Why You Should Invest in Tech Stocks

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We are currently surrounded by big technology stocks such as Amazon, Alphabet Inc, Microsoft, Facebook, Apple; with some of these stocks crossing the $1,000 per share mark, they can be (and very much are) an attractive investment opportunity. Given that technology is currently shaping our world and everything in it, big technology stocks are only going to increase in price and become more valuable as time goes by, meaning they have the potential to make those who invest in them very rich indeed. Although some of the major technology stocks have climbed to astronomical levels, their current values are only just the beginning.

In the broadest sense, this category of “tech stocks” includes any stocks which are involved in the research, development and distribution of technological goods, services and solutions. So, they include companies which produce everything from computer software and hardware, televisions and even mobile games such as Angry Birds. In 2017, technology stocks offered investors the highest return on investment at an average of 34.28%… not too shabby!

#1: High Returns Does Not Mean Low Risk

Just because there have been strong returns, this does not mean that there are zero risks involved. As we are well aware, technology can change at a rapid pace, often overnight, and companies which are currently leading the way can soon fall behind as new and innovative companies come along and take the top spot. In some cases, technology companies can be forced out of business by new entrants to the market. Although this is unlikely to happen with market leaders such as Amazon, it is not impossible, and this is something which should always be kept in mind.

In addition, investing in emerging companies may appear like an attractive investment opportunity, however, it is not unheard of for companies which were expected to perform well disappear overnight into the abyss. The best stock research tools give you the most information in the most intuitive way. Many of these tools are free, and any investor can use them.

Although technology is a very exciting investment space that includes everything from smartphones to blockchain, artificial intelligence to streaming services and more, there are inherent risks which you expose yourself to by ploughing your money into technology companies.

#2: Areas for Investment

As mentioned, technology investments are very varied and include a range of companies and products. Once upon a time, tech stocks would have been almost exclusive to computer hardware and software. These days, however, it includes all sorts. In fact, it is hardly accurate to call most tech companies which operate in the market computer companies (think Apple, IBM and Microsoft) because they operate in several other areas such as:

  • Artificial Intelligence where computers perform tasks which once would have only been possible by human beings. AI is one of the fastest growing and most prominent areas for investment, however, this technology still has a long way to go and it is far from perfect.
  • Smartphones, the industry of which is led by Apple and Samsung. There are a lot of other players within the smartphone market producing everything from software, mobile apps and physical mobile devices.
  • Blockchain, something which has gained a lot of publicity in the last couple of years. It is the technology which backs up Bitcoin and other industry-leading cryptocurrencies, however, it has applications to far more than just cryptocurrency.

These three areas demonstrate that the tech space is dominated by far more than just computers, and that there are several investment opportunities available to those who want to get involved. Given that there are so many possibilities, it can be difficult for new investors to get involved in the market.

#3: 4 Tech Stocks Worth Looking At

Although the market is huge and there are infinite investment possibilities, there are four major contenders which are worth looking at.

1. Apple

Apple is by far the world’s favorite consumer tech company, leading the way with their range of smartphone and laptop computer devices. Apple’s stocks usually rest around the couple-of-hundred dollars mark and given the insatiable appetite of consumers for Apple’s products then it is a stock which isn’t going to be decreasing in value soon.

2. Alphabet Inc. (Google)

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, is also a very attractive investment opportunity. Google leads the way on the internet by providing several services which we all know and love such as Googlemail and YouTube. The main problem with investing in Alphabet is the fact that their shares sit at around the $1,100 mark. If you can afford it, though, it is worth going for, because this company is going to continue to grow as it focuses on new ventures.

3. Facebook

Facebook is a money-making machine and whilst the recent data scandal has harmed the social networking giant, it is not going to be shutting up shop any time soon and at around the $200-mark, Facebook’s stock is incredibly cheap. It is likely that we will see Facebook continue to grow strongly over time at a rapid pace.

4. Amazon

Amazon is an unstoppable company which is beginning to encroach on our lives in entirely new ways. From Amazon Key and drone delivery to AI solutions such as Amazon Alexa, the company is really pushing boundaries with its innovative technologies and desire to satisfy consumer demand at all levels. Amazon’s shares usually rest around the $1,900 mark which, again, whilst pricing some people out, it is worth spending your money on should you have enough to do it. Amazon’s share price exceeding the $3,000 mark is far from being a far-fetched idea; it is more a question of when this will happen.

Today, tech stocks represent the most valuable of all investments, second perhaps only to gold and other timeless precious metals. As the world begins to demand more and more from technology and new developments occur, having a stake in some of the world’s foremost technology companies is likely to provide a sizeable return on investment in the future, especially if you buy into them now whilst their shares are still relatively low compared to what they could be.

How to Take Your Manufacturing Business from Zero to Hero

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There’s no denying that a manufacturing business is one which promises to be profitable, regardless of the industry or sector. There are a wide variety manufacturing businesses, and whether you have chosen to begin in the food sector, selling delicious beverages, or you produce technology parts for the latest smartphones, there are always changes to make to your processes to improve them. From examining your current workflow to making significant changes to the production line, below are three ways you can take your business from zero to hero, and truly make your mark in the industry.

Assess & Analyze Your Workflow

Boosting employee productivity is essential in any business and manufacturing is no different. But how do you do so effectively and quickly? First, you need to assess the current processes you use and analyze your workflow to ensure you know exactly where you need to make changes. For example, if your assembly line is a significant distance from the production workshops, you need to assess how long it takes your products to arrive at their destination, and whether this time can be shortened. If your employees find themselves waiting for their next batch of products, it will drastically reduce their productivity, meaning they may also get distracted, which could increase the risk of injury or damage to the products. Perhaps you are using outdated equipment because it still works, so why would you replace it? This reluctance to upgrade is an obstacle in your workflow and needs addressing.

Automate Wherever Possible

Automation is the future of a vast number of industries, and of course, this includes manufacturing. While many managers believe adopting automation means they will lose the human touch and have to replace employees with machines, this isn’t the case. Automation is a time-saving addition to any business, and it is not created to simply replace human employees. An example of saving time by using automation would be to utilize an automatic bottle capper machine. Ideal for a variety of manufacturing businesses which use bottles, such as pharmaceuticals and beverages, this machine maximizes the efficiency of your staff and your packaging line, allowing you to create more products and reduce human error or damages.

Continue Educating Your Employees

For every employee to perform at their optimal level of productivity, they need the tools to be able to do so efficiently. The first tools are, of course, the equipment needed to complete their roles, but the second tool, of equal importance, is their own education. After all, how can they work quickly and safely without the right knowledge on how to do so? It’s for this reason why you need to continue educating your employees regularly. It may be worthwhile, for you, your employees, and your business, to schedule into the company diary training sessions at regular intervals and arrange training when there is a new improvement in business processes or the technology you use. By addressing any issues and queries within the regular training sessions that your employees may have, you can ensure everyone is on the same page.

How Digitization Can Boost Remote Working

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When you are a remote worker embarking on your first freelance adventure, you will need to find ways of increasing your productivity and getting new clients quickly. Doing so means that you will be able to generate both your desired income and the portfolio of high quality of work that will make you instantly stand out as someone to watch. A key element to achieve this is that you will need to look into how to digitize your work effectively, and, in turn, reap the benefits from making the most of modern tech. This handy guide will give you insight into where to start.

Choosing your own work environment

One of the joys of freelancing is that it gives you the freedom to choose where you want to work, and of course, when you want to work. If you have your business digitized and set up online for clients to find you and your portfolio, then the sky is truly the limit for where you want to set up shop. A great idea is to consider using a co-working environment, like those at thebrew.co.uk, as this gives you a professional setting and a proper work base, rather than just sitting at your kitchen table trying to work through your commissions and projects.

Counting the money

Just because you are going to start working in a freelance capacity doesn’t mean that you necessarily have all the training and skills to keep on top of your earnings, costs, and taxes. When you are starting out on a new business venture such as this, the last thing you need is menial tasks getting in the way of your work and progress in the industry. A solution to this is to start using accounting software for freelance work. Using a cloud-based software means you can update your accounts anywhere you have an internet connection and your phone to hand. Another benefit is that accounting software will save you time that can be better spent earning money and talking with clients.

Showing off your portfolio

A final element to making your freelance career a success is getting your work in front of potential clients. The best way to this digitally is to learn how to make a small business website, where people can find you and commission work instantly. By converting your work into digital files, you can have your portfolio readily displayed on your own website, which will make it easier for people to see the kind of work you produce and be more likely to hire you for their next project. Uploading your work onto a digital platform will mean that, not only can people see how good your work is, but they will be able to see how much you have been commissioned for and infer how much professional experience you have. This information will put you on strong footing for getting customers.

Becoming a remote worker is a great way of changing your life for the better and using technology will only make this easier.

How to Start Your First Manufacturing Business

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StrategyDriven Entrepreneurship ArticleSetting up a new manufacturing business is no easy feat. Not only is it a big financial commitment, but you will need to make sure you hire the right people and embark on the best processes, which will help you to create as many products as possible to increase your revenue.

While it is a huge responsibility and will require a great deal of time and hard work, you can trust it will be worth all the effort once you start to enjoy the many rewards. For help getting off to the best start, find out how to start your first manufacturing business below.

Secure Investment

Starting a manufacturing business will not be cheap, and you will most likely need to secure either a hefty bank loan or an investment to launch your new venture. Make sure you detail all expenditure within your business plan, so you will know exactly how much money you will need to get started.

For example, you will need to realistically consider staff salaries, transportation fees, advertisement expenditure, material prices, equipment and technology costs, plus more. To secure investment, you will need a detailed plan of how you intend to use the capital you receive, how you intend to pay it back and when.

Choose the Ideal Location

Choose a location wisely when launching a manufacturing business. For example, you must be within close proximity to great public transport links, so your employees can reach your facility with ease. Your premises will also need to be closely located to motorways to make it easier for logistics vehicles, such as dependable Chicago LTL carriers, to gain access to your manufacturing facility.

Pick the Perfect Premises

You might be tempted to pick a cheap manufacturing premise to reduce your overheads from day one. However, your thriftiness could backfire if you do not have enough access to electricity, have no running water, or the building experiences structural damage, as this could slow down or stop your operations.

Hire the Right Staff

If you are running a large manufacturing business with powerful equipment, you will need to hire a wide range of people to help run your business. Not only will you need to employ experienced production operatives, but you will need to find business managers, market researchers, and quality managers. Each person will take some of the pressure off your shoulders, so you can focus on marketing your business and increasing your profit margin.

Seek Support

You are bound to be filled with passion and enthusiasm when developing your first manufacturing business. As a result, you might think you can handle every challenge you will face along the way. However, there might come a day that you are faced with a huge obstacle and are unsure how to overcome it.

Rather than struggling in silence and making a big mistake that could impact your business before it has even started, you must seek support from experienced professionals to save your business both time and money. Thankfully, there are several organisations you can turn to for guidance or grants, such as the Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, and UKTI.

Tips For Starting A Medical Supplies Business

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StrategyDriven Entrepreneurship ArticleAs an entrepreneur, you will always want to look at industries which are always in demand so that your company always has a chance to succeed through constant demand. These industries are few and far between, but one which will always be in demand is the medical industry. This means that it is never a bad time to set up a medical supplies business and this could prove to be both a rewarding and lucrative area to work in because there are so many medical professionals that require supplies. This is quite a unique industry and not quite like any other, so here are a few tips for getting started which should help you to succeed.

Identify Target Market

The first thing to do will be to find a target market. There are many medical professionals that require a constant flow of supplies, and it is a good idea to focus on one of these groups so that you can focus all of your efforts on this niche – medical supplies are constantly evolving and changing so it can be hard to stay up to date with all of the different markets. A few good options for a target market include dentists, veterinarians, nursing homes and midwives.

Market Research

Once you have established a target market, you will then want to carry out thorough market research so that you can familiarize yourself with the industry, understand who the competition is and identify any gaps in the market. Identify the products which are high in demand and look at what the competition is pricing these at so that you can set your prices competitively.

Logistics

The logistics will be crucial to success, but this is also the most complex area of the business. Having a suitable warehouse which is carefully managed and dependable shipping will be vital to success. It is a smart move to use medical warehousing and logistics specialists who will be able to provide integrated shipping and logistics solutions.

Business Promotion

As with any startup, it can be hard to establish your brand and compete when first starting out. Business promotion is an important tool early on to make people aware of your brand – in addition to advertising and marketing; you can also use social media, offer deals for new customers and establish authority by posting regular content such as blog posts and newsletters. Additionally, sponsoring healthcare events and getting involved with the local community can have a huge impact on brand reputation and awareness.

Networking

The medical industry is one which can be tight-knit with many opportunities to network and build important relationships. Be sure to attend as many conferences and industry events as possible and meet as many people as possible to grow your brand and increase awareness.

Medical supplies will always be in demand, and this can make it an excellent field to enter as an entrepreneur. It can also be a challenging one to succeed in, but with a little preparation, research and networking you should soon find your feet and start to develop a strong customer base while making a difference to the world.