Michael Levitt's Blog, page 23

Creating A Solid Business Means Having Everything You Need In Place

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Creating a solid business means that you need to have everything in place. There is no way for you to move forward and build anything if there is no solid foundation to build upon. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you need to have in place to ensure that your business sees success, so keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

The Best Employees

When it comes to your business, it will only ever be as strong as the people working there. They are the ones that keep your business afloat. Finding the right people can seem like a huge task, however once you do it will make your life so much easier. It is all about the advert you send out when looking for employees. Try using a recruitment agency to help you find the best employees, they will take everything off your hands. 

Parts And Equipment

If you’re going to be offering a product or service, you have got to make sure that you have everything necessary to offer it correctly. For example, you might need to look into standard components for industrial equipment sectors, or anything else that will be required. Without the right parts and equipment to offer your service, you are never going to get very far. Nobody is going to trust your business, and it will fail within the first couple of months. Instead of allowing this to happen, make a list of all the things that you need, tick each of them off as you get them, and ensure that you are keeping up reordering.

Marketing

In order to create a solid foundation for your business you need to work out your marketing ploy. There are various different strategies that you can use to get your business out there and known amongst the general public. If you don’t take the time to get your business known then you may find yourself struggling to succeed in the world of business. Many businesses fail within their first year of trading. This can be due to many things, but one of the main issues is people not knowing about the brand. 

Find out which marketing strategy works best for your business, it may help to brainstorm all the different ones. This includes video marketing, flyers/leaflets, or social media. Social media can be super helpful for your business and won’t necessarily cost you the earth as most pages are free to use.  

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do in order to create a solid business. Having all of the things necessary to start a business is essential to seeing success, and that is something that you have got to plan for when you launch. Each and everything on this list is essential to creating a successful business, so ensure that you’ve ticked all the boxes before you move forward.

The Differences Between LTL and Parcel Shipping

If your business ships freight, you most likely need to handle the details of how things get from point A to point B. Knowing the differences between LTL and parcel shipping is essential when you’re trying to figure out the most efficient and cost-effective way to handle transportation.

What Are LTL and Parcel Shipping?

LTL shipping, which stands for less-than-truckload shipping, is a form of freight shipping for businesses that don’t require an entire truck trailer. These shipments typically weigh between 150 and 1,500 pounds. Companies that opt for LTL shipping share the remaining trailer space with another company utilizing the same service.

Meanwhile, parcel shipping is for packages that weigh less than 150 pounds and that are deliverable without the need for extra equipment or personnel. Parcel-shipping items are generally individually packaged and quickly dropped off at their destinations.

Transit Times

One of the differences between LTL and parcel shipping is the amount of time it takes to transport them. Typically, options such as same-day delivery or expedited shipping are available with parcel shipping. However, since LTL shipments require forklifts to get freight onto the trailers and since multiple companies may share a trailer, delays in the transit period may occur. When your business finds a regular LTL shipping partner, knowing its delivery schedule can result in more accurate time frames.

Risk of Damage

LTL shipping is an advantage because companies place and wrap freight on stacked palettes. These extra precautions allow companies to safely and securely store items with minimal risk. Parcel shipping comes with a higher risk of item damage due to delivery vans packing them in larger volumes.

Checking the Cost

Traditionally, parcel shipping is more cost effective thanks to the more lightweight items. However, some delivery companies may charge extra fees for certain services, such as delivering on weekends. LTL is generally higher cost, but it has more fluctuating prices based on how much of the trailer your freight fills up.

Effective Ways To Maintain Your Business's Parking Lot

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It might surprise you, but your parking lot plays a huge role in the overall look of your business. Apart from improving your business's curb appeal, it also shows that you care about your customers' comfort, safety, and accessibility when they come to you, especially since parking has become more tedious than ever. Drivers spend roughly 17 hours annually searching for good parking spaces. Therefore, a poor-looking parking area could deter your customers from visiting your premises. It is vital that you assess the area, looking for cracks, potholes, and other problems. To do so effectively, you need to carry out various maintenance measures. Suppose you are wondering how then you are in the right place. Here are some helpful tips on how to maintain your parking lot.

Schedule regular cleaning

There's more to cleaning than meets the eye. Apart from making your business appear neat and orderly, it can also retain or even increase the value of your storefront. Ideally, it would be best if you aimed to have your parking lot cleaned daily. Various elements such as fallen leaves, dust, or debris can make the area unappealing and negatively impact your business. You should consider hiring professional cleaning services to keep the area looking spotless at all times of the day.

Asphalt is one of the most common paving materials used for parking lots. Some cars that use your parking lot may leak oil. When exposed to oil spots, it makes your location less appealing and weakens the firmness of asphalt. Therefore, it would be advisable to ensure that oil stains that may be left behind are cleaned regularly to prevent damage to the material and cause more unappealing problems. Additionally, if you keep your bins outside, be sure to have them properly managed to prevent them from turning away customers.

Fill all potholes

Potholes develop on asphalt surfaces due to the contraction and expansion of water that has seeped under the paving. Every driver's worst nightmare is because falling into one can result in an expensive auto repair shop or hospital trip. If you have noticed potholes forming in your parking lot, you must take quick actions to have them repaired. 

Unrepaired potholes can lead to traffic in the lot, especially when cars have no choice but to slow down and drive over a deep one. This can mean your customers waste more time, which may cause them to turn away and use another business. It also poses a serious injury risk to your customers and can damage their vehicles. Fixing potholes on your business premises can help you avoid lawsuits for damage and injury. The last things you need for your business are preventable expenses and a damaged reputation.

Use salt during winter

As a business owner, you need to be extra careful during the winter season due to the ice and its possible dangers. One of the most common and popular ways of dealing with this problem is through salt. It is also the most affordable and convenient option.

When the winter months roll in, you always need to have a bag of salt and sand to keep your parking area safe. The ice that forms during those colder months can damage your parking and the car tires of your customers. When you throw salt on the ice, it lowers the water's freezing and melting points. However, when the temperatures are even further below, ensure that you use calcium chloride instead. Calcium chloride is best used to produce heat and melt ice even in sub-zero conditions. If you're not sure how to apply the right amount of salt to deice your parking lot, it's better to contract the services of a snowplow to clear your parking lot and remove additional particles. It will save you a lot more in the long run!

Sealcoat the parking space

Seal coating is one of the most affordable ways to protect your asphalt parking lot, which is susceptible to wear and tear over time. Factors like rainwater, constant traffic, and the sun's UV rays contribute to your parking lot's damage. Constantly repairing your parking lot can take a lot of time and money. However, you can prevent that if you seal coat your parking lot. This maintenance routine keeps your parking lot safe from weather damage and oil spillage and reduces cracks. Seal coating makes it easier for your parking lot to be cleaned and adds additional traction by making it more skid-resistant. It can also be used to enhance the appearance of your parking lot, as most coats use a glossy finish. 

Ideally, you must seal your parking lot every two to four years, depending on how often it is used and how quickly damages form. If you want to have your parking lot seal-coated, you can contact local professional asphalt maintenance services or visit sites such as https://mcconnellassociates.org/asphalt/maintenance-sealcoating-services/.

Paint your parking lot

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders to your parking lot's appearance and storefront. A good paint job can give your parking lot a new look, making it one of your parking space's best and most affordable maintenance tips. Painting your parking lot is a good way to keep your customers safe when they come to your business. Ensure that your paint job clearly indicates demarcations and properly communicates messages to drivers, such as the direction of traffic flow in and out of your parking lot. It should also show your customers where they can park and how. 

Another reason why you must paint your storefront's parking lot is to ensure that your business follows fire and disability compliance. Ensure that you have painted fire lanes and have adequate spaces that meet the requirements for persons with handicaps or disabilities. 

Ensure there's proper drainage

If your parking lot has a poor drainage system, it will cause large amounts of water to pool around your parking space. During heavy rains, it makes your storefront more susceptible to flooding. Additionally, no one enjoys hopping over or stepping into murky puddles of water.

Large pools or puddles of water can cause heavy damage to your parking lot and extend the size of potholes on the surface. When water seeps into the ground, it can also cause structural damage like cracks, sinking, and pavement warping. Stagnated water also becomes a breeding ground for pests that can spread infections. 

It isn't unfixable if you've noticed any of these signs of poor drainage. Fortunately, there are several drainage options you can install to improve your situation. You can have shoulder drainage, which is essentially a gutter that runs along the curbs of your parking lot. Other options include a drain trench and catch basins. 

Restrict parking lot access to heavy-duty vehicles

If you want your parking lot to last long and require minimum repairs, you must restrict heavy vehicles from parking in it. In case you can't restrict their access completely, you can limit how much time they can spend in the parking lot. You can also request that your workers regularly rotate their parking slots. They might have cars with varying weights, and constantly parking a heavier vehicle at one slot can increase its risk for damage.

As a business owner, having a good parking lot can be one of the ways to win more clients and stay ahead of your competition. If you offer parking services to your customers, you must ensure that you use the right maintenance processes to make parking more seamless. These maintenance tips will help you have a resilient and beautifully-designed parking lot.

6 Must Do's for Small Businesses

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Running a small business is hard work. There are so many things to think about - from marketing and sales to operations and finance. It can be tough to know where to start, let alone keep track of everything you need to do on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. That's why we've put together this blog of six must-do's for small businesses. Whether you're just starting out or you've been in business for a while, these tips will help you stay organized and focused on what's important. Let's get started!

Keep Track of Your Finances

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's essential to keep tabs on your income and expenses. Not only will this help you stay organized, but it will also help you identify areas where you can save money. There are a number of ways to do this, including using accounting software or hiring a small business accountant.

Develop a Marketing Plan

No matter what industry you're in, marketing is essential to growing your business. But with so many options out there - from social media to advertising - it can be tough to know where to start. The best way to approach this is to develop a marketing plan that outlines your goals and budget. This will help you focus your efforts and get the most bang for your buck.

Stay Organized

This one definitely goes hand-in-hand with keeping track of your finances. But staying organized doesn't just apply to your money - it applies to all aspects of your business. From your inventory and customers to your appointments and deadlines, being organized will help you keep on top of everything and avoid missing anything important. One way to do this is to create a system that works for you. This might mean using a physical planner or an online calendar. Whatever you choose, make sure it's something you're comfortable with, and that will help you stay organized day-to-day.

Keep Your Customers in Mind

Your customers are the lifeblood of your business, so it's essential to always keep them in mind. This means understanding their needs and wants and tailoring your products or services accordingly. It also means providing excellent customer service at all times. If you can do these things, you'll be well on your way to keeping your customers happy - and that's good for business!

Stay on Top of Your Social Media

Social media is a powerful marketing tool, but it's also important for staying connected with your customers. So make sure you're active on the platforms they're using and that you're regularly sharing interesting and relevant content. This will help you build relationships with your customers and keep them engaged with your brand.

Manage Your Time

One of the most important things you can do as a small business owner is managing your time effectively. This means setting aside time for specific tasks and sticking to them. It also means learning to say "no" when necessary. If you can master this, you'll be able to get more done in less time - which is always a good thing!

So there you have it - our top tips for small businesses. By following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to running a successful and thriving business. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

Starting Your Own Business Is Easier Than You Think

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If you are starting your own business then there are some things you need to be aware of in order for your business to go the distance. You may know that a high percentage of businesses will fail in their first year of trading, and another 10% won’t make it to their fifth year. Take a look at the list below to find out how to start a successful business.

Have An Idea

Every great business you see around you today started with an idea. This could be someone sitting at home or working in a business environment. The idea can come from absolutely anywhere and it will help to brainstorm and write down all your ideas so you can work on them at a later stage. You can write down your ideas and then figure out the pros and cons of each. You never know you might have a fantastic idea and product in the making. 

Find Your Budget

It can be expensive to set up a business and you will have to figure out where your money is coming from. You will also need to work out how much money you will need in total to start your business. You may have this money to hand and if that is the case then you can put it down straight away and start your business. However, if you need a business loan to set up your business then this will need to be applied for through the bank. In order to successfully apply for a business loan, you will need a great credit score. If your credit history is bad and shows a negative amount then you may be rejected for a loan. You need to ensure you can afford to make the monthly repayments even if your business goes down the pan. 

Use Profesional Services

When it comes to your business you will always want the best for it. Sometimes this means outsourcing to other companies to help you out with lots of different tasks. One example is an accountant. You don’t need an accountant to work for you full time, this would be a waste of resources and money. Instead, you can find one to help you as and when you need it. Take a look at certified bookkeepers who can help sort your monthly books out. They will also be able to give you ways to save money within your business. If you are located in an office block then it may also be useful to hire the right cleaning company. Always remember, whichever company you use, make sure to check reviews before you commit to anything. 

Hire The Right People

Finally, your business will only ever be as strong as the people working for you. Make sure you hire the right people to work for you. If you fail to do this then you may end up with a high churn rate. This is where employees come and go at a high rate. Hiring the people who have your business to heart means they will likely stay longer and want the best for your business.

How To Be A More Successful Leader Working In Healthcare

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Working in healthcare is a rewarding career to have. However, being a leader in the space can be challenging and a demanding job to take on.  

It doesn’t matter what aspect of healthcare you work in or what type of facility or team you’re managing, you must be able to make tough decisions and build trust with your employees and patients. The following tips will help you know how to be a more successful leader working in healthcare so you can have a more rewarding career and make an impactful difference in the lives of others.

Make Offering Compassionate Care A Top Priority

Your patients should always be your top priority when you’re a leader working in healthcare. Emphasize the importance of offering safe, high-quality, and compassionate care if you want to boost your patient satisfaction scores. Put a focus on finding ways to improve patient engagement and the patient experience and address questions and concerns in a timely fashion. Gather and listen to feedback and then make changes based on these responses so you can better serve your patients.

Establish Quality Assurance Procedures

There are rules and regulations you must follow when you’re leading a hospital or other healthcare clinic or pharmaceutical environment. Establish and implement quality assurance procedures and hire the right companies that can help assist with such tasks like Pharmacy Hood & Clear Room Certification. You need these policies and procedures in place so that you can keep everyone safe, run a reputable healthcare business, and reduce the chances of contamination and errors.

Problem Solving & Strategic-Decision Making

Another trait you must have as a leader in the healthcare industry is to be a good problem-solver. People are looking to you to make the hard decisions and guide them in how to proceed in certain situations. You must be a strategic decision maker and have confidence that your choices are the right ones or the best ones given the circumstances. Once you identify and implement the best solution then you should also take the time to evaluate the results in detail. You can’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and not always assume that what’s popular is right.

Mentor & Educate Others

To be an effective healthcare leader you also should commit to mentoring and educating others. You want to build a solid team that can handle the daily tasks and who are also inspired to come up with better and wiser ways of working. Create opportunities for others so that they have the ability to step up and fill roles that you need to run your healthcare business. Establish a company culture that encourages the sharing of ideas and best practices between staff and departments and where you’re working together as a team to achieve your goals.  

Conclusion

Consider implementing these tips at your workplace and you’re likely to discover that people listen to and trust you more and that you can achieve more together. Be a more successful leader working in healthcare by applying yourself and these habits and continue to develop and improve your skills over time.

Just Hired a New Starter? Here’s How to Keep New Employees on Track

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If you've just hired a new employee, congratulations! You're on your way to building a strong team. But now that you have a new team member, it's important to make sure they stay on track. There are a few things you can do to help new employees stay on track during their first few months on the job. Here are four tips to get you started:

Provide Regular Feedback

Providing regular feedback is crucial for helping new employees stay on track. Checking in with them regularly will not only help them understand how they're doing, but it will also give them the opportunity to course-correct if necessary. To help with this, you may wish to use OKR software. OKR stands for objectives and key results and it can help a new employee see exactly what they’re doing well, what they’re aiming for and what they need to improve on. OKR software makes the process of giving feedback even easier because the metrics are easy to measure and understand. If your company isn’t using OKR software yet, consider looking at a site like profit.co. Profit's OKR Software keeps coming out on top vs the competition, so they may be someone you want to consider when comparing your options.

Set Clear Expectations

One of the best things you can do to help new employees stay on track is to set clear expectations from the start. Explain your expectations for the job, as well as what success looks like. This way, new employees will know what they need to do to be successful in their role. Often, a manager will give a brief explanation of the job and then leave the new employee to get on with it themselves, but this usually leads to confusion and a poor understanding of what is actually going on. The new employee will spend most of their time trying to make sense of chaos instead of doing what they were hired to do, which isn’t an efficient use of time. Make sure things are explained in small stages over a fortnight or so – this will help to make expectations clear and will lead to better work.

Help Them Connect to Their New Team

Another way to help new employees stay on track is to help them connect with other employees, both inside and outside of their department. This will help them feel more comfortable and supported in their new role. One way to do this is to encourage them to attend company-wide events, like happy hours or holiday parties. This can be overwhelming for some people, so another way is to pair them up with a mentor at the same level as them within their department. This should be someone you know to be capable, friendly and confident in their own work. This way, they'll have someone to go to with any questions or concerns without having to worry about asking the wrong questions or getting embarrassed.

Encourage communication

Finally, it's important to encourage new employees to come to you with any questions or concerns they have. This way, you can help address any issues early on and keep them from getting off track. Encourage open communication by making yourself available and approachable. Let new employees know that they can come to you with anything they need, whether it's help understanding a task or just someone to talk to about their transition into the company. Managers should be someone an employee can trust to have their back, so if you know you come across as intimidating or uninterested in employees concerns, you need to change your approach as soon as possible. Communication works both ways, so if your new employee knows you can be trusted, they’ll come to you automatically.

To Conclude

Keeping new employees on track can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Do your best to support them and establish a positive, professional relationship with them and you’ll be well on your way together. Remember, nerves can severely affect performance when a new employee starts their job, so keep this in mind and cut them some slack – they need to know you’re human and not just monitoring their stats and figures. 

By following the tips above, you can set your new team members up for success.

Reasons Why You Should Invest in Parking Garages

Parking has become a significant issue in America today. More people are driving cars than ever before, and they need places to park them. Parking lots and garages have existed for a long time, but they still have a lot of untapped potential. Here are a few reasons why you should invest in parking garages.

They Are a Good Investment

There are no precise figures saying that an investment in parking garages will increase your revenue by X amount. But if you research and find a good location, you can generate a good income. You will always have a steady supply of money coming in as parking adheres to inelastic demand--people will always need to find somewhere to park. Additionally, a parking garage has lower maintenance costs than other property ventures.

You Can Bring Them Into The Future

Another reason why you should invest in parking garages is that they have a lot of untapped potential. Parking garages have been designed the same way for decades with minor refinements here and there, but not many use the incredible amount of technology available. Not only are there technological additions you can make to expedite someone’s wait time and optimize traffic in and out, but there are aesthetic improvements you can make as well. Parking garages are often ugly cement structures, but they don’t have to be. Instead, you can design them in such a way that they complement the landscape while still being safe and technologically advanced.

Cities Need Them

As mentioned previously, demand for parking is relatively inelastic, meaning it will not go away anytime soon. Instead, demand for parking will only increase as more people are getting on the road every year and need to find a place to park. America is built for cars, not for public transportation, and parking garages are an essential part of this formula. Parking garages are also not limited only to large urban areas anymore. Rather, suburban areas are bustling and turning into micro-versions of urban areas, and they need more parking garages than ever before.

These were some of the main reasons why you should invest in parking garages, and it’s clear to see that they will not go away anytime soon. The only thing that will change is they will embrace more technology as we better refine parking and planning in the future. Jump on this trend early to get ahead.

Awesome Benefits of a Bike-Friendly Business

Cycling is an excellent means of transportation; however, not all spaces accommodate cyclists. Fortunately, you can improve your business and attract customers by making your business bike-friendly. If you want to know why, read these awesome benefits of a bike-friendly business.

Increase Parking Capacity at Little Cost

Motor-vehicle parking takes a lot of planning, space, and a significant budget. Fortunately, bikes are versatile and take up less space. This means there are more opportunities to accommodate cyclists in a commercial space. For instance, a single bike rack can park multiple bikes in a convenient location (and enable access to a building entrance).

Optimize Community Space

Improper infrastructure or congested areas can lead to cyclists parking their bikes in unwanted spaces like fences, railings, or outside furniture. Not only does this overcrowd the space, but it can block pedestrian walkways. In addition, it can deter people from entering businesses. However, an awesome benefit of a bike-friendly business is that it has adequate bike parking. Business owners can effectively use community space to help cyclists. This improves the business’s exterior along with enhancing the overall community.

Encourage Happy and Healthy Workers

Knowing who will use the bike parking option is one factor to consider when buying a bike shelter. And business owners interested in encouraging healthy lifestyles can benefit from purchasing bike racks because their employees can use the parking. Energetic exercise can improve mental health and support creativity in the workplace, resulting in happy and healthy workers!

Boost Community Engagement

Many cities have an integrated transportation system that allows people to effectively commute using different transit methods. However, businesses play a huge role in shaping community culture and lifestyle. Simple additions like bike racks can prove to citizens that business owners support sustainable transportation. It also extends a warm welcome to cyclists and encourages them to enter the business without worrying about bike parking.

Ways To Make Returning to the Office Enticing

As life begins to shift into the new normal, one thing remains a hot debate: returning to the office. With many businesses proving their remote work to be beneficial, others are experiencing a need for office culture. Regardless of where your business is at this time, it's always good to consider all possibilities.

Here are some helpful ways to make returning to the office enticing!

Nurture Employee Flexibility

Now that employees have a taste of what it's like to work from home, bringing them back to the office will change their lifestyles. By nurturing employee flexibility, you can create an environment they feel happy to return to.

Some may need a few days at the office and a few days at home, while others may need one more than the other. Try to keep in mind childcare and new routines they set and remain flexible around these new demands.

Create More Space for Connection

Once your staff makes their appearance, consider creating adequate space for connection. Things like cross-departmental collaboration, communication among platforms, and connection between all staff setups can help the in-office experience thrive.

Ensure your audio-visual equipment is capable of performing these communication demands. Including ensuring all employees have up-to-date equipment to perform their duties in either location.

Enhance Employee Development

A minor drawback of everyone working from home is a lack of development. It's possible they remained in the same position with a lack of motivation to strive for more. By bringing them back into the office and refocusing on their job development, you can create a new sense of purpose in their duties and give them something to work for. Additionally, recognizing their hard work and honoring their ability to pivot within the business's demands can make them feel seen and heard.

Offer More Amenities

The future of employee satisfaction demands a personalized experience for each employee. Offering spaces for mindful rehabilitation and amenities is a unique way to make returning to the office enticing.

Consider offering collaborative spaces outside of work and break rooms like lounge seating, games, and an area for connection. This can encourage employees to take breaks in their day and mingle with other like-minded staff members.

Consider Safety Factors

A vital component of an in-person work experience is everyone's safety. Your old office setup may not have featured all the necessary spacing and features to maintain overall safety. So before bringing everyone back, consider updating the environment to meet new demands. Employees working at home can work in a safe space, and bringing them all back together will require this added modification to ensure everyone's safety.

It's a big decision to pull people from their homes into the office, but consider a few of these enticing updates no matter when or how you come to this point. If your business is thriving as it is, maybe the remote work or hybrid culture is the new norm worth embracing.