Preview environments exist to help a development team holistically review code changes in a feature branch before merging it. It’s like getting a full review of your code changes without having to worry about all the changes everyone else on your team is actively making. Each feature can progress in its own isolated test channel unimpeded by conflicts!

Monumental, right? The implications are enormous for productivity and efficiency. Think about what it means. The same group of people is able to accomplish 50% more in any given time frame. Below are the top three benefits of establishing a preview environment capability for your development team.

1. Preview environments act as quality gates.

One of the best things about preview environments is that they help you maintain a stable code base. Rather than merging code with potential regressions or breaking changes, the preview environment lets you check over your hours of tedious labor in an isolated, production-like environment. It’s 10x easier to fix a bug before merging—and that’s exactly what preview environments enable.

The preview environment enables you to make adjustments before the new code is merged. And because of their ephemeral nature—you can have one for every feature branch/pull request.

Due to its temporary nature and automated creation/deletion, teams can provision as many full-stack preview environments as they need, when they need them, and for as long as they need them. This means the speed of your feedback loops—develop, test, develop, test, develop, test—dramatically increases.

2. Previews synergize your cross-functional team.

Another dynamic role that preview environments play is in enhancing the synergy among your whole team—from developers to testers to product and beyond. The earlier that the product team and other key stakeholders can review a new feature, the faster changes can be made, and the faster changes can be made the faster the feature can be rolled out to end users.

Preview environments enable near real-time review of in progress feature development. Developers don’t have to worry about code freezes, managing merge conflicts, or the impacts of their code on all the other changes when they spin up a preview environment. Your teammate doing peer review doesn’t have to pull a branch to run locally and your product manager doesn’t have to ask “Can I see it yet?” because the answer is “Yes!” Everyone is working off the same “sheet of music” which in this case means the preview environment.

With preview environments you’ve freed up your developers to make the necessary changes to get the feature approved without having to worry about all the second order effects. They lead to a better review method, quicker turnaround times, and a boss that’s a bit more content than yesterday.

3. Preview environments save money.

The final thing to hold onto as you think about using preview environments for your development team is that it will save your company money on your cloud bills. Given the economic downturn and incredibly competitive business world we live in today, cutting costs is absolutely necessary.

The implementation of previews save money for many reasons. If you’re producing more work with the same team in a given period of time that is one way to look at the savings. While the productivity increase is the main benefit, teams will also literally save money on their cloud bills.

When you have persistent test environments they run 24/7/365 at an average cost of around $1,000/month (that’s for small projects). Preview environments only run when they are needed—which it turns out is usually less than a day or less than 3% of the month. You can run several for short periods before you reach the cost of a traditional persistent test environment.

How does your team save money with the efficiency and synergy that preview environments provide? The following progression makes it incredibly clear.

• Code Quality: Pre-Merge Testing vs. Post-Merge Testing
• Testing in Isolation vs. Batch Testing
• Bringing Your Cross-Functional Team into the Development Process
• Giving Environments a Life-Cycle that Matches Your Feature Branch Life-Cycle

One example and industry leader that exists to help companies advance workflows and the overall process of development is Uffizzi. The continuous preview environments they provide are the preferred choice. They work for many of the world’s most popular open source projects and teams seeking high performance development.

Preview environments provide a competitive edge.

Almost every team today has version control, CI/CD, and cloud-native infrastructure. Once you’ve got these basic building blocks in place, make the next game-changing move. Upgrade your test environment strategy by implementing an ephemeral preview environment solution.

There will be a learning curve. You will have to make process changes. However, the transformation will be more than worth it. With a preview environment capability you’ll never look back at how you did it before. Your team will enjoy the mental and tactical freedom that preview environments create.

The post Top Three Benefits of Implementing Preview Environments for Software Development Teams appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

This isn’t surprising. Freelancers like to think of themselves as their own bosses.

However, in reality, they have as many bosses (at least) as they have clients. Each of those mini-bosses works on a different schedule, has a different management style, and communicates in different ways. (If they communicate at all…experienced freelancers know this is not always a strong suit for clients.) Juggling all this is exhausting. More than that, it’s discouraging.

Frustrated with the grind, many freelancers burn out. As a result, many seek the relative predictability of traditional employment, even if it means giving up some earning potential. They want to keep freelancing but are having a hard time envisioning a happy path forward in balancing it all.

Others would love to grow their freelance business. However, many either don’t know where to start or can’t find the time and mental energy to scale. So they pull back, content to work with a manageable, comfortable set of core clients.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Maybe you sense burnout creeping in, extinguishing whatever joy you once found in your work.

Worse, it’s diminishing the quality of your output. Or perhaps you remain perfectly content as a freelancer, but unfulfilled. You’re always beating back that nagging sense you’re capable of doing (and earning) more.

The problem isn’t that you live off 1099s instead of W-2s. Nor that you’ve fallen out of love with your specialty and need to find a new line of work. More likely, it’s that you’re not managing your freelance business as efficiently as you could — and that inefficiency is preventing your business from becoming something more.

You need a tool that automates and streamlines the nitty-gritty details of freelancing, freeing you to focus on the creative work you do best and work toward the growth or income goals you’ve put off because you’re so busy with everything else.

Harlow is that tool. No, it can’t work miracles. However, it can significantly improve your efficiency and strategic discipline. Both of these are critical if you’re serious about scaling. Here’s how.

Proposal Templates (And Contracts) You Can Take Pride In

Feel like you barely have time to prospect for new clients, let alone put together thoughtful, attention-grabbing proposals to win them over? Harlow’s professionally designed proposal and contract templates make this time-consuming part of freelancing that much easier.

Find a template you like, customize it with your logo and brand colors, and save it for easy access whenever a new opportunity presents itself. No more time spent building branded proposals and contracts from scratch — or, worse, using plain text documents that scream “boring” and “anonymous.”

Harlow gives you the option to add e-signatures to your proposals as well. Whatever nostalgia you might feel for the old-fashioned “print, sign, scan, email” process, you have to admit e-signatures are faster and less error-prone.

Legalese, Done

You know that what your proposals and contracts say is just as important as how they look.

Especially your contracts. If a client relationship goes south — they delay or refuse payment, or threaten legal action over something you did or didn’t do — you need a contract that’s actually legitimate (and legally binding).

Harlow takes care of that for you. While they don’t provide legal representation, their contracts are written by legal professionals. No need to write your own legalese, which you have no business doing anyway unless you’re a freelance lawyer.

No need to worry, either, about whether the random freelance contract template you found online for free will actually protect you.

Fast, Organized Invoicing

One of the many advantages of freelancing is being able to dictate your payment terms. Not only how much you charge — if a client doesn’t want to pay your going rate, they can negotiate or end the relationship — but how frequently you get paid and by what method.

Maybe you’re a Stripe fan. Or a PayPal enthusiast. Perhaps you’re a credit card die-hard. Or, inexplicably, you prefer the crisp thwack of a paper check, mailed monthly to your P.O. box.

Whatever the case, you know it takes work to get paid. You have to generate a new invoice, fill it out with the client’s information and a description of services rendered and dollar values and all the rest, and send it off by email or snail mail or text.

Multiply this by however many clients you have and however many times you invoice per year and you’ve got what’s practically a part-time job as an invoice manager — an unpaid one at that.

Harlow’s invoicing suite uses pre-built invoices that you can custom-finish rather than start from scratch. You choose the frequency — one-off or recurring on your preferred schedule. You build in your preferred payment method. If you have clients in different countries, you can accept currencies other than U.S. dollars. And Harlow automates follow-up and payment logging, so you can focus on the next project while awaiting payment for the last.

Seamless Integration With the Rest of Your Digital Work Life

Calendar management (or lack thereof) holds countless freelancers back. Add in the multitude of apps the typical freelancer relies on to get work done and the whole thing can feel unworkable at times. Taking on more complex projects under these conditions is a nonstarter.

Harlow can’t make you better at managing your time; that’s still on you. But it does integrate with Google Workspace (the former GSuite) so you can spend less time toggling between your calendar, your client contact list, your invoices, and your to-do list.

The less time you spend running down this or that detail of your finances or meeting schedule, the more time you have to focus on finding new clients or expanding your relationship with existing ones.

Project and Task Management to Keep You on Track

Do you use a project or task management app to stay on top of your assignments and strategic objectives? Or do you just wing it, maybe updating handwritten or Google Doc-based to-do lists when you have a free second?

Either way — and especially in the second case — you’re probably spending too much time thinking about what you should be doing and not enough time actually doing it.

Harlow’s built-in project and task management tool is appropriate for simple, small-scale personal tasks (say, paying estimated taxes) and more complicated professional needs (mapping out milestones for a six-month project, for example). You can track time against any task right in the interface. This means you won’t lose out on billable work or fail to compute exactly how long you spent on essential non-billable stuff, like prospecting for new clients or onboarding your own contractors.

Get Serious About Scaling

If you’re a freelancer, that means you’re a business owner, even if you don’t feel like it. Which also means you’re already walking a path that only a small fraction of your peers dare to follow.

Yes, it’s risky, and it can be lonely and thankless. But it’s exhilarating and full of potential. With a few tweaks to your routine and the right tools to support your operation, you can turn that potential into reality, all the while growing the success of what you so bravely started.

The post The Tool That Will Help Scale Your Freelance Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

How Abandoned Carts Undermine Potential Revenue

Abandoned carts are precisely what they sound like.

They’re the digital equivalent of filling your cart with items at a store, changing your mind about buying your cart’s contents, and walking out without making a purchase.

It’s worth pointing out that, in this case, it’s even worse. It’s much easier to add items to a digital cart, close out a window, and never look back.

It should come as no surprise that abandoned carts are a common issue for online retailers. This is easiest to explain via a retailer’s “abandonment rate.”

Customer Cart Abandonment Rate in Simple Terms

Your abandonment rate reflects the number of carts visitors generate on your site. The abandonment rate compares that to the number of purchases they complete.

For instance, consider if 100 people visit your Etsy site on a given day and create a shopping cart. If 36 of those people complete their purchases, your abandonment rate is 100 – 36 = 64%.

That number may sound high, but Baymard Institute begs to differ. The research organization reports that the average documented abandonment rate for online shopping carts as of August 2022 was 69.99%.

Steering Clear of Making Hasty Assumptions

The good news is that this number doesn’t represent potential customers who have definitively decided not to patronize your brand. On the contrary, there are many reasons for people to abandon carts while online shopping.

Statista lists things like slow delivery, excessive extra costs (like shipping), and the need to create an account as the primary reasons people didn’t cash out in 2022. It isn’t until the fourth reason on the list (just 18% didn’t trust a site with their credit card information) that the issue becomes more connected to specific failures on the part of the retailer.

In other words, in most cases an abandoned cart isn’t a burned bridge. It’s simply a failure to complete a purchase. This naturally implies that, if handled correctly, following up on abandoned carts can be a legitimate (and profitable) source of revenue for an e-commerce company. The question is, how?

Reclaiming Cart Abandonment Income

With so many abandoned carts out there, it’s important to consider multiple ways to reclaim that unrealized cash. Here are some different strategies to consider heading into 2023.

Send abandoned cart emails.

This is one of the most tried and true ways to follow up on an abandoned cart. If a potential customer gives you enough information (including an email address), you can send them an email reminding them about an abandoned cart.

When a shopper is a repeat buyer or an older customer with an account or purchase history with your brand, you can even personalize the message.

Retention.com points out that there are also ways to engage with anonymous cart abandoners. On-site software can collect first-party cookies, allowing you to reach out to unknown website visitors who filled a cart and left it behind.

Fire off a text message.

E-commerce website giant Shopify reports that nearly a third of all U.S. internet users used mobile devices to purchase something every week in 2021. The significant number of mobile shoppers makes text messages a solid alternative to an abandoned cart email.

When a mobile shopper leaves items in their cart in your app or mobile site, sending an SMS notification can be a perfect way to draw them back in. These are quick, subtle messages — and they aren’t seen as spam, either.

Try exit popups.

Abandoned carts are a time-sensitive issue. If someone leaves your site, there’s a good chance that they’re still shopping and want to find a better deal or an easier checkout process. This sense of urgency means the sooner you connect with a customer after they leave a cart, the better.

Exit intent popups allow you to do exactly that — before they even leave your site. These popups trigger when a user is about to leave a website. Hubspot explains that these should include offers or information that can draw potential customers back to their carts, such as a discount or free shipping.

Reclaiming Abandoned Cart Revenue in 2023

Customer cart abandonment revenue should never be an afterthought. It’s a significant source of potential revenue growth for most businesses.

Remember, a consumer who has gone as far as putting an item in a cart is close to being sold. They are much closer to the point of purchase than a new lead. They are far closer even than someone at the beginning of the customer journey.

Make sure to keep this dormant income in mind. Leverage it as you create and adjust your e-commerce strategies for the year ahead.

The post How to Reclaim Revenue by Reducing Customer Cart Abandonment appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

The difficulty is that adopting a fearful worldview frequently results in a self-causing recession. This is due to the fact that those who work from a place of fear generate contraction rather than growth.

We’ve been conditioned by nature to either flee or fight. We assume a defensive posture when we’re ready for flight in order to minimize potential losses or to just stay afloat. The problem is that these are the very acts that will cause businesses to downsize or possibly fail as a result of layoffs and lower revenues.

How do some businesses thrive in a recession?

Some businesses, on the other hand, not only survive but thrive during the most inconvenient of circumstances. Therefore, how do they do it?

The distinction is that some management teams and business owners regard a crisis as an opportunity. Therefore, when you think about it, every cloud has a silver lining. At the absolute least, there is always an opportunity that develops in the face of adversity in the case of business.

Avoid reacting emotionally.

While the natural impulse may be to reduce corporate activities and cut costs wherever possible, doing so indiscriminately would have the opposite effect. Businesses that thrive during economic downturns double down on their efforts. This is because they know that growth will take more effort, time, and resources at this key stage. Therefore, to obtain more customers, you might have to work ten times harder.

However, if you are ready to put in the effort, you will get more clients. At the same time, your competitors will be losing customers and personnel if they are acting fearfully.

Here are five main techniques for maintaining growth even in a recession.

1. Maintaining growth means boosting your marketing and public relations initiatives.

Effective promotion and marketing generate sales, as most CEOs know. They also understand that during a recession, the majority of other firms, including competitors, will cut back on marketing spending. However, this is an opportunity to do more.

This is when smart companies ramp up their advertising and marketing campaigns in order to stay ahead of their competitors. Those who are cutting back are driving their businesses into the ground at the same time.

2. Maintaining growth means eliminating the bottom 20% of your consumer base.

This does not apply to e-commerce companies. However, everyone else should be aware. This strategy seems unlikely to help. You may be wondering whether, at a time like this, you can afford to lose customers.

The truth is, yes, you can. In addition, this is how smart leaders succeed. We’ve all dealt with clients who are tough to work with, late to pay, or who require a disproportionate amount of resources in comparison to the money they create. Therefore, cut these clients immediately. This is because increasing your marketing efforts will bring in new business. This change will require the same internal resources that low-yield customers are consuming now.

3. Provide additional assistance to your customers.

Make a list of the problems that your clients may be facing during the downturn. Think about how you, your partners, or your vendors can help clients withstand the storm better with your team. In addition, reach out to your customers and inquire about their problems in order to give them assistance.

Offer to do something for free. You can do this if there is something you can do without increasing your expenditures. You might offer to deliver something with payment terms or at a discount rate.

4. Maintaining growth means streamlining operations and providing a better client experience.

You now have extra time on your hands. You can use it to improve internal processes. Further, you can improve the quality of your deliverables in addition to setting up a system to provide top customer service.

If you want to come out on top after this storm, you’ll have to outperform your competitors. You can do so by providing the best customer service in a more efficient manner. This will significantly lower client churn while also allowing you to service more customers.

5. Fire your worst employees and convince your other employees that you care about their well-being.

There’s a good chance you’ve kept people on board because you needed all the support you could get. These folks, on the other hand, are chronic underachievers who don’t get along with others and have lots of other troubles. Now is the moment to let them work for the competition. It will benefit both your team and your customers.

Now go tell the rest of the team why you did it. After that, let them know how much you care about them and will go to any length, including falling into the red this year, to ensure that they and their health insurance are protected. Furthermore, fulfill this commitment. Your company’s success depends on the trust you have with your employees.

Your company may not only survive but prosper in this storm if you have an offensive plan, an expansionary attitude, and a proactive approach.

Image Credit: Lukas; Pexels; Thank you!

The post 5 Tips for Maintaining Growth During a Recession appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

So, think about it: “What do I provide clients that will make them feel good and keep them coming back?”

Don’t worry if you’re not sure about an answer. Here are five customer service gems for retaining your consumers, getting on their “loved” list, and, best of all, getting their repeat business:

Pleasantly Personalize to Keep Customers Returning

Do you have frequent interaction with your customers so that when they need your product/service, they will think of you first? Sending thank-you notes is a big part of this. The ones that are handwritten and personal have the most impact. Customers will remember that you took the time to write them a custom, personal note.

Here’s a suggestion: take a picture. Nature, sunrises, animals, sunsets, or anything else appropriate is good. The argument is that people have a difficult time discarding images. On the back, include a label with your name, phone number, company name, address, and website URL, as well as a short thank-you note. It’s likely that they’ll pin it to their desk or bulletin board and think of you every time they see it.

Politely Persist

The line between persistence and annoyance is thin. Therefore, when you try to pitch your goods or service too hard, you will annoy people. When you address and fill the needs of your customer, however, persistence pays off. Polite persistence is a proactive attitude. Annoyance is a reactionary emotion.

Here’s a tip: call to follow up on a sale or service. Inquire about the customer’s experience. Inquire if there is anything else they would want or require. Make them aware that you are there for them.

Advance Alerts Keep Customers Returning

Nobody enjoys finding out that everyone else had heard about your great deals before them. If you’re preparing to launch a new product or service, reach out to your customers and let them know. It’s a fantastic method to stay in touch with them.

Here’s a hint: your message might be as basic as: “I wanted you to be one of the first to hear about our great offer before we made it public.” What a powerful statement!

A Product or Service of the Month will Keep Customers Returning

Having a product or service of the month is a terrific approach to get your consumers’ attention and develop excitement.

Here’s a hint: practically every month of the year has a holiday in it. Consider monthly product/service of the month goods that are thematic to keep customers returning. You could also use the seasons to divide your Product/Service of the Month. For example, “Spring Into Action”; “Hot” Summer Deals” and so on.

Anniversary Announcements – Remembering Older Purchases

Wish them (and their product or service, of course) a happy anniversary on the anniversary of the date they purchased your goods or service. Of course, anniversaries can be used to commemorate birthdays, company anniversaries, or anniversaries of a product or a service.

Here’s a tip: tell your consumers about your company’s or product’s anniversary. In addition, tell them that they, the customer, are the best gift you could ever receive. After that, thank them for their business.

Additionally, consider including a small “something” with their purchase that day as a token of your appreciation for their devotion. This might be a loyalty card, coupon offer, gift card, or any other type of promotion you see fit.

Customer service is a Choice, Not a Chore!

There may always be some clients who aren’t a good fit. However, if you follow the “5 P’s of Positive Customer Service,” you’ll feel like you’ve been able to double or even triple your customer base. How would this happen? It’s simple! Customers will keep coming back to you.

In addition, they will tell their colleagues and friends about you. Furthermore, their colleagues and friends will tell their friends and colleagues…

It goes on and on like this. It doesn’t get any better than that, does it? When you give honest and excellent customer service, the dividends keep coming, just like your customers.

Image Credit: Jopwell; Pexels; Thank you!

The post 5 Customer Service Gems to Keep Customers Returning appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Understand Business Growth

A growing business is one that is experiencing growth in one or more areas at the same time. A business does not measure growth on a single metric. Instead, we might highlight a number of data indicators to demonstrate that a company is expanding.

These are some examples:

• Calculate profits from revenue and sales using the company’s valuation.
• Calculate the number of staff and the number of clients.

Companies can increase in some of these criteria and not in others, according to the research. For example, revenue might increase even if there is no increase in the number of consumers. This can happen if the gains are the result of existing customers purchasing more.

If one data point increases while another declines, it is conceivable for a business’s entire revenue to decrease as well. For example, if sales growth comes because of a decrease in product pricing, a company’s overall revenue could decrease as well.

This means that defining growth might be challenging. Therefore, those wishing to expand their businesses should examine their business objectives. They must do this in order to determine the growth metrics that are essential to them.

In the case of certain ambitious start-ups, this may entail doing everything they can to expand the total number of clients. This should be the objective even if this means incurring a significant financial loss during the early stages of growth. Other businesses, on the other hand, will benefit by gradually expanding income and sales. This may do this in order to ensure that enough money is brought in to cover costs.

Factors that Contribute to a Small Business’s Expansion

It is critical for all businesses to see growth in their operations. The type of growth necessary, on the other hand, will be determined by the stage of development in which the company is currently operating.

For start-ups to be successful, they must expand in order to solidify their position in the market. Furthermore, they must quickly grow to a scale that generates enough income to cover expenditures and begin to generate a profit.

Companies in the maturity stage do not need to expand as quickly. They may, however, wish to check their metrics to make sure they are moving in the right direction, however. Revenue and sales may remain the same. Nevertheless, a rise in profitability as a result of better sales process efficiencies could help a steady organization build cash to defend against future risk.

The Primary Drivers

Businesses do not expand of their own accord. If a firm wants to achieve organic growth, it must put in place mechanisms that will help it achieve that growth. Here are some of the aspects that can aid in the expansion of a company.

A. Individuals who are driven by a desire to see their organization succeed

The most critical component is having people who are committed to the growth of the company at the helm of the organization. A business owner who is focusing on growth might be the driving force behind the company’s success. In addition, a company’s other managers and employees will also require both drive and expertise in order to push it forward with its expansion.

B. A plan that places a high priority on expansion

It’s true that people are the driving force behind growth. However, a strategy must be in place to ensure that the business continues to grow in the right direction. There are several possibilities here, like offering new items, bringing in new clients, or entering new markets.

C. The processes and infrastructure that are necessary

It’s important for a company to have employees that are eager to expand. In addition, it’s helpful to have a growth strategy that prioritizes expansion. However, it also must put processes in place to make the expansion a smoother process. Among these measures include the implementation of automation software. This will make operations more effective. In addition, the construction of warehouses is key. Furthermore, they must be large enough to accommodate the increase in stock that will be necessary as a firm grows.

D. Sufficient funding

Every one of the issues above has one thing in common: they all require funds for implementation. Therefore, if a business owner lacks financial resources, there may be nothing that can be done about growth. In order to invest in the product, make the necessary recruits, and adopt processes, adequate financial means must be in place.

Image Credit: Jopwell; Pexels; Thank you!

The post Understand Business Growth – Then Achieve It appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Why spend time on an organizational chart when the world is coming apart?

That is an excellent question. Most firms see it as a time-consuming corporate activity. And, in the aftermath of shutdowns and a pandemic, it’s more complicated than ever to figure out who is responsible for what.

We all had to make a significant shift in our workplace in 2020, and it seems like everyone has had the same job description since then, namely “additional responsibilities as appropriate.”

Should small companies bother with an org chart in this day and age, when the world and our enterprises are constantly changing? By the way, how’s your tech branding coming along?

Here are several contradictory facts, as well as a preliminary conclusion.

Appropriate business requires reasonable limits. People have seen that clear lines of duty and procedure differentiate the best from the others.

That’s what an effective organizational chart does. Chaos reigns supreme when there are no limits.

Clarity has a nice side to it.

Org charts might be challenging to create, but they give definition and clarity. The loudest voice triumphs when no one understands who reports to whom and who is accountable for what.

And the most pressing need receives attention, even if it is a different voice and a minor requirement.

Is there another advantage? Coworker relationships benefit from clear limits.

How are you navigating The Great Resignation?

And while we navigate the Great Resignation, wise leaders will do everything possible to keep their teams together.

Tight limits result in an inflexible corporation that cannot adapt to changing times and crises. During the chaos of 2020, thousands of firms needed assistance with staffing, payroll, and other pivots.

Agility was a common denominator among the firms that survived (and even thrived) throughout that year. They could all shift, which meant abandoning the formality of “the way we’ve always done things” and the statement “that’s not in my job description.”

The downside of organizational chart technology is that it might make the team excessively inflexible, which doesn’t work in an era when agility and flexibility are becoming more critical.

So, the issue is whether to use an org chart or not. It would be nice to provide a general response because, you know, each team is different.

What works for your team in 2021 may not work in 2022. It’s an art, not a science, to set reasonable limits while avoiding rigidity. And technology can help.

Do employees understand their roles and how the organization runs as a whole?

Is your company’s organizational chart assisting or limiting your ability to complete tasks in a changing environment?

Is it a servant who helps you be more productive or a master who hampers you?

Teams are living entities that evolve throughout the season. Every year, ask yourself these questions.

You’ll figure out the solution and be able to lead your squad to the most excellent decision for the season.

Consider employing QR codes to get feedback from customers.

Almost all customers do internet research before selecting to deal with a company.

An astonishing 79 percent of customers believe internet evaluations of local companies are as trustworthy as personal recommendations from friends or family!

When it comes to a lack of online evaluations for companies, the technology-driven world we live in today provides no room for error.

Getting 72 percent of customers to agree to submit an online review is as easy as asking them and providing a direct link, but how can a company owner be sure that the consumer will follow through? After all, time presses consumers.

QR codes make things easier for everyone.

Convenience is the solution, as it is with almost everything else in the realm of customer service.

No matter how pleased consumers are with the service they received, they are unlikely to look for the company online and submit a review. Some customers may not even know how to use the internet to offer favorable comments.

By using QR codes to collect client feedback, you may prevent these issues from occurring in the first place. Here are three compelling reasons to use QR codes:

• QR codes may be placed everywhere your consumer could view them. They can scan them quickly and easily.
  • Place a QR code on the front desk if you have a physical location.
  • If not, you may place your review-gathering QR code on the side of business cars, on stickers or magnets, or even as wallpaper on your technicians’ phones so clients can scan it after service.
• You may customize QR codes to direct people to the relevant website, whether it’s Google, Facebook, or Yelp, depending on where your company would benefit the most from a review.
  • This is also an excellent approach for a company to see which QR codes clients are more likely to scan.
• QR codes are becoming more popular and helpful.
  • According to a Statista poll conducted in June 2021, 45 percent of U.S. consumers had used a marketing QR code in the last three months.
  • 59 percent expected them to remain permanent.

Why wouldn’t small companies embrace the convenience and accessibility of QR codes to promote good internet reviews?

Who can read QR codes if they don’t have a smartphone?

Even if QR codes get wide use for business and consumer convenience, there will always be a few skeptics.

That’s OK. We all want to make life simpler for our consumers, even those who don’t have smartphones or aren’t acquainted with QR codes.

To avoid any complications, having an employee assist these consumers through discovering your company listing online and getting to the correct page is an intelligent solution.

Using QR codes to generate online reviews is one method to profit from their growing popularity. The fact that 87 percent of customers read evaluations of local companies online should be a primary focus for your small company in 2022.

The post Use an Organizational Chart or QR Codes for Reactions? appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Supply chain disruption and low pricing are not new phenomena. You don’t have to dig hard to find statistics on it daily. Unluckily, there is no one straightforward answer to the present problems resulting from a perfect storm of various variables. Overseas manufacturers are still reeling from the epidemic’s effects.

Ports are bursting at the seams, and there aren’t enough trucks to transport the requisite amounts of cargo. This involves some deep technology for small businesses.

This interruption has had a significantly negative impact on small enterprises, which cannot typically store products well before the disruption. And we are well aware that this has directly correlated with a dramatic spike in inflation. With many other disturbances we have seen throughout time, this one also offers an opportunity.

There are several ways to prepare the groundwork for taking advantage of these changes as they present themselves. Things like reexamining price seem to be straightforward solutions, yet there are other levels of intricacy involved. Here are five essential questions to think about.

1. What is the nature of your competitive environment?

The first and most important question is…do you clearly understand your competitive landscape?

What strategies are your rivals employing? Is it true that they’re boosting prices? Is it difficult for them to even meet the needs of their most important customers?

Do they have extensive inventories or large capital reserves that they can use to leverage their position?

Of course, most of this will not be made public, but the word on the street may be pretty effective. Contact people in the business to see if you can get a complete view. This will serve as the lens through which you will view all subsequent decision points.

2. Is raising pricing even a possibility at this point?

In light of the nature of the products and services you supply, do you believe there is a chance to boost your prices?

Price hikes might take months to take effect, depending on your company’s sales cycle. This is particularly true for organizations that have long-term contracts.

Pricing is either limited or mandated to some sectors and organizations that provide services to government consumers, such as those in the healthcare industry. Each company is different in this respect, and there are numerous shades of gray around it, but there are some fundamental issues that we can address.

How much of your cost increases do you think you can avoid? In this case, let’s consider the effect of price rises.

The cost of inputs increases for businesses across the board, affecting everything from labor to raw materials and supplies. The same factors that affect offsets apply when it comes to sales cycles. If the cost of inputs increases, there may be a lag before your pricing adjustments become effective.

Price increases may also need to be phased in over time to minimize your clients’ impact. Understanding the potential net impact of price adjustments can assist you in making decisions about the quantity and timing of price increases in the future.

3. Is it appropriate to increase prices at this time?

A firm may decide that increasing prices is not the best course of action despite the challenges and possible effects on profitability.

Using your knowledge of the market environment, do you think this presents a chance to acquire a market share or strengthen consumer loyalty?

Several companies effectively used this technique during the early stages of the epidemic, allowing them to reinforce their position with their consumer base while simultaneously luring customers away from bigger, slower-moving rivals.

The ability to provide excellent customer service may be a much more effective instrument for increasing the long-term worth of a firm than changing price.

4. How much more are you willing to hike prices?

After going through all of the filters up to this point, the next step is to look at the increases’ structure.

Are the price hikes consistent across the board, or are they product-specific? If there is a staggered approach, are the increases in equal increments, or is there a spike followed by a series of more gradual rises? Is it preferable to raise prices faster than the rate of increase in your expenses to stay ahead of rising costs…or is it better to lag?

5. Examine the surrounding environment.

Do the necessary calculations, and determine the prospective consequences. Pricing may be a valuable tool in the middle of supply chain upheaval, but if utilized incorrectly, it can do long-term harm to your company.

Understand the levers you may use and the locations of the ceilings so that you can thoroughly analyze your alternatives. Although pricing may seem to be the obvious solution, is it the best solution? A thorough examination and a deliberate forward-looking approach may make all the difference.

Keep calm and discount mindfully.

Be prepared for however long it takes. Stay focused and hoard energy for the big push.

Know when to pick your battles. Engaging in a price war might do more harm to your business than good. Play the long game, and keep communication lines open with your customers.

The post SMB Strategy to Survive Disruption: Low Pricing. appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

When you confront company owners with the day-to-day obstacles of life, they may severely curtail their goals…like all of their New Year’s resolutions. The good news is those small company owners may establish and accomplish some reasonable goals for themselves in the New Year.

Listed below are five examples.

1. Establish an online presence and use digital tools to your advantage.

Because of the epidemic, there is a pressing need for resolutions to be fresh. There is also an opportunity to depend more heavily on digital skills.

According to the Small Business Roundtable’s annual study, many organizations will use a web presence in 2022 for awareness. Web presence is also available for client acquisition, eCommerce capabilities, and digital fulfillment (no contact) when practicable.

The first question that company owners should ask themselves is whether they have a website and methods for accepting payments online.

Ask this when evaluating whether they have completely integrated digital resources. If they do not, there are several tools available to assist them in moving to digital technology. In the case of Forbes, the publication provides step-by-step guidance for transitioning your small company to the internet.

2. Develop a resolution for providing care to your employees.

Covid-19 also brought to light and worsened the difficulties that working groups face. The technology that is supposed to help small business employees often makes them feel alienated as well.

Make a strategy to adjust their day-to-day company operations. Adjustments to accommodate the requirements of family caregivers is one idea. This and other ideas allow business owners to help their workers who are also caregivers.

Employee absences they can anticipate can work with flexible schedules. An absence due to personal sickness, care-giving for children, elderly relatives, or ailing family members are among those to accommodate using methods such as flexible work schedules. Another option is phased part-time employment and cross-training. A caregiver handbook for small business owners is available from the AARP.

3. Resolve to become a certified professional.

If a person is a member of certain demographics, there are options.

For example, an underrepresented demographic may need an applicant to seek a certificate. That certificate is a blessing to a business in an under-served neighborhood. This business then opens doors to professional connections due to their certification.

In other words, applicants seek members of an underrepresented demographic. Those who run their businesses in an under served neighborhood may have access to hundreds of corporate representatives. Included also are supplier diversity professional connections due to their certification.

For example, the Biden Administration has launched new initiatives to increase Black wealth and close the racial wealth gap. The United States Black Chambers, Inc. has launched the ByBlack initiative. This provides Black entrepreneurs with valuable business resources and networking opportunities.

Some groups offer certification programs, including the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council, Disability: IN, and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. Take the time. Make a resolution to learn about the available possibilities and the application procedure.

4. Become familiar with federal employment opportunities.

There will be a significant amount of funds available to states and municipalities. These funds are to reconstruct the economy and infrastructure after the pandemic.

Thanks to federal legislation, funds are available. Most notably for the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal. So…sharpen your fintech skills!

Small company owners should investigate these and other government contracting opportunities. It will serve them to evaluate whether or not it makes sense for them to submit bids on these opportunities.

The United States Department of Commerce provides a Good Jobs Challenge and the Minority Company Development Agency assists small firms. The Women Impacting Public Policy organization focuses on increasing government contracts for female business owners. Having a resolution to learn about these funds can help your small business.

5. One simple resolution is to become a member of a small business organization.

You can find organizations for company entrepreneurs in almost every community. These groups assist small business owners in building stronger relationships. They also assist in taking on more leadership positions in their communities. They may also open the door to new business prospects.

Business owners should learn more about the groups in their cities or towns, such as a Chamber of Commerce or a Rotary club. Decide which organizations make the most sense for you to join in the future.

Joining a national business organization may also be a wise decision. For example, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce or the Asian American and Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship. The National Association for the Self-Employed, Small Business for America’s Future, or the National Small Business Association.

It’s always challenging to make adjustments and improvements. Yet these goals are doable if company owners begin working toward them as soon as possible.

The post Small Business (Realistic!) New Year’s Resolutions appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Even though small company owners confront great challenges, such as the ongoing supply chain issue, they continue to bounce back. And customers continue to support them. Even though finances can be troublesome.

As recently as last month, the National Retail Federation predicted that over 58 million people would shop on Small Business Saturday. Marketers had a chance to recover and reassess how to best serve the rising small company sector during the previous year.

We wanted to discover how small firms were reacting to the present climate, preparing for the future, and encouraging innovation. Recently, Forbes polled 500 small company owners in the United States to provide marketers with the information they required to effectively serve this market.

And, based on the statistics, the mood is upbeat!

Despite the fact that 41% of owners reported low growth last year, over half believe their company emerged stronger than before the pandemic. According to the same study, small company owners will be spending in five areas in the next year. What exactly are they?

Customer Satisfaction Challenges

Customers are at the forefront of small company owners’ digital developments. In the Forbes Small Business Survey, more than 80% of respondents stated they would concentrate on customer experience next year. One-third of respondents responded that the primary purpose of new technology investments is to serve more consumers.

Small company owners want to empower their teams when deciding what technology to invest in. Three out of four aim to improve their workers’ ability to create transformational client experiences.

It’s no surprise that many small company owners are turning to data to improve their client experience and reach a larger audience. According to our poll, 45% of respondents want to acquire consumer analytics software next year.

Initiatives Promoting Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion

Brands will continue to prioritize diversity, equality, and inclusion next year, regardless of their size.

Despite this, 62% of small company owners want to invest in additional DE&I efforts in 2022, according to our poll. While Forbes is not a small business, it’s providing a good example for promoting a diverse, egalitarian, and inclusive workplace while assisting small companies. Forbes EQ is a dedicated area for companies, entrepreneurs, and charitable organizations.

Supporting underrepresented groups to share their experiences and insights with Forbes.com widens its audience through the BrandVoice content marketing platform.

The Challenge of Technology

According to 78% of poll respondents, technology will be a major investment challenge in 2022.

It’s perhaps no surprise that technology would be front and center for small company owners. However, they have no intention of investing in just any technology. Research also revealed that a staggering 80% of companies have invested in the cloud or intend to do so in the next year.

What is the primary goal of all of these investments? To service a more significant number of customers — and to do so successfully.

Workforce and Talent

Small company owners now aim to improve their employee experience, with 73% of owners predicting that personnel would be a major challenge and investment in 2022.

To empower their workers, 36% said they’ll concentrate on enhancing mental health and well-being while 35% said they’d focus on promoting work-life balance.

More than three-quarters of chief experience officers (CxOs) claimed they’ve already enhanced parental leave. CxOs have created clear limits around working hours to recruit and retain female talent. With “The Great Resignation” continuing in full gear, small companies will continue to prioritize talent in 2022.

2022 has arrived, and smaller companies are eagerly embracing it.

As an entrepreneur or small company owner, you need to be a futurist. Think past today. Imagine tomorrow, then act on your intuition, no matter how far-fetched.

Marketers will also need to be futurists in order to target small enterprises. Small businesses faced difficult times as a result of the epidemic. We’ve seen and heard about several firms that found creative methods to adapt and prosper.

Salesforce, the world’s largest cloud-based software firm, saw this coming a long time ago. At the height of the epidemic, Salesforce wanted to encourage small companies. They hoped to encourage them to keep pushing ahead while also recognizing those who had already made significant progress. This key action yielded great results.

So…find your blissful state when it comes to the modest requirements you have. Or, go big if you have the guts for it and are not risk-averse or fearful of challenge. Always remember that the longest journey begins with that single, first step.

The post Challenges to Small Business Owners in 2022 appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

But, how can you start benefiting from new technology in your business? In this article, I’ll share the steps you can follow to do it without wasting resources or missing a beat on what your customers want. Let’s begin!

1. Study your customer’s consumption habits.

This step is crucial to know which technologies are part of your customer’s daily activities.

You don’t have to dig too deep to know that most of your customers are using mobile payment options such as the must-have Apple Pay.

That’s part of the good news.

• You don’t have to spend a lot of money, time, or effort to start accepting different payment options.
  • Additionally, you don’t have to invest in high-end drones to deliver food for your business to say you’re keeping up with trends, either.
• Transitioning into newer technologies in your restaurant doesn’t have to be harsh, but that it can be gradual.
  • That can give you time to find the right tech and implement it properly.

But, what you must keep in mind is that the solutions you apply solve a real problem your customers have.

That way you can avoid applying complex, expensive, and unwanted solutions that will actually chase your customers away.

2. Conduct a few surveys or polls.

Studying your customer’s consumption habits is a rather indirect method — although necessary — to know your customer’s preferences. That’s why creating a survey or a simple Instagram poll can help you know which are the tech options your customers would love to see in your restaurant.

Also, this helps you engage more with your customers, who will instinctively know that their opinions are valuable for your business.

That’s gold if you’re implementing branding and even customer retention strategies in your restaurant.

3. Study your competitors’ technology.

Watching over your competitor’s shoulders can help you narrow down the competitive edge they have over your business.

To be clear, I’m not advising you to go and get exactly the same POS system your competitors are using or something along those lines.

Instead, try implementing new technologies that work well to reinforce the infrastructure that’s already in place at your restaurant.

That way, you can beat your competitors in original ways, that are in line with your restaurants’ brand, and are also useful to satisfy your customers.

4. Create a budget.

Working with budgets is vital in businesses. That’s why you must create a budget that allows you to materialize your plans while helping you limit how much you will spend.

Again, you should take a gradual approach to get new tech for your restaurant. Find complete solutions that help you go from 1 to 2, instead of 1 to 1.5.

You can set monthly or even yearly goals to transition into new technologies. That way, you can take enough time to fully adapt your restaurant.

5. Train your staff to handle the new technology.

A restaurant’s staff is the force behind it — even though there’s been a shortage going on since last year. As a result, you can’t buy new technology without training your staff on how to use it and troubleshoot common problems.

If you skip this step, you will have issues while applying the new system effectively. And this is definitely bad for restaurants since it’s a business based on efficiency and swiftness.

As a result, if your staff can’t handle the new tech, you’ll run into problems with the service, which will negatively affect your restaurant.

6. Create a marketing strategy around the new tech.

Even if you change a single aspect of your business’s technological infrastructure, if it improves its performance, you should let people know.

Especially if it’s something that customers will come into contact with, like a new tablet POS, a new payment method, or a new drone delivery service.

Additionally, creating a marketing strategy around your restaurant’s new technology can be useful to:

• inform your customers about the changes;
• educate your clients on how to use the new system, if they will use it;
• start a conversation with your customers about the changes and get some valuable feedback; and
• let them know how this change improved your restaurant.

You can apply simple marketing strategies that help you achieve any of these objectives.

There are many benefits to adding new tech to your restaurant.

Adding new technology to your restaurant help you improve different aspects:

• The speed of the service.
• The efficiency of your waiting staff.
• Easing the payment process.
• The safety of your restaurant — self-service and QR code menus are especially useful for this.
• The management of your business.
• The inventory system.
• The delivery service.
• Customer engagement and satisfaction.
• And much more!

In an industry as convoluted and competitive as the restaurant industry, having the slightest competitive advantage can push your business to the next level. In conclusion, are you using the latest technology in your restaurant? I hope so!

The post How to Benefit From New Restaurant Technology appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Travel, eating, and entertainment businesses have all been negatively affected by the pandemic. And there is plenty of negative reinforcement from social media platforms such as TikTok.

Other areas, such as small business technology, have had to deal with lockdowns and work-from-home rules. Meanwhile, a lot of people want to learn online.

But, in the New Year, will these trends continue?

According to the SBA’s latest small business profile, the U.S. has approximately 31.7 million firms employing 60.6 million people. More firms are employing in 2022, despite the COVID-19 epidemic decimating small enterprises throughout the nation. The unemployment rate has consistently declined from 13% in the second quarter of 2020 to 5.2 percent presently.

We don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future, but we know which companies individuals will start. So which U.S. small enterprises will thrive in the future? Listed below are the top five business and industry trends for 2022.

Popular Markets Post-Pandemic

A year of lockdowns, distant schooling, and remote work has sparked demand for travel, eating, and entertainment. Vaccines, better medical treatments, a greater knowledge of the coronavirus, or simply population exhaustion have boosted demand for companies and services damaged worst by the epidemic.

The possibility to plan trips, dine out, and seek amusement beyond television programs and movies streamed from home arose naturally once the light at the end of the tunnel was seen. As a result, in the future, the following top 10 small business sectors will experience revenue growth:

• International Airlines 61.3%
• Motels and Hotels 57.8%
• Casino Hotels: 57%
• Cinemas: 56.3%
• Operators: 53.3%
• Aer Lingus 50%
• Travel Agencies: 48%
• Concert and Event Marketing: 45.2%
• Taxi and Limousine: 42.8%
• Water Parks: 42.1%

It’s apparent that the firms hit the hardest by the epidemic are ready to bounce back.

While the percentage increases indicated above are temporary, they represent the reality confronting this industry and enterprises. Ski resorts, car engine and parts manufacturing, medicinal and recreational marijuana, and real estate sales and brokerage were among the enterprises that enjoyed considerable growth.

Also, CNBC just revealed their ranking of the top states for business. The ranking of states takes into consideration factors including infrastructure, workforce, capital availability, and business costs. Among the best states for business, CNBC lists:

• Virginia
• North Carolina
• Utah
• Texas
• Tennessee

Business Ideas, Trends, and Predictions for the New Year

Now that we know what worked in 2020, we can plan for next year. What will be the top five industries in the U.S. in 2022? Where should you focus your business?

Adoption of New Technologies

Who hasn’t utilized Zoom, GoToMeeting, or Microsoft Teams this past year? As a result, new technology has entered millions of homes and companies for work, education, or to keep connected, and the advances are set to continue.

The genie is out. The horse is out of the barn. (Or is the toothpaste gone?) Therefore, people will constantly want faster data and network speeds. Similarly, we will need it to fulfill rising demand, and now is the time to join this digital boom. Some of the top tech occupations in 2022 include:

Web Admins

This position builds the code that powers millions of websites that power global eCommerce. In other words, a web developer’s function might range from client-facing work on-site design and features to back-end work with databases and networks.

Developers

A software developer creates computer programs and millions of mobile applications. Mobile app developers are showing the fastest-growing occupations, with a predicted 22% increase over the next decade.

Analysts (CS)

Computers, processes, and procedures are the emphasis of this function. Accordingly, they depend on IT to handle client demands and guarantee a company’s digital needs are satisfied.

IT Security Analysts

These people defend enterprises against cyberattacks. Above all, they safeguard and monitor a company’s computer network.

Data Managers

This employee organizes data. They ensure database information is safe and efficient.

AI and ML Growth

Smartphones and other smart gadgets are one example of how AI is influencing our lives. Smart automobiles will navigate the streets using AI systems. Whether you work in customer service, human resources, or even AI-powered applications, AI is meant to help. Among the new roles AI will perform in 2022 are:

• Cybersecurity
• Trends and Business Forecasting
• Healthcare Help Desk (Chatbots)
• Voice Recognition and Search

Entrepreneurs want location independence as digital nomads. As a result, working as a digital nomad was a rising trend in 2019 and will continue in 2022.

According to the Harvard Business Review, there will be 10.9 million digital nomads by 2020. This is a 49% increase and is anticipated higher growth.

Similarly, many businesses, particularly millennials, value flexibility, and geographical freedom. That is to say, these digital nomad enterprises are ideal for knowledge jobs like consulting and freelancing.

As the world shifts away from office occupations, new technological tools such as productivity applications, collaboration software, and communication channels allow knowledge workers to work almost anywhere.

Digital Nomads May Run Numerous Sorts of Businesses

Freelance in coding, programming, writing, graphic design, marketing, and other fields. Likewise, provide personalized knowledge and assistance in areas of extensive experience and understanding. For example, make money from a website or blog through affiliate marketing or advertising. Sell an information product like a course or an ebook using a well-known site like Fiverr, TaskRabbit, Upwork, or Toptal. In conclusion, there literally are no limits as you move into the New Year.

The post 5 Growth Business Trends of the New Year appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Mobile Technology and Online Gaming

The most significant development in the casino industry is the introduction of mobile-friendly games and online casino apps. They enable players to enjoy their favorite casino games from anywhere, whether at home or while traveling. Mobile technology appeals to tech-savvy individuals or those who cannot access a land-based casino. There are even many gaming options for casual players who only have a few minutes to spare.

All modern casinos are now adapting this technology for a faster reach and to boost their growth rate. Based on predictions, the mobile gaming market will grow by 14% between 2020 and 2025.

Chatbots

Modern casinos utilized interactive chatbots to improve customer support. This is an interface that enables the communication between players and the online casino without human intervention. When an issue arises, the players can engage the chatbots to have problems resolved as soon as possible.

Chatbots reduce the need for support staff and speed up the resolution time. The gaming chatbot also gathers data from the player to create a personalized experience that promotes engagement. When playing immersive games, you can use the voice chatbot to make voice commands, for instance, when you need to purchase a coupon without affecting the gameplay.

More Sophisticated Modern Casino Software

Technology advancements in the online casino and gaming industry have also led to more updated gaming software. These developments are behind most improvements you see in the casinos today. Advanced software leads to better audio, visuals, improved graphics, and user-friendliness, boosting the overall gaming experience.

One significant concern among most online gamers is rigged results. Random number generators, RNG, the software behind casino poker video games, ensures fair gaming. Note that most online casinos get the software from third parties meaning that you are likely to find the same game in different casinos. Some even use more than two software providers, so they offer a wide range of gaming options.

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Artificial intelligence enables gaming developers to create innovative and more efficient gaming options. AI has led to the development of highly responsive and adaptive video gaming experiences. Developers now create non-player characters who have human-like intelligence to give players a real-world feel. Some of these characters even talk like humans. Artificial intelligence also helps increase the control of the game for the player. You can decide to slow the game to suit your needs.

Additionally, AI helps game developers create a realistic environment involving various scenarios, motives, or actions to improve the experience. Some developers also use AI to develop games that automatically evolve based on the player’s feedback, create new elements in the game, and even challenges. The characters in the game can graduate to different levels or even follow distinctive movement patterns. This way, players will feel more actively engaged in the game.

Virtual and Augmented Reality

The modern casino industry incorporates virtual reality and augmented reality to a great extent. Virtual reality gives players a 3D view of the games. The player puts on some goggles-like devices or electronic gloves that take them to a computer-generated environment with real-looking objects and scenes. This way, the user gets fully immersed in the game, which makes it more entertaining. You will feel as if you are in a land-based casino.

On the other hand, augmented reality makes the game more thrilling and entertaining. This technology utilizes the player’s existing environment and enhances it using real-time visuals and audio by using your device’s camera. Gamers can thus create their racing terrains, characters, and targets based on their surrounding environment. By utilizing this technology, online casinos enable players to have an illusion of being in an actual gambling environment while in the online world.

Live Casino Technology

Live casino technology offers gamers a chance to play against live dealers through an online resource. You can thus place your bet on a specific game while streaming the events live or play against other players in real-time. Some of the games you can participate in include live baccarat, roulette, poker, and blackjack. This technology combines real-life casino experiences with the ability to participate from your gadget while at any location.

Blockchain Innovations

Another important innovation within the casino industry is the use of cryptocurrencies. Today this is one of the safest ways to transact online. Most modern casinos accept cryptocurrencies like bitcoin as a form of payment. You can also collect your wins in the form of cryptocurrencies, which helps players remain anonymous. Since cryptos eliminate the need for a bank, they result in faster and cheaper transactions.

Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming technology has revolutionized the casino industry. Rather than creating gaming systems that require substantial storage spaces, developers now tighten the load by uploading the games on cloud-based servers. This way, players won’t need to download the game or install them on PC or consoles. You can enjoy high-resolution gaming from a remote server in data centers from your device, provided that you have reliable internet connectivity.

Improved Security Protocols

Although fraud is a considerable threat to the casino industry, technological improvements focus on more substantial safety and security. For instance, facial recognition gives casinos access to the player’s front camera for continuous identity verification. They can thus spot any unusual activity on the account.

Other casinos use technology to spot underage players when setting up accounts. Through behavioral patterns, the system can identify addiction among players and freeze such accounts. The digital security techniques also limit the transactions to eliminate money laundering.

The Bottom Line

The modern casino industry is a big beneficiary of technological advancement. Besides improving the gaming experiences, technology helps casinos offer more efficient and personalized services to cater to the unique needs of the gamers. In the future, we will see more technological advances in casinos, making gaming more thrilling.

The post Top Technology Driving the Modern Casino Industry appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Of course, you should trust the process. Big things take time, but you should spend your time on things that are making the future of your brand brighter. Don’t take shortcuts to success such as buying followers on your social media accounts or posting fake reviews.

Instead, invest time in things that will improve sales and grow your audience. For example, creating social media promotions, creating your own online surveys, interacting with potential clients, and writing your business plan.

What’s a Business Plan Template?

A business plan template is a plan for the quick setup of a business plan for your brand. It contains all the elements for the fast growth of your brand, including marketing plans to introduce your brand to the public. Having a business plan template is helpful, especially for people who are new to the business world. Most of the templates are free and are easy to find. You can find a lot of them online. You just need to do research and decide which plan is the best choice for your product or service.

Top 10 Business Plan Templates for Small Businesses

Templates are here to make grinding out your business plan easier. All you need to do is decide which plan you need and stick to it. Success might be right around the corner.

1. Hubspot

Hubspot provides a template that can help you with creating your business plan. This brief business plan template enables you to formulate your core message and provide investors with the information they need about your business. And the best thing is that the Hubspot template is free.

2. Course Hero

Course Hero’s business plan is great for people who just need to insert information about their product or service. What makes this plan better than others is that it’s both detailed and easy to set up. It’s free and available for immediate download.

3. The Balance’s Simple Business Plan for Entrepreneurs

Balance’s Simple Business template is a great choice for people who need help writing an organization’s description, labor requirements, and making sales strategies. Downloading the standard plan is free.

4. SCORE

If you Google search for the best business plan template, you’ll most likely find SCORE’s. This business plan template can help you find out if your business idea has any weaknesses and also identify opportunities for your business you may not even have considered. 

5. Bgateway

Bgateway (Business Gateway) provides a template that can help you from starting your brand to increasingly more complex tasks. It’s even helpful for people who want to raise funds to start their business. Bgateway offers a free plan on their website.

6. Bplan

On the Bplans website, you will find a template that can help you with each step of your plan and show you what an SBA-approved business plan should look like. It’s free to download and easy to follow.

7. Pandadoc

On the Pandadoc site, you will find seven free templates that can help you with your business growth. No matter what kind of business you have, you can find the one that is useful for you. Pandadoc provides business plan templates for bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants, and more.

8. The Business Plan Shop

The Business Plan Shop offers a detailed business plan sketch built for entrepreneurs who’ve never had experience writing business plans before. You can make your business plan for free.

9. Wise’s Business Plan

On the Wise website, you will find a template that can help you set your company goals. Using this template can show investors how you expect to expand your brand. It’s free and easy to use. 

10. ThinkBusiness’ Free Template 

Last but not least, ThinkBusiness has a great template to download. This template is great for beginners and is also very detailed and easy to set up. It’s free and you can start using it even if you have no experience in writing business plans.

Focus on What Makes Your Product or Service Unique

The templates listed above are great resources for small and medium businesses. There are tons of free templates available online, you just need to take time to research and work on your brand. Invest time in things that you believe have a bright future, be unique, make yourself known, and success will be a matter of time.

Growing your new business will require work and dedication, too. You can make this easier given all the sites and help available for free online. However, you should not stop there. Make another commitment to learning something new every day about marketing and improving sales.

The post Top 10 Business Plan Templates to Get Your Small Business Started appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

1. Utilize your best content in many forms

If your latest eBook has proven to be a best-seller, consider turning the chapters into a series of podcasts. Not only will you increase the reach of the content, but you’ll also make it more accessible to people who don’t have the time to read. In the process, you’ll enrich your brand’s and business’ digital footprint.

2. Emotionalise your connection

The ultimate prize in marketing is the creation of an emotional connection with customers. Podcasting makes your brand voice audible, and it leaves a deeper, bigger impression on your  listeners. Your sincerity and commitment can be communicated in a way that really sticks with consumers.

3. More time with your target audience

With a captivating tone of voice, you can hold on to your target audience’s attention longer. As with any text-based content, the chances of readers just skimming through the content is high. With podcasting, you have a silver bullet to hold on to their attention and spend more time with your target audience because of your voice. Using a variety of pitches and tones, you can take the ‘boredom’ out of going through content with podcasting, which creates more opportunities for you to be listened to.

A podcast is another way you can bring in revenue. All of the above play vital roles in ensuring this desired outcome, and additional tips for how podcasting can generate revenue are included below.

Paid content

Once you’ve established your authority in a given area, you’ll have the bandwidth to charge for future podcasts. In a way, it’s monetising the trust people have in the quality of your thoughts and ideas.

A selling platform

Your podcast can be a platform to sell products and services. For example, if you’re a motivational speaker, you may choose to sell a leadership course or live webinars.

Distribution

If your podcasts have established a reputation as an authority on online selling, don’t be surprised if an eCommerce giant seeks the right to distribute your podcasts on their platform. After all, it’ll work in their favour, too.

Podcasting is a rapidly growing business. To get started, these are the three basic pieces of equipment you’ll need.

1. Condenser Microphones

You’ll need a dedicated condenser microphone since most standard computer microphones aren’t good enough.

2. Studio Headphones

It’s essential to ensure the quality of your recording. Poor sound quality sits right next to poor content in poorly performing podcasts.

3. Audio editing software

It’s the final piece in ensuring you’ll be heard. For a start, you can download free programs available online.

If you are new to podcasting, you can consider getting podcast packages and bundles to get started on your podcast journey and see real growth in your business.

The post Increase Your Business Revenue With Podcasting appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Greater possibility for expansion

You may currently think that your business is in a good place and operates in enough locations, but there can always be potential for expansion. You might think that in your country your company has plenty of room to grow, but considering the competition you might find yourself up against, you’ll always be able to look abroad to find countries where the competition is potentially less stiff to get a hold on a greater market share. However, in order to really seize these opportunities, you’ll need to have a robust translation service available to you.

When moving into another country, if your operations don’t assimilate to the language of your host nation, you’re almost doomed from the start. People will automatically drift away since you won’t look like you’re making an effort, and that will make it difficult to build up a base of both customers and employees from which you can expand your company. By comparison, a good translation service may endear you to the locals, helping you to build up more loyal customers, establish something of a base and then expand from there. With professional language translation, expansion to foreign countries will feel just the same as expanding into another part of your home nation.

Strengthen your online presence

Many companies have become more reliant on using the internet as a source of business, especially when more people are working from home and ordering their goods online. When you’re working online, there’s nothing limiting you to getting business from your home country. Although shipping times are better with domestic companies, ordering from companies around the world means that you can hunt for the best possible prices. Customers are starting to realize this, and these are customers that could be tempted into your company’s ecosystem.

As a business owner, this means that the days of only catering to one country are over. By failing to provide language options for multiple countries, you’re missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime, with potentially millions of prospective customers completely going over your head. Professional language translation services can help you convert your monolingual website into one that allows people from all over the world to look into your company and find the best deal they can. Opening up your website to people that might not speak the same language is always a good idea, and by failing to do so, you miss out on potentially thousands of sales every single day.

Document translation

When you’re going through business dealings with people from around the world, you can often receive and need to sign documents in other languages. Whilst in all likelihood you’ll never experience a business partner that acts in a malicious or inappropriate manner, it’s always good to be prepared. By signing a contract that you don’t properly understand the repercussions of, you could end up in breach of contract and in a situation which leaves you vulnerable to legal action. Whilst the other uses of translation listed here are based around limits on your prospective growth, this is a case of needing to guard against a fundamentally damaging action in the future.

One of the best ways of resolving this issue is by using professional language translation. Professional translation means you can properly understand the terms and specifics of any documents that you might need to sign, giving you the peace of mind that you need to do business in countries abroad without worrying about the potential for impending legal battles. Furthermore, this will really help with expansion since you can build internationally, with contracts from suppliers and producers, without worrying.

Ultimately, professional language translation can help you at all levels of your business. If you’re a growing and developing business, you’ll need translation for reassurance of your legal standing and to boost your company internationally. If you’re a business with aspirations for high levels of growth, using professional language translation services is a must that will put you in good stead not just nationally, but on an international level. Staying domestic can cost you, so use translation to help take you to the next level.

This business improvement article is shared by language professional Jaz Margate from Translationservicesmy.com.

The post 3 Benefits of Professional Language Translation for Your Business appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

One such company that is trying to help businesses with this very endeavor is Xero. In this interview, we talk to Russ Fujioka, Xero’s President for the Americas region. He provides us with some vital financial tips and advice that are useful to all entrepreneurs.

Xero

Xero is a New Zealand-based company that was founded in 2006. Since then, it has been one of the fastest growing Software as a Service companies in the world. They are leaders in the New Zealand, Australian, and United Kingdom cloud accounting markets. Over 1,400 employees are located in 20 offices across the globe. Forbes even identified them as the World’s Most Innovative Growth Company in both 2014 and 2015.

The business was started because they wanted to change the game for small businesses. Their cloud-based accounting software helps people do their accounting anytime, from anywhere. It enables millions of small businesses to thrive by using better tools, information, and connections.

Russ Fujioka’s Financial Tips for Small Businesses

One of the more important aspects of running a business is keeping your finances in order. And we find Russ Fujioka’s advice incredibly valuable:

1. Invest in Technology

Many small business owners either feel strapped for cash or think they are not technologically savvy. Because of this, they might avoid making an investment in software that can actually help their business. Russ stresses that when you purchase software like the kind Xero offers, it takes an entrepreneur’s attention away from everyday details and allows them to re-focus their attention on taking action that will grow their business. Xero software automates financials which frees up time for small business owners.

2. Get an Accountant, Bookkeeper, or CPA

Not all entrepreneurs are skilled at accounting or keeping their finances in order so don’t be afraid to outsource those jobs. Accountants, bookkeepers and CPAs are trained to deal with money, and so you should seriously consider hiring one of these people long term. Then, you can put your efforts into other business-growing activities.

3. Don’t Do It Alone

Sometimes small business owners feel as if they need to know it all – and do it all – by themselves. But Russ points out that there are many people out there who can mentor and give advice along the way. In fact, he suggests that you assemble a team of trusted advisors made up either of professionals and/or friends who have different experiences that you do. Their assistance can greatly benefit you and your company.

The Takeaway

The ultimate goal of technology should be to help businesses alleviate mundane tasks. Too many people work too many hours that don’t actually lead to their businesses growing and thriving. Follow Russ’s financial tips by putting some thought into how you can invest in technology to make your business the best it can be. Investment in technology is the key to your business’s growth..

The post Financial Tips & Advice from Russ Fujioka of Xero appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Snapchat Announces a New Advertising Option

If millennials are your target market, you probably know about Snapchat by now. This social media platform is a hit among 18-34-year-olds, who use the platform to share pictures and videos. Snapchat has offered various advertising options for a while now, but on June 13^th, they announced a brand new option that shows promise for reaching the millennial market. This article explains your new Snapchat advertising option, and also presents an infographic full of tips on how you can use Snapchat to market your business (both organically and paid).

Click to read New Snapchat Advertising: Target Millennials with Video Ads

Pitching the Media

Another way to market your business is to get coverage in the media. Although small business owners typically don’t have the budget to hire a PR person, the DIY strategy can work when executed properly. This article shares tips on how to pitch the media, including where to pitch as well as the length and timing of your pitch.

Click to read 3 Ways to Pitch Your Small Business to the Media

Improve Your Sales with Negotiation Skills Training

Sales are the most important aspect of building a successful business. Think about it – no matter how great your marketing is, you won’t get very far if your sales team can’t seal the deal. In the days of fierce competition, your sales team must be able to build a strong argument for your product and service, but they also must be prepared to negotiate the final terms and price. This article presents six reasons why you should provide negotiation skills training to your sales team to set them up for success.

Click to read Negotiation Skills Training: Why Startups Need It

Growth Hacks to Try in Your Small Biz

Growth hacking refers to a wide range of activities spread across marketing, sales, programming, and design that help a business grow FAST. Taking examples from successful startups like Apple, Google, Dropbox, Pinterest and more, this article shows you how you can also use growth hacks like referrals, email signatures, communities, piggybacking and more in your small business.

Click to read 9 Growth Hacks from Your Favorite Startups (And How to Use Them)

What do you say – are you ready to market your business and bring your sales to the next level? Get guidance in the articles above and for more ideas and inspiration visit SmartHustle.com.

The post SH Recap – Market Your Business, Improve Your Sales, and GROW! appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

On Wednesday, Mау 12, Ramon Ray аlѕо hаd thе opportunity tо testify tо Congress, sharing hіѕ experiences аnd thе struggles оf small business owners tо thе Small Business House Committee. Yоu саn listen tо hіѕ testimony hеrе, аnd fоr оthеr small business articles, check оut оur lineup bеlоw.

Robert Herjavec Interview – Small Biz Advice from a Shark

Robert Herjavec іѕ known аrоund thе country аnd thе world аѕ оnе оf thе main investors оn ABC’s Shark Tank. Recently, Ramon caught uр wіth Robert аnd conducted a ‘rapid-fire’ style interview, soliciting hіѕ advice оn fіvе important small business questions. Thіѕ Robert Herjavec interview hаѕ shark advice оn topics ѕuсh аѕ entrepreneurship, scaling, аnd business expansion.

Click to read A Rapid-Fire Interview with Robert Herjavec: Small Business Advice & Why Businesses Are Like Sharks

Hiring the Right Team for Your Small Business

Nо small business owner саn dо іt аll thеmѕеlvеѕ – еvеn solopreneurs hire оut occasionally fоr one-off tasks аnd important projects. Sіnсе thе success оf уоur business іѕ dependent оn thе success оf уоur team, it’s important thаt уоu hire thе right people tо begin wіth. Thіѕ article shares ѕіx tips thаt wіll help simplify thе hiring process ѕо уоu саn locate thе best candidate fоr thе position.

Click to read Build Your Team: 6 Small Business Hiring Tips

What Can Happen to Your Biz in a Divorce?

Whеn you’re officially beginning уоur life tоgеthеr wіth уоur partner, thе lаѕt thіng уоu want tо think аbоut іѕ a divorce. Evеrуоnе thinks hіѕ оr hеr relationship саn defy thе odds – but taking a mоrе realistic approach соuld just save уоur business. Aѕ thіѕ article points оut, a divorce hаѕ thе power tо ruin еvеrуthіng you’ve created, but bу taking a fеw extra steps іn уоur prenup, уоu саn bе protected.

Click to read How a Prenup Can Save Your Business in a Divorce

Each week at Smart Hustle, we strive to provide a mix of interviews, business tips, inspiration, and relevant news. Whаt аrе уоur favorite things tо rеаd оn Smart Hustle аnd оthеr small business websites? Let uѕ know іn thе comments ѕо wе саn kеер providing уоu wіth thе best articles оn SmartHustle.com.

The post Smart Hustle Recap: Robert Herjavec Interview, Hiring Tips, & Protecting Your Biz in a Divorce appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Small Business Week Events

Small Business Week is an initiative of the SBA so they are running a special series of Small Business Week events which includes live events (with live streaming online) and webinars to educate small business owners. However, many other companies are joining in on the fun with their own events, including contests, promotions, training, and dedicated content. This article covers all the main events so you can participate.

Click to read Small Business Week 2016 Events.

The Importance of Follow-Up

In this interview with SCOTTeVEST founder Scott Jordan, he tells us about what he says is the “one reason for my success” – following up on every opportunity that comes his way. He explains how follow-up is important in nearly every aspect of your business, whether it is customer and advertising inquiries or daily business operations. The informative audio interview is bolstered with a list of Scott’s top 6 tips for successful follow-up.

Click to read Follow-Up: The Most Powerful Tool for Your Small Business Success.

New Tool to Generate PR Buzz

As it stands right now, the PR process is pretty messy. Businesses want media coverage, but reporters often feel ‘spammed’ by PR teams who fill up their inboxes with pitches. At SXSW 2016, Ramon learned about a new tool called Babbler that is aimed at improving the process. Babbler works like a social media site and helps to connect business marketers with right reporters who are looking to cover stories on that topic. The result – reporters get content they need to make great stories, and businesses get the media coverage they are looking for.

Click to read How Babbler Can Help You Generate Buzz about Your Business.

It’s Time to Grow Your Business

In this video interview, Ramon gets the opportunity to chat with Amanda Holmes, CEO of the business growth company Chet Holmes International. The video full of tips on how to take your business to the next level. In the article, we’ve also pulled out some of Amanda’s tips as the must-follow rules for business growth. This article is sure to put you on the path to success.

Click to read 5 Rules of Business Growth from CEO of Chet Holmes International.

What Small Business Week events will you be participating in? Which interview are you going to check out first?  Let us know in the comments and check out SmartHustle.com for help on your other small business questions.

The post Smart Hustle Recap: Small Business Week Events + 3 Amazing Interviews appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

The study was a survey of 3,210 small and medium sized businesses with between 10 and 999 employees from 11 countries around the world. The survey asked respondents about their companies’ usage of digital technology and how it impacts the business.

Many survey sites lure with the promise that you can make a lot of money on their websites. They sometimes speak of several hundred euros a day, which you can easily generate on the side. But does that really correspond to reality? The answer is: mostly not . Nevertheless, paid surveys can be interesting for some people, especially to make a little money on the Internet without knowledge or previous knowledge. In addition to completing surveys, more and more sites are offering other methods of making money – for example, by watching advertisements or testing video games. It can be even more attractive to test products for which companies are willing to pay significantly higher amounts than for filling out a survey. Product tests are therefore usually much more profitable than online surveys, which is why we also offer you this service on our website. Go through produkttester to know more about the Earning money with surveys (online).

Among the findings, arguably the most important was the link between digital technology usage and growth. One third of all SMBs (and 45 percent of SMBs with between 500-999 employees) say they are “well under way in applying technology to connect people, devices and businesses” – and these companies also saw revenue growth of ten percent or more in the last year. The most popular digital technology in use is collaborative software (used by at least 50.6 percent of SMBs) followed by CRM (38 percent) and business analytics software (37 percent).

Other findings include:

• Over 39 percent of SMBs agree that “active participation in the digital economy will be essential to our company’s survival in the next three to five years.”
• Varying by region, between 52.5 and 60.2 of SMBs say that digital technology helps them streamline operations and improve productivity.
• Despite depending on digital technology, between 35 and 45 percent of SMBs are concerned that their company relies too much on data to make business decisions.Visit testerheld.de to know more.

Overall, the study shows that small and medium sized businesses are embracing digital technology and reaping the benefits in terms of business growth. If your business hasn’t made the switch yet, 2016 is the perfect year to hop aboard this important trend. If you’re not sure where to start, you can begin by exploring this list of the top 50 digital technology tools for small business owners.

The post New Survey Finds Digital Technology Usage Linked to Small Business Growth appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

SmallBizTechnology has a long history of promoting technology use among small business owners. In the years since our launch, we’ve covered small biz tech tools for just about every aspect of businesses, and we love to spread the message that leveraging technology can help you pull ahead of the competition.

Okay, you read the news everyday and follow how things are going on around the world. You go on holiday and see some beautiful hotels in other countries. But, most likely you haven’t experienced other parts of the world like Digital Nomads do. As the experience of living somewhere is very different than taking a vacation in the same place.

Luckily, all that changes when you become a digital nomad blog. You travel to any part of the world to feel how living in other countries feels like. Once you do that, you either confirm some of the many things you may have heard about a country and its people, or totally realise that all that you heard (or maybe most) are rarely true. You are given the opportunity to learn a lot of languages and live with a lot of people that will reshape how you see the world. Indeed, the Digital Nomad Lifestyle really opens your eyes to a bigger world outside the places that you already know.

Yes, we Digital Nomads work, and often work hard, sometimes harder than in an office job. But on our days off we don’t have to visit every birthday party, mow the loan, clean our houses and fix the long waiting tasks. We go and climb mountains, volcanoes, see one of the world wonders. We go and explore new cities, in my case I go and look for abandoned houses to explore. There’s a whole new world in front of your doorstep, a world which needs to be explored.

In this week’s Smart Hustle Recap we have an amazing article covering the top 50 small biz tech tools available – no more searching and wasting time trying to find out what works, this list has taken the guess work out of the equation so you can dive right into the technology that will help grow your business. Our other stories feature creative marketing ideas and tips for using market segmentation to grow your business. Check out our top Smart Hustle stories below.

50 Small Biz Tech Tools

Stop wasting time on dead ends – this list provides the ultimate small biz tech tools that have proven effective for small business owners like you. The list is broken down into:

• Productivity Tools
• Collaboration Tools
• Project and Task Management Tools
• CRM & Email Marketing Tools
• Financial Tools
• Website Design Tools
• Social Media Sharing & Management Tools
• Webinar Tools
• Video Creation & Sharing Tools
• Travel Tools
• Hiring & Outsourced Help Tools

Just choose the area you most need help with to learn about the best tools that will help you reach your goals.

Is there a ‘Right’ Kind of Marketing?

Our next story will have you rethinking the type of marketing you think is ‘right’ for your business. Each business may rely on its own type of marketing, but sometimes when you expand beyond your comfort zone you can achieve bigger results. This article has three examples from the Business Circle solutions that will jumpstart new ideas on how you can market your small business.

Market Segmentation Can Help You Grow Your Business

Segmenting your market involves looking at all the different types of customers you serve and trying to find other ways to reach them and drum up extra business. This article will give you tips on developing a strategy so you can understand your market segments and use that information to grow your business.

So which article will you explore first this week? Get more information via the links above, and for other current stories visit Smart Hustle here.

The post Smart Hustle Recap: 50 Small Biz Tech Tools & Other Hot Stories appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

In 2007, Bo Burlingham coined the term to describe these businesses – small giants. Although these companies were choosing to remain small, the things they were able to accomplish made them giants in their industries. In his 2007 book Small Giants, Bo Burlingham told the story of fourteen of these small giant companies.

2007 may seem like yesterday to some of us, but it was actually a decade ago! Because there are still so many amazing small giants out there, Bo Burlingham and Forbes have teamed up to bring a new list of small giants for 2016.

The post New List of Small Giants Provides Inspiration for Small Business Owners appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.