How To Build A Business That Stands Out Online

Building an online presence is key to a successful business. There are many things you can do to grow your online presence and create lasting relationships with consumers.

In this article, we’ll tell you the most important things you need to know about e-commerce relations and how to build your business’s reputation. You’ll be ready to tackle any situation that comes your way if you follow these guidelines!

Hire a Service

The first thing to know when working on an e-commerce business model is that you should not work alone. Get in touch with a Magneto company to discuss options for reaching clients across the web. Their extensions are designed to assist you with selling to your clients, doing most of the work for you. Certified developers know what will work best for your business.

The world of e-commerce is constant and changing. You’d do well to hire a team of professionals who have their finger on the pulse, ready to give you the highest-quality service available. These services are also used to protect both client and company data from potential threats. Using a flexible approach to e-commerce businesses, magneto services can help your business thrive!

Build Loyalty

Building loyalty with your brand is another important step in creating an online presence that stands out against the competition. You’ve seen how one bad story in the press can have a powerful impact on a company if handled incorrectly. It’s important to build a reliable company brand that customers can trust, even when things go wrong.

Your digital voice is key to creating the narrative your clients see. Working on collaborations with other companies displays your compatibility and trustworthiness, so more businesses become more willing to work with you. When you have a loyal client base, your company can support itself.

Emphasize Customer Service

Every company knows how important customer service is, especially now when live help is available through calls or chat messages. Prioritizing the customer experience is essential to building a business that stands out from the competition online. You’ll read negative reviews everywhere, but you’ll want to create a positive experience, so that good reviews are left everywhere!

Train your representatives to listen to customer complaints and work with the customer to reach a conclusion that will follow company policy while showing the customer you’re willing to go the extra mile to make them happy. This is a great way to build your business online and show that you’re worth working with!

Embrace Change

It’s imperative that you, as a company, can adapt to the rapidly changing needs of the masses. Refusing to learn and change can irreparably damage your reputation and profits. Utilizing social media in a tasteful way is one way to embrace change. Speaking about current events and engaging directly with customers can make you seem more relatable.

Also, be ready to embrace new technology as it emerges and invest in teams that will assist you with utilizing the latest trends to your advantage. When you’re ahead of the game, you can gain a lot of recognition and virtual traffic that will generate business.

Conclusion

Following these guidelines will help you set your business apart from the rest. Knowing how to search for and meet customer needs will help you adapt your action plan to serve your clients best. Building loyalty will retain customers and have them return for more later on.

Consider hiring a service to assist you with these things so that you have a team of professionals at the ready. You’ll thank yourself for it later!

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Introduction To TOGAF 9 Part 2 Platform OG0-092 Exam

TOGAF by Open Group

TOGAF, introduced by The Open Group, is a proven enterprise architecture methodology and framework used by the world’s leading organizations to improve business efficiency. It is an enterprise architecture standard, ensuring consistent standards, methods, and communication among enterprise architecture professionals, so that we can conduct our enterprise architecture work in a better way, including:

  • An iterative process model supported by best practices
  • A re-usable set of existing architecture assets
  • Methods and tools for the planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of an enterprise architecture

TOGAF is the acronym for The Open Group Architecture Framework and it was developed by The Open Group, a not-for-profit technology industry consortium that continues to update and reiterate the TOGAF.

The Certification

TOGAF 9 Certified 

The purpose of certification to the TOGAF 9 Certified qualification is to provide validation that, in addition to the knowledge and comprehension of TOGAF 9 Foundation, the Candidate is able to analyze and apply this knowledge. The learning objectives at this level, therefore, focus on application and analysis in addition to knowledge and comprehension.

Target Audience

  • Individuals who require a deeper understanding of the TOGAF 9 standard
  • Professionals who are working in an organization where the TOGAF 9 standard has been adopted
  • and who need to participate in architecture projects and initiatives
  • Architects who will be responsible for developing architecture artifacts
  • Architects who wish to introduce the TOGAF 9 standard into an architecture practice
  • Architects who want to achieve a recognized qualification to demonstrate their detailed knowledge of the TOGAF 9 standard

The Value of this Certification

Individuals certified at this level will have demonstrated their understanding of:

  • How to apply the ADM phases in development of an Enterprise Architecture
  • How to apply Architecture Governance in development of an Enterprise Architecture
  • How to apply the TOGAF Architecture Content Framework
  • How to apply the concept of Building Blocks
  • How to apply the Stakeholder Management Technique
  • How to apply the TOGAF Content Metamodel
  • How to apply the TOGAF standard recommended techniques when developing an Enterprise

Architecture

  • The TOGAF Technical Reference Model and how to customize it to meet an organization’s needs
  • The Integrated Information Infrastructure Reference Model
  • The content of the key deliverables of the ADM cycle
  • How an Enterprise Architecture can be partitioned to meet the specific needs of an organization
  • The purpose of the Architecture Repository
  • How to apply iteration and different levels of architecture with the ADM
  • How to adapt the ADM for security
  • The role of architecture maturity models in developing an Enterprise Architecture
  • The purpose of the Architecture Skills Framework and how to apply it within an organization

Examination

Certification is only achieved by passing the two examinations either taken separately or together as a combined examination.

Examination Name: TOGAF 9 Part 1

(Exempt if the Candidate has achieved certification for TOGAF 9 Foundation)

Examination Type: Multiple-choice examination

40 questions/60 minutes

Supervised: YES

Open Book: NO

Delivery Options:

  1. Authorized accredited training organizations are able to provide this examination on-site.
  2. Pearson VUE test centers. 
  3. At your home or in your office using Online Proctored delivery.

Examination Name: TOGAF 9 Part 2

Examination Type: Complex multiple-choice scenario-based examination 8 questions/90 minutes

Supervised: YES

Open Book: YES1

Delivery Options 

  1. Authorized accredited training organizations are able to provide access to this examination on-site.
  2. Pearson VUE test centers.

Study Track

Candidates may choose how they wish to learn about the TOGAF 9 standard. Courses will be available from The Open Group accredited training organizations and other training organizations.

Prerequisites: None.

The Exam

TOGAF 9 Part 2 Exam

Exam Summary

Exam Name:  TOGAF® 9 Part 2 Exam

Exam Number:

OG0-092 – English

OG0-095 – Brazilian Portuguese

OG0-097 – Simplified Chinese

OG0-F92 – French

OG0-S92 – Latin American Spanish

Qualification upon passing:   TOGAF 9 Certified

Delivered at:  Authorized Examination Provider Test Centers

Prerequisites:  TOGAF 9 Foundation or a pass of the TOGAF 9 Part 1 Exam on the same day at the same test center

Supervised:  Yes

Open Book:  Yes, an electronic copy of the TOGAF 9 Standard is built into the exam. No hardcopy books may be used at test centers. 

Exam type:  Scenario-Based, Complex Multiple Choice

Number of  questions:  8

Pass score: 60% (24 out of 40 points)

Time limit:  90 minutes

Retake policy:  If you fail the test you must wait one month before another attempt

Recommended Study:  A Study Guide is available. The Practice Test included with the Study Guide is also available on its own.

Recommended Training:  An Accredited Training Course covering the TOGAF 9 Level 2 conformance requirements. See the TOGAF Register of Accredited Training Courses.

Next Step:  Take the exam after training with a TOGAF Accredited Training Course provider   OR  Self-study and Schedule your exam with The Open Group Exam provider

Preparing For The Exam

TOGAF is a professional platform that offers distinctive certifications. These certifications are very different from other certification exams. That is why there is not much training material available for these certifications. If you are looking for the training material for the TOGAF 9 Certified OG0-092 exam, ExamsTrust is a reliable training provider. The training material at ExamsTrust is covered by a money-back guarantee. The comprehensive training package for the OG0-092 dumps exam by ExamsTrust includes PDF and Testing Engine. The training material is prepared by the professionals from the industry according to the outline provided by the Open Group. The braindumps by ExamsTrust are recognized by the industry for being accurate and updated. The ExamsTrust PDF package includes the practice questions and answers from past tests introducing you to the real exam format and questioning pattern. With accurate and updated training material, you can secure a distinctive result in the certification exam OG0-092 which is a part of the requirement for TOGAF 9 Certified credentials. 

Conclusion

Every modern organization requires Enterprise architecture and framework practices. These requirements are the same for both the private and public sector organizations as well as the Government bodies. The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) is a non-profit organization that is working for the standardization of Enterprise Architecture and Framework. TOGAF certifications are acknowledged worldwide as credible credentials for architecture framework professionals. Success TOGAF 9 Certified is an advanced level certification for those who want to pursue a higher-level career in the field of enterprise architecture and framework. 

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Here’s How Gold-Rated Teaching Standards at the University of Essex Can Nourish Your Future

Founded in 1964, the University of Essex is one of the main institutes in England, United Kingdom. In the same year as the university’s founding, 122 students registered at the university, and over the course of the next 50 years, the university has graduated close to 100,000 students from more than 140 countries.

The University of Essex has three campuses, which are Colchester Campus, Southend Campus, and Loughton Campus. The Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Science and Health, and Faculty of Social Sciences are the three faculties responsible for teaching and academic growth at the institution.

The University of Essex was awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for its commitment to students’ overall development. The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a ranking system created by the UK government in 2017 with a focus on higher education institutions and the enhancement of undergraduate teaching quality. The new evaluation will assist students to pick where to study in the UK by awarding Gold, Silver, Bronze, or provisional ratings to universities and institutions. The examination included 134 higher education institutions, with 43 receiving Gold, 67 Silver, and 24 Bronze.

The TEF Panel determined that the University of Essex regularly provides exceptional teaching, learning, and results for its students based on the data presented. It is of the best grade available in the United Kingdom. The TEF Panel gave Essex the Gold grade because students from all backgrounds achieve great outcomes in terms of continuation and advancement to highly skilled work or further study, significantly exceeding the University’s criteria. Essex had excellent levels of satisfaction with teaching, academic assistance, and assessment and feedback, well beyond the University’s benchmark, according to the TEF Panel. The University of Essex Vice-Chancellor, Professor Anthony Forster, said: “We are extremely proud to be rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework.” Essex admits students based on their potential rather than their success, and its faculty are dedicated to offering a transformative educational experience for all of our students.

The University of Essex is a pioneer in delivering quality education and research and is among a limited group of universities that excel at both. This is evidenced by its top 20 rating in the Research Excellence Framework in 2014. The University aims to guarantee that students get the most out of their time at a research-intensive institution by establishing a connection between research and education. With their very close relationship with the Students’ Union and placing the student voice at the heart of their work, the award of Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework confirms that Essex consistently provides an outstanding education to its students, said Pro-Vice-Chancellor Education Professor Aletta Norval.

Essex equips their students with the knowledge and skills to develop critical thinking and become independent learners. It prepares them for the global world in which we live. In addition, it supports a wide range of innovations in teaching and learning, from an in-house Personal Tutor system to a Technology Enhanced Learning program. Beyond the lecture hall, laboratory, and seminar room, Essex is dedicated to providing excellent instruction and an exceptional student experience. Their award-winning THINK seminar series, for example, provides a forum for students to debate controversial and thought-provoking topics, allowing them to broaden their perspectives on today’s most pressing issues, while extra-curricular activities such as sports, student societies, and volunteer work organized by their Students’ Union ensure that students at Essex receive more than just a degree.

Among the 95,000 graduates of the university are some well-known personalities in areas such as journalism, humanities, politics, and architecture. Oscar Arias (former President of Costa Rica), Nick Broomfield (documentary filmmaker), David Yates (filmmaker), Tom Raworth (writer and graphic artist), Kee Thuan Chye (Malaysian poet), Brian Hanrahan (BBC correspondent), Jonathan Wilson (novelist), John Etheridge (jazz guitarist), John Bercow (Speaker of the House of Commons), Mark Watson-Gandy (award-winning barrister) and Ben Okri (Booker prize recipient) are some of the most noteworthy names.

The university awards undergraduate scholarships of £4,000 to Indian students through the Indian Subcontinent Regional Scholarships. High-achieving Indian Master’s students can save anywhere between £3,000 and £5,000 on their tuition.

These are not even all of the reasons why you should consider the University of Essex for your studies. The University provides solid employment, a welcoming culture, and a worldwide education experience, thanks to its contemporary facilities and cutting-edge technologies. As a result, studying at the University of Essex will help you improve your abilities and pave a pathway to a bright future.

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Tips for Finding the Right Career for You

When you ask someone what the most meaningful aspects of their life are, the chances are good that their answers will include health, family, and work. Therefore, choosing what type of work you’ll be doing might just be one of the most important choices in your life.

When it comes to choosing a career, whether you are just starting on your work path or you just feel it’s time for a change, the following steps can help you pick one that’s a great fit for you.

Self-Assessment

Before making any important decision, it’s always a good idea to take a bit of time and self-reflect. When it comes to choosing your career, there’s no difference. In the self-assessment step, think about what type of environment you’d like to work in, be it indoors or out, helping people or selling something; what you’d enjoy doing, being a product designer or a lawyer, etc.; who you’d like to have as coworkers, and more. As you’re considering these things, you may want to jot down a few notes. These can help you evaluate various job descriptions further down the road.

Determine Your Must-Haves

Next, you might want to take a bit of time to identify those things you have to have in a job. These might range from your benefits and salary to whether or not you want to travel and the workplace location. It can be helpful to employ a question-and-answer session with yourself to find out what areas you can be flexible in and what you can’t with your career.  Is there a certain salary you need to make, or do you require certain benefits such as time off or healthcare? Are you willing and able to travel on a regular basis? How long of a commute are you comfortable making each day?

Create a List

Once you understand a little more about yourself and what you need in your career, you can begin looking for jobs that seem desirable or interesting to you. You can do this by utilizing your network, finding industries that interest you, identifying things you enjoy doing, and more. If you come across a job you don’t know too much about, make a note of it so that you can research it. You might just end up finding the right one that way. Also, keep in mind that job titles don’t always convey everything the job entails. While a specific title may not seem desirable, the actual job description may be a perfect fit. 

Training and Resume

Once you’ve narrowed your list down to a couple of possible careers, you’ll need to determine whether or not you need any additional credentials or training. Some employers may be willing to provide training on the job, but others will be in search of candidates who already fit their needs. 

Once you’ve determined your career path and are qualified for it, you should update your resume to show your relevant skills and strengths. It might be helpful to explore some job postings to understand what the employers in your preferred industry are looking for. 

Last Step

Once you’ve done all of the above, it’s time to begin looking for job openings. There are many places to do this – on job boards, in the newspaper, online, and more. Depending on where you look online, you can apply various filters like distance, experience level, job type, etc. 

As with any change, it might take time to adjust to your new career. During your transition, make sure to pay close attention to which parts of the job you enjoy. You’ll continue to learn, grow, and change as you begin to understand more about your job, yourself, and what works the best for you.

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5 Reasons to Book an Alaskan Cruise

Alaska is a land of extremes. It’s the largest state in the US, yet has a population smaller than some cities. It’s known for its cold weather and remote location, but its landscape is unrivaled in beauty. But that’s not all, Alaska is the home to some of the most popular cruise ships globally.

If you’re thinking about taking an Alaska cruise, there are a few things you should know. First, the best time to go is during the summer months, when the weather is (relatively) warm and the days are long. Second, you’ll want to pack plenty of layers, as temperatures can vary significantly from one day to the next. Finally, be prepared for some fantastic scenery.

Here are five reasons you should take your next vacation on a cruise to Alaska.

  1. For the Wildlife

Alaska is home to some incredible animals on the planet. From the massive grizzly bear to the elusive wolverine, there are plenty of creatures that will make your heart race. If you’re lucky enough to see one of these animals in the wild, it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.

Of course, Alaska isn’t just home to big predators. The state is also home to some of the most adorable animals in the world, like the Alaskan husky and the red fox. So whether you’re looking for a thrill or just want to admire some cute critters, you’re sure to find it in Alaska, and what better way than checking out Alaska cruises from Seattle. A cruise is one of the best ways to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

  1. For the Scenery

One of the best things about Alaska is the scenery. Whether you’re in the middle of a bustling city like Anchorage or out in the middle of nowhere, the views are just incredible. And since so much of Alaska is still wilderness, you get a sense of how vast and empty this world can be. It’s an amazing feeling and one that you can only truly experience in a place like Alaska.

Alaska is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Towering mountains, pristine waterways, and unspoiled forests greet visitors wherever they turn. Booking a cruise allows you to take it all in without worrying about planning logistics.

  1. For the Adventure

From glacier trekking to dog sledding, there are endless opportunities for adventure in Alaska. And what better way to experience them than on a cruise ship with everything you need at your fingertips?

Alaska cruises are an excellent choice for those who enjoy adventures. There’s never a dull moment with so much to see and do. And what’s more, you can enjoy all the amenities of a cruise ship while taking in the stunning scenery of Alaska. From glaciers to wildlife, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on an Alaska cruise. So if you’re looking for an adventure-filled vacation, an Alaska cruise is a perfect choice.

  1. For the Relaxation

If you’re looking for a cozy relaxing vacation, there’s nothing quite like a cruise. Whether sailing the open seas or cruising down a river, you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery. Plus, there’s no need to worry about packing and unpacking each day since your cabin will be your home base during the trip. And with plenty of onboard activities and amenities, you’ll never find yourself bored. So if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a cruise might just be the perfect getaway.

  1. For the Memories

An Alaskan cruise is an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. From the moment you step onboard to the day you disembark, you’ll create memories that will last forever. There’s nothing more magical than having experiences to carry with you for the rest of your life.

Alaska cruise ships are not for everyone. But if you’re looking for an adventure, and don’t mind a little cold weather, then an Alaska cruise might be perfect for you. Just be sure to pack some warm clothes, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

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5 Personal Financial Tips for Freelancers

Being a freelancer comes with a lot of perks. However, it also comes with many responsibilities. From the financial side of things, you have to be prepared to handle all of the nuances involved with managing your money.

Mastering Your Money as a Freelancer

Freelancing offers a wealth of opportunities, freedoms, and benefits that you simply don’t have access to as a W-2 employee working a 9-to-5 job for a large corporation. 

You’re basically able to set your hours, choose your clients, and build the kind of business you want. But to be successful, you also need to manage your finances well and make sure you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.

As you think about managing money as a freelancer, here are several helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Open a Separate Business Account

If nothing else, make sure you follow this first tip. Open separate checking accounts for your personal use and business use. This is extremely important and will make accounting so much easier.

When you have a business account, everything runs through it. This includes every business expense and all earnings. This allows you to reference one set of statements when balancing your books or filing taxes. 

It also protects you. If you run an LLC, you’re required to have your own dedicated account. Even a single personal transaction on your business account (or vice versa) can do what lawyers call “pierce the veil” and compromise the integrity of your LLC.

2. Build an Emergency Fund

When you’re a freelancer, you have to plan for peaks and valleys. Unlike a salaried employee,  you can’t count on the same consistent paycheck month after month. Some months will be feast and others will be famine. One way to account for these fluctuations and protect your family’s finances is to build up an emergency fund. 

An emergency fund is basically three to six months of cash reserves that you set to the side in case you need it. It’s like a cushion that you can access when there’s an emergency or bill that you can’t pay. (The key is to fill the emergency fund back up as quickly as you can after drawing from it.)

3. Keep Budgets

Budgeting may sound boring, but it’s necessary. Be meticulous about keeping budgets in both your personal life and business. You’ll have to decide what kind of budget you want to keep, but it’s a good idea to build what we’ll call a “reflective budget.”

A reflective budget is a budget that’s built on the previous month’s income (it reflects what you earned in the past). In other words, if you made $10,000 in May, you use that as your top-line budget number for June. Then if you make $7,000 in June, you budget $7,0000 for July, etc. When you use this approach – as opposed to one that projects your future earnings – you ensure you’re always budgeting correctly down to the penny.

4. Know Your Options

Make sure you know your options when it comes to things like financial relief and bankruptcy (should you find yourself in a situation where you’re struggling to keep up).

“Most freelancers don’t realize that if you’re a sole proprietor – meaning you and your freelance business are legally the same entity – you may actually have access to both Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13,” bankruptcy attorney Rowdy G. Williams says. “But if you have an LLC, Chapter 11 is your only option.”

Hopefully, you don’t reach a point where you need to explore bankruptcy, but it’s nice to know there are always options. 

5. Pay Quarterly Estimated Taxes

As a freelancer, there’s nobody taking taxes out of your paycheck each month. This means you are 100 percent responsible for paying your own taxes. And guess what? The IRS doesn’t want you to wait until the following April to settle up. They want their taxes along the way.

Freelancers are required to pay quarterly estimated tax payments. You can find the IRS schedule here. Meet with your accountant to figure out a plan. However, as a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to set aside roughly 25 percent of your monthly earnings for estimated taxes.

Set Yourself Up for Success

It’s not enough to bring on a new client or close a new deal on a high-ticket project. In order to be successful as a freelancer, you have to master the art of managing your finances and maximizing your earnings. Let this article nudge you in the right direction, but never underestimate the importance of partnering with the right financial professionals and advisors!

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Tips For Making the Most Out of Your Career

Finding a stable career is one thing but making the most out of it is another. Though success is different for everyone, there are plenty of things that can help you earn it. Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your career.

Lower Your Monthly Expenses

You might find this a bit odd but keeping your monthly expenses low is something that can help you feel more successful. If what you spend each month is almost as much as you earn, the situation can feel hopeless. Even if you’re earning a high salary, having to pay out as much or more than you bring in never works. You need to look for areas where you can cut costs and save more money each month.

Invest in Continued Education

If you’re looking to grow with your current company, you should also consider continued education. Not only does it boost personal enrichment, but can also help you climb the corporate ladder. If you’re looking to return to school but are already paying on student loans, you could think about refinancing. When you roll your existing balance to new terms, it can help you save money and feel less stressed overall. It also allows you to focus on building your career, not worrying about paying off high-interest loans.

Expand Your Social Circle

Whether you’re new to the office or simply haven’t tried to engage with co-workers, doing so can make you enjoy your career even more. Even if you’re more of an introvert, connecting with co-workers can make you love you career so much more. You’ll have a common thread between the two of you, and it also gives you a feeling of belonging. It’s normal to want to connect with others, so even if you’re already happy at work, not having at least one person you connect with can be tough.

Have Realistic Expectations

It’s also important to have realistic expectations in the workplace. Far too often, people set the bar too high, which only leads to disappointment. As much as you love your job, every day might not go according to plan. You may have tight deadlines or have a day where everything seems to go wrong. Set realistic expectations for yourself and know that it’s okay to have a bad day.

Be Open to Change

It’s also important to be open to change, especially at work. You should expect some occupational stress but working with others means being able to compromise on projects and not have things your way all the time. Having an open mind allows you to see things from a different point of view without feeling slighted. It also allows you to learn new things that might not be in your wheelhouse.

Practice Effective Communication

Nothing ruins an otherwise happy work environment faster than poor communication skills. Whether it’s you or a colleague, everyone needs to focus on proper communication skills. That means letting others finish what they are saying before interjecting, not make snide comments when you hear something you don’t like, and being open to constructive criticism. Keep lines of communication by being respective and agreeing to disagree.

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Doing a Small Business on the Sideline: Smart Tips to Consider

Starting and running a small business can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with challenges. One of the biggest challenges is making sure your business is both profitable and sustainable. Ensuring profitability can be especially difficult if you’re not able to generate a lot of revenue right away, but these smart tips for small business owners may help.

Set Your Business Up For Success

With proper planning and preparation, you can set your business up for success.

One of the first things you’ll need to do is choose a business structure. You’ll also need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits for your business. Depending on the type of business you’re starting, you may need to get a local, state, or federal license.

Finally, creating a business plan is a must. This document will outline your business goals, strategies, and how you plan to achieve them.

Create A Sustainable Business Model

Once you’ve taken care of the administrative tasks, you’ll need to focus on creating a sustainable business model. This means finding a way to consistently generate revenue and profit.

One of the best ways to do this is to focus on creating repeat customers. You can encourage customer loyalty by offering quality products or services at a fair price. You can also implement a loyalty program or offer discounts for repeat business.

Another way to generate revenue is to diversify your income streams. This means creating multiple sources of income, so if one stream dries up, you have others to fall back on.

For example, you could sell products online and in brick-and-mortar stores. You could also offer services such as consulting or coaching.

Make Sure Your Business Is Profitable

Once you’ve created a sustainable business model, you’ll need to make sure your business is actually profitable. This can be tricky, as there are a lot of expenses that go into running a business.

One way to ensure profitability is to keep your overhead costs low. For example, you could negotiate better rates with suppliers or rent office space in a shared co-working space.

You can also boost your profitability by increasing your prices. Raising prices might not be possible with all products or services, but charging a premium goes a long way toward making your business more profitable.

Of course, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re generating enough income to cover your expenses.  When you have to handle my invoices, try an invoice generator for help. Utilizing a reliable invoice generator can enhance your business operations by streamlining the invoicing process and reducing overall operational expenses. 

If you need to source business capital and have many outstanding invoices, consider invoice factoring.

What Is Invoice Factoring?

Invoice factoring is a financing solution for small businesses that allows you to sell your unpaid invoices to a factoring company at a discount to the invoice value. Invoice factoring can provide you with the same-day funding you need to support your operations and grow your business.

Why Is Invoice Factoring A Good Option For Small Businesses?

There are several reasons invoice factoring can be a good option for business owners:

  1. It’s a flexible financing solution.
  2. It’s a relatively quick and easy way to get funding.
  3. It can provide you with immediate cash flow.

How Does Invoice Factoring Work?

Invoice factoring is also known as invoice financing. The process is relatively simple. First, you submit your invoices to the factoring company. Then, the invoice factoring company provides you with an advance on the invoice amount. Once your customer pays the invoice, you will repay the advance plus a small fee to the factoring company. Factoring companies typically advance you up to 80% of the invoice value. The factoring company assumes the risk of non-payment, so you don’t have to worry about it.

How Can You Find The Best Invoice Factoring Company?

First, to find the best factoring company for your business, you need to be certain the company is reputable and has a good track record. Second, you need to do some research to find out whether the company offers competitive rates and fees. And third, make sure the factoring company can provide the level of customer service you need.

Alternatives To Invoice Factoring Companies

If you’re not sure if invoice factoring services are right for your business, there are a few alternatives you can consider when you need business capital.

If you have the savings to cover the costs of starting your side hustle, then using your own money is often the best option. If you choose this option, you don’t have to worry about making payments or accruing interest. However, using your personal savings puts you at risk of losing money if your business fails.

Taking out a bank loan is another popular option for financing a side hustle. Business loans can give you the cash you need to get started without risking your personal finances. However, loans also come with monthly payments and interest charges that can add up over time. If you’re considering this option, be sure to check for hidden fees.

Accounts receivable financing is another option to consider if you need funding for your business. Accounts receivable financing is similar to invoice factoring, but the funds are based on your accounts receivable rather than invoices.

Finally, another option is to look for investors willing to finance your side hustle. Getting investors can be a great way to get started without incurring any debt. However, it’s important to remember that giving up equity in your business means giving up some control. Choose this option carefully, and make sure you’re comfortable with the terms.

The Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about starting a small business on the sideline, an invoice factoring service can be a great option. It’s a flexible financing solution that can help you improve your cash flow and business financials.

For more tips for small business owners, read How To Get A Small Business Off The Ground.

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Tips on What to Do When You Receive a Job Offer

Many people spend a huge amount of time trying to secure the perfect job. From undergoing work experience and training to creating the perfect resume and completing lengthy applications, there is often a lot involved. If you are lucky enough to then get a face-to-face interview, a great performance will boost your chances of getting that job. If you then receive an official job offer, it may be time to start celebrating.

However, before you start those celebrations, it is important that you take the appropriate steps after you have received your job offer along with any contract that goes with it. Taking these steps is important as you need to respond to job offer appropriately and after taking some key things into consideration. One thing to remember is that employers do not assume that you are going to accept the job offer, and this is why it is important to respond. In this article, we will look at some of the key things to do when it comes to responding to a job offer.

Some of the Steps to Take

There are some key steps that you need to take when it comes to receiving and responding to a job offer. Some of the main ones are:

Look Over the Contract

One of the things that you should always do when you receive a job offer is to look very carefully through the contract to ensure it is what you are looking for. It is very important that you do this so that you know exactly what you are agreeing to with your acceptance of the job. If the contract is not in with the offer letter for any reason, contact the employer and ask for a copy of the contract before you respond to the offer.

Make Sure You Are Happy

It is important that you ensure you are happy to enter into the new job before you respond to the offer letter. Things may have changed since you went for your interview – for instance, there may be another job you have been offered that you prefer, or you may have changed your mind about the job you are being offered. So, before you make any rash decisions, take some time to think about whether you are happy with the job being offered and the terms of the contract.

Contact the Employer with Your Decision

Once you have made up your mind about the job offer, you need to contact the employer with your decision. Whether or not you decide to accept the job offer, it is very important that you contact the employer in writing to let them know so that everyone knows where they stand with regard to the job. You should make sure you are respectful in your letter, but you do not need to go into a lot of detail about your decision other than to let them know that you accept or decline, and to thank them for the opportunity.

These are the key steps to follow when you receive a job offer.

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How to build your online course from scratch

Do you enjoy online teaching? Do you feel like you would like to provide knowledge for your students in a well-structured, fun and engaging form? Would you like to have an additional stream of passive income? If you answer with Yes to any of the above questions, it is worth considering the idea of creating an online course. 

Making the decision is the first step. Once you have decided that this will be your next project, let us help you with advice on how to build your online course from scratch? 

1. Choose the topic of your online course 

Everyone who wants to share their knowledge can create an online course. Any experience in the sphere of online teaching, public speaking, writing or other activities in education can be highly beneficial in creating an online course. 

  • Make a list of the topics that bring you joy and where you have the most knowledge, skills and experience that can be useful to share.
  • Then make a list of the topics that your students enjoy and have interest in. How to do that? Create a questionnaire with a variety of topics and let your students rate them.
  • Find the points where the two lists match and you will have a very good idea of what the possible topics for your course are.  Keep in mind that the most engaging topics are the ones that provide a solution to a problem. It doesn’t hurt to perform research on every topic concerning what the competition is, how profitable it is and etc. Don’t forget that creating an online course is a business venture.

2. Write down the learning objectives

Create a plan for your course. Research your audience. 

  • How old are your students, and what interests do they have? 
  • What learning challenges might they experience during the course? 
  • What learning objectives would you like to accomplish with the online course?

    It is beneficial to write down the short-term goals and the long-term objectives. This is the step where you should plan the content and divide it roughly into sections.

    There are a few tips that can help you in organizing the content:
  • Choose the platform for online learning that you are planning to use. The right choice of the Learning Management System (LMS) will make your work of creating the course easier and more enjoyable. The platform provides the possibility to host the course, as well as to track the progress of the course and the students, to store the materials and much more.
  • Use an online whiteboard, like VEDAMO, to create the lessons. Teach the lectures live, record them using the features in the online whiteboard and add the sessions to the LMS as part of the course. Depending on your ideas for the course, you can combine synchronous (live lessons) with asynchronous (students learn at their own pace) learning methods. 
  • Create templates using the online whiteboard. Be sure to experiment with the various features including drawing, adding text and charts, adding media, etc. Add the templates as supportive materials for your students to download as part of the course.
  • Gather materials via research on the Internet, libraries, etc. and also, don’t hesitate to add any content you have on the topic, such as completed lessons, blog posts, videos, books and many more.


3. Prepare proper equipment for creating of the online course

The quality of the recording, the sound and the editing of the online course is almost as important as the quality of the content. It is a matter of fact that even if you offer the most valuable content, if the sound is low quality and students are not able to listen to the sessions, it will not help you in achieving your goals. Gather the highest-quality equipment you can afford and spend some time testing it out and learning how to use it correctly. The equipment depends on the media you are planning to include. For instance, if your courses consist of voice-over and lessons with speaking, you need a proper microphone. If you are planning on recording lessons where you will be on camera, you have to get yourself a decent camera or a webcam that records HD videos.

Use software of your choice for screen recording to include in depth instructions, tutorials, presentations etc. in the lessons. Teaching on the online whiteboard is an excellent way to create the most authentic and engaging learning experience for the students even with the asynchronous lessons where the sessions are pre-recorded. 

4. Ready for action

After you have created the content and you have prepared the equipment for the online course, it is time for action. It is absolutely normal to feel nervous and to lack confidence at first. Test the whole equipment with a few shots. Be sure to prepare a script for each video that will guide you through the lesson. Stick to simple sentences with clear explanations. Imagine that your students are standing in front of you and start recording the lessons. After the first lesson is recorded, take your time to edit and improve the quality. It is essential to create the video in a format that will be accessible for your students. 

5. Price and Advertise

You might be thinking that creating the course is the most challenging part, but you will be surprised how difficult it can be to price your course correctly. The perfect option is to choose a price that is attractive for students but also covers the main costs of creating the lessons.

The most common approaches are a one-time payment of the course or the subscription method. In the first case, students pay once for the course which offers them full access to the lessons whenever they want. The subscription option requires regular payments that reoccur at a certain period of time – annually, monthly etc. to provide students with access to the sessions and the materials. 

When pricing the course, you need to perform  research on the competition in the chosen niche. In this way you will get a better understanding of the earning potential of the course and will market it better. 

There are many ways to advertise your online course.  Social media is one of the most efficient channels for promoting any new project. Webinars, Podcasts and Blog posts are also very effective in promoting the course. You can also use paid advertising. 

6. Stay connected to your students

Even though the online course is considered a passive stream of income, it is not completely passive if you are doing it right. Be there for your students in case they have questions or they need help in understanding the materials. The online whiteboard is an awesome tool for organizing live lectures, consultations etc. for follow ups and additional training.

A great way to engage with the students is by participating in groups together, like a Facebook group especially created for the participants in the online course where everyone can share, discuss, ask questions and provide help. 

Creating an online course from scratch is a time-consuming project that is worth the efforts and the patience. Expand your horizons in online teaching with this great opportunity to provide well-structured valuable content for your students. 

 

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