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10 Essential Tools For Entrepreneurs and Startups

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Ideas can strike anytime. An idea may wander in your thoughts waiting for the best time when it can be implemented. A process of thought in your mind can be worth millions. In the present era idea and innovation is they key for a successful business. Addition of new game changing ideas, thoughts and young entrepreneurs are making the business world more dynamic and human life simpler and easier. If you can earn money from your hobby, then what can be a better and more satisfying job than that? You are your own boss, you manage your own money and you have more time for your friends and family!

When a group of colleagues or students think of a startup they are initially not much organized. Often people start with a hobby and when they observe that they have started making good money or money equivalent to their salary they plan to make it bigger and take it to another level, taking it to a complete professional platform. At this one needs to be professional and should create a professional environment that keeps the team motivated and give them the feeling of working on a big change. To help with this we are going to list some ten tools which will definitely help you in managing and running your startup.

1. Dedicated Contact Numbers

A visible complete office address, professional website and a dedicated line number can make your business look more professional and established. For examples having a toll free easy to remember number or 0845 numbers in case you are in UK can help your customers to connect with you without spending much. While having a toll free number will help your customers to connect with you for free, a 0845 number will help your customer to connect with you by paying only for a local call no matter wherever you are. A number of companies are available to provide you dedicated numbers hosted on their telecoms network making it sit on  top of your existing numbers. Thus, avoiding any need to install additional lines. You will also get additional features like call statistics, disaster recovery and online call management.

2. Wave

Wave is a very famous free tool that helps you be your own boss. Wave can help you with invoicing your clients and get paid by them, Accounting, managing Payroll and receipts and personal money management. Wave provides everything for free, only the Payroll feature is paid where they charge $1 per employee. You can connect your banks directly with Wave and it will help you keep a track of your transaction, your earnings, and will tell you where you stand financially and how you can manage it. All the features of Wave are inter-connectable, i.e any money earned through invoicing will automatically be updated in the accounting tool, similarly any bank transaction you make will be updated there. No need for manual entry, although Wave provide manual entry feature for those who are uncomfortable connecting their bank with the tool.

3. Skype

Skype has proven its supremacy when it comes to VoIP. It is quick, free and connects you with your team members around the world whether they are on computer or mobile. After the recent purchase of Skype by the Microsoft it has been nicely embedded in latest Windows OS and Windows Phone devices. Skype is available for almost any platform, not just Windows. There are a number of apps supported by Skype that can enhance its ability to be used as official communicator for your company. There are apps that provides complete PBX (Private Branch Exchange) solution. With Skype you can record your calls, divert your incoming calls to another number or voicemail, call people on their mobile or telephone for a very low price, etc.

4. Cloud Storage

Today with improvement in mobility and degree of freedom we need our data where ever we go. It will cost a lot of space if we start copying everything from our computers to tablet and mobiles and then a lot of effort to keep them on sync. Here comes cloud storage in picture. You can store your file on the online servers and access them, make changes and do whatever on any device. You can also share your documents with your team members and can give them authority to make changes as well. Dropbox is a famous cloud storage provider. With its free 2 GB space and desktop apps you can keep your systems at sync and upload files on the server so that you can access on other devices. Google Drive and Microsoft Skydrive are one step ahead as they provide essential Google Docs apps and Microsoft Office web apps respectively for creating and editing documents, spreadsheets and notes. When it comes to storage and costs, Skydrive is slightly better as it provides 7 GB of free space when compared to Google Drive’s 5 GB and Dropbox’s 2 GB. Also when it comes to extending your storage, Skydrive with its yearly plans comes to be cheaper. You can extend your storage capacity by 500 MB for free in Dropbox by inviting your friends to use it.

5. CrowdFunding

Often you have great ideas that when implemented can bring a good change and generate a large amount of revenue, but to implement such an idea and convert it into a startup requires some investment. If you do not have money to invest and if bank is unavailable to provide you loan, then crowdfunding is the solution for you. As the term suggests it is a platform where crowd (individual people, investors or companies) can fund your idea (can be anonymously) if they really like it. In return you can either give them momentos or gifts or a part of your profit when your business will be a success. There are a number of online services like Kickstarter and Indiegogo which can provide you robust platform to get started and raise money for your idea or cause.

6. Mailchimp

Often you disregard communication and service mails from websites and uncheck “send me communication and promotional mails” while signing up for a service, but there are people who do select it. Interested people want to hear what is new with your company, or when can they expect a new exciting announcement from you, or may be you will provide discounts and offers directly to their inbox to keep them engaged. Never undermine the power of emails. Even if you are not sending any such mails at present, it is a good idea to at least have contact information of your regular readers/viewers/customers as anytime in future you might require to send them a communication mail. For this reason Mailchimp is there to help you out. It can build a list of your customers for you and can help you to contact them with appealing email templates. This service is free up to 2000 customers and sending 12000 mails per month.

7. Website/Blogging Tool

It is very important to have your online presence whether your business require direct online involvement (like e-commerce, online journalism) or not. Having your company online connects you with your potential customers who may be out of your reach in the real world. Customers can find you and easily contact you online. Wix is a platform that can help you create free and beautiful website for you quickly without any requirement of coding. When it comes to online customer engagement, you need to have an updated blog about your company, containing updates, offers, communication etc and anything that is official. WordPress and Blogger are two most popular and powerful blogging platform. Whatever you write is available for everyone and can generate even more potential customers as blogs are indexed by search engines and they can be shared on social media websites generating more views and expanding your reach.

8. Domain name and Professional Email

When you have created a website and blogs for yourself, you need domain name and professional email. Just like point number one that we discussed, having a professional domain name www.somecompany.com and then directing it to your website and having professional email [email protected] can make your business look more professional and established. Godaddy is one such popular service that can provide you domain name and email Id for your company. You can even chose Google apps and that can buy you a domain via Godaddy or any other service and provide you its premium email features on Gmail.

9. Personal Productivity

You have a lot of ideas and things in mind but you forget one thing while doing the other thing? You note down at your desk or on papers creating a lot of mess and clutter. Often startups do not exactly start with an office space you might have your own private space and your team members might have their own. So if you are at any other location you will not be able to access or refer to your notes that you had pointed down on the papers or on the desk. There comes Evernote to help you. Again it is a multi-platform application and you can use it on your mobile, tablet, and computer no matter what operating system you are using. It can capture anything from your ideas, your thoughts, and anything that you think might need to be referred later. When you need to refer to your notes you do not have to search in the clutter of paper, but all you have to do is type some search keywords and Evernote will present you your notes. You can even share your notes, ideas and collaborate on project with your teammates. A similar service exclusively for Mac and Apple products is Omnifocus. If you are already using Skype and Skydrive, then you can use Microsoft Office OneNote, another service by Microsoft like Evernote.

10. Hootsuite

It is the time when almost every company is trying to make their presence on social media bigger. It not only keeps you connected with your followers and customers but also extends your reach to potential customers. Social media is not about time pass and killing time when moms used to scold their kids for wasting a lot of time on Facebook. Today it is a virtual market and with the help of customized Facebook pages you can even sell your products. Hootsuite is an application that can help you manage all your social network profile at ones. In a free account you can add up to five social media profiles. You can not only post, track each posts, respond to notification, view analytic, but also schedule posts. Scheduling a post at night can help you target the people on the other side of the globe even when you are asleep. keeping your social media pages active 24X7.

Editor | The World Reporter. An economist, IT specialist and a post graduate student from Romania.

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The importance of telescopic handlers: innovation and efficiency in load handling

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In the field of logistics, efficiency and safety are key aspects for the success of any project. Machines and tools must handle heavy loads and perform complex tasks with precision. In this sense, Magni TH telescopic handlers are the perfect option.

Telescopic handlers are lifting equipment that combine the capabilities of a crane and a forklift, featuring a telescopic arm that can extend and retract to reach considerable heights and access areas that may be difficult to reach manually. Thanks to this versatility, they become essential tools for a wide range of applications, indispensable in multiple sectors.

Today, the telescopic handler industry is constantly evolving, with technological innovations that enhance their functionality. One of the leading companies in this field is Magni TH, renowned for offering high-quality, efficient machinery with a focus on innovation and sustainability. This ensures that their telescopic handlers not only meet current demands but are also prepared for future challenges.

What does Magni TH offer?

Magni TH stands out in the market by offering a wide range of telescopic handlers that adapt to a long list of specific needs. Among their most notable models are fixed telescopic handlers (TH), rotating telescopic handlers (RTH), and heavy-duty telescopic handlers (HTH). They also offer aerial platforms, ranging from fixed models to articulated and rotating versions.

Furthermore, Magni TH machinery is widely recognised for its high-quality standards, due in large part to the selection of top-class raw materials. This attention to detail not only ensures compliance with market safety standards but exceeds them, guaranteeing that every machine is 100% reliable and durable.

Magni TH’s manufacturing process is another aspect that sets them apart. The company combines advanced industrial techniques with a craftsmanship approach, allowing for continuous innovation and enabling them to remain at the forefront of the market. This combined approach not only improves production efficiency but also allows for greater customisation.

In addition to their impressive product line, Magni TH is committed to providing proper advice and training to its customers. The company offers detailed descriptions of its products and services, ensuring that customers fully understand the capabilities and strengths of each machine model.

Magni TH also stands out for its focus on sustainability, reflected in the energy efficiency of each of their machines. This not only maximises user productivity but also ensures environmental responsibility at all times.

Innovation and safety

The use of innovative, high-quality telescopic handlers, like those manufactured by Magni TH, is essential for significantly improving operational efficiency across various sectors. These machines, thanks to their precision and speed in executing complex tasks, help reduce the time needed to complete projects, thereby increasing the overall productivity of companies. 

On the other hand, safety is another key aspect when using high-quality telescopic handlers. These machines are equipped with advanced safety systems, such as stabilisers, enclosed cabins to protect operators, and load control systems, ensuring operations are carried out efficiently and reliably. Moreover, their ability to handle loads with precision and care is crucial for ensuring the integrity of products, significantly reducing the risk of damage during transport and handling. This is particularly important in sectors where product integrity is critical to maintaining high-quality standards.

At the same time, the use of innovative telescopic handlers can also enhance a company’s competitiveness. Investing in high-quality equipment allows them to provide services with greater efficiency and safety, helping them stand out in the market. Ultimately, investing in this type of telescopic handler can be considered a strategic decision that can have positive long-term impacts on the sustainability and growth of a company, as adopting advanced technologies demonstrates a commitment to excellence and proactivity, keeping companies at the forefront and allowing them to adapt easily to the many changes in the market.

Versatile Applications of Magni TH

Magni TH telescopic handlers are known for their versatility and ability to adapt to a wide range of applications. Unlike other companies that focus on specific sectors, Magni TH offers its products to any industry that requires load handling solutions. For example, in the agricultural sector, Magni TH telescopic handlers are key tools for tasks such as handling hay bales, transporting fertilisers, and loading livestock. Additionally, their ability to navigate uneven terrain and lift large volumes of material are essential advantages on farms and agricultural operations. 

Likewise, the maritime sector benefits greatly from the versatility of Magni TH telescopic handlers. These machines are ideal for storage and cargo handling on vessels and ports, as well as for small routine maintenance operations.

In construction, Magni TH telescopic handlers are one of the most widely used tools, enabling the lifting and positioning of heavy materials such as bricks, cement, and beams. Regardless of the size of the construction project, their ability to operate on difficult terrain and reach high altitudes makes them ideal for any occasion, improving productivity and minimising the risk of accidents.

Finally, telescopic handlers are also widely useful in the industrial and mining sectors. In industry, these machines are employed for material handling in factories and warehouses, while in mining, their robustness, and load capacity make them a perfect option for working in extreme conditions.

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ServiceNow Development Consultancy: Business Process Automation as Disruptive Technology

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In the age of AI and Machine Learning, automating business processes has become a must for any business that wants to remain competitive in their industry. Business process automation consists of setting up any process to be completed mostly by any existing technology with minimal manual input from human employees. For organizations seeking to optimize their workflows, engaging with a specialized ServiceNow implementation consultancy can be a game-changer, offering tailored solutions to streamline operations.

Examples include implementing an inventory management system so both you and your customers have access to accurate data on what products are available, sending out confirmation emails after purchase, having sales reports automatically generated through a CRM platform, social media posting schedules, and most email marketing tasks.

There are many reasons why business leaders have been turning to tech to improve their companies in recent years. The benefits of business process automation far outweigh the costs. These benefits range from increased efficiency, cost savings, scalability, and improved accuracy, to enhanced customer experience. Automating tasks in areas such as HR helps with employee onboarding and retention, and automation in all areas saves time when it comes to drafting reports and communicating with leads.

Marketing automation is responsible for a 14.5% boost in sales and a 12.2% decrease in marketing expenses (source: Nucleus Research). When employed in HR processes, business automation has shown that automation processes, when applied to onboarding, increase new hire retention by 16% (source: LinkedIn).

As is the case with any disruptive technology, business automation also poses risks, especially for more vulnerable sectors. It is estimated that by 2030, 47% of jobs in the United States are at risk of being displaced by automation (source: Science Direct). In the United States, workers aged 16 to 24 are the most exposed to the risk of automation, as 49% of these workers could have their jobs displaced by automation processes (Brookings).

Various government and company policies can be put in place to provide upskilling and reskilling for these workers to minimize the risk business process automation poses to some members of the workforce. However, it is clear that business process automation is here to stay.

Other concerns brought up by automation include data privacy and protection and copyright issues. Because automation involves storing confidential data in the cloud, businesses are concerned about security breaches by competitors or, worse, malicious users wishing to scam their current clients. Business leaders are paying more attention to cloud infrastructure services to minimize these risks.

Cloud infrastructure security can protect your business’ data through advanced encryption. Regular audits and compliance are automated but still supervised by human employees to ensure security has not been compromised. Data segmentation and isolation can also ensure your company’s data is not easy to access, even if there has been a breach.

On the other hand, some processes involving AI can end up infringing copyright laws in various industries. This can lead to large expenses in legal fees if AI is not used mindfully by departments, without mentioning the PR risks of your company accidentally employing someone else’s copyrighted content.

In conclusion, business process automation is a process including a wide array of existing technologies (AI, ML, etc.). Through business automation, business sectors start to delegate tasks to technological solutions.

As a result of automating tasks, there is proof of increased proficiency and accuracy, enhanced customer experience, and saved costs. However, there is also resistance from some sectors of society, as automation can result in job displacement for some existing members of the workforce.

To mitigate this, business leaders can emphasize the fact that they are automating processes while still making an effort to retain skilled workers. Upskilling and reskilling can help businesses retain employees whose jobs have become obsolete. Many governments are also expected to step up with a series of policies to protect the interests of these workers.

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Screen Printing Services: A Beginner’s Guide to Avoiding Mistakes and Maximizing Your Investment

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Are you thinking about ordering custom t-shirts and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry! Screen printing is an incredibly popular and versatile technique that allows you to create durable, high-quality designs on a variety of products. In this guide, I’ll teach you the essentials to make your first screen printing experience a success.

What is Screen Printing?

First, let’s talk about the basics. Screen printing is a printing method that uses a mesh to transfer ink onto a surface, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a stencil. This sounds a bit technical, but it’s actually quite simple: think of a large stencil and ink passing through it to form your design. It’s especially useful for printing on textiles, like t-shirts, but it can also be used on paper, wood, plastic, and more.

Benefits of Hire Screen Printing Services

Before getting into the details of how to place your order, let me tell you why screen printing is an excellent option:

  1. Durability: The ink used in screen printing is thick and adheres well to fabrics, making the designs last longer without fading.
  2. Versatility: You can print on almost any material. So, besides t-shirts, you can think of caps, tote bags, hoodies, and more.
  3. Cost-effectiveness: For large orders, screen printing is very cost-effective. The more units you print, the lower the cost per unit.
  4. Print quality: The colors are vibrant, and the details can be captured very well, especially in simple and bold designs.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Now, let’s move on to the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them:

1. Not Defining Your Design Clearly

It’s crucial to have a clear design before starting the process. Think about:

  • Colors: Less is more. Screen printing works best with a limited number of colors.
  • Details: Make sure the details are not too small. Fine elements can get lost in the print.
  • Design size: Make sure the size of your design is appropriate for the final product.

Tip: Work with a graphic designer or use design software to ensure your design is ready to print.

2. Choosing the Wrong Type of Fabric

Not all fabrics are the same. Some fabrics are better for screen printing than others. For example, 100% cotton is ideal because the ink adheres well and the colors look more vibrant.

Tip: Ask your screen printing provider about the best fabric options for your design and purpose.

3. Not Requesting a Sample

Always, always, always ask for a sample before mass printing. This allows you to see how your design will look on the fabric and make adjustments if necessary.

Tip: Make sure the sample includes all the colors and details of the final design.

4. Not Planning the Production Time

Screen printing takes time. From preparing the design and stencils to printing and drying, there are several stages involved.

Tip: Plan ahead and consider production times, especially if you need the t-shirts for a specific event.

5. Not Considering the Total Budget

It’s easy to overlook additional costs like setup fees, shipping, and taxes. Make sure to get a complete quote before committing.

Tip: Ask your provider about all the costs involved and ensure there are no surprises.

Maximizing Your Investment

Now that you know what mistakes to avoid, here are some tips to get the most out of your screen printing investment:

1. Bulk Orders

The more you print, the lower the cost per unit. If you know you’ll need more t-shirts in the future, consider placing a larger order upfront.

2. Classic and Timeless Designs

Opt for designs that won’t go out of style quickly. This ensures you can use the t-shirts for a long time without them looking outdated.

3. Deals and Discounts

Many screen printing providers offer discounts for large orders or frequent customers. Don’t hesitate to ask about available promotions.

4. Take Care of Your Products

Once you have your t-shirts, make sure to take proper care of them. Wash printed t-shirts inside out and avoid using bleach to prolong the life of the design.

Choosing the Right Provider

Finally, choosing the right provider is crucial to the success of your project. Here are some aspects to consider:

  • Experience and Reputation: Research and choose a provider with a good reputation and proven experience.
  • Portfolio of Previous Work: Ask to see examples of previous work to ensure they can handle your design.
  • Communication: A good provider should be willing to answer your questions and keep you informed throughout the process.
  • Reviews and References: Read reviews and ask for references to ensure other customers have had good experiences.

In Summary

Screen printing is a fantastic technique for customizing t-shirts and other products, but like any process, there are tips and tricks to help you avoid issues and maximize your investment. From design preparation to choosing the right provider, every step is important. I hope this guide has given you a clear and practical view of how to start your screen printing journey without a hitch.

If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact us! We are here to help you bring your screen printing ideas to life. Good luck with your project!

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