Branding Essentials for Startup Companies

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When starting up a new company, there are three essentials that the business needs for visibility: a trademarked logo, a website, and a domain name that matches the brand.

Business Logo

The logo is the picture customers and clients use to remember the brand and what it represents. This needs to be unique to the business and should be trademarked to protect others from using it as their own. The logo is what introduces people to the company and should create a positive impression in their minds. It represents the company’s values and purpose, so the design and colors should reflect those things.

Website

The website is often the first place people read about a new company before trying their services. In today’s world, a website is essential for a business to thrive since so much business is done online. A nicely designed website will have details about the product or services offered, the background or history of the company, and contact information, such as email and phone number. 

The website should incorporate the logo of the brand and have links with which to navigate the website easily. Some businesses offer a scheduling option on the web page, making it easier for service-oriented businesses to schedule times with customers. If the business sells a product, the website should be created to make online sales as easy a possible for both the customer and the company.

Domain Name

The domain name is what people type as the URL to access the website for the business. The domain name for the brand should match closely with the name as much as possible. Sometimes an exact match is not possible because a specific domain name may already be taken. 

The domain name may also use search engine optimization (SEO) words, which are words used to search for that type of business or service in a specific location.

The business owner could do some of these things himself, but often it is better to hire a professional to help design a logo and create a website. 

When a new business has a great logo, a website that is easy to use, and a domain name that matches its business name, the essentials are in place for a great start.

This article was originally published on RobUrbach.com

The Time Management Practice of ‘Time Batching’

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Modern workers are expected to juggle multiple projects and responsibilities every day. Switching between different types of work costs time, brainpower, productivity, and even happiness. Time batching is a method that promotes flexibility in completing a variety of tasks while capitalizing on the momentum by batching similar types of work together.

When people multitask and switch between disparate tasks, they have to shift their goals and activate new job rules. Moving plans is, simply put, deciding to make task A instead of study B. Regulation activating comes after the goal is set when the brain turns on the processes necessary to achieve the new goal. Each time a worker switches between tasks, they lose time and momentum.

The basic idea of time batching is simple—an individual looks at their tasks for the day or week, sorts them into buckets and blocks of time to complete tasks in a specific bucket—the buckets group similar goals together, minimizing the amount of effort spent on rule activating between functions. The time batcher then sets aside time to do each batch of tasks. There isn’t a magic formula for which buckets the time batcher should use or how long their working windows should be. It’s completely customizable from person to person.

Some time batchers find success in dividing their tasks into shallow and deep tasks. Superficial jobs are things like responding to emails or data entry work—things that require less brain power to complete. Deep duties might include creative work or strategic planning—heavier lifts that may require more mental resources.

Another option for batching time is to group tasks by the outcome, not level of effort. For example, one-time butcher’s buckets might look like this.

  • Administrative tasks like managing appointments and tracking time
  • Project communications, including project-related emails and meetings
  • Creative work where the individual comes up with new ideas
  • Strategic work like project planning and goal setting

Everyone’s time batching buckets will look different. The beauty of time batching is that it’s a customizable approach to time management that each individual can tailor to suit their needs. Batching time wisely allows workers to get more done in less time, increasing productivity, happiness, and job satisfaction.

Staying on Track with Larger Projects

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No matter the size or scope of a project, you’ll have to follow a similar blueprint. First, you need to assign yourself and the project some goals. Then, you need to create a plan for meeting your goals in a timely fashion. Once your list is in place, it’s time to get started. Along the way, you’ll have to monitor your progress to make sure you’re on the right track. Eventually, with the right attitude and ceaseless effort, you’ll manage to finish the project.

While this general plan works for small, single-day jobs and longer projects, the specific techniques you use might vary depending on the length of the task at hand. Longer projects, in particular, require different strategies that will help keep you on track. Here are three methods for long-term projects you can employ to keep from falling behind.

Plan and Schedule Specific Tasks

Whenever you’re engaging with any meaningful work, it’s essential to have the big picture in mind. With that being said, you should never forget about the details altogether. Many people get bogged down in their projects because they neglect the small, annoying jobs necessary to complete the more significant tasks. They recognize the need to reach out to suppliers, for example, but they forget about all the tiny requirements such an endeavor entails, from making contacts to creating a database of prices. By taking these details into account, you can create a more realistic plan and avoid unexpected delays.

Create a Ladder of Smaller, Manageable Tasks

While an overarching game plan is necessary to make sure you’re moving toward your overall goal, you should also employ small-scale to-do lists to keep you on track with smaller jobs. It’s best to recognize the vast number of steps you have to take to complete your project. Include these smaller tasks in your plan and plot a detailed course from your starting point to the point of competition.

Set Yourself Mini Deadlines Along the Way

Deadlines are your most valuable tool when it comes to holding yourself accountable. Achievable, measurable goals are essential for motivation and accountability. Make sure you set yourself daily goals for the smaller tasks and monthly or yearly objectives that relate to the big picture.

Effective Exercises That Can Be Done Without Equipment

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Exercising is an important part of staying healthy, but unfortunately, not many people have access to all the equipment available at gyms. Here’s the thing, though: you don’t need fancy equipment in order to get a good workout. You actually don’t need equipment at all—there are plenty of ways for you to get the exercise you need without touching a single piece of equipment, all of which are just as effective as using machines at the gym. Using your body weight and gravity will give you just as much of a workout as using dumbbells or lifting weights.

Here are a few exercises you can do without having to rely on any machinery.

Push-Up

The classic push-up is one of the most effective bodyweight exercises you can do. It targets your chest, triceps, and anterior deltoid muscles (the front of your shoulders) as well as your core. Like with all exercise, it won’t be effective unless you do it correctly:

  • Start in a high plank with your hands flat and shoulder-width apart, your wrists under your shoulders.
  • Inhale as you bend your arms to go down, keeping your back flat as you do so. If you can’t keep your back flat your bend all the way down, modify the push-up so your knees are on the floor.
  • Exhale as you go back up into the starting position, then repeat.

Bulgarian Split Squat

Technically you need some equipment for this move, but it doesn’t have to be fancy workout equipment—you can use a chair, a couch, a bench, or whatever you can find of equal heights wherever you’re at. The Bulgarian split squat works your lower-body muscles: your quads, glutes, inner thighs, hamstrings, and calves. Here’s how to do it:

  • Stand with your back facing your bench. Keep your left foot a few feet in front of the bench, then place the top of your right foot on the bench, shoelaces down. Place both hands behind your head.
  • Bend your knees to lower yourself into the split squat, your left knee forming a 90-degree angle and your thigh parallel to the ground. Your right knee should be hovering above the floor. If you’re positioned correctly, your left knee shouldn’t go past your left toes.
  • Push yourself back up with your left leg, then repeat.

If you want to take it a step further, work a push-up into this as well. Once you’re in the down position, place your left foot on the bench, shoelaces down, then bend your elbows to do a decline push-up. Straighten your elbows, place your left foot back on the ground, and repeat.

Ways to Make Sure Your Business Succeeds

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When you start a business, the ultimate goal should be to make sure it becomes and stays successful. No one goes into the business world wanting their idea to crash and burn at the gate, after all. Thankfully, there are strategies and tips available to help any business owner, whether new or old, take their company and make sure it continues to thrive. Here are a few of those tips and tricks.

1 ) Write out a plan.

Though some people are good at winging it when it comes to life situations, that’s not something that you should do when you want your business to succeed. Not having a written plan makes your ideas more of a dream than reality, and having something written down will give you a tangible place to start. What you write down doesn’t have to be novel-length; it can be a mere outline for strategies, objectives, financing, marketing, and whatever else you need to get started.

2 ) Be prepared to change your plan.

Writing down your plan and sticking to it is smart, but it isn’t smart to stick to it when it’s obviously not working anymore. Following a plan you wrote down months ago when it’s not doing anything beneficial for your business will only bring you closer to failure, so don’t be afraid to scrap the plan and adjust accordingly if the situation calls for it.

3 ) Listen to others.

It’s far too easy to let success inflate your ego, and letting that happen is detrimental to your future success. That’s why having advisors around you is essential to success; you’ll be able to bounce ideas off of them while having someone keep you in check as well. Having people there to hold you accountable is smart and will make sure your focus is primarily on your business, not your ego.

4 ) Delegate without micromanagement.

When you hire people, you need to trust that they know what they’re doing—there’s a reason you hired them in the first place, after all. You can’t control everything, nor can you do everything necessary to keep your business running smoothly. That’s why you can’t be afraid to delegate tasks to your employees: if you do so effectively, you’ll get more done in a much better way than you would’ve on your own. 

You also need to be aware of micromanagement; letting yourself fall into that habit will not only slow you down, but make for some very unhappy employees in the long run. 

Signs You Need to Develop Your Leadership Abilities

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Signs You Need to Develop Your Leadership Abilities Being a leader isn’t always easy. You’re responsible for managing complicated logistics and coordinating disparate tasks, all while inspiring and supporting your team. If your leadership skills aren’t up to par, you’ll likely struggle in a management position.

There’s no shame in facing challenges as a leader. Even the best leaders take some time to grow into the role. In the end, the most successful managers are those who recognize their own weaknesses and seek to turn them into strengths.

It’s on you to look out for any signs that your leadership style still isn’t as strong as it should be. That way, you’ll know that you need to improve. If you notice any of these five signs, then you should look at yourself in the mirror and get to work becoming a better leader.

You Don’t Worry About Your Employees’ Work/Life Balance

Good leaders are empathetic and care about the well-being of their team members. If you give your employees unrealistic amounts of work with no concern for their ability to enjoy their personal lives, then you’re only breeding resentment.

You Let The Higher-Ups Get Away With Things

When you’re the boss, it’s your responsibility to keep people in line at every level of the organization. If you don’t hold executives and other high-level personnel accountable, you’re failing to show the commitment to integrity that will ultimately earn you the respect of your team.

You Sense Defensiveness From Your Employees

If your workers are constantly on the defensive, they probably don’t enjoy their relationship with their boss. It means you’re too judgemental and fail to take their views into account. You can remedy this by being more attentive.

You Talk More Than You Listen

A wise leader speaks only when necessary. You’re much better off listening to the people around you. Not only does this show them that you care about their thoughts and feelings, but it also allows you to make more informed decisions.

You Micromanage Everything

Good leaders know how to effectively delegate tasks. They know who they can trust, and they don’t hesitate to let capable deputies take charge. If you’re involved with every aspect of every job, it’s time to take a step back.

Employee Benefits that Result in Greater Well-being

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Employee benefits are a form of remuneration paid by employees to staff above their salaries. Employee benefits vary and are essential to the team for their well-being. The following are different ways staff receive remuneration.

Appreciation

When employers recognize their staff, applaud and appreciate them for their hard work, it encourages them to work harder. Appreciation comes in many forms: verbally, giving awards, end of year bonuses, and festival bonuses during Easter and Christmas. It encourages the staff, and their productivity increases over time.

Provide Education and Training

Employers should train their staff to carry out their work responsibilities well, to improve themselves. Training is conducted in two ways: on-the-job training and off-the-job training. As the economy and technology change every day, training needs to be provided to ensure that systems are up-to-date. Employers can pay for further education for their staff or even educational programs that are within the company. This makes them feel appreciated and gives them a sense of belonging.

Time Off when Needed

Some employees work more than the usual hours in a day, and sometimes on weekends, especially if workload increases. Working long hours can cause stress, or you can’t manage other responsibilities. Employees should make versatile working hours, and in case it isn’t possible due to an employee’s workload, employers should grant time off when requested.

Work from Home

In the current situation, some workers have been working from home due to lockdown and social distancing. With the generous help of technology, seminar, meetings, and conferences are conducted online. If an employee can work from home, employers should allow it, as long as employees work on time and report to the office when needed. This way, employees can balance personal and work life.

Facilities Provided

Businesses offer different facilities for employees to use and enjoy. They include :

  • Canteen– It can provide lunch and break-time services.
  • Restroom– for employees to use to freshen up
  • Lounge area/room– stack the lounge with reading material so that employees can relax when taking a break or having their snacks.

Fringe Benefits

Employers offer fringe benefits to their staff, including pension, paid vacation, health, and unemployment insurance programs. Fringe benefits are nonwage payments.

Employee benefits are crucial for every employee and their well-being. It makes them work harder, and grow as an individual which results to business growth.

Employee benefits are a form of remuneration paid by employees to staff above their salaries. Employee benefits vary and are essential to the team for their well-being. The following are different ways staff receive remuneration.

Appreciation

When employers recognize their staff, applaud and appreciate them for their hard work, it encourages them to work harder. Appreciation comes in many forms: verbally, giving awards, end of year bonuses, and festival bonuses during Easter and Christmas. It encourages the staff, and their productivity increases over time.

Provide Education and Training

Employers should train their staff to carry out their work responsibilities well, to improve themselves. Training is conducted in two ways: on-the-job training and off-the-job training. As the economy and technology change every day, training needs to be provided to ensure that systems are up-to-date. Employers can pay for further education for their staff or even educational programs that are within the company. This makes them feel appreciated and gives them a sense of belonging.

Time Off when Needed

Some employees work more than the usual hours in a day, and sometimes on weekends, especially if workload increases. Working long hours can cause stress or can’t manage other responsibilities. Employees should make versatile working hours, and in case it isn’t possible due to an employee’s workload, employers should grant time off when requested.

Work from Home

In the current situation, some workers have been working from home due to lockdown and social distancing. With the generous help of technology, seminar, meetings, and conferences are conducted online. If an employee can work from home, employers should allow it, as long as employees work on time and report to the office when needed. This way, employees can balance personal and work life.

Facilities Provided

Businesses offer different facilities for employees to use and enjoy. They include :

  • Canteen– It can provide lunch and break-time services.
  • Restroom– for employees to use to freshen up
  • Lounge area/room– stack the lounge with reading material so that employees can relax when taking a break or having their snacks.

Fringe Benefits

Employers offer fringe benefits to their staff, including pension, paid vacation, health, and unemployment insurance programs. Fringe benefits are nonwage payments.

Employee benefits are crucial for every employee and their well-being. It makes them work harder, and grow as an individual which results to business growth.

Negative Thoughts to Throw Away Right Now for Increased Productivity

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Some thoughts can kill the focus on people and make it difficult for them to complete simple tasks. Some thoughts distract people’s minds making them feel lazy. It is hard to tell that someone is losing focus. Some habits control how people prioritize their work, and thus it is imperative to abandon negative thoughts. To embrace change, people need to examine the beliefs that drive their actions.

By examining thoughts, people can identify outdated stories and beliefs that hold them back. How do stories, views, and thoughts impact our productivity? According to a reputable author, Byron Katie, some thoughts make us feel sick, heavy, overwhelmed, and discouraged, to mention a few. On the contrary, other thoughts make us feel free, encouraged, spacious, and energized to handle our tasks.

According to neuroscientific, some thoughts put us on high alert. They stimulate the amygdala causing the brain to release cortisol—a stress hormone. The hormone is the culprit for sweaty palms and increased heart rate. When we are in this state, our brains are compromised, making it daunting to think critically.

If you are ready to change your beliefs and thoughts, here are common ways to challenge your mind. 

“I don’t have time.”

This thought makes us think that we don’t have time to attend to essential tasks. We tend to lose control over our calendar, resulting in uncompleted tasks. This thought can manifest and make it hard for us to wake up even after an alarm clock goes off. We lose body alertness and eventually wake up feeling exhausted.

“It’s difficult.”

There is an inward voice that keeps telling us it’s challenging to execute a specific task. We should abandon the thought and view every situation as a learning opportunity. This helps us to move out of a fixed view and develop a growth mindset.

“I might…. I should”


Whenever we use this language, we tend to assume that we are not liable for whatever happens. Instead, we should switch to a potent language that puts us squarely in the choice. We should regularly use language such as I will, or I choose to. If possible, we should create a list of negative thoughts that hold us back. We are encouraged to make our own list and change one thought at a time.

Improving Well-Being in the Workplace

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For a long time, work was viewed as something that people weren’t supposed to enjoy or even be at peace with. Management styles focused on the stick, not the carrot. Expressions like, “If it was fun, it wouldn’t be called work,” became popular in the working class. However, in recent years, management level professionals have learned that making the workplace peaceful and inviting can benefit everyone.

Companies have started to find ways to help their workers manage pressures, rather than piling them on. As time goes on, it seems like life gets more complicated and stressful. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has created questions about the viability of some industries. Social distancing and work from home have become the new norm in others. Long commutes, dire warnings about climate change, and extreme weather have also been pressures in the past few years.

In particular, companies have started to respond to Millennials’ desires for more balance and stability in their lives. Millennials are looking for work-life balance in their jobs. They also want to work for companies with a conscience. This generation has forced big businesses to look carefully at how they make money and what they do with it. In order to attract the best talent, some companies have started to adopt wellness programs. These tend to be holistic in nature. That means they don’t just focus on physical fitness. They take the complete person into account.

There was a surprising result related to the implementation of such wellness programs. Not only did the companies adopting them see a decrease in absenteeism. They also saw an uptick in productivity. Employees were healthier overall. Evidence for this could be seen in the healthcare costs paid by employers. Employers who focused on supporting wellness found that they spent less money on healthcare costs overall.

Some ways that companies have put the focus on wellness include making space for it. This often takes the form of meditation rooms or gardens. Others have torn down traditional hierarchies by removing corner offices altogether. Providing memberships to workout studios and on-site yoga are two common ways to cultivate a mind-body connection and better health overall. Finally, providing more healthful snacks has also paid dividends for many employers.   

Effective Networking Communication

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Networking is one of the most essential business skills because it enables an entrepreneur to connect with other like-minded individuals. Those networks can help the business owner succeed.

Despite having numerous benefits, networking is one of the most feared activities because people don’t know how to talk to strangers.

However, one shouldn’t be afraid of networking for two reasons: people don’t mind talking about themselves, and human beings generally want to help each other.

Networking Hacks

1. Taking Control

The main objective of a networking event is getting to know one another. Therefore, anyone that attends a networking event should be ready to take control by asking questions if the other party is quiet. One shouldn’t be afraid to break the ice with a simple greeting.

2. Mental Preparation

It can be hard for a person to talk about themselves right off the bat. One needs time to gather thoughts. Since the process can lead to an awkward silence, it’s best to write down a brief introduction of themselves and memorize it. That way, they’ll know what to say if someone approaches them out of nowhere.

3. Asking the Right Questions

It’s easy to ask generic questions like, “what’s your name?’ or “what do you do?” because they’re so common. An individual should be creative with their questions if they want to make an impact. First, they should be open-ended and thoughtful. Second, they can be linked to the event.

4. Approaching Smartly

In networking events, there are those presumed to be more accomplished than others. Everyone wants a chance to talk to those people, and they know it. That’s why they’re hard to talk to. If a person wants to talk to that individual, they should be tactful with their approach. They should look for the most ideal moment to engage.

5. Important Takeaways

With so many people gathered in one place, it can be challenging to remember everything. The golden rule is to remember at least three new things from every conversation and follow up on them; it could be a book recommendation or a referral.

Anyone can take advantage of the benefits of networking by using the mentioned techniques. The participant should also remember to be a good listener because people love talking about themselves.