Managing Your Working Relationship With a Supplier

As with any business deal, the relationship you have with your manufacturing plant needs to be nurtured to ensure it’s both long-lasting and beneficial for both parties. This isn’t simply about being nice either, it’s in your company’s interests to build strong relationships. While it doesn’t guarantee benefits like more favourable rates, faster service, and the chance to gain knowledge in a related industry, you’re prospects will certainly be improved if you can remain on good terms.

Building customer-supplier relationship

Business owners who take suppliers for granted can quickly find themselves last on the list when it comes to inventory arrivals. This not only leads to a breakdown in communication, but the extra stress it brings will be a major detriment to your business.…

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Flames in your Office – How to Avoid Them

You lock up your office for the evening, head home, have some food and sink off to sleep. But all through the night, as your open eyes and stare at the ceiling, you can’t help but think that something doesn’t feel right.

It’s only when driving your convertible up to your workplace that you notice your big mistake. Smoke billows from your office’s roof, ash impinges on the air and crowds have formed around police cordons.

Building on fire

A fire has raged through your workplace in the night – and there’s so much you could have done to stop it.

Questions rush through your head – what if someone had been trapped in there?…

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Get Ready to Show Proof of Health Coverage in 2015

By now, you should know the law: As of last year, all Americans – both individuals and businesses – are required to carry health insurance coverage under the terms of the Affordable Health Care Act of 2010. If you don’t have at least the minimum amount of health coverage, you could face penalties on your 2014 tax bill.

Proof of insurance coverage

Because this is the first year that taxpayers have to provide proof of health coverage, many people are confused about what they actually have to do. The good news is that for most people, the process is actually quite simple, and only requires checking off a box on their tax return indicating that they have coverage.…

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What Type of Tech Support is Best for Your Company

If your company uses any type of technology – from laptops and printers, to network routers and phone systems – then you are going to need some type of technical support. It doesn’t matter if your company only employs four people, or if your workforce is several thousand strong.

Tech support officer

However, while the size of your company won’t determine whether or not you’ll need technical support, it can play a role in the type of technical support that you use. However, the type of support that you use is not always the best choice.

Types of Tech Support

There are several tech support options available and they all have their strengths and weaknesses.…

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Analysis of the Cloud Computing Market: Trends in 2015

According to Business Insider, the price war on cloud computing rages on. Described as “the race to zero” by some tech experts, the competition seems fierce in the coming year and the market continues to be a vicious battle ground for cloud service providers. Mark Mahaney of RBC Capital published a chart to show the changes between Oct 2013 to December 2014, and this trend shows no sign of stopping.

Cloud computing trends

For small businesses looking to take the leap, this could be the ultimate year to invest in a new cloud based network. With so many vendors slashing their prices in the competitive market, affordable solutions for robust, flexible and scalable IT have never been so accessible.…

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How to Improve Multi-Channel Customer Service

Without your customers, your business wouldn’t be successful, so of course you want to treat them well and make sure that you’re addressing every one of their needs. One of the best ways to show your customers you care about them is by making sure that your customer service channels are optimized to serve your customers in a quick, efficient manner.

Multi-channel customer service

Of course, each one of your customers will have a different preferred method of contacting you, so you’ll have to make sure that each of your customer service channels is responsive and helpful, whether it’s over the phone, e-mail, social media, or text message.…

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Suit or Jacket: How to Play it Right for Your Game Company Job Interview

Businesses in the tech industry in general, and in the gaming industry in particular, tend not to go by the same ideas as businesses in other industries. It’s well known, for instance, that casualwear rules at companies like Apple and Facebook.

Game developer startup

At companies that develop hit games, the complete absence of dress codes is the only code there is. Coders are known to arrive at work in the same unwashed pair of shorts and T-shirt for days. Some arrive in elaborate masquerade party-style costumes, and others favor tailored, three-piece suits. These people, though, are already employed. If you were interviewing for a position as game developer, what kind of clothing would get you in the front door?…

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Renting a Business Property: Know Your Rights And Responsibilities

If you run a successful business from home, you may be considering a move into dedicated business premises, but buying a property is sometimes too big a step at this stage. Taking a business tenancy is more flexible and less of a commitment than buying, but it comes with responsibilities as well.

To Let property

The draft lease

When you’ve found a suitable place, the landlord, or probably their solicitor, will present you with a long and wordy document, the draft business lease. At this stage you may want to consult lawyers of your own, because the language of the lease isn’t always easy to comprhend.…

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Accidents at Work: Common Causes of Truck Accidents

If you drive a truck for a living you’re more than likely familiar with the amount of truck accidents that happen in the Los Angeles area. Workplace accidents aren’t uncommon by any means and most employers do all that they can to keep their employees safe. However, when you’re on the road, accidents happen no matter how well your rig is or how prepared you are as a driver.

Coca-cola truck accident

Commercial trucks can present dangers to smaller cars and vans on the road which makes a truck driver’s job a bit more stressful. They have to be aware of everything around them.…

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