will be rewarding to help a newbie out.

4. GETTING THE POSITIVE INFLUENCE

Use networking as a tool to gain positive social influence. This includes the aforementioned idea of mentorship. Go for people who will uplift you and your business.

The people whom you frequently interact with mold who are as an individual. Being surrounded with positive entrepreneurs allows you to thrive as a business owner. This is why you must choose your social groups wisely. You do not want your credibility to be tarnished just because you are an unknowing member of a “pyramid scam” group.

5. MAKING NEW FRIENDS

Last but not the least, networking is good for building friendships. You meet each other on a regular basis. Furthermore, like-minded individuals attract one another. It is natural to form a strong bond with the group members who share the same interests, values, and beliefs as you. Some of my lasting friendships have been started from networking.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Networking allows you to embrace opportunities and to push your limits. It stimulates the confidence within as you interact and make valuable connections. As a student of business, you must place close to your heart.

Sources: 1 & 2

How To Prepare For The CEO’s Nerve-wrecking Questions

Shifts in the workplace have occurred, along with the screening methods for position placement. It is no secret that preparing for any job interview takes effort and dedication. Moreover, it comes with a considerable amount of stress. Its final phase, the interview with the company’s CEO or President, may heighten the tension. This is the coveted peak of the candidate’s journey.

What shall you do to ace your final interview?

Well, researching on the company’s background is an obvious priority. Familiarize yourself with the company’s offerings (i.e., products or services) and history (i.e., including hierarchy) as well as the mission and vision. Knowing more information about the company enables you to prepare better.

Your next task is to uncover your own self. Understand how your journey was like before you decided to apply for the position. Were you a fresh graduate who stayed with the same company for 3 years? Or, were you not afraid to hop between jobs? The CEO or President will have so much insight based on the decisions that you made along the way.

Aside from these two elements, you must make your way around the tricky interview questions. Know how you will answer the following:

1. Can you describe your learning process?

My background in Psychology and education highlights the fact that everyone learns in a different manner. This is why I am a devoted advocate of individualized instructions. That being said, your answer to this question will show how you will perform given the demands of the available position.

As Stephen Baker (CEO of Attivio) once said: “Having a candidate articulate how they would learn a new topic or skill is a great sign of discipline, organizational skills, and intellectual curiosity.”

2. Why are you here today?

It may sound simple, but the answer entails profound introspection. Be specific when it comes to discussing your career motivations. Ensure that these motivations are in lined with your long-term goals.

This question will help the interviewer judge whether you are there for purely personal reasons or whether you desire to flourish the company’s current state. Gordon Wilson, the CEO of a UK-based software firm, urges that you must find a split between the personal benefits and that of the company’s. He was quoted saying: “if you benefit the enterprise the personal thing will come.”

3. Would you rather be feared or be respected?

If you are applying for a higher position, it is likely that you will be asked about your leadership style. This particular question never fails to catch individuals off-guard, according to Michael Gregoire. Michael is the CEO of an IT management software company called CA Technologies.

There is no distinct “correct” answer for this question. However, you must lean towards the answer that is best suited for the role. For example, it will be better if you are respected than feared in a collaborative workplace environment.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Consider these tips while you are preparing for your upcoming interview. May the odds be in your favor! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, 3 & 4

How To Appear More Professional At Work

The truth is, no one is perfect! There will be days when you feel consumed by the weight of your work. In the fast-paced Lion City, there are several reasons why you may feel dragged. Perhaps you lack confidence on the management or you are too tired from yesterday’s night shift. Similar events can take a toll on your performance.

Fortunately for you, there are several steps to boost your professional image. You read that right! You can appear confident and motivated in the workplace, regardless of how you feel on the inside.

STEP 1: WEAR SHARP CLOTHES

A night before you go to the office, the first step is to ensure that you wear an appropriate attire. Portraying a professional exterior is not limited to following the strict dress code. Your choice of clothing conveys your approach to work. If you want people to take you seriously, steer away from baggy pants or indiscreet dresses. These ill-fitting articles of clothing may convey the wrong impression to your employer and your clients. Opt for tailored pieces instead.

A sharp look can only be achieved if you pull it all together. This is why you must pay attention to minor details such as the wrinkles on your top or the loose threads on your trousers. Noticing these small details shows that you are likely to see the bigger picture when faced with certain situations at the workplace.

STEP 2: ARRIVE ON TIME

As Don Marquis, an American novelist and poet, once said: “Punctuality is one of the cardinal business virtue s.” He believed that punctuality must always be insisted on one’s subordinates. I cannot agree more! It is a virtue that exudes your respect towards the people around you.

If you are expected to be in the office by 9 am, arrive before 8:50 am. If your lunch break is at noon, ensure that you will be back by 1 pm. Punctuality manifests that you are motivated to accomplish your tasks. Make it a habit to be on time!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

STEP 3: END ON A TOP NOTE

Adding an email signature is the quickest way to show that you are communicating on a professional level. I am referring to the salutations that dictate your departure. It not only provides information for future reference, but it also differentiates your message from the spams.

A simple format includes your full name, your position, your contact number, and the company you work for. You may choose to make your email signature using inexpensive generators like NEWOLDSTAMP and HubSpot.

STEP 4: DE-CLUTTER YOUR DESK

As your employer makes his rounds, he will notice the assembly of your desk. Scattered rubbish and excess litter can make your employer feel that you are distracted. It is best to keep things tidy! Start by organizing the items on your desk. Then, put the important papers in the labeled drawers or in the computer’s folders. Doing so will help you to stay on top of your projects or tasks.

Having a neat desk may seem like you have everything under control, even if you do not.

STEP 5: ASK FOR CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK

Seeking constructive feedback from your superior and your co-workers is the last step. The mere act of being critique sounds scary. However, it will help your performance in the long run. Getting feedback demonstrates that you care about your job and you desire to succeed in it.

Instead of focusing on what you did wrong, focus on your strengths and the areas that you can improve on.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Professionalism refers to having the skills and the competence expected from an employee like you. The way you present yourself influences the level of professionalism that you exude. It is challenging to remain professional every minute of the day, but it gets easier when you make it a habit. Start with the relatively significant changes mentioned above.

Sources: 1 & 2

8 Marketing Emails That You Need To Encounter

Are you doing everything you can to maximize the benefits of your email campaigns? Consider sending out these types of emails.

1. WARM GREETINGS

Upon signing up to the mailing list, it is advised to send out an automated “welcome” email. Most clients are keen to open this type of email the most. So, ensure that you create a good first impression to enhance the image of the company.

2. RECURRING SUBSCRIPTION

Enclosing a newsletter in an email can help your clients understand your latest products and other offerings. It must be sent out in regular intervals in order to build a loyal subscribers and to exude reliability.

3. SPECIAL SHOWCASE

An event invitation email is a good tool to promote an upcoming or ongoing event that the company is hosting. Motivate your clients to register by highlighting the reasons why the event is worth their time. Do so by adding quality visuals or illustrations.

4. SHARING STATUS

For companies thriving in the e-commerce scene, sending order status emails is important to keep the clients in the loop. This type of email includes significant details such as confirmation, shipment updates, tracking number, and delivery date. Sending these nurtures trustworthiness.

5. THOUGHTFUL MESSAGES

Connect with your clients on a deeper level by greeting them during special days. Often dubbed as anniversary emails, this type covers the anniversary of the company, the client’s birthday, and the public holidays. Combine these emails with promotions, promo codes, or a one-time deal to increase engagement.

6. REWARDING PARTNERSHIP

A co-marketing email is sent out when 2 or more companies work together to fulfill a mutual event, task, or promotions. Its bottom-line is to use the existing clientage of one company to widen the reach of the other.

7. CLIENT CONVERTER

To blast a content that aims to turn your existing subscribers into established clients, you may use a “lead nurturing email“. A series of interconnected emails with useful content makes up a lead nurturing email. This type may be time-consuming, but it is highly rewarding.

8. DEDICATED SEND

As the name suggests, dedicated emails focus on a singular topic (e.g., a product or an announcement). It marries the best email marketing techniques – an opportunity to be highly shareable, personable, and potent.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

In most cases, the most efficient email marketing strategy includes the mixture of all these types. Make the most impact by allowing the client to choose which emails he or she can receive.

Sources: 1 & 2

Search the site