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Would Direct Sales Work For You?

8/30/2018

The Federal Reserve Board discovered in a survey of working Americans that nearly half of U.S. adults don’t have enough cash on hand to pay for a $400 emergency. If that’s a concern for you, you might be thinking about joining the 44 million Americans who have found ways to make money in addition to their main source of income. Common options include waiting tables, working retail, becoming a rideshare driver and direct selling.

Direct selling, also called direct-to-consumer sales, has been around for over 160 years, and companies like Avon, Tupperware, WorldVentures and Amway have been offering new business opportunities to independent sales representatives since they opened. The direct-sales business is still booming, with a record 20.5 million people involved in the U.S. alone in 2016. The estimated direct retail sales of $35.54 billion in 2016 was the second-highest in direct-selling history.

Is working in direct sales right for you? Benefits of working in the industry can include:

Flexibility — You determine your schedule, and you choose to work as many — or as few — hours as you want. If you have a knack for direct selling, you could ultimately make it your main source of income.
Personal growth and development — Take advantage of the tools and training offered by your direct selling company to help you build your business.
Companionship — Connect with fellow sales representatives and prospective customers, which can lead to lasting relationships.

Passion for travel and financial freedom prompted Wayne Nugent, founder of WorldVentures, to launch his direct sales business in 2005. “We’ve been changing the way people take vacations for more than a decade, all while helping our independent representatives discover their potential and experience more in life,” says Nugent.

The direct seller of travel and leisure club memberships, is just one of many opportunities waiting for you. Whether you decide to go into direct sales, housesitting or part-time bartending, the possibilities for supplemental income are limited only by your imagination.

Source: BPT

Growing Your Business?

8/28/2018

These 3 Financing Mistakes Can Cost You Big

Dr. Nacondus Gamble, owner of The South Eastern Eye Center, an optometry practice in Georgia, found a business loan through Funding Circle.

Starting a business can be tough. Growing one can be even harder.

Dr. Nacondus Gamble knows this all too well. After her optometry practice, The South Eastern Eye Center, began to establish a reputation for great patient care, Dr. Gamble decided she was ready to expand. So she began looking for business financing to open another location in Georgia. That’s when she discovered that many lenders don’t share her commitment to high-quality service.

“I called a couple of places, but I just felt like they were taking advantage of me,” she said. “It was unnecessarily harsh.”

Dr. Gamble ended up borrowing through Funding Circle, an online platform focused exclusively on small business loans. Known for its speed, transparency and customer service, Funding Circle has helped more than 40,000 businesses around the world get financing, says co-founder and U.S. managing director Sam Hodges.

Today there are more options than ever before for businesses looking to grow. While some of these newer options can offer a significant leg up, others can actually end up doing more harm than good.

Dr. Nacondus Gamble, owner of The South Eastern Eye Center, an optometry practice in Georgia, found a business loan through Funding Circle.

So how can you get the best deal on a business loan? It helps to watch out for these three common mistakes:

1. Not understanding the true cost of your loan
When shopping for a business loan, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by fast-talking salespeople, endless strings of acronyms and confusing terms. If it’s unclear how much you’ll really pay for financing, that’s a good sign you should walk away, Hodges cautions.

A good lender will always be willing to help you calculate the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and explain all the terms of your loan clearly. They’ll also help you understand what fees you can expect over the life of the loan — some lenders sneak in additional hidden fees, concealing them in fine print or confusing legalese, which can significantly inflate the cost.

2. Getting trapped in daily or weekly repayment cycles
Some types of business financing can seem like a godsend for a company in need of fast cash. These providers promise easy approval with quick access to funds. However, that speed can come at a steep price — in many cases, the provider takes a portion of your sales on a daily or weekly basis until the debt is repaid.

Term loans are often the better option, Hodges says. They allow businesses to borrow a set amount of money for a specific purpose, like hiring new staff or stocking up on inventory. The funds are then paid back over a set amount of time, with consistent monthly payments and no surprise fees.

3. Not knowing what you deserve
While many finance providers have your best interests at heart, the truth is that not all do. Some use irresponsible or misleading practices and take advantage of small business owners’ need for cash.

After seeing countless small businesses get stuck with credit products they couldn’t afford or understand, a coalition of small business advocates, lenders and online credit marketplaces came together to launch the Small Business Borrowers’ Bill of Rights. As the first-ever gold standard for responsible business lending, the Bill of Rights outlines the rights and safeguards that small businesses should expect from finance providers.

These include the right to transparent pricing and terms — ensuring business owners can see the cost and terms of any financing being offered in writing and in a form that is clear, complete and easy to compare with other options — and the right to non-abusive products that won’t trap you in an expensive cycle of re-borrowing. Before you take out any financing, check if your lender has signed on at ResponsibleBusinessLending.org.

Considering a loan for your business? You should know the five things business lenders typically care about when evaluating your application. To maximize your success, read more at www.Made2DoMore.com.

Source: BPT

How to Build Better Relationships to Advance Your Career

8/10/2018

Photo (c) Jacob Lund/stock.Adobe.com

Looking to get ahead in your career? Whether your goal is to raise your own level of performance, enhance customer engagement, or become a more effective leader, it all starts with bringing out the best in your co-workers, and in yourself, too.

One of the primary keys to success is learning to identify the fundamental characteristics of your co-workers, and developing strategies to work with each type of boss, co-worker or client you come across, says Kim Christfort, national managing director of Deloitte’s US Greenhouse Experience and co-author of the new book, “Business Chemistry: Practical Magic for Crafting Powerful Work Relationships.”

Co-written with Suzanne Vickberg, lead researcher of Business Chemistry at the Deloitte Greenhouse Experience, “Business Chemistry” identifies the four most common types of people you will work with in your career:

“Pioneers” who value possibilities and spark energy and imagination. They’re creative thinkers who believe big risks can bring great things.
“Drivers” who value challenge and generate momentum. They’re direct in their approach to people and problems.
“Guardians” who value stability and bring rigor and order. They’re deliberate decision makers apt to stick with status quo.
“Integrators” who value connection and draw teams together. They’re attuned to nuance, seeing shades of grey rather than black and white.

Once you identify the traits that make your co-workers and team tick, you can use this knowledge to become a more effective leader or team player, stress Deloitte’s Christfort and Vickberg. It’s all about learning how to best interact with each of the four major “Business Chemistry” types to help generate the best results and raise your level of performance -- and your value to your employer.

Here are several ways to apply that knowledge and become more effective at your job:

Recognize the key differences in how people work, so you can build empathy and stronger relationships with them -- and flex your own style accordingly.
Learn which kinds of working conditions and interactions can motivate your team, and which kinds may kill their potential. Then you can manage situations to help your team thrive.
Tap into the diversity of your co-workers by determining whose needs are being met and whose aren’t, and then revamp your team’s normal processes so that everyone can perform at his or her best.

“Among members of a team, there will often be key differences in working styles and in what each individual needs to thrive,” says Christfort. “An effective leader and co-worker can manage and motivate different types of people by learning what kinds of interactions and working conditions enhance everyone’s performance.”

For more tips and insights on how Business Chemistry can help you – and your team – perform at your best, visit deloitte.com/us/practicalmagic.

By spending some time learning what drives your co-workers, bosses and employees, you can discover how to create a more productive team atmosphere that allows everyone to thrive and succeed, including yourself.

Source: StatePoint

Looking Ahead: 4 Tips for Scaling Your Small Business

8/7/2018

As the U.S. economy continues to move at a healthy pace, many analysts are projecting a 2.5 percent growth for 2018, which would represent the best two-year run since 2005.

A big contributor to this growth, and to the high U.S. consumer confidence, which reached a 17-year high in Nov. 2017, were small businesses. And they remain well positioned to benefit from the current economic boom.

To take advantage of the favorable economic environment, consider these four moves to set your small business up for success.

1. Leverage software to optimize efficiency
While newer businesses can make do with basic tools like spreadsheets, you’ll need more advanced software to manage operations successfully.

For instance, automating your manual processes can help you run your business more efficiently and help grow your bottom line. Implementing a network of systems can exponentially increase communication and smooth workflows between growing teams.

2. Futureproof your hardware to avoid buying twice
Having the right hardware can be one of the most important drivers of success. In fact, the right hardware means employees can do their jobs better and more efficiently, saving you capital and time.
Can your company’s existing tech handle your growing business? For instance, if you grow your website traffic, you’ll need more powerful servers and increased storage capacity.

Having trouble assessing how your hardware needs might change down the road? Working with a tech-focused small-business adviser, such as the free program offered by Dell’s Small Business division, can help you avoid costly mistakes as you move your company into the next phase of growth.

3. Find free financial resources to aid growth
When your business is on the up and up, the money coming in from increased sales will help cover your increased expenditures, but it may not be quite enough to scale. If you’re looking for additional routes to cover costs without relying solely on your profits, there are a few options.

Consider reaching out to supportive networks and financial institutions for loans and potential new investors. Some companies like Dell offer lines of credit to small business owners, enabling you to quickly get the equipment your business needs now, without heavy upfront cash outlays. Or consider leasing your hardware. Instead of tying up your capital in equipment acquisitions or utilizing bank loans, lease options allow you to pay for your IT needs in low monthly payments while retaining your cash for investing in higher return opportunities.

4. Build a team that will flex with your company
When scaling your team, do not sacrifice company ideals just to increase head count. Maintaining the company culture will help keep your company focused on achieving its mission, ensure passion does not burn out and help with retention.

Also, don’t overlook hiring to address the HR and operational management aspect of your business, as you can’t — and shouldn’t — do it all yourself. Tasks like payroll, onboarding and day-to-day work should be handled by a support team that lets you run the show and focus on the future.

With consumer confidence high, your business has an opportunity to scale. Take solace knowing there are resources to help you navigate this complex process, and that you don’t have to do it all on your own — after all, you have enough on your plate as is.

Source: BPT

Business Travel On the Rise for Women

7/24/2018

Road warrior gives 5 tips for traveling like a boss

When it comes to business travel, more women are taking to the road and sky to get to their destinations. In fact, women account for 47 percent of all business travel worldwide, reports the Global Business Travel Association.

With female business travel on the rise, many brands are taking note of this growing consumer group. This year, Hertz is continuing its heritage of supporting the needs of female road warriors through award-winning customer service with its new “Her in Hertz” campaign.

Before your next trip, take note of these savvy travel tips and expert advice from frequent traveler Kristina Portillo, founder of BusinessTravelLife.com.

Plan Ahead
"Productive business travel starts before I leave for the airport. I can save hours during my travel day by simply planning ahead and not wasting time. Many of my travel accessories never leave my luggage. I have two sets of chargers, headphones, toiletries, etc., so the ones in my bag stay in my bag. I also pack items I need during transit on top. I always travel with a few healthy snacks, so I don't have to waste time finding snacks at airports."

Choose Reliable Brands
"In addition to planning ahead, who you chose for your business travel is equally important. As a mom and frequent business traveler, I need brands that have earned my trust and provide dependable, consistent service. That is why I, and so many other women, choose Hertz, a six-time consecutive winner of the annual Women’s Choice Award."

Carry-on Only
"I save at least an hour by traveling with only a carry-on. If I were to check my bag, I would wait in line at the airport to check it (10 minutes), then wait for it to come to baggage claim (20 minutes) when I reach my destination, and then repeat when I fly home. Traveling with only a carry-on also significantly reduces my chances of luggage being lost."

Join Travel Loyalty Programs
"Travel loyalty programs reward travelers for their business. These programs come with perks that make travel more efficient and enjoyable. Travel programs also reward their members with upgrades and expedited services (aka less time spent waiting in line)."

Download and Use Travel Apps
"Travel apps are a huge time saver. I use TripIt to organize my itinerary. I use OpenTable and TripAdvisor to find places to dine. And of course, I use airline, car rental and hotel apps during my trip. My airline app will allow me to check in online, serve as a mobile boarding pass and notify me of gate changes and delays. Many hotels now have apps that offer digital check-in and digital keys.

"The goal of a productive business trip is to complete my work before I get home. Therefore, I channel my inner Rihanna and 'Work, work, work, work, work, work' as much as possible during my trip. Once I get through security, I find a quiet place to work (preferably a lounge). If my flight has Wi-Fi, I work during my flight. Even without Wi-Fi, I clean out my inbox and reply to email (they will send once I connect to Wi-Fi). Once I get to my hotel, I do not turn on the TV unless I’m caught up on work. As we all know, watching TV is a major distraction and time suck. On the way home, I wrap up any reports and reply to necessary emails to close out my trip."

Source: BPT

5 Easy Ways to Update Your Home Office for Greater Productivity

7/17/2018

Photo (c) GoodMood Photo/stock.Adobe.com

If you work from home, you likely spend a lot of time in your home office, which makes its design just as important as the rest of your home. If it’s not up to par, it’s time to bring new life to the space.

A few easy updates will help you feel more comfortable and inspire you towards greater productivity:

Let in light. Update your window treatment to maximize natural light and get more direct sunshine, and swap out drab lamps for eye-catching fixtures that offer brighter light. Make sure your office is a well-lit place where you can see what you’re doing without straining your eyes.
Update your tools. Having up-to-date tools makes working in your home office that much more efficient and enjoyable. Swap out older tech with newer tools offering the latest advancements, such as Casio’s HR-170RC next generation compact printing calculator. It has a host of features, including two-color printing (red/black), a tax calculation function, a clock/calendar and a power adapter.
Decorate. Ditch the bare walls and add an interesting focal point -- whether it’s a tapestry, cool shelving or an art print that matches your interests and inspires you creatively.
Go green. It is said that certain plants and flowers can promote health at home. Add some plants or fresh cut flowers to your home office to reap the benefits.
Get organized. Flight clutter and make important items and documents easier to locate with organizational tools like filing cabinets, folders and bins. A clean and tidy work zone will help you to feel more on top of your work, and may encourage you to form other great habits.

Source: StatePoint

Be Your Own Boss

6/13/2018

7 tips to help you launch a successful business

Entrepreneurship is alive and well, even if the face of small business is evolving with the times. Autonomy in management and making dreams a reality are the reasons most cited by entrepreneurs looking to open a small business.

Nearly half of all respondents in the annual The UPS Store “Inside Small Business Survey” said they’d be optimistic about opening a small business this year. Of respondents who hope to open a small business, top motivators include being their own bosses (38 percent), followed by believing in the power of their own ideas (17 percent) and creating their next career paths (15 percent).

“The American Dream of owning your own business is still very much real, especially when compared to the rest of the developed world,” said Dr. Luke Pittaway, Ohio University College of Business Copeland Professor of Entrepreneurship.

However, how Americans are choosing to open small businesses is where there may be a shift.

“Consumer habits are changing,” Pittaway said. “That’s forcing Americans to consider how they open small businesses, whether it’s focusing more on e-commerce than actual store fronts or focusing on selling to a local community or region instead of a broader national audience.”

Starting Your Own Start-Up
The process of launching a start-up can throw various unexpected obstacles your way, but there are numerous resources available to support a budding business.

“We understand the challenges of small business owners and offer products and services designed specifically to help and support small businesses,” said Tim Davis, president of The UPS Store, Inc. “Small business owners are unparalleled in their passion for their businesses, and understanding that aspiration is critical to running a successful small business.”

This action plan from the experts at The UPS Store can help you get you on your way to launching a successful start-up:

1. Analyze your target audience.
Start by performing extensive market research to understand your customers’ core necessities. Assessing your target demographic gives you a clear perspective on how to serve the people in it.

2. Determine a legal structure.
Selecting the right legal structure ultimately determines how you handle income taxes and all government reporting requirements. Many small businesses fall under a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC) while bigger entities may identify as corporations.

3. Establish your premises.
Choosing the right business setting could be the difference between a cost-effective start-up and a moderately expensive one. Your work space should fall within your monthly budget while still satisfying the needs of your customers.

4. Determine your budget and expenses.
Assessing your available funds enables you to prioritize and assign an appropriate amount to your business assets. This should include necessities for daily operations, as well as secondary expenses, such as traveling and meetings.

5. Develop a business plan.
Think of a business plan as a road map that indicates where your start-up stands and where it is headed. If you need funding, it’s also a great tool to articulate your ideas, philosophies and goals.

6. Set up a marketing plan.
Conduct an analysis of your business’s strengths and weaknesses to devise strategies and tactics that account for challenges and opportunities your business is likely to face. The scale of your marketing plan will likely depend on resources you have available and your target audience, but should feature a variety of tactics. Your plan should include printed materials like direct mailers, business cards, newsletters, flyers, banners and posters, as well as digital to cover things like search and social media.

7. Be competitive.
Examine your competitors to determine the areas in which they thrive and see what makes them successful. Learn from the landscape to improve upon their strengths and gain an upper hand on their weaknesses. For example, implement various pricing models, such as special offers, coupons and rewards, rather than sticking with your initial, low price to remain competitive and profitable.

With a carefully structured action plan, you can turn your start-up idea into a successful business. Find more tips for your small business at TheUPSStore.com.

Pitch your small business like a Pro

When you’re launching a small business, there could be any number of reasons you may need to pitch your idea. You may be courting an investor, recruiting talent or even starting to market your product or service. Brevity is often essential, so learn how to concisely pitch your business like a pro with these tips:

Draw out the essentials. Reduce your pitch to a few digestible bites. Make sure you have an intro that is brief enough to get someone’s undivided attention then elaborate on your points, such as your top competitive advantages, and provide more detail about your business as a whole.

Come to entertain. Add an entertainment factor to make your pitch engaging and memorable. Of course, you need substance to go along with style, but keeping your audience focused and doing something to stand out is essential.

Anticipate questions. Prepare yourself to reassure concerned investors and flesh out subjects you may have kept brief for your presentation. Make sure to practice your answers so you sound confident. Grabbing attention is important, but you need to be able to back up your spiel.

Know your audience. This is the cardinal rule of communication. Make sure you do your homework and know who you are addressing. This shows you value your listener’s time and feedback. Furthermore, insight about his or her philosophy in doing business can be extremely valuable during a pitch.

Practice until it hurts. Take the time to practice your entire pitch, including answers to likely questions, until you know it inside and out. The more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to win someone over in a meeting.

Have the materials to back it up. A written document is your chance to leave a lasting impression and elaborate on your major selling points. It’s also a chance to show your professionalism, so be sure to proofread carefully and package the information for a polished presentation.

Find more resources to help get your small business off the ground at theupsstore.com/smallbiz.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Sources:Family Features | The UPS Store

7 Steps to Improve Cybersecurity

4/3/2018

There was a time you could run a small business with a bank account, a telephone, an internet connection and some sort of physical base. These days, cybersecurity has been added to this list as a necessity nearly every small business owner needs to consider.

This is especially true for small businesses such as law offices or accounting firms that deal with a client's highly sensitive information.

Despite recognizing the need for effective IT security to guard against the next cyberattack, 83 percent of businesses say organizational difficulties put their company at risk, according to a global survey conducted by Citrix. In addition, 74 percent of businesses say they need a new IT framework to improve security and reduce risk.

Because of the highly technical and complicated nature of cyberattacks, many small business owners don't understand the enormity of these threats, and most learn the hard way.

For example, Dr. David Krier, whose Volunteer Voyages lost over $14,000 through fraudulent withdrawals, learned that banks do not always offer protection against these attacks. His organization was not reimbursed for the money the cyberthieves stole. The situation is not improving. Recently, CBS reported a drastic rise in phishing scams. In 2017, 200 organizations were victims of a phishing scam that resulted in the theft of the data of several hundred thousand employees.

"Because most of the news coverage happens when big companies like Equifax or Target are attacked, many small business owners mistakenly believe that only larger companies are at risk of a security breach," says Nate Spilker, vice president, product management at Citrix. "The fact is, the majority of cyberattacks will have a detrimental impact on small businesses if they do not have a cybersecurity plan in place."

Cybersecurity is a very real and very serious matter, but the more you know about it, the better you can prepare against an attack. These seven steps lay the groundwork for establishing an advanced and cost-effective way for small businesses to better guard against the ever-present reality of a cyberattack.

Assess current security tools Your company's data is only as safe as the technology it employs. Instead of thinking how well protected you are, consider bringing in an outside consultant to expose your vulnerabilities. This will help you to honestly analyze the current tools your company uses and understand where you can improve.
Invest in staffing It can be challenging for a small business to hire new employees. But because the cyber threat is so real and potentially devastating, hiring knowledgeable and experienced security personnel might be the most important step you can take to protect your business.
Encrypt your data You may trust your personal photos and music to the web, but your business's and your clients' data raises a whole other host of concerns. Many business-class cloud services employ encryption technology, which transforms data in an indecipherable code that can only be opened with a specific key as it travels between secure destinations.
Think beyond passwords It's safe to say most people are unable to remember all their passwords. Not only are passwords cumbersome, but poor password practices can create major security problems. In fact, 91 percent of security professionals think passwords will be a thing of the past within a decade. Many security experts now recommend user authentication technology to make protecting data both easier and more effective.
Use a consolidated platform By implementing a secure, company-wide tool such as Citrix ShareFile, which includes file sharing, storing and document signing as well as remote desktop access that integrates with common business apps like Microsoft Office 365, employees will be more collaborative and productive. They will also be able to work from anywhere, on any device, at any time.
Create and enforce a standard IT policy Whether you have a traditional office setup, contractors working remotely or a bring-your-own-device policy, make it a priority for employees to understand the security risks involved with using unapproved applications.
Be proactive Stay updated on the latest developments and concerns in the cybersecurity landscape and how you can improve your company's defenses. For instance, take the time to review how the ever-expanding Internet of Things (IoT) can both benefit and add new security risks to your company.

A solution that takes into account many security measures involves implementing a cutting-edge file sync-and-sharing system, like Citrix ShareFile.

With more than 80,000 business customers and 20 million business users, Citrix has developed their systems to be easy to use and capable of handling all types of files, from sensitive legal briefs to 3D architectural designs. Combining user experience with security, ShareFile safeguards data through leading industrial security standards.

To learn more about small business technology solutions, visit www.sharefile.com.

Source: BPT

5 Ways to Promote Gender Equality in the Workplace

3/27/2018

Although women are making strides in the corporate world, there is still work that can be done to level the landscape.

Research from Catalyst, a global nonprofit focused on empowering and accelerating women in business, shows the needle is moving, albeit slowly. In nearly 10 years, the number of women in senior roles in the United States increased just 1 percent. At Standard & Poor's 500 index companies, overall women’s representation is far behind: 5.2 percent CEOs, 11 percent top earners and 26.5 percent senior-level officials and managers. Less than 5 percent of senior level positions are held by women of color. Men still lead more than 95 percent of the most powerful companies in the United States.

If you’re looking for ways to promote change in your workplace, explore these five steps that can help build a work environment where everyone can advance and succeed:

Engage in programs that celebrate women of color. Tap into resources that honor women in leadership and foster growth for aspiring women leaders from racially and ethically diverse backgrounds, such as those available through Catalyst. The nonprofit offers a host of ongoing workshops, programs, trainings and consulting services designed to promote inclusive workplaces, along with events around the world. For example, the “Catalyst Skyline Takeover,” which is a visual realization of the international business community’s commitment to greater diversity, inclusion and gender equality in workplaces around the world, features dozens of global companies “lighting up” their buildings with the female symbol.

Assess and formalize pay scales. As numerous studies indicate, wage disparity is one of the most obvious signs of inequality in the workplace. A fair pay scale outlines specific responsibilities and corresponding compensation rates, and can be applied to roles across the board regardless of race, gender or other potential discriminatory factors.

Ensure growth opportunities exist. Leveling the pay scale is an important step, but ensuring equal access to the positions at the higher end of that scale is an essential supporting move. Simply saying you’ll pay a woman the same as a man in the same job falls short if all candidates, regardless of gender, race or ethnicity are not given the same chance to compete for more senior positions.

Implement mentorship programs. Positive role models can give future leaders the vision to dream big and the guidance to make those dreams a reality. Putting aspiring women leaders in close contact with other women who have attained success in their field helps set a course toward achievement. It also helps men to advance and develop unbiased leadership. Since the majority of business leaders are currently men, change for women can only be accelerated if all those in leadership positions work together.

Support parental involvement. Historically, the issue of parenting and the workforce has been dominated by discussions around maternity leave policies, but more recently that dialogue has evolved. Men, too, desire more time with their families, and through equal parental leave policies, workplaces can allow women and men within all types of family structures to thrive in their careers and at home.

Find more resources and recommendations for promoting workplace equality at catalyst.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (woman in conference room)

Sources: Family Features | Catalyst

Digitally Transforming Your Business

3/14/2018

One of the challenges facing small businesses today is trying to deliver the same customer experience as larger competitors. As technology advances and takes on an ever-growing role, small businesses can tap new innovations to better communicate with customers, save money and simplify operations.

As small business owners look to transform digitally, they face a number of options, from upgrading their technology to optimize shipping operations and decrease costs to adopting digital marketing tactics to better understand and target their customers. While it can be difficult for a small business that is well-established using analog processes to switch to digital, the key is to start with the final objective in mind; in other words, begin by defining your end goal. Once you’ve determined the desired outcome of digitizing your business, these tips can help you establish a strategy that can benefit both your business performance and customer experience.

Reach customers through digital marketing
An important step in digital transformation is revisiting how you attract and interact with current and prospective customers, who are increasingly turning to a combination of physical and digital channels to engage with brands and businesses. If you think of digital marketing and email or online ads, you’re on the right track, but effective marketing requires more than simply hitting send on an email or counting clicks on an ad. Email marketing should be focused on providing helpful, relevant content to your target audience based on its preferences. Recipients can come to appreciate your insights on industry news and helpful information, so your sales pitches are likely to be more warmly received.

Beyond the content, an effective strategy establishes connective links between all your marketing touchpoints, from email to blog and even to your traditional tactics, such as direct mail and more, all with the goal of boosting credibility and visibility via search engine optimization and foot traffic.

Optimize operations through the cloud
As technology evolves, more tasks can be handled online and more traditional analog devices are connected to the internet and the cloud. Adopting the use of these digitally connected devices can not only make fulfilling tasks easier and more efficient, but also track patterns and collect data that brings new value to small business owners. For example, with a surge in parcel volumes year over year (thanks, in part, to a sustained e-commerce growth), according to the Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index, consider a cloud-enabled shipping solution, such as the SendPro C-Series, to simplify sending operations. This digital multi-carrier platform leverages the latest cloud technology to enable offices of all sizes to easily select the ideal sending option for every parcel or letter, while also providing full tracking information and delivering savings.

“The SendPro C-Series is designed to take the guesswork out of shipping and mailing,” said Jason Dies, executive vice president and president, Pitney Bowes SMB Solutions. “These digitally connected sending devices allow users to better manage their sending operations on one platform, providing the confidence that they selected the right carrier and class of service for each expedited envelope and package, track all shipments from one dashboard and provide consolidated visibility and control of postal and carrier expenses. Plus, the open platform allows developers to create new applications specific for the needs of small business owners.”

Make decisions based on analytics
Beyond providing efficiency and simplicity, connected and cloud-enabled devices can generate and track valuable data, which can, in turn, be analyzed and used to make important business decisions. In a business environment dominated by ever-changing consumer preferences, data-driven insights are key to serving the needs and securing the business of today’s hyper-connected consumers. By utilizing data and analytics, your business can be better equipped to deliver superior customer experiences, support product and service innovation, and optimize business processes.

Use mobile to communicate with customers
Even the smallest of businesses can take steps toward better mobile communication, such as ensuring their websites are mobile-friendly and responsive to different device types. This is especially important as mobile usage continues to climb in the United States, and consumers increasingly rely on mobile devices for information to guide purchase decisions. Your business can also capitalize on location intelligence capabilities to deliver timely coupons and promotions to customers in the immediate vicinity.

Find more tips for transforming your business for the digital age at pitneybowes.com/us/digital.

Elements of a Digital Transformation

Before diving head-first into a digital transformation, consider what aspects are most important to your business.

Automation
When developing or implementing new technology or digital assets, automation is a key component most businesses are striving toward. It can save your business money while also reducing monotonous tasks and allowing your employees to focus on the more skill-reliant aspects of their jobs.

Efficiency
Technology as a whole can make your business more efficient, from increasing employee productivity to allowing greater flexibility in an often-changing market.

Interaction
Embracing technology and digital communication can allow for greater reach and ease of communication. From the use of social media platforms to email blasts and online advertisements, technology can expand how and when your business communicates with potential consumers.

Boost Business Digitally
A growing collection of digital applications and offerings, such as these members of the Pitney Bowes Small Business Partner Program community, can enhance and streamline business operations.

Google G Suite is a cloud-based productivity suite that helps teams communicate, collaborate and get things done from anywhere, and on any device.

Yext puts businesses on the map by letting companies manage their digital knowledge in the cloud and sync it to over 100 maps, apps, search engines, GPS systems and social networks, as well as facilitating face-to-face and digital interactions that boost brand awareness, drive foot traffic and increase sales.

Promote by Acquisio is an advertising solution that helps businesses get new customers with zero expertise needed by creating tailored ads, providing optimization, on-the-go text notifications for incoming leads and tracking of all recorded incoming calls from ads.

Nimble is a simple social sales and marketing CRM that helps companies nurture relationships across email and social networks such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

DocuSign lets people sign, send and manage documents anytime, anywhere, on any device, replacing traditional methods that require printing, faxing, scanning and overnighting documents.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (two business owners)

Sources: Family Features | Pitney Bowes