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How Entrepreneurs Can Leverage a Remote Workforce

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StrategyDriven Managing Your People Article |Remote Workforce|How Entrepreneurs Can Leverage a Remote WorkforceAround 36% of companies report that they will be using a hybrid work model permanently. But despite the prevalence of hybrid work ecosystems, some entrepreneurs may feel hesitant to take the leap. Some reason that it’s important to have in-person connections with their employees, especially when the business is new or in a growth phase.

Even though personalized connections are important, there’s no reason to limit yourself to a traditional, office-based work environment. Many businesses are leveraging Employer of Record (EOR) services to manage remote teams and simplify international hiring by handling legal compliance, payroll, and HR functions. And with the variety of cloud-based project management tools available, you may be able to get even more out of hybrid or remote workers than those sitting in the office.

Use a Project or Merit-Based Compensation Structure

How do you know if your remote workers are earning their pay? You can eliminate uncertainty around this question by using a project-based compensation system. In this way, employees get compensated, at least in part, according to their accomplishments, as opposed to simply putting in hours or connecting to your system. Here’s how this can work, step by step:

  1. Set up milestones for projects.
  2. Provide your employees with two kinds of pay: a weekly minimum and a milestone-based bonus.
  3. Evaluate progress towards each milestone on a weekly basis, providing adjustment, encouragement, and tools to support your employees’ efforts.
  4. When the milestone has been attained, have a brief meeting to review the quality of work, how they felt about the process, and how you can better support them for the next milestone.
  5. Pay your employees. Even if the end result isn’t quite up to your expectations, pay your employees anyway.

This kind of structure works well with anything that involves employees producing a product. However, a milestone-based system could be a challenge when employees perform duties such as customer service or tech support, where success is at least somewhat determined by the experience of the person they’re serving.

If this is the case, you can use high-level metrics as milestones, providing remote employees with bonuses when those are met. Naturally, the longer the period between bonuses, the higher the base pay needs to be. But regardless of the ratio, bonuses are a powerful motivator for employees you can’t monitor face-to-face.


Use Cloud-based Project Management Tools

A lot of business-critical work can either be accomplished digitally or produced in a digital format. If this is the case with your remote employees, you cannot only use project management tools to organize tasks, but you can also use them as a conduit for submitting work products.

The types of tools you use will depend on your industry and the infrastructure of your business. However, in most cases, you can gain both organizational and operational efficiency with the right digital solution.
Some common project management tools that work for remote employees include:

  • Monday
  • Easy Projects
  • Zoho Projects
  • ConnectWise Manage
  • ProntoForms
  • Wrike

Regardless of how you keep track of what your employees do, it’s important to maintain open lines of communication. Fortunately, many project management solutions also include several forms of communication, so they can serve as platforms for both interaction and production. You can also use vanity toll-free numbers to encourage remote employees to reach out whenever they want to ask questions or need support. For example, the number could be something like 888-HELP-NOW, which would be a breeze for remote employees to remember, providing simple access to the support they need–as easy as walking down the hall to chat with IT.

Provide Structure—But Not too Much

By striking a balance between structure and employee freedom, you can create an atmosphere that encourages employee satisfaction and productivity. Even though clocking in and out may work well for a manufacturing facility, forcing employees to register exactly when they log in, and disconnect can have negative consequences. They may feel like “big brother is watching” when you want them to see you as a helpful resource focused on supporting their achievement.

Here are some ways you can set up a structure that respects employee wishes without weakening your operation:

  • Hold employees accountable for what they do and create instead of when they’re in front of their screens or taking calls. Provide positive feedback when their production meets or exceeds expectations and constructive feedback when it falls short.
  • Use a flex-time setup, where employees can take breaks when they’d like but for a limited amount of time. For instance, they can have an hour-and-a-half of downtime every day whenever they want.
  • If your business model allows for it, give employees the freedom to work on weekends as well, especially if they have to take care of something during the week and don’t want to lose pay.A remote workforce can save you a lot of money when it comes to office expenses while simultaneously enabling greater agility. With a project-based payment structure, cloud project management tools, and just enough structure, you can create a productive remote work environment that makes employees happy while making you money.

 

Why Automation Can Improve Your Customer Experience

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StrategyDriven Customer Relationship Management Article |Customer Experience|Why Automation Can Improve Your Customer ExperienceThe customer experience that your company offers is very important to your success. If you are asking the question “what is digital customer experience”, the answer is essentially the sum of all online interactions that people have with your business.

If people have a good time on your website, within your platform, or dealing with your agents, it can go a long way in helping you grow. On the other hand, a poor experience is likely to drive people away.

One of the best ways to improve your customer experience today is to harness the power of automation. This article is going to take a closer look at why and how automation can improve your customer experience.

It Can Provide a Boost to Your Customer Service

First and foremost, automation can help provide a boost to your customer service. With the massive importance of customer service, companies need to take it very seriously. If customers are not happy with the speed and quality of your service, they may take their business elsewhere.

There are several ways you can use automation to aid in your customer service efforts. You can automate initial messages in live chat to steer customers in the right direction, utilize chatbots, offer self-help resources automatically, speed up response times, boost agent consistency, and more. All of this is aimed at ensuring your customers can get their problems solved as effectively and efficiently as possible.


Ensure Your Onboarding is Simple and Streamlined

For many businesses today, the onboarding process is a crucial part of the journey their customers take. Unfortunately, onboarding processes often leave a lot to be desired. If it is confusing, long, stressful, or unclear, people may abandon your business

Automation can help your onboarding as it allows you to automatically send everything from welcome emails to step-by-step guides to ease customers in and explain to them what to do next.

This can walk them through the onboarding, and ensure all relevant questions and concerns are handled. The end result is a happier customer that had a much better experience registering or signing up for your service and has a better understanding of how it works. In addition to making the process more efficient, it can also make it much faster.

It Can Improve Your Personalization Efforts

Today, consumers want a personalized experience when they work with brands. They don’t want to be seen as just another customer but want it to feel like you are reaching out and speaking to them directly. If customers today don’t feel valued or listened to, they won’t hesitate to jump ship.

As a result, companies of all shapes and sizes are making an effort to offer a uniquely personalized experience. Using automation can help make this a reality in a couple of ways. It can allow for the sending of automated emails with personalized aspects like a person’s name, birthday, or other pieces of information.

Automation also allows for the collection and management of customer data and information, to ensure that each interaction or support request can be personalized based on their history. You can even send personalized deals or discounts to people based on their unique preferences or buying/browsing history.

In conclusion, we hope that this article has been able to help you understand how automation can improve your customer experience.

6 Ways to Improve Your Software Sales

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StrategyDriven Marketing and Sales Article |Software Sales|6 Ways to Improve Your Software SalesWith the growing number of software development companies comes competition. For this reason, you need to devise a strategy to stand out from the competition. This involves improving the quality of your software product. It also involves building a well-established marketing plan to attract and convert new clients, encourage existing clients to renew software licenses, and promote additional products to existing clientele. Read on for six ways to improve your software sales and achieve your bottom line within no time.

1. Identify your target audience

Closing as many software sales as possible can be difficult if you try to grab everyone’s attention. For this reason, you should focus your marketing efforts on people interested in your products. Conduct extensive research to identify and understand your target customer, their job responsibilities, their struggles and goals, how they make a purchasing decision, what prompts them to purchase, and what would keep them from buying.

Next, leverage audience segmentation. This involves dividing your ideal customers into segments based on specific criteria such as shared interests, behaviors, and needs. You should then tailor your marketing and sales content to the needs of each segment to enable you to generate more qualified leads and increase software sales.

2. Provide free demos

Most marketers today exaggerate their product capabilities to close more deals. This, combined with the vast upfront or ongoing expenses of purchasing software, causes most clients to be hesitant to make a buying decision. For this reason, consider giving them a free demo to see first-hand how your product adds value to their organizations.

You can allow potential clients to download a copy of your product via your website. Once the clients are convinced that your software is beneficial to their business, they can then purchase the activation key to buy the full copy.

Ensure you first interact with potential clients and ask relevant and insightful questions before offering a free demo to familiarize yourself with their wants. This will help you personalize each aspect of the Sales Demo Environments to provide features and information that reflect your target audience’s needs and requirements.

3. Optimize your content

Did you know mobile phones account for 62% of internet searches? A study by the Mobile Marketing Association further shows that mobile devices play a critical role in each phase of the buyer’s journey because they allow customers to access essential details with a single click. For this reason, optimizing your content for various devices, including smartphones, computers, and tablets, is critical to provide customers with a positive user experience. Providing a positive user experience helps customers to take the desired action, enabling you to generate more income.

Be sure to optimize the size of your content, fonts, call-to-action buttons, and the website to make your content accessible from multiple devices. Ensure your emails are also accessible via mobile and desktop.


4. Invest in affiliate marketing

If you are looking for a cost-effective way to improve your software sales and boost brand awareness, consider investing in affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing involves paying bloggers, among other eCommerce businesses, to market your software on your behalf. However, affiliates do not hold stock, and you only pay a commission for the products sold. Excellent affiliate marketing partners for your software development company could be IT bloggers specializing in software reviews. They could include an affiliate link to your software in their blogs, and their readers could follow these links to make purchases.

5. Use social media marketing

With over 4.6 billion people worldwide on social media, marketing on different social channels is an affordable and effective way to target a larger audience and increase brand awareness. Be sure to identify a social platform like LinkedIn or Facebook, where your target customers often spend most of their time to create a personalized social media marketing campaign.

You should then create informative social media ads that show prospects what your software does. Publish high-quality content that resonates with your client’s needs, pain points, behaviors, and interests. Consider also incorporating GIFS, images, videos, and emojis in your content to engage your target audience and get them to take action.

6. Build a reward system

Building brand loyalty is critical, especially when providing a product that requires customers to renew licenses. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on campaigns to attract new customers, consider investing in a reward system to improve your existing customer’s performance. You could offer discounts, promo codes, and freebies to enhance your software sales.

Endnote

Improving your market share in software sales can take time and effort. Identify your target customers, provide free demos, optimize content for various devices, invest in affiliate and social media marketing, and build a reward system to improve your software sales.

7 Considerations When Opening An Auto Repair Shop

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StrategyDriven Starting Your Business Article |Open an Auto Repair Shop|7 Considerations When Opening An Auto Repair ShopOpening an auto repair shop is both a challenging and exciting venture. It requires careful planning, dedication, and lots of hard work. Before you dive in, there are several considerations to make that will lay the groundwork for success. In this article, we’ll look at seven key considerations when opening an auto repair shop to help you prepare for this rewarding opportunity.

1. Research Your Location

The first thing you should do is research the area where your business will be located. Consider factors such as population density, local competition, zoning regulations, access to transportation, and parking spaces. Additionally, it’s important to find out what permits or licenses you need in order to operate a business in the region. Understanding the local market can give you a better idea of the types of services and pricing that you should offer.

2. Create an Effective Business Plan

Creating an effective business plan is essential for any successful business venture, including an auto repair shop. Your plan should include a mission statement, potential services and costs, marketing strategies, operational procedures, financial projections, and long-term goals. You may also want to consider hiring a consultant or using software to help you create a comprehensive plan.

3. Hire Qualified Technicians

Hiring qualified and experienced technicians is one of the most important steps in launching your auto repair shop. Look for mechanics who have gone through extensive training programs and have experience working with different makes and models of cars. Additionally, it’s important to find technicians who are passionate about their work and have a strong customer service orientation.

4. Obtain Necessary Equipment and Supplies

In order to offer the best possible service, you’ll need reliable, high-quality equipment and supplies. Start by researching different vendors and comparing prices like on a gasket for example before making a purchase. It’s also important to take into consideration any warranties or maintenance agreements that may be available for more expensive items such as diagnostic tools or lifts.


5. Develop an Effective Pricing Structure

Determining an effective pricing structure is essential for keeping your business profitable. Consider factors like cost of labor, parts, overhead expenses, taxes, insurance rates, and profit margins when creating your pricing structure. Additionally, it’s important to stay competitive in your market. If the local competition is offering lower prices, adjust your pricing accordingly.

6. Promote Your Business

Once your business has been established, it’s time to start promoting it. Create a website and social media accounts that showcase the services you offer. Additionally, consider advertising through radio or television spots or distributing fliers throughout the community. You may also want to consider partnering with other businesses for promotional campaigns or discounts.

7. Stay Up-to-Date on Industry Developments

In order to remain competitive in this ever-changing industry, it’s important to stay up-to-date on developments and trends in auto repair technology and service offerings. Join professional organizations, attend trade shows and seminars, and read trade magazines and industry blogs to get the latest information. Additionally, consider attending courses or workshops related to auto repair in order to stay ahead of the curve.

There You Go

By taking into consideration these seven key considerations when opening an auto repair shop, you can set yourself up for success in this challenging yet rewarding venture. With dedication and hard work, your business will thrive – providing excellent service to your customers for years to come.

Factors to Consider Before Signing a Lease

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article |Signing a Lease|Factors to Consider Before Signing a LeaseImagine this scenario: you’re looking for a place to rent and found the ideal apartment. The price is right, in an ideal location, and it has all the features you’re looking for. Finally, you’re ready to sign that lease and move in. Before you do, however, there are some critical factors to consider that will help ensure your tenant experience is successful.

This blog post will discuss what a lease agreement is and six important factors to consider before signing one.

What is a Lease Agreement?

A lease agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the tenancy terms between a landlord and tenant. It specifies:

  • The length of time you will be renting the property
  • How much rent will be due each month
  • Any additional fees and charges
  • The rights and responsibilities of both parties

It might also include rules regarding pets, decorations, and subletting. So, pay special attention and feel free to ask questions to clear your doubts.

Since it’s a legal contract, both parties must take it seriously. Failure to comply with the lease terms can lead to disputes.

If you’re working with a property management company, they may provide you with a standard lease agreement that outlines all the details of your tenancy. We recommend working with companies that use lease lifecycle automation by LeaseAccelerator. It will help streamline the lease-signing process and ensure that the lease agreement is up-to-date and legally compliant.

Six Important Factors to Consider Before Signing a Lease

Investing in a home is a big decision, and it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities as a good tenant. Here are six important factors to consider before signing a lease:

Consider the Neighborhood:

Take some time to explore the neighborhood and its amenities. It will help you understand how it may affect your lifestyle.
Do you need to be near public transportation? Are there restaurants, shops, and other amenities within walking distance? How is the crime rate?
Visit at different times of the day and night to get a good sense of what it’s like to live there. Talk to current tenants, look for local businesses and services, and read online reviews to better understand what the neighborhood has to offer.

Check the Condition of the Property:

Inspection is key to ensuring that the property is in good condition. Take your time to walk through the rental unit, check for any signs of damage or neglect, and ensure that all the appliances and fixtures are in good working order. If you spot any issues, bring them up with the landlord before signing, so both parties are aware.

Some areas to look out for include the following:

  • Flooring: Look for any water damage, warping, or buckling signs.
  • Walls: Check for cracks and other signs of wear and tear.
  • Windows: Make sure they open and close properly.
  • Plumbing: Run the water taps, flush the toilet, and turn on other plumbing fixtures.
  • Appliances: Make sure all appliances are in good working condition.
  • Roof: Look for any leaks or damaged shingles


What Does the Rent Cover?

Understanding what your rent covers is important before signing a lease agreement. Some landlords include utilities, while others may charge extra for water and electricity. Others may include the cost of garbage disposal, while some may require you to pay for it separately. You will also want to know if you’re responsible for any maintenance or repairs.

It’s recommended not to leave anything to assumptions. So, ask about hidden fees like car parking, shared spaces like laundry, and estate fees.

If you are a pet parent, be sure to ask about any pet-related fees, deposits, or restrictions.

Understand the Terms of the Lease:

Before signing a lease agreement, you must read and understand all the terms. Make sure you know how long the tenancy will last when rent is due, whether it can be paid online or needs to be sent by mail, and any other restrictions.

You will also want to know what the landlord’s policy is regarding:

  • Late Payments: How much is the late fee? How long will they wait before evicting you?
  • Repairs: Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance? What are the guidelines for requesting a repair?
  • Subletting: Is subletting allowed, and what are the rules if it is?
  • Termination of the Lease: What happens when the lease agreement is up?

Check the Landlord’s Background:

Like any other contract, it is important to do your due diligence before signing a lease agreement. Research the landlord or property management company and ensure they have a good reputation.

Check online reviews, and talk to current and former tenants to better understand how the landlord operates. You can also find out if the landlord is registered with local housing authorities and inquire about any complaints filed against them.

An honest and reliable landlord is essential for peace of mind and security.

Your Rights as a Tenant:

Every state has different laws and regulations governing tenants’ rights. Before signing a lease agreement, make sure that you understand these laws and how they apply to you.

Some of these include:

Right to Live in a Habitable Property:

The property must be free of safety hazards and meet habitability standards. It means you must get access to usable heat, electricity, running water, and other services.

Rights Regarding Eviction:

The law allows your landlord to evict you if you breach the lease agreement, such as not paying rent or causing property damage. But they must follow specific procedures to do so legally.

Rights to Security Deposit:

You have the right to get your security deposit back after you move out as long as you fulfill all the obligations of your lease agreement. These may include damages or additional cleaning.

Right to Fair Housing:

You are protected from discrimination by your landlord based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. However, if you feel you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the local housing authority.

Conclusion:

By taking the time to research and understand these six factors before signing a lease agreement, you can make sure that you’re making an informed decision and entering into a fair and equitable agreement. It can also save you from a lot of stress and conflict.

If you can’t find the answers to your questions, you should consult a lawyer or housing expert. They can help you understand all the terms and conditions of the agreement and ensure that your rights as a tenant are protected.

Renting a home is an important decision – so take your time and ensure you’re well-informed.