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Business

5 Simple Ways to Engage and Motivate Employees

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When it comes to having a productive, profitable workforce, few factors are quite as important as employee engagement. Engaged employees are more focused, more productive and generate more profit, and an engaged workforce will produce a far lower staff turnover rate, saving a business substantial sums of money in hiring costs.

But what makes an employee feel engaged? According to the Society for Human Resource Management, cited by STL Training, the most important contributors to job satisfaction are:

Treating the staff with respect (67%)

Compensation and pay (63%)

Feeling of job security (58%)

Opportunities to use skills (55%)

Of course, many businesses can’t afford to simply increase wages across the board, but there are some clues there as to how we might be able to improve overall employee engagement. Our five recommendations would be:

Ask about pain points

Communication is one of the simplest yet most effective ways of improving engagement, and taking part in an honest discourse with staff about their pain points is a great place to start. It not only show staff members that you care about them and that you’re willing to listen, but it gives you a list of potential problems to solve to make your workforce feel happier and more engaged.

Be clear about goals and expectations

Numerous research projects into disengaged employees report that they don’t know what’s expected of them at work, or that they are unclear about their goals and targets. An easy way to avoid this in your own business is to ensure you clearly communicate goals and expectations of the business to employees, both in terms of their individual role and the business as a whole.

Show that you care

There are lots of ways you can show employees you care about them, from showing appreciation of a job well done to recognising personal events such as birthdays or the birth of children. Research has shown that when an employee feels cared about, the become more engaged at work, leading to a dramatic increase in productivity and performance.

Provide opportunities for growth

There is a direct correlation between the engagement levels of employees, and the amount a business invests in development. Whether it’s skills training, management and leadership training or a clear route of progression through the business, providing your employees with the opportunity to develop and grow can dramatically increase loyalty, trust and overall engagement.

Celebrate achievements

Recognition has been shown to be a crucial factor in employee engagement, and one of the best ways to ensure an employee feels recognised and valued is to publicly celebrate their achievements. Anytime an employee hits or exceeds a target, achieves a new qualification or performs particularly well, the achievement should be celebrated via a reward or announcement, and this can be made both to clients and the rest of the team.

Jarle Thorsen on How to Be a Better Businessman

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Jarle Thorsen is the founder of Unaico, a company he has successfully managed for nine years. He has been done very well in all his enterprise and he takes great pride in his business acumen. In an effort to give back to others, he wants to provide some of the key tips and words of advice he lives buy in order to be as successful as he has been in areas such as Exergonix, something that his envestors have long been waiting for.

Jarle Thorsen on Being a Successful Businessman

Being a better businessman is about the power of the mind. Having the right mindset is key to being successful in business. In fact it sets people apart, enabling them to be part of that 3% of people in business who are truly successful.

Business owners, no matter what type of business they are in, always face the negative mindset of themselves and others. That is because they, as the owner, see their business as an extension of who they are, whereas others see it simply as a business. They do not truly care whether it succeeds or fails. Only when the mind is void of negativity will people truly grow on the pyramid of needs within the business.

Optimism is said to be the key to power, contrasted by pessimism, which inevitably leads to weakness.  Jarle Thorsen  believes that success is about having that positive mindset. Too many people continue to measure the level of success by money. Anyone who can afford a penthouse apartment in Hong Kong must be successful because of the price tag associated with that penthouse apartment. For Jarle,  however success should be measured in who people are and how people are. Success is not about having a million dollars in the bank. That could have landed there by accident or through an inheritance or even by winning the lottery. Someone who has won the lottery is not a successful businessman period they are simply someone who got lucky.

For hundreds of years people have tried to define the secret of success. Jarle Thorsen  feels that the secret is all down to positivity. He is not the only one to consider this, with many books  having been written on the subject and turning into almost instant best-selling books across the world. A key example of this is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne comma Who was able to explain to everyday individuals how important it is to think positive. However, Jarle Thorsen believes that particular book is linked may need to personal happiness and not to business success. While they both focus on positive thinking, it is important to direct this positivity and optimism in the right place.

A businessman must think positively about their chance of success. They have to feel and really know that they deserve everything they get, both the good and the bad. By doing that, they will inevitably become more committed to think positive, as what people want is the good not the bad.

Sebastian Greenwood on the Importance of Digital Marketing

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We live in a digital age and this has given us access to more versatile, practical, and quicker methods of marketing a business than ever before. Digital marketing, an area of expertise for people like Sebastian Greenwood, include tools such as websites, SEO optimization, online advertising, blogging, online video content, PPC advertising, social media, email marketing, and mobile marketing. This type of marketing is usually important for businesses, while at the same time offering innovative tools to consumers.

Why Digital Marketing Is so Good According to Sebastian Greenwood

There are numerous reasons why digital marketing is vital to businesses today:

It is cost effective. In fact, a lot of digital marketing costs nothing but time. Small businesses have been able to take advantage of this, placing them on a level playing field with businesses with nearly unlimited budgets. Thanks to new media, everybody can promote themselves nowadays.

It allows businesses to connect with their customers through innovative content. They can use both free or sponsored content that is placed directly in front of their customer and far more difficult to ignore than email or direct mail campaigns. Additionally, people see quality content as proof of a quality business.

It enables people to connect through mobile devices. Around 91% of people who have a cell phone carry it with them at all times. Most of them also use these devices to go online, visit websites and use social media. Marketing in a way that is mobile optimized is very important, therefore.

It creates higher returns on investment than other forms of marketing, if done properly. You must attach a value to the time spent on using digital marketing solutions, but you would also spend that time on traditional forms of marketing. Additionally, you must factor in the cost of taking part in PPC campaigns if you use them. This will allow you to calculate your return on investment overall.

Digital marketing allows you to track the journey a customer makes. You can see where on your website they started and which pages they clicked on as well as how much time they spent on the different pages. This tells you which parts of your website are captivating and which ones may need some improvement.

It allows you to greatly expand your conversion rates. Any online traffic can become a subscriber, a sale, or a lead. Either way, you will be able to analyze these conversions while at the same time determining where the best traffic comes from.

You can be empowered through social media, talking directly with your customers and showing them what you are all about. Developing a brand identity is easier than ever before thanks to digital marketing.

It helps you to build trust among people, even if they aren’t your consumers. If they see you engage with others, they will start to believe in you, whether they have seen your product or not.

Clearly, digital marketing has some fantastic benefits, particularly for small businesses.

Technology Hacks For Moving Houses

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Use Shiply to find a low-cost removal company

Shiply is a great place to find a removal company because the registered companies usually have prices up to 75% cheaper than going direct.

Companies on Shiply are able to offer lower prices because they are fitting in their Shiply jobs with their existing work. This means you’re only paying for the spare capacity needed for the vehicle rather than what it would cost for an empty vehicle driving to your home, doing the job, then driving back empty to the depot. On Shiply you just input the details of the move and the type of service you’re looking for (whether you just need a van and a driver, or a full-service complete with packing and unpacking) and wait for the quotes to arrive in your inbox.

Use apps to split your bills

If you’re living with other people, you’ll need to be doing a lot of cost-splitting. There’s the obvious stuff like rent and bills, but you might also like to split the cost of new furniture, your weekly food shop or concert tickets. It might be easy to just use a spreadsheet if there are only two of you, but for three or more housemates there are several apps around that can make life a lot easier like Acasa and Splitwise. Before you know it, you’ll be using it to split costs for all sorts of other situations like holidays with friends, stag/hen parties and splitting the cost of birthday presents.

Have people help you via TaskRabbit

Moving home can be a stressful time, and if you’re not a well-practised DIYer it can be a frustrating and drawn-out time before you’re settled with everything where you’d like it to be. Luckily there’s an app for that! There are a several apps where people can register as a tasker and be paid to do odd jobs for people – this includes things like putting up shelves or assembling furniture. If you think you’ll struggle to find the time and/or patience for this, there’ll be someone else to give you a hand.

Let your shopping come to you!

There’s a subscription service for everything now. Perfect for busy people (everyone) and means less time shopping for essentials. For food there’s HelloFresh where you can get recipes and their corresponding ingredients delivered every week. You even get to choose which recipes you want to receive in advance from the weekly menu. These services mean you can spend more time enjoying your new home and less time planning meals and visiting the supermarket.

With non-food items, there are many companies do deliveries now from clothes to contact lenses and beauty products.

Green your home

If you’re looking to make your new home an environmentally-friendly zone, there are so many companies around now that can make this easier for you. Many of these companies are also subscriptions which post everything to your door regularly – be it weekly, monthly or quarterly depending on the product. Types of green companies include those for bamboo toothbrushes (not plastic) and recycled toilet paper – you’ll never be caught short again!

How Safe Is Your Oxford Business?

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There is never a time when it is okay to ‘relax’ the security measures in place in your business. Criminals are always looking for new and innovative ways to carry out their plans.

So that your business is not the subject of robbery, vandalism, or internal theft, here are some basic measures you can implement.

How secure is your business?

Oxford security experts explain that thefts often depend on the opportunity and that, in a large number of cases, the determining factor is an oversight that the owner of the business has within the business; that is immediately taken advantage of by the criminals.

Therefore, permanent surveillance is one of the main security measures which helps eliminate this problem, but not the only one.

Security planning

First of all, it is essential to have a pre-established security plan. You should hire a professional security technician to plan and install a complete security system that is specifically adapted to the idiosyncrasies and needs of your particular business and its location. This security plan will require some basic elements.

  • In the first place, an adequate indication by means of signs – both in accesses and in the interior of the business – of the existence of specific security measures.
  • A sound alarm system suitable for the business and connected to a reception center with a protected telephone line, not visible.
  • A video surveillance system, with visible (dissuasive) or camouflaged cameras, with recording of images, covering all key (high value/risk) areas of the business.
  • One or several guards in case they are necessary. You should also carefully consider a trusted employee who can take responsibility for the security system and its maintenance.
  • An audible signal and a control system to open the access doors to the business.
  • It is also advisable to reinforce common spaces such as lobbies, landings, and staircases, as well as other elements such as ceilings, floors and partition walls.
  • If the premises are located in contiguity with other buildings; protect shop windows using anti-moon landing pillars, reinforced glass, vibration detectors, etc. Make use of lockable display cabinets for displaying high-value merchandise.
  • It is advisable to install security grilles or blinds, anti-lever and anti-cut doors. Establish with the help of a security expert the best method of securing windows and other access points to the business (vents, skylights, etc.). Also, make sure to install security locks on doors, windows and other access points, and reinforce frames and hinges.
  • It is also recommended to maintain good lighting both inside and outside your business. Take extraordinary precautions if your business operates at unusual times (night shift, 24-hours, etc.).

You have worked hard to establish and grow your business – make sure all your hard work is not for nothing. Secure your business against robbery, theft, and vandalism to ensure your peace of mind.

 

All About IRS Form W7

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The IRS form W7 is an application form provided by the internal revenue services for people who are not subjected to possess the SSN that is the social security number. The W7 form is meant for receiving the ITIN from the IRS so that one can file for the income tax returns successfully. The ITIN number is used by the income tax officers to identify people who pay taxes so that they can easily sort out the list, calculate the revenue and charge people who do not pay taxes on time. The IRS form W7 is subjected to complete and cover two major tasks-

  • To apply for a new itin (individual taxpayer id number).
  • To renew an itin that has either already expired or will be expiring in the near future before one would have to file for the income tac returns for the year.

People who already use the SSN for filing income tax returns doe not have to think or worry about the tax id number because it does not apply for candidates who have SSN. This is meant for those people who do not pass for the SSN regardless of their immigration status. Each and every individual whop earns above a certain amount is liable to file income tax returns once every year to provide the government with their share of revenue.

People who have been paying the income tax also doe not have to worry about applying for an itin but must always be careful about the expiry date of the same. It is recommended to apply for the individual tax id number before it expires or before it is time to file for the tax returns. For those who are new on the list of income tax payers and are stressed out about the various legal formalities to be completed and are wondering how to apply for itin here are the details.

The Irs form w7 helps one in applying for the individual tax id number. This form is available online. One can simply log on to the official web site and find the form there. The web site is very used friendly and easy to understand. It carries answers to all the question a candidate might ever need to know. If there is something one feels like asking about that is not present in the frequently asked question list, then one can simply chat with the customer support online or can also give them a call and get the queries sorted.

One can find the list of documents that are needed for the verification by IRS. The alternative options are also provided. The instruction to fill up the form and arrange the documents are more than enough to apply for the itin. One needs to fill up the IRS form W7 and attach the documents along with the form and send it to the IRS mailing address which is also listed in the web site. Once the verification is done the ITIN will be mailed to the candidate.

How To Identify And Develop Great Sales Managers

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Working as a sales manager is both rewarding and challenging. Unfortunately, it’s also a job with high turnover. According to a September 2015 article published on Openview.com, the average sales manager stays in the position just 20 months. The short time on the job is even less than that of the typical salesperson and many managers are forced out instead of leaving voluntarily. Those who do leave on their own often cite the stress of managing multiple priorities such as hiring staff, administrative duties, and managing a sales team with varying degrees of ability.

It’s important for hiring managers to recognize qualities of a good sales manager as well as for existing sales managers to have the opportunity to improve their skills. When considering the first issues, human resources professionals should understand the top performing salespeople don’t always translate into the best sales managers.

Top Skills of a Successful Sales Manager

When looking for a new sales manager, one with an outgoing personality who can lead and guide others is preferable to someone who has more of an introverted working style. The best sales managers know how to direct members of their team to uncover a problem and then help them discover potential solutions. This is a far more effective approach than simply telling someone what he or she does wrong and demanding that the salesperson fix it. Some other qualities to look for include:

  • The ability to maintain professionalism amongst people the sales manager may consider friends while remaining reasonably authoritative at the same time. This is a fine line because becoming too authoritative can create resentment and mistrust among the team.
  • The ability to manage his or her own strong emotions, especially considering that sales managers must deal with irate customers and discipline underperforming sales personnel. Those situations are already ripe with emotion and don’t need additional fuel added to it.
  • The best frontline sales managers one the ones with good listening skills, who effectively direct their team, consider customer feedback, and work well with other departments.

How Current Sales Managers Can Improve Their Performance

Sales managers who want to stay in their current positions and eventually earn promotions shouldn’t feel afraid to ask for honest feedback from teams they manage as well as superiors and other sales managers. This is especially true of those who have concerns about their on-the-job performance. While the sales manager might not agree with all feedback, it gives him or her a starting point for improvements.

The most successful sales managers embrace learning at every level. That means saying yes to continuing education classes after hours, mastering new technology, and continually searching for additional knowledge. Salespeople look to their managers for guidance. Those who see their manager never feeling satisfied with the status quo are much more likely to take on the same attitude.

Another quality of great leaders is recognizing that they need coaching as well. Whether that’s the sales manager’s own superior or someone in a larger network isn’t important. The key to ongoing performance improvement is learning from those with more experience and asking for help when needed.

Sales management is not an easy job, but it could become a more fulfilling one by employing some of these tips.

 

Why Most People Chose To Register Their Company As An LLC

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Before you can apply for a tax ID, you will need to ascertain your business entity type. Once you have ascertained your business entity type, you can straight away apply for the Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). To apply, you will have to provide your company’s legal name and social security number of the company’s principal officer for the purpose of the tax ID. The principal officer should be a member of the company.

If you have not decided on your business entity type, you can visit the website of Gov Doc Filing to take a simple survey created to guide you to choose from one of the following entity type. If you have any question, you can contact one of their professionals to clear your doubts concerning your application.

One of the most common business entities utilized by business owners is the Limited Liability Company (LLC) because:

  • It provides a flexible business structure
  • -It protects your personal assets from being at risk
  • It has no taxes at the corporate level
  • It has the flexibility to structure your company to fit your needs.

The owners of the Limited Liability Company are called members and these members may include individuals, corporations, other LLCs, and foreign entities. There is no limit to the numbers of members in forming an LLC. A single member LLC is a lone member establishing the LLC. The LLC members will be taxed as a sole proprietor where profits and losses are passed through the individual’s federal tax return to the IRS.

For a multi-member LLC where there are more than one member, it is taxed as a partnership. The profits and losses are passed through to the individual members’ federal tax returns. They can also choose to be taxed as a corporation instead of a partnership. If the LLC is formed by a husband and wife, they may choose to be taxed as a single member LLC.

The main reason why many choose to form an LLC company is because of the provision of liability protection on their personal asset. Creditors cannot claim the personal asset of members to pay off the company’s debts.

Before filling in the LLC tax form, the Internal Revenue Service and other agencies have to be informed:

  • If there is a change in your LLC mailing address or business location.
  • If there is a change in the person who is responsible to act on the behalf of the business.

The notification of change is to ensure that the smooth running of your company will not be hindered or disrupted, and that your company continue to receive whatever notification sent out by the government agencies.

Great Ideas For Making Some Extra Money Online

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In these times of austerity, saving money is essential. With household costs continuing to rise, cash-strapped individuals are constantly searching for ways to cut back on expenses. The internet offers a number of money-making possibilities for those who find themselves desperately waiting for pay-day to come around.

Source: Magda S Saltzman via Twitter

Sell Your Old and Unused Technology

Technology is constantly evolving and we can soon lose interest in the latest smartphone or iPad. There are a number of sites which accept unwanted devices and although posting off your old phone is unlikely to pay the bills, it is a hassle-free way of earning some extra cash, which should help keep things ticking over until the end of the month. Services such as Music Magpie will also purchase old CDs and DVDs and it’s usually quick and easy to receive your payment.

Make the Most of Free Bonuses

Top online casino and sportsbooks offer tempting incentives to sign-up for an account and these can be a great way of making some extra cash. Oddschecker has compiled a list of the latest online casino bonuses which includes 50 free spins courtesy of William Hill. If you don’t wish to part with any cash, it is advised to search for operators who are offering a ‘no deposit bonus’. It is a great way of potentially making a profit and is also a tremendously fun way of playing with the casino’s money.

Complete Surveys Online

Companies are constantly requiring feedback from their customers whilst marketing agencies also regularly stage online focus groups. It is possible to make some extra money through filling out online surveys with questions on everything from your preferred brand of toilet roll through to your favourite video game. There are a huge number of websites available and rewards vary from Amazon vouchers through to £20 in cash. It is a great way of earning an extra income without leaving the house.

Source: NECS via Twitter

Enter Competitions

This is not a surefire way of making money but there are an incredible amount of competitions online and you’d have to be terribly unlucky not to win any sort of prize. There are a number of websites which collate online competitions and the majority of them are completely free to enter. Some operators give away cash prizes whilst others offer goods or services. Any unwanted prizes can be sold on sites such as eBay at a later date.

There are hundreds of ways of earning a little extra cash each month and if you’re struggling to make ends meet, it could be worth exploring a few of the options available online. Whether you’re downloading vouchers or selling your unwanted technology, every penny counts and there are plenty of potentially profitable opportunities awaiting on the world wide web.

How Does One Find His/Her EIN?

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Your employer identification number is important when it comes to filing your taxes and conducting different activities for your business. If you misplace it, it is important to find it right away as you are likely to need it again in the future, especially when tax time rolls around. Luckily, there are a few ways you can get this number.

Look at a Tax Return

If you keep good records and have copies of your old tax returns, then you can easily get your EIN from one of them. It should be listed in the top part of the form. Remember the number is nine digits in this format: XX-XXXXXXX. Do not confuse it with other tax identification numbers, such as your Social Security number. The format is important to note as it is the easiest way to distinguish between the different ID numbers.

Look at Other Records 

If you do not have or cannot find your tax returns, other business documents may also have your EIN on them. Look through forms and records to see if you can find the number. This includes bank account documents and business license applications. You may also find this number on employee pay stubs and other payroll documents.

Look at your EIN Application Forms

When you secured your EIN, you had to file an EIN application. In return, the IRS sent you documentation that listed your new EIN. If you can locate these forms, then you can get your number. You can also contact the IRS and ask for the number. It is usually best to call and ask. You will have to verify that you are the owner of the business.

Get Additional Help 

Sometimes you may need to find an EIN for something other than a business. For example, you may need to find the EIN number for an estate. In this case, you may be able to get help from IRS EIN Tax ID Filing Service. Find out more here.