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7 Ways to Combine Traditional and Digital Marketing Strategies

by with No Comment Branding

The world has taken a seat back with Digitization and Innovation of Digital Technology taking a centre stage in the process of development and promotion and selling activities in the world. Classic Marketing Techniques emphasized the principle of production. After the production process of goods and services was complete, they were packaged and then traded off to the market for selling and distribution. This was done by the retailers present in the market. Physical Communication and Transportation of Goods and Services was considered very important.

However, the scenario changed with the inception of Internet facilities. The purchase destinations were established online. Fashionable advertisements and catchy slogans replaced sturdy packaging and reliable logistics. The labeling and branding of the product and service became the two most important criteria of digital marketing. Thus evolved the concept of online internet marketing. We have always witnessed that achieving a perfect balance between ‘what was’ and ‘what will be has been the key to success in the organizational environment.

We have come up with some really effective methods that will help you improve your marketing strategies in both modes.

Billboard Advertising and Geotargeting in Markets

Billboards have always been a popular medium to attract a large segment of the population. Large glow signs and flex boards are always perfect for attracting the attention of interested consumers. Large business houses have adopted billboards to advertise their products on the roads and sidewalks. It is one of the primary methods of marketing. Nowadays, many small organizations and marketing firms have adopted newer and more digitized techniques. Among them the primary one is Geotargeting. In this method, the business analyzes the geographical areas where the product will sell the highest. They analyze the business prospects and then advertise their products. Thus it is a productive combination of traditional and digital techniques of marketing.

Also read: The 17 Best Ways to Promote Your Business: A Must-Read for New Entrepreneurs

Magazines and Digital Media Promotion

Magazines and Newspapers reach the largest segment of the population. Many people globally read magazines and newspapers daily. Therefore posting an advertisement in the magazine is the best way to promote the products and services. Magazines contain a variety of topics and spicy news regarding entertainment, economics, and other means of product promotion. With digitization taking center stage, website marketing has changed the panorama of digital marketing. Companies design their websites with information about the products. The interesting target audience can find all relevant information on the websites.

Newspapers and Online Advertising Portals

Newspapers as mentioned previously are a hit if you want to promote your product. People nowadays abstain from the habit of reading newspapers due to the busy scheduling of work. Therefore they prefer online newspapers. A company can promote its business model by posting advertisements in such e-newspapers. Advertisement Portals are bought by large-scale companies. They post attractive advertisements on such web portals.

Television and Video Advertisements on YouTube

If you are not familiar with YouTube, you must be living in a cave. It has changed the dimension of video blogging and advertisements completely. Companies now post videos on their private YouTube channel. People from all corners of the globe can access such content. Thus it increases popularity. However, it is hard to beat Television advertisements. Posting your promotion content on a famous channel helps in improving business scale.

Radio Stations and Streaming Advertisements, Pop-Up Advertisements

Whenever you open a website, you may be familiar with a pop-up window that opens up alongside it. If you click on the link, you will be redirected to the webpage of the business site. Thus pop-up advertisements and live streaming of video content help in promoting popularity. Radio Stations have traditionally been one of the primary means of marketing. Although Radio has become somewhat obsolete, however, it has not lost its relevance completely.

Direct Calling and Target Communication

Earlier it was more precedent to directly call the interested customer. Tele-callers used to pitch the product characteristics to the client. If they seemed interested, the purchase would take place. Nowadays, with the invention of consumer behavior analysis tools, one can easily identify a target audience. It has blended the traditional and modern methods of marketing.

Event Management and Account-Based Marketing

Traditional companies used to organize large-scale events. They invite customers where presentations are to make the consumers aware of the products and services. That changed with the invention of Account-Based Marketing (ABM). Here, a prior analysis of the prospective customers took place. Research processes analyzed the behavior of interested customers.

Therefore this synthesis and harmonious relationship between traditional and modern methods of marketing has been productive. It has brought about a revolution in the field of online marketing.

If you are looking for the right solutions for your small or medium business, or even substantial and appropriate advice or mentorship, click here

Also read: Dropshipping business – Everything you need to know

10 Product Photography Tips and Strategies for Startups

5 Inexpensive Branding Strategies for Small Businesses

5 Inexpensive Branding Strategies for Small Businesses

by with No Comment Branding

When someone says “brand”, the first thing that might come into your mind are names, who have a giant corporate value in the market. But larger companies such as McDonald’s or Apple can spend millions of dollars for building a strong brand, but small businesses who are just finding their way into the water cannot afford to do the same. Already burdened with a limited budget, they now will have to create a brand for themselves. But thanks to the social media revolution, this task is easily achievable. There are plenty of ways to grab your customer’s attention without emptying your pockets. In this article, we are listing 5 powerful brand building strategies to take your small business to the next level:

LIST YOUR BUSINESS ON GOOGLE

Google My Business offers a fantastic opportunity to come under the Google search results, but the cherry on top of the cake is that it’s free. Google My Business provides you with the ability to list your business location on Google Maps and display important information about your business, including the opening/closing times, contact details, or a link to your website. It should be regarded as a necessity by all businesses as Google owns more than 60 percent of the traffic.

START A WEBSITE

Having a strong online presence such as a website makes you different from the rest, who aren’t able to proudly display the reviews and testimonials as they don’t own a website. For small or local businesses, creating a website is crucial for attracting a loyal audience and growing over time. It makes you look more professional.

branding

Displaying your products on the website gives the customers a chance to purchase them immediately, making sales along the process. Also, a business website is a platform for learning about your audience. It opens an opportunity to collect information about your customers and then tailor your interactions to their preferences. For example, collect email addresses of site visitors to learn who visits your website and later on turn them into potential audiences.

USE SOCIAL MEDIA 

There are now 4.2 billion active social media users, almost twice as many as there were just five years ago. Those users spend an average of 2 hours and 25 minutes on social channels every single day. These 2 hours and 25 minutes bring an opportunity to promote the business across all the major social media platforms, develop customer relationships and even make sales directly through social media. Through social media, you can even monitor your competitors and know the market. The best part? It’s very cost-effective. 

USE FREE MARKETING TOOLS

We know you are in a bind and don’t have the personnel or resources to shell out for countless expensive marketing tools. So, there are numerous free or affordable marketing tools out there to help you optimize your marketing efforts and make a name for yourself. When it comes to analytics, Google Analytics is the go-to followed by Kissmetrics or Gooddata.

For content marketing, WordPress is the tool you should have followed by Grammarly. Similarly, for lead capturing and email marketing, it has to be Optinmonster and MailChimp. For SEO and PPC you can count on WordStream, SemRush, and Google AdWords. For design, it has to be Pexels and Canva.

If you are looking for affordable project management tools which you may think are impossible then allow Slack, Asana, and Evernote to prove you wrong. Lastly, for social media optimization Buffer, Hootsuite and SproutSocial will help you automate and optimize for greater reach and engagement.

COLLABORATE WITH OTHER BUSINESSES OR INFLUENCERS

Influencers are authorities within your niche that have a huge impact on a targeted audience. They could be Bloggers, Instagrammers, YouTubers, and users with a large Twitter following. Collaboration with other influencers is a great way to develop professional relationships to meet your goals

Collaborations are a great way to have fun while producing new content for your readers. It also brings a fresh perspective to the readers. But before investing in your Influencer be sure to know the medium in which the Influencer is the most active and if that aligns with your business. Be very clear and direct with the Influencer about the kind of goals you’re looking for. Lastly, make sure to achieve a win-win profit situation so that it leaves both you and the Influencer on a positive note. 

If you are looking to get your startup boost in the market, register for the Al-Tijarat-al-Raabehah business incubation program as it has a well-structured program for different audiences and standardizes to new learning. In this program industry, experts shall provide functional and technical knowledge for all the domains. 

If you are looking for the right solutions for your small or medium business, we are willing to provide a good mentorship with an appropriate process to lift business click here

Also read: Why digital marketing is important for small businesses?

unplugged-and-profitable-how-to-keep-your-business-running-smoothly-while-you-are-on-vacation

Unplugged and Profitable: How to keep your business running smoothly while you are on vacation

by with No Comment BrandingWeekly Blogs

As a business owner, taking time off for a vacation can be challenging. You want to make sure that your business continues to run smoothly while you’re away, but you also want to be able to relax and enjoy your time off. “Planning well is half of living” Rasul allah SAW states.In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and strategies for keeping your business profitable while you’re on vacation.

  1. Plan Ahead:

The key to a successful vacation is planning ahead. Make a list of all the tasks and responsibilities that you’ll need to delegate while you’re away. This might include managing your email and social media accounts, handling customer inquiries, and overseeing any ongoing projects. Once you have a list of tasks, assign them to trusted employees or contractors who can handle them in your absence. For example, a restaurant owner might need to delegate tasks such as ordering inventory, scheduling employees, and managing customer complaints. By planning ahead, they can ensure that these tasks are taken care of while they’re away.

  1. Use Technology:

Technology can be a lifesaver when it comes to managing your business while you’re on vacation. Consider using software tools and apps that can help you stay connected and informed, such as project management tools like Asana or Trello, social media management tools like Hootsuite or Buffer, or customer relationship management (CRM) software like Salesforce or HubSpot. These tools can help you stay on top of your business while you’re away and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. For example, a small business owner could use a tool like Square to process payments remotely, or a project management tool like Basecamp to stay on top of ongoing projects.

  1. Hire a Virtual Assistant:

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of managing your business while you’re on vacation, consider hiring a virtual assistant. A virtual assistant can handle a wide range of tasks, from managing your email and social media accounts to handling customer inquiries and administrative tasks. They can also provide you with regular updates on your business and keep you informed of any important developments.  For example, a consultant might hire a virtual assistant to manage their email inbox and schedule appointments while they’re away. This can help ensure that important messages don’t get missed and that their business continues to run smoothly.

  1. Set Boundaries:

It’s important to set clear boundaries with your employees and customers before you leave for vacation. Let them know when you’ll be leaving, when you’ll be back, and how they can contact you in case of an emergency. Make sure that you communicate your expectations for how your business should be managed while you’re away, and provide your employees with the resources and support they need to succeed. For example, a retail store owner might post a notice on their website and in-store letting customers know when they’ll be closed and when they’ll return. This can help manage customer expectations and avoid any potential confusion.

  1. Trust Your Team:

Finally, it’s important to trust your team while you’re on vacation. You’ve hired them for a reason, and they are capable of handling the day-to-day operations of your business. Make sure that you provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed, and trust that they will make the right decisions in your absence.  For example, a graphic design agency owner might give their employees a clear set of guidelines and expectations for how to handle ongoing projects and communicate with clients. By trusting their team, they can focus on enjoying their vacation without worrying about their business.

In conclusion, taking time off for a vacation is essential for your mental and physical well-being. However, it can be challenging to manage your business while you’re away. By planning ahead, using technology, hiring a virtual assistant, setting boundaries, and trusting your team, you can ensure that your business continues to run smoothly while you’re on vacation.

Transforming Your Service into a Profitable Business_ Key Principles and Tactics

Transforming Your Service into a Profitable Business: Key Principles and Tactics

by with No Comment BrandingBusinessWeekly Blogs

Al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Ali Qadar Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS has exhibited a vivid expectation of growth in muminee’s businesses. Maula instilled that the business owners earning 100 should aim and be able to earn 500 in the future. This shows that each business – no matter how small – has the potential of growing X5 and more if done so with the correct skill-set and expertise. Certain principles can help turnaround the scope of small scale businesses and services into profitable ones – all we need to do is keep learning to grow.  

Providing excellent service to customers is essential for any business, but it is not enough to guarantee profitability. To transform your service into a profitable business, you need to apply key principles and tactics that will help you turn your service into a scalable and profitable enterprise. In this blog post, we will discuss the key principles and tactics you can apply to transform your service into a profitable business.

  1. Focus on Customer Value

The first principle of transforming your service into a profitable business is to focus on customer value. You need to understand what your customers want, what they need, and how you can deliver the best possible service to them. To do this, you should engage with your customers through surveys, feedback, and other means to identify their pain points, preferences, and expectations.

For example, if you operate a tutoring service, you may discover that your students and their parents are looking for personalized learning experiences that cater to their specific needs and learning styles. By understanding your customers’ values, you can tailor your tutoring services to meet their needs and differentiate your business from competitors. You may also consider offering online tutoring options to expand your reach and cater to a wider audience.

  1. Systematize and Automate Your Service

The second principle of transforming your service into a profitable business is to systematize and automate your service. This means standardizing your service delivery process, documenting it, and creating workflows that enable you to deliver consistent service quality at scale.

For example, if you run a catering service, you could automate your ordering and delivery process using online ordering systems, automated emails, and delivery tracking. By automating your service, you can reduce the risk of errors, streamline your operations, and free up your staff to focus on other critical business functions.

  1. Set Clear Service Standards and Metrics

The third principle of transforming your service into a profitable business is to set clear service standards and metrics. This means defining what constitutes excellent service quality and setting targets that you can measure and track over time.

For example, if you run a consulting service, you could set service standards around response times, project deliverables, and customer satisfaction. By setting clear standards and metrics, you can hold your team accountable for delivering high-quality service consistently and continuously improving your service quality.

  1. Upsell and Cross-Sell to Your Customers

The fourth principle of transforming your service into a profitable business is to upsell and cross-sell to your customers. This means identifying opportunities to offer additional services or products that complement your existing service.

For example, if you run a web design service, you could upsell website maintenance, hosting, and SEO services to your customers. By upselling and cross-selling to your customers, you can increase your revenue per customer, build customer loyalty, and reduce your customer acquisition costs.

  1. Leverage Technology to Improve Your Service

The fifth principle of transforming your service into a profitable business is to leverage technology to improve your service. This means adopting new technologies and tools that can help you deliver your service more efficiently, effectively, and at scale.

For example, if you run a healthcare service, you could leverage telemedicine technology to provide remote consultations and reduce the need for in-person visits. By leveraging technology, you can improve your service quality, reduce costs, and increase your revenue potential.

Conclusion

Transforming your service into a profitable business requires applying key principles and tactics that focus on customer value, systematizing and automating your service, setting clear service standards and metrics, upselling and cross-selling to your customers, and leveraging technology to improve your service. By adopting these principles and tactics, you can differentiate your service, increase your revenue potential, and achieve sustainable growth over time.

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3 helpful tips for increasing customer acquisition

by with No Comment BrandingWeekly Blogs

The last year and the year previous to that has been menacing for humanity. Covid 19 has raged all across and has had a tremendous impact on human life-altering the work environment and bringing about drastic changes in remote work operations. However, with the vaccine rollout being administered by the majority of countries in the world, things are appearing on the brighter side. Although companies have changed their organizational style, their primary objective has remained the same, customer acquisition and service satisfaction. This objective has slowly metamorphosed into a viable means to generate productivity in business organizations. Following are some of the most potent methods employed to increase customer acquisition-

Tips for increasing customer acquisition

Customer Acquisition policies of a business organization must be managed and nurtured properly. Therefore the following tips must be followed to improve customer acquisition-

Identify your target audience

Small Business owners are constantly evolving newer methods to identify their target audience. The customer acquisition policies are based on the target customer acquiring methodologies. The first thing that a business organization must do is to conduct thorough research including the identification of consumption patterns, buying behavior and choices of goods and services preferred by the consumer. The target audience is that group of prospective consumers who are inclined to purchase and avail the goods and services supplied by your business. Thus identifying that group of customers is important. Secondly, steps must be taken to ensure they can acquire the required goods and services. Online marketing through social media applications like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and Instagram can work as an effective means to ensure better sourcing of products and services. Through advertisements, business organizations can improve their brand image and popularity in the market. 

The Ultimate Guide to Customer Acquisition

Also read: Planning to start an online store? Here is a checklist for you

Creation of affiliate programs

At times the responsibility of marketing the products and services can be outsourced to external marketing agencies. These programs aiming to improve customer acquisition are known as affiliate programming. Through affiliate programs, you can delegate marketing responsibilities who are expected to promote your products on blogs and websites. The marketing is done through Pay-Per-Click Advertisements where the prospective customer is redirected to the payment page upon clicking the requisite link. Affiliate Programs help in promoting the popularity of the products and services. Affiliation Agents are paid only when a prospective lead is converted into a viable business lead. 

What Is Customer Retention + 16 Proven Retention Strategies

Affiliate marketing is only effective when you’re working with affiliates who have a following that overlaps significantly with your target market. There’s no point running an affiliate program for an auto dealership on a blog that’s for pro marathon runners, for example. So once again, it’s crucial to define your target audience. Affiliate Marketing programs are an effective means to ensure better customer acquisition strategies in business organizations. 

Partnering up with complementary business entities

The pooling of business resources is critical for the growth of an organization. It is always better to manage with more resources. Therefore business collaborations are considered an important strategy for customer acquisition. For partnership businesses through research is necessary. For example- both your business and the business with which you want to collaborate have the same objective. This helps in maintaining uniformity in business objectives and ideas. Moreover, you can work towards the same goals and acquire the same customer acquisition strategies. Complementary business models are seen in the construction industry. A supplier of bricks and cement may collaborate with a civil engineering firm. This helps in optimizing the necessary business resources.

Summary

Customer Acquisition is among the basic objectives of any business organization ensuring the smooth functioning of business operations. Attracting new leads and converting them to paying customers can be challenging, but you don’t have to sit back and wait for them to come to you. Reach out to the right prospects by defining your target audience, customizing Google and Facebook ads to appeal to their interests, running an affiliate program with relevant sites, and working together with businesses in a complementary niche to drive leads and increase your customer acquisition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How have business organizations adapted to Covid 19 outbreak?

The last year and the year previous to that have been menacing for humanity. Covid 19 has raged all across and has had a tremendous impact on human life-altering the work environment and bringing about drastic changes in remote work operations. However, with the vaccine rollout being administered by the majority of countries in the world, things are appearing on the brighter side. Although companies have changed their organizational style, their primary objective has remained the same, customer acquisition and service satisfaction. This objective has slowly metamorphosed into a viable means to generate productivity in business organizations.

Which social media applications help in identifying the target audience?

Online marketing through social media applications like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and Instagram can work as an effective means to ensure better sourcing of products and services. Through advertisements, business organizations can improve their brand image and popularity in the market.

How can business collaborations improve customer acquisition?

The pooling of business resources is critical for the growth of an organization. It is always better to manage with more resources. Therefore business collaborations are considered an important strategy for customer acquisition. For partnership businesses through research is necessary. For example- both your business and the business with which you want to collaborate have the same objective. This helps in maintaining uniformity in business objectives and ideas. Moreover, you can work towards the same goals and acquire the same customer acquisition strategies. Complementary business models are seen in the construction industry. A supplier of bricks and cement may collaborate with a civil engineering firm. This helps in optimizing the necessary business resources.

What is the major instrument of affiliate marketing?

The marketing is done through Pay-Per-Click Advertisements where the prospective customer is redirected to the payment page upon clicking the requisite link. Affiliate Programs help in promoting the popularity of the products and services. Affiliation Agents are paid only when a prospective lead is converted into a viable business lead.

What kind of a business can be considered a complimentary business?

For partnership businesses through research is necessary. For example- both your business and the business with which you want to collaborate have the same objective. This helps in maintaining uniformity in business objectives and ideas. Moreover, you can work towards the same goals and acquire the same customer acquisition strategies. Complementary business models are seen in the construction industry. A supplier of bricks and cement may collaborate with a civil engineering firm. This helps in optimizing the necessary business resources.

If you are looking for the right solutions for your small or medium business, we are willing to provide a good mentorship with an appropriate process to lift business click here

Also read: Dropshipping business – Everything you need to know

Tips for effective product packaging

Tips for effective product packaging

by with No Comment Branding

When we think of packaging the first thing that comes to our mind is security. Product packaging is done to keep the material safe and secure. It is done to reduce pilferage of products and also helps in preventing leakage and abnormal loss. Moreover, it adds a secure covering to the product. When the product is transported from one part of the country to another, there are high chances that the product may get lost and damaged in transit. Thus to prevent this from happening packaging is very important. However, the packaging is also useful in another parameter. It helps in adding design to the product.

Packaging helps in improving product designing. An attractive labeling and packaging help in generating positive sentiments of the customer. The customer thinks that the product is trustworthy as the packaging is reliable. On the other hand, if the packaging is damaged, then the customer forms a negative impression of the product. The customer would no longer be inclined to purchase the product. Therefore packaging determines whether the customer would be interested or not interested in buying the product or service. Following tips come in pretty handy for effective product packaging. Following them would help you improve the product packaging structure-

Content is the Most Important Element

Content is considered to be the prime element in any product service. Therefore if the content of your product is good and reliable, your product is bound to sell in sufficient quantity in the market. Your product needs to be verified and must pass the required ethical and safety standards mandated by the Government authorities. Moreover, the content of your product packaging should be attractive. It should incorporate designs, patterns, and beautiful and attractive artwork. 

Incorporate Different Designs

Incorporate Different designs in the product packages. Designing the packages would give your product an attractive appeal. It’s through the designs that you propagate messages to the prospective customers about the type of product you want to sell to them. Therefore attractive packaging helps in increasing the customer demand for the goods and services. Moreover, it also helps in generating demand conditions for the products in the market. Attractive designs and labels help you to generate productivity. Therefore designs are the foundation of popularity for a product. 

Also read: Simple tips to Optimize your Facebook Business Page

Be Honest About Your Product

Maintaining Honesty is the only way to survive in this business. Therefore mention the components that were used to make the products. The composition of the products must be mentioned on the labels and the packaging that is used to cover the products. You should mention the correct information about the product descriptions and the purposes to which the product can be put. Honesty may help you lose a few customers since you will not be able to fulfill their requirements. But in the long run, it will help you generate more customers. It will also help you attract more customers as your packaging would be appealing to them. 

Be Practical About Your Product

Being Practical about the product is very important. Looks and appeal are not always the most important factor. Much also depends on whether the product is efficient and functional or not. The product should also be easy to use and implement. Moreover, the product should be convenient for consumers. Therefore a practical approach helps to popularize the branding policies of the product. 

Maintain Familiarity with the Customers

Knowing and catering to the needs of the Target Audience is very important. All your business activities should be oriented towards fulfilling their demands. Since they are the consumers and they are responsible for generating revenue, you must give attention to them. 

Maintain Legible Typography

Consumers spend a few seconds looking at any product. If they find the typography to be illegible, the chances of them taking the time to figure out what it means is less. Legible and concise lettering is always preferred. Legible writing involves typed letters and words. If the consumers are unable to read, they will not be able to decipher important messages. 

Know the Strategies and Policies Adopted by Market Competitors

You should always study your competition. This will allow you to understand what design elements they are incorporating in their packaging, and how they differ from each other. Understanding the market behavior of competitors is very important in the promotion of product policies. 

Promote the Importance of Packaging

You should look at new packaging to keep up with the changing times. Even if you’ve got an amazing packaging strategy in place, it won’t last forever. You need to have a pulse on the interests of your consumers and figure out how to improve your packaging. 

Never Underestimate the Importance of Quality

Always use the finest materials that you can afford within your budget. The way your packaging feels and looks will go a long way in influencing their purchase designs. The quality of the product must never be compromised. 

Impact on the Shelf Life of Product

Consumers never get to see a product alone. It’s always arranged in rows and shelves with the same or other items of the same group. So, they view the patterns made out of different products, and it is this pattern that prompts them to take a closer look at a particular item. This appeal and distinctiveness of a specific product when placed on a shelf impact. 

Upon following the aforementioned tips you are bound to attain success and glory in the product market. These tips would help you enhance the productivity of the products produced by your business firm.

If you are looking for the right solutions for your small or medium business, or even substantial and appropriate advice or mentorship, click here

Also read: Benefits of Business Partnerships

7 Ways to Combine Traditional and Digital Marketing Strategies

Reasons for poor cash flow in your business and how to improve it

Reasons for poor cash flow in your business and how to improve it

by with No Comment Branding

Business Exchange Transactions are considered to be the basis and the foundation for the growth of the business. Entrepreneurship ventures help in bringing about developmental prospects and generate revenue processes. This helps in leading to the increase and expansion of the process of revenue collection. With the impending economic recession, global reforms in the management of business activities, and restrictions. It has decreased the principles of the business environment changing with every passing year. 

Reduction in cash flow mechanism has been noticed as one of the biggest hindrances in the growth of the business. Following are some of the most important problems associated with a reduction in cash flow and their subsequent solution-

Lower Profit Generation

One of the biggest problems identified in the process of business transactions functioning of business operations is the reduction in profit generation. The reduction in cash flow for business transactions can impact the balance sheet of the company. 

Problems & Solutions

The productivity and morale of the existing workforce are low. Moreover, there is a price structure that is insufficient to generate profit for the entrepreneur. The process can be improved with the easy development of the workflow and regular appraisal of core workers.

Also read: 15 Classic Ways to Grow Your Email List

10 Productivity Tips to Help Small Businesses Succeed

Excessive Investment

One of the biggest problems identified in business transactions is the excessive investment propensity that the entrepreneurs possess. When they start on a venture, they perceive the market to be a playing field. The more benefit they would be capable of reaping. However, the situation on the ground is exactly the opposite. There are certain complications associated with a continuous investment like over-investment.

Problems & Solutions

The increasing efficiency in Monitoring of Demand Operations and creating a list consisting of the Need-to-Haves and the May-Haves thereby helping in prioritizing the necessary goods and services. 

The Problem Associated with the Rapid Expansion

Expanding business opportunities and growing areas of business operation is one of them to be the primary credentials for the growth. The diversification of business objectives and inclusion of growth parameters help in ironing out the flaws associated with business functioning. But rapid expansion can at times lead to problems associated with the cash flow of the business structure. Therefore expansion should be in a phased-out manner incorporating the principles of ethical business practices and bringing about the genuinity of business transactions. 

Problems & Solutions

Due to the over-consumption of raw materials, excessive pressure on existing workload management, the process of business growth is going down.

Hidden Expenses

The problem that creates uncomfortable situations for the business venture and entrepreneurship owner is the problem associates with prioritizing business. For example- you are a diamond jeweler and the expense incures in transporting the diamond from the production center and the diamond mine to the point of sale is considered to be an indirect expense. But if you procure a high percentage of diamond and yet you are unable to sell a significant amount of that quantity of diamond, then you would incur a loss to a certain degree as you have already spent a considerable portion of your money on the associated overhead expenses. 

Problems & Solutions

The disposable income is blocking the avenues to invest in productive decision-making purposes. Moreover, the plan needs to create a cash reserve as it can help withdraw money successfully in case of any emergency.  

Thus an efficient mind-set and stable work process are the two basic approaches that can help in resolving your problems associated with a reduction in cash flow of the business transactions. 

If you are looking for the right solutions for your small or medium business, or even substantial and appropriate advice or mentorship, click here

Also Read: Top lessons businesses must learn from COVID 19 to grow post-pandemic

7 Tips for Building A Customer Service Team For Your Business

Succession Planning How Business Advisory Can Help You Prepare for the Future

Succession Planning: How Business Advisory Can Help You Prepare for the Future

by with No Comment BrandingBusinessWeekly Blogs

“Do not die until you’ve submitted” al-Quran al-Majeed states. The entire course of one’s life revolves around preparing a like being, transitioning what we have to someone who will continue the legacy. We’re never the ultimate end of any knowledge or skill, hence, once received should be carried forward. The concept is made evident in Rasul Allah’s SAW life, when He SAW was asked not once to appoint a successor. Someone who would preserve and continue what Rasul Allah SAW spent His life building. Hence the ordinance was a strong one stating if the successor was not appointed, nothing else would count. This reflects the significance of a successor may it be in knowledge, skill, wealth or asset. 

In professional terms, succession planning is a critical process that every business should undertake to ensure the long-term success of the organization. It involves identifying and developing new leaders within the company who can take over key roles when current leaders retire or leave the organization. Succession planning is essential for maintaining business continuity, preserving institutional knowledge, and ensuring a smooth transition of power.

However, succession planning can be a complex and time-consuming process. Small businesses, in particular, may struggle with succession planning due to limited resources and expertise. This is where business advisory services can help.

Business advisory services provide specialized expertise and support to help businesses navigate complex issues and achieve their goals. When it comes to succession planning, business advisory services can help companies identify potential successors, develop and implement a plan, and manage the transition process.

Here are some of the ways business advisory services can help with succession planning:

  1. Identifying potential successors

One of the first steps in succession planning is identifying potential successors for key leadership positions. Business advisory services can help companies develop a comprehensive list of potential successors, taking into account factors such as skills, experience, and potential for growth. They can also help assess the readiness of potential successors, identify any skills gaps, and develop a plan to address them.

  1. Developing and implementing a plan

Once potential successors have been identified, the next step is to develop a plan for their development and growth within the company. Business advisory services can help create a tailored development plan for each potential successor, including training, mentoring, and coaching. They can also help create a timeline for the transition process, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities.

  1. Managing the transition process

Managing the transition process is critical to the success of succession planning. Business advisory services can help manage the transition process by providing support to both current and future leaders. They can help current leaders prepare for their retirement or departure, including developing a plan for transferring knowledge and responsibilities. They can also support new leaders in their transition, providing coaching and guidance as needed.

Succession planning is not a one-time event but rather an ongoing process. Business advisory services can help companies ensure that their succession plans remain relevant and effective over time, adapting to changing business needs and circumstances.

Here’s an example of how business advisory services can help with succession planning:

ABC Corporation is a family-owned business that has been operating for over 50 years. The current CEO, Yusuf, is planning to retire in the next few years, and his son, Ahmed, is interested in taking over the business. However, Ahmed has never held a leadership position before and is not sure if he has the skills and experience necessary to lead the company.

ABC Corporation hires a business advisory service to help with succession planning. The business advisory service works with Ahmed to identify his strengths and weaknesses and develop a tailored development plan for him. This includes training, coaching, and mentoring to help him build the skills and experience needed to succeed as CEO.

The business advisory service also works with Yusuf to develop a plan for transition of power to Ahmed. This includes a plan for transferring knowledge and responsibilities. 

As a result of the business advisory service’s support, ABC Corporation is able to successfully transition leadership from Yusuf to Ahmed, ensuring the long-term success of the business.

In conclusion, succession planning is critical to the long-term success of any business. 

Business advisory services can provide valuable support and expertise to help companies identify potential successors, develop and implement a plan, and manage the transition process. By working with a business advisory service, companies can ensure that their succession plans are effective and sustainable over time, preparing them for a successful future.
Idaarah al-Tijaarat al-Raabehah’s counseling and advisory services shall help you maximize the potential of your business ideas and grow your business. Book a call with our expert advisors today.

8 Examples of local marketing that worked and why- A Descriptive Study

8 Examples of local marketing that worked and why- A Descriptive Study

by with No Comment Branding

The wave of localization has hit the corporate sector as well. Companies are using their resources to channelize local markets. They are targeting regional mid-level consumers who have the potential to show loyalty. Many large companies have perished from the market owing to their disconnect with the local market. So what do you think is the principle behind the guiding force towards localization of brands? Following are 8 examples of local marketing that worked and why- 

8 Examples of Local Marketing that worked and the reason behind it

Local Marketing strategies have ushered in an era of driving awareness towards increasing targeted consumption. Following are 8 examples of local marketing strategies that worked and why- 

Coca-Cola- ‘Share a Coke’

The Campaign

Coca-Cola decided to target the local market by individualizing its brand. They started the campaign ‘Share a Coke’. Here they decided to print the most popular names in the neighborhood in the bottles manufactured for the local market. They also encouraged these people to share their personal stories and memories on social media platforms for others to see and get inspired. 

How it Worked

People started resonating with the sentiments of this local marketing campaign. Social Media was the prime instrument of communication between the people who shared their stories. Thus conversations were initiated and strong growth in the local portfolio branding of Coca-Cola was witnessed in the market. 

Lidl- ‘#LidlSurprises’

The Campaign

A thorough inquiry was conducted by the organization to understand the specifications and requirements of the target market. The company hierarchy found that it was perceived among the consumers that the company sold inferior quality goods. To dispel this perception, London Food Specialists and bloggers were invited to a special farmers’ meeting. The results of the event were satisfying as it was covered by the bloggers through social media posts. Lidl started the ##LidlSurprises campaign posters that were hung on Supermarket walls where Lidl offered the best quality products at attractive price points. This local marketing strategy worked. 

How It Worked

The reason why this campaign by Lidl worked was that they conducted thorough research to understand the consumer perception about their product in the market. They understood what the customers demanded and how they should present themselves so that they could improve their acceptability in the market. Thus a localized marketing strategy focused on consumer demand augmentation worked for Lidl. 

Also read: 10 Local Marketing Ideas You May Not Have Considered Yet

Nike- ‘Nothing Beats a Londoner’

The Campaign

Nike, the renowned men and women sportswear brand hired a creative marketing agency. They decided to focus their advertisement campaign to attract the youth in London. Therefore they started the campaign called ‘Nothing beats a Londoner’ to resonate with the youth of London who was keen followers of sports and athletes themselves. This local marketing strategy adopted by Nike helped in streamlining consumer demand. 

How It Worked

The Advertisement Campaign focused on interior areas of London like Dalston and Peckham. It sent out a message that athletes from all corners of the city can make it big if they possess the talent and the skillsets to attain success. They also advertised using the image of popular sporting personalities who flourished in their respective sports coming from non-privileged backgrounds. Thus Nike, through this local marketing strategy, sent out the message that sports were not for the affluent community only. 

Snickers- ‘You’re Not You When You’re Hungry’

The Campaign

Snickers channelized their local marketing strategy by encashing on a typical make characteristic. They conducted market research and through thorough evidence found that men decided to remain in packs. When they felt hungry they started acting bitterly and this dispersed them from their packs. Thus advertisement campaigns were built to focus on this special characteristic possessed by men. 

How It Worked

Snickers used the local celebrity image, analysis of the local consumption pattern and demand sentiment of the consumer to increase the popularity of their product. The advertisement campaign was focused on the region in which it was displayed. Thus it highlighted the specifications of the region in which the advertisement was shown. This local marketing strategy worked wonders for the company.  

Activia- ‘It Starts Inside’

The Campaign

Activia, a leading American company, started the advertising initiative ‘It Starts Inside’. This local marketing strategy was started to encourage American Women, to eliminate fear and insecurities from their heart, counter their worst fears and live their lives to the fullest. 

How It Worked

The sentiments generated by the local marketing strategies of Activia struck a chord with American women. This channelized their positivity and self-confidence. They started believing in the ideas promoted by the company thereby encouraging the creation of a local market founded on the principles of growth and diversity. 

Kitkat- Edible Postcard

The Campaign

In the Japanese language, the word “Kitto Katsu” means good luck. Therefore the name of the company resonated with the Japanese sentiments. This also encouraged their tradition to send gift cards that would contain good luck messages for school students. Thus the campaign was able to capture a large segment of the crowd. This local marketing strategy worked in favor of the company. 

How It Worked

The company received critical acclaim from the PR agencies all across Japan. This innovative local marketing strategy became extremely popular among the masses. It also led to the establishment of an alternative point of sale. 

Pampers- ‘Golden Sleep’

The Campaign

The Campaign was spearheaded by local marketing strategies and was centered around China. It was found through intense investigation that most mothers in China were concerned about the sleep patterns of their children. Therefore the company encouraged them to buy products by Pampers which would ensure 30% faster sleep and 50% less sleep disruption. 

How it Worked

Through investigation into the consumer’s taste and preferences, needs and requirements, it was found that a cultural insight could be gained to improve the cognitive welfare of the students. Therefore local marketing strategies helped Pampers grow and diversify. 

Smirnoff- Soho Angels

The Campaign

An Inclusive localized strategy was initiated by Smirnoff to popularize the product across all the segments of the society. Members from the LGBTQ community were included in the campaign. Helpers were deployed by the company to ensure that the people belonging to the vulnerable group could return home safely. 

How It Worked

A compelling story and the intention to propagate a novel initiative among the fundamental segments of society made the company a household name. Moreover, its emphasis on localization strategies ensured growth and better prospects of image improvement for the company. 

Summary

Therefore, companies should focus on targeting their resources towards establishing a local market. This would help in maintaining the public image of the company and would further improve the reputation of the company in the local scenario. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What localization strategy did Nike adopt to ensure growth?

The renowned men and women sportswear brand hired a creative marketing agency. They decided to focus their advertisement campaign to attract the youth in London. Therefore they started the campaign called ‘Nothing beats a Londoner’ to resonate with the youth of London. People Were identified who were keen followers of sports and athletes themselves. This local marketing strategy adopted by Nike helped in streamlining consumer demand. 

What does localization of resources mean?

The wave of localization has hit the corporate sector as well. Companies are using their resources to channelize local markets. They are targeting regional mid-level consumers who have the potential to show loyalty. Many large companies have perished from the market owing to their disconnect with the local market.

How do you justify that the campaign by Snickers worked?

The company received critical acclaim from the PR agencies all across Japan. This innovative local marketing strategy became extremely popular among the masses. It also led to the establishment of an alternative point of sale.

What strategy did Smirnoff adopt to improve localization?

An Inclusive localized strategy was initiated by Smirnoff to popularize the product across all the segments of the society. Members from the LGBTQ community were included in the campaign. Helpers were deployed by the company to ensure that the people belonging to the vulnerable group could return home safely.

Was it Judicious for Activia to initiate the ‘It Starts Inside Campaign’

The sentiments generated by the local marketing strategies of Activia struck a chord with American women. This channelized their positivity and self-confidence. They started believing in the ideas promoted by the company thereby encouraging the creation of a local market founded on the principles of growth and diversity. 

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Also Read: Top lessons businesses must learn from COVID 19 to grow post-pandemic

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The Role Of Thought Leadership In Building Your Business Network And Establishing Expertise In Your Industry

by with No Comment BrandingBusiness

al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS states:

In today’s competitive business world, being seen as an expert in your industry is crucial to growing your network and building a successful business. This is where thought leadership comes in. Thought leadership is the practice of sharing innovative ideas and insights that position you as a go-to resource in your field. By demonstrating your expertise, you can attract new clients, partners, and opportunities, while also enhancing your brand and reputation.

Let’s take the example of a small business owner who runs a catering company. By sharing their knowledge of culinary arts and the latest food trends, they can establish themselves as a thought leader in the food industry. They could write a blog post about unique recipe ideas, share cooking tips on social media, or even host a cooking workshop. By showcasing their skills and providing value to their audience, they can attract potential clients and establish a loyal following.

Another example could be a real estate agent who specializes in the luxury market. By sharing their insights and expertise on high-end properties through blog posts, podcasts, and social media, they can position themselves as a trusted advisor to affluent clients. They could share tips on buying and selling luxury homes, provide insights on the latest real estate trends, and even interview other experts in the field. By establishing themselves as a thought leader in the luxury market, they can differentiate themselves from competitors and attract high-value clients.

A graphic designer could also leverage thought leadership to grow their business. By sharing their knowledge of design principles, tools, and techniques through blog posts, social media, and online tutorials, they can position themselves as an authority in the design industry. They could showcase their portfolio of work, offer design tips and tricks, and even collaborate with other designers on projects. By demonstrating their skills and expertise, they can attract potential clients who are looking for a skilled and knowledgeable designer.

So, how can you become a thought leader in your industry? Here are a few tips:

  1. Identify your niche

What are your areas of expertise? What are you passionate about? By focusing on a specific area, you can establish yourself as an authority in that field.

  1. Create valuable content.

Share your insights, ideas, and strategies through blog posts, articles, social media, and other channels. Provide value to your audience and establish yourself as a go-to resource in your industry.

  1. Be consistent 

Building thought leadership takes time and effort. Be consistent in your messaging and content creation, and stay active in your industry by attending events and networking opportunities.

  1. Be authentic 

Share your own experiences and insights, and be honest about your successes and failures. Authenticity builds trust with your audience and establishes you as a credible source of information.

In conclusion, thought leadership is a powerful strategy for building your business network and establishing expertise in your industry. By sharing your knowledge and expertise, you can attract new clients, partners, and opportunities, while also enhancing your brand and reputation. With the right approach and consistent effort, anyone can become a thought leader in their industry.