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Ways Smaller Businesses Can Run as Efficiently as Larger Companies

While facing tough competition is a part of any business, it can be intimidating when trying to pitch your small business against a corporate giant. In fact, it might seem impossible, especially when you consider that your small business has a limited number of staff and a tight budget, while larger companies can splash the cash and hire staff when needed.

Running efficient small business

However, no matter how small your company, there are a number of ways you can make your business stand out and compete with the biggest corporate companies.

Upgrade Your Technology

One of the best tools that small businesses can utilise is technology, for two major reasons: efficiency and customer reach.…

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5 Tips for Designing a Killer Logo

It’s funny how important a seemingly simple little thing like a logo is. Your logo is the first thing people see. They form an instant impression when they see that graphic. Unless you’re in the business of laughter, you don’t want people to take one look at your logo and burst out laughing. You also don’t want them to raise their eyebrows and smirk.

Unfortunately, logo fails happen all too often. In fact, even large corporations that pay graphic artists big bucks find themselves in logo limbo sometimes. Remember the furor over the Gap logo change in 2010? If you’re thinking about creating a logo for a new product line or you’re a startup that needs a logo, try these five tips for a killer design.…

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Drug Testing Concerns in the Workplace

Employees have a split differing opinions regarding drug testing. Some might deem it unnecessary and some might view this of greater importance. Since the workplace is the main source of productivity, concerns regarding the drug use of employees should not be taken lightly.

Workplace drug testing

Since every person differs in viewpoints, this entails clashing of opinions. Therefore before anyone argues on its significance, one must be fully educated on its importance.

Here are some must-know benefits and tips that can reaffirm your concerns regarding drug tests:

1. Ensures that employees are drug-free

An employee cannot operate efficiently if they are under the influence of drugs therefore affecting their quality of work.…

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How CRM Can Help Grow Your Small Business

It’s challenging to maintain a customer relationship in a business landscape where your biggest competition could be right across the street or one click away. Finding creative and sustainable ways to rise above the rest helps win the race, but it’s important for small business owners to adopt CRM systems as early as possible. When you manage your relationships better, your earning potential could skyrocket.

Businesswoman using CRM

A big myth surrounding CRM systems is that’s it’s too expensive and best suited for larger enterprises. This is far from the truth. Not only are these systems more affordable than you think, but offer a long-term return on investment.…

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Save your Business Money with a More Efficient Boiler

Fuel is expensive, and the prices only continue to go up. Boiler systems can waste energy for a variety of reasons; older systems are just not as efficient as newer systems, for example. In addition, heat loss is a problem. If your boiler is not efficient, you are going to pay more in fuel each month. However, you don’t simply have to accept this cost as a fact of life. There are things you can do to help the problem.

Boiler system maintenance

Use the following tips to get the most out of the boiler at your facility.

1. Maintenance

Regular boiler servicing and proper maintenance: Like any other appliance, your boiler will wear out with time thus reducing its efficiency.…

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Amazon’s Modern Retail Experience: How to Build a Future-Proof Shop

As usual, January kicked off with several articles detailing disappointing Christmas retail sales and the imminent death of the high street.

But this year, there was also a surprising bright spot amongst the usual fearmongering reports.

Amazon Go

We’re talking about the Amazon Go concept store.

Launched last December, the new bricks-and-mortar shop raised the hopes of entrepreneurs around the world.

Basically, shoppers download a free app, scan it as they enter, pick up their items and go – their Amazon account will be billed automatically, and an email receipt sent. No cashiers, no queues, no payment points.

This modern setup hints at how tech could be used to breathe life back into the retail industry.…

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5 Tips to Save on Printing Costs in the Office

The printer is one of the most used pieces of office equipment. Whether its copies of a resume for an interview or notices for employees, you’ll always have to print something. The problem is that printing isn’t exactly cheap.

Businesswoman printing documents

Fortunately, there are ways to save on your office printing costs, from the cartridges you empty to the paper you use. Here are five tips:

1. Use printers with separate cartridge slots

There’s nothing more expensive than replacing an entire printer cartridge when one ink color runs out. If your printer is an older model that combines ink types into one cartridge, then it might be time to replace it.…

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How Content Marketing Can Reach Targeted Customers

Despite continued reports of its death, content marketing is alive and well and remains one of the most effective ways to reach your target audience. Types and modes of delivery continue to evolve, spurred on by changes in the way consumers engage with brands, but the concept remains the same. Researching your audience, identifying an ideal market and delivering the content they want when they need it influences purchase decisions and builds brand loyalty.

Content strategy

To target your content to the consumers with the most interest in your products and services, consider these best practices as you plan your online marketing strategy.…

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SEO For Your Startup: Tips and Tricks

Search engine rankings, and the methods by which one achieves quality rankings, has always been an organic, ever-changing process rather than a simple and straightforward to-do list. From obvious, announced algorithm adjustments and overhauls to more subtle shifts, it can be pretty difficult as an entrepreneur to understand how to attain good rankings. Between keeping track of update names like Penguin and Panda alongside a laundry list of acronyms, it can sometimes give even seasoned SEOs a headache.

Startup SEO tips and tricks

This isn’t meant to scare you away: SEO can be hard, but like any other element of building a startup, is also very rewarding.…

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Smart Ways to Manage International Transactions for Your Small Business

Having an international presence is one of the best choices a small business can make.

With the international consuming class expected to grow by 75% to 4.2 billion people by 2025, expanding your operations overseas will give you the opportunity to capitalize on international demand and enhance sales potential of your current offerings.

International transaction

In addition, you get to source products from low-cost countries and recruit skilled individuals.

But while global expansion increases your potential for growth, it’s not without challenges. A major one is international payments. Conventional banks often put hefty fees on international transactions for businesses. Also, managing business finances across multiple currencies is no easy feat.…

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