Category: Entrepreneurship

Author Roy T. According to Bennett, “Happiness depends on your mindset.” I would argue that business success does too. When we study business in school, the focus is on profit and loss accounting, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analysis), and market research. In all my years studying business, I don’t think I’ve ever heard the term mindset mentioned. And yet, in my experience as an entrepreneur, it is the single most important component of my business.

Unfortunately, like many entrepreneurs, I started my business without understanding how important it is to have the right mindset. It took months of struggle and hard work to realize what I needed Exciter off Spend more time focusing on competitor analysis and my mindset. Things became infinitely easier when I changed my focus. And my business started for the first time.

The following four areas are that Not having the right mindset They have influenced many in their entrepreneurial journey. I’m sharing them, hoping that other business owners will be inspired to start working towards changing their own mindsets

Having a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset

Each has different strengths and weaknesses, but there are There are some habits that can make you struggle more in business The world is full of unknowns and daily obstacles. One of those things is Maintain a steady mindset. A fixed mindset is when a person believes that their basic qualities, such as their intelligence or talent, are just fixed traits. A person with this mindset limits their growth because they feel as if they cannot change themselves or the situation. Living with a fixed mindset really limits your perspective and can cut your dreams short before you even give them a chance.

Have a growth mindset, but expands your possibilities. A growth mindset means that a person believes that their success depends on time and effort. A person with a growth mindset may feel that their skills and intelligence can be improved with effort and persistence. This mindset is something that will not only help you move forward in business, but it can also help you move forward in your life. However, a fixed mindset will likely make it harder to reach your goals.

Develop a growth mindset not easy However, it’s worth it. For many, the problem with their business isn’t the business itself. But they maintain a fixed mindset. See our article on how Create a growth mindset For ways to shift your mindset from static to growth.

Focus mindset

Having a consistently strong level of focus is vital to a successful business. Whether it’s a revenue goal, marketing milestone, or a specific number of sales, focusing on one goal ensures you’re moving in the right direction. Without goals, it’s easy to lose motivation and momentum in your business.

Maintaining focus isn’t always easyEspecially for solopreneurs Because they have to wear many hats at once. When you are the only person in the business, you have to be the sales manager, production manager, research and development manager, marketing executive, accountant, branding consultant and more.

Most entrepreneurs have no training or expertise in most of these areas which makes matters worse. Not only are they trying to accomplish all these multiple tasks, but they are also trying to learn how to perform these various activities on the fly.

For many business owners, this can come as a shock. Attracting their attention in many ways makes it challenging Focus on essentials. It makes sense that learning to intentionally strengthen your focus will have long-term benefits for your business.

There are various methods to improve your ability to focus. A popular approach is to listen to guided meditations specifically designed to improve focus. You can also try various goal-setting exercises that help you develop clear, realistic goals. And create actionable, step-by-step plans to follow. You can try journaling. Today, many journals have goal-setting and progress features that make it easy for you to stick to your plan even when you’re trying to balance everything.

Whichever method you try, the important thing is that you are intentional about focusing on specific goals. It’s so, even in the chaos of running a business, you’re always moving forward.

How Isolation Affects the Mind

Anyone who runs a business on their own knows that it can be a lonely situation. As a self-employed person, I have experienced this often since starting my own business. And it comes in a couple of different ways.

First, when you’re an employee, you inevitably have work friends that you hang out with five days a week. Sometimes for years. Close friendships are formed this way. Making your experience as an employee significantly more enjoyable. In some businesses, family culture is significant, fostering bonds of friendship.

When running your business, there’s no one sitting at the desk next to you with whom you can chat and laugh. You can’t send funny memes to your colleagues via Slack or other in-house messaging systems during boring meetings. There is no one to discuss your weekend plans with over lunch or a coffee break.

There is a layer of that beyond the simple camaraderie that you get out of the normal work environment Teamwork that can be invaluable to overall productivity. As an employee, you have a group (large or small) all invested in the same outcome. The workload is shared, such as the responsibility for hitting targets and achieving targets.

When running your own business, you are solely responsible for everything. There is no party. It’s just you. And According to researchersThis inevitably affects your mental health.

Fortunately, many online groups and associations offer what entrepreneurs are missing. Which can be community, solidarity, support and networking. Many hold regular virtual or in-person meetings and emphasize their mission to combat the isolation that can come from self-employment. Joining such a group can be a great way to combat the isolation of being self-employed. And make the experience more enjoyable and more rewarding.

Imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a term that describes the feeling that you are not good enough. A person with this syndrome may also feel that they are not skilled enough, experienced enough, or in some other way not good enough. We have all experienced this feeling at some point. Whether it’s our school day, a new relationship, or our family dynamics. Imposter syndrome in business The world exists. This can be truly crippling for business owners who don’t find a way to overcome it.

Imposter syndrome makes business owners think they are imposters. As if they are only pretending to be experts in their field and others can find out the truth about them at any time. Often times, imposter syndrome leads us to compare ourselves to our competitors and fall short in that comparison. We imagine that other business owners know what they are doing 100 percent of the time and that running a business is easy for them.

Of course, this is rarely true. Similarly, just as the grass is never greener on the other side of the fence, our competitors are not necessarily better at running their businesses. But allowing your imposter syndrome to go unchecked will ultimately require you to quit to avoid what you see as inevitable failure.

When it comes to dealing with imposter syndrome, you have a number of options available to you. There are also countless books, courses, and workshops available Help tackle these issues. Therapy can be beneficial for many people and can make a huge difference in your business in the long run.

Conclusion

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since starting my own business is that the success of my business is all about my mindset. Running a business is super challenging at the best of times. Just because you’re the boss doesn’t make things easy. Mindset affects everything.

It affects motivation, drive, focus, energy, productivity, consistency, commitment and more. So, running a business without paying due attention to your mindset is a fool’s errand. Learning this lesson has been truly transformative for my business. Hopefully, it will be just as helpful for you.

This article was originally published in August 2021 but has been updated and expanded

Staff Writer: Sarah Tyrrell is an entrepreneur, freelance writer and parent living in Ireland. He is particularly interested in mental and emotional health and how they affect success in business. As well as an eleven-year-old daughter, Sarah has two rescue dogs and cats and six chickens named after Ru Paul’s Drag Race contestants.

Article Tags:

Company Culture · Featured · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Mindset · Productivity · Single Person · Your Mindset

Article Category:

Entrepreneurial Lifestyle · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Productivity · Single Person · Your Mindset

Owning a coffee shop is like owning the heart of a community; It’s a place for everyone. Most everyone has a place they like to go for coffee, tea or a snack. A place where they can relax and socialize. If you are running or planning to start a coffee shop business, you need to stand out. One of the best ways to do this is to define your goals.

Setting goals not only helps you stay on track but also helps you measure your progress and make any necessary adjustments along the way. Setting goals is also important for the long-term growth and sustainability of your coffee shop. Goals guide and drive you not to settle, but to stand out from the competition.

With a business like a coffee shop, you’re competing against giants like Starbucks, Panera Bread, and Dunkin’. You’ll also be up against coffee-serving bookstores like Barnes and Noble And finally, there are other coffee shops and tea houses in your town. The only way to stand a chance in this sector is to set big goals and implement plans to reach them.

So, what goals should you set for your coffee shop? In this article, we’ll discuss some important short-term and long-term goals for your coffee shop and give tips on how to set them. Achieve those goals.

Establish a unique identity

Coffee is everywhere. I would venture to guess that if you want a cup of coffee right now, you can get one in the next 10 minutes. Not just in a coffee shop, but a convenience store, grocery store, fast food restaurant, even a vending machine. So, for your coffee shop to be successful, you need a unique identity. Having a unique identity as a goal for your coffee shop will help set your shop or cafe apart from the rest This one is special Important goals if you are running a new business.

Great branding is one way to establish your store’s identity. This can include developing a logo, color scheme and overall aesthetic that differentiates your business from competitors. You can stand out by offering unique or specialty coffee blends or a focus on brewing methods. A specialty mix that is hard to find will attract visitors from all over the city.

Another way is to provide a unique experience. This includes hosting live events, art shows or other community gatherings. You can differentiate yourself by ethically sourcing your beans or by providing a comfortable or unique environment.

Build a good local reputation

For a coffee shop, a good reputation goes a long way. Many people are open to meeting with a great reputation or visiting a coffee shop. Unlike a restaurant, a coffee shop experience doesn’t have to be an expensive or involved event. A potential customer can stop by and check things out alone or with a friend. They don’t need to dress up or plan. A coffee shop with a good reputation is something that will attract customers who want to visit the shop because they live in the neighborhood.

Research shows that consumers want to spend their money on a brand they can trust. A good reputation can be translated into gold and financial success. Not only does this help you retain customers, it also brings in referrals. Your reputation tells potential customers that you are trustworthy and honest.

Maintain high quality of coffee and other food

Photo by mrsiraphol on Freepik

No one will buy a product whose quality fluctuates. If, after visiting your coffee shop a few times, a customer realizes that the quality of the coffee is decreasing each time, they will be reluctant to return. It damages trust, which is the fabric of any successful business venture.

Make it a goal to maintain a high standard of your coffee and other items you provide. Take pride in using the best ingredients and techniques available. Standardize your procedures, so your employees know what to do even if you’re not available.

Attract regular customers

Another goal that you should prioritize is how to retain your customers, thereby making them regular. You almost always want to get a customer walking into your store to buy a coffee. They may walk past your store to grab some coffee or tea and take a break. Or perhaps, they want to use your store as a meeting place for business or to meet a friend. This is why a coffee shop is one of the most common places in any area. The most important thing is to keep your customers coming back for more.

How do you do it? Aim to make the best first impression with your food, coffee, ambiance and service. Turn these things into systems that can be replicated and improved upon. This will help retain your customers. As with any other business, retaining customers is better than acquiring new ones.

Set up the perfect atmosphere

Research shows that Coffee and edibles only 48% Causes a customer’s emotional connection with a coffee shop. The remaining 52% is other factors, including the atmosphere. As mentioned earlier, coffee shops are not just a place to drink coffee and connect with others. The environment should be conducive to socialization.

This includes ensuring the right amenities – seating arrangements, comfortable furniture, proper decor, design, lighting, etc. You can also play some great music in the background or hire a live band every once in a while. Your goal should be to make every customer feel at home. Your coffee shop should be a refuge and a home.

Hire reliable staff

Having a well-trained and reliable staff is a top Non-financial goals for a business. Your employees are the face of your coffee shop business and have the greatest impact on your customers. One of your highest goals for your coffee shop business should be to hire committed, open-minded, disciplined, knowledgeable and caring employees. You need people willing to work to put smiles on customers’ faces and provide the best service possible.

Open a second location

Don’t limit yourself to having a coffee shop. Keep in mind that you need to expand your coffee shop. That way, you’ll not only grow but your brand equity, and you’ll make more money. Also, it will be easier to manage since you have already gained experience running your first coffee shop.

Before opening a second location, you need to research the area in which you want to open it. Look at the area’s demographics, competition, and potential customer base. You would also have earned the trust of your first customers, who would be eager to recommend your new branch to others.

Even if your first position is a smashing success, second position success is not automatic. You need to monitor its performance and make necessary adjustments. Find out what works and what doesn’t in the new location. In no time, your coffee shop business will become a household name.

Conclusion

Whether you already have a coffee shop or are looking to start one, the goals listed above should be on your priority list if you want to scale and sustain the business. Sustaining the steady growth of your coffee shop is easy if you have something to focus on. These goals help monitor your rate of progress and set the pace for further growth. With a clear plan, you can work towards achieving your goals and making your coffee shop a success.

Tom is a member of Startup Mindset’s editorial team. He has over 6 years of experience writing on business, entrepreneurship and other topics. He mainly focuses on online business, digital publishing, marketing and ecommerce startups.

Article Tags:

Business Opportunities · Featured · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Leadership · Productivity · Your Mindset

Article Category:

Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Lead Your Team · Sales · Your Mindset

Becoming an entrepreneur may seem like a golden path to wealth, but in reality, it is a difficult journey that can be filled with stress and costly learning experiences. Entrepreneurs can use all the help they can get, so if you have a friend who is walking that path, it’s important to do what you can to help them. Your motivation, listening skills and willingness to help will be greatly appreciated as they strive to bring their dreams into the world.

The entrepreneurial path is very different than working for a large, successful company. Your entrepreneurial friend will need to manage everything that comes with their business, from strategy to finance, operational and administrative tasks. They will be responsible for developing marketing strategies and perfecting methods to get clients and customers. Sometimes, they will feel very alone on the journey, so any support and help you can give them could be the difference between them barely making it or achieving great success.

Help fund the education your friend needs to succeed

To succeed as an entrepreneur, you need a wide range of professional skills and an education. Your friend will need classes in management, marketing, computer science, human resources, and other core business disciplines. Ideally, they will have a business degree from an excellent college or university program. Higher education can be expensive these days. To help your friend get the education they need, you can encourage them to get it Student loans with a cosigner. If you sign for them, they will be able to get a student loan that will allow them to cover the cost of their education. They can emerge with all the necessary training right away, then pay off the loan over time.

Fully support your friend’s dreams

When one embarks on the entrepreneurial path, one may feel lonely at times. It’s a very intense adventure and so often it can feel like you’re tackling it all alone. If you are there for your friend, fully supporting their goals and their entrepreneurial dreams, it can make all the difference in the world. Every entrepreneur needs someone who is always by their side, in good times and bad.

Being the chief cheerleader of your friend’s dreams can help them move forward and lift their spirits and strength when times get tough. Having someone who truly believes in you and your dreams is worth its weight in gold. As Nuggets of Knowledge offer Morning habits to improve productivity And meal prep ideas for super busy people so they know you understand their limitations and want to help reduce stress as much as possible.

Work with your friend to perfect their elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a thirty to sixty second infomercial that briefly explains who you are, what your entrepreneurial venture is, and what your value proposition or magic is. It’s designed to be memorable and leave whoever you’re pitching to impressed and interested.

You can really help your friend if you work with them to polish and fine tune them Elevator pitch. This short but powerful introduction should also include their entrepreneurial business focus and their market position. Work with them until they perfect it and they’ll be well on their way to future success.

Recruit members for your friend’s business advisory board

In business, no one person has all the best answers. If your friend just started their enterprise, you can recommend them Establish a business advisory board For them. You can help recruit members who have niche expertise, as well as significant relevant business or entrepreneurial experience. An advisory board serves in an advisory role. Your friend will still have the final say on decisions, but can get key insights, advice and ideas from the advisory group. Typically, you’ll want members who have a mix of financial, marketing, strategic and operational skills.

Consider accepting a role in their business

If you have a specific skill or area of ​​expertise that would be invaluable to your friend’s business, consider joining their venture. You may be able to come up with a part-time role that can really help your friend start their dream. You can offer your services for free, but it would be better to offer your professional expertise in exchange for compensation or even a small ownership stake in the future. This will give you a strong incentive and help drive both of you towards success.

Hire a marketing and social media team

To really launch their business, your friend needs the skills of a fantastic marketing and social media team. These professionals can provide the range of skills needed for website development, social media messaging, and marketing and promotions. You can help by networking and recruiting the perfect team members. You will want individuals or small organizations with a proven track record of success, lots of creativity and strong communication skills. Ideally, they will also be experts in conceptualizing and developing successful social media campaigns.

Article Tags:

Business Opportunities · Find Your Way · Mindset · Productivity · Success

Article Category:

Entrepreneurial Lifestyle · Find Your Way · Your Mindset

Have you ever considered how your employees perceive your business? Proud to tell others where they work?

You’ve considered the best ways to recruit and hire new employees, but what comes next? How do you ensure your employees maintain a positive perception of your business?

Low employee engagement is an increasingly common problem. Across all industries, more workers are reporting that they are unhappy at work. According to a Gallup Report, 51% of employees are disengaged at work, while 13% are actively disengaged. This unhappiness will prevent your company from being the best it can be.

When employees are disengaged, they may not be fully invested in their work and may not put in the necessary effort to achieve their goals. This can reduce productivity, quality and overall performance.

However, the opposite is true when a company has a workforce that is fully engaged. A team of engaged employees experiences higher productivity, a sense of community and satisfaction with their work. Another one Gallup Report Employee engagement shows that the company has a highly engaged workforce 21% higher profitability.

With that in mind, how do you know if your employees are unhappy? Did you know that they were not engaged in their work?

There are some warning signs. Here are six reasons for low employee engagement.

Lack of growth opportunities

Lack of growth opportunities is a common reason why employees feel disconnected from an organization. This can happen when an employee has been with the company for years and has yet to see an opportunity to advance in their role. Other times, an employee may simply want to move into a role that isn’t superior, but simply different, so they can try a new challenge. When such opportunities are not available, a loyal employee can become disengaged, and lose their motivation to “go the extra mile” in their daily work.

it could be Great employees are hard to find. Lack of growth opportunities is also a major factor Why Good Employees Quit Their Jobs. This makes it all the more important to develop and retain the great ones you already have.

Lack of recognition

Do you have a recognition program for your employees? How do you show employees that their work is appreciated? Even the most intrinsically motivated employees want to know that their efforts are being recognized. When employees no longer believe their hard work is noticed, they may begin to feel disengaged from their jobs. Some may decide to do only the bare minimum that meets the job description. In short, these employees become disengaged due to lack of recognition.

Recognition programs don’t have to be fancy or expensive to be effective. Giving preferred parking to an employee of the month is a free way to reward employees for an exceptional job.

Peer-to-peer recognition programs are another way some workplaces choose to provide recognition – colleagues recognize each other, rather than just recognition from a higher authority figure.

Company culture

Although 94% are executive leaders and 88% are employees While a distinct workplace culture is critical to business success, it’s hard to put into words what a positive company culture is. A negative company culture is probably easier to understand at first. In a negative culture, gossip, harassment and abuse are common. People feel uncomfortable asking for help or sharing resources with each other.

Managers may yell at their subordinates or use sarcasm with their subordinates to remind them that they are in charge. Over time, a negative company culture can become unbearable, leading to increased absenteeism and increased employee illness.

A culture where performance standards are applied unevenly can breed dissatisfaction. For example, if a small number of people in the team are doing the most difficult tasks, this can lead to isolation. Or, if one or two Low performance If not coached accordingly, it can be frustrating for those who follow the rules.

Poor communication from management

Policies and procedures change in an organization of any size, but in a dysfunctional organization, poor communication is a constant. Employees may be left out of the loop when it comes to tasks critical to their job functions. Poor communication can be a factor when employees have no idea how their performance will be judged. This can leave employees feeling “set up to fail” due to unclear expectations for the job.

You can’t enjoy Reviewing performance. However, it’s important for your employees to know if there are any problems with their performance before it gets out of hand. Being proactive with your team and letting them know if they are meeting your expectations can keep the lines of communication open. And, if your employees are missing the mark, it’s important to make them aware of this so they can improve their performance.

Disconnected from peers

Are your employees really a team? Does everyone have at least one other person they can reach out to for help if they don’t know what to do? Employees who help colleagues are more engaged in their work. Those who don’t suffer have hard days. Friendships thrive in positive groups, but disconnection is the norm in broken groups This disconnect causes employees to lose motivation and satisfaction with their work.

There is no sense of purpose in the work

Not every job is glamorous, but even mundane jobs can become meaningful if a larger mission is at stake. Lack of sense of purpose is a common reason for employee turnover. Why is my work important? Why is my work important?

How does my work fit in with the rest of the company? These are questions that every employee should have answers to. Every employee should know that what they do matters and that their work is important to your mission.

Lack of quality feedback

For many leaders and employees, performance reviews can seem daunting. They are often formulaic and can make both parties uncomfortable. However, just because employees don’t see the benefits of traditional formal reviews, that doesn’t mean employees don’t want feedback from leadership.

Without quality feedback, employees don’t know how they’re performing or what they need to do to improve. It can lead to feelings of uncertainty and lack of direction. This lack of direction can be demotivating for some.

Also, when leaders provide poor feedback, employees may not know what is expected of them This often leaves employees wondering how their work fits into the larger goals of the organization This can lead to a lack of purpose and meaning in their work, which as mentioned earlier creates less engagement.

Lack of feedback can lead to a lack of trust and respect between employees and managers. Without regular feedback, employees may feel that their managers do not value their contributions or care about their development.

Regular feedback from managers is critical to employee engagement. It helps employees understand their performance. It helps them align their work with the organization’s goals and feel valued and respected by their managers.

Conclusion

Understaffing is a difficult problem, but not an insurmountable one. The first step to overcoming it is to admit it. There are several common signs that a workplace may be vulnerable to low employee engagement. Once these symptoms are recognized, a plan can be developed to help employees feel more empowered and happy at work.

Team Writer: Erin Shelby is a writer and blogger based in Ohio. Follow her on Twitter @ByErinShelby

Article Tags:

Business Opportunities · Company Culture · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Leadership · Productivity

Article Category:

Entrepreneurial Lifestyle · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Lead Your Team · Productivity · Sales · Your Mindset

Companies that have an amazing workplace culture are easy to spot. They have created environments that allow their teams to be focused, driven and innovative. Conversely, you won’t struggle to find companies that don’t have a positive culture. They often have high staff turnover, Toxic leadershipAnd gossip and rumors run rampant.

A negative culture is often the dominant one Reasons for low employee engagement. This can lead to low productivity in many organizations.

But how did they get to these places? Fostering workplace culture starts with you and will be an important foundation as you build your company.

Workplace culture is your company’s character and personality. It makes you unique and is the sum of your values, traditions, beliefs, interactions, behaviors and attitudes. A positive culture will always attract the best talent and Affects employee happinesssatisfaction, and performance.

Of course, your culture will also be shaped by leadership, management, policies, people and your work practices. For that reason, you need to focus on the kind of culture you want to foster from the start.

Types of workplace culture

A positive workplace culture can take many forms, depending on what your goals are. There are eight main types of culture that each have a slightly different focus. Let’s break these down and see what it looks like.

1. Dominant culture

The main priority is increasing rapidly; Therefore, they tend to be high-powered and agile. They encourage their teams to challenge the status quo and push them to develop services and offerings that are better than ever. They will stand out in the market, but its fast-paced environment will not suit all employees.

2. Clan culture

It is a supportive environment where employee input is as valued as upper management. Communication is open and informal, and is seen as a “family”. It encourages open, honest feedback to the management team and builds strong relationships throughout the organization. But it can come across as too relaxed and informal.

3. Customer-centric culture

The focus is on giving employees the tools and autonomy they need to always put the customer first. In addition, it creates Long term customer loyalty That company will be successful. Employees are given the freedom to make decisions and take pride in their work, but they may feel neglected.

4. Hierarchical culture

Hierarchical cultures are commonly found in industries such as finance, government, and healthcare. The idea is that everyone has a very clear role and purpose within the organization. As a result, these organizations are risk-averse and stick to norms and traditions.

This is the most efficient type of company. However, they can often feel old-fashioned and narrow towards employees.

5. Market-driven culture

This type of culture is performance and results-oriented. However, they often sacrifice employee experience and satisfaction. The main goal of such companies is to market products. In doing so, company culture is of secondary importance. This culture is extremely Susceptible to burnout.

6. Purpose-driven culture

Built on a defined vision, they attract customers, partners and employees who typically share those ideals. They usually give back to the community through charity. These companies often have high retention rates. However, the desire to return on increasing profit margins means they will make less money.

7. Innovative culture

This type of culture is constantly looking to leverage existing technologies and create new solutions. It pushes conventional thinking In favor of new ideas. Employees have the freedom to try and experiment with new things. But, the constant push to innovate can make employees feel bored.

8. Creative culture

They focus on end goals and how to achieve them. They encourage collaboration and teamwork and focus on providing new experiences to consumers. It’s less about the individual and more about the team. It builds strong relationships between teams and individuals, reduces downtime, and creates an environment where employees fear falling short of expectations.

So how do you create a positive workplace culture? Here are eight points you can focus on right from the start.

1. A strong code of ethics

Your team’s comfort and safety should be your number one priority. Unfortunately, a Recent surveys It found that only 11% of workers who witnessed unethical behavior at work felt affected by it. For this reason and many others, it is important to establish a zero-tolerance policy regarding unethical, illegal or discriminatory behavior.

2. Inclusive recruitment process

Different backgrounds allow different experiences, perspectives and ideologies to develop. Consider race, religion, sexual orientation, and educational background when defining your hiring process.

3. Optimize onboarding

Invest in your team from the moment you hire them. By scheduling training, paperwork, and check-ins with new employees, they’ll immediately feel like valued team members. There are a few key ways you can make the onboarding process easier and more effective

• Provide comprehensive training on company policies, procedures and systems.
• Assign a mentor or friend to guide the new employee through their first few weeks.
• Allow new employees time to ask questions and provide feedback on the onboarding process.
• Make sure new hires have the resources and tools they need to do their jobs.
• Provide opportunities for socialization and team building.
• Continually evaluate and improve the onboarding process based on feedback from new hires and managers.
• Provide ongoing support and development opportunities to new employees to ensure they feel valued and engaged with the company.

4. Clear communication and active listening

Establish clear reporting lines and appropriate methods of communication. Also, it’s important to clarify employee roles and exceptions. Finally, active listening will ensure that clear communication is effective and build respect within your team.

5. Regular check-ins

Managers should meet or talk to their teams often. They can monitor engagement and manage workloads but also identify problems when they arise.

6. Comfortable work environment

Make sure your teams have everything they need to succeed. Comfortable chairs, monitors, keyboards are important, but also consider things like healthy snacks or meal options and natural lighting. Provide a clean and well-maintained physical space with adequate lighting. Temperature control, and ergonomic furniture are also important.

7. Indemnification

Pay your employees what they deserve. Fair wages and incentives will make your team feel valued and increase productivity. However, don’t underestimate the cost of onboarding when employee turnover is high.

8. Encourage time-outs

You may have competitive time-off benefits, but employees may be reluctant to take advantage of them due to workload or deadlines. Encourage teams to take breaks and time out, they’ll appreciate it and productivity will remain constant. Emphasizing work-life balance will help your employees do their best work. This priority on their well-being will also help Increase employee loyalty In the long run.

Conclusion

Building a positive workplace culture involves several strategies. Other common qualities to consider are things like; Opportunities for growth, emphasis on creativity and healthy working relationships. Gallup reported, 51% of employees are disengaged at work, while 13% are actively isolated. As we mentioned earlier, company culture has a lot to do with it. So take the time to evaluate your culture to make the necessary changes. But remember that all cultures are unique, and will require time, careful planning and consideration. But in the end, it will all be worth it.

This article was first published in 2021 but has been updated and expanded.

Staff Writer: Jason Ellis is a South Africa-based entrepreneur and writer with experience in marketing, operations, business development and human relations. In my career, I have been exposed to many different projects, roles and people. It teaches invaluable skills needed in today’s workplace.

Currently, he owns a restaurant in Cape Town, South Africa. He is a regular contributor to websites and blogs on various topics ranging from lifestyle to business.

His passion lies in uplifting those around him, sharing skills and providing any guidance to those around him. You can find more of Jason’s writing at https://www.clippings.me/jaysonellis

Article Tags:

Business Opportunities · Company Culture · Featured · Grow Your Business · Leadership · Your Mindset

Article Category:

Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Lead Your Team · Productivity · Your Mindset

Most everyone has a hobby that they love. Which is a great reason Hobbies are important. They allow us to enjoy ourselves, use our creativity, follow passions and provide stress relief. However, many people don’t realize how easy it can be to turn their hobby into a profitable venture. Even if it’s just a side hustle.

While almost every hobby has the potential to turn into an income or business, some hobbies are more profitable than others. In this article, we will look at some of the most profitable hobbies out there today.

1. Using social media

Attracting, influencing and selling on social media is one of the biggest needs of businesses. Since social media is an essential tool for branding and marketing, good social media managers are in high demand. If you enjoy being on social media, engaging and publishing content, social media management can be a solid money-making option.

A social media manager’s responsibilities include writing and scheduling posts, creating content, answering customer questions, managing ads, and more. Corporate social media managers earn $34,432 to $56,571 annually. As a social media manager for hire, you can be more competitive with your prices or charge more if you deliver results.

There is also the option of being dominant. The dominant market is still growing. However, with some algorithm changes, becoming a profitable influencer is not as easy as it used to be.

2. Shopping

Shopping at retail stores can be unpleasant for some. For others, it’s a great way to pass the time. As an online reseller, you can turn your shopping hobby into a small business. The best way to do this is to become an online reseller. You can start in this niche by simply going to your house and selling products that you no longer use.

Then, using sites like eBay, Poshmark, Mercari or even Amazon, you can post your items for sale. Once you understand the process of selling items online, you can now go out and find other items at retail or thrift stores and sell them online. The online reselling industry generates about $80 billion a year and 80% of Internet users shop online. Due to the size and demand of the market, it is one of the easiest hobbies to profit from.

If selling online doesn’t appeal to you, you can join sites like Instacart and shop for other people while getting paid to do so.

3. Playing or making music

Everyone loves music. But there are some that absolutely love it. If you are a music lover and have made it a hobby, you can also make it an income stream. As there are many different aspects of music making, there are many ways to turn this hobby into a profitable pastime.

First, and perhaps most obvious, you can perform at events. People are always looking for ways to entertain people in gatherings. If you sing, play an instrument, or DJ, you can book a performance gig for many types of events.

You also have the option of selling your music or offering lessons through streaming platforms like Spotify and sites like YouTube. YouTube, in particular, has a strong influence all around. Not only can you earn money from publishing content, the platform can also help students with paid performance jobs if you plan to teach music.

Watch the video below for how to start a YouTube channel as a musician.

4. Watching movies

Most people watch movies for entertainment and to escape from the pressures of the world. However, there are those who consider themselves movie buffs who can’t get enough of watching, talking or even making themselves. If you think you fall into this category, you may have a profitable hobby on your hands.

One of the first and easiest ways to make watching movies a profitable hobby is to become a reviewer. Starting your own channel on YouTube or your own profile on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram is a great start You’ll start attracting people who want honest opinions about upcoming or past movies. Many people no longer trust critic reviews on sites like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB and are looking for alternative view points.

5. Gardening

If you enjoy gardening and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you can turn this hobby into a business. You may decide to focus on taking care of people’s yards and lawns for just a fee.

Most people want to have a beautiful yard characterized by green healthy grass. But the current demand for organic fruits and vegetables can make your gardening business very profitable. If you have a green thumb and can grow tomatoes, peppers or any other fruits and vegetables organically, you can sell them at the local market. Since the production of organic food products is also in high demand, you can also wholesale your vegetables to food manufacturers. Organic food sales in the U.S. will grow nearly 2% to $57.5 billion in 2021.

6. Gaming

The gaming industry is booming right now and it shows no signs of slowing down. Last year, the gaming industry generated $64. billion. It is expected, by 2026, that The industry will be valued at $326 billion. This is a staggering number but presents opportunities for all gamers As a gamer, you have the opportunity to earn a piece of that pie while doing something you enjoy. As long as you love what you’re doing and are committed to improving your craft, you can turn this hobby into something that puts some money in your pocket.

There are many ways to turn this hobby into income. Here are the most popular:

1. 1. Live stream on Twitch and other platforms
   2. Become a game tester
   3. Compete in tournaments
   4. Create gaming guides
   5. Create your own game

7. Care for pets and animals

If you are a pet lover who knows their way around animals, you can make some money from your hobby. Most pet owners are always busy and this leaves little time to spend with their animals. You can sit and groom pets for a fee. You can decide to sell pet food and their accessories for profit.

In a recent survey, 68% of respondents said they treat their pets as well as their children. This would explain why, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), Americans spent approximately $72.56 billion on pet products and services in 2018. Annual revenue growth in pet products and services is expected to increase by about 4.4%

Undoubtedly, it is a most enjoyable hobby that can turn into a great business venture.

8. Baking

If you enjoy baking and you are good at it, you can consider using it to earn some money. You can start baking pastries and selling them to a small circle of friends and family to gauge their reviews. If they have good reviews, you can proceed to supply coffee shops and restaurants in your area to earn some money. Baking can be seen as a business that will eventually make money if you take this hobby to another level.

Note: This type of hobby is not limited to baking. Any type of culinary skill can be turned into a business if you are good at your craft and have a little follow through with your food.

9. Creating art

For people gifted with creative or artistic skills, earning some money from a hobby has become a very easy thing. They can sell them at a reasonable amount at the local art store in their neighborhood. For an even easier way to profit from your artwork, start an Etsy shop and sell your work online.

If you’re the type to encourage others to tap into their artistic side, you could teach an art class at the park or online. It is quite easy to do and does not require any facilities.

10. Photography

If you love capturing moments, you can start a business out of this hobby. You can be an event photographer for weddings, birthdays and corporate gatherings. But beyond that, you can take promotional photos for people who want to market themselves in some way.

Many are hiring photographers to take professional photos for social media sites like LinkedIn and Instagram. Many are also hiring photographers for Facebook cover photos. With nearly 300 million photos uploaded to Facebook every day, the demand for quality photos isn’t going away anytime soon.

11. Writing

Online content writing has been a great way to share ideas and earn for many people Freelance writing is one of the easiest ways to get started. However, with the rise of AI writing tools like Chatgpt, many worry that human writers will become extinct. However, the demand for good writers is still high. Being able to produce a well thought out or researched article is still a high demand skill.

The upside is that being a freelance writer isn’t the only way to make money from this hobby. Blogging is still a very profitable hobby for many people. People who love to write can publish ebooks and make them available for sale on Amazon.

12. Budgeting

If you’re good with numbers and enjoy doing it, you can help others by creating budgets for people who need help managing their money.

Managing money is a valuable skill. Because traditional education doesn’t focus on everyday personal finance, most people need help saving money, getting out of debt, and investing. If you are knowledgeable in any of these areas, you can help many people with their personal finances.

13. Working

If you are a fitness fanatic who loves to workout and knows workout drills for different body parts, you can earn money as a fitness coach or personal trainer. Trainers used to be confined to gyms but many trainers are conducting workouts in public parks and at their clients’ homes.

All you need is basic workout equipment, some business cards, and a unique workout. Having a six pack doesn’t hurt.

14. Fashion and Beauty

If fashion and beauty is a hobby you enjoy, there are many ways to make money. Some ways include some of the previous mentions. You have the option to become an influencer and model your most fashionable articles of clothing and accessories. You can start your own clothing line.

However, your options are not limited to these. People who are passionate about fashion can buy clothes in stores and resell them online.

15. Socialization

Who doesn’t love a good party or get together? In the past, event planning was limited to weddings and bar mitzvahs. Today, event planners organize corporate events, graduation parties, reunions and even sweet 16 parties.

In 2015, the event planning industry generated an approx $5 billion in revenue. The pandemic has slowed its growth. However, the industry is expected to bounce back in the next few years. The emergence of hybrid events that are part online and part in-person events has created new opportunities for virtual event planners.

Also see these articles for more:

10 Great Hobbies for Entrepreneurs

Should you turn your hobby into a business? Consider 6 factors

Ralph is the Managing Editor of Startup Mindset. The Startup Mindset team is comprised of dedicated individuals and is designed to help new, experienced and aspiring entrepreneurs succeed.

One last step! Check your email to confirm your subscription and get your free ebook! Thank you!

Article Tags:

Business Opportunities · Entrepreneurial Lifestyle · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Mindset · Success

Article Category:

Entrepreneurial Lifestyle · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Side Hustles · Your Mindset

I’ve been fascinated by the way we set type since I did my first packaging forty years ago. It is a combination of technology, industry, system, culture and above all, deciding to try to get it right.

[This is a long post, it would have been a podcast, but it doesn’t really lend itself to audio.]

When airplanes first started flying passengers, labels were required. Labels for passengers and pilots. Wear a seatbelt while sitting. Why is it all caps? My guess is that in the early days of aviation, the machine that made the little metal signs only had the capacity to easily handle 26 letters and they chose all caps. Of course, labeling technology has gotten better over time, but we’re stuck with all caps because that’s what airplanes are supposedly To be good, though they are harder to read that way.

Typography is a sign not just a way of putting letters on a page.

Before mechanical type was set by pressmen in newspaper basements, type was handwritten by monks. As a result, we see the beautiful kerning of the letter with the ‘a’ placed below the ‘w’. It takes effort and as a result, it just looks right. It’s not right because your brain demands kerning, it’s right because cues are something we associate with confidence and care.

Once we see the magic of kerning, it becomes impossible to avoid how careless people who don’t use it seem…

Typography has had many golden ages, but in the 60s and 70s the combination of high-stakes mass production (in advertising and media) combined with innovations in typesetting meant that instead of using handmade metal type, marketers could simply specify whatever they wanted. Visualizing means that instead of one person working on a document, a committee will spend days or weeks agonizing over how the ad looks or whether its new layout is good or not. the time The magazine will send the right message to millions of people every week.

Pundits were convinced that the introduction of the Mac would destroy all this progress. Now anyone can set type, anyone will. So resumes ended up looking like ransom notes, Comic Sans became a joke that was taken seriously by few, and people like David Carson were on fire.

Instead, Mac and laser printers put forward the best examples of type quality. Once again, culture combines with technology to create a new cycle. Now, even small teams of people working on small projects can agonize over type. Now, as the availability and variety of beautiful typefaces increased, it became possible to set more types, more beautifully. If you work in an industry or department where the standard demands careful expression through type, this is possible and expected.

Better type, much more lazy type.

And then came the smart phone.

And type culture has changed in response. If you don’t have a mouse or keyboard, if your screen is the size of a deck of cards, you’re probably not paying much attention to typography. Whatever is built is what you use. People create so much content that there is no time for meetings, care, awareness. Text to speech, type with your thumbs, take a photo, hit send.

Culture changes. Now, the appearance of authenticity is more important than ever. And one way to do that is by not broadcasting with fonts that remind us of craft or kerning that reminds us that you took the time to do more than the automatic minimum.

And it won’t last, because the cycle continues.

They say you can tell a lot about someone from their handwriting. For my professional life, my handwriting has always involved a keyboard. I know that even if people don’t consciously know that they are judging our words by the way they look or sound.

The internet is flooded with job ads. From both employers and organizations. And, when you come to hire someone, it seems like everyone else is looking for the same thing: a really good employee who helps the business grow. but Before you hire the right employees, you need to post the right job ad. So what can you do to make your job ad stand out from the crowd and actually attract applicants?

Once you’ve written a job ad or two, they can start to sound the same. To make your ads stand out, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time. But if you just change the job title and role responsibilities, leaving the rest of your ad the same, you’ll lose engagement from your audience. If you want to attract the brightest talent your business needs, Your ads need to be punchy, detailed and stand out from the competition.

Detail what candidates want to see when reading a job ad. Anyone can write a simple, run-of-the-mill ad. One that speaks of being a team player, entrepreneur, and hit the ground running. But to whom does this really appeal?

If you operate in a candidate lead market where competition for talent is intense, you need to sell your opportunity and business in detail. This is so candidates can already start picturing themselves in the role. It is often said that reality Good employees are hard to find. However, one of the reasons leaders struggle is their job posting. Below are the key areas you should focus on with every ad you write.

1. Choose a proper job title

It is very important to get it right and should be given considerable consideration. I’ve had clients at startups call and ask for CVs for roles like CTO or Product Director. In fact, once we drill down to the requirements, it’s really an engineering head or lead designer that they’re looking for. However, if you advertise a CTO role, guess what? You will find CTO applicants who are looking for the salary and responsibilities associated with that title.

Not every initial hire at a startup needs a C-level title. So, if in doubt, skip to the next level heading below. It lets you go somewhere when you get promotions and salary reviews. This allows candidates to grow into a role as the business grows. Doing so will attract ambitious, key talent from other successful companies that may not have the opportunity to move up.

2. List clear roles and responsibilities

Here you want to include as much detail as possible about what is required and what the post-holder will do on a day-to-day basis. Candidates need to be able to picture themselves in a role to know if they want to do something. It doesn’t have to be a paragraph of text; Research shows that most people read job ads looking for easy, digestible information, so bullet points are good, but make them specific and avoid the generic.

To achieve this, sit down and think about all the responsibilities of the role and make sure you include them. What will your head of sales be involved in besides running a team or department? If they work alongside the marketing and product teams, be sure to highlight that, as this may be the diversity someone is looking for in a career. If there is a possibility for the post-holder to shape their role in some way, make sure you mention that too.

People like to take ownership of their role, and if someone wants to leave their current job because they feel like they’re not getting on in the organization or aren’t being heard, this kind of detail can be very interesting.

3. Describe the company environment/culture

Ask yourself, what is it really like to work for you and your business? Is it a collaborative environment, a small team, what is the size of the office, do your employees socialize, do you have a remote workforce, or offer flexible working? Paint a picture of what it’s really like to work for your business with the current team. This will get engagement from really qualified candidates. Some things may seem small to you. Like Friday pizza at the office. But, these things help Build a culture, team spirit, and bonding within your team. New employees want to know about this.

Consider the following examples, which one is more attractive to a candidate? The first is the type of general description I see in employers’ ads all the time, and the second actually gives some specific details:

• You will join an ambitious, hard-working team. We provide fruit, drinks, snacks and a social program as well as annual office trips.

Or, another way of putting it:

• You will be part of a 5-person team.
• We work hard, support each other, and have breakout areas where you can quickly sanity-check a colleague to ask for a second opinion.
• We provide drinks and snacks (from fruit to pizza) and love to socialize.
• We have weekly drinks on Thursdays. If you’re a fitness fanatic, we also do a monthly run (none compulsory!).
• Our annual trip took us skiing last year. This year, we are considering a city break.

It’s a long ad, sure. But, it provides real detail and rises above generic words.

4. Mention future opportunities

While the focus of your ad should be on the role you need someone to do for you right now, where will that role lead in the future? Most employers save this information at the interview stage, but why? If you don’t attract the right people with your ad, you might not get there.

Be sure to include a sentence or two on future prospects. Or, you can even mention what a previous post-holder has done within your business. This way candidates can see that the role offers a future for them, rather than a job that requires you to do it. Lack of advancement opportunities is one of the main ones That’s why good employees quit. If your candidate is looking for a place where they can grow, mentioning those opportunities in your ad will get their attention.

5. Include compensation or salary range

You don’t have to include the entire remuneration package in detail. This is because securing that key player may require negotiation at certain points. However, by ignoring salary, which many employers do, you are undoubtedly missing out on many applicants. Salary can certainly be a sensitive issue. But at least it doesn’t waste anyone’s time by including a range. And, your applicants will be in the right ballpark when you agree on salary.

In addition to salary though, include all the other benefits you offer. Remember, money is not everyone’s number one priority. So if you offer equity options, additional accrued vacation, flexible work arrangements, childcare, training, etc., make sure they are in your ad.

6. Describe the ideal candidate

It shouldn’t really be stated, but it should be clear about which skills and experience are essential for the role and which are desirable. Few employers find that 10/10. Most hire someone very close with the ability to grow and become that 10/10 person. So, while you have your ideal wish list of what you’re looking for, be honest with yourself about the essentials. And just understand what a “stay nice” is.

If you’ve never written a job ad before, be sure to consult on the language used. This ensures that you are not being discriminated against in any way without even realizing it. You don’t want to miss out on that perfect candidate because they were turned off by poor phrasing or implicit discrimination.

7. Your business personality

Once you have all the key information, your ad will likely be very informative but will likely lack any “voice” or personality. So think about your business, how is the company culture and vibe? Perhaps it’s a formal environment where everyone is expected to wear a suit but if not, you want to get your voice in the ad.

There is nothing wrong with using humor in advertising. I’ve seen some really fun, or just a relaxed, informal style that can best represent your culture. Either way, if you can give your ad a tone and voice that truly represents you and your business, you’re well on your way to creating unique ads that will attract the right people.

This article was originally published in 2019 but has been updated and expanded.

Monthly Contributor: Simon is the founder of a specialist UK-based recruitment business supporting technology startups. He advocates a consultative approach to recruiting and blogs to benefit both employers and job seekers, as well as experience running a startup himself. He has a background in document editing and loves good coffee and his vinyl collection. Follow him on Twitter @sibenson_wg

Article Tags:

Company Culture · Featured · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Leadership

Article Category:

Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Lead Your Team · Your Mindset

You know the importance of setting financial goals for your business. Making a profit and cutting costs are at the top of your to-do list. Such goals Usually the focus is on new business. As they should be. Financial goals help drive the business and keep the doors open.

But financial goals aren’t the only goals you need. Focusing only on money can cause other areas of your business to fail. This can be akin to not seeing the forest for the trees.

Setting non-financial goals for your business is important. Here are six non-financial goals to help your business succeed.

1. Hire great employees

Unless you’re going it all alone, you need to pay attention to who you hire. Bringing in employees who will do mediocre work, or worse, steal from your business, can be not only financially damaging but emotionally devastating.

Making the decision to hire the best employee you can afford is a decision you won’t regret. it could be Good employees are hard to findBut it’s worth it.

It’s important to remember that your best employees may be looking for pay as well as perks. As a small business owner, you may be able to offer things that larger corporations cannot. Flexible schedules, a relaxed dress code, work-from-home policies, and other employee-friendly policies are some of the ways you can win over potential applicants. If you’re creative, you might find great people who are looking for more than just a paycheck.

2. Hire great employees

Just as important Recruit great employees A great staff retention ability. While it’s inevitable that even the best workplaces will have some layoffs, your goal should still be to retain as many employees as possible. Part of this effort should include providing appropriate training for new employees, developing employees in their current roles, and identifying promotion paths for those interested in changing roles.

3. Keep building a great product

If you’ve hired great people and you’ve kept their employees, you can start focusing on the bottom line. However, it is important not to be simplistic in producing a quality product or service. Unfortunately, this is where many businesses start to lose focus and lose customers. Avoiding the core essentials of what you do can make you lose public trust. Your customers need to know that every time they choose to do business with you, your product is going to be consistently great.

It should not be a guessing game whether the service may or may not be good. Customers won’t be able to tell if you’ve switched suppliers to a cheaper vendor. The end product should still be as good as before.

4. Always know what customers are saying about you

Marketing may be out of your comfort zone, but you need to know how your business feels. While you can hire a marketing expert, you can also do some basic online sleuthing yourself. Check online reviews for your business and make a plan based on what you find

To capture what customers are saying about you, make sure your business has a profile on all relevant sites. If you sell on Amazon, you should keep a review notice. If you are in the food business, restaurant, or any other local business, you should do the same for sites like Yelp.

However, if your business has no reviews, it indicates the need to develop a plan to conduct a few surveys. If your business has negative reviews, this indicates a possible need to take action on the content posted.

5. Win an award in your industry

There are different ways to know if you are good at what you are doing. An easy way is to look at your profit and loss statement every month. However, there is a non-financial way to validate the success and impact of your business while giving you something to celebrate. It’s being voted “best” or awarded by your peers or customers.

Winning an award can bring many benefits to your business. Besides having something to show off, it can increase visibility and credibility. This will undoubtedly help in attracting new customers and partners. Awards can be a great way to motivate and recognize your employees. When employees know they are working for a quality company, it helps build a positive company culture. Plus, winning an award can be a great way to differentiate your business from competitors.

Winning a prize is a great short-term or Medium term business goals For example. This is because you don’t need an established business to be recognized for your work. A “Best”, “Top”, or “Voted #1” badge helps differentiate yourself in the marketplace. Overall, winning an award can help boost your business’ reputation and drive growth and success.

6. Give back to the community

There are many ways your business can get involved in the community. Providing company-sponsored service opportunities for employees is a possibility. It’s a goodwill gesture that can boost your business’ reputation. It can also help build pride in your employees, knowing that their employer also values ​​things that aren’t tied to profits.

Community involvement can take the form of financially supporting worthy causes, such as schools or other nonprofit groups. Your business can get involved in the community by donating products to a worthy cause.

7. Streamline all processes

Developing processes can take time, but the processes should be second nature to your employees and customers to understand and communicate. Finally, you should aim to streamline your processes and optimize them. An example of a streamlined process would be customer returns. How they will be handled, who will be responsible for them, and handling frequently asked questions should be a simple, easy process.

8. Be in love with what you do

Success in your business flows from you as you lead your business. Attitude is contagious, and so is motivation.

So what does love have to do with it?

The most personal goal of any entrepreneur should be to love what you do. After all, isn’t your passion and drive what makes you an entrepreneur in the first place?

The life of an entrepreneur is unique. It can be difficult with seasons of exhaustion and uncertainty. Without punching someone else’s clock, there are plenty of challenges. Entrepreneurs wear different hats. As a result, you can often feel pulled in different directions.

Financially, it may take a lot of faith to get through the startup phase or An economic recession. It takes faith that everything will turn around.

Working all the hours necessary to succeed can make an entrepreneur unique Risk of developing burn out.

It is important to have it though A growth mindset, it is also important to monitor your health and well-being. If you feel disconnected from your work, take steps to prevent burnout. Remember why you started your side hustle and how far you’ve come with it. Recognize yourself for how far you’ve already come. Reflect back on your dreams, and you may find joy in your small business.

9. Improve company culture

A positive company culture is a key factor in retaining top talent. This workplace is best equipped to retain great employees and allow them to perform at their best. So, assess what kind of company culture you have now. How could it be better? What is already working?

Create development opportunities for those who want to stay with the company for the long term. Offer incentives to all employees to let them know their work is appreciated. Make your workplace welcoming to people of all ages and backgrounds. Here are some things you can do to create a positive company culture.

10. Keep dreaming big

One of the top goals for any new small business is to survive the first few years to be able to celebrate the first five years of business. It’s a big milestone!

But, looking beyond that, what are your other plans for growth? If there were no limitations, how big would you dream? What kind of cooperation will you develop? Can you collaborate with any other businesses? Who do you envision using your product or service? Don’t be afraid to dream big about creating a new product, launching a new service, or networking to expand your business.

Conclusion

Creating non-financial goals can keep a small business on track for success. Recruiting and retaining great people is essential. Maintaining a high standard for products will keep customers coming back. When entrepreneurs remember why they started a business, they will find the drive to keep going achieve their goals.

Team Writer: Erin Shelby is a writer and blogger based in Ohio. Follow her on Twitter @ByErinShelby

Article Tags:

Business Opportunities · Featured · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Leadership · Productivity

Article Category:

Finance · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Lead Your Team · Product Development · Your Mindset

People are often more effective when we express ourselves a little. “I think,” “maybe,” or “I might be missing something, but…” are great ways to give us a chance to consider our claims.

The solar-powered LED calculator we used in school did nothing like that. 6 x 7 is 42, not ifs, ands or buts.

Part of the magic of Google Search was that it was not only funny, it was often accurate. The combination of its confidence and its usefulness made it seem like a miracle.

Of course, Google was never completely right. It rarely finds the right page every time. It was left to us. But the aura of omnipotence persisted – in fact, when Google failed, we should have blamed evil black-hat SEO hackers, not an imperfect algorithm and greedy monopolists.

And now, ChatGPT shows up with a completely clear statement about everything we ask.

I’m not surprised that the biggest criticism we’re hearing, even from insightful pundits, is that it’s too confident. That it declares without qualification that biryani is part of a traditional South Indian tiffin, but it is not.

What difference would it make if every single response started, “I’m a beta of a program that doesn’t really understand anything, but the human brain concludes that I do, so take it with a grain of salt…”

In fact, this is our job.

When a simple, convenient bit of data appears on your computer screen, take it with a grain of salt.

Not all emails are spam.

Not all offers are scams.

And not all GPT3 responses are wrong.

But it can’t hurt to insert your own role before you accept it as fact.

Overconfidence is not AI’s problem. There are many cultural and economic changes that this will cause. Our understanding is one of the things we should remember.