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Tips for Startups

10 Tools to Improve the Productivity of Your Startup in 2020

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10 Tools to Improve the Productivity of Your Startup in 2020

When growth and success are the goals you want to achieve, it can become easy to give in to frustration over the simple fact that there’s always so much that needs to get done. Entrepreneurs all over the world are constantly searching for amazing productivity tools that will help them become more efficient at what they’re doing – not so that they can kick back and relax, but so that they can use the extra time they gain to focus on other equally important aspects of their companies. Programs such as Asana, Slack, and Dropbox all make for great productivity and project management tools, but they’re not the only ones at your disposal.

When looking for the best tools to improve the productivity of your startup, it’s best to start by doing a bit of reflection. Take a pen and piece of paper and write down your biggest challenges. These might be communication, accounting, or project management. Every company is different, and a great workflow can only be achieved through customization and constant reevaluation.

Once you have a clear idea of what you need to work on, you can look at the list below, and choose the productivity tools that will work for your specific needs.

10 Tools to Improve the Productivity of Your Startup in 2020

1.    RescueTime

No matter how passionate you are about your work, or how disciplined, there will always be time-wasters within your working process that are taking precious energy away from tasks that truly matter. RescueTime is a great solution to analyze and eliminate those time-wasters.

This is a tracking software that works on all your devices and gives you data about how you’re spending your workday. Once it has helped you identify your biggest challenges, you can use it to set goals and alerts, block distractions, set your work hours, and even gain insight into how you spend your hours away from an electronic device.

2.    Iris

Chances are, your entrepreneurial lifestyle has you spending a significant portion of your day in front of a screen. That’s why it’s not a bad idea to look at ways to protect your eyes from strain and the negative health effects of blue light. Iris is an eye protection app you can install on your computer or mobile device, that will make small alterations to your screen. The Pro version offers several modes of working, including health mode, sleep mode, programming, and biohacker mode. It also has a built-in timer feature that encourages you to rest your eyes, but can also increase productivity by forcing you to take a short break every 20 minutes.

3.    Outlook Calendar

A number of entrepreneurs and freelancers are finding that a calendar can do a great deal to improve their productivity. The reason behind this is simple. By blocking out slots to dedicate to a task, they’re imposing manageable deadlines that can be a great driving force for those who tend to get lost in their work.

Microsoft’s Outlook Calendar is one of the most effective apps out there, seeing that it offers a number of extra features including email integration, bill reminders, automatically calculating travel times, etc. You can also integrate it with a number of apps, such as TimeTackle, in order to export all the data you need into reports you can use for invoicing or analytics.

4.    To-do lists

There’s a huge number of to-do apps on the internet. If you own a smartphone, chances are one’s either already installed on it. How elaborate you want to be with these apps completely depends on you. It’s not a bad idea to remember that you can just use the Notes or Reminders apps on your iPhone or download something like the Microsoft To-Do app or Todoist.

If you’re a fan of offline planning, you could also look into Bullet Journaling, which combines productivity and mindfulness techniques.

5.    Dragon

If you feel like virtual assistants are a godsend, you might want to give speech recognition software a try. Dragon is a speech recognition software that can help you significantly cut down on the amount of time needed to do tasks such as document typing, writing emails, updating social media statuses, or searching for something on the web. It’s supposed to be three times faster than typing, so you might just find that it’s an investment worth making.

6.    Accounting apps

Most entrepreneurs aren’t fans of accounting. Unfortunately, it’s a process that’s a must for any small business, startup, and international corporation. To make things slightly easier, you can invest in tools that will automate at least a part of the process.

Apps such as Xero offer features that could minimize your time dealing with accounting tasks but providing you with a host of benefits. Track business expenses, enjoy better insights into your cash flow, and complete invoicing tasks in a matter of minutes.

7.    Upwork

Sometimes, working effectively means letting someone else take care of certain tasks. Especially when they require certain sets of skills you may not have, or take up too much time that you could make much better use of. In these cases, hiring a freelancer or remote worker can be an excellent option. Upwork is one of the best platforms for finding online talent, as it gives you access to millions of experts in any field you can possibly imagine.

8.    Buffer

Is your business reaching its target audience effectively? Often, a good content marketing strategy combined with smart social media usage can be all the advertising you need. But posting on multiple platforms can be a hassle, especially since a number of social media apps don’t let you post content from your computer (Instagram, for example).

In these cases, a solution such as Buffer could do a lot to increase productivity (and save time). In addition to publishing content, it also helps you with analytics, as well as managing engagement, which you should definitely be paying attention to.

9.    IFTTT

Most startups can benefit from automation. With the wide availability of smart tech that can make your life easier (or more exciting), an app that helps them all connect is a must. IFTTT is a free tool that allows you to automate a number of processes at home, as well as at the office.

Turn on the lights at the beginning of the day, automatically lock doors at certain times of the day, set your Roomba to work while you’re away from your desk, have Spotify play your favorite music for concentration, make calls, improve the way your virtual assistant works, order lunch, sync to-do lists. The possibilities are endless. All you need to do is think of an automated process, and you can program it for yourself, without needing to actually write code.

10. Password

Last but not least, your startup should be taking security seriously, so invest in a software solution that helps you keep all your company data safe, alerts you about possible security breaches, creates an activity log, offers multi-factor authentication, and even helps you control what information team members have access to.

Summing up

As you can see, productivity tools don’t have to be complicated. They just have to work for you. Of course, the apps and programs listed above aren’t the only tools at your disposal. The web is full of excellent solutions, so the best thing you can do is try some of them out and see whether they satisfy your needs.

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Tips for Startups

Why Your Startup Needs Digital Media

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Startup Needs Digital Media

In today’s rapidly evolving, technology-driven business landscape, digital media has become indispensible for startups striving to carve out a robust online footprint, engage with their intended audience, and stimulate growth. Whether it’s via social media, websites, blogs, or online advertising, digital media bestows upon startups a multitude of advantages capable of profoundly influencing their achievements. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why digital media is imperative for your startup in the current competitive environment.

1. Wider Reach and Visibility:

Digital media allows startups to reach a global audience like never before. With the internet as your platform, your business can be accessible to potential customers from around the world 24/7. This extensive reach can help you expand your customer base and increase brand visibility.

2. Cost-Effective Marketing:

Conventional advertising approaches, like print ads or TV commercials, often pose budgetary challenges for startups with constrained financial resources. Digital media provides affordable marketing alternatives, such as email campaigns and social media marketing. These avenues enable precise targeting of specific demographics, optimizing the effectiveness of your marketing investments.

3. Audience Targeting:

One of the foremost benefits of digital media lies in its capacity for precise audience targeting. By harnessing data-driven analytics and tools, companies like Join the Dots can tailor your messaging and content to align with distinct demographics, interests, and behaviors. This guarantees that your startup’s message reaches precisely the individuals it intends to at the opportune moment.

4. Instant Feedback and Engagement:

Digital media facilitates real-time engagement with your audience. You can interact with customers quickly through social media comments, respond to inquiries via email or live chat, and receive immediate feedback on your products or services. This direct interaction builds customer trust and helps you refine your offerings based on customer input.

5. Brand Building and Credibility:

Having a strong online presence through a well-designed website, active social media profiles, and informative blog content enhances your startup’s credibility and trustworthiness. A professional online presence demonstrates that you are a serious player in your industry, which can attract customers and potential investors.

6. Data-Driven Decision-Making:

Digital media offers invaluable data and analytics tools for monitoring the efficacy of your marketing endeavors. You can gauge metrics like website traffic, click-through rates, conversion rates, and beyond. This approach empowers you to make well-informed decisions, fine-tune your strategies, and allocate resources efficiently.

7. Content Marketing and Thought Leadership:

Through digital media, startups can establish themselves as thought leaders in their industry by creating and sharing informative and valuable content. Blog posts, whitepapers, webinars, and podcasts allow you to showcase your expertise, educate your audience, and build trust over time.

8. Scalability and Flexibility:

Digital media strategies are highly scalable and adaptable. As your startup grows, you can expand your online presence and marketing efforts accordingly. Whether you’re a small team or a rapidly expanding enterprise, digital media allows you to adjust your strategies to meet your evolving needs.

Conclusion

Digital media stands as a fundamental element of success for startups in the contemporary business landscape. Its capacity to reach a broad audience, cost-effectiveness, precision in targeting, and data-driven insights render it an indispensable asset for growth. By embracing digital media and harnessing its benefits, startups can establish a solid foundation for enduring success and confidently navigate the competitive terrain. Whether you belong to the tech startup realm or a traditional brick-and-mortar business, the integration of digital media into your strategy is imperative in today’s digitally-driven world.

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Tips for Startups

Best Product Packaging Strategies For Startups

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Product Packaging Strategies

Hey entrepreneurs, launching a startup can be a lot of work! You stress about funds, operations, and team building. And while you prioritize product development, packaging may take a back seat, right? But did you know that it drives the buying decision for 72% of Americans? That’s surprising, but true.

And it also means that product packaging is one of the ways to stand out and grab customers’ attention in a cutthroat world. That’s a good reason to go the extra mile to nail a strategy. So, if you’re wondering how to make your package pop without breaking the bank, we’ve got some killer tips for your startup.

Here is what you need to know to win an incredible unboxing experience for your customers.

Know your target audience

You’ve got to know your target audience to create a successful product. And the same applies to packaging. Who are you trying to reach and sell? What are their preferences? What would they want in the product package?

By understanding your target customers, you can pick an option that speaks directly to them. For example, if your target audience is health-conscious millennials, choose a minimalist and eco-friendly one that emphasizes your product’s sustainable ingredients.

Focus on customer experience

Your product packaging is more than a pretty face. It’s also about enhancing the customer experience. Think about how you may create a memorable unboxing process.

Consider adding unique features, such as easy-open lids, tear strips, or resealable packages. By making the components easy to access, you get the benefits of brand loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.

Consider what’s inside

That’s a no-brainer because your product determines the packaging material. Things are easy if you sell a single offering, but CBD entrepreneurs may struggle to choose different materials for different products.

For example, you will need a tincture bottle, boxes, mylar bags, cartridges, and tin containers for different items in your portfolio. Additionally, you’ll have to ensure that they are child-resistant and preserve the flavor and aroma of the components.

Be sustainable

As a startup brand, you can gain a lot by joining the sustainability bandwagon, and packaging is a good place to start. Buyers care more than ever about the environmental impact of products and brands.

So eco-friendly packaging options are surely ideal. Prioritize biodegradable materials and minimize excess packaging. It’s the best way to make your offerings pop in a market saturated with competition.

Branding is key

Remember that your packaging is a crucial part of your brand identity. So ensure that it aligns with your company’s values and messaging. It should replicate your brand’s color schemes, fonts, and imagery.

The text labels should also match your brand’s personality and tone. The idea is to remind buyers of your brand every time they see the product on the shelves.

Is packaging a big deal? Yes, it actually is when it comes to the product packaging for your startup. You’ve got to ensure it makes a great first impression and drives a buying decision. Well, there are no shortcuts to winning the packaging game. But you can try these tips to ace it!

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Tips for Startups

What Startups can learn from the Special Forces of Armies around the world

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What Startups can learn from the Special Forces

Startups and special forces of armies may seem to have very little in common. However, upon closer examination, there are several key lessons that startups can learn from these elite military units. Special forces teams are highly trained, flexible, and able to operate in rapidly changing environments. Startups, too, must be able to pivot quickly in response to market changes and evolving customer needs. In this article, we will explore several key lessons that startups can learn from special forces teams.

Lesson 1: Build a strong team

Special forces teams are composed of highly skilled and specialized individuals who work together to achieve a common goal. Similarly, startups must build a strong team of individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds who can work together to bring their products or services to market. A successful startup team should have a mix of technical, business, and creative skills to ensure that all aspects of the business are covered.

Special forces teams also place a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication. They must be able to work together seamlessly, and each member must understand their role and responsibilities within the team. Startups can learn from this by fostering a culture of collaboration and open communication within their team.

Lesson 2: Adapt quickly to changing environments

Special forces teams are often deployed in rapidly changing environments, where they must adapt quickly to new situations and changing conditions. Similarly, startups must be able to pivot quickly in response to market changes and evolving customer needs. This requires a high degree of flexibility and agility, as well as the ability to quickly assess and respond to new information.

Startups can learn from special forces teams by adopting a mindset of constant adaptation and improvement. They should be willing to experiment and iterate on their product or service, and be open to feedback from customers and other stakeholders.

Lesson 3: Embrace risk and uncertainty

Special forces teams operate in high-risk and uncertain environments, where the stakes are often very high. They must be willing to take calculated risks and make difficult decisions under pressure. Startups, too, must be willing to embrace risk and uncertainty in order to succeed. They must be willing to take chances and make bold moves, even in the face of uncertainty.

Startups can learn from special forces teams by adopting a mindset of calculated risk-taking. They should be willing to experiment and try new things, while also being mindful of potential risks and taking steps to mitigate them.

Lesson 4: Focus on the mission

Special forces teams are highly focused on achieving their mission, which is often critical to national security. Similarly, startups must be highly focused on their mission and vision, which should guide all of their decisions and actions. This requires a clear understanding of the company’s purpose and goals, as well as a strong sense of commitment to achieving them.

Startups can learn from special forces teams by adopting a mission-driven approach to their business. They should be clear about their purpose and goals, and ensure that all of their decisions and actions are aligned with these objectives.

Lesson 5: Train and prepare rigorously

Special forces teams undergo rigorous training and preparation in order to be able to perform their duties at the highest level. Similarly, startups must invest in training and preparation in order to build a strong and capable team, and to ensure that they are able to execute on their mission effectively.

Startups can learn from special forces teams by investing in training and development programs for their team members. This includes technical training, as well as leadership and management development. By investing in their team members’ skills and abilities, startups can ensure that they are well-prepared to succeed in a competitive and rapidly changing business environment.

In conclusion, startups can learn a great deal from special forces teams of armies around the world. By building a strong team, adapting quickly to changing environments, embracing risk and uncertainty, focusing on the mission, and training, Startups can achieve goals that may seem impossible at first.

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