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

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.

Free invoicing software for freelancers and small businesses

Free invoicing software for freelancers and small businesses

The basic objective of a business is to reduce operational expenditure. Along with that increasing profit margin is an important criterion. No business in such tumultuous times wants to increase its overhead expenditure, especially if the expenditure is concerned with raising invoices and bills. Therefore we have much free invoicing software for freelancers and small businesses who send in a minimum amount of workload to large businesses whose invoicing records consist of tracking the records of multiple employees and associated expenses. Therefore studying the functioning of the following free invoicing software would give us an idea about the fundamental advantages that freelancers and small businesses have from the use of such applications-

Invoicing Softwares for Freelancers and Small Businesses

Invoicing is considered to be a very important process in the organizational functioning of small businesses and the ancillary work of freelancers. Therefore the following software help in the completion of business analysis-

Due

A cloud-based invoicing system compiled with a digital wallet, Due is completely free from any charges. It is handy for invoicing small drafts which occur for small businesses and the work of freelancers. Through due, invoices can be linked to your websites. In such cases, the clients can make direct digital payments. 

Sighted

Sighted is one of the newest sensations in the world of invoicing software. This free software helps in raising invoices, recording transactional expenses, manages financial records and helps in downloading and uploading Excel files. This free version of the software used extensively by freelancers and small businesses provides the option of 20 invoices for a single user and 10 clients. 

Handdy

One of the biggest advantages that Handdy offers is timely reminders. It has a system embedded in it that provides a reminder to the client whenever his/her due amount is overdue. The reminder is set for maintaining the monthly invoice raising and payment system. This software is free of charge and is, therefore, a reliable system for freelancers and small businesses. 

100% Free Invoice Software - Best Of Best Software

Invoicera

This is the perfect invoice-raising application for freelancers and small businesses. The interface of the software allows access to an unlimited number of users. Moreover, the free version is available along with a 30 day trial of the software program. The optimal usage of this software is beneficial for the growth of small businesses as it helps them in the process of storing and managing information. 

Mr Biller

Mr Biller offers the option of uploading and sending invoices, working on spreadsheets for efficient representation of information without any advertisements. Upon using this application, freelancers and small businesses can easily upload and transfer data to designated locations. But the problem with the trial version or free version of this software is that there is no automatic backup of data. For automatically storing and backing up data, it is necessary to upgrade the software to the premium version.

PPT - Free Printable Invoice Templates - Mr. Biller PowerPoint Presentation  - ID:7927977

Nutcache 

Small Businesses and Freelancers work on complicated and large-scale projects. Such projects involve a lot of time tracking, expense estimation and identification of the invoice raising platform and procedure. Nut ache gives access to more than 20 business users with a single profile and offers a storage space of approximately 1 GB with the free version of the software. Therefore it is considered a highly used invoice charging and recording system for freelancers and small businesses. 

Also read: How to use WhatsApp for business? – Things You Should Know

Bright book

Bright book is invoicing software that makes all the necessary accounting software-related functions easier. While using this software, which is majorly done by small businesses and freelancers, banking statements can be scrutinized properly and profit and loss can be calculated without any hassle. Multiple users can gain access to the software program. However, added layers of security can prevent phishing and data malfunctioning. The security criteria added is considered an important reason why this software is highly acceptable. 

Zoho

Zoho does it all. It suits the business needs and requirements of the freelancers and the small businesses who use the software. They have a “forever free” plan for businesses that have to invoice the monetary records of less than 5 customers. Zoho has a separate product suite offering different varieties of customer service. However, the software is compatible with many other applications like Dropbox, Google Drive, PayPal, Stripe and OneDrive. Great for desktop and mobile, Zoho is an excellent place to start.

Zoho Office Suite - Wikipedia

Conclusion

Therefore invoicing, which is considered to be one of the most important financial processes in a small scale and large scale business organization is aided by the presence of invoicing software that is free. This software gives access to many users and maintains the security profile of the business. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the basic objective of small businesses today?

The basic objective of a business is to reduce operational expenditure. Along with that increasing profit margin is an important criterion. No business in such tumultuous times wants to increase its overhead expenditure, especially if the expenditure is concerned with raising invoices and bills.

Is invoicing an important function in a business organization?

Yes, Invoicing is an important function of any business organization. Free invoicing software for freelancers and small businesses who send in a minimum amount of workload to large businesses whose invoicing records consist of tracking the records of multiple employees and associated expenses.

Which applications are Zoho compatible with?

Zoho has a separate product suite offering different varieties of customer service. However, the software is compatible with many other applications like Dropbox, Google Drive, PayPal, Stripe and OneDrive. Great for desktop and mobile, Zoho is an excellent place to start.

How does Nutcache handle large and complicated projects?

Nut ache gives access to more than 20 business users with a single profile and offers a storage space of approximately 1 GB with the free version of the software. Therefore it is considered a highly used invoice charging and recording system for freelancers and small businesses. 

Is Handdy truly ‘handy’?

One of the biggest advantages that Handdy offers is timely reminders. It has a system embedded in it that provides a reminder to the client whenever his/her due amount is overdue. The reminder is set for maintaining the monthly invoice raising and payment system. This software is free of charge and is, therefore, a reliable system for freelancers and small businesses. 

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: Most Effective Ways To Overcome Entrepreneurial Challenges

Transforming Your Service into a Profitable Business_ Key Principles and Tactics

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

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

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

The power of connections Understanding Organizational Network Analysis (ONA)

Long-term goals are the foundation of success for individuals and businesses alike

al- Dai al-Ajal Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS guided mumineen to work hard in all areas especially professionally all around the year with the sole purpose of being able to attend Asharah Mubarakah with the best preparations. Maula TUS stated that each act performed throughout the year – may it be physical fitness, eating healthy, studying or earning – if it has the ultimate purpose of attending Asharah Mubarakah – will count as ‘Ibadat’.  This Bayan Mubarak reflects the importance of having long term goals – so that each day spent to achieve the goal is a productive and a fruitful one. Without a defined goal in the long run, short term goals will not be as significant. Long term goals give a purpose and meaning to the tiniest efforts made towards achieving it. 

Success in businesses similarly is not just a result of chance or luck; it requires a well thought out plan and a clear direction. Long-term goals are the foundation of success for individuals and businesses alike. They provide a roadmap for achieving success and are essential for making progress towards desired outcomes. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of long-term goals, how to set them, and provide examples of how individuals and businesses have used long-term goals to achieve success.

Why are long-term goals important?

Long-term goals help individuals and businesses to focus on what they want to achieve and create a roadmap to get there. Without clear long-term goals, it’s difficult to make progress towards achieving success. Long-term goals provide direction and help to keep individuals and businesses on track, even when obstacles arise.

Setting long-term goals

Setting long-term goals requires careful consideration and planning. Here are some steps to consider when setting long-term goals:

  1. Identify what you want to achieve: The first step is to identify what you want to achieve. This can be a personal or professional goal.
  1. Break down the goal into smaller steps: Once you have identified the goal, break it down into smaller steps that will help you to achieve it. This will make the goal more manageable and easier to work towards.
  1. Set a timeline: Set a timeline for achieving the goal. This will help you to stay on track and make progress towards the goal.
  1. Track progress: Regularly track your progress towards the goal. This will help you to see how far you have come and what you still need to do to achieve the goal.

Examples of long-term goals for individuals

  1. One example of a long-term goal for an individual would be, need to identify the necessary skills and education required for starting a desired business and create a plan to acquire them.
  1. Another example of a long-term goal for an individual is personal development. This could involve improving skills such as communication, leadership, or time management. To achieve this goal, an individual could take courses or attend workshops to develop these skills.

Examples of long-term goals for businesses

  1. Expansion: One example of a long-term goal for a business is expansion. This could involve opening new locations, entering new markets, or offering new products or services. To achieve this goal, a business would need to conduct market research, develop a growth strategy, and secure financing.
  1. Brand recognition: Another example of a long-term goal for a business is brand recognition. This could involve creating a strong brand image and reputation that is recognizable to customers. To achieve this goal, a business would need to develop a branding strategy, create a consistent brand message, and engage with customers through marketing and advertising.
  1. Innovation: A third example of a long-term goal for a business is innovation. This could involve developing new products or services, improving existing products or services, or adopting new technologies. To achieve this goal, a business would need to invest in research and development, stay up-to-date on industry trends, and foster a culture of innovation.

Long-term goals are essential for achieving success, both for individuals and businesses. They provide direction and focus, making it easier to make progress towards desired outcomes. When setting long-term goals, it’s important to break them down into smaller steps, set a timeline, and track progress regularly. Examples of long-term goals for individuals include personal development and financial security, while examples for businesses include expansion, brand recognition, and innovation.

In addition to providing direction and focus, long-term goals also help individuals and businesses to stay motivated and committed to their objectives. Achieving long-term goals requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. However, the rewards of achieving long-term goals can be significant, both personally and professionally.

In conclusion, setting long-term goals is crucial for success, whether it’s for an individual or a 

business. By identifying what you want to achieve, breaking down the goal into smaller steps, setting a timeline, and tracking progress, you can create a roadmap for achieving success. Long-term goals provide direction, focus, and motivation, and the rewards of achieving them can be significant. So, take the time to set your long-term goals and start working towards achieving them today.

_10 survey tools to aid your business

Highly effective marketing strategies for the food industry

The Food and Beverage Industry has always relied upon acquiring customers through attractive food products and branding. Moreover, the success of any company in the Food and Beverage Industry has centered around having a lasting impression on the taste, preference, and acquisition pattern of the consumer. Marketing Strategies have been devised to retain the essence of the food and beverage industry. Following are some of the important marketing strategies for the Food and Beverage Industry– 

Marketing strategies for food and beverage industry

The Food and Beverage Industry is the cornerstone for growth and economic diversity in a business environment. Following marketing strategies are of immense help to business organizations-

Brand Identification of the Restaurant

The first criteria are to identify the brand positioning of the restaurant. Identifying the brand helps in the segmentation of the taste and preference pattern of consumers. Secondly, it also helps in setting up a market where the brands like Mexican Food Chain or American Food Joints identify with the customers. Thus understanding what the customer wants is a critical marketing strategy for brand positioning. 

Packaging the product

Packaging is a critical part of any product cycle. It determines the area of incidence where major focus shall be put into. The packaging reveals the qualities and ingredients associated with the consumption of the product. Attractive packaging helps in developing interest among the consumers. This marketing strategy is useful for monopolistically competitive market structures. 

Making a statement

The products should resound with a policy. The catchphrases identified with the products should make a resounding statement in the market. For example- the catchphrase for the Nike brand is ‘Just Do It’. The phrase signifies that the brand asks people to get engaged in activities and perform the work necessary with zeal, vigor and required enthusiasm. Therefore such catchphrases identify with the product brand. This marketing strategy is important for the brand’s development. 

Email marketing strategy

Another important marketing strategy is to ensure proper email marketing operations in the business. Email Marketing refers to sending congratulatory and invitation emails to prospective customers to engage them in business activities that would prosper growth and customer acquisition. Through email marketing, a brand can grow and acquire the services of consumers by creating a probable list of prospective customers. 

Social media marketing

Social Media is one of the primary marketing strategies that must be implemented in a business organization. Through the use of social media applications like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, the companies can post promotional contents like advertisements, social awareness campaigns and hashtag and slogans campaigns. These will help in promoting the popularity of the products in the market. Moreover, social media marketing is one of the best marketing strategies to evaluate market functioning and ensure growth. 

Hosting annual events at restaurants

Annual Events like International Labour Day and Thanksgiving offer an opportunity for business organizations to foster relationships and ensure business communication. Therefore such annual events which lead to communal harmony among people should take place at restaurants. Events of Grandeur can be planned while feasting on delicious food items. This would also promote the food at the restaurants. This is considered to be an important marketing strategy

Listing the business on online directories and websites

The inception of Zomato and Swiggy, two primary food delivery applications, has triggered a surge in listing businesses on online directories and websites. Through the help of these websites, businesses can establish their holds over the market. Moreover, online directories like FoodPanda offer the option of choosing food items that suit the needs of the consumer. Therefore Online Listing is considered to be a premium marketing strategy in the growth of business households and firms. 

Also read: How to start an online food business? A complete guide

Festivities and seasonal offers in the food and beverage industry

Festival Discounts and Seasonal Offers help in promoting the products. These offers lead to a significant reduction in the price of the commodity from the list price. The Food and Beverage Industry receives an added incentive during festive seasons with 40% off on List Price and One on One Offers being the prime instruments to attract a significant share interest among the prospective customers. Therefore it is considered to be one of the most important marketing strategies accelerating growth and diversification in the business organization. 

Partner Or associate with other brands

Brands such as Pepsi and Coca-Cola offer the platform for collaborating with other companies. Efforts are taken to make sure and improve the visibility and brand value of the product. Domino’s offers Coca-Cola beverages while more posh restaurants will showcase their exclusivity with a particular brand of rice or spices, especially an Asian brand. Affiliations always give consumers more confidence to try your product offering. Marketing Campaigns and Strategies are set up based on the different research results found and taking actions based on the claims. 

Summary

Therefore Marketing Strategies must be implemented thoroughly to ensure the growth of the Food and Beverage Industry. Efforts must be taken to see whether the strategies benefit the financial planning structure of the business institutions enhancing growth and development. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why is packaging considered to be an essential marketing strategy?

Packaging is a critical part of any product cycle. It determines the area of incidence where major focus shall be put into. The packaging reveals the qualities and ingredients associated with the consumption of the product. Attractive packaging helps in developing interest among the consumers. This marketing strategy is useful for monopolistically competitive market structures.

Why are people attracted to festive discounts and seasonal offers?

Festival Discounts and Seasonal Offers help in promoting the products. These offers lead to a significant reduction in the price of the commodity from the list price. The Food and Beverage Industry receives an added incentive during festive seasons with 40% off on List Price and One on One Offers being the prime instruments to attract a significant share interest among the prospective customers. Therefore it is considered to be one of the most important marketing strategies accelerating growth and diversification in the business organization. 

Does collaboration among businesses in the Food and Beverage Industry help?

Brands such as Pepsi and Coca-Cola offer the platform for collaborating with other companies. Efforts are taken to make sure and improve the visibility and brand value of the product. Domino’s offers Coca-Cola beverages while more posh restaurants will showcase their exclusivity with a particular brand of rice or spices, especially an Asian brand. Affiliations always give consumers more confidence to try your product offering. Marketing Campaigns and Strategies are set up based on the different research results found and taking actions based on the claims. 

Which online directories are used for business listing?

The inception of Zomato and Swiggy, two primary food delivery applications, has triggered a surge in listing businesses on online directories and websites. Through the help of these websites, businesses can establish their holds over the market. Moreover, online directories like FoodPanda offer the option of choosing food items that suit the needs of the consumer. Therefore Online Listing is considered to be a premium marketing strategy in the growth of business households and firms.

How does Email Marketing help a business grow?

Email Marketing refers to sending congratulatory and invitation emails to prospective customers to engage them in business activities that would prosper growth and customer acquisition. Through email marketing, a brand can grow and acquire the services of consumers by creating a probable list of prospective customers. 

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

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

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

“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.

revolutionizing-marketing-how-brands-are-innovating-to-capture-the-modern-consumer

Revolutionizing Marketing: How brands are innovating to capture the modern consumer

Marketing is a constantly evolving field, and in recent years, the rise of technology and changing consumer behavior has forced brands to revolutionize their marketing strategies. Today’s modern consumer is more tech-savvy, connected, and informed than ever before, and brands that want to stay ahead of the curve are embracing innovative approaches to capture their attention. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways brands are innovating to capture the modern consumer.

  1. Personalization:

Personalization is key to capturing the attention of the modern consumer. Brands that can tailor their messaging to the individual customer have a better chance of capturing their attention and earning their loyalty. Personalization can take many forms, from personalized email campaigns to tailored recommendations based on a customer’s browsing or purchasing history. For example, Amazon’s recommendation engine uses machine learning to analyze a customer’s browsing and purchasing history to suggest products they are likely to be interested in.

  1. Influencer Marketing:

Influencer marketing is another powerful tool that brands are using to reach the modern consumer. By partnering with social media influencers, brands can tap into their large followings and authentic connections with their audiences. This allows them to reach a wider audience and build trust and credibility with potential customers. For example, Dunkin’ Donuts partnered with TikTok influencer Charli D’Amelio to promote its new drink, “The Charli.” D’Amelio has a massive following on TikTok, with over 100 million followers, and is known for her love of Dunkin’ Donuts. The partnership involved creating a new drink that was inspired by D’Amelio’s go-to order, and promoting it on social media with the hashtag #CharliRunsOnDunkin. The campaign was a huge success, with the drink selling out in many locations and the hashtag generating over 1.5 billion views on TikTok. The partnership helped Dunkin’ Donuts to reach a younger audience and build brand awareness among Gen Z consumers.

  1. User-Generated Content:

User-generated content (UGC) is another trend that is gaining popularity among brands. UGC is content that is created by customers and shared on social media or other platforms. Brands can use this content to showcase their products and services, and to create a sense of community around their brand. This approach can be particularly effective for brands that are targeting younger audiences who value authenticity and transparency. For example, Starbucks has used UGC in their #RedCupContest campaign, where customers share photos of their festive Starbucks cups on social media.

  1. Virtual and Augmented Reality:

Virtual and augmented reality technologies are opening up new possibilities for brands to create immersive experiences for their customers. These technologies allow brands to create virtual environments that customers can explore and interact with, providing a unique and engaging experience. For example, furniture retailer Ikea has launched an augmented reality app that allows customers to see what furniture would look like in their homes before making a purchase.

  1. Social Media Advertising:

Social media advertising is a powerful tool for brands to reach the modern consumer. With billions of people using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, brands can target their advertising to specific audiences based on their interests, behaviors, and demographics. This allows them to create highly targeted campaigns that are more likely to resonate with potential customers. For example, fashion brand ASOS has built a reputation for its social media advertising campaigns, which are often highly creative and engaging.

In conclusion, brands that want to capture the attention of the modern consumer must be willing to innovate and embrace new technologies and strategies. Personalization, influencer marketing, user-generated content, virtual and augmented reality, and social media advertising are just a few of the approaches that brands are using to stay ahead of the curve. By leveraging these tools, brands can build stronger relationships with their customers, increase engagement, and drive sales.

From Handshakes to LinkedIn How Networking Has Evolved and What It Means for Your Business

From Handshakes to LinkedIn: How Networking Has Evolved and What It Means for Your Business

From the age where businesses meant barter system. Tradings and making allies, networking and connectivity has always held the most significance. Maulana Hashim SA traveled to Syria and Yemen to tie bonds and form business allies – becoming an ideal for businessmen, showing them the importance of connections in their businesses. In forming connections, Imam Mohammed al-Baqir SA has also been an example. For the tradesmen making business visits, Imam SA would host feasts and show extreme hospitality indicating how vital it is to be on personal terms with professionals. 

Networking generally has always been an essential part of building a successful business. In the past, it was done mainly through in-person interactions, such as handshakes, business cards, and networking events. However, with the advancement of technology, networking has evolved into a digital form with the rise of social media platforms like LinkedIn. In this blog post, we will explore how networking has evolved from handshakes to LinkedIn and what it means for your business.

Handshakes and Business Cards

Before the advent of technology, networking was done mostly through in-person interactions, such as handshakes and business cards. Business cards were a way to exchange contact information, and the handshake was seen as a sign of trust and respect. In-person networking events, such as conferences and trade shows, were also popular ways to meet new people and establish connections. These events provided opportunities for people to exchange business cards and engage in conversations that could potentially lead to new business partnerships.

However, this type of networking had limitations. For instance, it was difficult to keep track of all the contacts made during these events, and there was no easy way to follow up with them. It was also challenging to reach people who were not physically present at the event.

The Rise of Social Media

With the rise of social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, networking has become more accessible and widespread. LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and find new business opportunities. LinkedIn allows users to create a professional profile, which serves as a virtual business card, making it easier to connect with others in the same industry. Users can also share their work experience, education, and other professional achievements, making it easier for others to understand their background and expertise.

LinkedIn also offers tools that allow users to connect with others outside their network. For example, the “People You May Know” feature suggests people who users may want to connect with based on their mutual connections, work experience, and education. LinkedIn also allows users to join groups related to their industry or interests, providing a platform for networking with like-minded professionals.

The Benefits of Online Networking

Similar to the fast paced world, we ought to adjust ourselves and our businesses. This era requires businesses to transition and explore modern ways in contrast to staying exclusively in-person. Online networking has several advantages over traditional in-person networking. For one, it is more convenient and accessible. With social media platforms, users can connect with others at any time and from any location. This means that people can establish connections with others who they may not have met otherwise.

Another benefit of online networking is the ability to maintain relationships with people over time. With in-person networking, it can be challenging to stay in touch with everyone that you meet. However, with online networking, it is easier to follow up with people and stay connected even if you are not physically present.

Furthermore, online networking allows for a broader reach. With social media platforms, users can connect with people from all over the world, expanding their network beyond their local community. This can lead to new business opportunities and collaborations with people from different backgrounds and industries.

Putting It All Together

Networking has come a long way from handshakes and business cards to online platforms like LinkedIn. The rise of social media has made it easier than ever before to connect with like-minded professionals and expand your network. Online networking provides several benefits over traditional in-person networking, such as convenience, the ability to maintain relationships over time, and a broader reach.

As a business owner, it is essential to recognize the importance of networking and embrace the new opportunities that online networking provides. By using platforms like LinkedIn to connect with others in your industry, you can expand your network, discover new business opportunities, and establish yourself as an authority in your field. Whether you prefer in-person or online networking, there are many ways to build meaningful relationships that can help your business grow.

How to Develop a Business Mindset Tips and Tricks for Young Entrepreneurs

How to Develop a Business Mindset: Tips and Tricks for Young Entrepreneurs

“ We are a dawoodi bohra community, we should develop our business, service is right in it’s place but  don’t become service minded ,stay business minded , many mumineen move towards business leaving service (jobs)”
Al Dai al Ajal Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA,

Developing a business mindset is crucial for young entrepreneurs looking to succeed in the competitive business world. It requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and a willingness to take risks. In this blog, we will discuss some tips and tricks that can help young entrepreneurs develop a business mindset.

  1. Identify a problem and solve it

Successful businesses solve a problem for their customers. Entrepreneurs should identify a problem or pain point in the market and create a product or service to solve it. For example, Uber identified the problem of people needing a convenient, reliable, and affordable way to get around without having to own a car, and they created a platform to solve that problem.

  1. Be adaptable and flexible

The business world is constantly changing, and entrepreneurs need to be adaptable and flexible to succeed. They should be willing to pivot their business strategy if it’s not working, and be open to new ideas and opportunities. For example, Netflix started as a DVD rental-by-mail service, but they adapted their business model to streaming as technology advanced.

  1. Focus on value, not price

Young entrepreneurs should focus on creating value for their customers, rather than just competing on price. Customers are willing to pay more for products or services that provide more value or solve their problems better. For example, Apple’s products are often more expensive than their competitors, but they provide unique features and an exceptional user experience that customers are willing to pay for.

  1. Take calculated risks

Entrepreneurship requires taking risks, but it’s important to take calculated risks. Young entrepreneurs should evaluate the potential risks and rewards of each decision, and make informed choices based on that analysis. For example, Elon Musk took a risk in starting Tesla, an electric car company, when most people thought electric cars were not practical or profitable. But he evaluated the potential benefits and risks, and made a calculated decision that has paid off.

  1. Learn from successful entrepreneurs

Successful entrepreneurs have already been through the challenges of starting and growing a business. Young entrepreneurs should learn from their experiences, successes, and failures, and apply those lessons to their own businesses. For example, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is known for his customer-centric approach, and young entrepreneurs can learn from his focus on creating value for customers.

Read our blog on Why should entrepreneurs seek advice from professionals? here
In conclusion, developing a business mindset is essential for young entrepreneurs looking to succeed in the business world. They should focus on creating value for customers, be adaptable and flexible, take calculated risks, and learn from successful entrepreneurs. Maximize the potential of your business ideas and grow your business by booking a call with our expert advisors today. By following these tips and tricks, young entrepreneurs can build the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive business environment.