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16

Logo, Color and Culture / How to choose a colour scheme for your logo design

« on: June 03, 2018, 03:34:58 PM »

How to choose a colour scheme for your logo design

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he human mind is highly responsive to visual stimuli, and colour is one of the major defining factors in that response. On both a conscious and subconscious level, colours convey meaning – not only in the natural world but also within the artifice of our culture. Graphic designers need to harness the power of colour psychology to bring resonance to their designs – and in no field is this more important than that of logo design.

The use of colour can bring multiple layers of meaning, from primitive responses based on millions of years of evolved instinct to the complex associations we make based on learned assumptions. Companies can use these responses to underline and accent their branding messages. And your success as a logo designer will be boosted if you have a thorough understanding of colour psychology.

What different colours mean
Every colour, including black and white, has implications for logo design. As a designers you need to pick your colours carefully to enhance specific elements of the logo and bring nuance to your message with the use of shade and tone.

In general terms, bright and bold colours are attention-grabbing but can appear brash. Muted tones convey a more sophisticated image, but run the risk of being overlooked. More specifically, particular meanings are ascribed to different colours in society...

Red implies passion, energy, danger or aggression; warmth and heat. It has also been found to stimulate appetite, which explains why it is used in so many restaurants and food product logos. Choosing red for your logo can make it feel more dynamic.
Orange is often see as the colour of innovation and modern thinking. It also carries connotations of youth, fun, affordability and approachability.
Yellow requires cautious use as it has some negative connotations including its signifying of cowardice and its use in warning signs. However it is sunny, warm and friendly and is another colour that is believed to stimulate appetite.
Green is commonly used when a company wishes to emphasise their natural and ethical credentials, especially with such products as organic and vegetarian foods. Other meanings ascribed to it include growth and freshness, and it's popular with financial products too.
Blue is one of the most widely used colours in corporate logos. It implies professionalism, serious mindedness, integrity, sincerity and calm. Blue is also associated with authority and success, and for this reason is popular with both financial institutions and government bodies.



This diagram shows themes commonly associated with particular colours
Purple speaks to us of royalty and luxury. It has long been associated with the church, implying wisdom and dignity, and throughout history it has been the colour of wealth and riches.
Black is a colour with a split personality. On the one hand it implies power and sophistication, but on the other hand it is associated with villainy and death. More mundanely, most logos will need a black and white version for use in media in which colour is not available – and there is currently a trend for bold monochrome logos and word marks.
White is generally associated with purity, cleanliness, simplicity and naiveté. In practical terms, a white logo will always need to stand in a coloured field to make it show up on a white background. Many companies will choose to have a coloured version and a white version of their logos; for example, the Coca-Cola word mark appears in white on its red tins and brown bottles but is used in red when needed on a white background.
Brown has masculine connotations and is often used for products associated with rural life and the outdoors.
Pink can be fun and flirty, but its feminine associations means it is often avoided for products not specifically targeted at women.
These associations are not rigid rules, of course, but they're worth keeping in mind as you make your colour choices. Remember that the overall impact of your logo design will depend not on the colours themselves but upon how these interact with the shapes and text.

 source : https://www.creativebloq.com/branding/choose-colour-logo-design-8133973

17

Startup / 8 Reasons To Choose A Startup Over A Corporate Job

« on: June 03, 2018, 03:16:54 PM »

8 Reasons To Choose A Startup Over A Corporate Job

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1. You’ll have more responsibility.

Working at a startup probably means you’re part of a small team, most likely in the single digits. Because of the nature of having such a small team, there is probably nobody else in the company who has the same skillset as you, approaches problems in the same way you do, or even thinks the same way you do.

2. You’ll be given more opportunities.

I probably don’t need to tell you that most startup jobs won’t pay as well as some of the bigger corporate and business jobs. You (or your degree) may be worth more than a startup is able to pay. But working at a startup offers a different type of reward: an incentive-based system that isn’t based on dollars, but rather in skills attained and opportunities seized. The experience will outweigh the pay cut. I (almost) guarantee it. When I first started at Wanderfly, all I had to my writer name were a few pieces in local publications.

3. You’ll be able to do a lot of different things.
One of the biggest complaints I hear from peers who have entered into a more-structured, corporate position is that they are generally stuck with their main task and don’t get to branch out into other areas. Whether it’s writing, designing, filling out spreadsheets, or any other task, it’s usually a one-person-fits-one-task kind of position.

4. You will learn from true innovators.

People who start their own business have a different mental and professional makeup than those who have never gone off to create something of their own. Entrepreneurs are defined by seeing a problem and thinking of an innovative and original way of addressing it. Because of this innovative nature, entrepreneurs are some of the best people to learn from.

5. Your work will be recognized (as will your failures).

If I’ve learned anything from watching TV shows and movies, it’s that if you work at a big company, chances are that all of your hard work is going to be ignored by the boss or someone else is going to snag the credit. But at a startup, it’s nearly impossible not to notice a job well done or to give credit where credit is due. If you succeed, the small team will recognize it instantly, and the praise and glory is yours to bask in. Spread your arms in glory, my friend, your work has been recognized.

6. You’ll work in an awesome atmosphere.

Let me count the ways:

I wear jeans to work. In the summer, I wear shorts and sandals.
If there isn’t at least one really good joke in an hour, it’s probably a slow day.
Everyone else who works at a startup has the same drive and excitement for creation as you do.

7. You’ll learn to be frugal.

Working at startup probably means that money is tight. Whether you’ve been showered with investor love or the founder has a really wealthy uncle, the company will still be thinking of ways to do more with less. No extravagance, no frills, no extraneous booze cruises (heartbreaking, I know). Instead, the business development intern will learn how to design and code the blog, the writer will sometimes do the dishes, and at the start you’ll find a way to fit nine people around an eight person .

8. You’ll be instilled with the value of hard work, ownership, and self-sustainability.

Maybe more important than any other benefit of working at a startup is the realization that hard work, creative thinking, and tenacity are worth a whole lot. Once you’ve created something of your own, something tangible and whole, something you can touch, feel, or use, you really begin to appreciate personal ownership.

source : https://www.fastcompany.com/1824235/8-reasons-choose-startup-over-corporate-job

18

Partnership / The 5 Nonnegotiable Factors of Any Successful Partnership

« on: June 03, 2018, 03:11:04 PM »

The 5 Nonnegotiable Factors of Any Successful Partnership

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Business Insider shares these tips to increase your chances of success:

 1.Make it Legal.
Eager business owners may overlook the importance of a solid partnership agreement. They often engage with a potential partner to try out the fit without a formal contract. If things go south, it can turn ugly, and expose you to unnecessary risk.

2.Clearly Define Roles
Unclear roles will drive conflict. Partners generally know their strengths and weaknesses. Each may lean toward the aspect of the business that suits them best. However, problems will arise if duties are not explicitly defined.

3.Create Clear Exit Strategies
Decide what will happen if one partner leaves or passes away, if there are changes among company principles, or if the business is closed downMake sure you have a great operating agreement written by a seasoned attorney that outlines what happens to the business under all possible scenarios...It will be an expensive investment, but it will serve as the foundation for your relationship."

4.Create Conflict Resolution Strategies
There are bound to be conflicts in a partnership. If you both have equal stakes in the company, what happens if you cannot agree? Even if one partner has more legal power, there will still be conflict if there are disagreements.

5.Select Complementary Skillsets.
Andrew Schrage is Partner and Editor-in-Chief at MoneyCrashers.com, a top personal finance website.

He advises, "Make sure your partner's skill set complements yours, but is not identical. Having two bean counters run an operation is not a recipe for success, and if two creative types make a go of it, the accounting and other more mundane aspects of the business could suffer or even be ignored

 source : https://www.inc.com/marissa-levin/the-5-most-important-strategies-for-creating-a-successful-business-partnership.html

19

Mobile Apps / 9 Advantages of Mobile Apps over responsive eCommerce websites

« on: June 03, 2018, 03:04:08 PM »

9 Advantages of Mobile Apps over responsive eCommerce websites

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1. Mobile Apps are faster
At the end of the day What users think and like is what brings business and profits.Applications are usually 1.5 times faster than mobile websites and they perform actions much faster too. Applications store their data locally on your device. Allor, data retrieval happens in the blink of an eye. In the case of mobi-sites, data needs to be fetched from the web servers which can take from few seconds to a minute depending upon the network speed and packet sizes.

2. Personalized content
Users love highly tailored content according to their preferences. It’s like offering them a tailored communication in the language they speak and understand. User-centric personalisation is critical in making their experience delightful. Personalisation can be based on a user’s interest, behaviors, location, culture etc. And mobile apps make it easy to cater personalized experiences.

3. Instant Online and Offline access
All mobile apps offer instant access by a tap. They allow users to consume their content quickly offering seamless experience via storing vital data that can be accessed offline too. Some apps like banking, storefronts, retail, finance, games and news work both online and offline. i.e. loading a news item or a game that can be read or played without internet connection is just wonderful.

4. Using device features
Mobile apps have an added advantage where you can code an app into utilizing various features of a native device. So, once downloaded they can use features like Camera that can scan PFDs, QR and Bar codes and NFC to use for payments, GPS to connect with maps and other services and accelerometer, gyro meter and compass that can be utilized for thousands of different purposes.

5. Push Notifications and instant updates
In-App notifications are received when a user opens an application on their devices. Push notifications are received on devices regardless a user opens an app or not. Basically, the update and promotional notifications which you receive on your devices on a daily basis are Push Notifications.

6. Branding and Design
Unlike websites that rely on browsers to support functions, mobile applications can be designed to support swipe gestures like a drag, pinch, hold, tap, double tap and more, each performing a certain action that increases user friendliness.

7. Productivity Improvement and Cost reduction
The biggest benefit of mobile apps is that it increases communications between your employees, vendors, and customers by sharing the same resources and place to order, give replies and train about your products and user behavior. They tend to increase productivity by 20–40% with readily available charts and reporting tools with accumulated customer data.

8. Interactive Engagement
Mobi-apps have their own interfaces that allow users to experience two-way immersive experience. They can simply share an image to their friends and show what they’ve bought via easy sharing and one-click buy, will boost your conversation with the customers and revenue.

9. Increased SEO potential for your website
Your app can be advantageous in two ways, for your in-app content and your website content as synonymous words will be used in the content for products and services. Google these days rank your in-app content too and you can modify your content in your application to help you with your website SEO

 source :https://medium.com/@KNOWARTH/9-advantages-of-mobile-apps-over-responsive-ecommerce-websites-6aed1e6db0d8

20

Human Resource / Definition of Human Resource Strategy

« on: June 03, 2018, 02:57:46 PM »

Definition of Human Resource Strategy

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Features
HR strategy must be aligned with the organization’s vision, mission and goals. In developing an HR strategy, the company must analyze the characteristics of its industry, determine its competitive advantage, and identify key processes and key people. Creating different strategies for all groups of people in the organization may be necessary, depending on their skills, knowledge and responsibilities. The strategy must look at the organization's culture, structure, people and systems.

Significance
HR strategy affects what employees feel and do. It manifests in work-productivity outcomes such as customer satisfaction, product quality, errors, accidents, down time and employee retention. These outcomes, in turn, affect company finances. Poor customer service, for example, can reduce company sales. An effective HR strategy benefits the company's bottom line. It improves employee motivation and satisfaction. Employees also benefit by realizing their full potential and developing their own careers.

Considerations
Large firms often focus on building systematic HR practices that improve employees’ motivation and skills. A Cornell University study of small and medium-sized enterprises showed that their HR practices are informal and reflect company values. Their HR strategy tends to focus more on selecting the right employees to do the job, managing their activities and motivating them to stay with the company. Smaller organizations often develop employee loyalty by creating a family-like culture.

Challenges
The HR department must find ways to attract, select and retain employees in an increasingly competitive market. The globalization of the workforce requires more complex and diverse human resource strategies that will adapt to each country’s labor laws, economic structure and staff expectations. The HR professional must play a strategic role in adapting the company to diverse environments while keeping down costs and working with fewer resources. This involves proactively partnering and consulting with line managers.

Responsibilities
Senior management often leads in defining the organization’s human resource strategy. The HR department plans and translates the strategy through HR policies and practices. This requires reviewing the organization’s current practices and analyzing critical issues such as high turnover, declining sales or production delays. HR can refer to best practices in successful organizations. For a successful human resource strategy, managers must be active partners with HR and HR staff must facilitate and coordinate the process.

source : https://bizfluent.com/about-7497916-definition-human-resource-strategy.html

21

Pricing / Top 8 Specific Problems of Pricing

« on: June 03, 2018, 02:52:31 PM »

Top 8 Specific Problems of Pricing

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Problem # 1.
Pricing Over the Life Cycle of the Product:
Every product has its own life cycle and its sales and profitability change over time. The product life cycle hypothesis was developed in an attempt to recognize formally distinct stages in the sales history of representative products.

Problem # 2.
The Rate of Market Growth:
This itself is often influenced by pricing poli­cies. In practice, some products are inherently less likely to gain rapid market than others. These products are, therefore, unsuitable for a penetration price policy, involving initially low, and perhaps even negative, margins.
Problem # 3
The Erosion of Distinctiveness
The second factor is the likely rate of erosion of the distinctiveness of the pioneer product. This will, in turn, depend upon the number of competi­tive products entering the market and the extent to which they can reproduce the characteristics of pi­oneer products.
Problem # 4.
The Significance of Cost:
The third major factor is the cost structure of the producers. A reduction in average cost is likely if there is learning effect. In Figure 19.8, AC1 shows the unit cost of producing various quantity of a product within a period, say a day.

Problem # 5.
Post-Skimming Strategies:
Choice of a skimming price is not enough. Subse­quent decisions will have to be made about the tim­ing and size of future reductions from the initial price. In some instances, the producer’s hand may be tied by the actions of competitors. In other in­stances, however, producers may have more discre­tion.

Problem # 6.
Mixed Strategies:
Many firms do adopt a strategy which falls be­tween the two extremes of the skimming and pene­tration prices. This policy is followed by many large companies in case of many new products. For example, Du Pont followed a mixed strategy for both nylon and cellophane.
Problem # 7.
Pricing in Maturity:
Maturity is generally defined in terms of the product’s rate of sales. It is the stage between the growth period, when sales increases rapidly and the period of decline, when sales falls sharply. The concept of product life cycle is useful for multi-product firms.

Problem # 8.
Pricing Products in Decline:
An analysis similar to the above one can be ap­plied to products whose sales have begun to de­cline.

However, three additional strategies bear relevance at the decline stage:

1. Product Reformulation Strategy:

First, there is need to reformulate the product drastically and sell at a much lower price. This is a common practice in the book business where a sat­uration of the market by a hard-bound edition is often the sign for the introduction of a paper-back edition.
2. Price Reduction Strategy:

The second strategy is one of reducing price sub­stantially to induce a temporary revival of sales. This has happened in case of Britain’s Ford Anglia, whose popularity had diminished under the impact of changes in styling and performance in competitive models.

The company had a goodwill as a reliable family car maker. And a price cut, al­lied to this reputation, created a good image of the company and helped in raising its sales.

3. Withdrawal of Advertisement Support Strategy:

Finally, as Livesey has pointed out, “even if a price reduction fails to make a significant impact on sales, additional profits may still be wrung out of declining products if the producer is strong- willed enough to withdraw advertising support, thus formally accepting the status of the product”.
 source : http://www.economicsdiscussion.net/price/problems-price/top-8-specific-problems-of-pricing/20128

22

Strategy and Planning / Difference Between Planning and Strategy

« on: June 03, 2018, 02:43:46 PM »

Difference Between Planning and Strategy

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Planning is “Thinking before the action takes place”. It decides beforehand, what, when, how the task is to be accomplished. It is not exactly same as strategy, which is nothing but “a comprehensive plan.” The strategy is all about using a trick to gain success in a particular purpose. It is the skill of managing affairs of the enterprise.

Content: Planning Vs Strategy
Comparison Chart
Definition
Key Differences
Conclusion

Definition of Planning
Planning is an organized process of thinking in advance about a future action. It means the preparation of the plan, i.e. the sequence of steps which will help in achieving organizational objectives. Planning is among the five management functions apart from organizing, controlling, motivating & leading and decision making.

Planning is a future-oriented activity that takes place in routine decisions of a family, a friend group, a college, government and most importantly in business management. It requires good judgment skills for choosing which action is to be done earlier or later to avoid overlapping in actions.

Planning process
Planning process

Planning needs goal setting for which planning needs to be done after that alternative courses of action are found and finally deciding which plan will lead to your destination successfully. It doesn’t mean that everything will go according to your plan, or it may also happen that the plan may fail in the midway, so the second list of plans is also prepared which act as a complementary plan to the original plan if it fails, for achieving the goals successfully in the limited time.

The creation of complementary plans is also a part of the planning procedure. Planning needs to be flexible in nature so that any change can be done if required by the organization. With the help of planning, an organization can exercise control over the action, i.e. either everything is going as per plan or not.

Definition of Strategy
The strategy is a master game plan designed for achieving the objectives of an organization. It is a mix of competitive moves and actions made by the top level management for the accomplishment of goals successfully. They are dynamic and flexible in nature. Strategies are based on practical experiences, not on theoretical knowledge, i.e. they are realistic and action-oriented activity. It requires deep analysis of the managers on any move or action, implementation timing, the sequence of actions, outcome, reactions of competitors, etc.

In the business world, corporate strategies are made for expansion and growth of the entities which include merger, diversification, divestment, acquisition and many other. Strategies are made according to the present situations and conditions prevalent in the business environment, but it can’t be said that they are perfect because of the changing needs and demands of the people, strategies may fail.

Moreover, the market scenario will take an unexpected turn any time with the blink of an eye and nothing lasts forever. Therefore organization has to be ready for any such unpredictable changes as well as they must develop a strategy for overcoming from these situations. So, the corporate strategy of the organization is a combination of pro-active and reactive strategies.


Key Differences Between Planning and Strategy
The major differences between Planning and Strategy are as under:

Planning is anticipation and preparation in advance, for the uncertain future events. The strategy is the best plan chosen among the various alternatives for the accomplishment of objectives.
Planning is like a map for guidance while strategy is the path which takes you to your destination.
Strategy leads to planning and planning leads to programs.
Planning is future oriented, whereas Strategy is action oriented.
Planning takes assumptions, but Strategy is based on practical experiences.
Planning can be for short term or long term depending upon the circumstances. Unlike Strategy, which is for the long term.
Planning is a part of the managerial process. Conversely, Strategy is a part of decision-making.

Conclusion

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Planning is forethought of what is to be done in future, but Strategy is a blueprint of what you want to be and where you want to be. Both Planning and Strategy are made by the top-level managers as they know the mission and vision of the organization clearly, so they will make their plans and strategies to take a step forward towards their mission and vision. Planning is preventive in nature whereas Strategy is quite competitive but both aims at the optimum utilization of the scarce resources.


source : https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-planning-and-strategy.html

23

Mentoring / The Advantages of Monitoring Employees

« on: June 03, 2018, 02:31:44 PM »

The Advantages of Monitoring Employees

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Mistakes
Monitoring employees gives you the opportunity to watch for mistakes and errors throughout the workday. When you see an employee make an error, you may immediately confront the employee about it or bring it up during the employee's performance review. You may use evidence gathered by the monitoring system to help an employee cut down on his mistakes in the future by pointing out ways he can improve. To keep a strong employee relationship in the workplace, write down the mistakes employees commit so that you can revisit them later. Immediately jumping on an employee about an error may cause employees to become fearful about making mistakes, leading to slow production and discord between employees and management.

Strengths
Employees want you to acknowledge their strengths, and a monitoring system enables you to do so throughout each day. A monitoring system provides you with detailed snapshots of how an employee is going above and beyond the call of duty. Acknowledging employee excellence captured by the monitoring system also lessens trust issues employees may have with being monitored. If your employees understand that the monitoring system isn't being used solely to point out weaknesses, they may become more accepting of being monitored

Safety
Employees may unknowingly or knowingly commit safety infractions, which may lead to serious injury. By monitoring the workplace, you have an eye in the sky to catch all safety issues, such as debris on the floor or an employee operating a forklift without a hard hat. Unlike employee weaknesses caught on the monitoring system, you must immediately bring safety issues to the forefront. Catching blatant disregard for safety on video may also save you from potential lawsuits.

Violation of Policies
Dishonest employees, as well as employees who believe the rules don't apply to them, may break company rules when management isn't around. By constantly monitoring employees, you might catch those who willingly violate company policy and immediately employ disciplinary action.

Production
Monitoring the ways in which an employee spends his time at work helps you understand how to increase production. Employees who use company time for personal time cause the company to suffer. For example, if you monitor an employee's Internet usage and find he's spending a large portion of his day online, you can confront him and explain he needs to spend more time working.

Where You Can Monitor
You can't monitor employees in all areas of the workplace. Each state has different rules when it comes to monitoring employees, but you can't place monitoring equipment in bathrooms, regardless of the state in which you do business. You may face a lawsuit if you place monitoring equipment in forbidden areas.

source : http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-monitoring-employees-18428.html

24

Capital Market / Who Benefits from Capital Markets?

« on: June 03, 2018, 02:26:56 PM »

Who Benefits from Capital Markets?

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Companies issue stocks and bonds and governments issue bonds through primary capital markets. Those who own stocks and bonds are able to trade them in secondary capital markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Both of these markets make it possible for individuals like you to invest your saving in stocks and bonds and potentially earn more than you would through a savings account or by keeping the money in a piggy bank.So, why might a company issue stock? A company that wants to expand its business or an entrepreneur that wants to start a business may issue stock.  When the stock is purchased by investors, the company receives financial capital. In return for that money, the business give up partial ownership--shares--of the company to the investors.  What about bonds? A company may issue a bond for the same reasons. And a government may issue a bond to fund a project without raising taxes, such as to complete a major highway project. When the bond is purchased, the company or government receives financial capital that they can spend now. That company or government agrees to repay the purchase price of the bond with interest. So, a bond is essentially a loan.Capital markets bring together businesses and governments in need of financial capital--money--with investors hoping to earn profit.  The benefits go both ways.


source : https://www.econlowdown.org/sifma_cap_mrkt?module_uid=195&section_uid=365&page_num=2995&p=yes

25

Networking & Events / 10 Powerful Business Networking Skills to Build Rapport Quickly

« on: June 03, 2018, 01:29:34 PM »

10 Powerful Business Networking Skills to Build Rapport Quickly

1. Focus on helping to reduce their suffering in some way.
The best networkers in the world like Polish, focus on reducing the suffering of others. The biggest take away here is to ask others about what pain points you can help them solve. In fact, the origins of any successful business start in the desire to solve a problem that the consumer is facing. The most successful businesses are the best at solving those problems.

In business networking, the same thing applies. When you focus on helping others to solve a problem or reduce their pain in some way, you create a long-lasting bond and its forever emblazoned in their minds. As you add value, slowly but surely, from one connection to the next, people remember you as someone who helped them in a very important way.


There's real power in that. One of the ways that Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin empire, was able to expertly build his own network was by going out there and trying to reduce the suffering of others. He did this both in his businesses and in his business relationships. That's a true defining factor in a successful human being.

Related: Want to Build Better Products? Own Your Customers' Pain.

2. Invest your time, money and energy into relationships.
Arriana Huffington, who is oftentimes called one of the most connected media moguls in the world, understands the underlying necessity to invest your time, money and energy into relationships. While most of the world is out to get, the most well-networked business people in the world are looking to give.

It seems counterintuitive to most people. I know it did to me long ago. But there's true beauty in giving to others. Not only is there a karmic value there, but it also simply feels good. Learn to relish and appreciate the sheer importance of giving something of yourself to others and incredible things will begin to happen.

3. Be an energy charger rather than an energy drainer.
How do people feel about you when you call them? Are they quick to answer or do they ignore you? The difference is enormous. Those that are energy chargers are always at the top of the list for others. Those that are energy drainers are not.

You often hear Tony Robbins talking about being an energy charger. As an influencer and a networker, he's acutely focused on the energy that you put out into the world. There's something to say about being sensitive and attuned to the energy that you're giving off into the world. People pick up on this so it's important to be aware of it.\

4. Add an enormous amount of value to the lives of others.
I've always been a firm believer in adding massive amounts of value. And in business, whether you're networking or selling a product or providing a service and so on, you have to add loads of value. Without doing that, you won't get far. There's something so special and magical about adding value. So few people do it. But when people do, doors open that would never been opened before.

Peter Diamandis, chairman of the X Prize Foundation, co-founder of Singularity University and New York Times bestselling author, is a firm believer in adding an enormous amount of value across the board. He often states that people can achieve extraordinary results by applying this single principle. That's partly what's helped him to succeed at such a high level, and it's something seen amongst the top business networkers and entrepreneurs across the world over.


Related: 7 Ways To Add Massive Value To Your Business

5. Be useful, be grateful and don't take people for granted.
No matter what industry you're in, you'll always find people who are crass, rude and unruly. However, that's no reflection on you. It's only a reflection on themselves. But you have to look past that. Be useful and grateful for any opportunity that you're given, and don't take people for granted. This applies as much in the business world as it does in your personal life. We always tend to take people for granted.

You often hear Daymond John, founder and CEO of FUBU and investor on the Shark Tank series, talking about not taking people for granted who are around you. It's easy to overlook someone and not give them the time of day because you don't think they'll add anything of value to your business or your life. But that's a huge mistake. John argues that you should help others regardless, and to always be useful and grateful.

6. Treat others the same way that you'd like to be treated.
On a similar note, it's important to be aware of how you're treating others. If you don't want people to treat you poorly, why would you go out there and do it others? It makes absolutely no sense. Be kind, even to people you don't know. It says a lot about you as a human being. It isn't just good business. It's part and parcel to a good life.

One person very vocal about this is Shep Gordon, the Hollywood film agent and producer featured in the 2013 documentary, Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon. Mike Meyers calls him the nicest person he's ever met, hands down. He believes firmly in compassionate business, and there's a reason why he's been so successful at his craft. Always remember to take into account the feelings of others. It's monumentally important.

7. Learn to appreciate others, even in the smallest ways.
It's really easy to overlook an act of kindness done for you. That's especially true when you're so used to having those kind acts done on your behalf. But it isn't about the act of kindness or anything else done for that benefits you in some way. It's about appreciating it.

When someone reaches out to help you, learn to appreciate it. Don't look for the negative. Focus on the positive. Chris Anderson, the founder of TED Talks, has based his entire career on learning to appreciate others. It's because of this deep appreciation of the world and the people in it, that he's been able to succeed on such a high level. Today, TED Talks provides the basis for that way of thinking -- its "ideas worth spreading."

8. Make it a habit to connect with others daily.
Habits are a huge part of our lives. They comprise a large part of our behavior. Several studies have all confirmed the major role that habits play in our lives. You need to build the habit of connecting with others every single day, and not just make it a random chance occurrence. Reach out as often as possible and figure out who you can introduce to one another.

Marie Forleo, a life coach and the host of MarieTV, an award-winning weekly show, speaks about goals, taking action and power of your daily habits quite often. Forleo says that you should think about where some of the best business relationships in your life have come from, and to really be authentic and not fake when you're bringing people together in the business world. While doing this daily is important, the habit is only effective when it's approach with a genuine desire to help others.


Related: How to Immediately Connect With Anyone

9. Spend the time to meet with people as close to in-person as possible
Gary Vaynerchuk, as successful and as popular as he is, understands the necessity to get as close to in-person as possible. What does this mean? Well, if you can't meet in-person, then use audio and video as much as possible, but customize the message. Don't send out something canned or generic.

It's important that you remember to do this. Sure, you can reach out digitally or virtually, but make it personal. Don't send something that doesn't have tonality and care for the person that's actually receiving it. And when people do reach out to you, take them time to reach back if you can. Don't ignore someone who genuinely wants to connect with you.

10. Be conscious of the long-term cause-and-effects of your actions.
Adam Grant, the author of Originals: How Non-Conformists Move The World, argues that networking for the sake of networking won't pay off. Your network shouldn't consist of people that you call only when you need something. You have to be aware that if you try to network like that in business, that it could backfire.

However, it also isn't all about mutually beneficial relationships. While adding loads of value can certainly help, as you work on your own business and gain your own notoriety, Polish says that your success will snowball and you'll find that your efforts will become far more effective.

source : https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/301087

26

Product knowledge / 14 Types of Product Knowledge

« on: June 03, 2018, 11:53:26 AM »

14 Types of Product Knowledge

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Product knowledge is the ability to communicate information and answer questions about a product or service. It is considered an important knowledge area for any role that puts you in front of customers, investors or the media. For example, an organization may offer product knowledge training for executive management, sales, marketing and customer service roles. The following are common types of product knowledge.
Customer
How the product addresses customer needs. For example, a salesperson who is able to analyze customer needs to develop a proposal to sell the product.
Brand
The identity of the product on the market. For example, a salesperson in a luxury fashion shop who can talk about brand legacy.

source : https://simplicable.com/new/product-knowledge
Customer Experience
Knowledge about the end-to-end customer experience offered by a product or service.
Competition
How the product or service compares with the competition.
Industry
Knowledge of industry trends, concepts and terminology surrounding your product.
Use
How to use the product.
Complementary Products
How to use other products that are commonly used together with your product. For example, if your software runs on a particular operating system customers will be surprised if you're out of your depth in that environment.
Configuration
How to install and configure the product.
Troubleshooting
How to fix problems with the product. This often has several different levels. For example, some problems can be fixed from the user interface and others require a software developer or engineer.
Specifications
Specifications of the product including the meaning of related terminology.
Customization
Knowledge of elements such as APIs that allow customers to customize and extend products and services.
Integration
How to integrate the product with other things. For example, how to connect a mobile device to a particular type of network.
Policy & Procedure
The policies and procedures that guide products and service. For example, a salesperson who can describe the restrictions on different types of software licenses.
Mission & Vision
What the product, service or brand is trying to achieve and where it's headed. Often useful for answering basic questions such as "why should I buy this?"

 source : https://simplicable.com/new/product-knowledge

27

Bank Loan / Difference between Short Term and Long Term Loans

« on: June 03, 2018, 11:16:22 AM »

Difference between Short Term and Long Term Loans

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Short Term Loans

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hort term loans are generally up to about three years. A popular short term loan is a payday loan. Someone may take a payday loan out in the event of an emergency such as car repairs, taking a vacation, or other unexpected bills.These are very popular because of the few requirements needed to be approved for the loan. Unlike a long term loan, you can get cash within 48 hours from companies like Online Payday Loans.net and there are no credit checks. These loans are generally up to $2000.
Another popular short term loan is a flexible loan. This is generally a credit based loan, but up to $25,000. The term is generally 12 months. Short term loans are at a higher interest rate than a long term loan, capitalizing on the length of your loan. A lender will use the situation that you do not have credit in order to offer the higher interest rate.

Long Term Loans

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Long term loans can be taken over an extended amount of time. Most common long term loans are mortgages, student loans, wedding loans, start-up business loans, and home improvement loans. A long term loan is credit based. The better your credit score the better your interest rates will be. A long term loan can be in the form of a secure or an unsecured loan.Taking a long term loan is generally through a bank or credit union, unlike a short term loan. The amount of the loan will be based on your credit history and current income. With long term loans, you have greater flexibility with payment options.An adjustable rate mortgage loan’s rate can adjust every year. There is also an interest only loan, of which a person can pay only the interest of the loan for a set amount of years, and then start paying on the principal.

source : http://www.onmoneymaking.com/difference-between-short-term-and-long-term-loans.html

28

Traditional Marketing / Traditional marketing vs. digital marketing

« on: June 03, 2018, 10:56:28 AM »

Traditional marketing vs. digital marketing



What is traditional marketing?
Traditional marketing refers to the conventional methods of marketing used ever since the concept of advertisements or marketing came into existence. This primarily includes the following modes for brand promotion:

   Newspaper

   Flyers

   Radio

   Television

   Billboard advertising along roads and highways

   Magazine ads

What is digital marketing?
Digital marketing is the new age marketing method of the global realm. With internet finding its application and benefit in every aspect of life, marketing too has managed to not only create awareness or promote brands through it, but also give them a global platform to reach a wider customer base. It includes the following:

   Business networking sites such as LinkedIn
   Social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
   Email marketing
   Paid pop-up ads
   Blogs
   Click baiting URLs for viral content marketing
Although all the marketing techniques used in digital marketing appear similar, online marketing is a far more versatile mode of marketing than conventional one.

source : https://yourstory.com/mystory/e09309421c-traditional-marketing

29

Entrepreneurship / 6 Practices to Boost Your Chances of Success in Life and Business

« on: June 03, 2018, 10:44:31 AM »

6 Practices to Boost Your Chances of Success in Life and Business

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1.Seek out new experiences. It’s easy to get caught up spending your time doing the things you already know you like. If that's all you do, you won’t grow as much as a person. The wider the range of experiences you pursue, the more you will be exposed to different people, lifestyles and perspectives. If you can put yourself in someone else’s shoes, you will have more empathy. Seeking out new experiences means you’re willing to challenge yourself and want to keep learning about the world around you. Those are two keys to success.

 2.Abandon your expectations. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that having expectations is a surefire road to disappointment. Why not walk into an unfamiliar situation with an open mind? It’s impossible to be let down if you don’t make assumptions about what should or shouldn’t happen. When you open yourself up to possibility, not necessarily expecting anything immediately or directly in return, amazing things can happen. I’ve been reminded of this time and time again. 

Related: 7 Steps to Find Meaning in Your Work

3. Treat everyone you meet with respect. Everyone has something to offer. You’ll be surprised at how many people will be willing to support and follow you if you treat them with respect, regardless of what they’ve achieved or where they are in their life. To be successful, we all need help. It’s impossible to predict who may be able to help you later. People are dynamic. Things change. Don’t miss out an opportunity to befriend someone because you’re too judgmental.

4. Give back. Whether it’s to a charity, a cause you believe in or a stranger who could benefit from your help, there are immeasurable benefits to thinking of others. For one, you’ll become a better and more attentive listener. You’ll focus less on your own shortcomings.

5. Celebrate milestones, large and small. Let me tell you: When you finally achieve that goal that has been eluding you, it won’t feel as great as you imagined it would. That’s been my experience anyway. You’ll be a much happier person if you celebrate each step along the way. If you wait to celebrate that one elusive goal -- you might end up waiting a long time. There’s so much more for you to appreciate. And when you make the time to celebrate milestones, you welcome others -- your friends and family -- to take part in your success.

6. Let go of the past. Mistakes are stepping stones to success. People who are willing to take risks inevitably make mistakes. That’s OK. I’ve learned more from my mistakes than my successes. In fact, I know I couldn’t have been successful without making mistakes. So stop beating yourself up. And in that same vein, try not to be so hard on others.

What’s your personal definition of success? Tell me in the comments section.

Related: 5 Signs You're Standing In Your Own Way to Success

source :https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/233364

30

Branding / The Definitive Guide to Personal Branding

« on: June 03, 2018, 10:22:20 AM »

The Definitive Guide to Personal Branding

What Is Personal Branding:

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When we talk about "personal branding" we are referring to establishing and promoting what you stand for. Your personal brand is the unique combination of skills and experiences that make you you. Effective personal branding will differentiate you from other professionals in your field.
Why Personal Branding Matters

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When it comes to building a personal brand, some people dismiss the process as being too time consuming, or not that important.

It’s true - you will have to devote time and energy into self branding properly. But the idea that building a personal brand is not important is just false, and here’s why.Regardless of your age or professional stage, someone is screening you online. What they find can have major implications for your professional (and personal) well-being.

Just consider the numbers. According to CareerBuilder:

"More than half of employers won't hire potential candidates without some sort of online presence today."

Don’t lose out on an interview over something you can control - like your personal brand

Personal Branding Can Help You Take The Next Step

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Numbers aside, the most important reason to focus on personal branding is to help yourself. Think of this as building an additional channel for growing your own successes.

Personal branding is a painless step in working towards your goals. Regardless of your industry or professional status, your personal brand has the power to make or break all kinds of opportunities for advancement.

When building your brand starts to feel like a job, remember that it is an essential part of cultivating your career. And keep in mind that the greatest investment of resources, time and effort will likely come up front.

Building and optimizing new profiles, generating content about you and your work, identifying your goals, building a brand strategy - this can feel overwhelming. But once you’ve established a strong foundation, you’ll have a roadmap to follow, which makes the whole process much more manageable.