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Tag Archives: videos
3 Psychologically Proven Methods For Creating A Better Workplace
The post 3 Psychologically Proven Methods For Creating A Better Workplace appeared first on HostGator Blog | Gator Crossing . When an influential mentor speaks to you, chances are you’re going to remember what they say. For me, it was a lecture early on in college where one of my Professors attempted to demonstrate the importance of social sciences in relation to real world business practices. The gist of what he said was, “Business is all about working with people. The more you understand what people want and how they operate, the more successful you’re going to be across any career path.” Essentially signifying the role and value our emotional quotient fulfills in an environment where humans attempt to cooperate with one another on mutual tasks. Quite frequently, though, we’re begrudged by disrespectful and demanding supervisors who have skills in every aspect to a managerial position, except interpersonal relations. Whether you’re struggling to develop a better relationship with your employees, or are simply lacking directional leadership skills, here are three ways you can improve the general happiness within your company. Show Your Appreciation Appropriately There are many ways to motivate employees, but nothing can can quite replace the empowerment of expressing gratitude towards their efforts. By taking the time to examine what we appreciate from our team, we’re also encouraging others to do the same. The appropriateness comes into play in measures of frequency and the selective times in which we choose to show our appreciation. Not every routine action is in need of being remarked upon; rather, when an employee or co-worker seems to extend themselves beyond expectations be sure to reward their efforts by complimenting their work ethic. Successful managers may even take extra steps every week, or month to send individual e-mails pointing out times when the employee made an invaluable contribution. No one wants to feel like their work is going unnoticed. Giving someone a feeling of purpose is an excellent tool for building the strength of your business. Don’t Stifle Creativity Officially classified as the ‘Technological Era’, our current trends of employment rely heavily on both sides of the brain. For the longest time we were seeing left-brained analytical work forces that didn’t allow for individuals to express their creativity within a company. Many careers during the informational era (Engineers, Doctors, Computer Programmers) were task oriented and routine, not allowing for an individuals personality to really impact their day to day. But the world has changed. While many, if not all careers, are still maximizing the linear and analytical portion of our brain (Left-half), we’re seeing a tremendous shift towards those who utilize the ‘big picture’ modules to steer business towards a more sustainable future. Automation has allowed for many careers to focus on the artistry and emotion of what makes our products/services human; therefore, right-brained individuals are thriving thanks to the opportunities presented in creative industries. Not everyone lands a position in a creative sector, however, and try as we might our ideas are often stifled due to the lack of open-mindedness in a given company’s upper management. Best recommendation: listen to what your employees have to suggest. Just like it’s become common place to have customer surveys, understanding and adapting to your employee’s needs will allow for your company to retain employees longer, while also providing a channel for their ideas to blossom. Drop The Intimidation and Focus On Happiness I think we’ve finally realized that ruling by fear is not the most effective approach to increasing productivity from our employees. In today’s economic climate there is already enough uncertainty pertaining to the security of our jobs. This has led to notable increases in documented health issues directly correlated to stress from our jobs. Many reports have begun to emphasis the importance of ‘positive psychology’ in the workplace, disregarding prior methods of holding low job availability over employees heads as a means to generate pressure and fear. Positive psychology is all about the happiness of employees which has been shown to increase productivity, stimulate creativity, and create a better overall environment in which better candidates will apply to work for. Some great ways to reduce stress and increase happiness, include: Providing access to physical fitness – For some companies this means helping purchase gym memberships as a part of the benefits package. Incorporate mentoring programs for new employees – Feeling like your company has invested in your position is a great way to feel secure and learn how to start working at a higher level Engage a happiness trainer – While this can be expensive, the results could last much longer than employees constantly leaving in search of a better position. Creating a better working environment doesn’t require a complete overhaul of resources. Often it’s the small gestures, and genuine demeanor we exchange with those we’re closest with at the office that will spread throughout the entire company. By starting to prioritize your company’s positive reputation today, you’ll have an even better team in the days of tomorrow. web hosting Continue reading
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Tagged around the web, brent-oxley, comedy, php, politics, tips and tricks, videos, vps, vps-hosting, web hosting
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Why Customer Service Matters
The post Why Customer Service Matters appeared first on HostGator Blog | Gator Crossing . Sure, everyone says that customer service matters, and that customer service is important to the way that they do business… but how many times do you feel like the above situation is what’s actually happening when you’re dealing with a company? The most common perception is that no matter what the party line is, the fact of the matter is that companies today just don’t care. Most people get annoyed with it, but few people actually take the time to think about how those perceptions transfer to their business. Does this Sound Familiar? You have an issue with a product you’ve purchased from a company, something frustrating in and of itself, and, already irate, you attempt to contact the company regarding the issue you’ve experienced. You want the company to take responsibility for the faulty product and take the time to get the matter resolved. Instead you either get an automated response, or, worse, the company tells you that it’s your fault that the issue arose and you’re out of luck, placing the blame on you for the issue with the product, regardless of whether or not it’s your fault that the issue occurred. You rant, rave, maybe even cuss, and get blown off in return. Why it matters Your business won’t last if you don’t have any customers, and the introduction of social media to the business world makes this all the more important, as all the other customers of your company can see and talk about all of the issues that have occurred with your business in a medium that is directly tied to your business. The more negative that is said, the less likely that new customers will deign to use your products or services because they don’t want the same experience; business will continue to decrease until either you do something to correct the problem or until your company is down the drain. What you should do Don’t make it simply a party line. Make customer service actually matter. Take the time to treat each customer as though their issue is unique (even though most will not be), and take the time to get it resolved correctly the first time. If you sell second hand appliances and you swear you’ve tested them out, don’t blame a customer when a thermostat breaks less than a month after they’ve bought it from you. If a product got damaged in shipping, apologize; don’t blame it on the post office. Always apologize for the issue. If it’s an issue of damage or an issue with a defect, ask for the product to be sent back, or ask for a picture of the issue, depending on what the issue is and what the product is. Have a system in place of working to handle issues. Resolve whatever the issue is promptly, and resolve it the first time. Treat each customer as though their business matters, and as though you value their opinion. Keep all negativity about the situation or about the customer to yourself. Treat each situation as though it could make or break your business, because it could. Once you’ve made customer service your priority, you have a solid foundation upon which to grow your business. Image Source: Zetta. (2014). Customer Support Matters . Retrieved from http://www.zetta.net/images/Customer%20Support%20Matters%20at%20Zetta300x197.jpg web hosting Continue reading
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Tagged advertising, around the web, brent-oxley, comedy, customer service, events, hosting, small-business, tips and tricks, videos
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Social Media Is Important, If Done Properly
The post Social Media Is Important, If Done Properly appeared first on HostGator Blog | Gator Crossing . Social media allows individuals to stay in contact with each other. That was the the original premise for its creation, also allowing folks to make new connections and friends across the vast open space that is the Internet. In recent years, however, social media has evolved into being utilized as a means of allowing organizations to promote their products to individuals, interact with their customers, and spark discussion and debate regarding the different products that are being offered. The Benefits This type of access, allowing brands and companies to interact with their customers in this manner is a great boon to organizations, providing them with information and insight into consumer preferences in ways that never would have been possible in the past while also allowing them to obtain personalized and direct responses and information from consumers regarding how their product performs, along with additional information about the desires of the market. The Crux of the Matter In spite of all of this positivity, there is one issue that is arising with increasing frequency: spam. Not spam in the traditional sense of the word, which relates to unsolicited email messages, but a new equivalent. I, personally, had avoided Twitter for years, but recent events prompted me to finally set up an account. I was almost immediately spammed with requests from companies to “follow” them. Companies that I had never heard of, whose requests were sometimes not even in English, but I’ve never heard of these companies and, to my chagrin, I hadn’t even filled out my interests yet! These businesses mostly just wanted follows, though some asked me to “retweet” information on their business to get their name out there. These were clearly generic requests, sent out automatically. Now, some businesses may think that this is a good thing, that it’s an alright business practice, acceptable even, after all isn’t the whole point getting your name out there? No. It’s not okay at all. Not only did I delete every single one of these, I also blocked those companies from contacting me. This is not the type of publicity for which businesses should aim. The Nitty Gritty Social media should be used by the business not necessarily to solicit, but to let their brand speak. It’s fine to send messages to those who have expressed an interest in your company via social media, but if you’re just randomly hoping to contact someone who might take the time to like or follow your organization, this is arguably spam. You want a user to want to talk about you in a positive manner. You want that individual to like your company or follow your company, expressing to their network that your business is worthwhile, but if you do nothing to engender that feeling, you’re shooting yourself in the virtual foot. Use social media strategically and your company has the potential to go far. Image Source: LinkedIn. (2013). Social Media. Retrieved from http://blog.linkedin.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Social-Media-and-College-Admissions.jpg-1024×701.jpeg web hosting Continue reading
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Tagged advertising, events, hosting, php, politics, videos, vodahost, vps, web and hosting tips, web hosting
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4 Mistakes Made By New Entrepreneurs That You Can Avoid
The post 4 Mistakes Made By New Entrepreneurs That You Can Avoid appeared first on HostGator Blog | Gator Crossing . Being an entrepreneur is all about taking risks. Sometimes it can feel like we’re kayaking up stream with a soup ladle, not realizing the ease of which our travels could be made by reversing our direction, or you know… using a paddle? While there’s a tremendous amount of appreciation for the art of trying, and the lessons learned from failing, entrepreneurs never set out with the intention of being unsuccessful their entire career. I’d like to share some of the best tips for those of you who are on the up and coming path of running a business and working under your own determination. Mistakes are guaranteed to happen, but here are four ways to prevent some of the bigger ones from adding your business to the 50-70% that will fail in the first 18 months. 1. Not Asking For Feedback From Your Customers I have a good friend, brilliant in all ways business but one: getting to know the people he wants to buy his product. While your idea, service, or art may sit pleasantly in the realm of personal admiration and approval, those you intend to buy it might have a suggestion (even small ones) that will take your sales to the next level. Not being able to take constructive criticism will only hurt your business in the long run. The biggest companies out there also have the best methods for customer surveys and outreach. Would you want to buy from someone who doesn’t care about the experience you had with their service? Treat every customer knowing they’re ultimately the one helping sustain your lifestyle. 2. Going Into Business With The Wrong Partner “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”-Jim Rohn A quote that we believe will live on timelessly, and has everything to do with those you’re setting out to be successful with. In College, institutions place high value on social science as a supplement to nurturing the way in which we work among others, knowing how we act emotionally (EQ) plays a bigger role in successful businesses than (IQ). Sometimes we select a business partner based on a particular skill, knowing nothing about their ability to work cooperatively on a regular basis. Making a partnership work starts well before the union is formed, and we suggest asking yourself six questions when you’re looking to pick a partner. 3. Choosing Not To Emphasize Marketing I have another friend, and in this instance he believes the best businesses are found organically. While this may be true for your local restaurant, word of mouth cannot compete with the way in which search engine optimization has gripped our culture. When you’re visiting a new city, how do you choose where to get a hotel? Where to eat? You Google it, right? Right. It’s that simple, and like it or not most businesses will not survive without maxing out efforts to be seen online where 70% of mobile customers will call a business directly from the search pages. 4. Going Too Heavily Into Debt There’s a strong temptation we all face when we’re planning out our first business, and that’s to borrow a reckless amount of money in hopes the investment will pay for itself once the profits start rolling in. For most, that loan will be spent much faster than intended, and there’s nothing to show for it. Nowadays, there are brilliant ways to replace, or even supplement the money you take out on credit, a few being: Crowd Sourcing – If you have a great idea, try taking it online where people may be willing to help you get it off the ground. Kickstarter, IndieGoGo, and Crowdfunder are three of the best and largest user bases to help forgo money borrowed. Government Grants – Although regulated and sometimes difficult to qualify for, these grants are in place to help you become a contributing entity of this country. What’s great is you won’t have to pay it back! Think you qualify? Pockets – Yes, as in your pants and wallet. Having the money up front will save you the pain of having a business fail, and still owing $50,000 with no foreseeable income. Sell an asset, consult friends and family, or get to saving. Perhaps the fifth mistake most entrepreneurs will make is not taking advice. I sit here reflecting on all the times in which actual recommendations could have saved me from unnecessary turmoil. Don’t be afraid of failure, but even more important don’t forget to learn from those mistakes so they won’t happen again. Image Source: http://ericaduran.co/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Erica-Durans-entrepreneur-mistakes.png web hosting Continue reading
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Online Business Planning For Newbs
The post Online Business Planning For Newbs appeared first on HostGator Blog | Gator Crossing . Have you discovered a need that can be filled online? Are you decided in your approach to fill that need? Are you clueless or brand new to the process of creating, publishing and maintaining a website? If so, this article is for you. At this point, you may have already outlined your operations strategy and colorfully grown your brain child into an impressive embryo of idea rich DNA. And, if you are a business mind worth anywhere near your salt, you are preparing to tackle all those unknown expletives…lol…or rather variables 1. Know Your 1, 2, 3s First thing’s first. A decision to proceed and capitalize on the shiny new “land of opportunity”, found in the WWW, is a decision to either spend money (hopefully wisely) OR invest considerable time. Again, just to be clear, your success will be a derivative of either 1. Monetary Investment or 2. Substantial Time Investment. And, in most cases, depending on the lofty or lowly goals you may set, 3. Both could be imperative. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure you make the “right” decision for YOU and your business model. There is typically a direct relationship between the quality of development and the amount of monetary investment required. A good web developer will cost a good amount of money while a great developer will cost a great amount of money. The same is true of your time investment. If you are completely inexperienced, developing a site, alone, from scratch, will require serious time in order to conquer the learning curve involved. The more complex or polished you desire your site to be, the more the time investment you must make in order to get it that way. You must also consider that websites are not static. Generally speaking. They will consequently require occasional or frequent updates. These updates could be necessary on a daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly basis depending on your business needs. Again, this will cost either money or time. Unless, of course, you have an awesome friend who is adept at all things “web” and can give you a courtesy hook up. Otherwise, build this cost into your business budget and plan. It is an absolute. 2. Mark Your Method Once you have picked your poison and chosen your pill, outline the next steps of your process (realistically). Example: When tieing shoes, step 1 is take string A and crossover string B…In other words, you want a REAL step by step process in place so you can quickly identify your prefered criteria and make an informed decision. That process can take a while. So, we created the following starter checklist just to get you started: When evaluating potential developers you will want to evaluate: 1. Are their prices competitive? 2. Does their work portfolio include examples similar to your expectations? 3. Can they provide ongoing maintenance as you would need it? When deciding on a DIY-business project you will want to do the following: 1. Establish a set period of time (start and finish) during which you will commit to hone your skills as a developer. 2. Decide what information (i.e. books, websites, how-to articles, etc.) you need to study in order to create the vision you have in mind. 3. Consider and plan to study all necessary security measures if developing an ecommerce site. 3. EXECUTE!!! A plan means NOTHING without action. Therefore, plan the execution of your plan. Set a solid start date and develop a timeline with various (practical) goals. Understand that the nature of planning denotes that everything will not always go according to plan. So, plan for change. Build a “review period” into your timeline and prioritize celebrating your successes in addition to acknowledging where/how you need to improve. 4. Launch Never approach a launch casually. Be sure to check and double check and triple check site functionality. Have others proofread and test the site thoroughly. After all is officially approved-set and promote your launch. And, when you arrive at this point in the process, give yourself a pat on the back. Invite your friends over for a party. Go out on the town. Whatever you do, make sure you do something AND enjoy yourself!!! You have reached a significant milestone in the life of your business. Whether you contracted someone to do help put flesh on your idea or you did all the grunt work alone, you still have great cause to be excited. Make a big deal about your launch. You earned it! Quick recap, understand the different types of investments that will be required. Choose one (or a combination). Build your plan according to the corresponding investment method. Execute your plan. Launch your business! web hosting Continue reading
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Tagged brent-oxley, comedy, hosting, reseller-hosting, small-business, tips and tricks, videos, vodahost, web hosting
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