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Improving and Streamlining Various Areas of Your Business

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |Streamlining Business|Improving and Streamlining Various Areas of Your BusinessLife can often be complicated when you wish it wasn’t. This is true for everyone, but if you find yourself behind the wheel of a business, complications are just going to be part of your daily routine. However, that doesn’t mean that everything has to be quite so, and there will be times when you can actually avoid this.

Tuning into which areas these are can allow you to start working on streamlining them into a more effective and manageable strategy, improving it for everyone involved. With so many different areas of your business to oversee, you can’t be directly involved in all of them. That being said, you are in a position to improve them from the ground up—allowing your employees to work even more effectively than they already do. Read on to find out how you can improve various areas of your business.

Perform a Content Audit

When you start your business, you do your best with what you have in terms of tools, experience, and knowledge. As the company progresses, you naturally improve within your position and gain insights that allow you to do your job more effectively. However, when you look back at the decisions that you might have made earlier on in your business, you might find that it doesn’t quite align with the current direction of your business and any mental changes that you’ve made since then. While these changes might also be visible to the external observer, your website might still contain all the content that you produced prior to this change—creating a clash.

For this reason and more, it might be a good time to perform a content audit in order to create a more consistent and streamlined website. This also gives you a good opportunity to update your website and modernize it, in order to bring it up to speed with the kind of professionality that you believe best represents your company. This is the hub that your customers will visit in order to find every piece of information that they could want to know about your business, so you want it to be the best that it could possibly be. An older-looking website might be enough to turn away customers, as they may not believe the information to be relevant if the web design is any indication. Furthermore, it gives you a chance to link in your social media pages to create a cohesive online experience.

Train Your Staff

Coming up with ways to improve your business can make you feel as though you’re working by yourself in order to achieve these results, especially if you don’t have anyone to bounce ideas off of. Fortunately, your business is a venture where you have plenty of help thanks to your employees, who make the running of your operations possible. Though you may not feel as though the connection that you have with these people is as strong as it could be due to the possibility that they could look for work elsewhere, this simply gives you more incentive to provide them with a reason to stay.

One such reason that you could provide is an opportunity for training, which can allow your staff to become more qualified—in turn giving them a sense of future when thinking about their career with you. This could also benefit you and your business by ultimately giving you a more qualified workforce who will be more prepared to deal with the various challenges that come your way, which can put you in a much stronger and more confident position going forward. Additionally, taking strides to make your workplace one in which your staff can be happy and fulfilled might help to make them more productive as they’ll care more about what they do.

Provide Flexible Working Possibilities

After the initial hit of the coronavirus pandemic, many businesses had to adapt to the situation and allow their staff to work from home. Though this led to many inconvenient hurdles in contrast to what you might have been used to at the time, it also led to a large degree of convenience and flexibility that might have been appreciated by you and your staff. While there will be times when you would rather that everybody is present in the workspace (and depending on your business this might be every day), giving your staff flexible working options is a prospect that can add a great deal to their work/home life balance.

Furthermore, advertising this as a perk of working with you can do a great deal to attract new employees, as it’s a feature that a lot of people might be looking for in a new job.

Can You Legally Be Fired Due to Being Unvaccinated?

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StrategyDriven Editorial Perspective Article |Vaccine Mandate|Can You Legally Be Fired Due to Being Unvaccinated?Since the pandemic, vaccines have become easily available and are a way to fight the spread. However, not everyone is willing to get the vaccine, and there are those who are willing but do not want to be required to be vaccinated as a condition of their employment. To encourage more people to be vaccinated, the President has issued a mandate for federal workers. As of November 2021, however, this mandate is being challenged in court, so the repercussions for those who choose to avoid being vaccinated may be unclear.

What to Do If You’re Fired

Anyone who is fired for not being vaccinated against COVID-19 will want to speak with one of their local employment law attorneys to get advice about their situation. As the pandemic is still in motion and the laws and mandates are being challenged, the answer to whether someone can legally be fired due to being unvaccinated is not only unclear but changing. It’s crucial for anyone who is fired to speak with an attorney to get the most up-to-date information that may pertain to their situation, as well as the help needed to challenge being fired unlawfully.

The Current Mandate and Its Applications

The mandate issued by the President on September 9, 2021, requires vaccinations for all federal workers. This includes government employees as well as anyone employed by a company that contracts with the government. The mandate could potentially apply to state workers in a number of states, and there are some exceptions to those who must be vaccinated under the mandate. The exceptions include those who work from home or work exclusively outdoors.

Challenges to the Mandate

As of November 2021, 10 states have challenged the mandate in court. This essentially pauses the mandate while it goes through the courts. The main idea behind the challenges is that there are concerns that the mandate would lead to healthcare workers retiring, quitting, or being fired instead of being vaccinated, which would cause issues with many rural hospitals. These states are already experiencing worker shortages in the healthcare field, so the worry is that this will put additional strain on a field already struggling due to the pandemic.

Can You Be Fired Because of the Mandate?

The mandate does provide options for those who don’t want to be vaccinated, but they will be required to test weekly to continue working. Those who do not want to be vaccinated and who do not want to test weekly can be fired because of the mandate. However, while the mandate is being challenged, it is not in effect. Those who are unvaccinated do not have to worry yet about being fired but will want to remain updated on the challenges and their outcome to know what may happen in the future.

The mandates and laws surrounding the pandemic are fast-moving due to the speed needed to help reduce infections and prevent more deaths. Mandates like the federal mandate are aimed at getting as many people vaccinated as possible, but could cause some unvaccinated individuals to lose their job in the future. If you are unvaccinated and fired as a result, it’s important to speak with a lawyer. As the situation changes, the potential for an employee to be fired can change, and employment lawyers will have the most up-to-date information available to help you see what options you might have.

Disclaimer: The views presented in this article are those of the author and do not represent those of StrategyDriven, its principals, partners, and employees. This article is for information purposes only and does not provide legal advice. You should seek legal advice from a qualified, licensed attorney with respect to any particular issue or problem commensurate with your circumstances.

Reasons why you should set up a blog for your business

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StrategyDriven Online Marketing and Website Development Article |Set up a blog|Reasons why you should set up a blog for your businessMost companies these days realize the need to be online and understand the tremendous opportunities that can be gained from having a well-designed, optimized website and strong social media presence. However, in a world where there are now more web pages than there are people, it can often be difficult for firms to make their content stand out and gain the attention it deserves.

Industry experts suggest the world now produces a staggering 2.5 quintillion bytes of data per day (for reference, a quintillion has 18 zeros – a truly astonishing figure when you consider that’s the amount output per day). With so much information already floating around the internet, it’s perhaps little wonder your clients (potential and existing) have so many problems sifting through the sheer volume of information that’s currently available.

The need for updated content

To gain attention online these days needs strategy and planning – from both the perspective of users finding your content to then sticking around long enough to read it or watch it – and one of the most successful ways to do that is through a company blog.

Of course, established tools like Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and quality writing/images will help, but most web marketing specialists realize that Google (and other search engines) like nothing more than regularly updated content. Unfortunately, this can prove difficult when you’ve got a front-end corporate showcase site, as adding too many extra pages will only serve to confuse users – hence the reason a blog can prove so successful.

Tips for blogging

As a rule, you should keep your blog site separate (but linked) from your main pages – adding a simple ‘blog’ link to your main navigation will work well. Other tips for a successful company blog site include:

  • Add content that doesn’t particularly ‘fit’ with your main site but is still valuable or informative
  • Write about what you know (this should be obvious)
  • You should blog regularly – even while on the road – so make sure devices are charged regularly and protected from damage by power surge components like those available from https://baypower.com/westinghouse/circuit-breakers.
  • The last thing you want is failing or damaged equipment – particularly if you’re blogging from a sales conference or after an important meeting, etc.
  • Use your blog to detail company processes or things you might not normally be able to discuss on your main site
  • Try offering interesting ‘how-to’ articles as these can be a very successful way to generate attention and drive traffic online
  • Ensure you include a link to your main corporate site
  • Remember to focus on your marketing – while a blog shouldn’t be an upfront sales pitch, there’s no harm detailing your experience or knowledge on a subject in a subtle and informative way

How blogging can add value to your existing site

You want your main website to shout your company message, services, and products in the most professional and visually appealing way. Likely, you will have spent hours poring over your site’s images, text, and navigational structure to the point that there probably isn’t much room left for adding additional content. Using a blog site, you can add content that will subtly promote your skills (and could end up found in search engines) without detracting from your main professional, formal pages.

9 Key Elements of a Flawless Gym Business Plan

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StrategyDriven Strategic Planning Article |Gym Business Plan|9 Key Elements of a Flawless Gym Business PlanTo run a successful business, gym owners must do more than purchase exercise equipment. They must determine which type of clientele they’ll serve, whether they will require a membership or allow drop-ins, and more. A gym business plan becomes of great help in ensuring nothing is overlooked when establishing and running the operation.

The plan serves as a formal document that outlines the different aspects of the business. It determines how the company will operate and what steps will be taken to ensure its success. A well-defined plan, while not essential, helps businesses secure capital and grow their organization. Gym owners need this document along with tips for digital marketing, great employees to represent the business and more.

How is This Document of Help?

The plan serves as a road map for the organization. It shows where the business currently is and where it would like to go. When writing this plan, owners often find they come up with new ideas for their venture and see where improvements need to be made. What may one learn when they create the plan?

The plan becomes of great help in analyzing the market and determining what makes a gym a success. With this information, it becomes easier for the owner to determine the best path forward and obtain the funds needed to grow and succeed.

This plan begins with plans for allocating resources, hiring personnel, and marketing, among other things. Writing these things down helps to fine-tune them. Additionally, writing the plan out provides an individual with a better understanding of the industry as a whole and which resources are needed to start out and grow the business.

Writing a Business Plan

When writing this plan, the individual must know where they are at and where they want to go. How do they plan to get there? Some gym owners choose a lean start-up plan while others want a traditional document. The lean start-up plan is good when the owner wants to see all relevant details of their business quickly and easily. However, financial institutions require a traditional business plan before lending money to a person.

Elements of a Detailed Business Plan

Business plans contain several elements, and creating this document takes time. Work on one task. When it is complete, move on to the next. If this method is used, the gym owner is less likely to become overwhelmed and give up.

The Executive Summary

The executive summary of the plan includes a description of the company and summarizes the market analysis. With this information, a person can explain why their business is needed and where it fits in the existing market. Only highlight the important parts in this portion of the document. Go into further detail later in the plan.

The Business Overview

Include an overview of the business. This detailed description provides information about the gym, the target audience, and how the organization differs from others. In this portion of the document, the owner should include the gym goals and strategies that will be used to achieve them.

Market Analysis

Next, include the market analysis that was conducted. Explain where the gym will fit into the existing industry and current trends that could increase the odds of the gym succeeding. Include data that back up any assertions made in the plan.

Competitor Analysis

Along with the market analysis, a competitor analysis is needed. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of direct and indirect competitors. Include gyms that are similar to the one you operate along with those that function as gyms but differ in one or more ways. Speak to individuals to learn why they chose the facility they use and what they would like to see in their existing gym or a new one. Show how your gym can meet the needs of customers.

Products and Services

A detailed plan needs to provide information about the products and services to be offered. Share information about membership options, exercise equipment, personal training options, and group classes. If child care will be offered or special training sessions, include them in this portion of the plan. Show how these products and services meet the needs of the target audience.

Marketing

Marketing plays a key role in the success or failure of a business. A business may advertise, seek sponsors, or offer loyalty programs to bring in customers and generate revenue. Include as much information as possible on how clients will be acquired and retained.

Personnel

Financial institutions want information about the key personnel in a business. They would like to know their experience. This includes the fitness experts and those who will handle administrative tasks. A gym needs the right people to ensure it succeeds. Add bios and an organizational chart showing these key people. Furthermore, include compensation and benefit plans, as they play a role in a gym’s ability to attract and retain talent.

Outside of rent, labor is the biggest expense for most fitness club operators, so having the right compensation is critically important. Break down your management and staff profile, along with their compensation and benefits. Financial institutions want to know their money is being spent wisely.

Financial Projections

Provide financial projections in the plan. Existing businesses should share a copy of their financial reports for the prior year and projected revenue in the coming years. Market research becomes of great help when providing this data. To show this information, create financial projections that include standard business financial documents, such as balance sheets and income statements.

Create these documents for the coming three-year period showing both the best and worst-case scenarios. Show how the figures presented in the documents compare to industry benchmarks, and reference start-up costs, debt payment schedules, and payroll expectations.

Funding

Share resources that may be used to fund the plan. This could be a bank loan, a soft loan from family or friends, personal savings, and other resources. Explain where the funding will come from and how much will be needed.

Every new business comes with challenges. A detailed business plan helps owners deal with these challenges. It serves as a reference when making critical decisions and becomes of help when funding must be secured. A business owner feels confident moving forward, as they know they have a complete understanding of their venture, and employees appreciate knowing this document is in place. They believe this provides them with more job security.

Each business is different, thus each plan will be unique. Create a plan that meets the needs of your gym. Individuals who do so find the plan serves as a blueprint to move their business forward and grow.

Best Tech Business Niches To Get Into

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StrategyDriven Entrepreneurship Article |Tech Business Niche|Best Tech Business Niches To Get IntoThe employment landscape of today is more uncertain than at any point in history. With the seemingly endless digitization of business and the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), it seems there isn’t a single area of commerce that isn’t being transformed by technology.

However, while many might view the increasing reliance on computers and machines in the workplace as a negative thing, technology is opening a world of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and bringing entirely new business prospects.

If you’re looking for ways to jump on the tech bandwagon and start capitalizing on our brave new world, below are some business ideas you could look at developing now to gain a head start before the masses follow.

Graphic and web design

As the real and virtual worlds continue to merge, there is now a huge demand for designers that can aid companies in promoting themselves online and in print. Building a strong brand is essential in today’s highly competitive markets, and firms the world over are starting to wake up to the considerable importance of promoting themselves effectively both on and off-line.

Sign design, engraving and marking

While there’s little doubt about the effect the web and associated online technologies have had on business, there will always be a demand for more traditional signage, vehicle livery and engraving skills. Modern laser cutter technology is now more accurate and precise than ever, making it easy to accurately transfer digital designs onto everything from glass to laminate, wood and metal.

3D printing

For the vast majority of businesses, a 3D printer is an expense they simply can’t justify – so investing in the tech and setting up as a dedicated service provider makes good commercial sense. These days, a professional 3D printing machine can cost as little as $10,000 but will soon pay for itself as you build a market and take more clients on board.

3D printing is becoming increasingly popular for educational purposes, construction, and in particular, manufacturing and prototyping – and the demand shows no signs of slowing.

Mobile application development

When Steve Jobs first showcased Apple’s flagship mobile device, the iPhone, on June 29th, 2007, surely even he couldn’t have predicted the massive societal shift-change his product would cause. These days, pretty much all of us have a smartphone that we rely on for day-to-day tasks like messaging, browsing, emailing and shopping.

Today’s smartphones have usurped a multitude of devices – everything from personal music players to cameras and satnavs – and the majority of these capabilities are powered by mobile applications.

Mobile app growth has been exponential over the last few years and continues to increase at breakneck speed. In 2016, research shows there were a total of 140.6 billion app downloads globally. By the end of 2021, that figure is forecast to grow to a whopping 258 billion, representing an 83% increase over just five years.

Working as an app developer, you will have options to build and market your own software (normally generating revenue from sales, advertising or subscriptions) or could go the more traditional route and build applications for clients (getting paid per project). Certainly, one thing is for sure – apps are here to stay, and app development will be a key niche for the foreseeable future.