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

Employee Training and Development During Social Distancing: Is this the New Normal?

June 16, 2021 by Guest Post Leave a Comment

COVID-19 has changed the world as we know it. Businesses from all sizes and walks of life are massively switching to working from home. This move has redefined the everyday life of countless people around the world. Even though the virus is contained in certain parts of the world, COVID-19 is not completely eradicated. As a result, social distancing and remote work are expected to continue being utilized by corporations worldwide in the short-term future.

Remote work presents a lot of tough challenges to employers — from technological solutions and corporate security on one hand to staff training and development on the other. Even though your employees are not present at the office, they still need to be adequately coached and trained in order to be happy and productive. If you are one of the many professionals who are struggling to implement effective training and development procedures for their remote team, this article is for you.

As a leader, you know that investing in your staff is one of the best ways to improve performance, results, and employee retention. In the following paragraphs, we will give you some practical advice on how to conduct highly effective training and development sessions while you and your team are safely working from home.

Embrace Virtual Training and Development

Modern technologies allow people to efficiently work together and stay aligned even when physically separate. They are also a powerful tool that managers and trainers can utilize in order to train their remote teams and ensure that all work processes continue in a normal and productive way. No matter the size or industry of your business, you can make use of software and hardware solutions that make long-distance communication and interaction possible.

Virtual training comes with a lot of benefits, with one of the most important ones being scheduling. You no longer need to secure a room for your employee training sessions, as everything is done online. Additionally, utilizing virtual learning tools can make your training easy to adapt to feedback in real-time. There are a myriad of digital tools you can use to improve the training and development processes, making them more engaging, memorable, and effective as a result.

Lead By Example

In order for any new company policy to be implemented, the change must start from the top. Executive managers should lead the charge to adapt virtual training by personally taking part in sessions. Even better, CEOs and other executive staff are particularly well-suited to moderate training and development events. Employees will be able to adapt to the new situation better if their superiors are actively supporting the idea. On top of that, having senior staff on the same level as employees helps boost morale and teamwork.

One of the benefits of virtual learning and development is that it develops a strange sense of familiarity between people. Some might say that it is even more effective than working together in the office. This gives leaders and executive managers the opportunity to step out of their professional persona for a bit. By doing that, they will appear more relatable and authentic to the employees.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative

Depending on the industry you are working in, you might need to think outside of the box when it comes to implementing training procedures during social distancing. For example, if you need to train on-site staff in the construction and manufacturing industries, you might need to look into purchasing a tour guide system. Such equipment has many advantageous uses when it comes to employee support, especially if they are conducting fieldwork.

If everyone is just stuck in their homes and working remotely, keep in mind that a person’s attention span is a fickle thing. An effective virtual learning program is much more than just putting on some slides and talking over them. Ensure that your staff is engaged by translating standard exercises and games to the virtual environment. You can effectively use online collaboration software and other standard apps to provide an authentic and efficient learning experience.

Encourage Collaboration

When it comes to company training and education in general, working in a team and collaborating with your fellow colleagues is crucial. In order to maximize the impact of your staff training exercises and events, you need to actively encourage communication and teamwork. Even though it might seem hard when social distancing rules apply, virtual tools give you the ability to do it just right — and even go a step further.

A great idea you can implement in your training system is the creation of an online education portal that employees can access at any time. When you combine this with collaboration tools like task management systems and chat apps, your staff will feel right at home at all times. Create an environment where asking questions is not only permitted, but expected. This way, your employees will be able to freely engage and any obstacles that social distancing poses will be eliminated.

Conclusion

Even though the rapid implementation of social distancing rules and working from home came as a shock to many, people around the world quickly adapted to this status quo. In fact, we can now safely say that this new reality offers a lot more benefits than previously imagined. The new normal comes with lots of challenges, but also with plenty of opportunities. When it comes to employee training, social distancing is not the issue it would’ve been 20 years ago.

With modern technologies and virtual learning tools, businesses from all industries can continue onboarding, coaching, and developing their staff. The virtual “classroom” can work wonders if implemented correctly. Follow the advice outlined in this article and see how you can turn this unusual situation into an advantage.

About the Author:

Tremper Longman is Marketing Director at Plant-Tours.com, manufacturer of the most reliable, easy to use, highest quality headset communication systems for the manufacturing, industrial and institution markets. In addition, he has a wide breadth of experience from multiple industries including cybersecurity, manufacturing and communications. Tremper is a graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and also holds an MBA from The University of Connecticut in Marketing Intelligence.

How To Help Your Retired Parent Start Their Own At-Home Business

June 16, 2021 by Katie Conroy Leave a Comment

Photo via Pixabay by Stevepb

Starting an at-home business isn’t exactly easy, but recently, more people have been tackling this challenge. Advances in technology have made it easier to become an entrepreneur from your own home. From making and selling crafts and other handmade items to becoming a freelancer, working for yourself is just as attainable as any other job these days, and it’s become a huge draw for seniors who are retired but want to add to their income without straining themselves.

To start an at-home business, your parent will need time and patience. Because the internet will likely be a big part of it, it’s important for seniors to be technology savvy. Knowing at least the basics of how to use online tools and social media will help them advance their business successfully and quickly. There are ways you can help your retired parent even if you live far away.

Keep reading for tips on how to help your senior parent start their own at-home business, presented today by Mike McRitchie.

Look for an Online Lesson Plan

Teaching anyone how to do something long-distance can be tricky, but thankfully there are several websites out there that are specifically made for seniors who want to start learning computer basics. Look for a lesson plan that they can follow easily; you can start at NetLiteracy.org for lessons on using computers, navigating online, emailing, and setting up social media pages. Social media can help your loved one boost their business quickly by connecting them with clients and helping them network.

Talk About Internet Safety

Internet safety is important for anyone, regardless of their age, and since many seniors aren’t familiar with the trappings of social media and email, they may not be aware of scams, viruses, and hackers. Talk to your loved one about how to stay safe online. Let them know to never give out private information, protect and change passwords often, and never accept a message from someone they don’t know.

Direct Them to Local Classes

There may be several local classes in your loved one’s area that will help them learn new skills while connecting with other like-minded individuals. Check out the library or senior center where your parent lives for more information. Sometimes, being in a physical class is more helpful than trying to learn online. According to headspace.org, “Completion rate of teacher-led classes is almost five times higher than that of online learning.” It is important to keep in mind that in-person classes are not as flexible as online classes, and it might be difficult to find the right class, depending on where your parents live.

Look at Business Niches

There are several options for your loved one when it comes to starting an at-home business, so talk to them about their plans and help them find the best option for their needs. If they are making a product — such as furniture, bath products, or artwork — there are many websites that will host an online store for a minimal listing fee per item. If they are offering a service, such as accounting or tutoring, look for the best sites that will help them gain clients.

Talk About the Legalities

There are several things to consider when starting a business online, from learning how to protect one’s assets to making sure the taxes are paid on time. One of the most important first steps to starting a small business is coming up with a name and logo, and this can be extremely time-consuming and overwhelming for anyone, let alone a senior. Guide them towards easy online tools for help, which will help create a spectacular, recognizable logo.

Does your parent plan to hire employees? If so, let’s talk payroll. Essentially, payroll involves the way a business pays its employees. It also involves the business taking out the right deductions and taking care of payroll taxes on time. Fortunately for those who don’t want to handle the payroll process themselves, there are services available that will handle these important tasks for you.

Helping your retired parent start an at-home business will take some time and patience, so be sure you have plenty of both before you get started. With a good plan and some help from both online and traditional tools, you and your loved one can create a successful business that will let them live out their post-retirement dreams.

5 Smart Tips to Become a Better Business Traveler in 2021

June 16, 2021 by Keith Coppersmith Leave a Comment

While business travel might have been restricted last year, in 2021 the pandemic is finally dying down and corporate travel is once more becoming a viable option for many business leaders. So much so, in fact, that you can start planning your national and international travels for 2021 as more and more countries continue to lift their travel bans. Even though you might have gotten used to handling business via Zoom, it’s important to resume traveling, especially to those crucial business events that can help you grow your brand on numerous fronts.

However, there’s no denying that corporate travel can be a time-consuming, resource-intensive process, especially when it comes to finances. That said, with proper planning and preparation, and by implementing some key tips while on the road, you can save money for your business and become a better corporate traveler in the process.

Let’s take a look at the top tips you can use to travel more efficiently and effectively for business in 2021.

Find a better credit card plan and join reward programs

The first and most obvious way you can become a better business traveler and save money in the process is to join the various rewards programs offered by your credit card provider, your airline, and even the hotel chain you stay at during your travels. Keep in mind that all of these companies have their loyalty programs, and the more you use their products and services, the better the rewards are going to be in the long run.

That said, your current credit card provider might not offer any perks for your chosen plan, or at all, and if that is the case, then it’s time to find a better one. You should look for a credit card provider that offers various perks like cashback rewards on certain purchases, zero transaction fees for credit card spending abroad, and the like. It’s also important to join a reward program with your airline so that you can accrue frequent flyer miles, and you can also get points with your hotel if you choose to stay with the same brand every time.

Keep your devices topped-off

Business travel can be taxing on the body and the mind, but it can also be taxing on all of those devices you use on a daily basis. In a tech-driven world, you can’t afford to get disconnected at any moment, especially if you’re constantly communicating with clients and team members while on the go. If you’re traveling the different stores and job sites you own to connect with your employees and boost morale, for example, that doesn’t mean that you can simply go off the grid and forget about your own work.

To that end, make sure to keep your devices topped-off at all times by bringing a portable charger. If you’re traveling internationally, be sure to check the power outlets and voltages used at your destination and bring your own power adapter just in case. This way, your devices won’t ever die on you in the middle of an important Zoom call, and you’ll stay connected to your clients and employees wherever you are.

Get the right insurance for every trip

Having the right insurance policy at your side is paramount to being a successful business traveler, because you never know what might happen on the road. The worst thing that can happen to you is having to pay out of pocket for any unforeseen expenses, and even though the company might cover those expenses, it’s not exactly the best way to save money for your business.

When you’re traveling and renting a car to get around with ease, it’s important to have a comprehensive car insurance policy to cover you against accidents and any mishaps on the road. Likewise, you should get the proper travel insurance and any other policy to protect your valuables to avoid any extraneous expenses should something happen during your travels.

Take the time to organize a detailed itinerary

Great business travelers always have everything planned out, with enough time allocated in their day for every business and leisure activity. Everything in your schedule should have its own timeslot so that you can make it to every meeting, and have enough time to rest and recuperate in your downtime. If you are traveling to promote your brand to new potential customers, then it’s all the more important to have a detailed itinerary so that you don’t miss out on any sales opportunities.

Try to fit everything into your carry-on

Lastly, keep in mind that you don’t need to bring any cumbersome luggage on your business trip – you simply need to learn how to fit everything in your carry-on. To do this, understand that you really don’t need that much stuff.

You can get by with only two suits and a couple of shirts, along with a pair of shoes that go with everything. If you invest in a functional carry-on bag, you will be able to easily organize your toiletries, devices, and other essentials to fit neatly in the overhead compartment.

Over to you

Becoming a better business traveler means less stress and higher financial savings along with a more enjoyable and productive trip. Use these simple tips to take your corporate travel to the next level and achieve all your goals while on the road.

6 Ways Thriving Telecom Companies Stay Successful

June 15, 2021 by Contributed Post Leave a Comment

Image sourced from Pixabay. CC0 License

Faster is better.

That’s all anyone wants to hear when it comes to telecom service. Today’s digital consumer does not want to wait for anything. With the entire world revolving around digital communication, here are a few ways you can ensure that your telecom business is responsive, showing results, and doing it all in a matter of seconds.

Security

With so much information flying over our heads through the air, it is important to your customers that they know their information is secure. Clients are going to be looking to you to help them make their business grow. By having secure connections, protection against cyberattacks, and converged network security, people will see your company as a safe place where they can do a large amount of business.

Quick Customer Service

If a site goes down, if a connection is lost, your client will be calling ASAP. The faster you can identify the problem, fix the problem, and restore the connection the better. Structuring your business architecture in telecom to be immediately responsive is key. Develop the methods and know-how to build trust between you and your client.

Pre-Determine Customer Expectations

Although you cannot predict the future, having some idea of what your customers are expecting from you can help you design a telecom brand that will have systems in place for hiccups. Your entire team can be well-versed in how to quickly solve some of the common problems with telecom and your business will come across looking knowledgeable and expert in the telecom field.

Build a Solid Team

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Developing a team that is dedicated and at the ready at all times is essential for your business to flourish. If that team can be led with compassion and respect then you will see your team’s dedication grow. A happy workspace makes for a happy employee, and if you want your employees to work fast for your customers, make sure they are happy so they will want to make your customers happy.

Offer a Lot

If you’re able to provide fast service to your customers then they will continue to work with you. The more you can offer them, the better. The telecom world is changing by the minute, and you have to change just as fast and keep up with what’s going to help clients’ businesses grow. When your clients turn to you for the latest in technology, have what they need on hand. Offer various services and products so that if they need to change their strategy on a dime, you are there to supply them with what they demand.

Connect On a Human Level

When there’s a problem, all anyone wants is to talk to a real person. Make your business available for troubleshooting with personalized one-on-one service. Robot messaging and automated phone systems will not only anger customers, they will turn them away from your telecom business to companies that see them as humans who have real needs.

The Value Of Building Great Relationships With Your Suppliers

June 15, 2021 by Contributed Post Leave a Comment

Relationships are at the heart of every business. From building great relationships with your customers, to developing excellent employee-employer relationships, good relationships are a key part of your business’ success.

It’s also important that you build effective relationships with your supplier. Your suppliers are integral to your business, and the better your relationship, the more valuable it will be for your business.

Learn more about the value of building great relationships with your suppliers to see how it can help your business.

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Ensures you’re getting the highest quality

Putting the work in to get to know your suppliers can help you learn more about them, helping to ensure you get the highest quality products and services. By working to build better relationships with suppliers, you’ll get to know more about what they offer, how they work and what their priorities are. You’ll gain a much better understanding of what each side is about, with a more personal relationship that can benefit both you as the business, and the supplier too.

More favorable terms and long-term contracts

Using a regular supplier can help benefit your business’ budget and planning, allowing you to make long-term decisions for your business. Putting contracts in place over a longer term could mean your business benefits from better costs, and greater certainty.

Choosing to work with local suppliers can also help you form closer links within your community, and benefit the environment too.

Helps them meet your business’ needs

When you work hard at supplier relationships, you’re able to help suppliers to get to know your business needs better, which means they’ll be able to make recommendations to you that could save you time and money. If you needed advice on which IT software is best for a certain task, or you need to know the differences between types of industrial wire cloth, a close relationship with your supplier will get you those more personal recommendations. Regular meetings and check ins with your supplier can help them support your business better, with positive outcomes for both parties.

Easier, stress-free working

Dealing with difficult suppliers is not something that many people enjoy in their jobs. It can be stressful, lead to delays and can mean that you’re not 100% confident in the work of your suppliers. But if you work hard to develop better relationships with suppliers, you’ll be able to get a better sense of their work, and manage disputes more easily. Knowing that you have suppliers you can trust working for you will be a weight off your mind, making processes much smoother to boost your business’ chance of success.

By building great relationships with your suppliers, you can see a lot of benefits for your benefits. It can be an excellent way to save money on business costs, but it also makes running your business more enjoyable. Spend time and effort building great relationships with your clients to see the value they can bring to your business.