Category: Small Business

These days, the appearance of the products is given more value than anything else. It makes a lot of difference in the sales and marketing of the products. The packaging, promotional punch lines and the labels play important role in grabbing the attention of the buyers. Due to this, custom label printing has become more important than ever before. The competition has risen as compared to earlier. The companies are making use of the advanced techniques and tools to stay ahead of their competitors. It has forced the marketing teams to adopt unique way to promote their products and custom labels are the most efficient way to do so.

Vital information about the products

It is a well known fact that when we pick any product from the shelf, we read the information about the products. A product is never complete without the proper information written on it. Some of the important facts on the products are facts and figures of consumption, manufacturing and expiry date, price and ingredients. By reading this information, it becomes easier for the buyers to choose the right one. With the right information, the company can help them in the best possible manner.

Attractive labels

Since the competition in the market has increased more than ever before, it is important to use the advanced level of custom label printing. With this technology, the business owners will be able to create the attractive and useful labels. It will definitely be able to grab the attention of the buyers and they will be able to get the vital information at the same time. It will benefit the business owners as well because they can enjoy more profits. The sales and the profits will be more than ever before. If you are not able to see more sales of your product, you should try changing the labels of the products. It will definitely make a great difference.

Choose your own labels

You will be amazed to know that you can choose the custom labels in several designs and styles. Moreover, the paper materials and colours are also found in a wide range. Depending on your requirements, you will be able to choose the best custom labels, which will become the identification of your products. By choosing the right custom label printing, you can make a great difference in your business sales.

Look different from others

One of the most important benefits of custom labels is that you will definitely look different from others in the market. It is one of the best ways to stay ahead of your competitors. You can ask the marketing team to work on choosing the most attractive custom labels. This way, you will be able to stand out and not look like other players in the market.

If you are looking for the best provider for custom label printing, you can connect to the internet. A lot of providers give out the information through their authorized websites. You can call them and discuss your requirements.

With regard to outsourcing, Park city outsourcing services takes immense pride in being the best service provider. With a detailed focus in developing relationships with clients, their wide range of services includes Human Resource (HR) and Health and Safety Management Support. Park City offers clients the freedom and control that they require to continue with their business operations. From customized documentation, contracts, audits, systems, procedures and policies, their team of expert consultants is highly knowledgeable, and their timely delivery lets your business run smoothly.

Training Facilities

Park City Outsourcing Services uses a state-of-the-art Training and Development Centre at their business hub located in Colchester, where they offer accredited Health and Safety as well as Management Courses. They make sure that companies navigate in the right manner, staying up to date with the continuously changing Employment Law and Health and Safety legislation, allowing managers and leaders to focus on business operations in the sections that are valuable and matter most.

Park City comprises a team of HR specialists, Health and Safety Consultants, and professionals in Management Training, who offer their bespoke services to more than 300 UK businesses.

Part City Outsourcing Services focuses on:

• HR policies, performance of staff members, and employment law
• Health and Safety
• Management Training

The Benefits of Park City Outsourcing Services:

There are umpteen benefits for companies who opt for outsourcing their services related to HR and Health and Safety. Let us have a closer look at each benefit.

1. Decreased Costs

The cost of setting up an HR department as well as a Health and Safety Management and the ensuing administration function can exceed 70,000 pounds each year. By using Park City Outsourcing Services, you can cut costs up to 50%. What’s more, Park City has immense expertise and a highly-competent workforce. Instead of hiring a single HR Manager and Health & Safety Manager in an in-house level, wouldn’t it be wiser to have access to more experts round the clock and that, too, at the fraction of the original cost.

2. Enhanced Efficiency

Park City has nearly 17 years of proven experience in writing and designing company policies, procedures, and letters. You can use this external resource to create, alter, and update your documents instead of spending time and money on internal resources. Park City is dedicated to meet strict deadlines without compromising on the quality of work.

3. Better Flexibility

If you have problems with a particular employee, Park City will offer their support in dealing with the issue promptly, ensuring complete peace of mind to you. They follow a hassle-free, no nonsense Health & Safety Service.

4. Reduce Risks

Park City Outsourcing Services can reduce financial and legal risks that are associated with Human Resource and Health & Safety practices.

5. Complete Overview of the Situation

Outsourcing your business operations to Park City can help you obtain a strategic overview of the business from the outside.

6. Management of Performance and Development of Talent

By delegating tasks to outsourced partners, you can have ample amount of time to deal with other core areas of the business.

Park City has been offering outsourced Human Resource and Health and Safety services to scores of organizations and schools across the United Kingdom for a significant time period. Therefore, make the most of Park City Outsourcing Services.

Contrary to popular belief, print advertising is still relevant and highly sought after in the market. Print advertising is an effective way for businesses to market their services and reach potential clients. There are many benefits to print advertising including being able to choose from a wide range of products and have access to more affordable options. Although internet communication has a strong global presence, print media is still showing itself to be a reliable form of advertising.

Each form of print advertising has unique benefits and opportunities. There is such a wide range of print advertising products that there is something for everyone. Companies need to ensure that they pick the appropriate choice for their needs.

Which Product Is Right for Your Company?

Print advertising such as magazines, newsletters, and brochures provide a cost-effective way to communicate to potential customers. This form of print advertising is more comprehensive than others are. Through magazines and newsletters, companies have an opportunity to discuss the benefits of their products in detail.

Detailed forms of print advertising are appropriate to promote customer loyalty. Often, this form of advertising is most effective for customers who are already aware of a company or have already purchased from them. Companies use magazines and newsletters to inform customers of relevant announcements and improvements. This is also a good form of advertising for not-for-profit organisations and companies that are seeking donations.

One of the most effective forms of print advertising is posters and signs. Posters, signs, and large banners are great ways to attract customers. They are convenient and inexpensive. When they are strategically placed, they can easily engage consumers who are standing or driving nearby.

Posters and signs are easy to create and require minimal effort. They are hassle-free and easy to move. Despite their convenience, they are still potent forms of advertising. Posters and signage may be the first messages a customer sees about a business. As such, a brief yet memorable message goes a long way.

Another form of print advertising is direct mail, which is available in many formats. Direct mail is easy to use to target customers and to personalise messages. Personalised messages make a company’s message more meaningful to potential customers. Direct mail is a tactile form of information that may appeal to customers that prefer traditional methods of communication. It also provides a way to avoid having a company’s advertisement end up in the spam folder of an e-mail account. Direct mail is easy to design, and it can be used in tandem with other types of advertising without overwhelming the customer.

One form of direct mail is flyer advertising. Flyer advertising appeals to many companies because it is simple, cost-effective, and convenient. Additionally, it is an easy way to capture attention whilst providing relevant information.

Typically, flyers include a unique and interesting headline. They can be used to make special announcements about events, sales, and special offers. Companies can include the benefits of their products as well as a call to action to get the customer engaged. Flyers provide businesses the opportunity to leverage their credibility. When done properly, they are an inexpensive yet effective way to reach potential consumers. They can also be used in other ways besides direct mail such as on counters and in other strategic locations.

Another form of direct mail some companies prefer to use is catalogues. Catalogues can be used to showcase visually appealing photos that will easily capture customers’ attention. Catalogues can enhance a company’s credibility and convey professionalism. This form of print advertising works really well for customers who like to hold items and write on them.

Given that they can serve multiple purposes, catalogues can be beneficial for companies who have multiple lines of communication. Catalogues provide the ability for a customer to immediately make a purchase without having to go anywhere. Overall, direct mail is an advertising solution that is still effective to date.

Other Noteworthy Forms of Print Advertising

There are other forms of print advertising that are worth mentioning. Exhibitions and teardrop stands are essential for businesses that participate in exhibits, trade events, and outdoor promotional activities. They provide a first impression and can make a high impact. Both of these print advertising products can be used to announce special offers and events. These products can help quickly establish a relationship with customers. Exhibition and teardrop stands combine nicely with other forms of advertising and provide an effective ad campaign for businesses.

Stickers and labels still have a place in the advertising industry. Stickers and labels help to promote a company’s brand. They are also a great way to lure customers. This form of print advertising is a quick and efficient way to convey a message. They are convenient and inexpensive. They can also be placed in multiple locations and in areas that other forms of advertising would not fit.

Similar to exhibition stands and direct mail, commercial stickers and labels combine nicely with other forms of advertising. Stickers and labels are a convenient way to use multiple forms of advertising without being a nuisance.

One category that businesses often overlook with print advertising is corporate gifts and promotional products. This includes products such as magnets, pens, mugs, and even clothing. These items are in fact a form of print advertising that are notably effective at creating customer loyalty.

There is a wide range of corporate gifts and promotional products. The more relevant and useful they are, the better. These products provide prolonged exposure, and their reach can extend well beyond the original individual who received the gift.

The Bottom Line about Print Advertising

The bottom line is that print advertising is not outdated at all. Print advertising provides a relatively inexpensive way to effectively reach potential customers. Print advertising has withstood the test of time and still continues to be a highly preferred method of marketing. The diversity of products and the affordable prices ensure that there is something for any type of business.

Planning for the future is an essential task for any business, but even carefully run businesses may experience unforeseen financial difficulties. One solution for dire financial problems is bankruptcy; however, this type of endgame solution isn’t always the best way to reduce excessive small business debt. Just as a business might create a business plan for times of prosperity, creating a plan for small business debt consolidation may make it unnecessary to file for bankruptcy.

Before Attempting Consolidation

Business debt may come from a number of creditors, accounts, and business partners, so creating a debt consolidation plan first requires the gathering of all information related to those debts. Speaking with creditors, lenders, or a debt consolidation company is premature unless the requisite paperwork has been gathered. Having this information on hand allows a business owner to create a priority list of debts and later, a plan to get rid of those debts.

Timeline for Completion and What to Expect

Most debt consolidation plans follow a similar timeline, whether a business uses a credit counseling service, a business lawyer, or handles the consolidation without professional guidance. Expect the following timeline during the debt consolidation process:

1. Undergo assessment of current debt
2. Create strategy for debt repayment or restructuring
3. Prioritize which debts on which to concentrate first
4. Devise budget needed for payments
5. Negotiate with creditors for repayment plans and settlements

The final step in this process is extraordinarily important because it could reduce the overall amount of payments required to satisfy debts. Consider, however, that settling with certain creditors could make it difficult to conduct business with those entities in the future.

Pros and Cons of Consolidation

A business will have a few different options on the table for reducing debt. Creating a payment plan with each creditor may be the solution for one company while a debt consolidation loan might be the best route for another business. One important consideration for businesses that apply for a debt consolidation loan is the amount of payment required each month.

A business currently struggling to make payments on many different debts could have just as much trouble keeping up with a single payment. However, allowing all debt to be combined into one payment could make it easy to avoid so many late payments. Putting the entire weight of the company’s financial might behind one payment could help reduce the need for bankruptcy.

Costs for Consolidation

Just like any other type of loan, a debt consolidation loan will come with an interest rate as well as service fees charged by the lending institution. Interest rates may vary significantly with different lenders with one bank charging 5 percent interest and another bank charging up to 20 percent interest.

When deciding upon a lender for a consolidation loan, ensure that each charge associated with the loan is clearly defined. Additionally, figure out the loan term, which suggests the number of payments required until the loan is satisfied.

Armed with the knowledge regarding the overall cost of a loan, a business owner will be able to determine whether consolidation would represent savings over making payments to separate creditors.

Qualifying for Consolidation Options

A debt consolidation loan for a business requires the same type of checklist that would be needed for a regular loan. A business must provide a business plan as well as submit to a credit check.

Impact on Credit Rating and Reputation

The impact on a business’s credit rating will vary depending upon how a business chooses to pay off debts. For example, agreeing upon a settlement may allow for faster debt reduction; however, a creditor may note on a credit report that payment of less than the full balance satisfied the debt. Paying off debts is important for improving and retaining credit score, but certain payment agreements could make it difficult to secure credit in the future.

Deciding Whether to Consolidate

One impressive benefit of debt consolidation stems from the ability of a company to retain workers and continue paying employees. Bankruptcy often requires a liquidation of assets and a significant reduction in staff. Recovering from bankruptcy is incredibly difficult when the company’s workers have been laid-off. Debt consolidation might be the best way to keep a company’s employees intact.

The decision to consolidate debt is not the same for every business. The costs of consolidation and the expected results must enter into all final decisions on consolidation, bankruptcy, or restructuring.

There are a number of fairly well substantiated reasons for thinking that drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace may well be on the rise. In view of that fact, and because employers are now legally responsible for providing their workers with a hazard-free, safe environment in which to carry out their tasks, it is understandable that increasing numbers of them are requesting prospective and existing staff to undergo drugs testing on a regular basis.

Drug testing existing and prospective employees

A policy of regular drug testing needs to be put in writing by a company and all new applicants for employment should be made aware that such a test is a requirement of that employment. When existing employees are requested to take such a test this should also be put in writing as part of his or her contract.

It has to be pointed out that employees cannot be forced to take a drugs test. The HR department should make a note of any such refusal, however, and should drug abuse by the individual concerned be suspected then disciplinary proceedings could be instigated.

Taking the test

There are a number of different options for performing alcohol and drug tests. A simple breath test kit is usually sufficient for detecting alcohol abuse. Either hair or blood samples will be needed to detect drug abuse.

A reputable third party company should be used to analyze the data collected, so that possible disputes may be avoided. In addition, those tested should be asked whether they currently take any prescription medications, because a number of these would register as positive in drug abuse testing.

Whilst new applicant screening will filter out possible future problems, often the only way of dealing with a current issue is to introduce regular in-house testing. The relevant trade unions should be approached in this connection and their cooperation sought.

Failing the test

Where an employee takes the test and fails it, a disciplinary hearing can be convened, and fairness is the key here. There is a significant difference between a back-office worker who takes too much alcohol just the one time, and an employee who abuses alcohol regularly whilst operating potentially lethal equipment. The stress should also be on the safety of the abuser’s fellow workers and the general productivity of the company.

Benefits of workplace drug testing

Employers want to create a safe, productive working environment for their employees, and drug testing contributes significantly to this. With a drug testing policy in place, absenteeism tends to fall, along with accident rates and thefts from the workplace. Behavioral problems also usually decrease, and with overall improved attendance, employee morale and productivity rises.

It is in the interests of both employers and the employed that the organization flourishes. Both groups do after all share the same goals and are aware that successful competition and prompt delivery are crucial to their future. Companies that do not run drug test programs often attract candidates who can’t find work elsewhere because of their substance abuse habits.

A higher ROI more than compensates for the cost of instigating a drug testing program by ensuring that the work force that is hired is more effective. Employers and employees thereby benefit from the resulting safe and secure environment, where the highest levels of productivity, safety and morale are maintained.

As a small business owner, you may not believe you need the assistance of a PR agency until you have achieved a larger amount of success or growth. While your small business may not be a large corporation with a significant cash flow, you can still benefit from the expertise of a PR consultant. Below are the top four reasons your small business should consider reaching out to a PR agency.

They Help You Identify Your Target Market

When you launch your startup or small business you are likely motivated and inspired by a product or service you are passionate about. While you may be confident in your skill set and what you have to offer, you may not have a crystal-clear idea of who your target audience is. Even if you have an idea of who your target audience is, you may be missing out on smaller target groups that can create additional areas of opportunity. By hiring a PR firm to conduct market research you can pinpoint precisely who your target audience is, what they are looking for, and what methods of advertising they respond best to.

They Help You Expand Your Reach

As a small business owner, you probably have a multitude of responsibilities on your plate. Growing your business of course needs to be your first priority, so you may be looking for more ways to expand your reach—both in your community and nationwide. A PR agency can identify online and off-line marketing strategies and can even find free and cost-effective advertising opportunities. Even if you excel in pounding the pavement and getting your name out there, your PR agency can devise a more structured and measurable plan of action.

They Can Help You Create Your Public Image

Part of being successful as a small business is defining and creating your brand before you focus on brand awareness. One of the most effective ways to brand yourself is to develop a strategic plan as to how you want to create and manage your public image. Your PR agency can help you do this by ensuring that you move forward with campaigns that send a clear and concise message, launching press releases that support your image, crafting your speeches and public presentations, guiding you towards networking opportunities, and assisting you in rectifying any negative press.

They Keep You Current

Even if you don’t think of your business as being directly related to any pop culture references or current trends, this could be far from the case. Your PR agency will dedicate time to finding suitable and appropriate industry trends and pop culture references that speak to your target audience. They will also guide you in the use of the most up-to-date and advanced methods of electronic networking and social media.

As a small business you may only require a PR firm on a quarterly or sporadic basis, yet their assistance can help with new product launches, special events, and overall awareness and growth significantly faster than if you go it alone. When searching for a PR firm, ensure that they are comfortable and well-versed in the unique needs of PR for small businesses.

If you own a small salon, then you would probably like to learn how to manage your business more effectively. Chances are, you’re constantly on the lookout for two things: ways to promote and market your salon, and how to improve the quality of your service. Good marketing is the key to having a successful business, especially when you start small. And, of course, good quality services speak for themselves. Here are a few different ways you can effectively manage and market your small salon business.

Offer discounts

The best way to increase your clientele is to get people to come into your salon. The easiest way to attract people to your business is by offering them great deals and discounts. For salons, there are ample opportunities to offer discounts to potential new customers. You can offer people 25% off haircuts on their first visit, and you can promise them 50% off if they ever come back on their birthday. You could also try handing out coupons and discounts at a farmers market or a mall. Discounts get people into your salon, as people absolutely love getting a good deal. Once they’re in your salon, they’ll do two things: first, they’ll spend their own money on top of the discount. Second, you give them an opportunity to notice the quality of your service.

Offer Group Deals

One of the best ways to grow a small business is through word of mouth. If you offer deals to groups (say, 20% off to any party of six or more), then you’ll increase your customer base, embiggening the number of people who will refer their friends to your salon. These sorts of deals result in people telling their friends about your business, and the more people talk about your salon, the more customers you’ll end up having.

Hire Great People

By marketing your salon well, you’ll get a lot of people visiting your business. Ultimately though, you’ll need to offer great service to keep customers coming back. If there’s one area in your business that you don’t want to scrimp on, it’s good employees. In a salon, you will lose all of your customers if you employ poor technicians or stylists. By hiring only the most talented (and friendly) workers at your salon, you will ensure that people come back time and time again, and promote your business to their friends.

Use Social Media

In this day and age, there’s simply no better way to grow a business than by using social media. Through social media, you can connect with your customers, increase your fan base, inform the world about great deals and services, and make valuable networking connections. The business world runs through social media, so you want to make sure that your salon is active on Facebook, Twitter, and other relevant sites.

Follow these tips, and you should have no problem managing your small salon. Follow this guide and you’ll have the best salon in town and a constantly growing body of customers.

Any businessman or entrepreneur knows that the best way to ensure the long term survival of a business is through brand activation. This is basically giving life to your brand. It entails creating brand loyalty by developing emotional and personal attachment between the customer and the product. However, the success of brand engagement varies from one company to another. In order to understand why this is so, it is important to have a look at one of the world’s most popular brands, “Coca-Cola”.

1. Brand Activation Is a Gradual Process

Entrepreneurs dream of turning a brand into a success story overnight. Sorry to say, but this only exists in the ideal and not in the real world. Brand engagement is a journey with the many ups, downs, and uncertainties.

2. Profits Are Not Immediate

The fruits of a good brand may take a long time to be realized. Brand engagement is purely driven at creating brand loyalty. It may take a company a long time to convince the market that indeed the brand can be trusted.

3. Embrace Failure with Open Arms

Brand activation requires a person embracing failures. Letdown should be viewed as stepping stones for bigger things to come rather than drawbacks. Although Coca-Cola makes approximately $15 million a day, the company made losses in its first year of production.

4. Change Is Inevitable

Brand engagement is never a static idea, but an open idea that at times will be by passed by time or a new idea. A successful entrepreneur always looks for the opportunities that may be hidden in an unfavorable situation. Coca-Cola drink was supposed to be syrup for bad diseases such as Melancholia, Neuralgia, as well as hysteria. If Pemberton stuck to the brain tonic idea instead of a soft drink, Coke would not be what it is today.

5. Go All Out

Branding should be applied holistically and not sparingly. To “Brand big, “, one has to cover all aspects that affect a product socially, politically, economically, as well as culturally. It is also important to apply the idea to other unrelated products. This idea is not only seen in Coca-Cola, but also in other leading brands such as Apple, and Nike.

6. Start Branding Early

Brand activation should begin as soon as the product is launched. There is no time that can be said to be perfect for a brand. A product may perform quite well during recession, yet another does poorly in a thriving market. This can be seen by how often Coca-Cola keep changing their logo and slogans in order to breathe new life to the brand.

7. Debranding

There is no guarantee that the first idea which seems right will work out. In fact, there is a chance that it may negatively affect other products in the same line. Coca- cola de-branded during the “Share a Coke campaign”. However, this may not work for just any company.

Being in touch with the latest trends is the only way to make sure brand activation remains effective. For instance, The Coke brand is undoubtedly the most successful brands globally. Nonetheless, the brand always has to keep up with latest technology. This is the only way of ensuring it remains ahead of the pack. With brands such Google, Apple, or Microsoft, its position as the leading brand is always under threat.