Simple Ways To Modernize Your Business Now

/in /by

StrategyDriven Entrepreneurship Article |Modernize your business|Simple Ways To Modernize Your Business NowModernizing your business should always be one of your main priorities, as you need to make an effort to keep up with your competition if you’re going to stand any chance of thriving long term. Fortunately, this guide contains some of the best steps that you can follow to ensure your company can remain on top of its game for years to come, and it couldn’t be easier to get started today.

So, what are you waiting for? If you need to drag your business into the 21st century but just don’t know how to begin, then simply read on to discover some of the most effective tips and tricks that you can make the most of now! You’ll be so glad you did.
Upgrade Your Tech & Systems

One of the best ways to ensure your business can become as modern and up to date as possible is to upgrade your technology and systems on a regular basis. Maintaining the same computers that you and your team have used for more than 2-3 years will no doubt cause you unnecessary problems, as you’ll be stuck with slow processing speeds and an increased likelihood of crashes and subsequent time loss. Unfortunately it’s all too common for tech giants to maximize built-in obsolescence, meaning that their devices or systems are made to have a short lifespan that breaks or fails around the same time a new version pops onto the market. Though this is totally unethical and is essentially the reason why we are being troubled with so much pollution and chaos across the globe, it’s something that you can’t change as an individual or business, so you simply have to ensure that you don’t fall into the trap of being stuck with low quality tech for decades. It’s a good idea to get your tech on contract hire or leasing rather than buying devices outright, as this way you tend to have an option within your contract to upgrade when a new option with new features gets released. This is harder when you own all of your tech, as you’ll have to sell it before you can go about sourcing a newer, better alternative.

Change The Way You Hire

The staff that you hire for your business can either help you to drag your company into the 21st century, or force you to remain in the past. You need to take the opportunity to change the way that you hire, as things just aren’t the same as they were as little as 5-10 years ago. From digital transformation recruitment to an increased focus on accessibility and equality, there are new rules and recommendations that you should look into to ensure your team is one that’s ready for whatever the future may throw at you. Changing the way that you hire doesn’t mean that you need to do nothing but choose going staff as this isn’t the solution!

Modernizing your business today has never been so easy with these informative ideas pointing your in the right direction.

What Reviews Tell The World About Web Accessibility Programs

/in /by

StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article, What Reviews Tell The World About Web Accessibility Programs

In March 2022, the U.S. Justice Department issued a fresh guidance for web accessibility in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The brief establishes and reiterates how state and local governments, as well as businesses that are open to the public, ensure that people with disabilities have complete and undeterred access to websites and programs.

Covered under Title II and Title III of the law, these guidelines also help agencies and businesses understand why ADA-compliant web accessibility is not only legal but also vital. Programs like accessiBe are already ahead of that learning curve and are constantly striving to improve the process.

Heralded as a cost-effective option that is easy to use, readers searching through accessiBe reviews will see common denominators in how users rate the solution. Quite simply, it works and it works well. However, if you look more closely, you’ll understand why people are so relieved that a solution  like this finally exists.

ADA-Compliant Web Accessibility Is Improving

The mere development of these programs is a great sign that ADA-compliant software is on its way to becoming what it should have been a long time ago. As web access expanded throughout the world, people with disabilities were left behind in the dust. What is widely known as the “digital divide” has long been a pain point for people with disabilities. In fact, these struggles have caused basic accessibility issues, such as access to computers.

While various government programs helped increase access to virtual devices, the software and programs that people also needed were not accessible. In fact, for many companies and websites, ADA-compliant accessibility is still far from where it needs to be or doesn’t exist at all.


Larger Strides Toward ADA-Compliant Web Accessibility Are Needed

While improvements are being made, the world still has a long way to go toward creating barrier-free web accessibility. One of the web accessibility issues for people with disabilities comes from how the world regards the very nature of the disability.

One study from Sweden attempted to “measure” digital divides in the country, including those for people with disabilities. One of the prevalent issues was the sheer disregard that many companies and websites had for that population. On top of that, different disabilities were regarded, well, differently. Some disabilities were seen as being more important than others. While obviously not true, misconceptions such as these widen the gap instead of providing a bridge.

ADA-compliant web accessibility is necessary for people of all abilities. Technology is increasingly web-based. For many, unfettered virtual access is a means to survive, whether that means getting the things that they need or even making a living. People with disabilities are often excluded from free access to many things, including programs and websites. These programs help to make sure that access is there for everyone.

Reviews Tell The Real Story

Many of the reviews for these programs draw quick attention to how affordable they’ve become. ADA-compliant web accessibility is a serious game-changer that can substantially improve a person’s quality of life. That’s one of the reasons why the price is so impressive. A reasonably priced solution that can have priceless results is a sweet deal.

The program uses two different applications for effectiveness: AI and its interface., They thread through different programs, recognize the need for ADA-compliant usability and accessibility, and then give the user a version of that software that they can effectively use.

Real-life users get web accessibility that is ADA-compliant and actually useful. Companies cut down on potential liabilities by not being ADA-compliant. For most, it’s a win-win solution that companies like accessiBe are helping expand to companies and people alike.

6 Ways To Avoid Bias In Product Management

/in /by

StrategyDriven Marketing and Sales Article |Product Management|6 Ways To Avoid Bias In Product ManagementProduct management involves processes that guide a product’s lifecycle, from planning and development to launching and beyond. It is a complex project with different stages, requiring strategic decision-making to be successful. Therefore, as a product manager, you must handle product management based on facts and objectively to be successful. This can sometimes be tricky, especially if you have inherent knowledge and experience alone. This bias could lead to close-mindedness and rushed decisions.

Unfortunately, you may end up with poorly made products that do not meet desired objectives. A Fuld & Company research also suggests that bias can be a bigger threat than your competition. Below are some tips to avoid it.

1. Assess your product at various times

As time goes on, information evolves and changes, and it is the same with products. After launching, you may realize that your consumer preferences have changed, industry standards have improved, etc. Leaving things the same may cause you to run at a loss. Therefore, assessment and evaluation will become necessary. Especially in the current fast-paced environment, you may not need to wait years to assess your product. Fortunately, you can use tools like the maxdiff analysis to obtain useful information, such as preferences on product features, for your research.

2. Follow benchmarks and standards

Defining success can be difficult, particularly in product management, since every business may express it differently. However, following a predetermined standard can enable you to measure your product against the market alternatives. Try to adhere to these standards whenever feasible because they are generally acknowledged, and many users are familiar with them. Utilizing benchmarks and standards in your product management can also offer constant reassurance that your product is on the right track and assist you in making the necessary adjustments as soon as possible if you’re not.

3. Involve others in processes

If you’re an entrepreneur, product management might appear to be a lonely path since you are the only one focused on the outcome of a certain product or feature. Incorporating other perspectives in your decision-making process increases confidence that it is sound and not based just on your personal bias. However, this does not imply turning product strategy into a democracy where everybody gets a say. It doesn’t also imply that you only discuss issues with stakeholders you see as equals. Every contribution is an additional viewpoint and perspective derived from a mix of data and experience. Many of these views may be founded on irrelevant or old experiences and unsupported facts and this is why standards are important.


4. Make decisions based on data

Another useful technique for reducing bias is to base your decision on data. This means determining what you already know and going out there to fish the rest. You can use several mediums to strengthen your decision-making, including research, surveys, interviews, and so on. For instance, the data you acquire via these mediums may justify why you should choose certain features and the right pricing. They can also serve as a valuable persuasion tool to get others to agree with you. Regarding product management, it is always best to argue based on concrete data from legitimate sources.

5. Check in early and frequently with your customers

Your customers can be a fantastic resource to constantly bounce off ideas. This doesn’t suggest picking up your phone and calling your customers every time about their preferred product features. There are several opportunities to use customers as a quick resource for acquiring feedback. Once you’ve worked out enough about a new feature or modification to convey it clearly, you can test it on a few valued and invested customers to see their responses.

6. Use experience as an asset

There is a lot of talk about how and why you should resist the temptation to allow experience bias to impact your decisions on product management. However, avoid downplaying how valuable an asset your experience can be. Your experiences shape your ethics and make you an important asset to your organization. However, by employing the above strategies, you can demonstrate that you are not entirely basing your approach only on the experience you have accrued over the years. Ensure that it is only one of a few factors you consider for your product’s future.

Bias is likely to present in every business, whether big or small. As you work to establish your product firmly in the market, it is critical that you are aware of the disadvantages bias brings This way, you can put measures in place to avoid it

Maximizing Your Business’ Profits in 2023

/in /by

StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |Maximizing Profits|Maximizing Your Business' Profits in 2023We’re rounding up a difficult year for many businesses. Those of us that made it through the difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic have faced further hard times in the form of a cost of living crisis. As the costs of essentials go up – including housing, food, fuel and energy – people are having to tighten their belts and many are spending much less on non-essential goods. This means that many businesses are having to fight harder than ever to keep themselves afloat. The good news is that we’re about the step into a new year that can serve as a blank canvas for your company. Here are some top tips that can help to maximise your business’ profits over the coming twelve months.

Use Consultants

When you run a business, you tend to take time to learn a lot about the field you’re operating in. It’s absolutely essential that you take steps to understand the basics of your trade, ranging from rules and regulations in your industry, your target demographic, competitor brands, marketing tactics and more. But at the end of the day, one person can only take on so much information and specialise in so many areas. You’ll find that you do need to reach out to others who dedicate their entire careers to specific areas of interest for ongoing advice and guidance. This is where specialist consultants can come into play. There are consultants in pretty much every field out there, each able to give you advice that can guide your business towards success. From Healthcare Consultanting


Come Up With a Budget

You also need to make sure that your business is operating to a budget that accounts for costs and allows room for growth. Failing to have a well thought out, reliable budget can see your business eat away at its own profits, potentially even coming out at a loss. If you’re unsure where to start with this, an accountant or financial advisor will be able to help you along the way. They’ll be able to look at your business’ books and determine where you’re spending too much, where costs can be cut, where you’re missing opportunity for further profit and more. They will be able to create a budget and explain the ins and outs of why the budget will work for your business in particular. Then, it’s your responsibility to stick to it, or to request a review if costs and outgoings change, or if you find you are making a lot more than you anticipated in sales forecasts.

Invest in Marketing

Marketing is going to be your best friend during these difficult times. It’s all good and well having great goods at an affordable price, but if people don’t know they exist, you’re not going to convert many sales. Marketing can ensure that people know your products are out there and can let them know why they’re worth buying. Different approaches work for different brands. You need to consider your target demographic’s wants and needs to make the right marketing decisions.

The simple steps outlined above should help to guide you in the right direction towards maximising your business’ profits!

Tips on Investing as a Business Owner

/in /by

StrategyDriven Managing Your Finances Article |Investing as a Business Owner|Tips on Investing as a Business OwnerA wise business owner will always look for great ways to invest their surplus revenue. Investing allows you to make the money you have increase in value and give you more options in the future. Investing may be a bit of a risk, but in some ways, it acts as a protective thing too. That is because you are not putting all eggs in one basket. Diversifying your investments can mean that you have capital when things go bad in one area. When it comes to investing, the one thing that you really need to do is ensure that you read the small print. Do not ever get into an investment you don’t understand, either. This can affect your finances as well as your reputation if the company you invest in turns out to be bad. Here are a few things to think about as a business investor:

An Investment Plan

It makes sense for a business owner to create an investment plan. This helps you develop a better understanding of your finances and the risk associated with the investments you want to make and create a portfolio that enhances your reputation, among other things. You should never go full steam ahead into any financial decision. When you are considering investing in a certain company, you should read about them. Are the any conflicts of interest? Does their brand vision align with your own? You need to work out what your red lines are and do not cross them, no matter how lucrative a certain dal may appear. You need to do a forensic examination of your business finances too. Is this really the best time to invest? What debt do you have? What new assets should you be buying? You will need to work out your financial goals and your long-term plan, and how long you plan on investing in certain areas. There are three main criteria you need to examine before you invest: what is the safety of the investment, your growth, and your income? You will also need to work out of you can lock money into a long-term deal. Bonds, for instance, may be locked away for 30 years or more. Do not lock anything away that you may need next year. Property is another investment that may be difficult to liquidate quickly without losing a lot of money. All these considerations need to go into your investment plan.


The Stock Market

This is what most people consider when they think of Investing. All the brokers on Wall Street are making millions with the clicking of their fingers. Companies that float on the stock exchange divide their business into shares they sell for a profit. You are essentially buying a part of that company when you buy a share. That is why you need to be very careful about how you invest here. It is very easy to invest in something that does not align with your views. So there is a reputational dimension you need to consider. The stock market is fickle, too, things go up and down, and you need to be wary. Think is always about dividends. Dividends are payments you receive for owning part of the company, and these can be very lucrative if you have enough shares.

Property

You can invest in property as a business. You can even buy your own home through your business, which is a great avenue to go down. Property can be a very lucrative investment, and you can buy to let or buy to sell on. People all need somewhere to live, and the cost of houses has been increasing drastically over the past few decades. When it comes to homes, you can renovate and change the interior. You can expand the homes by adding an extension; you can even build new bespoke homes. If this is something that interests you, and your business is not a building company, then you need help. A site such as ArchiPro can make it easy to find the builders you need to create great homes.

Bonds

Bonds are another great form of investment. There are Government and Corporate bonds, and like the stock market, if you are going to buy corporate bonds, you need to check that there are no reputational issues or conflicts of interest. Corporate bonds are far more lucrative than Government bonds but are the riskier of the two options. You can choose a set amount of time that the organization holds the bond, and during the time the organization holds the bonds, you receive payouts knowns as coupons.