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6 Reasons Your Startup Is Doomed

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StrategyDriven Starting Your Business Article |Startup|6 Reasons Your Startup Is DoomedEntrepreneurs are risk-takers. They calculate possibilities with high accuracy and take every step after thinking thrice. A single mistake in the initial phases can cause severe losses in the later stages.

A lot of amateur entrepreneurs make the mistake of not being thorough during the first stages. Since defining a solid business model takes up a lot of time, entrepreneurs must be patient and understanding to see through the process for fruitful business outcomes.

If you’re starting a venture or facing unfortunate results from your first venture, then we’d like to suggest some tips that’ll not only help you stand firm in the business landscape but also help to identify the places where you’re lacking.

1. Inefficient IT Professionals

IT is the core of all the success or failure businesses face. We know that initially, businesses need a lot of funding, so hiring an experienced IT professional can be expensive.

Most new ventures want great employees for minimum wage. Still, in today’s world, where living costs exceed an average man’s salary, it is almost impossible to find someone with the experience you need.

It is a primary reason startups hire inexperienced or amateurs as their employees and suffer because of it.
But, it doesn’t have to end badly for budding entrepreneurs struggling with capital. An even better idea would be to outsource IT professionals rather than hiring a dedicated team. A company like Synergy-UK is an excellent solution for all your IT-related needs.

With Synergy, you can worry less about your IT department and focus more on using your capital in other areas, ensuring company growth through mindful investment decisions.

2. Choosing The Wrong Market

You have to be wise when choosing a market for your innovations. The market is where all the targetted audiences are. It would be best not to select areas that are already over-served because then your competition would be very high, and customers will always prefer those ventures that started before you because they have gained their trust.

This would lead to a massive loss. When selecting a market, mark the severity levels (low, medium, or high) of these five warnings; the threat of suppliers, threat of buyers, threat of new entrants, bargaining power of customers, and the threat of already present competitors.

If you see threats as severe, it is recommended to choose a different market.

3. A Not So Thoughtful Business Model

It is a well-known fact that eight out of ten startups fail within the first eighteen months of their venture. There is a good reason for it. During the initial phases of the startup, entrepreneurs are optimistic about their venture turning out great with easy efforts.

They tend to disregard the prime factor leading to their downfall – the business model. A business model defines how a company will make money from its products in a type of market.

When developing your startup’s business model, you need to focus on two critical points; number one: see if there is a practical way to acquire customers, and number two: identify ways to earn revenue from your customers.

4. A Below Par Management Team

How the management team works define the success rate of your startup. Hiring an inefficient group of people only working to get paid won’t do your company any wonders since they’re not motivated enough.

Therefore, it is necessary to hire people who show interest in their field and have good communication skills since a team’s strength is defined by how well they interact and understand one another.

If the startup faces issues, the management team should resolve them instead of blaming and losing talented employees.

5. Miscalculations

Starting a business requires a lot of cash. Entrepreneurs have their ways of acquiring money. The number one method is saving up – which usually takes up a lot of time and effort.

Other ways include; asking from friends and family, external funding, or finding an angel investor. We’re trying to highlight that gathering enough money to start a venture is no child’s play.

Whatever the case may be, when you put everyone’s hard-earned resources on the line, you can’t afford problems or miscalculations.

It is always advised to let a professional financial analyst handle the finances and assets and generate a detailed report that illustrates the use of funds and highlights all the expenses made for the startup to enter the development stage.

6. Problems In Products Or Services

The product design is the key to success when starting up. This is what attracts customers and promotes better marketing. Faulty products or services will stop your brand from making progress and be a cause of ruining your venture’s reputation.

Most of the time, the products that the companies bring to the market aren’t exactly what the market needs. As stated before, you need to find the correct audience, preferably an underserved one, so you could have a high chance of succeeding.

Since startups (especially first-timers) can find it difficult to earn good marketing because of competitors, they can make themselves famous and attract more customers by introducing something that is needed rather than what is wanted.

To know the current trends, we would suggest taking surveys. Go around and ask likely customers if they would like to see your product in town; is it a must-have or just a want-to-have?

Ask them what price are they willing to pay once they see your product around. Surveys like these can give you a broader idea of what should be done to get business booming.

Final Thoughts

Only the bravest have the guts to become Entrepreneurs. Most of us tend to do things the traditional way and avoid any risks, so congratulations to you for believing in yourself and being courageous enough to make your path to success!
Now to be victorious out there, follow the tips mentioned in this article and face problems head-on. Good luck!

2 Fabulous Ideas To Kick Start Your Entreprenuerial Ambitions

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StrategyDriven Entrepreneurship Article |Entrepreneurial Ambitions|2 Fabulous Ideas To Kick Start Your Entrepreneurial AmbitionsThe time for mourning the year that wasn’t has come and gone. The business environment is exciting and innovative and gearing up to meet a whole new level of business continuity services that didn’t or might not have existed before – at least not as they do now.

The headline on this website says it perfectly:

“The StrategyDriven Entrepreneur is a uniquely talented individual, motivated to move beyond the confines of corporate America to make an indelible impact on the world around them. These entrepreneurs accept the risks and challenges involved with building an enterprise, believing in themselves, their team, and their ideas.? – strategydriven.com.

So how do you begin to unpack that noblest statement in an attempt to create your own startup value proposition? How are you going to pitch to your investor in a way that shows you mean business and are worth, relatively medium-risk investment?

The Truth is, it’s not easy. We’ll need more than just this post to unpack all of that because every startup carries individuals’ ambitions and intellectual progression that are quite unlike any other. But, there are two fundamentals that just about any entrepreneur should keep at the forefront of their business planning that can keep the vision on track, make provision for the bits that work, and be honest about those who need a little extra guidance.

Tell Your Investors a Real Story

Technically, this section should be after headings like “pitching your story,” “finding investment,” and “what differentiates your business.” Still, the truth is as clever as your pitch might be, there is a 100% chance that your potential investor and clients have heard it all before – or rather some version of it. So before you start pulling out the stats, data, and those fancy flowcharts, begin by telling your audience a real story. (Not your life story, mind you), just the real, honest version of how you brought your product or service to where it is now, and if you can include a little humor (read the room), never a bad idea.

Outline Your Business Model

Again, not quite the order that most people recommend it to be in, but after you’ve piqued their interest with your initial pitch, you want to get straight down to business – time is money, and this is no exception here. Introduce your leadership team and give them a minute or so to elaborate on what they do – but more importantly, how their function will make everyone else’s lives better.

What are you doing not just differently but better? What particular fail-safes have you incorporated into your business model based on local conditions and unique operating environments? Do you have a water-heavy plan in the desert, and if so, do you make use of the latest water tanks to ensure business continuity? This type of foresight matters and instantly elevates you above your competition. If your business can ensure that your clients do their business – you’re in.

There’s never going to be one sized-fits all approach to keeping your business fresh and relevant – and sometimes, you don’t even have to go down the route of endless innovation. If your model works for your environments and gives your clients, partners, and other businesses what they need to keep operating, then you’re on the winning side.

You can expand on this post exponentially, and we hope you’ll take the time to check out the rest of this site because there’s never been a more exciting time to indulge your entrepreneurship ambitions, but you do need the right advice and the right partners.

The HR Guide: How To Find & Support Entry-Level SEO Talent

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StrategyDriven Talent Management. Article |Entry-Level SEO Talent|The HR Guide: How To Find & Support Entry-Level SEO TalentWhen given a choice between an experienced professional and a complete newbie fresh out of the university, most HR managers would pick the former. However, finding a well-qualified employee can be a real challenge — especially in the SEO industry. For this reason, many C-suits decide to pick a different route, hiring inexperienced individuals and turning them into SEO experts themselves.

There are many successful stories centered around developing in-house talent and transforming a bunch of motivated young people into a skilled and well-functioning team. For instance, one may think about the Husky Hamster company when presenting examples of such a case.

Nevertheless, finding and supporting entry-level SEO talent also requires some time and effort. Searching for people with the right traits, providing mentorship, and creating an inclusive work environment are only a few of the things business owners have to address.

If you want to learn more, keep reading! Here are some of the most crucial steps to building a high-level SEO team from the ground up!

Search for People With the Right Traits

While the process of hiring entry-level SEO talent is not as complex as searching for a professional with many years of experience under their belt, it is something more than just snatching up candidates right out of college. The main factor to focus on here is potential.

People hired by the company should be willing to learn and be passionate about the world of SEO. Moreover, they need to have a good combination of soft skills and basic knowledge of the internet. This way, both the company and new workers can benefit from the arrangement.

Here is a list of some of the most in-demand soft skills in today’s market:

  • Focus — In today’s day and age, more and more people have problems focusing on the task at hand. Consequently, the ability to see a project through from start to completion became highly valued among CEOs and HR professionals.
  • Communication — Both written and verbal communication is essential to ensure an organization’s success. Without it, chaos takes the wheel. As such, it is one of the most sought-after skills for all positions.
  • Curiosity — A person who lacks curiosity may still find success at the workplace, but they will not be as successful as a curious one. Curious people make for better learners and can reach new heights faster than others.
  • Flexibility — The ability to find alternative solutions to different problems on the fly is one of the most valuable skills out there. It is especially vital when things do not go as planned.

Organizations can consult search experts or work with universities to learn which people they should hire. Besides, they can try outsourcing the recruitment of SEO talent, limiting their role to only making a few suggestions.

Write an Exceptional Entry-Level Job Description

Both internship postings and entry-level job descriptions require different kinds of treatment than regular job offers. Even though some practices remain the same no matter what kind of person one is looking for, there are a few unique elements that every SEO company that is looking for entry-level applicants should consider.

To resonate with young and talented people, the organization should explain what it expects from candidates and why it is a good place for young people to start their careers. Instead of sticking to a dull outline, making it more inclusive or simply more enjoyable to read might be a better approach. Additionally, the job posting should mention features that differentiate it from other brands.

The main aim is to help applicants visualize the experience of current employees. If the job description can engage a person, it fulfills its purpose perfectly!

Provide Mentorship

As mistakes are an intrinsic part of the learning process, entry-level hires are bound to make them as well. It can be frustrating not only for those who mucked up the job but also those in charge of the whole project. However, how can someone be angry at students’ errors if no one teaches them what to do?

Even newly created SEO companies should have a few more experienced staff members on board who are willing to take on a mentorship role. Otherwise, the enterprise runs the risk of collapsing right after beginning its operations. An alternative approach features making use of places that offer SEO mentorship.

Plus, there are lots of valuable SEO resources online. And while a good portion of them requires payment, paying for these materials is a small price considering how much money the company might lose because of rookie mistakes of its employees.

Create an Inclusive Work Environment

Another critical step in helping new hires to succeed is creating an inclusive work environment. Business owners should ensure that the atmosphere in their companies is as welcoming as possible. This way, they can attract talented individuals to become new team members and strengthen the bonds between their current employees.

Here are a few ways to do it:

  • Hiring people from different backgrounds.
  • Providing plenty of get-to-know-you opportunities.
  • Offering flexible work hours.
  • Encouraging more employee feedback.
  • Providing more feedback and recognition.
  • Implementing a buddy system in the workplace.
  • Organizing team-building events.

Relationships play as big of a role as other factors that determine business success. As such, employee assimilation should be on the top of the priorities list of every business — no matter in which niche it operates.

The Bottom Line

Even though it may not seem like it, talented people are everywhere — one must only know where to look. The same holds for the SEO industry, where companies can find many people with untapped potential.

By searching for people with the right traits and writing exceptional entry-level job descriptions, SEO organizations can fulfill their staffing needs with motivated people who are willing to learn. Next, all that is left is creating an inclusive work environment where entry-level hires can prosper and learn from the best. If more companies do just that — the future of SEO will look brighter than ever!

How to Improve Employee Wellbeing in the Workplace

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StrategyDriven Managing Your People Article ||How to Improve Employee Wellbeing in the WorkplaceEvery successful business depends on employees who work hard and perform their roles to the best of their ability. But, as every employer knows, finding team members that are hardworking and reliable can be challenging. So, when you find the best stuff for your business, you need to be sure that you keep hold of them. Improving staff retention rates is something that many companies struggle with, so focusing on ways to increase retention is essential. One effective way to make your employees love working for your company is to look at ways to improve staff wellbeing at work. The workplace itself has a heavy influence on your team’s productivity levels and feelings about their job, so it is worth focusing attention on improvements. Here are some ideas to help increase employee wellbeing in the workplace and boost your team’s morale and productivity levels:

Introduce More Natural Light

Introducing more natural light into your office can provide many benefits. Allowing more sunlight into your building rather than relying on artificial light can be an effective way to boost mood, reduce eyestrain, and decrease headaches among staff. So, if it is possible to increase natural light in the workplace, this is definitely something worth considering to gain wellbeing benefits.

Get an Office Pet

Introducing an office pet is an excellent way to improve staff morale and reduce your team’s stress levels. Having an office pet can bring a calming influence into the office and bring many benefits for your employees. Allowing your team to bring their own pets to work is one option, and is seen as a significant benefit by many employees. If you do decide to allow pets in your office, it could be an excellent idea to offer your employee’s First Aid Certification for Dogs and Cats alongside regular first aid training.

Increase Comfort

Making your work setup more comfortable can help to drive up productivity and may even reduce the number of sick days employees take. Introducing ergonomically designed office furniture and equipment will help your team work comfortably and make it easier for them to work to their full potential. Having ergonomic office equipment can reduce the chances of your team experiencing back and neck pain and could even help to lower the likelihood of repetitive strain injuries. Back pain can be a significant cause of long-term staff sickness, so providing equipment that reduces your employee’s chances of experiencing back pain is really beneficial.

Improve Air Quality

Keeping up with general maintenance in your building is crucial to providing your employees with an environment that improves their wellbeing rather than harms them. Maintenance tasks such as air conditioning system and air duct inspections are vital to ensure your building’s indoor air quality remains at a healthy level. A reduction in the quality of air in your office can lead to employees feeling unwell while at work. So, taking care of your air quality is an essential task to keep your team healthy and improve their wellbeing.

Finding Success as a Massage Therapist on Your Own Terms

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StrategyDriven Entrepreneurship Article |Success as a Massage Therapist|Finding Success as a Massage Therapist on Your Own TermsOver recent years, massage therapy has rapidly grown in popularity. Now, people of all ages – from young college students to retired elderly people – are visiting their local massage therapists to receive relaxation and pain relief. After all, when it comes to muscle aches and strains, massage therapy is one of – if not the – best solutions.

If you are a massage therapist and think you could offer much more to the world with your skills or just starting in this industry, you should keep reading to discover how you can find success on your own.

Learn how to start a massage business properly

Being a massage therapist is one thing, but owning a massage therapy business, while it is an exciting adventure, requires a bit more knowledge. Fortunately, you can learn online how to start a massage business. Guides like this will take you through everything you need to know, be doing, and what qualifications you will be expected to have. You can’t afford to take a slack approach with this, given the high competition. So thoroughly read the above guide and more to ensure you are provided the best start in your business endeavors.

Provide virtual consultations

Over the past couple of years, healthcare has undergone some rapid changes. For example, a lot of doctors are now providing digital appointments rather than face-to-face. This is because it saves time and allows faster service to be provided.

So, you should join the digital party by offering virtual consultations to potential customers. For example, if a customer wants to know the specifics of how you will treat their problem (e.g., lower back pain), you can schedule a quick and efficient virtual consultation with them where you describe your treatment plan. This way, they can be more assured and educated, and you showcase your knowledge. Plus, if no other therapist offers this, it gives you a competitive edge.

Offer discounts on first-time massages

The massage therapy industry is all about incentives. Getting customers on board can be difficult, which is why you need to throw incentives out there to catch their eyes.

A classic (and proven) way to do this is by offering discounts on first-time massages. Customers can get a taste of what you offer and will then feel more inclined to return for full-price massages in the future.

Advertise yourself

You can’t just open a business and expect people to come flooding to it. You need to make sure to advertise it across multiple channels and provide an about About Us page on your website that details more about who you are. Provide a short bio as well as your specialties. This will help to personalize your business and create a relationship between you and your customers.

Provide an online bookings system

Customers don’t always like to book appointments over the phone or in person. Instead, they might like to book them online either through your website or social media pages: so, make sure to provide them with this option!

Send out customer surveys

Customer surveys, which you can send via SMS or email, are a great way to make improvements to your service and ultimately make customers happier. Make sure to regularly send these out, and if you notice that customers want you to make improvements, act on these.