Mohit Tater's Blog, page 666

December 1, 2016

Sharpen Your Leadership Skills and Be a Better Startup Owner

leadershipskill


Being a startup owner is not always as glamorous as you think. There is a lot of hard work to be done and plenty of tasks to tackle as the owner of a startup, especially if the business is relatively new and you’re trying to get it off the ground. To be an effective startup owner, you need to have sharp leadership skills.


Fortunately, there are many ways to sharpen your leadership skills. We are going to take a closer look at several ways you can be a better leader and startup owner in this post.


Go Back to School

Formal education can still help improve several skills that will come in handy when you’re starting a new business, including leadership skills. You can also learn more about management, team building and decision making along the way.


There are plenty of majors and degrees to go for. More importantly, universities like Portland State University and other top names are now opening online courses and distance learning programs for those who want to go back to school without becoming a fulltime student.


Certain majors work better in sharpening your data-driven decision making and leadership skills. Pursuing an online criminology degree is a good option to consider. You can learn a lot from completing an online criminal justice program, especially since the courses are now designed to help students develop better critical thinking and problem solving abilities.


Learn from the Best

Another great way to sharpen your ability to lead is by learning from the best leaders. There are two ways you can do this. You can have a mentor help you run the startup and teach you different things about leadership and startup ownership. Most angel investors and venture capitalists are more than happy to provide you with the right mentor based on the industry you are in.


You can also choose to read books about top leaders and successful startup owners. Autobiographies and various other leadership books are filled with case studies and stories to learn from. These case studies are based on situations you might – and will – face as a startup owner too, which means you can also learn more about practical solutions.


Work with the Best Team

Last but not least, don’t forget to learn from your team. Team members all bring their own set of skills and experience to the table. You can be an even more effective leader by letting each team member or employee participate in the startup’s decision making process.


It is also a good idea to delegate and observe more. After all, a good leader is not one that does everything himself. It is the one that can effectively delegate work and learn from his team members. Give each employee a chance to shine and you will find it easier to get your startup off the ground.


These are just some of the ways you can sharpen your leadership and management skills. Take advantage of the tips we covered in this article and be a better startup owner in no time.


The post Sharpen Your Leadership Skills and Be a Better Startup Owner appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 01, 2016 21:35

November 29, 2016

How Do Different Countries Compare for Tax?

If you are starting a business, there are plenty of taxes you need to think about in your financial forecasting. Lots of taxes affect business owners either directly or indirectly, from capital gains tax through to the rate of VAT on your products.


In the USA, our taxation is structured on a state and federal basis, but this isn’t the case everywhere. This great new infographic used for students studying for an online MSA degree reveals the variances in how mandatory taxes like VAT, capital gains tax, income tax and even toll taxes on the roads differ in other parts of the world, and can offer some interesting insight that may even help in your global strategies.


vil-law-global-taxes


This infographic was prepared by Villanova Online, a university providing courses in a wide range of studies including an online master of science in analytics, which looks at stats and information like this.


The post How Do Different Countries Compare for Tax? appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 29, 2016 02:11

Protect Your Credit Card: 5 Easy Ways To Make Safer Purchases Online

ways-to-protect-yourself-online-contests


The United States is THE global hotbed for credit card fraud. In fact, the U.S. is responsible for 47 percent of the world’s card fraud despite only conducting 24 percent of worldwide transaction volume. (Source: Barclays’ Security in Payments: A Look into Fraud, Fraud Prevention, & the Future, May 22, 2015)


Historically, U.S.credit card fraud has been spread pretty evenly between in-person, over the phone and eCommerce transactions. As the U.S. implements EMV chip technology, however, retail credit card fraud is expected to plummet, and fraudsters are expected to shift their attack to card-not-present (online and phone) transactions.  (Source: http://aitegroup.com/report/emv-lessons-learned-and-us-outlook). And with the total value of card-not-present transactions expected to grow from $9 billion in 2013 to $19 billion by 2018 (Source: https://www.javelinstrategy.com/brochure/359), there is a real need for customers to take basic steps to make ensure that their credit card data is better protected.


In this article, we’ll cover five easy to implement techniques to improve the security of your credit card data when making online purchases:



Choose eCommerce over MoTo

When making an online purchase, there was a time when it was safer to call a business and make a purchase via their call center, rather than making the purchase viatheir online shopping cart. That is no longer the case. In fact, while high profile eCommerce security breaches make for splashy news headlines, national estimates are that 75 to 80 percent of business card fraud and theft is from employees. (Source: http://businessmagazinegainesville.com/employee-theft-corporate-americas-dirty-little-secret/) Thus, one of the most risky things you can do when making a purchase is to provide an employeewith your credit card data over the phone. This is particularly true with call centers, where employee turnover is high, and in some cases oversight is low.



Consider Using a Cheaper Credit Card

We don’t often think about it this way, but credit card theft is committed by relatively rational actors, who have to make tradeoffs between risk and reward. It should come as no surprise then that thieves often target credit cards that indicate a higher monthly credit limit, or indicate that the card holder is a person of considerable wealth. For example, elite cards such as the Centurion, Inifinite and AmEx Black card report fraud rates of 1.7%, versus Gold and Platinum cards of 1.0%, and basic or local cards of 0.8%. (source: Forter.com) That is to say, you are 2.125x more likely to be a victim of credit card fraud if you own an “elite” credit card as opposed to a basic credit card.





Card types
Fraud rate


Elite (Centurion, Infinite, Black)
1.7%


Gold & Platinum
1.0%


Loyalty clubs/Intl.
1.0%


Basic/local
0.8%


Corporate/Business
0.7%




Set Up Transaction Alerts

Most credit card issuers now have the technological capability to send you text or email messages to alert you to a new credit card transaction. This is an effective check against unauthorized transactions. While, in theory, you can accomplish the same oversight by fastidiously checking your monthly credit card statement, the reality is that if your credit card was used by a fraudster at a national eCommerce retailer you might not notice the fraudulent charge, in the same way you would if you received a text the instant the fraudulent charge was authorized.


If you’re concerned about excessive text rates or don’t want to clutter your inbox, many credit card issuers will permit you to only receive alerts on card-not-present transactions.



Use Credit, Not Debit

Many consumers have an aversion to using credit cards for fear that they will encourage them to overspend, and thus prefer to use a debit card for all ‘plastic’ transactions. While there is certainly some merit to that line of thinking, the fraud protection benefits of using a credit card for card-not-present transactions should outweigh those concerns for most consumers. That’s because not only do the card brands (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, etc.) invest heavily in an extra layer of fraud identification and prevention, but they also provide you with an additional layer of extra protection in the form of chargeback protection. When reviewing your credit card statement, should you notice that there is a fraudulent charge, you’ll be able to report the transaction as such and receive an immediate credit on your credit card balance while the situation is investigated. That same protection is not typically available when using a debit card.



Make purchases via secured pages only.

While eCommerce as a general category continues to make security improvements, there remains a wide range of technological differences between the security employed by eCommerce websites.  One of the easiest ways you can determine whether an eCommerce site has made some steps towards ensuring a more secure eCommerce transaction process is to make sure that the website is SSL secured. An SSL secured transaction page creates an encrypted connection between your computer’s website browser and the server. And while this is only one link in the security chain, it’s a readily identifiable indication that the company takes customer data security seriously.


trusted-secure


Conclusion


Credit card fraud is a real concern that Americans should be aware of. Unfortunately, however, the ways in which it is reported in the media don’t necessarily align with the actual risks that Americans face, and thus lead to improperly placed efforts to mitigate risk. By better understanding the actual threats to credit card data posed by card-not-present transactions, however, customers can take the relatively simple steps outlined above to mitigate their risk.


About the Author


Brad Martin is an editor with Soar Payments, a high risk merchant services provider. You can stay updated about the latest Soar Payments developments by following their Twitter or Facebook feeds.


 


The post Protect Your Credit Card: 5 Easy Ways To Make Safer Purchases Online appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 29, 2016 02:11

November 27, 2016

Why Personalized Paper Shopping Bags are so Versatile

personalised-bags


Are you planning a party or special event? With so many creative ideas available, it’s often hard to choose. But one great idea is personalized paper bags. Let’s take a look at what they are and why they are so incredibly versatile to use.


When it comes to planning a party or occasion, you always want to impress your guests and add apersonal touch. This is why you should choose a theme and make sure that your guests enjoy all the work and detail you’ve put into it. Depending on the event you are planning, you may have to consider catering, a venue, your guest list, and gifts. This is where you can get creative – you can use various items provide your guests with personalized gifts, one of them is personalized paper shopping bags.


You can add almost anything to your paper bags, including food items or gifts. These are very handy to use at a party or event, as they are easy to carry and very versatile. It’s also agreat way to be creative and you can give someone the gift without having to wrap anything up. This saves time and money, and allows you to use a different design approach this time around.


Corporate Events


Another occasion you may want to purcahse personalized bags is when you are planning a corporate event. Attention to detail is very important here, and these bags will add a nice touch to your event. With the ability to add almost any image or branding onto these bags, you can personalize them to reflect the image of the company, or you can have thempersonalized for each individual.


But you don’t have to wait untila big corporate event to impress your clients. You can have these stylish personalized bags ready and present them to your valued clients and employees throughout the year. Depending on your industry, you can have these very creatively branded with an image or a message that portrays your business. Or you can simply have your logo or slogan added to the bag, and you can also choose from a wide variety of colours, making it easy to personalize these gifts.


Shopping Bags


If you own a store, you may want to consider personalized shopping bags for your customers. This will make it more enjoyable to shop at your store and give people value for money. It’s also a great way to advertise your business, as shopping bags are often re-used; this means you can benefit from the small initial investment you made, by having your business advertised wherever your customers may go.


These bags also come in a wide range of sizes, which is perfect for any event or occasion. You can choose a size that works for you, depending on the item you want to add into the bag. This is just one more way in which these bags add convenience.


One of the best features of personalized paper shopping bags is that you can order online, and submit your design. You can complete your order in the comfort of your home or office and have your bags delivered to your door. This adds even more convenience to your planning efforts.


The post Why Personalized Paper Shopping Bags are so Versatile appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 27, 2016 21:28

Why Companies Merge, and Why They Split

merge-and-split


In the world of business, you’ll often see companies merge, or else do the opposite and split into two or more separate entities. There are lots of different reasons for this, but watching from the outside, it can be hard to gauge whether there was any real advantage in either move, and whether these practices could one day be of benefit to your own venture.


That’s why we thought it would be interesting to explore both why companies merge, and why they split…


Why Do Companies Merge?


There are many reasons why two business may choose to make themselves into a single entity, but the most common are:



Synergy

Synergy relates to the idea that combining business activities will both decrease costs and increase performance. Thus, by merging, two complementary companies join together to make themselves into a stronger whole.



Diversification

Another reason that companies might merge is to diversify. By moving into an industry that is essentially unrelated to their own, each minimises the extent of sector-specific risks to their profitability.



Growth

Perhaps the most common reason for mergers is an attempt by one business to invest in another in order to grow and increase their market share. This enables two competitors to make themselves into a stronger and more successful single entity.


Why Do Companies Split?


As well as merging, companies will sometimes choose to go the opposite way and split. This is where a single business becomes two or more separately run enterprises, independent of the others. A perfect example of this is the recent separation of the Citroen Retail Group into Robins & Day and DS.


As with mergers, there are multiple reasons that companies might choose to split up, with the most frequently cited being:



Strategic Reasons

When companies experience exponential growth across a number of sectors, it can become hard for a single management team to maximise the profitability of multiple business lines. By splitting the enterprise into several independent companies, a greater focus can be centred on each.



Government Mandates

Another reason that you might see companies choosing to split is because of government concerns regarding monopolistic practices. Where this is the cause, it can be mandated that the various segments be split into individual concerns independent from the others in order to break the monopoly.


Understand the reasoning behind big business decisions and maybe one day soon it will be your own company that benefits from your knowledge.


The post Why Companies Merge, and Why They Split appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 27, 2016 21:25

Paying and Being Paid in a Foreign Currency: How to Safeguard Your Interests

foreign-currency


When you go on holiday, you shop around to make sure that you’re getting the best exchange rate you possibly can, but when this rate is poor, you simply don’t get as much for your money. It’s an unpleasant reality, and one that you do everything you can to lessen the effect of.


It’s the same when your work involves accepting or paying in foreign currencies. Fluctuations in value affect how much you will earn or pay someone else, and with the internet making global opportunities ever more accessible, more and more entrepreneurs are having to start considering this, and how to minimize its impact on their business…


Poor Exchange Rates Mean Pay Cuts and Paying More


Exchange rates often seem like little more than abstract figures, and when most of your suppliers and clients are based in the same country as you, you’ll probably pay scant attention to what the numbers are saying.


The change in attitude comes when people start trading abroad. Let us imagine that you either agree a day rate in another currency, or are charged such a rate by someone else. If sterling declines in value against the euro, as we know it has done recently, this would mean either being paid less or paying more, and that’s not good news for your business.


Indeed, over time it could add up to a significant sum, leaving you markedly out of pocket. Were the pound to decrease by five per cent against the euro over three months, you would either make five per cent less than you’d imagined, or end up paying five per cent more in real terms.


How to Address the Issue


There is nothing to say that currency fluctuations can’t work in your favour, but if the risk of them working against you is one that you’re not willing to run, you need to take matters into your own hands.


If you want the certainty of knowing how much you’ll earn for the duration of your contract, a foreign currency broker is one solution to your problems. Offering more competitive rates than most high street banks, as well as lower charges, they’ll allow you to fix a currency conversion rate for a set period of time.


A specialist company like Ebury is another option to consider. With global payment solutions to allow the efficient transfer of funds in other currencies, they charge great rates, and ensure that you know exactly how much you’re paying upfront.


See how much you could save by transforming your approach.


The post Paying and Being Paid in a Foreign Currency: How to Safeguard Your Interests appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 27, 2016 21:18

November 22, 2016

Best Industries for Investors in 2017

Whether you’re new to investment or already have a well-established portfolio and are simply looking for some fresh ideas, the following future-shaping industries all offer the potential of great profitability. These fields have exciting implications for the world, and could offer you more than mere financial R.O.I – such as fascinating insights into today’s most relevant and fast-developing industries.


Travel Accommodation


Travelling is easier than ever before. Cheap and regular flights can be booked online in mere minutes, whilst advances within the transport industry has shortened commuting time and made the overall experience of going abroad more comfortable and efficient. As countries begin to welcome more tourists from more parts of the world, the holiday accommodation industry is booming. Whether it is hotels, hostels, holiday apartments, home exchanges or other accommodation options such as those offered through Airbnb and Couchsurfing – the hospitality industry continues to flourish and find innovative ways to offer a wealth of accommodation choices for the growing variety of travellers.


Contemporary Art


Notoriously difficult to get into, but with a surging profit potential for those with a good eye for art trends; the world of contemporary art continues to boom as galleries across the world sell conceptual and decorative pieces at shocking prices. In 2015, global art market sales reached £37bn. There are, however, plenty of art critics and successful investors who advise against putting money into such an unpredictable industry, whilst many others simply think that art should be bought ‘for pleasure, not profit’.


Virtual Reality Gaming


Virtual reality gaming is, without a doubt, the hottest thing to have happened to gaming in last couple of decades. Though the concept in itself is hardly new, 2016 has been the first year to see the idea well executed, with comfortable, immersive and affordable VR consoles now available on the global market. This transformative shift from traditional gaming will attract new players and new developers, with more money pouring into the industry as a result. As virtual reality gaming is still a new industry, there are tons of opportunities to get involved with up-and-coming indie game studios, console design development and companies specialized in the promotion and sales of games.


business-investor


Online Casino and Poker


In the same vein as gaming, online casino has become the latest fast-growing segment within online gambling, with online poker also experiencing something of a revival. The comeback of online poker is likely to become more pronounced after US states such as California follow through with their online poker legislation bills which would decriminalize the act of playing poker for real money on licensed sites. With gambling laws relaxing in other countries across the world, the potential for both online casino and poker sites to increase their scope and profitability is worth considering in terms of investment opportunities.


Artificial Intelligence


Artificial intelligence is already becoming incorporated in countless industries, used for everything from customer service to self-driving cars to search engines. The scope of AI, and subsequent degree to which it is employed in various fields, is only going to increase in years to come. Whether you think AI will help humanity progress for the better, or believe AI marks the end of civilization as we know it, there doesn’t seem to be any stopping its development and appeal to businesses. The increasing extent to which AI is being used by companies makes the technology a very profitable field in which to invest today.


3D Printing


3D printing presents many cost-efficient solutions that are attractive to businesses. Whilst the technology has come a long way in recent years, there is a lot of room for development which will make the technology even more useful for businesses in the next few decades. Greg Emerson explains; “It’s not often that a revolution comes along to change everything, but like the Internet changed the way we communicate and share information, 3D printing will fundamentally change the way we make things.”


3d-printing


Drones


Everything from mail delivery to farming is, and will continue to become, more efficient with the use of drones. Just like with 3D printing, the drone industry is still relatively new and therefore presents difficulties for investors when deciding upon the best technologies in which to invest. It is important, before buying stocks, to research the major players within the drone industry and consider how well you think they will be able to stay on top of the rapidly changing drone technology.


Wine & Beer


Whatever the state of the economy, the wine industry never seems to get hit too hard. Unsurprising, perhaps, considering wine has played an important cultural role in societies for centuries, and is a passion for millions of people. The wine business is expected to grow even more profitable by next year, but it isn’t the only alcoholic beverage attracting investors. The popularity of craft ale has swept across Western cities of late, associated somewhat with a younger demographic interested in experimental and alternative brews as opposed to big brands like Heineken and Carlsberg. If the idea of investing in a local brewery has ever appealed to you, now is a good time to act.


wine-beer


Arguably more important than a speedy return on investment is that you choose to invest in an industry about which you’re passionate and therefore more likely to stick with. Knowing exactly what your investee company does and how capable thiscompany will be in dealing with industry hurdles in the future is the key to making safer investment decisions. Whilst all of the industries listed above can certainly be described as “the next big thing”, keep in mind that not all companies within those industries necessarily warrant a label so bold.


The post Best Industries for Investors in 2017 appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 22, 2016 20:40

November 21, 2016

Being an Entrepreneur With Minimal Experience

entrepreneurship


It is now easier than ever before to start a company of your own. Due to advances in technology, angel investors, and numerous other opportunities, you do not really need a business degree or specific qualifications to get started. While this does provide quite an opening for many potential entrepreneurs, this lack of experience or credentials can often prove to be quite hazardous as well. This is because novice entrepreneurs are more likely to encounter challenges and barriers and be unable to overcome them due to lack of previous knowledge. While this can often seem like a significant obstacle, it does not have to be. There are many things that neophytes such as these can do to even the playing field.


Being Prepared

If you are a prospective entrepreneur, the first thing you will need to do is arm yourself with as much information as you may need. This involves conducting an enormous amount of research in all areas of your industry, the law, and the procedures involved in running a company. You do not need a degree to help you start your own organization. Nonetheless, you will still require the necessary skills and knowledge that are typically passed down to those have attended university. Due to the internet, this information is now more readily available than before. However, it is vital to be wary of where you are compiling your research from. Always favor websites and sources that have been verified or have legitimate credentials. This often also involves learning from others who have gone before you. For instance, learn key business lessons from Fisher Investments CEO Damian Ornani. By mimicking successful strategies, you are a lot more likely to be prosperous in your ventures.


Making Connections

It does not matter what business or industry you are in. If you want to be successful, you are going to need to make connections. Many people confuse making connections with simply knowing a lot of people. Not everyone can get you where you need to go. That is why it is so important to meet and introduce yourself to the right people. When you are put in contact with individuals who are actually relevant to your company, it is important to create a genuine connection. Don’t create a network that is only based on business relationships. Another important thing to remember is to also observe how you can help these potential connections. Networking is not a one way street and you need to find a way to be useful to these individuals as well.


Finding a Partner

If you do not know what you are doing and choose to go it alone, it is quite likely that you will find yourself floundering. Some of the most powerful companies in the world began as a partnership. This is because it is nearly impossible for one person to encompass all of the necessary skills and knowledge to run a business. This is why you should consider finding a person or a group of people to help you create your vision. Typically, you should focus on individuals who can bring something to the table that you cannot possibly offer. By doing so, you will ensure that your company will have a variety of strengths rather than just what you have to present.


Starting your own company, particularly with little or no business experience can be quite daunting. However, with the right tools in hand, you can make this process just a little easier.


The post Being an Entrepreneur With Minimal Experience appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 21, 2016 00:18

Simple but Highly Effective Ways to Increase Your Site’s Conversion Rate

analytics_reports


What have you not tried to increase the conversion rate of your website? You may have improved the site speed, created dedicated landing pages and offered special discounts. Turns out, there’s still a lot more you can do. Read ahead to find out.


Write a Powerful Value Proposition

The conversion rate of your site is not determined by the page elements or the welcome message. It’s determined by the value proposition that your business offers. A value proposition is essentially a statement saying why customers should buy from your company instead of a competitor. It answers questions a customer might have such as, “why should I buy from you?” The more compelling your site’s value proposition is, the higher the conversion rate will be. Show the value proposition on the home page of the site.


Remove CAPTCHA

You may have a CAPTCHA field inserted on to your homepage, the payment processing page or any other landing page. You may think that increases the security of your website. It’s easy to believe that customers would think the same way. Guess what? They don’t. CAPTCHA fields are just annoying to fill out. It’s easy to get those weirdly twisted floating letters wrong and end up with a page refresh. CAPTCHA is especially annoying on sign-up sheets. So, your site can do better without CAPTCHA. At least try removing the CAPTCHA fields on sign up forms and see if it increases signups. (Do a split test where you present random groups of customers with the same web page, except one lacks the CAPTCHA field. Later, compare the two groups and see which site got the higher conversions).


Reduce Redundancies in Form Fields

If you want a potential customer to sign up for something, make a payment or give you their contact information, keep the form field as minimalist as possible. Reduce the amount of effort it takes for the customer to fill out the form and hit submit. For example, when you want a customer to provide credit card information, do you really need two fields for the first and last name? Some payment processors can automatically determine the name based on the credit card number provided. So this form can easily do without these two fields. Likewise, stop expecting people to fill out forms with info like area codes. Most people are unsure about the area code they live in. If something is not absolutely necessary, do not request that piece of information on a form. Keep forms short, easy and simple to fill out. Web users have no patience. You have to make the services you provide as speedy as possible to get them to convert.


Sign Up Form Should be on the Homepage Above the Fold

Some websites still make the mistake of having sign up forms moved away from the main page. It should be available in a garishly obvious manner on top of the homepage. Do not make separate pages to fill out various forms. No one is going to stop to complete a “join email list” form. Rather, it’s best to pin the signup field to a webpage. Try one of those pin-up banners that move down the page as the visitor scrolls down. Keeping a sign up form in the visual range of the web user is a good way to get them to actually sign up.


Increasing the conversion rate is the only way to drive up sales at your websites. In addition to the CRO tactics you may be doing now, try one of the above mentioned to experience the difference.


The post Simple but Highly Effective Ways to Increase Your Site’s Conversion Rate appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 21, 2016 00:17

November 18, 2016

What Type Of Office Design Your Startup Should Have

The friendly folks over at www.findmyworkspace.com help you decide what kind of office setup is right for you!


You have taken the first steps on your entrepreneurial venture and now, it’s time to answer the very crucial question: Where will you work?


startup-setup


You may be tempted to go all out and start building the office of your dreams- vending machines, ping pong and football tables, treadmill and stationary bikes and all the works. Or you might want to save your funds for a rainy day and just focus on the bare essentials: a desk, a computer and internet connection, a telephone and a chair. Perhaps you are also considering a home office- converting your garage or spare room into your very own working space.


There are several important factors to consider when deciding on your office setup:


BUDGET


Many startup businesses fail to take off not for lack of creative ideas, but lack of financial resources. Your office space can eat a huge chunk of your available funds.


budget


When planning your budget, hope for the best and plan for the worst. This means making sure that you have enough funds to keep your organization afloat even if you do not make profit for one year.


If you plan to rent or lease an office space rental or lease, study carefully if you can afford it  as many contracts require that you commit to a minimum of 6 months.


For those who want to save on startup costs, some money-saving options include: a home office, remote working arrangements or a virtual office, and coworking spaces.


Coworking involves a shared working environment, whether it’s a common desk, or an office. Coworking, also called membership-based work spaces, brings together people from diverse fields, backgrounds and organizations in one physical place.


Recently, the coworking trend has been on the rise among startup businesses as it can give you the best of both worlds: cost savings and an attractive working environment which already includes the use of office equipment.


YOUR NEEDS


Is this a solo venture or do you have a team? Will your team be working with you physically or remotely?


office-need


How much working space do you need to function comfortably? You might be able to fit in a small cubicle with ‘enough’ space for your desk, laptop and elbows, but will it foster your productivity and creativity?


What kind of environment works best for you? Do you need plants and a colorful surrounding?


Do you have bulky equipment and inventory? Will you be building a physical showroom? Will business partners be visiting you? Is the location accessible for them and for you?


These are important questions to answer when deciding on your working space. Keep in mind that your office is not just an area that physically fits you and your team, but you will spend long stretches of time formulating your plans and thinking up of innovations there. Do not underestimate the importance of comfort and a vibe that gets your creative juices flowing.


Choosing or creating a space that suits your needs does not have to be expensive. Be resourceful and you might find the office of your dreams that is within your budget.


YOUR BRAND IMAGE


Ever since pictures of Google’s enviable and crazy office designs started popping all over the internet, companies worldwide have reevaluated their own office setups. Google is the perfect example of how your physical office should reflect your company’s unique brand. Of course, they also have the deep pockets to back them up.


In the recent years, there has been a shift from traditional, minimalist, formal office designs to more quirky and customized arrangements that reflect the company’s brand identity.


brand


As you start building your working space, consider the image that you want to emanate from your walls. Your design should portray your brand’s personality.


For startups with limited budget, a vibrant splash of your organization’s colors on your walls, desks, floors and ceilings can be your first step in positioning yourself apart from your competitors.


YOUR COMPANY’S CULTURE


company-culture


While your brand image is your public face, your culture is more personal within your team.


What are your organization’s core values? Refer to your list and check if your prospective office design reflects them.


If you want to encourage openness, you might want to ditch those cubicle walls. Do you want an easy exchange of ideas? Maybe incorporate a common area where people can easily get together in a relaxed setting.


A culture that makes team members feel loved, taken care of and appreciated can do wonders for your company’s productivity. Focus on providing a safe and clean working environment. Ergonomic desks and chairs are worthwhile investments, as well.


If you feel lost on where to start in building your workspace, do not hesitate to consult with experts who can match your budget, needs, brand image and culture with the optimal office setup.


Research, ask and utilize your resources and you might be on your way to finding that perfect office.


Author Bio:


photo-gemma-reevesGemma Reeves is a seasoned writer who enjoys creating helpful articles and interesting stories. She has worked with several clients across different industries such as advertising, online marketing, technology, healthcare, family matters, and more. She is also an aspiring entrepreneur who is engaged in assisting other aspiring entrepreneurs in finding the best office space for their business.


 


Check out her company here: FindMyWorkspace


The post What Type Of Office Design Your Startup Should Have appeared first on Entrepreneurship Life.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 18, 2016 23:12