Business & Marketing – Page 3

Meeting Manufacturing Quotas with ERP

There are dozens of metrics that can be used to identify success or failure within a manufacturing process. But as refined and granulated as these metrics are capable of being, it is often the simplest indicators that reveal the most.

Take something as basic as quotas. You are supposed to produce X number of a product, but you fall short of that by 10,000 units. It is possible to attribute that failure to many factors, but trying to identify every little thing doesn’t offer much of a solution.

The better strategy is to realize that falling short of quotas on a regular basis, or even just once, indicates a dysfunctional supply chain and manufacturing operation. Luckily, by implementing ERP software for manufacturing, it is possible to correct the kinds of minor faults and systemic failures that will always inhibit your manufacturing efforts.

Here are some examples illustrating how:

Anticipate Orders Farther in Advance

Preparation is key if you’re going to meet a big quota. But how can you prepare if you’re not given adequate advanced notice? ERP provides a shared platform for data from different departments like sales, marketing, and manufacturing. Once you have access to this platform, you can see when the efforts of customer-facing departments will increase your future quotas. Whatever preparations you need to make can be completed early rather than after it’s too late.

Gain Perspective Over the Supply Chain

No matter how well your operations run internally, you are wholly dependent on your supply chain to deliver the materials and resources you require to meet your quotas. And it only takes a minor delay or disruption in a far corner of your supply chain to cause your forecasts to fall short. ERP enables a more productive form of supply chain management by giving you a top-down perspective over all of the input points. That way, if there is an issue you need to be aware of, it is immediately apparent rather than an unexpected and unwelcome surprise later on.

Root Out Inefficiencies

The smallest inefficiency repeated thousands of times contributes into the kind of major delays that make it impossible to meet manufacturing quotas. But when you are already struggling to keep pace and then have to work even harder to keep up, it is not easy to find the kind of minute corrections that need to be made to get you back on track. ERP takes much of the guess work out of manufacturing by putting the up-to-date information you need the most in one place. Instead of searching for a needle in a haystack, you have a real means to solve persistent problems.

Take Advantage of Optimizations

In order to reliably meet quotas into the foreseeable future, you can’t just eliminate mistakes. You also need to making enhancements, refinements and upgrades that improve on whatever your peak capacity is now. After all, if your company is successful, growth is assured, which only means that today’s quotas are a fraction of tomorrow’s. ERP is a data management tool, but once you take control of your data you can use it to make exciting and unexpected optimizations across the board. By relying on communication, collaboration, and analytics, you’re empowered to make the kind of improvements that are necessary for continued competitiveness.

The reason that ERP is so uniquely positioned to help with manufacturing quotas is because this resource provides a lot of new capabilities without drastically altering your workflows. In fact, the best tools for ERP manufacturing conform to the way you already do things, not the other way around. If falling short is unacceptable, ERP is essential.

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3 Reasons You Should Consider Ukraine Companies for Your Software Development Needs

In the past, it has been common for businesses to run to India with their software development needs. However, this is changing because a new country has entered the field that offers some advantages over just going with the old standby.

The Ukraine has come onto the scene and made a big splash, grabbing attention from many companies in the United States. Using companies within the U.S. has long been an issue due to budget constraints. Local companies simply charge too much for the exact same services that can be outsourced. Now with Ukraine companies in the mix, there is even more of a reason to outsource software development.

1. A Growing Number of Specialists

The number of individuals in the Ukraine that are technology specialists just keeps rising. They have the ability to handle many software related needs and have become experts in this field. They provide the same or better service that you can get domestically for much more competitive prices. In addition, because there is a huge focus in this country on technology, they are on the cutting edge of new developments and know what is happening in the industry. This makes it much easier for your business to get the services you need when you need them.

2. A Commitment to the Customer

One thing about outsourcing is that the companies you hire are going to try harder. They know that there are a lot of myths and rumors associated with outsourcing, and they will do everything possible to ensure they prove those negative ideas are wrong. These companies are dedicated to what they do. They are focused on providing service that goes above and beyond your expectations.

What you will likely find is that they are more willing to work with you in a collaborative effort to ensure you get exactly what you want. In addition, they have superior skills, so they will be able to explain things to you and won’t mind taking the time to do so. In the U.S. one major issue in business is that everyone is in such a hurry. You don’t get that when you work with a company in the Ukraine.

Companies, like Redwerk for example at https://redwerk.com/, strive to ensure they can get a job done even if others have failed at it. They will do whatever it takes to ensure projects stay on schedule and that you are satisfied. This level of customer service is not often seen, but it is the hardworking, dedicated nature of Ukrainian workers that push these companies to the forefront when it comes to customer satisfaction and making them the ideal choice for U.S companies to partner with.

3. A Large Pool of Talent

Due to the fact the Ukraine had to rebuild after the collapse of the USSR, its people have been pushing to create a country that is strong and independent. This has fostered the growth of the IT industry in the country. Young people are getting educated and are able to speak fluent English. They have been taking over this industry and are the backbone of those companies that offer software development services.

Even in the past, the Ukraine was known for having people with great minds who were technical experts. The USSR pulled many Ukrainians into top spots to help as it worked to accomplish great things, like space travel. Little has changed when it comes to the people of this nation. They are still brilliant and hard working. They have now turned their sites on the IT industry. Having this large pool of talent at your fingertips enables you to get the services you need at a price that fits your budget.

In addition, the Ukraine is very similar to the U.S. in terms of culture. It is becoming very European. This makes it much easier to work with these companies because they are relatable. It is almost like working with a local company because you can easily talk to the people you are working with and they understand the challenges you face in your business. In fact, the Ukraine and the U.S. have a very comfortable relationship, which makes it simple to work with these companies.

The Bottom Line: Consider All of Your Options

Outsourcing your software development needs is something well worth considering. If you are looking to outsource, you should consider Ukrainian companies. These companies offer excellent services by staffs that are highly trained and knowledgeable. They are easy to work with and will provide you with affordable services that met your needs.

Image Credit: Jürg Vollmer

The Best Online Courses for Entrepreneurship

Ideally, a business leader hires experienced employees to perform tasks that require skill, but since the economy has recovered, most entrepreneurs are finding that available talent is rare on the ground. Today, skilled workers are being snatched up by established businesses and firms that have the profits and power to offer sizeable salaries and appealing benefits, leaving many startups without the talent they need to accomplish essential goals.

However, few aspiring business owners are willing to let lack of skill prevent them from achieving their business dreams. Thanks to the explosive growth of e-learning, online courses are helping entrepreneurs gain the skills they need to build their business on their own. Here are the online courses entrepreneurs should take to succeed in their entrepreneurial dreams without wasting time, money, and energy chasing down outside talent.

Coding

Tech is indispensable in today’s business world, and understanding the language of tech gives entrepreneurs more control over their business. Even businesses ostensibly not tech-related, like retail shops or health care facilities, rely on technologies like point-of-sale software and monitoring equipment to do business safely and effectively. By taking a few coding courses, entrepreneurs can supervise their tech teams or develop their own rudimentary tech projects to benefit their business.

Programming

Though coding and programming are often used interchangeably, the truth is programmers have a much deeper knowledge of computer languages and are better prepared to build complex programs from the ground-up. Those entrepreneurs looking to enter the tech industry must master programming. Without a programming background, tech entrepreneurs will lack the ability to comprehend their products’ functionality and potential, putting them at a disadvantage in a market full of tech geniuses. Therefore, those with a tech-focused business plan must grasp programming before building their business.

Marketing

On the outside, marketing seems like a simple skill and one you might be able to sort of improvise, but history shows that businesses that invest in strong marketing strategies tend to succeed. Visibility is a primary goal of new businesses, which means entrepreneurs should have marketing ideas built into their initial plans, and to do that effectively, they need to have some understanding of marketing concepts. Most MBA programs require a few classes on marketing – as well as other courses covering critical knowledge and experience for entrepreneurs – so aspiring business leaders would do well to obtain an MBA degree online before starting their business.

Online Marketing

Since the rise of social media, online marketing has become more and more important to a business’s success. Surprisingly divergent from traditional marketing strategies, online marketing requires knowledge of the internet, especially the functionality of search engines, the habits of social media users, and the most popular digital trends. Entrepreneurs who have some experience with traditional marketing tactics might be better prepared to learn about online marketing strategy, but taking targeted courses for online marketing is advantageous.

Finance

Finance means many things to entrepreneurs. Primarily, it brings to mind the money they desperately need to get their business ideas in motion, but finance also relates to the careful management of cash that keeps businesses healthy and alive. Finance courses can teach entrepreneurs how to master both skills: the attainment of capital as well as the balance of it. Then, entrepreneurs will never feel pressed for cash.

Growth Hacking

A relatively new concept – but one that is especially appealing to startup entrepreneurs – growth hacking is the process of expanding a business as quickly as possible by experimenting with different business tactics. Traditional business leaders often see growth hacking as unnecessarily risky, but the rise of disruptive technologies has proven that hacking growth can by a wildly profitable practice. Experienced growth hackers are few and far between, but it doesn’t take much for an entrepreneur to grasp the fundamentals of growth hacking by taking online courses on the subject.

Brainstorming

More than anyone else in business, entrepreneurs spend inordinate amounts of time daydreaming. Brainstorming courses help entrepreneurs guide their fantasies, so they might pull feasible ideas and constructive plans from their brain space. Brainstorming courses also help entrepreneurs learn how to think with a team, so ideas can merge to create solid strategies that ensure business success.

Ethics

In a world where consumers are retaking control of the market and using their buying power for the greater good, entrepreneurs must be more conscious than ever of the ethics of their business practices. Ethics is a dense field, and business ethics can be confusing and disheartening. Still, aspiring business leaders should take some responsibility for the state of society and learn proper business policies and practices that protect everyone, from leaders to workers to customers.

4 Body Language Blunders Beginner Videocasters Tend to Miss

You could have the best outfit in town and the most well-rehearsed script in the country, but there are so many factors that go into a successful videocast that many people tend to miss. It could be the videocasting system they chose, the internet connection they’ve invested in, or even the very topic of the event itself. But did you know your body language could have a huge effect on how successful your presentation could be?

If you’ve never given this any thought before, it’s time you started becoming more aware of some negative physical signals you may have been giving out all this time. In this article, we’re going to give you a rundown of the most common body language blunders that newbie videocasters tend to make.

1. Avoiding Eye Contact

This is one of the most common mistakes that beginners make. You may be nervous because of stage fright, but you’ve got to resist the urge to avert your eyes from your audience. Looking away from them implies that you are trying to hide something, according to an article by Forbes. It also makes you look like you aren’t confident about what you’re saying. If you look down while speaking, you end up looking self-conscious, too. If you can manage to maintain eye contact with your audience, you’ll instantly be able to make a connection with them.

Though you don’t have to stare at your audience the entire time, try your best to at least look into some of your audience members’ eyes once in a while. In terms of a videocasting session, you’ll need to learn to look directly into your camera rather than on your screen to replicate the effect. It’ll help your audience feel more engaged with your presentation.

2. Keeping Track of the Time

It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking at a clock on the wall or a watch on your wrist. Glancing at the time while you’re talking to somebody (or, even worse, listening to somebody) makes you look impatient and rude. It sends people the impression that you feel like the conversation or event is a waste of time, and that you can’t wait until it’s all over. If you’re trying to keep track of how long your videocast is going, do so in a very subtle way.

Better yet, practice your presentation and time it so that you know exactly how long you’ll be speaking. That way, you won’t have to worry about going over your allotted time, and you won’t accidentally watch the clock and turn your audience off. Another way to check the time more subtly is to keep a timer on your screen close to where your camera is located. It’ll be much less obvious, and can even help you ‘lock eyes’ with your audience.

3. Crossing Your Arms or Legs

These may seem like innocuous gestures, but simply crossing your arms could already give your audience the feeling that you’re closing yourself off from them. Even if you’re doing corporate videocasting using tools like BlueJeans, people will notice how tense you look on the screen. It makes it look like you are guarding yourself, or that you don’t want to be open or vulnerable around other people.

The same idea applies to when you cross your legs. No matter how much you smile or nod your head, the rest of your body will send them the signal that you don’t really trust the other people in the conversation. Try to keep yourself from crossing your arms, no matter how much of a habit it’s become for you. Get your friends or co-workers to watch you while you practice, and have these people point out any instance where you close yourself off using your body language.

4. Slouching Around

Whether you’re just sitting down or standing up, slouching is one of the most common ways to show people that you’re disinterested in them. It can make your audience feel like you are disrespecting them, too, according to an article on LinkedIn.

Instead, try your best to keep yourself standing straight with your shoulders back. These types of poses are called power stances, and they can help you exude an aura of confidence. On the other hand, slouching makes you take up much less space, which then makes you project much less power in the end. Yes, your audience will be able to tell if you’re sitting up straight in a videocast, too, so make sure you mind your posture while you’re presenting online.

The Takeaway: Be More Conscious of Your Body Language in Order to Succeed

Don’t let your videocast be ruined just because of a few badly timed gestures or expressions. Being aware of these mistakes is the first step, but you need to actually act on eliminating these bad habits completely. Remember: practice makes perfect, so the sooner you start practicing your presentation, the better. Good luck on your next live interactive event!

Image Credit: Stefan Erschwendner

The Most Affordable Communication Tools for Small Businesses

Small businesses and start-ups are taking over the world of modern business, with Forbes reporting over 28 million small businesses in the U.S alone, with many more overseas. Many of these companies are in the IT sector and can make millions of dollars each year.

Even so, companies which are just starting out need the most affordable tools they can find, and even established companies need the smartest investments they can find in order to decrease their overheads. Let’s review what are the most affordable communication tools small business owners can use and how those tools can be of great benefit to budding entrepreneurs.

1. Online Calendars

The diary or file-o-fax was, and still is, commonly used to keep businesses organized and to arrange appointments, but online calendars and organizers make it even easier. First of all, it means that people can check and update their schedules from wherever they are, frequently through use of their smartphones. Secondly, there are collaborative programmes which are accessible for every member of the team, or which customers can use to see your availability and make appointments without having to call you personally.

2. Video Conferencing Software

More and more companies are relying upon remote workers and are using online video to keep in touch with each other and find new clients. Business video conferencing for IT companies such as BlueJeans typically require a monthly subscription fee which allows access to online meetings, cloud storage, and group seminars. This can come in useful in numerous areas from creating marketing content to hiring remote workers, so it is a fee which pays for itself easily with the opportunities it opens up.

The best advantage is that modern systems don’t require expensive hardware upgrades and are accessed through the internet, meaning they can be used on any compatible device including mobile devices. So long as your company’s building, or wherever you will be working from, has a good internet connection, you can use it to open up many new lines of communication that wouldn’t have been possible before.

3. Collaborative Text Editing

Once upon a time, collaborating on a document together meant constant e-mailing files back and forth to each other. Before that, it sometimes even meant physically mailing floppy disks, waiting days or even weeks to read the other person’s edits. The only other option was making long and expensive phone calls, which according to this article in the BBC magazine, is how authors Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett worked together to write Good Omens.

Thankfully, advances to technology have made these a thing of the past. Not only has video conferencing replaced phone calls as a cheap alternative, online file sharing and text editors such as Google Docs mean that files can be easily shared securely and edited by two or more people, with the edits visible in real time. Comments can be left to address certain issues and previous edits can be made visible and brought back if necessary. It can greatly cut down the amount of time it takes to complete a collaborative document with minimum stress.

4. E-Mail

With so many recent technology upgrades, even e-mail is starting to feel somewhat archaic, with many companies choosing to not even sign up for e-mail, preferring to use online conferencing instead.

But this option isn’t for everyone and even the most technologically advanced company may find it useful to log into their e-mail regularly. Sometimes it is essential for reaching more old fashioned clients who still prefer e-mail over other communication methods, or haven’t yet upgraded to video conferencing. At other times you may find it a more ideal way to send out documents such as invoices or sending short messages without the pressure of making formalities during a call.

Most job seekers also use e-mail to make contact with potential new employers, as unsolicited calls are rarely welcome. If you do decide you want to use e-mail to at least some capacity, find a provider which works for you, perhaps even creating your own domain name to impress potential clients.

5. Website

Considering this will be the first place potential new customers or clients go to find information about you, a properly designed website is essential as a way to introduce yourself, make your pitch, and give an idea of what you do and can provide to others. Be sure to make your contact details clear on every page and to include all of the communication methods your target audience prefers to use.

The Bottom Line

Communication is more important than ever in business, be it communication between colleagues or between a company and its customers. Thankfully, there are many tools at your disposal which can be used for low prices, and often for free. Make the most out of your communication tool investments and your new start-up will thrive.

Image Credit: John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

How to Get Accepted to an Online MBA Program

You may not have a background in business and have been in the workforce for a number of years, but you are aware of how an MBA can revolutionize your career choices and help you get the position you deserve. There is no doubt that there are many practical advantages to a Masters of Business Administration, but you may be unsure about where to begin. The first step is to make a list of MBA programs that are attractive to you and apply to the ones that feel meet your needs. Before you can start the program, you need to be accepted.

Look for a School

Research your options online or ask friends about which on-site and online MBA programs they have found useful. Browse through the catalog online and see what the course offerings are and the possibilities for areas of concentration. Some schools are known for having certain departments that stand out from others, either because of a superb faculty or unique course offerings. Choose the school you think will be the right fit for you. Another advantage of applying online is that you distance won’t prevent you from pursuing an MBA at the institution of your choice.

The Advantages of an Online Program

It has never been easier to earn an advanced degree while pursuing a career. A generation ago, you might have had to commute to night school after a full day’s work, but nowadays, you can earn an MBA without having to leave your home. The current online programs are equivalent to their on-campus counterparts and are offered by top-notch institutions, such as the University of Maryland and UAB. Your ability to earn a degree while working at your career is liable to impress future employers, which is another reason why an online MBA has distinctive advantages.

Apply for the Degree

Make sure you have all of the pre-requisites needed to apply for an MBA program. The requirements for an online degree are usually the same as for an on-campus degree. You may need a GRE, a GMAT and a bachelor’s degree. If your bachelor’s degree was in a subject that is not business-related, you may have to take some courses as pre-requisites or CLEP tests to demonstrate you have knowledge in the area of business and economics. Fill out the online application, which will ask you pertinent information, and send along your transcripts and recommendations.

Interviews and Essays

At some point, admissions may want to hear from you about why you are applying for an online MBA at their institution. When approaching these questions, keep in mind why you are pursuing an MBA and what you want to achieve as the result of it. This will help you answer questions that ask about the more personal side of pursuing a degree.

Invest in Your Future

An MBA is an ideal way to invest in your future, and earning a degree online while you are working has the advantage of enabling you to advance in your career while being able to aim higher. Browse through offerings from several institutions of higher learning and see which courses are best-suited for you.

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5 Executive Hacks to Help Your Business

Business is booming. That’s good. It’s also bad. It’s hard enough to keep up with the customers, but trying to manage employees on top of client services is just downright overwhelming. Aside from directing personnel, there’s also clerical work, recruiting, and technology hurdles to clear.

Many dreamers create or jump into a small company because of the intimacy provided and the fulfillment of building something from the ground up. As with any successful firm though, growth will eventually require a transition to a more corporate mentality. Keeping pace with clientele is only possible if staff increases. And when manpower balloons, the resources to support the team must also develop. Luckily there is help.

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How IT Teams Can Learn from Other Businesses on Conducting Meetings

Bad meetings can turn your IT team against these conversations forever. If your employees are disinterested, scrolling through their mobile phones, or show any other signs of weak engagement, then you might need to take steps to change that. Here are seven tips from other businesses on how you could turn those meetings from bad to good.

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Three Business-Building Techniques That Will Keep Your Company Moving Forward

In this contemporary era, many business owners are realizing that they face more competition than ever. Factors such as online shopping and globalization mean that consumers now have a wide range of businesses to choose from when it’s time for them to invest in the products and services they want. Luckily, there are several business-building techniques that corporate leaders can implement to keep their companies moving forward despite increasing competition. Here are three of them:

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4 Essential Steps to Launching a Successful Business

Hundreds of new businesses are launched across the nation each day as entrepreneurs strive to achieve their dreams of owning and successfully operating their own company. While some triumph, others are not so lucky. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that even though the creation of new businesses has been on the rise since 2010, the success rate is falling just as sharply. If you are in the early stages of creating a business, there are several steps that you should take that can increase your chances of succeeding, both initially and in the long run.

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