Category: Business

  • Crypto-currencies and Their Impact on Digital Marketing

    Crypto-currencies and Their Impact on Digital Marketing

    Experts say that crypto currency is going to affect digital marketing in a big way. Well, its implications are already visible as consumers now feel more in control compared with their transactions compared to companies that have so far enjoyed their dominance. With digital currency in use, brands won’t have it easy recording the transactions and critical information of customers. Companies thus can’t have monopoly over customer’s data or information.

    Thanks to the every-growing popularity of crypto currency, there is more use of encryption technologies to regulate the currency without any interference from companies or government. Digital currency has ensured three major changes; first, it has increased the level of consumer participation to transactions; second, it has forced brands to show more transparency with transactions and; third, it has ensured recording of every transaction with little chance of tampering

     

    • Bitcoin was the first known crypto currency to enter the digital world
    • Bitcoin is in existence since 2009 and now it helps customers digitally transfer their funds to peers
    • Bitcoin is a safe platform and saves users from any risk of identity theft
    • Blockchain technology is the pillar of the peer-to-peer digital transaction
    • Blockchain is the power behind the source of digital currency
    • Blockchain’s presence is the reason behind the ever-growing digital currency transactions

     

    Evidently, crypto currency is like a breath of fresh air to the market and its usages and popularity are going to challenge the conventional mode of transactions. Since the craze of crypto currency is going to go up by the days, marketers are their task cut out and if they did not prepare to face the challenges, it would be tough for them to survive the cut-throat pace and the changed dynamics of the market. So, you should plan accordingly and play along with the change.

     

    Here are some of ways in which crypto currency will impact digital marketing –

    1. Crypto currency will make it difficult for marketers to access consumer data

    Marketers are already feeling the heat ever since the crypto currency has shown its authority on the digital world. They are finding it harder to get or receive information from customers. With digital currency in use, there is a premium on the data and information of buyers and this surely does not bode well for brands.

    Let alone small companies, even top global bands like Google and Facebook too are not having it easy when it comes to collecting consumer information. Nobody is allowed henceforth to make merry with the consumer information and sell them to the advertising companies for free. Media monitoring has intensified and sharing of information is going to cost money.

    The user data is made private and anonymous by crypto currency so not everyone is going to have them that easily. More, digital currency platform is going to be more secure in days to come and this is where digital marketing companies need to brace up for challenges.

    2. Consumers are going to get paid for their information and data

    Crypto currency is empowering consumers and putting them at the forefront of transactions. In fact, in coming years digital marketers need to cough up money to consumers in lieu of using their information and gaining value out of it. With all the transactions on the Blockchain visible for everyone and with consumers staying anonymous, there will be challenge for digital marketers to find any data on users and if they did, to evade paying for that.

    Clearly, the power has shifted changed due to digital currency and much of its impact will be seen in the way digital marketers approach consumers and their data. More so, marketing ads won’t be allowed to bother customers as they have been with only relevant ads going ahead and doing any interactions with their target.

    3. The concept of middle-men is going to extinct in near future

    Digital currencies are going to take out middle-men forever as any transactions would eliminate the need of third parties and involve only buyers and sellers. The use of cryptocurrency will leave redundant the banks, data companies and insurance firms that have been the key to digital payment.

    Third parties are not going to have any role to play in our transactions on the Block chain technology and this will help save a huge sum of money in the process. The money thus saved will add cost-effectiveness to the entire digital marketing platform and both consumers and brands can gain out of that.

    Clearly, digital marketing is going to witness a sea change to their profile in terms of transactions with buyers having more dominant role and companies taking the back seat. If you run a digital marketing company, you should be ready to adjust to the changes else there won’t be much left to rue over.

  • Fight against COVID-19 by Offering Online Services to your Customers

    Fight against COVID-19 by Offering Online Services to your Customers

    It is important that you maintain communications with your customers and one way to do this is by offering your product sampling staff services online during the COVID-19 crisis.

    During these uncertain times, there are plenty of things that you can still do as a business online and our product sampling staff are very much there to help and guide you along the way.

    First things first, update your website!

    The very first thing that you can do to show that you are keeping abreast of the change is to update your website. You must make it clear on the home page and throughout that you are very much in business and very much contactable either directly via the website, via email or via an online chat facility.

    People not only want this, but they have now grown to expect it. Not having this facility will not only make your business look out of touch, but it will also lose out to the competition. In this time of self-isolation, having an online way of doing business is absolutely critical.

    Make sure that your website is clear and concise

    During times of stress, people are far less inclined to absorb complex information. Customers need a clear and streamlined way of getting to where they need to be quickly and clearly. Your website needs to be clutter-free, clearly sign-posted, and easy to use. When selling products, make it really simple to push any free samples.

    Make shopping an interactive experience for your customers

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, people need to feel more connected. Being isolated at home means that they need to feel part of something bigger. Offering an online chat service is essential and can easily be plugged into your existing website. Don’t make the mistake of using an automated bot that will most likely repel your customers! The human touch is key right now.

    Make sure that the homepage of your website has a ‘contact us’ link or button and clearly displays your phone number, email address and online chat option.

    Don’t have countless pop-ups, this will only frustrate and annoy your visitors.

    Offer your free samples online

    During the coronavirus pandemic, people need to feel more connected. Being isolated at home means that it’s easy to feel disconnected from the world. Rather than saving your free samples for your next exhibition, offer them on the front page of your website. Not only will this make your customers feel appreciated and remembered, but it will also ensure that they return.

    Free samples can be delivered safely in cardboard during this time, include simple instructions on how to order online. Make it a pleasant and heart-warming experience. Products that pamper and make people feel special will be very much appreciated. Keep the samples lightweight, environmentally friendly and make sure that the gift includes very simple instructions with reward points, should the customer wish to purchase.

  • How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Business Loan

    How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Business Loan

    Whether you’re a manufacturer of copper pipes or a logistics provider, having enough capital is key to any company’s growth. For entrepreneurs, expansion typically means having to get a business loan. This is easier said than done. Give the number of entrepreneurs out there with dreams of making their idea the next big thing, banks are cautious when they give small business loans. So, if you don’t present your case right, you may get turned down for a loan. A little planning can go a long way in increasing your chances of getting the loan you need. Here are a few tips that could help.

    Apply at the Right Time

    Hope for the best, prepare for the worst- it’s every successful entrepreneurs mantra. If you think you might need a business loan in the future, apply for one when your business is doing well. It is easier to get a loan when the numbers are up rather than when you’re having a difficult time. Bear in mind that in most cases a business loan for new business takes up to 60 days for approval. So, apply for a loan long before you think you will actually need the money.

    Present an Enticing Business Plan

    No one will give you a loan if you cannot make them believe that you will be successful and they will get the money back in time. An idea isn’t enough, you need to have a clear plan of how you will bring that idea to life. Thus, when you apply for small business loans, you need a business plan. This should include an executive summary that lays out what your company is about, what it does and why it is a profitable investment. Then you need to talk about your business model, the market opportunity and what sets the company apart from the competition. To complete the plan you need to include all your financials- balance sheets, profit/loss statements, cash flow statements, etc. The way you present your plan may also influence the business loans interest rate.

    Be Truthful with Documentation

    There are a number of documents required to get loans for small business ventures. If the company has not had a chance to make a profit yet or is going through a rough time, it may be tempting to gloss over some of the ugly bits and varnish the trust. However, this can be very harmful to your application. The banks will check every point on your documents and if even one were found to be untrue, they would lose faith on the entire application. Be honest and transparent about everything. If your numbers are not complimentary, it is better to give a reasoning for them rather than give wrong numbers.

    Fix your Credit Score

    When applying for small business financing the lending agency will check both the company and your personal credit scores. Thus, before submitting the application, make sure you correct and mistakes in your credit score. There is no hard and fast rule on the minimum credit score required but you should know where you stand. If you have a low credit rating speak to the people concerned to try fixing it. Most credit bureaus take around 1 month to fix errors so don’t wait till the last minute to start this process. If the score is error free, you can improve it by paying outstanding credit bills and clearing old debts.

    Memorize Figures

    Despite having all the relevant figures in your business plan and application, you should be able to give out the key figures too. If the bank manager has questions about the company’s profits, turnover, cash flow, etc., he will be more likely to approve of the application if you know the numbers rather than if you have to check the documents. Be confident and concise with your answers.

    Stay Persistent

    Banks are not the only source to be considered for small business finance India has many banks so if one bank turns down your application, apply at another. Keep in mind that all banks offer a different business loan interest rate in India. Small banks are more likely to approve business loans for entrepreneurs as compared to large banks. If all else fails, consider crowdfunding or holding closed door fundraisers. Whatever you do, don’t give up!

  • Anthony Constantinou Describes Fintech in Simple Words

    Anthony Constantinou Describes Fintech in Simple Words

    Fintech is used as an abbreviation for Financial Technology, and thus, very clear from its own term that technology used to make finance and financial operations easy and user-friendly. In its core, Fintech is to serve multinational companies, small businesses and other consumers to manage and process their financial operations in a much better way by using specialized and advance algorithms and software on computers, laptops and nowadays on smartphones also.

    Knowing Fintech

    The term Fintech emerged in the 21st century and was earlier used by the back-end of the establishment or organizational financial department. Since then, there has been a drastic change in the perception of the users and a great shift has been noticed in its end-users and consumers. Fintech now includes many different sectors like Retail banking, Industries, Education, Non-profit organizations, Investment management and many more.

    From double-entry bookkeeping to the invention of the digital money, every innovation in the financial area which has helped the consumer to transact the business in an easy manner is because of financial technology or Fintech

    A lot of variety of financial activities fall under the head of Fintech. Activities like, using a smartphone to deposit a check instead of walking into the bank branch, money transfers or raising funds for business startup or applying for credit without interacting with the bank employees or branch manager or managing the investment portfolio without any assistance of a financial advisor. These are some activities that are covered under the Fintech and since the internet connectivity is available on the smart phoned Fintech has grown explosively and the term which was earlier referred to as computer technology for the back-end users is now applied as in very broad and vast level.

    Anthony Constantinou shares some active area of Fintech includes the followings:

    • Digital cash
    • Cryptocurrencies
    • The smart contract, which uses computer programs to execute the contract between buyers and sellers automatically.
    • Digital landing.
    • Business without barriers.

    Fintech is in practice for many years and since then, many new technologies and techniques are added in the queue. Even machinery and equipment are been added in the process from time to time. ie. Auto teller machine(ATM) and Card Swipe machine. Combinations of modern technological developments with the latest financial applications. Fintech has helped the businesses of all types whether large industries, medium enterprises or small or micro-businesses.

    It is an estimate that nearly 2 billion people worldwide are not having any bank accounts and for them, Fintech is an agile option to carry on their financial services and contribution to their country’s GDP and that is what Fintech has been designed to do.

    Here are some examples of Fintech in the payment system.

    PayPal can be said to be the pioneer who even started this revolution. PayPal used to be the first company to provide payment solutions. Today many companies providing similar services are there in the market and pushing the industry into the next level. It is because of Fintech that the cost of moving big money has been sledded down allowing more transparency.

    Banks used to charge fees for the payments done or received especially in the case of international transactions. One has to pay heavy transaction fees for international money transfer, as it was impossible to get the middle market rate. But now it is no longer expensive. Rather some of the startups are on the way to solve this problem by eliminating the middlemen.

    Bottom Lines

    Fintech has provided a common platform and has opened a new world of opportunities for every business. Much better services are being provided at low prices to consumers. It has bridged the gap between the business and the banks using technology by eliminating inconvenience. It is very important for the business to acquaint with the technology and stay informed and up to date with Fintech development to continue with the easy and hassle-free business.

  • Picking a Business Loan Broker? How to Find the Best

    Picking a Business Loan Broker? How to Find the Best

    Are you questioning yourself regarding how to pick a business loan broker? Well, bear in mind that brokers are aware of the market very well and they know how to save clients from being exploited. There are few things which you need to keep in mind for making the best decision, some of the questions regarding picking a business loan broker are mentioned below.

    Questioning about lenders from a business loan broker

    You need to ask about the number of lenders the loan has to be given to from a business loan broker. There are chances that the business loan broker already has a perfect fit for your loan in their mind. But you can not completely settle for this choice as well and weigh your options wisely. There is a probability that a lender the broker is referring to offers the lowest possible interest rates. So, you need to be wary of such possibilities. You need to realize that a broker’s fees differ and it is not the same for all lenders.

    Question the drawbacks from a business loan broker

    There are certainly good aspects of a loan and certain drawbacks. The point is that you need to know both. You need to understand your situation and condition you are in. For instance, if you will be requiring some funding right away then the best approach is to effort for a short term loan. But you need to bear in mind that in that case, you will have to pay a higher interest rate and that too for a long time. You need to question a business loan broker regarding one’s effort in channeling the clients through the paperwork process. A loan involves a great deal of paperwork and it is extremely vital to catch the details from the narrow lens. If the broker is only highlighting the positive aspects of the loan then you need to question. You should identify whether the broker is offering a generic solution which even google can give or there is more value to it. You need to have a sharp eye for such judgments during the meeting with brokers. Comprehend the answers of the brokers and ensure that one is providing you honest, intelligible answers.

    Ask for the thinking time

    You also need to take the decision wisely before deciding in rush. Time is exceedingly vital and you can not undermine its importance. You already know that the procedure of loan is in itself a very big commitment. If a borrower feels pressure while signing the contract then this won’t be the best option to avail at all. There can be a possibility that the broker you are going for is fully reliable. But even in that case, you need to take some time out for thinking over the deal and discuss it with other entrepreneur friends. If a business loan broker is not willing to give you enough time then that is a red signal and the best approach here would be to consult any other.

  • How To Write an Employment Offer Letter?

    How To Write an Employment Offer Letter?

    If you are wondering how to write an employment letter then this article has got you covered. There are few things in mind which you need to stick to. For instance, you need to pay importance to job details which include the benefits, salary, work schedule and all other vital steps. The guide outlined below will help you out in getting the idea clear.

    Telling the news over phone call

    If you have finalized the candidate then before documenting and delivering the offer letter you need to extend the offer over the person. The news of getting a job is not only exciting for the applicant but also the company thus you need to create a personal connection. Once you establish the connection you need then have to outline the official letter which will include more details then they have previously received.

    Pay attention to the subject line

    You need to make use of a catchy subject line which is under fifty characters. You need to be clear about the position you will be offering. You have to include phrases like the company’s job offer. A warmer and joyful tone will help in this regard, just be to the point and clear.

    Attach helpful documents like letters of credit

    Next, you need to attach vital documents. You must keep the aim of the offer letter in mind for carving out the best offer. If you will be sending an email offer letter then a good plus point is the attachment of documents like letters of credit. If you are wondering what sort of documents can be attached then you can attach the company’s policies, compensation plans, letters of credit and benefits. But you want to limit the number of documents here as you don’t want to overwhelm the candidate. Just attach the relevant information which will help them to identify their role.

    Offer letter in attachment

    Next, there is a possibility that you choose the pdf type of offer letter. In that case, it is best to write an email message which is brief so the candidate could feel connected. You want to establish the celebratory and enthusiastic ground for the candidate who has yet to read the offer letter. There are different templates available online which will give you an exact idea of what this paragraph is referring to. Just have a welcoming tone and you are good to go.

    Attaching Offer letter in the email body

    The next possibility is that you have the offer letter in the body of the email, the other documents like letters of credit still has to be attached. In that case, the candidate will be able to see the full offer letter in the email without the need of downloading it. Here comes the most important point which can pop up into your head and that is the need for job details, the details about benefits and compensation. You need to be very precise in mentioning the contact details. Don’t forget to give them a deadline which is the time to accept or decline the job offer.