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

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Top 6 Most Critical Business Trends For 2023 and Beyond

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The business world goes through a constant transformation that is usually driven by a certain number of relevant trends that give the overall landscape some sense of direction and predictability. Over the last couple of years, this firmly established pattern was completely thrown off the rails with the outbreak of COVID-19 and the ongoing European crisis that still cast a very large shadow over the corporate playing field.

Add to the equation the lighting-fast development of digital technologies that gave all the processes in the business sector a breakneck pace and you will get a corporate climate that is very hard to predict and properly asses.

Still, some major trends that will, most likely, prove to be the most disruptive are definitely taking form. Let us take a look then at some of the most important mentions and see what can they say about the period ahead.

Metaverse finally taking off

Saying that the Meta didn’t really live up to the expectations is too polite. However, no one can deny that the very idea of the alternative virtual world is incredibly novel and that Zuckerberg is willing to keep burning money until he proves everyone wrong. And you know what – this sheer commitment does put Metaverse on a path of growth. Slow and steady, but growth nevertheless. Also, we have to keep in mind other rising metaverse platforms like Roblox, Decentraland, and The Sandbox that keep luring in a growing number of household brands. This market is ripe for explosion and this might happen in 2023.

The blockchain breaking into the mainstream

Citing blockchain as some hot novel technology that will take the business world overnight would not be entirely fair. After all, blockchain computing has been a relevant business force ever since 2008 and the introduction of Bitcoin. However, what started as a snowball is finally turning into a giant avalanche. For instance, the companies that are now spending about $6 billion on blockchain (a 50% increase from 2020) are planning to increase that number to $18 billion by 2024. These leaps are truly stunning and if blockchain maintains this pace through 2023 it will become a critical part of the business infrastructure.

A greater emphasis on workplace safety

For years now, businesses all around the world were trying to find new ways to improve employees’ overall well-being. Improving workplace safety makes an integral part of this process and with so many assets to work toward this goal this trend should pack some very serious steam. One of the facts contributing to this process is that there is no real way to make a bad move. So no matter whether you are going to equip employees with quality work clothes or utilize IoT combined with AR headsets, you are working toward the same goal. This wealth of options will definitely give this trend a strong push forward.

Tides turning for renewable energy

If there is one thing we had an opportunity to learn during 2022 that would be that the global energy market is not only unsustainable but also very susceptible to massive, industry-stopping disruptions. This new reality gives renewable energy an entirely new relevance and turns sustainability and green technologies from novelty to an absolute requirement. So, on the one hand, we will see the massive production of assets like solar panels, their prices will need to drop to more reasonable levels and the companies will, through various rebates and incentives, be encouraged to become energy independent and efficient.

Social media influence keeps growing

Social media platforms are already a massive force in the business arena. However, it looks like the best days of social media are only yet to come. The force that is giving this massive sector an even greater swat over the corporate landscape comes in the form of built-in ecommerce platforms that are now finding their way even to some of the less suspicious social media contenders like TikTok. This means that popular social media websites now become a place where companies are capable of implementing all instances of their sales funnel which again puts them into the spotlight and makes them an even greater force.

The rise of hybrid and contingent workforce

And for the very end, we have to mention the rise of remote teams and contingent workforce that may have been developing for quite some time but truly got wider attention only with the outbreak of the global pandemic. Now that when they demonstrated their practical value neither of these models seems content with anything but continuing expansion. As time goes by and collaborative cloud tech keeps evolving, that expansion will only become easier. That means that already during 2023 may see the birth of a much more fragmented and decentralized, but also far nimbler and more flexible business world.

We hope these few mentions gave you a general idea about the direction where the business world be heading in 2023 and beyond. As we mentioned in the introduction, these few examples make only the tip of the iceberg hiding under surface and the present-day corporate environment is too complex to make any safe estimates on a wider scale. But even this narrow peak into the future gives us a very good idea about where our 2023 priorities should be set. And as far as we know the direction in which to go, any step we make will be a step forward.

Best Tips on How to Plan Your New Office Space

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Whether your business is growing or you’ve decided to move your employees into a new area, planning your new office space is an exciting process. This will help you make the most of your potential and maximize your efforts, and that’s what all business owners are hoping to achieve when making these moves. However, thinking about your new office and defining every single aspect of its layout might not be the easiest thing you’ll ever do, especially if you’re dealing with a huge space and you want everything to be perfect. That’s why making certain decisions in advance is always a good idea, and in case this is something you’d like to do as well, here are a few ideas and considerations you should be aware of.

Determine the size

Before you start doing anything substantial, you need to think twice about the space you’re going to occupy. Start asking questions and figure out how you’re going to use this space, whether everyone’s going to have enough room, how much storage space you’ll be left with, and how long you’ll be able to use this space in the future. Thinking about these issues and getting answers to these questions will help you determine how much space you truly need and how you’re going to make the most of it, and that’s something you need to know before you start planning other details.

Insist on quality

One of the best ways to make sure that you do everything right when setting up your new office space is to insist on quality instead of focusing on quantity alone. This means you have to find the best materials that are going to last you for ages and work for you whatever you do and whatever’s going on around you. For instance, when it comes to your flooring – and keep in mind that this is one of the most important aspects of any commercial space – you should choose materials like epoxy because they’re so durable and practical. And if you live in Australia, for instance, you can check out ideas for epoxy floor painting in Sydney that are going to give you everything you need, and even more. This way, you’ll equip your office space with an all-around solution that’s going to work for you in the years to come and help your office look amazing.

Natural sunlight and fresh air

This might not sound like the most important thing in the world when coming up with different ideas to equip and design your office space, however, it’s definitely among the most vital ones. Making sure that your staff is always surrounded by lots of fresh air and natural sunlight will help them feel better than ever, and that’s important when it comes to boosting their motivation and keeping them inspired from the moment they come to work in the morning till it’s time to go home in the afternoon. And if you think that you can’t do much about the amount of sunlight and air in your office, think again. Simple solutions like bigger windows, glass walls, and tons of plants all around your office are going to make a huge difference, so start exploring them right now!

Try to regulate your clutter

No matter how many people you employ and how many you expect to see coming to you every single day, you need to remember that clutter is one of the biggest enemies of productivity and motivation in today’s world. That’s why controlling it and trying to minimize it as much as possible should always be one of your top priorities. This goes for everything from your office furniture to your paper waste, so make sure you identify potentially problematic areas and stay on top of them as hard as possible. Also, talk to your staff and try to encourage them to help you control and reduce your clutter as well, and that move is going to make your office safer, healthier, and more visually appealing as well.Organizing your office space is one of the most thrilling moments in your life as a business owner, and it’s also one of those things that are going to change your career forever, so just take these ideas into consideration and try to design the best office space possible!

Workplace Trends You’ll Be Seeing in 2023

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Whether you’re working from home or you’re still coming to your office every single morning, the chances are that you’ll soon be seeing lots of different changes in your workplace in 2023. With so many people around the world still trying to get over the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic, it’s safe to say that we’re all learning how to make the most of the time we’re spending at work. This is why you need to learn a bit more about all those trends that are going to define the future of the workplace, and in case that’s something you’d like to do as well, here are a few predictions that are likely to become true more quickly than you can anticipate. 

Working remotely

Back in 2020, millions of business owners all over the world didn’t know what to do or how to react to a global pandemic that started taking over one by one country around the globe. And after some confusion and deliberation, they figured out what to do – instead of forcing their employees to come to the office every single day, they let them stay at home. This is what brought the rise of remote working, and even though some people aren’t fans of this solution, it certainly comes with tons of different benefits. From protecting your health even during the post-COVID era to helping you save tons of money and time you used to spend commuting, these benefits will encourage people to continue working from home or a remote location in the future as well. 

Keeping everyone safe

In addition to dealing with a pandemic, business owners everywhere have lots of other issues to think about at all times. Keeping their staff safe from the moment they come to work in the morning until it’s time for them to go home in the evening should be every entrepreneur’s top priority. Fortunately, doing that shouldn’t be too hard – just give everyone some proper protective equipment, from safety goggles to durable work boots, teach them what to do in case of emergency, and label all potentially dangerous areas clearly, and that’s it! This is one of those workplace trends that benefit everyone involved, so make sure you start doing these things right now!

Becoming eco-friendly

This is one of those ancient ideas that have been gathering more and more attention lately, and the reason for this is quite simple. With so many ecological problems we’re dealing with as a society and with so many issues our planet is struggling with at the moment, it’s only natural that we all take action and try to make our environment a bit healthier and nicer. This is what people in different industries are doing as well, and they’re getting their employees involved in the process too, which means that workplaces all over the world are going to start introducing ideas and techniques that are meant to help us all become eco-friendly and save the world. From recycling bins to LED light bulbs, these things are soon going to turn into one of the important workplace trends out there, and that’s something we’re all hoping to see.

Paying attention to mental health

In addition to protecting every employee’s physical health by getting them adequate protective equipment, business owners will have to pay attention to something else as well – their staff’s mental health. With so many changes happening around us every single day, it’s no surprise that lots of people are feeling lost, disoriented, and unable to define their position in the world. This affects their private and professional lives, and this is where their companies come into play. Helping your employees process all these changes and new situations won’t just help them become calmer and happier, but it’s also going to show them that you care about them and their well-being. Furthermore, this will make them appreciate you more than ever and they’ll thus become more productive and motivated, which makes this a win-win situation for everyone involved.

These aren’t the only things that are going to define the workplace of tomorrow, but if you wish to welcome the future more adequately, these things should be your top priority, so start turning them into reality right now!

Job Hunting in 2023: Preparing for an Interview

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Whether you are looking for your first job or attempting to advance your career, job interviews can be stressful regardless of your experience. The desire to land a great position is often high, but nerves can easily take over when you’re competing against experienced industry professionals over an attractive offer. To help you ace the job interview and increase your chances of success in 2023, staying prepared is key. With that in mind, here are some steps you should take before the interview to ensure you leave a great impression:

Do some company research

Although often overlooked, company research is a vital aspect of interview preparation. Not only will it allow you to prepare for any interview questions about the company, but it will also enable you to determine whether you’re a good cultural fit. It will help in demonstrating readiness and competence as well.

Aim to learn as much about the company as possible. Check out their website and the “About Us” page, scroll through their social media channels, read any magazine interviews and articles about the company, and go through client and employee testimonials. Don’t be afraid to contact your professional network and see if anyone can give you an advantage over the other job candidates.

Match the job requirements

Apart from researching the company, it’s also important to analyze the job description. As you go through the posting, try to identify exactly what the company is looking for in its ideal candidate. Make a list of all the knowledge, skills, and qualities that will be needed for performing this job successfully.

Then, list out your best assets and try to match them to the requirements of the job. Focus on your biggest strengths, including any qualifications, past experiences, abilities, and personal skills. If they’re a good match for the job description, make sure to mention them during the interview. This will help to convince the recruiter that you are a perfect fit for the job.

Focus on your appearance

While most of us like to believe we are judged based on our skills, knowledge, and the content of our character that may not exactly be the case. In fact, our physical appearance is often the first thing job interviewers notice when we enter the room, which is why it’s important to make a great impression.

Start by choosing an outfit ahead of time. If you don’t know the company’s dress code, go for a neutral and elegant suit as the safest option. Invest in expert suit tailoring to ensure a perfect fit. Keep your hair combed and tidy, and your makeup minimal, if you wear it. Appearing neat and well-groomed will convey a positive image to potential employers.

Practice interviewing in advance

Another thing you should go over in advance is the interviewing process. Take some time to think of questions you may be asked and practice your answers to the interview questions. This will help to calm your nerves in case you’re stressing about the process, and it may also make you appear more confident and professional in the job interview itself.

Proper etiquette is a crucial aspect as well. Make sure to greet everyone you meet pleasantly, politely, and enthusiastically. You should be mindful of your body language, make eye contact, shake hands firmly, and remain attentive and interested. You can perfect this in practice interviews to ensure you leave a lasting good impression.

Know what to bring with you

It’s essential to know exactly what to bring to a job interview. This includes a few copies of your resume, your portfolio, a reference list, potential questions for the interviewer, as well as a pen and paper. Don’t bring anything unprofessional and distracting, such as gum or a coffee cup, and turn your phone off.

Confirm the time and place of the job interview and make sure you arrive accordingly. During the interview, always listen carefully and pay close attention. Engage in conversation and answer questions appropriately, and ask the interviewer follow-up questions. This can be of great help in convincing the recruiter that you are the right person for the job.

Job interviews can be particularly stressful and complex processes. Follow the advice above to remain calm and professional and increase your chances of success in 2023.

Woman in the Workplace – Commanding the Respect You Deserve

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It’s still evident, after all the struggle for women’s rights, there still are some unspoken double standards at the workplace regarding women and men. Society has certainly come a long way from the brazen sexism at the office so today, there are women working side by side with men across all industries.

However, certain stereotypes persist and can be observed in every field and every job. So, as a professional woman, you have to take it upon yourself to command the respect you deserve and work your way through the sensitive grounds of professional issues. Here are several tips that can help you on your way to professional excellence.

Be assertive but not aggressive

One issue women constantly have to battle is the shift of focus from their appearance to their brains and expertise. The best way to make this shirt is to s assertively speak your mind, but you need to mind how you phrase it. You need to up your communication game and stay away from blunt and aggressive demands, but rather use a non-confrontational tone. This won’t put the other side into a defensive mode. Even in disagreements, you can find common ground and use it as an olive branch before you proceed to explain what it is that you want to do differently.

Advocate for yourself

One of the best ways to get respect at work is to advocate for yourself, to know what you want, and how to ask for it. It’s an important part of your assertive attitude and a valuable skill that will serve you well throughout your career. Among the key leadership skills is knowing how to negotiate and being able to navigate whatever comes next, whether it’s an offer or a counteroffer.

Look the part

In addition to great communication skills, you need to look the part. This is certainly where double standards come into play as men are often forgiven for dressing casually whereas women are expected to adhere to very strict codes. So, the dilemma may be whether to dress casually as male colleagues do to show you’re equal to them or take the more professional route. This is a valid debate, but speaking of dress codes, it’s probably best to err on the side of elegance and class. Your professional looks will contribute to your professional image, so you make the effort to dress for work appropriately.

If your company encourages a jeans and sneakers look, then you don’t have to splurge on a fancy business suit. A blazer over your jeans can add a professional touch, and you can combine it with tailored pants and heels for a business meeting. Don’t forget your hairstyle as well as it should match your overall look. You can go from letting your hair down to putting it up and even adding high-quality ponytail hair extensions to give it more value. Whatever you decide on, avoid low-cut garments, short skirts, and flamboyant accessories as these can be distractive and lead people to take you less seriously.

Know when to walk away

Sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where all your skills and strategies and professional appearance and conduct simply don’t get you the level of professional respect you deserve. This is the time to walk away. You are by no means obligated to stay in a position where you are disrespected and treated according to primitive perceptions of women. Never feel guilty or ashamed for wanting to work in an environment that matches your knowledge, education, skills and personality.

Be confident

Demonstrate confidence in what you do and how you do it. You need to believe that you deserve your position because you are qualified and capable. With the before-mentioned strategies – the right appearance, assertive language and great communication skills – your confidence will radiate.

Be neutral

Finally, do not give in to the petty atmosphere of gossip, unfair criticism and competitiveness. Whatever the industry is, to command respect as a female leader, it is absolutely essential you avoid joining in. You must stay neutral and reliable so your employees and co-workers can feel they can trust you. Only then will you be able to create a productive environment and command respect.

We’ve come far in our female struggle, but it’s important to recognize there’s still room for progress. Being a successful and respected female entrepreneur today is easier than before since gender is no longer considered an impediment, but the old boys’ club still exists. However, accepting this quietly doesn’t work anymore. It takes courage to fight for deserved respect, but it gets easier as you go.

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