Diana Smith | Mike McRitchie | Resume and LinkedIn Profile Writer | Telecom Marketing Content Writer

Tips for Success from Top Female Entrepreneurs

March 28, 2022 by Diana Smith Leave a Comment

Surviving and, most of all, thriving in the business world is hard for everyone, especially women. Women still have a glass ceiling to watch out for, as well as sexism, pay gap, lack of access and flexibility, etc. But being a girl boss is not impossible. If you want to learn from the best on how to avoid mistakes and quickly build a reputation of a fierce player, here are a few tips from top female entrepreneurs to keep in mind:

Change your mindset

Your negative mindset can grow, occupy your thoughts and put a stop to your success. Instead, think positive thoughts and work hard to reach the rewards you know are waiting for you. A positive mindset will help you face your challenges, jump over hurdles and not let anything get you down.

Don’t be scared to stir things up

You won’t reach success without stepping on some toes and making waves. Don’t be scared to try something new, think outside the box and push the boundaries in your niche—women who managed to make waves are not the leaders of innovation. It’s easy to stay invisible in order to avoid critics and attention, but if you want to reach success, it’s necessary to be present, visible and ready to take critique.

Look forward to challenges

Every business person will face challenges in their career. They are not necessarily a bad sign, even though they carry a negative connotation. Actually, if you come face to face with a challenge, it means you’re trying something new, growing as an entrepreneur and leaving your comfort zone. Challenges should be embraced, celebrated and coveted in the world of entrepreneurship. And with the positive mindset we just mentioned above, you will work through your challenges and achieve things you didn’t even dare to dream of.

Fake it till you make it

This might sound like bad advice, but it often works like a charm. Of course, you’re not going to be cheating anyone or lying to your clients or partners, but faking things like confidence and fearlessness can actually turn up your self-esteem and courage. When you feel like you don’t belong, make sure to dress for success. A beautiful day dress in a bold color will instantly raise your self-esteem and attract all the right attention. Combine it with a pair of heels and a designer bag, and voila—you’ll look like a CEO of Fortune 500. Many doors can open for you when you look professional and act confident.

Follow your gut

Every entrepreneur needs to learn to follow their instincts. Sure, you will make some mistakes, but make sure to use them as learning opportunities instead of allowing them to slow you down. When you find yourself questioning your decisions, rely on your gut feeling. In business, trial and error is a good strategy to follow, so make sure to always try to innovate. In many cases, when your instinct tells you to follow a certain direction (and you do), it can bring you to many great new things. If your gut feeling fails you, you can still use it as an opportunity to learn and fine-tune your instincts.

Learn all the time

Being an entrepreneur is a great tool for personal development. As your business changes, grows and develops, it’s important to adapt your skills and learn new takes necessary to stay relevant on the market. When you get too comfortable, it can slow down your growth. Instead, continue to learn and you will always be one step in front of the competition.

Don’t try to please people

It’s important to please your clients and customers, but not be scared to show your competition who’s the boss. Trying not to step on any toes on your way up will cause you to lose trust in your instincts and forget about your business plans. Make sure to be confident in your words and your opinions. Young women entrepreneurs often try too hard to be liked, to avoid saying no and to say what people expect them to say. It’s a much better strategy to be yourself.

Women entrepreneurs will most definitely come across many red lights on their way up, but following the tips above can truly help with reaching success. Confidence, skills and fearlessness will take you far in the world of business.

Things to Consider When Starting a Hotel Business

March 12, 2022 by Diana Smith Leave a Comment

Being a part of the hospitality industry is one of the best ways to make a living, and it’s also one of those things that give you tons of freedom and ideas you can explore in lots of different ways. From restaurants and cafes to pubs and hotels, you can do everything you want, as long as you’re creative and focused on your work. In case you’d like to start a hotel, for instance, you have to consider many things and solve lots of problems before you get started. Therefore, here are some of the most important issues you should look into when starting a hotel business.

Choose the location

Finding the perfect location for your new business is one of the hardest things in the world, and this is particularly true in the hospitality industry. With so many establishments already everywhere around you, finding an empty location that’s far away from all your competition sounds impossible, but it’s not. Some of the things you need to do include checking out local businesses in the area, thinking about the traffic, and checking the previous history of the location. These things will help you determine whether this is the right choice for you or not, so start focusing on them right now.

Find the Right Supplier

Finding reliable suppliers is essential when starting a hotel anywhere in the world but if you are starting a hotel in Dubai it is even more critical. The right supplier is going to play a major role in ensuring smooth operations and high-quality services.

With the abundance of options available, selecting the best hotel supplies Dubai requires some strategic consideration. Firstly, it is essential that they have knowledge of Dubai’s market. It is also beneficial to work with suppliers who understand the local preferences and regulatory requirements that you have to meet when running a hotel in Dubai.

All of this can play a major role in the experience of your guests. Giving your guests the best experience possible while in Dubai is key to the long-term survival of your hotel, so whatever you are sourcing, be it cutlery, wine or even champagne glasses. Make sure that you choose a reputable hotel supplier.

Another consideration is flexibility. Hotels often face fluctuating demands, so finding suppliers with adaptable order volumes is beneficial for managing costs and avoiding excess inventory.

It is a lot to consider but if you take the time to carefully think about what the needs of your hotel are, no matter what region you are in, you will find the right supplier for it. When it comes to the hotel industry having that touch of class and elegance in your establishment is key. It is the only way that you can distinguish yourself from the competition in an effective way.

Work on your brand

Again, getting into the hotel industry is hard because of all those amazing hotels already around you, and the only way to become a part of this world is to work on your brand image and be unique. This is easier than it sounds, though, and it all comes down to thinking outside the box and finding solutions that haven’t been used yet. From a cool logo to a powerful tagline, these things will make all the difference in your hotel’s future and they’ll help you attract people who might be interested in staying with you and spending money on your services.

Insist on comfortable rooms

The biggest issue you have to look into is the standard of your service – the comfort of your rooms and the quality of your food. If these two things aren’t perfect, people won’t stay at your hotel and you’ll never reach the heights you’ve been hoping for. When it comes to rooms, make sure they’re maintained properly and that every inch of space is used properly. You also need to create a maintenance schedule and find a plumber and an electrician who will help you make that happen. While most people stick to professionals in their area only, you can look elsewhere too – if you’re in Australia, for instance, you might check out a plumber from Sutherland Shire who will do everything for you, from repairing your showers to stopping your leaks, and that’s the kind of service every hotel needs!

Work on your marketing

If you wish to attract people and keep them coming back, you need to come up with a great marketing technique. This is an issue lots of business owners can’t deal with, but if you’re creative and not afraid to try out new things, you can find a marketing approach that’s going to work for you. Some of the ideas to look into are working on your SEO score, focusing on your social media feed, and embracing the holiday spirit by altering your marketing approach to suit a particular season and different holidays. This will make you cool and unique, and that’s great when you’re starting a new hotel business.

Though they sound hard, these things are simple and easy to turn into reality, so start doing that right now and have a great time running your hotel!

Security Measures for Improving the Safety of Your Warehouse

February 5, 2022 by Diana Smith Leave a Comment

Whether it’s lost inventory or cargo theft, the loss of valuable items in your warehouse could be quite a serious issue. Not only will it cost your company a significant sum in unexpected expenses, but it could also hurt your reputation as a trusted and reliable business. Due to these problems, increasing your warehouse security seems like the most logical step forward, but it can often be a challenging and overwhelming process for many business owners to complete. To help you out in this difficult journey, here are some of the best, most efficient security measures that will allow you to instantly improve the safety of your warehouse:

Start with a risk assessment

In order to eliminate potential risk, you must first identify it. As every warehouse is different, the risk you might be facing could vary as well, from common break-ins to fire hazards. Conducting a risk assessment will provide you with all the necessary information you need for creating a suitable security plan for your warehouse.

To get the best results, it’s recommended to perform a thorough risk assessment by identifying potential risks, determining exactly what or who is at risk, evaluating these risks, recording your observations, and implementing all necessary measures for eliminating them. If this process seems too complicated or time-consuming, you could also consult a professional security company for risk assessments and security improvement suggestions.

Control and limit warehouse access

Most crimes in warehouses happen due to unauthorized, forced, and illegal entry. But with so many workers running around the warehouse throughout the workday, and so much heavy machinery being regularly used, controlling access can often be a challenging task.

For that reason, many business owners in the US, for instance, have switched from manual data entry processes to automated access control systems. Whether they opt for more inexpensive access cards and pins or more pricey smart access and biometric verification, automated (keyless) systems help to manage access to different areas more efficiently in any case, thus preventing both internal and external threats.

Ensure the perimeter is secure

On the other hand, warehouse owners are quite aware of the fact that the perimeter of their premises is often the first line of defense. The safer and more secure the perimeter, the more difficult it will be to gain access to the facility, and it will act as an efficient deterrent for even professional criminals.

That is why most people frequently use colourbond fencing to take care of their safety needs. Simply by choosing high and sturdy security fencing solutions made from aluminum or steel, access to the warehouse can be controlled more easily, and safety in the facility could be significantly improved.

Secure the windows and doors

Although often overlooked, the windows and doors are another important security aspect you should pay special attention to. They represent the main access points to your warehouse, and they are among the first things potential burglars will look to when planning a break-in.

To that end, any flimsy windows and doors that could easily be broken or knocked down are ill-advised, as well as simple locks that could effortlessly be picked. Instead, your goal should be to strengthen and reinforce all potential entrances, including choosing more secure, high-quality locks, in order to minimize your weak points and reduce the risk of illegal access to your facility.

Use burglar alarms and surveillance

Burglar alarms and surveillance systems are among the most basic security requirements across the globe, but they are popular for a good reason. Especially when combined with light and motion sensors, alarms can instantly intimidate any criminal, while also alerting you of potential dangers as soon as they take place.

Similarly, surveillance systems that include 24-hour camera monitoring can be beneficial for more than one purpose. Allowing you to oversee the warehouse in real-time and even review the footage in the future, surveillance systems give you the opportunity to identify threats immediately, gather evidence of potential foul play, and even deter burglars with their mere presence.Depending on the specific needs of your warehouse, there are evidently a number of different security measures you could implement at your facility. Regardless of what you choose, it’s crucial to apply the tools and protocols that will guarantee the safety of both your company and your employees.

Working Remotely: Tips for Staying Focused and Motivated

January 30, 2022 by Diana Smith Leave a Comment

Staying focused on work can sometimes be challenging. That’s especially true when your home becomes your office and you go from being surrounded by your superiors every day, to having the comfort of your home at your disposal 24/7. Resisting the urge to chill and procrastinate for another hour seems like the biggest struggle, but fortunately, we have a few tips, which will help you stay focused on work and motivated every day.

Create a morning routine

No task will seem unachievable when you have a clear goal and an even clearer path to achieving that goal. One of the best recipes to success is creating a morning routine that will allow you to wake up, freshen up and start your working day fully invigorated. Instead of showering in the evening, consider having a quick shower upon getting out of bed. Follow the shower with a deliciously nutritious breakfast filled with proteins and vitamins that will keep you up. A cup of coffee is always a must to improve your focus, and feel free to include a morning ritual in there, as well. Create a pleasant morning for yourself, so that you can look forward to what follows.

Dress for success

We know that sweatpants, joggers and PJs sound like the best option for at-home work. However, those won’t make you feel like you’re on a mission to accomplish something great. Just because the interior is different doesn’t have to mean your exterior needs to change as well. So, make sure you dress up for work every day as you would if you were heading into the office. Put on office-appropriate make-up because you never know if a last-minute Zoom call will come your way. Not only will dressing up keep you motivated, but it will also bring extra points with your bosses who will see you as a professional employee who’s always in their full working mode.

Stay active at home

Physical activity is one of the best energizers. Making sure you continue with your regular exercises even when working from home is paramount to keep you focused and on top of your schedule. Pick up your leggings, your trainers and head out for a morning jog before your breakfast. Always make sure you invest in premium-quality leggings that will make every workout comfortable and enjoyable. Don’t forget to bring your bottle of water that will hydrate you and allow you to give your maximum energy during a workout.

Declutter digitally and physically

Spending more time at home than before can turn your house into a hoarder’s nest in a blink of an eye. If you’re seeing papers, files, empty snack packaging and bottles everywhere, it’s no wonder you lack motivation. The only solution to this problem is decluttering. Sort all the mess, throw away stuff that you don’t need and create a neat and tidy working environment just like you’d have in your office. Aside from physical clutter, a digital mess can also pose a huge threat to your motivation and focus. How many files do you have on your computer desktop? Are they sorted in any particular way or scattered without any meaning? Create folders for them, store them accordingly and delete if you find any unnecessary files.

Plan out your day with a schedule

A well set out plan is half a work done. So, invest in a quality planner, be it physical or digital. Note down all of your tasks for the day and plan out specific times to do them at. If possible, set a timeline for every task, so your day can be as efficient as possible. To-do lists are also very useful, allowing you to tick off each task as you complete it.

Reward yourself for a job well done

Nothing will motivate you as much as a reward will. In the end, your salary motivates you to perform your job well, so why not offer yourself minor rewards throughout the day to keep you motivated all the time. Whether you decide to go for a walk, watch an episode of your favourite tv show or sit and listen to a podcast, opt for a reward that you’ll give yourself once you have accomplished all the tasks for the day.

Staying focused and motivated won’t always be easy, but with proper guidance and enough of your determination, you will do it well. Make sure you have our tips in mind the next time you start your working week, and we guarantee your motivation and focus will be at their highest.

How Your Business Can Save Money with Fleet Management

January 17, 2022 by Diana Smith Leave a Comment

Regardless of the type or the size of your fleet, managing it efficiently is often an expensive process. From maintenance and insurance to general wear and tear, there are various aspects to consider when increasing the efficiency of your fleet and improving your savings. Thankfully, there are many simple yet effective ways your company could use good fleet management for creating a streamlined and economical powerhouse, and here are just some of the most important steps you could take:

Reduce the size of your fleet

One of the simplest and most proven ways to minimize overall expenses is to reduce the number of vehicles in your fleet, if at all possible. The cost of ownership for an average light-duty vehicle comes up to several thousand dollars every year, meaning that simply eliminating 10 vehicles could lead to potential savings of dozens of thousands a year.

Even though removing some vehicles will undoubtedly eliminate all of the fixed costs, this might slightly raise the expenses of operating the rest of your fleet, due to the increase in workload they would have to take over. However, your business will still see a decrease in fleet operating costs, anywhere between 5 to 15 percent in most cases.

Select the right type of ownership

When it comes to fleets, there are various different types of ownership, and selecting the right one could yield noticeable savings. For example, you could choose company car ownership that means your business directly owns and provides vehicles to employees, pool cars that represent vehicles used by all employees depending on availability, or even grey fleet, meaning the vehicles are owned by the employees but used for the business.

It’s crucial to select the right type of ownership for the specific needs of your business in order to reduce costs. This will likely depend on factors such as mileage, the average length of journeys, as well as whether it is truly necessary for all your employees to have constant access to all the vehicles.

Invest in efficient software solutions

Automation is the key to a perfectly managed and cost-effective fleet. This is especially true in the less technology-oriented fields like construction, where efficient construction equipment fleet management software solutions are essential for safe, streamlined, and sustainable operations.

The right software option won’t only provide customized, real-time insights in the form of GPS data, logbooks, and tracking driver behavior. Fleet management software aims to evolve your operations digitally by fusing data from across all your business and third-party sources, thus providing you with the best, most personalized information. As a result, your company will be able to reduce risks, increase safety, maximize efficiency, improve the customer experience, become more eco-friendly, and make smarter, more informed decisions overall.

Lower your maintenance costs

Each time one of your vehicles breaks down, it’s essentially money down the drain. This becomes even more expensive when the breakdowns happen roadside, costing your business hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for each repair.

It’s a well-known fact that a healthy fleet is more affordable to operate, and preventive maintenance still remains the most efficient way to reduce unexpected breakdowns. Apart from using beneficial fleet management software solutions that allow you to respond to unpredicted circumstances in the best possible way, this could be achieved through regular vehicle checkups and upkeep as well.

Encourage better driving practices

Even just improving your driving practices could save your business from 10 to 20 percent on expenses. That is why you should aim to encourage better driving practices and behavior in your company, especially when it comes to speed, keeping the engine running when not necessary, and excessively using the brakes rather than slowing down by removing the foot from the accelerator.

While these aspects might seem too small and insignificant at first, they considerably contribute to fuel consumption and the overall vehicle wear and tear. Preventing these negative habits could therefore extend the lives of your vehicles and reduce maintenance and fuel costs, which can be especially beneficial for larger fleets with higher operational costs.

There are a number of different ways businesses can reduce expenses on their fleets. The tips mentioned above are a great first step to minimizing your overall operational costs, helping to maintain your company’s profitability as high as possible.