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Tips for Startups

7 Tips for Staying on Top of Workflow

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Tips for Staying on Top of Workflow

Starting your own company is an exciting time. Unfortunately, it is also an anxiety-filled time, a time filled with uncertainty and an extreme sense of urgency. I mean, you’re embarking on a journey with no idea where it’s going to go. But as people; we are conquerors, we live to explore, expand, and push the boundaries. And as entrepreneurs, we relish the opportunity to break out into the unknown and conquer whatever comes our way.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t be ready, what type of conqueror treks a new world without his conquering equipment? So before you dive head first into the pool of self-employment, I’d like to share some things I learned, and how to keep up with all work you’ll be doing in the very near future.

Get Started

I know what you’re thinking. DUH! Of course, you have to get started! You can’t do something you haven’t started!

I know it doesn’t seem like groundbreaking advice, but the best advice rarely is groundbreaking. Getting starting is legitimately the hardest thing to do. It’s why we hit the snooze button every morning; it’s why you haven’t started eating better, and it’s why you haven’t been to the gym in months.

Getting started is so difficult, that Greek philosophers warned people about the evils of procrastination way back in 800 bce.

Note: Did you know as much as 20% of the world are chronic procrastinators? That’s higher than the percentage of people diagnosed with depression.

It’s going to suck sometimes, but get up, get started, and you’ll be headed for success in no time flat.

Organization

This is a big one. We’d all like to think that we’ve got everything under control. I need a schedule we say, my schedule is in my head. I know that’s how I was. I can’t tell you how many times I have missed deadlines, not because I procrastinated, but because I lost track of all the stuff I had to do.

Keep to-do lists, make a schedule in your phone, get software that helps you stay on top of tasks, whatever it takes to keep yourself on schedule. There are tons of apps out there that are tailor-made with organization in mind. Your phone probably comes with one of these apps already installed.

Efficiency is Key

How efficient you are is going to determine how well you can stay on top of a busy schedule. Try not to spend time on tasks that are taking up more time than it should be. Instead, spend your time on tasks that are most important. Let somebody else handle the small stuff (more on that in a minute).

Another way to stay more efficient is to multi-task. Sure, multitasking is usually frowned upon, but now we have technology that makes multitasking easier than single-tasking.

Rely on Technology

The single best way to stay productive, proactive, and ahead of the game is to let technology do it for you. Apps like Fieldpulse allow you to stay on top of what is going on in your company, at the tip of your fingers. These types of apps let you be your own mobile office, managing everything from clients, employees, jobs, scheduling, all in one place. Technology really is something huh?

Consider getting an app that can centralize everything you need to do in one place. It’s a bonus if it’s one you can use anywhere you have a cellular connection.

Delegate

To me, this is one of the harder things on the list. Not that I mind telling people what to (it’s one of the best perks of being a boss), but when you pour your heart and soul into something it can be tough to relinquish even a fraction of control to someone else. But it is necessary when you’re bogged down with work.

Delegate the smaller tasks to qualified people. Doing so not only frees you up to tend to more pertinent issues, but it also frees you up to relax a little.

Get the Right Equipment

I cannot tell you how many times I have seen people lose hours of precious time, and subsequently precious dollars. All because they either didn’t have the right equipment or skimped and bought sub-par equipment. I usually see this with lawn care companies and contractors.

Listen, we all want a good deal on our equipment. But this is your business; you cannot afford to go for the discounted stuff. It’s all a tax write-off anyway, so get the right equipment and make sure you never have to lose time, or even worse, clients, just because your equipment crapped out on you.

Set Time Aside

You’re an entrepreneur; you work hard, it’s in your DNA. Hard work is commendable, but there is more to life than working hard. Give yourself time throughout the day and week to sit down and relax.

Studies have shown that people are only able to really concentrate at 20 minutes a time before they become less efficient. I’m not saying just work 20 before you take your break, but science is suggesting it. The point is, make sure you are getting the rest your body needs so you can stay productive.

The first time I broke out of the corporate chains and started my own business, I was nervous, anxious, terrified, and excited all at once; it was so refreshing. Until I got bombarded by how much work had to be done and how little time I had to do it.

How did I manage? By following the same steps, I laid out here. Hopefully, you handle it better than I did.

Marie ErhartAbout the Author: This article has been written for Times of Startups by Marie Erhart. Marie is a Success Manager at FieldPulse, creators of field service software that lets you run your entire contracting business from a single app. She works with contractors to help them grow their business using best practices.

 

 

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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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