Michael Levitt's Blog, page 122

Addressing Burnout when you Work for a Non-Profit

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Burnout is real. Burnout in non-profit agencies? It’s incredibly real. 

While non-profit positions can offer a lot of fulfillment, burnout is incredibly impactful in the social impact space. So, why does burnout occur with such high frequency in the non-profit sphere? This is for a variety of reasons, but the most reoccurring reason that individuals who work for a non-profit, or who found a charity, are often tied to the cause. They believe so firmly in it, that they are willing to give up other aspects which had previously identified them. 

How do you overcome that, though? What makes a non-profit successful with engaged but not burnt out employees? Let’s take a look at some of the ways that a non-profit can succeed while having employees who are engaged, excited about their work, and are interested and motivated in their positions. 

If you are a founder of a non-profit and find that you are exhausted, lacking creatively, and emotionally and physically drained, it’s time to put some of these ideas into place. 

Identity

Have a life and an identity outside of work. When you leave your position each day, what do you think about? Are you still thinking about the work that needs to be accomplished? If so, it’s time to recognize that you are more than just the cause you stand for. Your job needs to be treated like a job. You will be able to give more of yourself if you recognize that there are many aspects that make up who you are.

The most successful non-profit founders have escapes outside of work. Whether it’s a sport, social functions, traveling abroad, or reading good books unrelated to your cause, you need to have more than just your work. Without having something outside of your work, you will likelier become exhausted and disillusioned. Your tank will run on empty, and at some point, you’ll simply break down. Non-profit businesses rely on people being able to supply joy and enthusiasm, and when that fails, so does the cause. 

Self-care

Similarly, self-care can create a world of difference in reminding you how important you are. If you need to know how important self-care is to protect yourself from burnout, check out what self-care can do for your career in an earlier blog. Self-care does not need to be going to the spa every weekend. Do you work for a non-profit for dogs? Go walk a dog or sit beside one and pet one. Self-care might mean sitting outside with a beer after work, watching a documentary, seeing a therapist, or doing meditation, to name a few. Remember you are a person. You are not just your non-profit.

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Boundaries 

In a similar vein, you need to establish boundaries of when you will work and what you are capable and willing to do. Realistically, most non-profit employees live by their calling to the cause, which paves the road to burnout. If you are constantly justifying working overtime without pay, working on days you were supposed to have off, taking phone calls long into the night, all for the “cause,” you are setting yourself up for burnout and failure. Doing whatever it takes to get the job done, regardless of where you stand emotionally, leads to burnout. It just does. You can tell yourself that “this time it will be different,” but if you’ve experienced burnout before, you know the reality is if you do not set boundaries, you will be in the same place you were before. 

Are you a leader or founder at a non-profit? Stop expecting your staff to work as hard as you do. You will lose good employees to less stressful work. Period. It will happen. And you risk losing yourself. Then what happens? The cause has nothing. Boundaries don’t have to be extreme, but they need to be concrete. Turn off your work phone on weekends, and advise staff that if it’s not an extreme scenario, to let it wait until the next workday. It’s not always easy to do this, but in the long run, you and your business will succeed with boundaries. 

Appropriate Pay

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Jozef Opdeweegh mentioned in a recent article he composed titled Bridging The Gap to Those in Need that “The pool of our talent is limitless,” but it should be noted that talent is only limitless when it is provided the appropriate environment to succeed. Realistically, charitable organizations and non-profits can not offer competitive pay in comparison to other organizations. The money simply isn’t there. However, a non-profit is a business, and if you want top talent, you need to find a way to pay for it. 

If you’re a founder of the non-profit and find that you’re starting to miss deadlines for pay periods, or have stopped taking a salary, step back and analyze what you can do differently. Keeping the best people does not mean finding the cheapest person who’s willing to work for less. In fact, you may find paying the RIGHT person a higher salary does a lot more than paying multiple people lower wages. And, if you are an employee of a non-profit, if you are not being paid in a timely fashion, it’s time to say sayonara. The cause is important but so is your well-being. That can not be overstated. You matter. 

Involvement on the front lines

In an earlier part of his article, Opdenweegh mentions there are a huge number of non-profit organizations, “In the United States there are estimated to be 1.5 million registered non-profit organizations; in the UK around a third of that number.” Because of this, even people who are not involved directly in the non-profit can become jaded by being introduced to the newest and flashiest charitable organization on television, via friends and family, and through social media.  If you’re finding that you are no longer reaching people as easily as you had before, or if your fundraising is floundering, it may be that you’re not finding the same joy you had before in the cause.

An idea that Sandy Rees, founder of Get Fully Funded, an agency which helps non-profits find appropriate funding, is to spend time on the front line of your organization, and less time in the office. What this means is if your cause is about helping kids, animals, feeding those who live in tents, etc, but you’re spending the majority of your time in the office trying to wrangle phone calls, increase fundraising, and just work that extra three hours tonight, it’s time to remind yourself why you were interested in this cause to begin with. Go do the actual work, then be reminded of how important it is to you. 

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Losing sight of the bigger picture is easy when you’re removed from it, or if you’re standing too close to the details. This can absolutely increase your fire for your non-profit, and may spark some joy and creativity in how to be the voice that reachers potential individuals who would be interested in providing financial aid. Burnout does not just affect you as an individual. It affects your relationships and your job and organization.

Burnout in non-profit is real

One of the easiest things to do is to downplay burn-out. If you’re constantly giving of yourself, you need to recognize you will have nothing left to give to those who need it most at some point. And then, what’s left? Refuel yourself in whatever way you need. Read some of those thank you notes that you’ve received from people who have benefited from your organization, set those boundaries, and get on the front lines of your nonprofit to reduce the burn. Your work is important, but so are you.

3 Ways Being a Great Leader Will Save You Money

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You’re a great leader. It’s not necessarily something you’re going out of your way to do. It’s just inherent in who you are as a business person and a human being. You lead by example and inspire others to follow you. You model excellence in every interaction with customers. You have great relationships with every member of your team and they reciprocate the care and trust you show in them.

Being a great leader means being a . The brand resonates with your customers because they know, like, and believe in you. And they know that you train your employees so well that they feel that they’re dealing with you, even when they’re not interacting with you directly. But as well as improving customer relations, inspiring your employees and driving revenue, did you know that great leadership can also save you money? 

It’s true!  Here’s how...

Keeping your employees comfortable also keeps them productive

You care about each and every one of your employees. You want them to feel happy, valued and safe in their workspace. As such, you ensure that everyone’s working area is ergonomically adjustable. You supply standing desks so that your team don’t have to endure the health and comfort risks of sitting all day. 

But while keeping your employees safe and comfortable is its own reward, it can also help them to maintain peak productivity. There are a number of ways in which everything from indoor air quality to ambient temperature can make your employees more productive, thereby saving you money and driving profitability. 

Investing in fleet safety saves you money on the road

If you have a fleet on the road, you know how important it is to keep them protected at all times. The idea of a member of your team getting into a dangerous situation on the road is anathema to you. Which is why you invest in equipment that keeps your drivers and your equipment safe such as HD Fleet GPS tracking which features dash and driver cameras as well as other core GPS functionalities. It can save you from the enormous expense caused by a crash as well as showing your employees that you’re happy to invest in their safety.  

Keeping your employees happy prevents costs associated with turnover

Your team are more than just colleagues. They’re a happy family. As such, they know that there’s no challenge that they can’t overcome together. So even when they know that their work is stressful, they always have a support network. Not only does this prevent employees from burning out, it also ensures that they’re likely to remain with you for the long term. Especially when they know that they can achieve their career goals under your roof. 

Which is great, because replacing employees can be an extremely costly proposition. Not only do you have to pay to advertise the job, you need to pay to train and onboard them, not to mention the productivity loss associated with trawling through dozens or even hundreds of applications. 

Being a great leader is, of course, it’s own reward. But it is also, in its own way, inherently frugal, too!

Putting Together A Winning Direct Mail Campaign

Mailing lists present a great way for businesses to reach prospective customers and produce sales leads. Therefore, in this write-up, we will give you some effective tips on devising a persuasive direct mail campaign, from formulating consumer data lists to using compelling language. So, let’s take a look...

There is only one place to start, and this is with the need to have a mailing list, and making certain it is updated frequently. If your mail is reaching people that are not interested in your products and services, how is your marketing campaign going to be a hit? This is why it is advisable to find an expert firm, who can compile marketing lists that are completely suited to your company as well as your target customer base. This will make sure you happen to be targeting your brochures and leaflets to the most appropriate people, and that the data is up to date. 

After this, you then have to be certain your mail is not viewed as junk mail and chucked away. To accomplish this, you need to address it to the person you’re sending it to – don’t just write ‘dear householder’ for example. You can actually make it appear like the person was expecting the mail by incorporating phrases such as 'Requested Info Enclosed'. You also need to make sure that there is good communication and collaboration across your team. Video conferencing software can assist with this. Last but not least, never implement a one-size-fits-all strategy. Rather than posting the exact same letter to all people, ensure that it is tailored to the recipient via the use of personalisation.

Why Print Marketing And B2C Mailing Lists Are Still Important In Today’s Digital Age

In the present digital world, lots of companies are centring their advertising strategy in online marketing alone. But, to ensure an effective plan, you must use a combination of offline and online techniques. Therefore, continue reading to find out more regarding why you need to use offline marketing methods and B2C mailing lists.

Although Internet marketing is clearly effective, offline advertising offers benefits that online advertising won't ever have, and for this reason, print adverts will continue to have a great degree of significance. The primary advantage of print marketing is that it's tangible. When a brochure or flyer is put through your letterbox, you'll be able to pick it up, put it on your side table, and return to it when you've got a chance. The same definitely can’t be said for Internet advertising. 

In addition, with offline advertising, targeting your efforts is a lot easier. It's possible for you to post your print materials to those who will be enthusiastic about your services. It's far harder to do that on the Internet. Still, you have to do your research and construct a successful mailing list so that your advertising materials will be sent to those who are going to be interested in what you have to offer. Research shows that the effectiveness of your advertising is 80% affected by your list, and only 20% affected by your creativity. Finally, you must be sure that your marketing lists are filled with correct data, and that it is up to date.

Various Forms Of Mailing Lists For Your Business

The need for a marketing mailing list can't be undervalued. You will have a high chance of generating sales leads from your promotion efforts if you have an up-to-date list that makes it easy for you to communicate with potential customers. In this write-up, we will evaluate the different kinds of mail lists that are available.

When obtaining mailing lists for your company, you have got a whole host of choices to select from. Plenty of individuals select a customised mailing list, which offers you the power to pick the criteria that is going to define the type of contacts you include in the list. You'll be able to compile your list according to the likes of earnings, house value, age, sex, life stage, marital status, homeownership, and alike. An alternative would be to choose a clone list. A clone list is created when you hire a firm that assesses a few of your latest consumers as a way to generate a list of other similar consumers. If you have something that is successful, why alter it? You ought to just enhance it. 

Additionally, there are firms that supply bespoke lists for companies that have lately moved or opened new premises, providing you with all of the data that you require to be successful in the place in question. B2B marketing lists are also exceedingly popular, and a specialist business will make certain you're sending all your leaflets and alike to the correct businesses. Lastly, new movers lists may also be powerful for getting new consumers, as you are going to get data of all individuals that have just relocated to where your company is situated.

A new movers list allows you to capitalise on new customers, as you will get the contacts of people that have recently moved to the area. To ensure your marketing lists are effective, it is wise to utilise the assistance of a direct mail firm. These businesses will have the ability to put together the most powerful mailing list for your needs by using an assortment of tools. They will evaluate your company and consumer base to find out the best approach to take. This assures you that you are going to possess a list of the greatest companies or prospective consumers to send your advertising messages to. You know that extensive research has been conducted to procure this data, and so you’re going to be communicating with people who are likely to be interested in your business. Therefore, the probability of improved sales leads is extremely high. Moreover, this service cuts out all the work on your behalf, as you would have had to secure addresses and contacts yourself, which could take a large period of time if you’re not an expert.

Tips On Locating The Best Firm For Mailing Lists

Today, there are a variety of strategies you can make the most of in order to boost your marketing campaign. It is clear that one of the best methods would be to buy a targeted mailing list. There are numerous businesses with mailing lists set up. Nevertheless, plenty of these businesses are, sadly, failing to get the most out of the lists. This is simply because they haven't targeted their consumer base efficiently or their addresses are wrong. This is why it is advisable to make use of the services of a business that has expertise in direct mail lists. 

If you want to ensure you have a successful mailing campaign, you need to locate a firm that can help you with the correct mailing lists. There are two types of businesses out there. There are those who simply dump a load of contacts into a list, without any thought for how they connect to your business. There are then those who take the time and effort to make sure the leads are right for your company. You need to opt for the latter.

Aside from this, you should take the time to do a bit of research online. What have past clients had to say about the service they received? Make sure that they felt satisfied and that their mailing lists had a positive influence on their campaign overall. It is easier than it ever has been to find out whether a company is worth hiring thanks to the independent review platforms that are available today, so we would always recommend making the most of these.

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It is also advisable to spend some time comparing costs. This is not for the purpose of choosing the cheapest company that you can find. This is never usually a good idea, as cheap can often mean that corners have been cut and that there is a lack of quality. Instead, the purpose of this is to make sure that you are being charged a fair price. The last thing you want to do is end up paying over the odds for a mailing list, so you need to spend some time doing a bit of research online so you can find a company that balances quality and cost effectively. 

All in all, there is no denying that direct mail campaigns can still be very effective today, but this is only going to be the case if they are implemented successfully. Follow the advice that has been provided to make certain this is the case. In today’s modern world, it is so important to put together a strategy that combines a wide range of techniques, including both online and offline techniques, so don’t make the mistake of completely ignoring the offline world because you are so focused on digital marketing. A combination of both approaches is what will ultimately prove to be the most effective for the majority of companies today.

Do You Understand Your Rights In The Workplace?

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Everybody has certain rights as an employee and it’s up to your employer to make sure that you are afforded those rights. In most workplaces, that is not a problem, but there are some employers that will ignore their responsibilities. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t realize that their rights are being infringed upon because they don’t fully understand what those rights are. That’s why it’s so important that you understand exactly what responsibilities your employer has. These are the most important employee rights that you need to be aware of.

The Right To A Safe Workplace

Everybody knows that health and safety is important in business, but people often don’t realize that they have the right to refuse work if they feel that the workplace is not safe. Don’t feel that you need to continue working if you don’t feel safe because your employer is not legally allowed to force you to work if they are not able to meet health and safety standards. If you are injured as a result of poor health and safety practices, it is important that you take action and seek legal advice from a company that specializes in your particular area of work. For example, if you work in the mining industry and you are injured, you should seek help from knowledgeable mining accident injury lawyers who have experience making claims for people in your situation. It is important that you speak out if you feel that the workplace is unsafe, and you don’t need to worry about repercussions because you have legal protection. 

The right to a safe workplace extends beyond physical health and safety as well. Mental health is important, and employers have a responsibility to manage your workload, so you can avoid burnout. Common signs of burnout include exhaustion, stress and irritability. If you notice any of these signs, speak to your employer about taking some time off or reducing your workload. 

Protection Against Discrimination 

Even though many steps towards equality have been made in recent years, workplace discrimination still happens. Everybody has a right to protection against discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, and religion. Your employer also has a responsibility to make sure that there is a process in place for reporting discrimination. Many people stay quiet about these issues because they worry that they will be considered a difficult employee, but you have a right to protection against discrimination, so it’s important that you report it. 

The Right To Accommodations Based On Medical Issues 

If you have a medical issue that makes certain workplace tasks difficult, your employer has a responsibility to accommodate you. They are required to make changes to the workplace to ensure that you can do your job safely and comfortably. If they are not meeting their requirements, it is important that you speak with your employer and if they will not make the necessary accommodations, seek legal advice. 

It’s important that you understand your rights as an employee and if you ever feel that your employer is not meeting their responsibilities, you should always say something.

Common Business Hurdles And How To Solve Them

As a business owner, you are conscientious about meeting all of your deadlines, impressing clients, serving customers and generally being productive. You do not want anything to get in the way of running your business and interrupting your workflow. As well as making a profit, you have your reputation to consider, so working quickly and efficiently is of importance, no matter what industry or type of business you run.

Here, we look at some of the things that ould happen that could drive your daily operations to a halt, damaging both your output, profit and reputation. However, we also look at some of the solutions to these problems, so if you are facing them, you know what to do to keep things ticking over.

Tech troubles

Technology is both a blessing and a curse. When it is working as it should, it makes running a business - and life in general - much easier. However, when it is not playing ball, it can cause many problems. In many cases, it can stop your business from doing anything until the issue is resolved. When we think of technology, we often think of the computers we use, but there can be so much more than that - network connections, printers,  phones, tablets, machinery and so on.

To stop this from happening, regularly upgrading and servicing your technology is essential. You will notice any signs of wear and tear, giving you ample opportunity to repair or replace. As equipment gets old, replace it before it stops working completely.

Fleet failure

If you rely on company vehicles, whether it is a company car to get you in between offices or to meetings with clients or trucks to move materials and goods around, if one breaks down and is out of action, it can leave you in an awkward position.

As above, regular maintenance and servicing is the best thing to do, but we all know that sometimes, a vehicle breaks down with no warning. If that happens, have the number of reputable commercial flatbed rentals or car hire company to hand so that the disruption to your working day is minimised.

Weary workers

You rely on your staff to get the work done. However, in almost every place of work, there will be an employee or two who don't pull their weight. This can affect the rest of the workforce, as weariness can be infectious, particularly if their lack of work ethic is because they are unhappy at work or there is low morale. 

Make sure your staff know precisely what is expected of them and have regular appraisals and reviews so you can both air any issues that may be affecting their performance and output. It is also a good idea to make sure that your staff are happy - team-building exercises and informal check-ins to make sure that nothing is upsetting or worrying them can help improve morale and improve productivity.

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How Warehouses Can Improve Efficiency

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There’s been a better time to run a warehouse. Indeed, it’s an industry that’s in something of a boom period, and the future looks bright too. However, it’s not as if simply operating a warehouse is enough to bring success. The potential for success is there, but there are plenty of things that can compromise your fortunes too. Perhaps at the top of the list is efficient working. A warehouse that works productively will bring much more success than one with efficiency-issues. After all, it costs a lot to maintain and run a warehouse, and inefficient working can really impact the finances. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some tried and tested ways to nudge your productivity in the right direction. 

Find Flaws

Before you can figure where you’re going, you need to figure out where you are. If it's been some time since you reviewed your operations, then now’s the time. Just taking a look at how you’re currently working can be hugely beneficial, since you might discover that you’re making one or two flaws that are holding you back. You’ll probably have a sense of how things should work, but if you don’t, then you can hire an outside expert to work with you. Also, remember to discuss your operations with your staff. They’ll see some things that you can’t, especially since they’re working on the shop floor every day.

Staff Training

And talking about your staff: be sure to invest in their training. If you’re hired correctly, then you’ll have a team that has the potential to deliver excellent results for your business, but it’s not going to happen automatically. Consider them as a seed that can grow into a flower, providing they are nurtured in the right way. It’s easy to overlook staff training, but it really can make a big difference. 

The Right Infrastructure

Of course, all the staff training in the world won’t make a difference if the infrastructure of your warehouse isn’t modern and in good condition. If you currently have outdated infrastructure, then look at making some upgrades. High-quality conveyor units can really help to improve your warehouse processes, for example. You may also look at automating some aspects of your operations. It’s not about replacing staff, but more giving them the tools they need to work to the best of their ability. 

Clean and Clear

It’s not that exciting, but it has to be said: keep your warehouse clean and clear. It has a tremendous impact on how productively staff can work. Plus, it’ll reduce the chances of an accident, which can shut down your warehouse and impact your business. 

New Working Models 

Finally, don’t just rely on your own intuition when it comes to best working practices. Take a look at any new working model theories. There’s always more than one day of doing things. You’ll have heard of systems like LEAN, which may have once been effective for your operations, but perhaps there’s a better way of operating now. 

Tips To Find The Right Suppliers For Your Company

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Suppliers are a great addition to your company, and it’s important that you pick out the right ones to suit your needs when it comes to business. Here are some tips for finding the right suppliers for your company.

Figure Out Your Needs

Firstly, it’s important to figure out the needs that you have as a business. There’s going to be certain tasks and duties that need for fulfilling, and therefore, you want a supplier who is going to provide that. Whether they’re manufacturing your product or helping out with your IT equipment, it’s good to have an idea of what you want from this supplier relationship. Some businesses will need to have constant communication, whereas others might only require you to communicate with them every now and then. When it comes to picking out your suppliers, you want a tick list of everything you require so that you can make an informed decision on how you go with.

What Does Your Budget Look Like?

Budget is an important part of your partnerships with suppliers because depending on the money you have available, it will depend on the quality of service you get. Some suppliers are going to be a lot more expensive due to being more reputable or providing higher quality services and materials. You don’t want to be forking out too much as a company, that you end up making it a hindrance to your profits. It’s good to weigh up your options and to figure out how much you can put towards each supplier that you work with. This figure might change over time, but it’s worthwhile not going in too over your head, especially if you’re a company that’s only just starting out.

Utilize The Internet

The internet is a great place to take advantage of finding the right suppliers for your business. There are online tenders that can provide a great service when it comes to searching for suppliers online. It’s important to take advantage of what the internet can provide any business, and there’s a lot more online than you might find locally around your area.

Assess Your Bids

When trying to find a supplier, you can put a call out for bids, either requesting, for a proposal or quotation. This can be something to help increase the amount of interest you’ll have and therefore gives you more choices to pick from. After you’ve received all your bids, you can then assess them against your own checklist in order to find which ones are the best matches. It’s always good to then meet up with the supplier in person, in order to come to a decision and solidify the working relationship.

Finding the right suppliers for your business is something you don’t want to rush. It can be very easy to find one, but the right one might not be your initial choice. They have to be tailored to your needs and requirements, whilst also aligning with your own business values and ideas.

5 Habits Shared by Many Successful Leaders

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As a leader, the productivity and profitability of your business are dependent on your team. This means that, by extension, they are dependent on your ability to lead your team effectively. Whatever the size and nature of your business, and whatever audience your business is trying to target, your fate in this turbulent time is intrinsically linked to your team’s hard work, endeavor and willingness to go the extra mile to represent your brand. Because your brand is more than just a logo or the color scheme on your web app. It’s a set of promises that you make to the consumer. And you cannot expect their loyalty if you’re unable to keep them. 

You may assume that your ability to inspire and motivate your team is finite. That, for all your efforts, you can only exert so much control over their performance. Yet, in the world, of business we’ve seen time and again that leadership is the X-Factor. It is your value-added. Leadership makes all the difference. Whether your business is safe or imperiled depends largely on your leadership skills. As such, it’s in your best interests to familiarize yourself with these habits shared by many successful leaders...

They get up early

Getting up at 5am may not seem like the most appealing prospect. But it can make you a happier, calmer, more collected and more effective leader. Think about it! How effective can you really be if your day begins by dashing out of your front door with a thermos full of coffee in one hand, your car keys in the other and a rapidly cooling piece of toast clamped between your teeth. Many effective leaders get up at times that may seem outlandishly early. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz rises at 4:30 every morning. Richard Branson is always up and out of bed before 6am. Apple CEO Tim Cook is always up and about by 3:45am. 

An early start allows you to make a more leisurely start to your day. It gives you the time to exercise and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before hitting the shower. It’s easier to be at your best when your mind and body are nourished and energized. 

They find ways to make the mundane and ordinary fun

If both the UK and US versions of The Office have taught us anything, it’s that the David Brents and Michael Scotts of this world are not the most effective leaders. Why? Because they are more concerned with making people laugh than getting the job done. 

Still, that’s not to say that leaders with a dry and dull approach are any more effective. Using jokes and games as ice breakers not only help your team relax into their work, they can actually make them much more engaged. Take a look at brightful.me for some fun games to integrate into your next Zoom meeting. You may be surprised by just how much more readily conversation and ideas flow.  

They read voraciously

There’s no such thing as too much learning. And in the world of business, everything is a potential resource. Which is why many of our wealthiest and most successful leaders and entrepreneurs are also voracious leaders. Warren Buffet famously reads up to 500 pages every year. Bill Gates and Oprah are also known for their insatiable and omnivorous reading habits. As well as providing a source of practical knowledge and insights, the act of reading helps you to feel more engaged and prolific in your work. 

Struggling to find the time to read? Audiobooks can be a great way to consume books while you’re driving to work, on the treadmill or enjoying a few minutes of meditative solitude on your lunch break. 

They trust their employees

You’re passionate about doing things your way. And that’s perfectly fine. Your single-mindedness and determination are part of what make your business great. But be wary of the fine line between maintaining rigorous standards and being the kind of micromanager that rolls up their sleeves and does their employees’ job for them. Not only is this rarely a good use of your time, it can inhibit your employees’ growth. Your employees need to be able to learn from their mistakes, and to create their own opportunities to grow at their own pace in their own ways. 

They look after themselves in mind and body

Finally, every leader worth their salt knows the dangers of burnout. They understand their limitations, and the importance of looking after themselves in mind and body. They exercise regularly, they eat their veggies, they keep themselves hydrated, they get plenty of sleep at night, and they understand that working smart always trumps working hard. 

Simply put, you can’t be a great leader if you don’t take care of yourself. 

Is Your Small Business Safe?

There are many different threats to our businesses in 2020. We’re at risk from natural disasters and things like preventable fires and floods. Our property is at risk of burglary and other real-world crimes. Online, data can be stolen, our websites can be hacked, and our finances are at risk. As technology evolves, the threats change, and criminals are becoming more sophisticated all of the time. You can read more about threats to modern businesses at https://www.businessblogshub.com/2019/09/the-top-4-biggest-threats-to-businesses-today/. 

A big mistake that many businesses make is focusing purely on one area. You may think that your business has adequate security and that you use your common sense when it comes to locking doors and other basics, but is it safe online? 

Thorough risk-assessments shouldn’t be overlooked, and are one of the most important steps to protect your business, as long as you take the time to action them effectively. But, here are some of the things that you should ask yourself if you are wondering if your business is safe. 

Do You Use a Managed IT Support Service?

Cybercrime is on the rise. In fact, it’s one of the most common threats to small and large businesses today, not to mention one of the most costly. 

Trying to protect your business yourself can be hard. Cybercriminals don’t work 9-5, nor do they avoid holidays. Actually, they are more likely to attack outside of office hours when they know security might be limited. 

Managed IT support from www.umbrella-ms.com can ensure you have round the clock support, which will help to spot threats and vulnerabilities before they cost your business, issuing security patches quickly. 

Are Your Staff Members Well Trained?

Human error is one of the most common problems. We make mistakes; of course, everyone does. But, taking the time to train your staff thoroughly can help to reduce them, and limit the damage. Train them on online safety, insist upon security methods, and encourage them to use common sense and to speak out if they spot a problem or have an idea on how to keep your business safe. 

Is Your Business Insurance Up to Date?

Things go wrong. No matter how hard we work to reduce risks, we can never completely eliminate them. We can, however, protect ourselves and our businesses with appropriate insurance. Check your policy regularly, especially if your business changes, and make updates when needed. 

Do You Have On-Site Security?

Simple on-site security such as alarms, cameras, motion-activated lights, and keyless entries are still some of the most effective ways to keep your business safe. 

Do Your Team Wear Uniforms?

Uniforms aren’t always worthwhile. If you have a small team, work in a small space, and have limited contact with the outside world, uniforms may not be a security benefit. But, if you have multiple people moving around in your property throughout the day, uniforms make your employees easier to identify, and so make it easier to spot when someone is where they shouldn’t be. 

Do You Prioritize Safety at Every Level?

We’re all guilty of cutting corners when we are tired or at the end of the day. These cut corners can put us at risk. Make safety something that you consider from the bottom up. Instill the importance of safety in your staff, and do your best to create a safe environment, in every respect.

Four Things That Startups, Small Business, and Large Brands Can Learn From Each Other

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What Startups and Small Businesses Can Learn From Large Brands

Startup cultures are known for having a lot of drive and ambition. Their employees are passionate, and often have fantastic work ethics that are recognised and used to propel the company forward towards growth and success. 

If your business is going to compete in a big pond, you need to do your research and reflect on how larger companies have achieved their success. Here are some of the things a start-up or small business can learn from large brands. 

One: Focus On Employees

As a small business, you need to focus on your employees early on so, so this becomes a core value of your business before it starts to grow. If you can build a culture that appreciates, celebrates, and empowers your employees, then you will have an easier time scaling your business. You’ll have a staff who are motivated, and who will work hard to grow your company. 

At a startup, employees often end up working long hours to get the company off the ground. Management must make a healthy work-life balance part of the company culture to make sure that your employees don’t burn out in the early days. 

Invest in top talent. This doesn’t always mean hiring the person with the most experience, but instead means seeking out those who are most driven, with the right skillset, and values that match yours. 

Large brands often find it easier to focus on employees, as they already have processes in place that make running the business more efficient to run. Startups can learn from this to better manage their staff. 

Two: Establish Processes To Ease Stress

The first phases of a startup can be chaotic. There are a lot of tasks that need to be done, and it can be tough to know where to started. Often, companies just start on the product or service they plan to offer and get it out to the public as soon as they can. When this happens, they often forget to focus on the business and operations themselves. 

Large brands will have properly documented processes in place that guide all operations within the organisation. This helps the company to stay on track, but also works to bring order to potential chaos. 

Small business should do the same; document critical business processes from the beginning in order to better organise the company. This reduces stress and frustration as changes arise. 

Three: Know Who You Are

Having processes and procedures in place helps you to organise your business, and helps a newer company to define the kind of business that they want to be. 

A big company has had time to build a strong personality that people identify with. They have a clear idea of who they are and who to target. Small businesses should do the same. 

It’s important to remember that you don’t need to be everything to everybody. Trying to accomplish this is actually detrimental to a business, and is a waste of your time. Know what you’re good at, and who you’re good for, and lets those strengths shine. 

Four: Invest In Technologies

Many small businesses work with very small budgets. Despite this, you need to invest in technology that can help you to make your processes more efficient and scale your business more easily.

Big brands understand that you need to use technology to streamline operations if you’re going to grow your business effectively. If you’re a small family business, you might be able to manage your paperwork by hand, but what happens when your business doubles in size? You need to be ready to innovate and embrace technology that streamlines your work to give better client experiences. 

Small businesses might aim to keep technology to a minimum in order to spend less, but you need to make your decisions based on where you want your business to go, so your tech can scale alongside it. 

A lot of small companies don’t have the time or budget to research the systems that would best support their business. It might be a good idea to hire a managed service provider who can manage all your IT operations for less money than it would cost to have an IT expert in-house. 

Having the right tech set up can save you time and money in the long run, and let you concentrate on other areas of your business. 

What Large Brands Can Learn From Startups and Small Business

In the world of business, smaller companies often look at large brands to learn from them to help them to grow their business. While there’s no doubt that small businesses can learn from large ones, there is plenty to learn the other way too. 

When large brands take a step back and look back on when they were a startup themselves, they may be able to notice some valuable learnings. Here are some of the things that large brands can learn from startups and small businesses. 

One: Spend Wisely

As businesses grow, so do their budgets, and the desire to spend money can become more mindless. Sometimes, brands with a lot of money at their disposal can find an excess of cash a negative thing. 

Think like a startup when it comes to your finances. Spend money in the most efficient way possible, whether you’re investing in new equipment, hiring top talent, or rewarding your staff with a retreat. Do your spending habits line up with your business goals? All the purchases you make should make sense for your company. Don’t spend money just because you have it. For example, if your construction firm needs a new fuel transfer pump, don’t automatically buy the most expensive one if all you need is a hand pump (like these: https://gpi.net/product-category/pumps/hand-pumps/). If your marketing company has a large budget, don’t overlook free programs that might do just as good a good job as expensive premium versions. 

As your brand grows, take the time to audit your processes. Think like a small business, and make sure your priorities are right and stay aligned with your goals and the company culture. 

Two: Don’t Forget Who You Are

Large brands can easily get caught up in the day-to-day operations and forget the passion that they had in the early days of the company. As years of operational changes, stress, pleasing investors, and turnover go by, many businesses can lose their connection to the goals and values they originally had. It’s important to remain a sense of your roots and to remember why you started your business in the first place. 

If you can keep the passion alive, big brands can keep energy in the company, and their employees will be motivated to keep the company growing. 

Three: Take Risks

Startups take risks because they need to if their company is going to make it to the next level. As a business grows, however, there is a lot more at stake, so a company can become a lot more averse to taking risks than they were at the beginning. 

As a business grows, it’s easy to become stagnant. Processes have been set up and everyone follows the rules of the organisation. Big businesses may forget to keep working on their business as they keep growing. Evolution of business requires taking a certain amount of risks. 

To keep taking risks, a large business ought to test all businesses processes and get rid of anything that is not working and change it for something that does. Just because something has worked for you in the past doesn’t mean that it will continue to work as well for you. Continue to test out new processes, procedures, and technologies, to make sure you stay on your toes and continue to improve.

Four: Focus On Employees

As a large brand carries on scaling and growing, what often happens is that the main focus shifts to getting results and making stakeholders happy. If this is allowed to happen, company culture and employee satisfaction can begin to suffer. One of the most important investments that any business can make is in their employees. A business cannot exist or grow without their employees, so you need to make sure that your are taking care of them. 

No matter the size of your business, there is something that you can learn from the businesses at the other end of the scale. Make sure whether you’re just starting out, or you’re a household name, you’re always willing to learn and make changes to your business where you need to carry on growing, to remain successful, and to maintain your vision of why you wanted to start running a business in the first place. Always be open to lessons from businesses who do things a little differently to the way you’ve done things in the past, and be open to adjusting any areas of your business that are no longer working for you.