Michael Levitt's Blog, page 46

How To Spread Your Company's Culture More Prominently

Pexels - CC0 License

Company culture is a fascinating topic to discuss for various reasons. Think of how many brands develop ‘fans,’ or at least those willing to keep up with the news of latest releases. We see this with video game console manufacturers, the endless debate between iPhone and Android products, and sometimes, appreciation for the larger-than-life personalities behind brands, such as Tesla, SpaceX, and reverence for Elon Musk.

For this reason, spreading your company culture and branding as a more direct means of marketing is a great way to promote subtly. After all, this kind of tactic is what’s known as ‘projecting soft power’ when it comes to international diplomacy, but of course, here it’s much less intensive or high-stakes, so the comparison isn’t quite perfect.

That said, this kind of company culture being spread and appreciated by customers and clients can only help build loyalty, goodwill, brand familiarity and more. Think of how international corporations like Disney are known for giving us a certain feeling of magic in our childhoods, replicated by the theme parks they run. 

While you may not be in the business of unveiling a brand-affiliated rollercoaster anytime soon, the following advice can help you spread your company’s culture more prominently:

Podcasting

Podcasts are a fantastic way to build an audience. Releasing audio interviews with prominent figures using podcast booking agencies, explorations of a topic, or even discussing your own brand history in terms that people can understand and relate to their own entrepreneurialism, this kind of approach can make a massive difference in how engaged people become with your content. Podcasting is also a great way to define your own business philosophies and grow as a result.

Sponsoring Events

There’s a reason brands sponsor events. It’s to get the brand name out there, sure, but also to be associated with such an event, growing in the light of such branding. For instance, it’s quite prestigious for a brand to have its logo on the lapel of a Formula 1 racing driver’s jacket. We need not explain why. It might be that sponsoring a local business expo helps your name become known among your peers, while sponsoring fitness influencers helps you get the seal of approval from someone who already has a following. Sponsorships can make a massive difference, so don’t ignore their potential.

Business Blogging

Blogging can be a great way to raise your SEO while also giving informative content about your business, or your thoughts on the industry. There’s no reason why this has to be filled with ‘business-only tips’ however, as anything pertaining to your industry can be fine. Perhaps you run a production studio and want to give your thoughts on a new update to the editing software your company uses as standard, or even instructional videos regarding how to develop motion graphics. Blogging of this nature allows you to express your personality as a brand while crafting a point of entry for those who might wish to absorb such content.

With this advice, you’re sure to spread your company’s culture in the best possible manner.

Reasons To Use Your PTO Before the End of the Year

Paid time off—what is it really? Essentially, your employer is paying you to take time away from work to do something outside of your job. Although PTO should accompany each position we’re offered at a company, many people don’t realize how blessed they are to have that time.

Most employees save their PTO hours for the holidays or carry them into the next year, but here are a few reasons to use your PTO before the end of the year.

Creates Work/Life Balance

Taking PTO throughout the year instead of saving it all for the last few months enables you to create a better work/life balance. In other words, you may prevent burnout by extending different holidays or having the occasional four-day weekend.

Spreading out your PTO evenly offers a healthy balance of work and play over 12 months rather than limiting your time off to just two weeks of recharging in December because you’re overworked.

Additionally, life happens. It’s best to keep at least a few PTO days available to ensure you can take time off when you need it.

Boosts Productivity

Let’s face it: it’s almost impossible to have a 100 percent productive week 52 times in a row. No matter how sharp our morning, work, and evening routines are, there are going to be days where we fall behind, and that’s okay. Being “on” without any sort of break or time to recharge only encourages burnout, forcing you to need even more time off.

Taking time off throughout the year can help you be more productive at home and in the workplace.

When we’re replenished, we come back to work ready to roll up our sleeves and get more done. Furthermore, when you drain your brain power, you can’t be completely productive. Schedule time off to relax, recharge, and reenergize.

Reduces Stress

Of course, taking time off also reduces our stress tremendously. Disconnect yourself from growing to-do lists, due dates, and meetings every now and then.

Think about it, are you more relaxed at work or when you’re having a cup of coffee on the beach? Most people would choose the latter.

You work hard in your role and it’s okay to reward yourself routinely. Take the time off; your mind and body will thank you.

Keep in mind what you’ll need to consider before requesting PTO to ensure you’re time off isn’t negatively impacting your workload. For example, in some cases, you may need to talk with your manager about how your PTO will affect the team. Be sure to get your work done before taking scheduled PTO so that you can actually enjoy your time off!

These reasons to use your PTO before the end of the year will help you feel recharged, more productive, and less stressed, allowing you to enjoy life a little easier.

Why Customer Loyalty Programs Benefit Your Business

Being a business owner means looking for exciting and innovative ways to draw customers to your establishment. Luckily, there are several methods for getting people excited about your products and services.

Among the most effective ways to do this is by creating a loyalty rewards program for your customers to enjoy. Explore the possibilities of loyalty rewards and discover how they can help your business thrive.

Improves Customer Engagement

One of the reasons why customer loyalty programs benefit your business is that they improve customer engagement with your brand. This is especially true when you consider that excellent businesses rely on customer engagement to build brand stability.

Think about it—an establishment that doesn’t connect with its customers will likely have low recall value. As a result, it’ll struggle to create a sustainable, approachable, and memorable brand. However, a business that incorporates loyalty reward programs will give customers discounts, coupons, and the like in exchange for their engagement.

And this will inherently lead to increased customer reception of marketing content because they know they’ll benefit too. Eventually, this mix of things adds up to a more profitable business.

Enhances Customer Retention

The more reasons you give customers to invest in your products or services, the more likely they will be to stick around. And a solid loyalty program is an excellent motivation for customers to continue doing business with you.

It’s fair to say that most customers would prefer to do business with an establishment that allows them to earn rewards. Moreover, certain studies indicate that when customers receive rewards for their business, it impacts their spending behavior.

Loyalty programs also make it more likely that retained customers will purchase more during each transaction. And because customer retention keeps your establishment afloat, it’s one of the primary reasons why loyalty programs benefit your business.

Increases Overall Sales and Revenue

Loyalty programs are also fantastic because they can help increase overall sales at your point of purchase and general revenue for your business. The idea that offering discounts, deals, and regards could boost your numbers might seem counterintuitive, but these programs can build stronger customer engagement and retention. And when you consider this aspect of loyalty programs, it becomes very easy to see how they could pull in more profit.

In fact, experts suggest that increasing customer retention and engagement can make your overall profits rise by at least 25 percent. This is because customers are far more likely to purchase a larger quantity of items each time they buy when they benefit from the transaction.

Ways That Sprinter Vans Can Benefit Your Business

Depending on which industry you are in, you will most likely have to travel from one place to another. If you work in an industry such as HVAC maintenance or plumbing, you often need to lug heavy equipment around with you to perform your job properly.

The best type of vehicle for this purpose is a sprinter van because it can provide numerous benefits to your business. With that in mind, here are a few ways that sprinter vans can benefit your business.

They Offer More Space for Cargo

Sprinter vans are much more spacious than your average car. For that reason, they offer a few competitive advantages for your business. First, operating a delivery service allows you to ship more inventory, which leads to higher profits.

If you work in construction or a different trade, you can carry all the equipment you need in one trip. This saves you time during your busy season when you can’t afford to go back to your office or storage space for a second trip.

You Can Customize Them in Many Ways

One of the most versatile vehicles you can purchase for your business is a sprinter van because they have many customizable capabilities. You can install accessories such as shelving or ladder racks to organize your equipment, or you can add safety features if that is a bigger concern.

Also, instead of heading back to your workshop, you can turn your sprinter van into a functioning work van so that you can get down to business anywhere you go. Manufacturers design these vans to hold as many as 14 people, so there is plenty of space to transport your entire crew if you all need to ride together.

Sprinter Vans Make Your Tools More Accessible

When you put everything together in the same place, digging through all of your belongings to find what you need can be quite a hassle. If you drive a regular van, you can only place things in the trunk or in an overhead carrying bin that’s on top of your car.

Sprinter vans have doors on the side and the rear for you to reach every nook and cranny where you store your cargo. The extra space also makes it easier to organize your materials because you can place them in separate bins with clear labels.

Overall, sprinter vans offer you more reliability than other vehicles, which is a trait that is invaluable from a business perspective. Now that you know some of the ways that sprinter vans can benefit your business, consider purchasing one today.

Tips on Creating a Modern Retail Brand for Your Company

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

A retail brand is the face of your company. It's what customers see before they even enter your store, and it's usually the first impression that sticks with them throughout their shopping experience. As a result, having a modern retail brand can have a considerable impact on how consumers think about your company - so if you're looking to build up your business, you'll want to give this article a read!

1 Your online presence is crucial 

If you're not active on social media or your website is outdated and unappealing, you'll have a hard time convincing customers to shop with you. Make sure that all of your online assets are polished and professional - this is the first impression that most people will have of your brand, so it's essential to make a good one!

Creating an online presence isn't just about having a pretty website or being active on social media. You also need to be strategic about how you communicate with customers. For example, if someone leaves a negative review on your Facebook page, make sure you respond respectfully and apologetically. This shows that you care about your customers' satisfaction, and it can help turn around a potentially negative situation.

2 Find specialists to shop fit your retail shops

When it comes to shopfitting, it's essential to find a specialist who understands your brand and what you're trying to achieve in terms of your retail design. This will help create a cohesive shopping experience for customers, which is crucial if you want them to keep coming back! Shopfitters can also help you save money in the long run. For example, using space efficiently and installing features like mannequins and product displays can help attract customers' attention and encourage them to buy more items.

3 Invest in marketing to drive traffic 

Even if you have the best-designed store in town, it won't do much good if no one knows about it! So make sure your brand is getting out there by investing money into marketing strategies like print ads and TV commercials. You can also invest in technology to maximize traffic - for example, adding a digital signage feature to your storefront might encourage customers to stay longer or return on another day. This post has been beneficial as you try different methods of improving your business' online presence through social media platforms and search engine optimization (SEO). It's amazing how just moving around mannequins, and product displays at our storefronts help attract more people who will eventually buy something from you!

4 Differentiate from competitors 

Your retail brand should be unique. If you're able to offer something different from the other stores in your area, customers will have a reason to choose your company over others - which could mean more sales for you! For example, if there are several candy shops near where you live, consider selling toys or clothing alongside sweets so that people don't get tired of buying the same thing over and over again.

Creating a modern retail brand for your company can be a considerable undertaking, but it's definitely worth the effort. By following these tips, you'll be on your way to attracting more customers and building a successful business!

 

Digital Marketing and SEO: 5 Tips To Boost Your Traffic

Source: @storyfuel

Search Engine Optimization, or seo digital marketing, is a tool that is used to boost web traffic and is used alongside other digital marketing techniques, to increase online visibility. This article will look into ways that web traffic is boosted.

If you've been around the internet marketing world for a while, you know how important it is to drive traffic to a website or blog. Why? It's the only way you can convert those visitors into leads, and then turn those leads into buyers. Then, those buyers into customers, and those customers become regular clients that will buy from you again, and again, and again.

Boosting traffic is a method that marketers use to get more people to your site, for example, when you are trying to promote your site, apply for a loan, get a girlfriend, get a job, or get a pay rise. The idea behind boosting traffic is that more people will share your content if they see it, encouraging more visitors to come to your site, and the pattern continues.

As a marketer for a startup company, you are constantly faced with the task of determining what is the best marketing strategy to drive the most traffic to the site. After all, you want to be in front of as many people as possible. But no matter how hard you try, you will never be able to predict the traffic flow in advance. Here are 5 tips to boost your traffic.

The way to get your site out there is to promote it. Many times, the best way to do this is to use ads. The more people know about your products and services, the more they'll trust and buy from you. That's why it's important to include ads in the right places, and for the right reason. You can't just run ads everywhere without knowing what your target audience wants and how to get it. Advertising on social media is one of the most effective ways of reaching your target audience, but you need to get your message in front of the right people. But, there are some places where you can advertise without having to pay, to boost your site's traffic.

If you're running a website and you want more traffic, the smart thing to do is advertise. The more people visit your website and see your ads, the more they will want to stay and visit for longer. But, how do you get people to visit your website? There are several ways, but the easiest and most effective is to get your site listed on Google, and get it listed in the top results for your keywords.

In the era of digital communication, social media has become a powerful tool for communication and business. A study from the University of Pennsylvania showed that from across the globe, a staggering 80% of communication is occurring on social media. In comparison, 78% of marketers use social media to understand their customers better.

According to several recent studies, social media is a powerful tool that can be used to boost traffic to a website, as long as the social media platform used is properly integrated into a website's strategy. There are numerous social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram, Foursquare, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Choosing the right platform is as important as choosing the right content to post.

To boost your website's visibility and increase your Google search results, one way is to write specific, targeted long-tail keywords. These longer, more specific and complex words are often critical in helping your website rank highly in Google search results.

If there's one thing that can be said about SEO (search engine optimization), it is that it's an ever-changing beast. With new updates and new techniques coming down the pipeline, it is important to stay abreast of what's trending in SEO, and how it can help your website.

“Good SEO” might not sound like a hot topic, but it is. And if you're not even making enough money to pay for your website's hosting or domain renewal, you can bet that you need to attract more people to your site, by sending the right signals to the search engines. The more you pay attention to on-page SEO, the better your chances of attracting more visitors.

On-page SEO refers to the many ways the website, and its content, can affect a search engine's visibility and ranking signals. The idea is that if you can play your cards right, the search engines will rank your article higher than content that is not optimized.

Does Your Business Have What It Needs For Success?

Credit Image - CC0 Licence

Does your business have what it needs for success? As the business owner, it’s your job to provide the tools for success, and then make use of them. It’s difficult to do, especially when the odds are already stacked against you. Just because this is the case, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t going to be able to beat them, people do all the time. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you are going to need in order to see success on the market, so keep reading if you would like to find out more.

Equipment

The first thing that you are going to need is the right equipment. You’re not going to get very far on the business market if you can’t provide the product or service you are advertising because you don’t have the right equipment. For example, you might need to purchase a LED light therapy machine for your business, and without it it won’t be possible to offer your service. As such, you need to make sure that you have it ready to go when the business launches.

Our recommendation is that you make a list of the equipment that you need for your business and then go through, ticking all the items off when you have got them. This way, you know that you have got everything, things can be added on and crossed out as needed, as well as the fact that you can see what you are doing rather than guessing.

Employees

You are going to need employees unless you are looking to be a one-person show. Most of the time, if you want to see success then you have got to have at least one employee. But, if you are hoping for a larger business and a number of orders, then you are going to need the right team behind you to help. Hiring employees isn’t the most exciting task in the world, but it’s important as you need the right people working for your company. The absolute last thing that you want is to hire someone, to then find out that you don’t like them at all and they aren’t doing the job to the standard that they should be. 

Instead, you are going to need a dedicated team behind you who are willing to do the things that you need them to do when you need them done.

Money

Finally, you are going to need money. We’re sure that you have heard of the phrase ‘you have to spend money to make money’ and it’s true. You are going to need the money to get everything that you need and get started before you can even think about making any money.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that your business needs for success. The important thing is that you are doing everything in your power to get these things for your business, and when you get them make the most of them. Without one of the things on this list, you are going to find it extremely difficult to see success as a business, so you need to get on this as soon as possible. We wish you the very best of luck and hope that you soar on the market.

How To Ensure Cleanliness in Your Salon or Barbershop

If you work in or own a hair care business, you are well aware that the sanitization of a healthy work environment is as crucial as providing a customer with excellent service. In fact, cleanliness directly relates to customer satisfaction and community reputation. Check out these steps for how to ensure cleanliness in your salon or barbershop.

Routine Cleaning

The first step toward achieving a clean salon or barbershop is creating and following a strict daily, weekly, and monthly routine. You must check your workspace multiple times for your day-to-day responsibilities. These include disposing of clutter, appropriately cleaning equipment so that it’s ready for another client, and sanitizing often touched surfaces.

Each week, inspect the conditions of the other object in your shop—customer seating, such as couches, need regular cleaning to maintain a healthy environment. Check for any waste piling up in corners, especially organic materials, as these attract pests and develop mold. Keep surfaces dry to further prevent illness or injury. Each month, inspect all areas of your salon or barbershop and clean/repair when required.

Educate Your Staff

If you share your hair care facility with other barbers and employees, ensure they are in the loop regarding your specific cleaning routine. The better versed your staff is on sanitation processes, the more effectively you’ll maintain your shop. Hold regular meetings with the entire workforce and reinforce those protocols. Considering the current pandemic, be transparent with your staff concerning new regulations, requirements, and health tips. Keep sick employees at home and provide everyone with hand sanitizer.

Disinfect Everything

Yes, this means everything—you must disinfect any tool used on a client before the next customer arrives. To make this task easier, create a physical checklist for all your barbers to ensure they never miss an important step or precaution. Additionally, consider each tool’s needs, as different items require specific cleaning methods.

Combs and brushes usually require a quick dip in disinfectant fluids, electric clippers need specific oils, and grooming shears demand special care.

With these tips on how to ensure cleanliness in your salon or barbershop, you can effectively provide the safest environment for your staff and clientele. Remember that the best care requires attention to detail and effort, so never cut corners with maintenance.

How Does A Good Commercial HVAC Boost Employee Productivity?

Pexels-CC0 Licence

The health of your employees is integral to the success of your business. But how does this link to your HVAC? In fact, a poorly functioning HVAC can have a huge impact on the productivity of your employees. Proper installation by a commercial HVAC company can boost the happiness of your workforce and overall company success at the same time. 

Read on to find out how a good commercial HVAC can raise employee productivity.

Air Quality

A poorly cleaned and under functioning HVAC unit can severely impact the air quality in an office. Allergens and pathogens can build up in an HVAC unit and circulate around the room, impacting employee health and wellbeing. The phenomenon of poor air quality and sick employees is actually known as sick building syndrome. Studies show that good air quality can reduce absenteeism by 2.5% and increase productivity by 15%. Poor air quality leads to allergies, loss of concentration and spread of illness and absenteeism.

Temperature

Temperature in a work space can have a significant impact on employee productivity. A less than optimum temperature can lead to increased errors and employee fatigue. While some business leaders like Mark Zuckerberg believe that a cold office boosts employee productivity, OSHA guidelines recommend a temperature of between 68-76F. If employees feel too hot or cold, they can lose concentration and become distracted. 

Reduced Carbon Dioxide

Access to fresh air has been proven to increase cognitive capabilities and decision making in employees. A US study supported that when workers were exposed to fresh air with reduced carbon dioxide, they were more likely to plan, prepare and make strategic decisions over employees in normal office conditions. A commercial HVAC unit with access to fresh air circulation can vastly improve employee productivity.

Noise

Poorly functioning HVAC units can be loud and rattle, distracting employees and impacting overall productivity. The British Journal of Psychology conducted research which shows that  external noise can distract workers by as much as 70%. Distracted workers are more likely to cause errors and cause an overall drop in employee productivity.

Employee Safety

Employee safety is integral to employee comfort and productivity. This also impacts your success when enticing quality employees to your business. Who is going to work somewhere they don’t feel safe? If the workforce feel at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic due to poor quality air, they are less likely to feel productive and even want to stay with the company.

Conclusion

A properly functioning commercial HVAC is integral to the success of your business. Productivity drops when there’s poor quality air, noise, higher carbon dioxide content and noise distractions. When employees feel safe, they are less likely to make mistakes and are more likely to stay with the business. Check your office HVAC today to ensure that it meets the required standards for your employees to thrive. 

How Pest Control Improves Health, Rescues Property, and Makes Living More Comfortable

Source: @cdc

Pests can invade our homes and are not just a threat to our health but also our property because of the damage that they can do.

When it comes to bed bugs, condo bedbug inspections will make things more comfortable and healthier.

Health

It is not healthy to have bed bugs crawling around. We cannot see them but they spread disease and are generally unpleasant to have around. It is good to know that there is a service that will deal with them for us. This is whatever our location or situation.

Teams will go in and spend their time looking for the bed bugs that plague us. 

Many diseases will be transmitted by bed bugs. In particular, those that are blood eaters. They will carry disease organisms within their bodies. Bed bugs are not considered dangerous as such because they do not spread infectious diseases to humans but they are still unpleasant. It is not good for mental health to know that they are there, effectively sucking our blood from us.

Bed bugs can bite any part of our body. They will, however, usually bite skin that is exposed while you sleep. This means that they will go for your face, neck, arms, and hands. Their bites can develop into fluid-filled blisters.

Property

Pests, if left to their own devices, will invade a property and claim it as their own. They will cause damage to materials within our homes such as wood and fabric. Believe it or not, they will also attack plastic. Nothing it, it seems, is beyond a pest damaging.

Research reveals that the most destructive of the insect pests is the Desert Locust. It is found in areas such as India and Africa. It will eat its weight in food every day and will eat large quantities of grain and vegetation. It will be accompanied by lots of others in its swarms that will collectively consume 20,000 tons daily. Thankfully, it is not everyone who has to be subjected to the Desert Locust.

Inside a home, cockroaches are one of the most common pests, depending on the region. People in residential homes will detest them. They breed and then multiply extremely quickly until they become a serious problem. They are a health risk apart from the fact that they are unpleasant to look at. They make the flesh crawl. However, they can be dealt with by a good debugging of your property by a specialist.

More Comfortable Living

It is an uncomfortable feeling to know that there are even pests in the same room as you. It is no easier, really than when you can see them. An itchy feeling will be a clue to an invisible pest such as bed bugs.

In terms of pests like spiders, there is that fear of them. Researchers believe that humans evolved such fear as is associated with spiders, snakes, and insects to avoid situations that would be potentially dangerous. We do not, however, think that bugs will be capable of overpowering us and that they will kill us like some of the aggressive larger animals known to man, but we will instead have this fear of disgust relating to them.

An inspect phobia is one of the most common phobias and relates to the anxiety felt because of the dislike of such creatures. The anxiety will be a level above just the simple dislike of the critters. The anxiety can be disabling and likely to interfere with a human’s daily activities because of the worry caused. In most cases, pests are tangible, confirming the fear that we think of.

We can therefore benefit from a service that takes away pests of all kinds and makes living much more pleasant.

From the above that we know about all kinds of pests, we will consider it important to enlist the help of pest controllers to maintain our health, keep our property free from short-term and lasting damage, and make living generally more comfortable. This will be whatever our living or housing situation.