Business

When undergoing the task of professional resume writing, there are certain rules you should follow. Obviously you should avoid spelling and grammar mistakes at all costs, but that’s not all you need to do. It turns out, there are actually quite a few rules to follow when writing the perfect resume. Here’s what they are.

No First Person Pronouns

Your resume should not include words like “I” or “me” or “my”. This is a common mistake, which is completely understandable since you’re resume is in fact all about you. But even so, do your best to avoid first person pronouns at all costs. Instead of saying, “I managed all major advertising accounts within the firm,” keep it short with “Managed all major advertising accounts”.

Always Send As a PDF

When you send your resume out with your application, you should always send it as a PDF file. Don’t send it as a Word document – or God forbid a Google Docs page. When you send it as a PDF, you’ll just be sending an image of the resume rather than a document that contains all the text. This ensures that the people reading view it in exactly the same format as it is intended to be seen.

Don’t Ignore the Labeling

When you send the PDF document, you might not realize that the person opening the file can see what that file is labeled as. Perhaps you’ve saved your resume as “My KickAss Resume” and didn’t realize that this named remained as the label until after the fact. Always label your resume as something professional, like First Name Last Name Resume.pdf.

Readability is Key (and So Is Consistency)

Delivering a resume that is easy to read is essential. Readability is determined by a few things, including word choice, sentence structure, and overall flow. There are certain tools you can use to rank your resume’s readability before you send out the final draft. One of these is called Readability Score, which will actually give you a score on how readable the content is and tell you how to improve it.

One of the main causes of low readability is inconsistency in verb tense. Do your best to stay consistent throughout the page by keeping the verb tense the same. Also, stay consistent with other factors as well, like font, bolded words, and structure.

Drop Names (and Titles) Like It’s Your Job

This is your ultimate chance to brag (that’s essentially all that a resume is). If you received a promotion at your last job where you got the chance to work directly with the CEO, don’t be afraid to mention that person’s name. This will resonate well with any potential employer and also show that you’re confident.

However, keep in mind that references aren’t necessary for applying to jobs. There is only so much available on that tiny 8 ½ x 11” page, so don’t waste the space with reference. You can always include them afterwards after your resume has been looked over.

Who knew there were so many rules to writing a resume?! As long as you stick to these, your resume will be within the top contenders for any job you apply for.

 

Effective communication can make or break a company. It’s often the difference between a positive and negative customer experience. With small business owners juggling ten roles at once and working long hours, it can be easy to lose focus on the importance of keeping communication lines open, which is one of the reasons it is vital to streamline processes as much as possible. Here are five essential strategies for small business:

Communicate via the Cloud

If you don’t have a technological background, you may not be aware of the advantages of moving to an Internet-based phone system. You may have heard terms like “Broadsoft hosted PBX” and “hosted private branch exchange” thrown around, but what does it all mean? In simple terms, an internet-based phone system or hosted PBX means your business phone system is hosted on the cloud, just like moving from Microsoft Office to Office 365. With a cloud-based system, you don’t have to pay for, install, and update hardware – this happens automatically over the internet. It also allows you to access your business phone system anywhere, anytime, with advanced security so that no one will be able to tell whether you are taking a call on the road, from your lounge at home, or the office.

Create an Open Forum for Employees

Keeping internal lines of communication open helps to make employees feel valued and recognized. It also creates a culture of team spirit, accountability, and improved efficiency. Many organizations have moved away from email as a primary communication tool and are using chat programs for a more immediate and less formal option. Responding promptly to questions and queries will help keep the business running smoothly and minimize roadblocks, delays, and frustrations. Try WhatsApp, Slack, or Microsoft Teams.

Encourage Feedback

Actively request and respond to feedback, both internally and externally. The best way to grow, learn, and improve as a company is to identify the pain points and strengths of your business and use this information when making decisions and creating plans going forward. To streamline business feedback, consider surveying your customers every quarter, assigning accountability for reviewing and responding to online reviews, and holding a monthly meeting with staff members to throw ideas around.

Listen and Be Present

We are always overwhelmed with distractions in our everyday lives – email notifications, texts, phone calls, suddenly remembering something we forgot to do, thinking ahead to what is next on our agenda. It can be challenging to switch all of the distractions off and focus entirely on the conversation and issue at hand. However, being present and listening and responding to the discussion at hand is an essential skill for excellent communication and often helps you get to the crux of the issue more quickly and effectively. Practicing mindfulness will help you to quiet your racing mind and focus on each task individually, which in term will help you to be more productive and minimize errors.

Finesse your Filing System

Gone are the days of employing a great receptionist with a stellar filing system, who could magically produce the right document at the drop of a hat from the paper archives. You need to implement a simple and intuitive filing system. Make sure that you have both a consistent file naming strategy and a folder structure that everyone understands and follows.

Setting up robust systems and processes is vital to streamlining communications for your business, so make it a priority.

 

Multitasking has always been a quality required of employees at work. But what if we told you that does not always have to be the case? Being an efficient employee is what matters most, and they do not multitask to the point of exhaustion. Efficiency should also apply to appliances in the office, as they take more energy when not utilised properly. Learn how to increase energy efficiency in the office in five straightforward ways.

Change utility provider

If it is not working out with your utility provider, then accept the fact that it is time to move on to a new and better one. If they are hard to reach, have non-negotiable contracts, or have unexplained charges on your energy bill, consider getting a utility bidder. They will search for the best deal in your area, and take note of the factors why you were unsatisfied with your previous service. Once you find the perfect fit, your company’s energy bill will not cost as much as before.

Seal all ductwork or cracks

Tiny crevices in the walls might be invisible to some, but they affect energy efficiency in the office. If you use air conditioners in every room, the air that comes out of them can escape through those miniscule cracks. It will then take more time for the room to cool, making the device use more energy. The same goes for the ductwork, so make sure that it is free from any holes.

Check the tap for any leaks

Believe it or not, the tap affects the energy bill as well. Always shut it off properly after every use and remind the next user to do so. If you notice a leak, call in professionals that can fix the problem. Not only does a leaky tap contribute to a higher energy bill, but it also wastes water. A simple act like this conserves two of the most important resources in the world.

Change light bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs are a thing of the past. Either switch to LED or CFL lights, which use a tenth of the energy compared to old ones. They are not as expensive as they were before, so snap them up when you find a good deal. These newer light bulbs are more illuminating as well, which makes it easier for employees to see everything they need for their jobs.

Replace old appliances that are not energy efficient

Most of us value devices that still work great after a decade. However, check first if they have an Energy Star rating. If they do not have it, they are most likely contributing to the office’s high energy bills. Change them before they break down completely, and get those with energy-saving settings or functions. Sometimes, old appliances have parts that are not available anymore. It will be costly to repair them when they get worn out. Today’s current technology takes note of energy consumption, so it should not be difficult to replace those old devices.

Energy is a finite resource, and it is up to us to use it wisely and efficiently.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

 

Much has been made by the American press about President Trump’s unwillingness to negotiate a settlement with China over the increasingly hostile tariff dispute. China has stated it will raise tariffs on American products by $60 billion in American dollars. The claim came just one day after the Trump administration plans to increase the duties on Chinese goods by more than $200 billion,

Although the agriculture sector has received the most publicity when it comes to the economic damage the reciprocal increase in tariffs will cause, another sector could be reeling as well.

We are talking about the manufacturers of natural stone countertops.

Chinese Tariffs and Natural Stone Prices

The demand for home improvement services has skyrocketed since the beginning of 2018. However, the cost of doing business for home improvement contractors has soared as well. Part of the blame for rising home improvement project costs is the high duties imposed on Chinese natural stone products.

America’s latest tariff salvo in the war of trade with the China included around $10 billion worth of Chinese home remodeling products exclusively designed and constructed in China. According to the Trump Administration, the latest round of duties starts at 10%, with the potential of the tariffs hitting 25% by the end 2019. Reaching duties of 25% on Chinese goods by the end of the year depends on if the two countries resolve their trade differences.

Home remodeling contractor Justin Sullivan oversees home improvement projects in the greater Washington, D.C. area. He said that home remodeling costs are rising so fast that he has resorted to implementing a strategy he never thought his company would ever have to use.

“Clients and contractors are having to set contracts with escalation clauses for projects that are being scheduled for six months from now, largely because we’re not sure how far prices are going to go north,” he said. “It makes them want to do the project more quickly, trying to get it done. Then it’s looking at ways to save money that will bring down the costs so the overall budget doesn’t increase,” he said. “It puts a little bit more pressure on everyone to try and be as diligent about the costs as possible.”

The Trade War Impact on Countertops

The latest round of tariffs will also negatively impact the price for natural stone countertops, especially for marble, granite, and quartz. According to the U. S. Commerce Department, the federal government is investigating the possibility that China has flooded the American natural stone market with quartz. The Commerce Department went on to claim “that exporters received subsidies ranging from 34.38 to 178.45 percent.” As the result of the alleged dumping, the American government plans to slap an import duty on specific quartz surface products that have been valued to be worth nearly $500 million. Quartz countertops represent one of the surface materials mentioned in the Commerce Department press release.

Price of Quartz Soars

Just anticipating the duties to be imposed on China’s quartz surface products has triggered a substantial increase in the price of the material.

“I know for fact that one of my distributors stopped ordering three quartz colors because prices are jumping high enough so it’s not worth it anymore,” sales manager at Rockville, Maryland-based Stone & Tile World, Goran Zucik, said. “China was producing them by hand and no one can copy the way they were making some colors. Some of my cabinet companies want to use these colors in their remodeled showroom, but I have to tell them that these will not be available.”

However, the addition of the duties paid to export Chinese quartz benefits American quartz manufacturer Cambria, which is the company that filed the first complaint against the Chinese. President and CEO of Cambria, Marty Davis, said, “This determination is the result of the agency’s thorough investigation and confirms what the petition alleged—that China has unfairly subsidized quartz surface products to highjack the U.S. market and as a result these unfairly traded imports have flooded the U.S. market,” “This is a critical first step toward restoring a level playing field within our industry, fulfilling the obvious axiom: there is no such thing as free trade without fair trade.”

Current Price of Granite Countertops

If you are a homeowner considering installing a granite countertop, the American-Chinese trade war should cause at least a slight increase in the price of granite. As of June 2019, you can purchase a slab of granite for between $40 and $60 per square foot. For less expensive granite tile, the trade war should not trigger an increase in price, which is now at between $5 and $15 for every square foot. The average amount of money American homeowners spend on the installation of a granite countertop ranges from $2,000 to $4,500, which might increase by the end of 2019.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

As a freelancer, you depend on your MacBook. Without it and a strong Wi-Fi connection, you wouldn’t be able to get through your day. If it stopped working properly, you would go into a full-blown panic spiral over late deadlines, missed hours and, of course, costs for repairs and replacements.

Your MacBook is your ultimate work tool. Here is how you can take care of it and make sure it stays in great shape:

Do Some Clean-Up

Sometimes you’re going to need to give your laptop a tune-up. One of the things you’re going to want to do for your MacBook maintenance is get rid of the junk that’s cluttering up your system — this could be drafts that never saw the light of day, old pictures or unwanted apps. Anything that you don’t want to use, delete. And when that’s done, empty the trash.

You can download an app like CleanMyMac X to save yourself the effort of combing through every nook and cranny of your computer. It will uninstall apps that you don’t use, delete caches, remove cookies and trash old files for you. It also runs a scan to detect malware, neutralizing any threats that it finds.

It’s essential that you don’t let the junk build back up all over again. Every few months, give yourself some time to do another clean-up. It will ensure that your MacBook stays organized, efficient and fast.

Give It Some Coverage

The appearance of your MacBook might not seem that important, but you don’t want to meet with a client with an awful-looking device. They don’t want to see all those scuff marks, fingerprints and smudges. Think of it like going to an interview in a pair of dirty gym clothes versus showing up in a freshly dry-cleaned suit.

A premium vinyl skin will keep your MacBook looking fresh and professional whether you’re sitting at your desk at home or meeting up with a brand-new client at a coffee shop. The high-quality material and the precision fit will guarantee that your device gives off a good impression whenever you’re working.

As an extra benefit, the accessory is designed to protect your MacBook from cosmetic damage. That means no more micro scratches, scuff marks or stains. Underneath the skin, the laptop will stay spotless.

Think About Your Battery

You want to make sure that your battery doesn’t drain too quickly after it’s charged up, especially if you’ve forgotten the adapter at home. You want it to last for a good chunk of your workday.

One of the best ways to take care of your MacBook battery is to keep the device at a regulated temperature — anything too hot or too cold could affect its short-term and long-term efficiency. Even though it’s tempting to work outdoors during the summer months, you don’t want it to soak up too much sunlight and overheat.

Another good idea is to check if you’ve missed out on the latest update. Running a software update can speed up your MacBook’s performance, patch up vulnerabilities and push features to use less energy. An up-to-date system will be much easier on the battery.

Every MacBook comes with a set battery cycle count that will significantly impact the battery quality once it’s reached. You can find your current cycle count by going into the Apple menu, clicking System Information, clicking Power and then Battery Information. Recent models will have a cycle count of 1000.

If your battery cycle has reached this point, you have three options:

• Live with the lower-quality battery life
• Visit Apple Support to see if you can replace the battery
• Replace your MacBook with a newer model

As a freelancer, you are relying on your MacBook to run through those intense deadlines and major projects. You don’t have an IT department to turn to if something goes wrong. One way to save yourself the frustration and sky-high Apple Support payments is to follow these tips for taking good care of it.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

If you’re considering opening a restaurant with your partner, you need to know what it takes to run and launch a restaurant. From planning your business to finding the right location and choosing an affordable POS system, there’s a lot of work involved. To have a successful business, there are some things you should seriously consider. If you’re still interested in opening a business, here are five things you should know.

1 – Research Your Target Market

How can you run a successful restaurant if you don’t know who you’re targeting? Get a clear picture of your target market. How old are they? What’s their income level? What kind of lifestyle do they live?

Where do they hang out the most? What do they like to do? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you determine the type of people you want to serve. Then you can create a plan for the type of person you are targeting. This will help attract them to your restaurant.

2 – Determine Your Location

Location is important for any business. The reason why 60% of restaurants fail is that they didn’t choose the right location. This is a crucial factor when it comes to offering a casual or quick service option for your customers. The right location can make or break the impending success of your restaurant.

If you’re on the hunt for a location, notice the foot traffic in that area. Maybe you can sit in that area for a few hours and observe the traffic throughout the day. You’ll also want to be aware of the zoning laws for the building in that area. You should also determine if the location is appropriate for your target audience.

3 – Write a Business Plan

Before you choose a location and building, you need to come up with a business plan. It should include the competition, your finances, your desired location, and an operations plan that also addresses your anticipated cash flow and marketing plans. This plan will become the blueprint for your business. It’ll also help you stay focus and on top of your goals. You’ll need a copy of your business plan to give to potential investors.

4 – Invest in a POS System

One of the most important components of a successful restaurant is the POS system. In today’s world, an affordable POS system is as important as a reliable chef. You should choose a POS system that reduces control costs, errors, and theft. It can also maintain your bookkeeping records, manage inventory, and track popular items. You’ll rely on your POS system more than you think, so choose wisely.

5 – Follow Your Competition

You should also keep your competition in mind when opening a restaurant. Visit each of your competitor’s establishments and take lengthy notes about every aspect of their restaurant. What are they good at? How could they improve?

Upon leaving their establishment, check out their website. Take note of their menu options. Notice if they use coupons, online ordering, and other reservation options. Check out their social media pages and notice if they’re active and engaging on there.

Opt-in to their email list. This gives you a glimpse into their business. Take note of their messages. What do you notice about them? With all of this in mind, determine if you can stand out among them.

 

 

You need to create a positive image for your target audience so that they will continue patronising your products. Sometimes, it is not enough that you tell them why your products are better than the others. You also need to show to them that your company stands for something positive and you deserve their continued support.

To begin with, you need all your social media and online marketing efforts to stay positive. Make sure that you check all the posts released to ensure that you do not say negative things against your competitors, or even towards customers, even if they said rude and derogatory words. No one wants to visit toxic pages.

Apart from spreading the love online, another way to show it is by giving out promotional items. You are not necessarily buying people’s attention, but you want them to know that you care.

Giving free items

When you run a business, your goal is to increase profits. You want people to keep buying your products. The good thing about promotional merchandise is that you are changing the narrative. This time, you are not asking them to buy your products, but you are giving them free stuff. Although you are doing it to promote your company, the good thing is that it does not directly tell them to reciprocate your actions. Besides, you are not forcing them to stay loyal to your brand in exchange for what they receive. In a world where consumers spend a lot of money each day, it is great to receive free things for a change.

Acknowledge loyalty

Another reason why you need to give out free stuff is that you want to acknowledge the loyalty of those who were faithful to your brand over the years. It shows that they are willing to stick with your products because they believe in you. Since these people keep your business afloat, giving them free merchandise is the least you can do to thank them.

Be strategic

You want to create a positive image with the help of these promotional items. However, you also need to be strategic since you are going to spend a lot of money without any assurance that you will boost the number of people who will buy your products.

It is an excellent idea to start with loyal customers. You also need to include your employees since they have been working hard for the company. You might also have to include target audiences through direct mail or in public places where they will pass by.

Do not give the same items to everyone. Loyal customers deserve better merchandise than those who are yet to buy from you. It also makes them feel special if they get exclusive things.

It is not easy retaining a positive image given the fierce competition in the market today. However, even if you feel tempted to be negative, you need to keep your calm. Focus on other ways to appeal to your target audience without damaging your brand.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

 

The internet is overflowing with posts claiming they hold the secret to smashing your sales targets. So, what makes this one different? In a word: science. We’ve delved into the latest research to bring you scientifically-backed advice that’s sure to help you win over new clients and customers.

We’ve gone beyond sales-based social research to bring you truly cutting edge advice. From a colonoscopy study that will help you understand the intricacies of giving corporate gifts to a simple play on words that will boost customer loyalty, read on to discover the strange ways in which science can help you hit your sales targets:

1. The Gift that Keeps on Giving

What on Earth do colonoscopies and gift giving have in common? Glad you asked. When researching ways to make the unpleasantness of having a tube inserted into your nether regions less awkward and uncomfortable, scientists discovered something fascinating. No matter how painful it had been, just a minute of something pleasant after the colonoscopy was over had the power to completely change the patient’s recollection of the event.

What does this mean for you? While we’re sure your sales meetings aren’t as much of an ordeal as a colonoscopy, this actually makes the trick even more powerful in your hands. Ending your sales pitch on a positive note will reframe the entire experience for you and your client in positive tones. While the colonoscopy doctors offered cookies, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to leave your prospective client with a branded corporate gift that will continue to evoke the positive memories you’ve worked so hard to create.

2. A Positive Approach

Speaking of positive memory creation, you should be sure to start every client interaction on a high note too. In a study examining how the behavior of waiters affected their tips, it was found that opening with a positive comment could boost earnings by 27%.

Never allow your first remarks to a customer to be negative. While your client may sympathize with you if you complain about traffic congestion or bad weather, you’ll be losing ground in the long run.

3. Creating the Customers You Want

This tip is so subtle, yet powerful, that we need to preamble it with a request for you to please use it ethically. A study into the behavior of fundraising donors found that, when told they were among the best contributors, donors often went on to increase the amounts they pledged to the cause.

Give your customers a positive label and human nature will have them subconsciously wanting to live up to it. Of course, this should never be used to manipulate. Simply saying, “you’re always so fantastic to do business with,” or “we really appreciate your loyalty, you’re one of our most valued customers” will have them drawn towards living up to those labels.

4. The Stickiness of Words

While it may be tempting to bring your client’s attention to ways in which your competitors miss the mark, research has revealed that you’re at risk of having any negative comments you make stick to you rather than your target. This outcome is so common scientists have given it a name: Spontaneous Trait Transference.

While your customer logically knows who you’re talking about, any negativity you express will be subconsciously tied to you. If a customer asks you about a competitor, it’s best to reply with an enigmatic “no comment” and an offer to focus on the positives you have to offer.

When it comes to creating customer satisfaction and smashing sales targets, you really can’t beat the scientific approach.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

 

Organizations are catching on fast to the link between employee satisfaction and productivity. Forward-thinking companies are experimenting with four day weeks, nap chairs for a quick power snooze and completely flexible office configurations with moveable furniture. There’s an endless list of methods you can use to foster staff satisfaction, read on to learn the ideas that are easiest to implement.

Rewards and Recognition

When an employee feels that their contribution is valuable and recognized in the workplace, they derive a higher level of satisfaction from coming to work each day. There are many ways you can reward your employees for their hard work. Why not surprise them with a few corporate gifts on their work anniversary, send an office-wide email telling the team about their recent achievements, or celebrate wins at the start of each team meeting?

Create a Collaboration Corner

The collective power of the minds is a powerful tool for companies to leverage. Not only do brainstorming sessions generate fantastic ideas and innovative solutions to business issues, but they are also energizing and invigorating for the people involved. To encourage a culture of collaboration, make a space in your office dedicated to brainstorming. It may be as simple as a nook with comfortable seating and some whiteboards or butchers paper. By carving out a dedicated area, you are demonstrating that you value time spent innovating as a team.

Give and Take

Rigid work hours and inflexible conditions are becoming outdated as the workforce shifts, and technology developments enable more employees to work from home. If your firm is stuck in the dark ages when it comes to offering flexibility around working hours and conditions, you may find that it demotivates your current staff members and limits the pool of talent you have to draw from when recruiting new employees.

Companies may be fearful that their staff will take advantage of flexibility too heavily and not deliver the same work they did before. However, research has shown that the converse is true. If you offer your employees flexibility and put your trust in them, they will reward you with loyalty and hard work.

Regular Check-Ins

Many businesses survey their customers to find out where they can improve, but do you survey your employees? Staff members frequently have a wealth of ideas and suggestions on how you could improve customer service, implement more efficient internal processes, and reduce costs. They will be pleased that you asked, and you will gather all kinds of useful insights for the future.

Upskilling and Career Advancement

Whether you have a flat-structured organization or a hierarchical one, you need to have a plan in place for the ongoing training and education of your staff. The most common reason to change roles or companies is for career advancement, which equates to an opportunity to grow and progress.

The best development plans are created in consultation with the team members, as they will have valuable insights about gaps in their knowledge and advancements within the industry. Offering the opportunity to learn new skills will keep people interested and engaged with their roles, whether or not their title changes. The company benefits from both the new skills and enthusiasm. Of course, as their skills advance, it is critical that you regularly review their salary to ensure it is in line with their experience and qualifications.

Investing in the happiness of your team members will be repaid tenfold in productivity gains, loyalty, and hard work. Implement one or all of the tactics above and watch your workforce flourish.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

 

It seems like anyone can start an online business these days. Given how easy it is to launch a website or promote products via social media, small business owners could advertise what they have to offer any time. If you recently started your business or you intend to do it soon, you need to focus on how to be competitive. You need to acknowledge that you are going against several other companies. Therefore, it is crucial that you find a way to stand out.

Think of the best marketing campaign

Some entrepreneurs think that they can post information online and tell people that their business exists. They also believe that it helps to keep posting updates about the company via social media. Although it is good to have constant engagement with your target audience, you also need to be creative in delivering the campaign. Just because it is easy to advertise via social media does not mean you should post anything you want at any time during the day.

Do not offer the cheapest products

You might think that offering the cheapest products would be attractive, but it is a false notion. You do not want people to think of your products as an economical alternative to quality brands. You can find a way to reduce the price tag without compromising the quality. You might also offer exclusive deals and discounts whenever necessary, but not at all times.

Another reason why you need to focus on the quality of your product is that people talk. Once they bought your products, they will post their reviews online. If several people negatively reviewed the products, they will discourage the rest. You want them to spread positive news to ensure that more people will come and buy.

Focus on the delivery of your products

You might also discourage people from buying your products because they did not receive the order on time. In a world where everything is instant, you want your target audience to feel that they are getting what they need right away. If your competitors are quick in delivery and you are not, customers will most likely choose that brand. You can consider a pick and pack service if you want a delivery company that will immediately pack your products and send them to the recipients as soon as they have placed their orders online. They will be responsible for ensuring that there are no delays.

Use testimonials

It is one thing to leave an anonymous review online. It is a different thing to use video testimonials. Real people show their faces to say something positive about your products. They are placing their names on the line. If you can get popular people to leave positive reviews, it would be amazing. You want to be authentic, and testimonials will help make your brand be competitive.

Try to study your strategies now and determine if they are enough to help make your business competitive; otherwise, you might need to find other options.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.