Stories | Business & Finance


We Have The Power: MCM Launches Sleep At The ’G 2024 to address youth homelessness

We Have The Power: MCM Launches Sleep At The ’G 2024 to address youth homelessness

Now in its 11th year, the highly anticipated MCM Sleep At The ‘G event, launched at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on 29 February, is set to take place on Thursday, 16 May. A key highlight on the Victorian events calendar, this unique blend of fun and fundraising promises an unforgettable experience for all participants. Popular MC and entertainer, Geraldine Quinn, graced the launch alongside Melbourne Football Club players Sarah Lampard and Tahlia Gillard.

Footballers Tahlia Gillard and Sarah Lampard with MC/Entertainer Geraldine Quinn (middle).


Victorians are invited to embrace the power of community by registering online to sleep at the MCG, enjoying a full program of activities, entertainment and community connections. Participants – known as sleepers – will gain insights into the challenges facing young people experiencing homelessness in Victoria, hearing their stories firsthand. The event strikes a balance between awareness and enjoyment, including an outstanding lineup of live music, games, DJ, fashion parade, and exciting prizes. The night will also offer a variety of well-being activities for participants to enjoy, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Sleepers will witness the community unite in a shared desire to drive positive impact encapsulated only through the spirit that is Sleep At The ‘G. It’s an experience not to be missed.


Sean Spencer, Acting Chief Executive Officer of MCM, expressed his commitment to the cause, stating, “It’s a fun night for a serious issue. We’re proud to build on the previous success of this event again in 2024, raising awareness and embracing the power of community. I urge all Victorians to come together to be part of this memorable experience.”


Renae Johnston, MCM’s Philanthropy, Partnerships & Branding General Manager, emphasised the impact of funds raised, noting, “Funds raised from Sleep At The ‘G in 2024 will enable critical services to be provided to young people who have experienced significant trauma and homelessness. Homelessness is never a choice, but unfortunately a reality for too many young people in Victoria.”


In 2023, the collective efforts of the community and corporate sector raised an incredible $780,000, contributing to the construction of accommodation for Victoria’s homeless youth. This year, the goal is to kick the ball out of the park and raise more than $1 million!

Event details:

  • The event will be held at the MCG on Thursday 16 May 2024
  • Cost $75 Adult, $25 for 15-17 years
  • The ticket price includes entry, activities, entertainment, refreshments, prizes and lots more
  • Sleep At The ’G 2024 permits sleepers aged 15-17 years into the event with supervision from an adult parent or guardian at all times
  • Register now, or sign up your team via the website: www.SleepAtTheG.com.au
  • Round up your workmates, friends, and family to be part of Sleep At The ‘G.
  • You can contact the organisers on 1800 626 572 or events@mcm.org.au

Posted in Not for profit, Victoria0 Comments

Terry Rudolph of Psi Quantum opens up about his side hustle

Ever wondered what a Quantum Mechanics thought leader does in their spare time? They write about what they love.

Take a listen to Terry discuss his side hustle, on the Side Hustle Show Podcast with Matt Schmidt

Posted in Business & Finance, Health & Lifestyle, Money0 Comments

8 Times You Shouldn’t Cover the Financial Burden and What to Do

Tags: , , ,

No one ever said that being a responsible adult was easy. And one of the most difficult things to do is to be financially responsible. Sometimes, life throws us a curveball, and we have to cover the financial burden for someone else. This blog post will list eight times when you should not cover the financial burden and what you can do instead.

Photo by Mathieu Stern on Unsplash

When You Can’t Afford It

This is probably the most obvious one. If you can’t afford to cover the financial burden, then don’t. It’s not worth going into debt for someone else. There are other options that you can explore (which will be discussed later).

When It’s Not Your Responsibility

Just because you have the means to cover someone else’s financial burden doesn’t mean you should. If it’s not your responsibility, then don’t take on the burden. There are other people who can and should help out in this situation.

When It’s Going to Cause Strained Relationships

If covering the financial burden is going to cause strained relationships, then it’s probably not worth it. It’s important to think about how this will affect your relationship with the person in the long run. If it’s going to cause more harm than good, then you might want to reconsider.

When You’re Not Comfortable With It

If you’re not comfortable with covering the financial burden, then don’t do it. It’s important to be honest with yourself and with the person who is asking for help. There’s no shame in saying that you’re not comfortable with this situation.

When It’s Going to Put You in a Bad Position

If covering the financial burden is going to put you in a bad position, then you shouldn’t do it. This could be a bad financial decision that could affect your credit score or your ability to pay your bills. You should always think about how this will impact you before making a decision.

When It’s Not in Your Best Interest

If covering the financial burden is not in your best interest, then you shouldn’t do it. This could be a situation where you’re being taken advantage of or where you’re not going to get anything out of it. You should always think about what’s best for you before making a decision.

When You’re Not Sure

If you’re not sure about covering the financial burden, then don’t do it. It’s important to be confident in your decision. If you’re not sure, then it’s best to wait until you are before making a commitment.

When Other Actions Affected Your Health

Your health should always be a priority. If another action causes your health to be in danger, do not put yourself at financial risk to cover it. For example, if you got cancer due to AFFF exposure, you shouldn’t have to worry about the cost of treatment. The government should be taking care of that for you—research good Aqueous film forming foam lawyers to help with the process. 

These are just a few of the times when you shouldn’t cover the financial burden. There are other instances where it might not be a good idea, but these are some of the most common ones. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and say no. Covering someone else’s financial burden is a big responsibility, and it’s not something that should be taken lightly.

Posted in Business & Finance0 Comments

3 Visual Aids You Can’t Forgo in Your Life: The Essentials

Tags: , , ,

There’s no question that visuals are an important part of our lives. They can be used to inform, educate, and entertain us. In fact, research has shown that we process visual information 60,000 times faster than text. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that you have the right visuals in your life- the essentials. In this blog post, we will discuss three visual aids that you can’t forgo!

Photo by Monica Sauro on Unsplash

A Calendar

A calendar is one of the most basic and essential visual aids that you can have in your life. It can be used to keep track of important dates, events, and appointments. Having a physical calendar that you can refer to throughout the day can help ensure that you never miss an important date or event again. There are many different types of calendars available, so it’s important to choose one that best suits your needs. For example, if you have a busy schedule with many different commitments, then choosing one of the yearly planners may be a good option for you. Alternatively, if you need to keep track of dates and events for multiple people, then a family calendar might be a better choice. No matter what type of calendar you choose, make sure that it’s placed in a location where you can see it easily. This will help ensure that you always know what’s coming up next on your schedule. Here are some different types of calendars that you may want to consider:

A To-Do List

Another visual aid that can be extremely helpful in your life is a to-do list. This is a simple way to keep track of all the tasks and responsibilities that you need to take care of. Having a physical to-do list that you can refer to throughout the day can help ensure that you never forget an important task again. There are many different ways to create a to-do list, so it’s important to find a method that works best for you. For example, some people prefer to write out their lists by hand, while others prefer to use digital tools such as apps or spreadsheet programs. There is no right or wrong way to create a to-do list, so experiment with different methods until you find one that works for you. Once you have a to-do list, make sure to refer to it often. This will help ensure that you are always aware of what needs to be done and help you stay on top of your responsibilities. Here are some different ways that you can create a to-do list:

  • Write it out by hand
  • Use a digital app
  • Create a spreadsheet
  • Use sticky notes

Some popular apps for creating to-do lists include:

A Budget

If you are trying to save money or stay on top of your finances, then having a budget is an essential visual aid. This will help you track your income and expenses so that you can see where your money is going. Having a physical budget that you can refer to can also help ensure that you don’t overspend or make impulsive purchases. Some popular apps for creating a budget include:

  • Mint
  • You Need a Budget (YNAB)
  • Personal Capital
  • Goodbudget

Photo by NORTHFOLK on Unsplash

There are many different types of visual aids available, so it’s important to choose the ones that best suit your needs. Experiment with different methods and tools until you find the ones that work best for you. And don’t forget to refer to your visual aids often! They will help ensure that you stay organized and on top of your responsibilities.

Posted in Business & Finance, Health & Lifestyle0 Comments

Practical Ways To Cut Your Business’s Energy Costs

Tags: , , , ,

An Australian consumer research review reports that the annual energy usage is between 13,000 and 36,000 kilowatt-hours. This is quite high, and unfortunately, many businesses experience it. It’s possible you haven’t taken the time to identify the loopholes in your establishment’s energy consumption. As a result, the company is saddled with inconveniences like high energy bills that must be paid to avoid penalties. In monetary terms, it isn’t easy to calculate the average energy consumption cost. However, Hopefully, the tips here can help create a sustainable business.

  1. Carry out an energy audit of your business

Image Credit

As a business, conducting a cost analysis of your energy usage is vital. This is where an energy audit comes into the picture. It helps you look for ways to minimise costs by identifying deficits you may not have observed. To conduct this audit, you first need to review your current plan. As you do this, experts recommend analysing annual and seasonal trends.

According to Canstar Blue, Australia’s consumer review agency, higher consumption is recorded in summer and winter. This is largely due to increased air conditioning and heating systems, respectively. When you notice this during the audit, you can make provision for other effective strategies to reduce usage. While at it, do not forget to talk to your energy provider, check your office appliances and reassess your current lighting options.   

  1. Adopt simple energy cost-cutting measures

This includes changing normal light bulbs to LED and other energy-efficient ones. It is also advisable to check on the business’s HVAC system to ensure it’s functioning as it should. While at it, it would be great to get energy-efficient options like bi fold shutters for your office windows. According to energy conservation experts, they are excellent for reducing heat loss in winter. Additionally, they help keep the interiors cooler in warmer months. Another solution will be to resort to using office appliances with Australia’s 6-star energy efficiency ratings. These machines are excellent at reducing excessive electricity consumption.

  1. Take advantage of a hybrid working system

Image Credit

A 2022 report on the Financial Review website stated that the average Australian saved 218 AUD weekly by working from home. Meanwhile, at the height of the pandemic, businesses were reported to have saved thousands of Australian Dollars in energy costs. This shows that having fewer people at the office positively impacts energy usage. Unfortunately, not every company can have most of its workers working remotely.

This is why an alternative work schedule is recommended. A hybrid working system involves both on-premise and remote working schedules. For the best energy-saving results, this schedule should be properly managed. You can implement measures to ensure teams booked for remote work are not on-site and vice versa. Although this hybrid working system has always been around, the pandemic thrust it to the fore and made it a necessity that works well for reducing energy consumption.

As the world advances, it is necessary to be more efficient with your operations and energy consumption is one area to look at.

Posted in Business & Finance0 Comments

Making Your Business Appear More Professional

Tags: , , , ,

Making your small business appear more professional can be a challenging and intimidating task. When you know what steps to take, the entire process becomes much easier, and you may even discover that you can save some money in the process.

Photo by Tyler Franta on Unsplash

Dedicated Phone Number And Live Chat 

It’s a no-brainer to get a dedicated phone number for your business. It allows you to communicate your information without having to give them your phone number. It also ensures that you do not answer your customer’s phone call in an unprofessional manner. You can go the usual approach and get a dedicated line for your business if you like, but this isn’t your only option. You can, for example, obtain a toll-free number or perhaps even apps that create call trees.

Another thing to consider is click4assistance uk live chat software provider for business. Many people are now shopping online, therefore you should make sure you appeal to their preferred method of communication. Live chat is an effective and simple way to communicate with your online customers. 

Get A PO Box

It’s time to divide your personal and work lives. When you have a PO box, you will be able to create your mailing address. You will also feel more assured knowing that any shipments you receive are safe, which can improve the entire service you provide to your consumers. Many places will also provide you with 24-hour access, which is quite convenient if you work long hours.

Get A Domain Name

You require a simple method for people to remember you. Many services will allow you to design your free domain name. The issue is that you will very certainly include their site name in your URL as well. If you want to seem more professional when marketing, you must pay to get this removed. You should also keep your domain name brief and sweet, with no spelling mistakes. Sure, having a distinctive or trendy URL for your site seems fine on paper, but will people remember it? Most likely not.

Get A Business Email Accounts

Gmail and even Yahoo are fine for emailing friends and family, but when it comes to your consumers, you must remain professional and ensure that your branding is constant. If you want to accomplish all of this, consider using your domain name. Your customers will understand that your email is linked to your website and that they are speaking with someone from the same firm.

Use Business Cards

Business cards are an excellent technique to increase word-of-mouth promotion. It’s a simple investment that may pay off big time, not to mention that getting them designed online is now easier than ever. You may save money by printing them manually, but you should avoid doing so if at all feasible. Keep in mind that your version will never look as wonderful as a professionally printed one.

These tips should help your business to appear more professional. Do you use any other techniques? Please share them in the comments below.

Posted in Business & Finance0 Comments

3 Marketing Tips To Get Noticed

Tags: , , ,

You started your company to bring your goods or services to the consumer market. You intended to share with the world your unique concept while providing them with a positive experience. All of that sounds wonderful on the surface, but you have to reach your customer base to be productive and achieve your goals. Luckily, there are several ways to market your business.

Image Credit

Letterbox Drops

While some may think that regular mail is a thing of the past, consider your perceptions when you receive real mail. The feeling of holding something tangible in your hand is unique. Being able to review it, front and back, and then revisit it at a later date affects people. Mail is front of mind and cannot be closed away in an inbox or quickly deleted. 

This is why letterbox drops are an effective way to market your business to consumers. The mailers and flyers are easy to put up on the fridge or around the house as a reminder to use your company when they need it. When the advertisements are eye-catching, they can entice the recipient to go to you for service or purchase. One of the main reasons you should use letterbox drops is their ability to reach a broad consumer audience with ease.

Blogging

Once you have established your website, it is helpful to add content. Everywhere you look today, there are articles and How-Tos with suggestions that you never even knew you needed. By adding a blog to your company’s site, you can create content and instructions that pertain directly to your business. Generate articles that inform people about your products and how to use them, along with tips and tricks that will be useful.

Blogging can be a boon to your business. Reach out to competitors or companies with similar values to your own. Become collaborative and partner with others to showcase each other’s respective products. Highlight unique ways to use the goods that will benefit the reader and keep them returning to your site. Show them that you are an expert in your field.

Here is a video showing you how to get traffic to your blog for greater exposure.

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/SwksMt9mE6Y” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>

Read Reviews

When customers review your products, they generally do so on a variety of online platforms. This can range from your company website, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook, to everything in between. People can praise your product or throw it under the proverbial rug. If you have an employee in charge of social media, they are the best one to handle this role.

Reading customer reviews is more than looking them over. The first step is to find the reviews online and read them all. Ask your employee to respond to each review on every platform. The positive reviews deserve appreciation and thanks. The negative reviews can include a call to action for the reviewer to contact your company for assistance, a replacement, or a refund depending on the circumstances. Always be positive and thank people for their purchase, regardless of the outcome. The personal touch of responding to reviews shows consumers that you care enough to give them attention and acknowledgment. 

Image Credit

Be creative and get noticed by putting your business directly in the hands of consumers. Market your company effectively. Thank customers and reach out to resolve problems whenever they arise.

Posted in Business & Finance, PR & Marketing1 Comment

How to Improve the Sustainability of Your Business

Tags: , ,

In recent years, sustainability has seen a huge boost in the public eye. Climate change has plagued the world for decades now, but people are taking it increasingly seriously in every aspect of their lives.

Customers and governments alike are favoring businesses that can prove that they are sustainable. This means that a sustainable business is a healthy business. Sustainable practices usually have a higher up-front cost than other methods, but they can be as good for your wallet in the long run as they are for the environment. This means that companies have even more motivation to switch to a greener way of doing business.

Reducing Utilities

One great method to kill two birds with one stone is to reduce the utility usage of your business property. This saves on utility costs and can help the environment. There are a few methods to go about this.

First, ensure that your property is well maintained. Any breakages or wear and tear can result in higher utility bills. For example, if the doors and windows are old or damaged, they are less efficient at keeping the heat in. This means that your heating system will use more energy to maintain the temperature. A dripping faucet will waste plenty of water.

Another option is to reduce the amount of energy that your business uses by getting rid of wasteful practices. Use smart thermometers and turn off devices and lights when they aren’t being used. If your business uses a lot of power, then switch to green energy. Some companies use a commercial solar system to generate green electricity.

Remote Working

Since 2020, remote working has taken the world by storm. But a surprising benefit to remote working is that it is usually less harmful to the environment than people commuting to the office. Cutting the commute plays a large role in this, as driving vehicles is a massive contributor to pollution and climate change.

As well as cutting the commute, people use less power at home than they do in the office. As you’d expect, this reduces your costs as well. However, remote working can improve morale as well.

While some workers prefer the office, many appreciate the option to work from home. Some companies have taken to offering remote working options for their employees, only allowing them to be in the office part of the time. True, some industries require employees to be physically present, but there may be room for flexibility.

Getting Involved in Charity

Another way to improve morale and help the environment is to get involved in charity. This could be as simple as donating funds to a green charity or may require getting more involved. Some companies offer promotions where part of the profits go to charity, while others give employees opportunities to volunteer for events.

Getting involved in charity also looks good. Customers, clients, and shareholders all look favorably on companies that make an effort to get involved and help others. This markets your brand and makes it far more attractive.

Posted in Business & Finance0 Comments

How Can You Improve Your Online Business’s Delivery Process?

Tags: , , , , ,

Image Credit

There is no denying that online retail enjoyed a huge boom in Australia and worldwide due to the pandemic. According to Statista data, this rise in online clients saw retail sales account for more than 15% of the total retail market in Australia by September 2021. If you run a local online business, you have an even massive opportunity to boost sales if you offer local delivery straight to customers. However, it is prudent to deliver to clients without taking on unnecessary risks and expenses or harming the customer experience. Here are some of the best ways to improve your online company’s delivery processes.

  1. Prevent package damage

Customers have the luxury of spotting damages when purchasing items in-store. However, they can’t physically inspect goods before buying them from online stores, leaving this quality control aspect entirely in your hands. Therefore, it will be a real disappointment for them to receive goods damaged during the delivery process. It is no secret that packages can become damaged due to water exposure, improper handling, and other factors during delivery. Luckily, you can take effective measures such as wrapping every item, selecting the right box size, and affixing a “Fragile” shipping label on the boxes containing delicate products. Galvanised trailers from manufacturers like Big Man Trailers can also help you keep products safe during deliveries by vehicle, so keep this in mind.

  1. Prioritise delivery speed

A recent survey of Australian consumers revealed that 27% would not buy from a retailer again if they didn’t receive their package in time for the then-upcoming Christmas holidays. Late deliveries ruin the customer experience, so you should do all you can to optimise delivery speed. You can readily achieve this by reducing behind-the-scenes paperwork, remaining organised with your inventory, and setting clear expectations with clients before the sale to give you accountability. Fast deliveries can readily lead to positive customer reviews on your website, making your online products more attractive.

  1. Communicate effectively

Time seems to slow down when you expect a package, so clients are usually tense during the delivery process. Therefore, keeping them in the dark regarding their delivery is one of the worst things you can do as an online business. Consequently, rely on various automation tools to let clients know when their packages are dispatched and the best time to expect their driver. This way, they are less likely to constantly reach out to your store to ask where their products are.

  1. Simplify your delivery options

It is tempting to provide a handful of delivery options when running an online business. However, too many options can cause confusion and human error, resulting in avoidable shipping delays. Consequently, simplifying your shipping options is the first step to improving your delivery strategy. Delivery within the neighbourhood,  county, or state, shipping from one state to another, and international shipping are excellent examples of simplified delivery options. Simplified delivery alternatives help narrow down your list of preferred logistic partners. Indeed, you can simply employ one carrier for state-wide deliveries, leave inter-state deliveries to another, and find an international logistics partner to handle international shipping.

Posted in Business & Finance0 Comments

How Your Business Can Leverage A Connected Digital Worker Strategy

Tags: , , , ,

The past couple of years has seen many businesses adopt various digital solutions to navigate the business world’s challenges. Businesses have had to resort to remote working solutions to minimise physical contact as much as possible. The traditional working environment is becoming outdated, with digital work solutions taking over. This means there is a need for effective mobile communication, especially among frontline and remote workers. And this is where a connected worker strategy comes in. Here are some ways you can use this strategy to improve your business. 

  1. Keep your frontline workers connected on the go

Image Credit

Frontline workers are employees in an organisation who need to show up physically to their jobs. They include factory workers, retail associates, site workers, customer service reps, and nurses. Unfortunately, in most cases, most of these workers feel out of the loop with no clear perception of their company’s direction. Of course, they show up and do their jobs as required, but they also deserve access to the same digital productivity tools and cloud collaboration your in-office workers enjoy. That will also help them improve their daily functions and even stay connected with management. For example, with digital solutions or apps like Claris Filemaker Go, site workers can update project status and tasks lists from the site to keep everyone up to date and on track.  

  1. Enhance cybersecurity through a central communication channel

Remote and frontline workers can easily resort to insecure communication platforms and unapproved messaging apps for various work-related communications. This can easily put your company’s data security at risk, as unapproved communication channels are easy to hack. Already cybercrime is costing businesses millions of dollars each year. 

  1. Reduce downtime on maintenance and operations

Various forms of operational interruptions and unexpected downtimes can negatively affect your business’s revenue. You can use a connected worker strategy to minimise this by leveraging mobile devices to boost efficiency. For example, replacing lost labour and training new employees can cause operational downtimes. Here, a connected digital strategy can fill any skills gap by making every important training material available and accessible online or on cloud solutions. That means a new employee can access all the knowledge needed without going through time-consuming training programs. This solution can also help boost the capacity of an inexperienced workforce, which means you’ll reduce the risks of costly mistakes and even improve safety. 

  1. Create a more productive and effective remote workforce

Image Credit

The more connected your remote workers feel to your business can enhance their productivity and effectiveness. Their productivity can have a massive impact on your company’s bottom line. Use a connected digital worker strategy to keep your remote workers better connected to enhance collaboration and improve innovation. Ensure that every remote worker has an open line of communication and can access essential tools and files from a central digital or cloud platform. But, as stated earlier, only use secure and approved communication platforms.

Implementing a connected digital worker strategy is important to ensure your business’s productivity, efficiency, and growth. Fortunately, these tips should put you on the right track to creating an effective strategy.

Posted in Business & Finance0 Comments

5 Ways To Give Your Employees The Best Chance Of Success

Tags: , , , ,

Image – Pixabay CC0 Licence

As a business owner, you quickly learn that leading your team is the most important responsibility of all. After all, there is only so much that you can achieve in your direct workflows. Improving the output of your workforce on an individual and collective basis is key. It can transform the culture and future of your business.

So, what are the best ways to help your employees achieve more? Here’s all you need to know.

Be A Confident Leader

You cannot expect employees to perform if you do not lead by example. Therefore, finding your strong and powerful voice in business should be a priority. Likewise, you must show your competence in business every single day. When this is combined with strong employer-employee links, it will lay the foundation for a successful team. The benefits can be enjoyed for years to come.

Employees will look to bosses for reassurance. If you’re a great leader yourself, it can only have a positive impact.

Invest In Strong Project Managers

Your overall leadership is vita. Still, you must remember that juniper staff will primarily deal with team leaders and project managers. Sending your PMs on a Prince2 foundation course will help them take a scalable approach to project management. In turn, this will aid workflows and ensure that all employees are on the same wavelength. Crucially, the agile approach means that situations can evolve too.

If nothing else, having the best senior staff members at your disposal will deliver peace of mind. You can then complete your tasks without mental disruptions.

Image – Pixabay CC0 Licence

Promote Wellness

It’s important to remember that your workers are human. If they are not looked after from a human perspective, their productivity levels can suffer. Encouraging screen breaks and regular hydration will keep them physically and mentally engaged. Meanwhile, you should consider the importance of mental health first aid in the modern workplace. After all, stress and anxiety are more common than ever.

A happy and health workforce is a better workforce. Better still, colleagues can inspire each other to improve their performance levels.

Provide The Right Tools

Building a positive company culture is a great starting point, especially when coupled with the right people. Nonetheless, it will be necessary to ensure that workers are supported by the best equipment too. Outdated systems will restrict their ability to perform at the desired speeds. It can also harm their motivation levels. You can also ask them what software and hardware would make their lives easier.

Aside from directly supporting their workflows, it can be a great way to make workers feel valued as employees. 

Be Flexible

If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that flexibility is vital. Without it, unforeseen circumstances can destroy your venture. Implementing cloud-based software and tools can be particularly useful. It means that some employees can work from home when ill or unable to commute. It may not seem like an overly important feature, but it prevents unscheduled downtime or the need for agency staff. This will aid productivity and your budget.

As a business owner, it’s also a small way of improving the working conditions for your employees without major investments or sacrifices.

Posted in Business & Finance1 Comment

Why Is Your Marketing Strategy Not Delivering The Goods

Tags: , ,

Once you’ve set up a marketing strategy, you might find that it’s not delivering the results that you hoped for. If that’s the case, then it’s important to ensure that you take the right steps to correct the situation. These are some of the key reasons why your marketing strategy might not be carrying you home. 

Pexels CCO License

You’ve Hired The Wrong Team 

Your business will only be as strong as the team holding it up. If you fail to hire the right people for the job then this could cause you to lose money. It is essential you put in lots of time and effort to find the right people to work for you. This includes putting what qualities, skills, and qualifications you want them to possess on the job advert. 

Alternatively, you could use the help of a recruitment agency to find the right people for you. This ensures you get good quality workers while still having time to focus on the task at hand. 

Don’t forget, it’s always smart to bring in outside eyes to help you boost your marketing strategy. A small business marketing consultant will ensure that you can explore new ideas and angles with your marketing or promotion that could be incredibly successful. 

You Haven’t Completed Enough Research 

Another point to consider is whether or not you have completed enough research at the start of your business life. If you are marketing your company, then you need to know exactly who your target audience is and what they are interested in. By knowing this key information, you’ll be able to explore their pain points and what makes them tick. This is the best way to ensure that you have success marketing to your specific audience. If you don’t complete the right research, the demand simply isn’t going to be viable. 

You’re Not Thinking Outside The Box 

Next, you need to make sure that you are going beyond the basics when marketing your business. It’s easy to stay in the box with basic strategies but if you can go further than this, you are always going to see greater results. For instance, you might want to look at guerilla marketing strategies. Or, you could even use influencers to help take your brand further than before. 

You’ve Got Bad Reviews 

Finally, it’s possible that the reason your marketing strategy is failing is due to the fact that your company has a lot of negative reviews. To deal with this, we recommend that you think about responding to the reviews instead of ignoring them. If you ignore negative reviews, it’s like a gaping wound. It will continue to impact customers and ultimately it’s going to lead to you losing a lot of future sales. Indeed, research shows that 80% of customers now check reviews before they even think about committing to a purchase of a product or service. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key points that you should consider when you are building the right marketing strategy for your business.

Posted in Business & Finance, PR & Marketing1 Comment

4 Reasons Why Every Business Should Use ID Cards

Tags: , , ,

Almost every business, regardless of size, has a need for employee ID cards. There are many reasons why ID cards are important, but some of the most important reasons are security and identification. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of employee ID cards and why your business should start using them today!

Image Source – Pixabay CCO License

Increase Security

One of the most important reasons to use employee ID cards is for security purposes. ID cards can help you to control who has access to certain areas of your business and they can also help you to track employees. Investing in access control solutions and ID cards means that you know exactly who can and cannot gain access to the building. If somebody does not have an ID card, they can be easily escorted out by security.

ID cards also help to deter crime. If a criminal knows that your business uses ID cards, they are less likely to target your business. This is because they know that it will be more difficult for them to gain access to the building and they also know that you will be able to identify them easily if they do.

Give People A Sense Of Identity In The Company

Another reason to use employee ID cards is because it can give people a sense of identity in the company. When employees have an ID card, they feel like they are part of something larger and they feel more invested in their work. This can lead to increased morale and productivity levels.

ID cards also help to build team unity. When people see each other’s ID cards, they are reminded that they are all working towards the same goal. This can help to foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork within the company.

Improve Customer Relations

Making personal connections with customers is the best way to build relationships with them and foster trust. Something as simple as knowing somebody’s name can make a big difference in how you interact with them.

If you require employees to wear ID cards, customers will be able to see their name and title easily. This makes it easier for employees to strike up conversations with customers and build relationships with them. Customers will also appreciate knowing that they can easily identify who they need to speak to if they have any questions or concerns.

Ensure Employee Accountability

Another important reason to use employee ID cards is because it can help to ensure employee accountability. When employees know that their name and photo are on their ID card, they are less likely to engage in activities that could jeopardize their job.

ID cards can also be used to track employee time and attendance to ensure people are not turning up late or missing work. This information can also be very useful if there are problems with internal theft, for example.

In conclusion, employee ID cards are a must for your business. They offer many benefits and can help to improve the security, unity, and customer relations of your company. If you have not already started using ID cards, we recommend that you do so today!

Posted in Business & Finance0 Comments

A big deal in company podcasting

Tags: , , ,

Podcasting is sweeping the corporate world, as customers, employees and investors demand more convenient and compelling methods of engagement.

Company Podcasting an industry leader, has flagged a massive shift in how companies around the world are embracing podcasts to engage their stakeholders.

Many companies have considered podcasting, but they find it difficult to produce, find an owner, or find a compelling host – this is where Company Podcasting leads the pack – it’s hosts are bachelor degree educated, and non-executive directors of Australian companies – they speak your language, they put your executive and leadership teams at ease, and they stay on script.

As stakeholder groups around the world fragment, the value of podcasting is beginning to be embraced and realised.

Traditionally communicating with investors is poorly done and has little cut through. Investors know they are reading highly polished content that in all likelihood has been written to avoid litigation and meet minimum disclosure requirements – investors know this, that’s why the open rates on investor emails are at an all time low.

However, putting on some headphones and having the CEO or chairperson directly talking to you, you can hear their intonation and character – you get a sense of their authenticity, their drive, and you are maximising all of your leaders skills to deliver a highly targeted message directly to your target audience – and the audiences are listening.

Audiences (and workplaces) love podcasts because unlike video they can continue working – either listening through headphones, their phone, in the car, or with a google/apple/amazon smart speaker.

Podcasts are also a lot easier and cheaper to produce than full video – and those being interviewed for a podcast don’t have to worry about what they look like, and worry about all the visual components of the podcast.

Editing a podcasting to ensure consistent corporate messaging is also much easier – Company Podcasting provide unlimited edits with each podcast – you can’t easily edit a video mid sentence – you can with audio – we have the technology to stitch conversations together that provide clear and consistent messaging – that meet all of your compliance needs.

Company podcasting even provide full transcripts that you can post to stock exchanges to meet your continual disclosure requirements.

Lastly – Company Podcasting will split your podcast into 10-30 sound bites – this gives you endless opportunities to spread the one recording into many social media streams – think linkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok – you can achieve all of this without the burn out!

Whatever your stakeholder group – www.CompanyPodcasting.com is a global leader and can deliver high quality, fully hosted, fully edited, compliant, compelling and professional podcasts in lightening speeds at a fraction of the price of traditional stakeholder messaging.

The world is changing, so should your communications.

Posted in Business & Finance, PR & Marketing, Small Business, Technology0 Comments

Making Your Warehouse Environment So Much More Productive

Tags: , , ,

https://unsplash.com/photos/BNBA1h-NgdY

If you have a warehouse or factory environment to run, then you’ll know all about the kinds of work that needs to be done in order to keep it functioning properly. We all dream of productivity day-in-day-out, but it doesn’t always come about as we’d like it to. When we have all kinds of machinery and equipment to take care of and a lot of different jobs to finish, things can get a little awkward. Anyone who has had things pile up in the past will know how frustrating it can be. 

Making a warehouse environment a lot more productive and smooth, however, isn’t as difficult as it might seem. When you have lots going on, the idea of making things flow better might be a little tedious. Here are a few things that can be done, though: 

Ensure Everything Is Organized And Tidied

You simply just cannot work well in a workspace that is all over the place. Everyone needs to know where everything is located so that they can get things done properly. It’s also imperative that the warehouse isn’t caked in clutter and all kinds of different items. A clear workspace allows for a clear mind. 

Hire People Who Have The Right Personality And Attitude 

It’s not just about the qualifications and the experience. People need to have the right attitude when working towards certain goals and working with certain people. If you have tension in the air or people with terrible attitudes each day, then things won’t get done as well as you’d like. 

Bring In Fresh, Modern Equipment And Apparatus 

Using old equipment or simply relying on bodies would not allow you to get things done as quickly as you’d like. There are so many new products and services around that can allow you to get things done smoothly and without a fuss. Look at the kinds of products that Robotunits provide and see what you could be working with. It’s 2022, so you have to use a little initiative and work smarter – you may fall behind otherwise.  

Ensure Your Location Is Accessible In The First Place  

If you have a workplace that employees and contacts alike can get to easily, then it makes the majority of the work so much easier. An accessible home in the right area can make a world of difference. Also think about making sure the workplace is easy to get around, too. These kinds of problems exist in so many companies.

Make Sure You Have Up To Date Technology And Systems 

In order to keep things flowing as well as you’d like, you need to make sure that you have the right kind of technology and software on your side. Competitors will be able to possess the right things so you’ll need to make sure you’re keeping up or you will fall behind. From things like CAD software/hardware to continuity systems that limit downtime, you’ll need to make sure you have them on board. Even aspects such as project management programs will be necessary. 

Posted in Business & Finance0 Comments

Why Your Business Cannot Afford To Miss Out On Online Marketing

Tags: , ,

The internet plays a part in everyday life and more importantly, it is influencing consumer behaviour like never before. The internet has changed how customers shop, how they find services and how they connect with businesses. As a result, online marketing has become one of the most effective tools when it comes to business promotion. Online marketing can result in greater lead generation, attracting new customers and increased visibility and awareness of your brand. If that is not enough to convince you of the importance of online marketing then consider these reasons below.

Photo credit; Tracy Le Blanc from Pexels

The competition will be online 

You might not be using online marketing but you can be sure your competitors are and you will be losing out to them. If the competitive world of retail has taught business owners anything is that if they fail to adapt, evolve and keep up with the changing times and technology they will lose out and someone will take their place. The best thing you can do to keep up with the pace is to create an online presence, whether that is a website, e-commerce store, or social media account. You need to define a space for business to be visible online. 

You will be wasting money 

Traditionally marketers would look to magazines, newspapers, or TV ads as a means of advertising. However, these traditional methods of marketing are on the decline because they are not having the desired effect they once had. Print newspaper and magazine sales are down and younger generations prefer to stream digital entertainment. While there is still a market for some advertisers to go down the more traditional route for many it will be a wasted expense. Online marketing methods such as content writing, SEO, and social media marketing have all generated incredibly successful proven results, which leaves businesses wondering if their marketing budget is better spent on a Facebook ads agency over a TV commercial. 

It gives you direct access to the right people

Again this is where online marketing is more advantageous than the traditional marketing methods. Marketing methods such as radio adverts, TV adverts or print adverts have the potential to reach hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people. While that sounds great the reality is an overwhelming majority of the people who saw your marketing campaign simply won’t care about it. Yes you may be casting a huge net but the quality of your catch is severely compromised. Whereas online marketing is so sophisticated that it can allow you not only to potentially reach hundreds of thousands of people but importantly you will be reaching the right people. People who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer and in turn are more likely to purchase from you. Online marketing allows you to target the people you want to see your ads, the ones who will benefit from it by clever algorithms and cookie tracking, you just need to know how to do it.

Posted in Business & Finance1 Comment

11 Easy Ways And Tips To Generate Additional Income

Tags: , , ,

No matter how well you plan, there will always be times when your regular income just isn’t enough. That’s why it’s important to have a backup plan – a way to bring in extra money when you need it.

Image Credit

Here are 11 easy ways and tips to generate a second income:

1. Start a side hustle

A side hustle is a great way to bring in extra money, and there are lots of options to choose from. You could start a blog, do freelance work, or sell items online.

2. Rent out a room in your house

If you have an extra room in your house, you can rent it out to a lodger for a second income. You can even appoint a company that does short term rental property management to keep an eye on things for you.

3. Get a part-time job

If you already work full-time, taking on a part-time job is an easy way to bring in some extra money. Go for something that uses your existing skills or abilities – you could teach swimming lessons, fix computers, or provide customer support from home.

4. Invest in stocks or shares

Investing in stocks or shares can be a great way to bring in extra income, but it’s important to do your research first. Talk to an investment advisor to find out what type of investment is right for you.

5. Start a small business

If you have some entrepreneurial spirit, starting your own small business could be a great way to bring in extra income. You could sell handmade items online, do odd jobs around the neighbourhood, or provide a service like pet-sitting.

6. Sell unwanted items

One of the easiest ways to generate a second income is to sell unwanted items online or at a garage sale.

7. Use a cashback credit card

A cashback credit card is a great way to bring in extra money, as you can earn rewards for every purchase you make. Make sure to compare different cards before you choose one, and always pay off your balance in full each month.

8. Don’t forget to pay yourself

Even though you might be bringing in extra money each month, it’s important to set some aside for savings. This will help ensure that you have enough money to cover all of your expenses if your regular income is reduced unexpectedly.

9. Get creative

There are lots of other ways to bring in extra money, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Think about what skills you have that could be used to generate income – like designing websites or tutoring students.

10. Stay motivated

It can be hard to stay motivated when you’re trying to bring in extra money, even though it’s important. Try setting a goal for yourself and staying focused on that goal until you achieve it.

11. Don’t give up!

If one method isn’t working for you, try another one and don’t give up! It may take some time, but eventually you’ll find something that works for you.

There You Have It

No matter how you choose to generate a second income, you’ll need to take the proper steps to make it successful. Always research your options and follow the relevant laws in your country before you get started!

Posted in Business & Finance, Money0 Comments

Tips on How To Improve Employees’ Productivity

Tags: , , , ,

Image Credits

Employee productivity is an assessment of the efficiency of a worker or workers. It is measured by the amount of work an employee can produce in a certain period. For example, in companies, employee productivity is calculated based on the amount of output on a project versus the time it takes to complete it.

When you measure employees’ productivity, you know how efficient employees are for a particular task. Much success of an organization depends on the productivity of its employees. This blog post will discuss tips on improving your employee productivity.

You Should Ensure Employees Are Happy

Your employees portray the company’ image. You should always ensure that your employees are happy and comfortable. Employees are happy to work on pay, but what makes them happier is feeling like part of the company. 

You can often be taking your employees on outside office activities. Activities outside the office enable employees to break the monotony of working and always be enclosed at the office. You can take them out for team building activities to bond and socialize away from the office. You can search for practical team building activities that can benefit your workforce on www.hiddendoor.com.au. Indulging in suitable team bonding activities promotes company teamwork, which reflects the overall improvement in the company’s productivity.

Encourage Your Employees on Healthy Ways of Living

Personal employees’ lives have a significant impact on the company’s progress. You should, therefore, ensure you keep advising your employees on healthy ways of living.

You can even get them an advisor to talk to them. In addition, encourage your employees to indulge in things that can build their energy levels. When employees are motivated, the energy is also transferred to productivity.

Communicate Clear Company Goals and Targets

Once you employ every employee, it is vital to take them through the company mission, vision and goals. Then, once you assign them roles, they can work towards the goals and targets. Employees tend to be more productive when they have clear and defined plans.

Direct managers are pioneers to employees. They are the ones that guide employees to move in the right direction. Therefore, managers’ expectations should be clear because they significantly impact employees’ productivity.

Always Celebrate Success

Well, who does not want to be recognized? Every person would like to feel recognized and appreciated. You should therefore ensure you appraise and motivate your employees. When successfully achieving the set goals, always incentivize them and celebrate them. 

Celebrating your employees gives them a sense of belonging and motivation, which improves their productivity.

You can also check out other ways of making sure your business becomes successful so that you can have more celebratory moments.

Provide Employees With Technology

The entire world is moving the modern way, where almost everything is being made more accessible through technology. However, your company should not be left behind. You should, therefore, provide your employees with technology in terms of knowledge and operations to ensure productivity improvement.

In conclusion, intelligent employers collaborate with their employees to ensure high productivity. Leaders lead by example. Therefore employers should be ready to do the hard work and make sure employees are in their best position to improve productivity. They ought to start from the recruitment process to assign tasks to employees and lastly to appreciation, which all lead to the company’s productivity.

Posted in Business & Finance2 Comments

How To Go About Getting Equipment For Your Business

Tags: , ,

When you own a business, you are responsible for making sure that everyone has the right equipment. There are so many things that you are going to need to make this possible and it’s true to say that there are some things that are more important than others. In this article though, we’re going to be focusing on how to go about getting this equipment for your business and the steps that you should take to do this. Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

Credit Link – CC0 Licence

Make A List

The first thing that you should be doing is making a list. On this list, you should have everything that you think you are going to need to provide for the product or service that you provide to be of the highest possible quality. One you have a piece of equipment, you can tick it off of the list, ensuring that you are not missing a single thing from your company. It makes for a far more efficient process, and doesn’t leave you feeling confused about what you do and what you don’t have.

Remember that it depends what industry you are in as to what you are going to need. For example, you might need a telescope if you work in the dental industry, or you might need a huge piece of machinery if you are doing some heavy work.

Set A Budget

Once you have made a list of all of the things you need, you’re going to need to set a budget. At the end of the day, you have got to spend what you have got to spend to get the right equipment. However, having a budget should be able to keep you on the right kind of track so that you are not blowing through money when there is no need to. Of course, there are always going to be things that are more expensive and those that are cheaper, so do your research and work out which fits best with your budget.

Look At Potential Suppliers

The final thing that we are going to say is that you then need to start looking at potential suppliers. Find someone that has good reviews from previous customers, that offers you a price you like without being too expensive, and that is able to provide you with what you need. You don’t want a company that is known for swapping items they don’t have with others that they think you will like as if it’s not what you ordered, it’s not what you want.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you are going to need to do in order to go about getting equipment for your business. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you now know some of the things that you need to do in order to get the right equipment for your business.

Posted in Business & Finance0 Comments

The Art Of Smoothly Adopting Compliance Measures

Tags: , , ,

Pexels – CC0 License

No matter what industry or market you operate within, it’s essential to keep a close eye on the compliance therein. For instance – Biden’s recent cybersecurity executive order has increased the strict number of stipulations required for companies that take on government contracts, as well as the managed IT services that fuel them. This renewed legislation is intended to standardize and more effectively interlink stronger cybersecurity measures and protocols, allowing for a better approach going forward.

As such, many companies are pouring over the documentation and making adjustments as necessary, hoping to prepare for the time when this is enshrined into law. This pertinent example is hardly the only one however, nor is it the first time where compliance and legislation has become more essential to deal with. If you find that you need to make sure your project plans are properly curated, it’s important to know how to adhere to this process without having to work on revisions, have projects denied flatly, or tangle with compliance measures in confusion. In this post, we’ll discuss how to do that:

Define By Your Industry

It’s important to define what compliance you need to follow by the industry you’re in, and the location that industry operates in. For instance, food manufacturing standards are very different in the US and the EU, where GMO products are largely accepted in the former, and often restricted in the latter. Reading into that particular legislation, and the legislation of adjacent industries you work with, will ensure your informed approach.

Use Essential Consultants

Consultants that have a wide understanding of local legislation, restrictions, and how to optimize project planning are worth their weight in gold. For instance, town planning services that can manage projects and keep you updated with essential reporting is key if you hope to invest in property development, understand the necessities of an area, and more easily interface with the housing authority of such an area. Without this, all that work has to be done from scratch.

Keep Up On The News

Industries, markets, and regulations change over time. Keeping up on the trends and news from your industry will help you forecast and prepare for different compliance measures that may not only be implemented, but pondered, put forward, and tested in a trial run. An approach like that can help you ensure your business thrives more capably, without any compliance measure having to hit you unawares.

Your Professional Candor

Of course, your professional candor as a business may help you with inspections, applications, reports, and official communications between governmental departments defining and enforcing compliance and your business in general. A careful willingness to be thoroughly communicative during issues noted via an inspection may help you avoid a penalty and give you some leeway to make changes, for instance, or how transparent you are will allow regulators to trust your firm more responsibly. We must do everything we can to stand up and take responsibility as a firm, rather than seeing compliance as a painful chore to uphold.

With this advice, you’re sure to smoothly adopt and maintain compliance measures from now into the future.

Posted in Business & Finance0 Comments

  7 Reasons to Subscribe

Subscribe via: (Email / RSS)