As an entrepreneur, recognizing the importance of complying with the laws and regulations that control much of what happens in your business may be a fundamental key to becoming one of the one-third of business ventures that succeed. Here are five legal tips to discuss with your business law attorney to help get your business started and keep it in compliance with the law.

Tip #1 — Selecting the proper legal structure for your business

A legal issue that arises even before your business begins operations is the choice of its legal structure. The legal structure of a business affects practically all aspects of its operation including the taxes it pays, its ability to raise capital and add new owners, and how well personal assets of its owners are protected.

The structure of a business must be established early in the formation process. Some of the common legal structures for a business include:

• Sole proprietorship: This type of structure has limitations because it is limited to one owner or an owner and spouse. It does not create a separate business entity from its owner, so business income is reported on the owner’s personal income tax return. Sole proprietors do not benefit from protection of their assets from claims against the business because they are, in the eyes of the law, the business.
• Partnerships: Two or more people operating a business for profit may do so as a partnership. Partners must report profits and losses of the business and remain personally liable for debts and other obligations of the business in the same way as sole proprietors. The advantage of a partnership is the ability to raise capital by adding new owners. Certain types of partnerships, including limited partnerships, can be created to offer limited protection of personal assets of some of the partners.
• Corporation: Unlike partnerships and sole proprietorships, which were not entities created to be separate and apart from the owners, establishing a corporation creates an entity recognized by state law as having rights, including the right to sue and be sued in its own name, similar to those enjoyed by a person. Tax advantages and protection of the personal assets of its owners are some of the benefits offered by corporations.
• Limited liability company: An LLC operates separately from its owners because it is created under state law as a legal entity. It offers similar advantages as those enjoyed by owners of businesses operating as corporations.

Three primary factors to consider in choosing the right business structure include tax benefits, protection of personal assets of its owners, and flexibility in its formation and operation. A consultation with an experienced business law attorney can help you choose and form the legal structure that is right for your business.

Tip #2 – Ongoing Legal Compliance

Remaining legally compliant with federal, state and local laws that apply to your business is an ongoing process. Depending on the legal structure that you choose for your business, you may need to create and maintain specific documents.

For example, if you operate as a corporation, you must create bylaws that govern its operation and hold annual meetings of shareholders and directors as required by state law. Minutes of the meetings must be created and kept available to prove the corporation continues to meet the requirements to maintain its status as a legal entity under the law.

Businesses in certain types of industries must obtain permits and licenses in order to comply with the law. For example, a restaurant needs permits and periodic inspections by state or local health agencies in order to serve food, but it also must obtain a state liquor license if it intends to serve drinks containing alcohol.

Tip #3 – Protecting intellectual property

Many businesses hire managed IT service providers to protect their computer systems while doing nothing to protect themselves against the theft of their company’s name or logo. Innovative ideas and concepts you depend on to make your business a success can be lost unless steps are taken to protect them. Everything from the name of your company to the design of the products that it sells can be taken away from you by competitors unless steps are taken to protect it.

Patent, trademark and copyright protection can protect your intellectual property by establishing your legal right to it. Nondisclosure agreements offer a way to ensure that trade secrets developed by your business remain confidential.

Tip #4 – Compliance with state and federal employment laws

Numerous state and federal laws regulate the hiring, firing and compensation of employees, so have your attorney determine which laws apply to your business and prepare whatever documents are needed to ensure that your business complies with them. For example, use of a written employment agreement that specifies the responsibilities and compensation of a new employee avoids misunderstandings that can turn into disputes and litigation.

Tip # 5 – Get it in writing

A verbal contract may be as legally enforceable as a written one but proving what was discussed and agreed upon can be challenging when a dispute arises. A signed, written contract containing the terms of what the parties agreed upon makes it easier to settle disputes before they get to the litigation stage.

When more than one person starts a business, a written agreement between the owners detailing the ownership interest of each owner, their management role in the business, and the compensation to be paid to each owner will avoid or ease resolution of disputes that may arise. The lawyer handling the formation of the business can help you decide what needs to be included in the document.

Conclusion

It takes a lot of planning and hard work to launch a new business venture. Working with a lawyer and accountant during the formative stages increases the likelihood that your business will avoid legal issues that can stand in the way of becoming a success.

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post 5 Legal Tips For Entrepreneurs appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

Whether it’s going on a trip to an exquisite relaxation center like The Kusnacht Practice, or simply spending time at home with family, a vacation at least once a year is always recommended for many reasons. Suppose you’re an entrepreneur that’s still reluctant to take time off work. In that case, you will need to change your decision after reading this article.

Why Entrepreneurs Shouldn’t Skip Vacations

Apart from having personal time to improve psychological wellness, you may lose many other things if you skip vacation.

Here are some reasons why entrepreneurs shouldn’t skip vacations:

●    Opportunity to Build Better Relationships

Focusing on your career is a great idea. Still, it’s not a wise choice if it results in being disconnected from loved ones and society in general. Your social life should go in tandem with your business life, regardless of whether the people in your environment are among your target audience.

Taking a vacation allows you to escape from the ever-time-demanding work environment to build better bonds with loved ones like partners, relatives, or kids. However, if you do skip that holiday, you may end up neglecting those in your life for an extended period, which we all don’t want.

●    You may Lose Positive Work-Life Balance

You already face difficulties in your workplace; the last thing you need is to allow them to affect other areas of your life. You need to maintain a social lifestyle while focusing on building a career.

Sometimes overworking yourself out will lead to losing your sense of self. At this stage, you start thinking of only work; there’s no time allocated to hobbies. This can cause a negative feedback loop.

●    It May Deteriorate Productivity and Performance

Regardless of how much you love your job, you need to balance work and vacation time. It’ll go a long way in ensuring your productivity is up to par with other competitors. Even during vacation weeks, a consistent presence at work will make you burn out.

Going through a rinse and repeat process at work for an extended period will dampen productivity. Taking a vacation will create an avenue to think outside the box and return refreshed. We do not suggest you do the brainstorming while on your vacation because your mind needs to experience the vacation too, not just the body.

●    Opportunity to Test Automated Systems

Going on vacations allows you to implement and test IT tools on repetitive tasks. If you’re running a business with employees, a vacation gives you a chance to test their credibility. Suppose you run an online-based business or digital service. In that case, it’s a huge plus because you get a chance to check out the extent to which your business operations can be automated.

Entrepreneurs without an automated system can also salvage the opportunity to set up an IT infrastructure, eventually reducing their workload when they return from vacation. At any rate, skipping vacations deprives you of the freedom you get when you’re not micromanaging every activity in your workplace.

●    You Spend More When You Skip Vacations

Regardless of whether you have a vacation allowance in your payment system, you are bound to spend more when you skip work holidays. In more ways than one, you spend physical, mental, and monetary capital to oversee operations when you should be taking time off. This is because that lost time will never be recovered. And your workload may not show signs of reduction, especially if you keep growing in the business.

Conclusion

It’s always the best practice for entrepreneurs to observe vacation dates at least once a year. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a salaried employee, you must understand that you lose a lot more when you skip vacations. It’s always a big payoff if you observe them.

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post Why Entrepreneurs Shouldn’t Skip Vacations appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur who is looking to start your first business? Starting your own business can be an enriching experience, but it can also be quite challenging. There are many things to think about when you’re starting a business, from the initial planning stages to the day-to-day tasks of running the business. This article will provide some tips for aspiring entrepreneurs just starting their first business venture. Read on for advice on everything from choosing a business idea to getting started with marketing and funding your new venture. Let’s get started.

Choose the Right Company Formation

When you’re starting a business, one of the first things you need to do is choose the right company formation. There are a few different company formations to choose from, so it’s essential to select the one that best suits your business. The most common formations are sole trader ships, limited companies, and partnerships.

Each type of company formation has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to choose the one that will work best for your business. For example, if you’re planning on raising money from investors or you need to protect your assets, then you’ll probably want to choose a limited company. If you’re starting a business on your own, a sole trader ship may be the best option.

Legalize Your Business

Once you’ve chosen the proper company formation, it’s time to legalize your business. This process can be a little confusing, but it’s essential to ensure that your business is legal and compliant with all applicable laws. The best way to do this is to consult with an attorney specializing in business law or work with experts who can help you with the legalization process.

There are many processes involved with legalizing a business, from registering with the government to obtaining necessary licenses and permits. It’s essential to ensure that you complete all of these steps, as failure to do so can result in legal trouble for your business. Some businesses require more legal work than others, so be sure to do your research and get expert help if necessary.

Create a Business Plan

A business plan is essential for any new business. It’s a document that outlines your business goals, strategies, and operations. Without a business plan, it will be challenging to make informed decisions about your business or track your progress over time.

There are a lot of different resources available online for creating a business plan. You can find templates, templates, and more information on creating a business plan on the SBA website. It’s essential to take your time when starting your business plan and to make sure that it’s realistic and achievable. Once you have a business plan in place, you can use it as a roadmap for your business.

Know Your Competitors and Market

When you’re starting a business, it’s essential to understand your competitors and the market. This information will help you determine how to position your business in the market and what strategies to use for marketing and advertising.

It’s also important to know who your target customers are. Knowing your target customer is essential for creating effective marketing and advertising campaigns. You can gather this information by conducting market research or surveying your current customers.

Secure Funding

One of the biggest challenges faced by new businesses is securing funding. It can be challenging to find investors or lenders willing to invest in a new business, especially if it’s in its early stages. Besides this, most small businesses don’t have the cash flow to sustain themselves in the early stages of development.

There are a few different ways to secure funding for your business. You can seek investors, apply for government grants and loans, or get a loan from a bank or credit union. It’s essential to research all of your options and choose the one that best suits your business. For instance, government loans and grants may be a good option for businesses in the early stages of development.

Create a Website and Social Media Presence

We live in a digital age where most people research businesses online before making a purchase. If your business is not online, you’re missing out on many potential customers. It is essential that your business has a website and that you are actively engaged in social media.

A website is a great way to introduce your business and showcase your products and services to the world. It’s also a place where customers can learn more about your company, contact you, and make purchases. A website should be well-designed, easy to navigate, and updated regularly.

Similarly, social media is a great way to connect with your customers and promote your business. It’s a cost-effective way to reach a large number of people quickly. You should create accounts on major social media platforms and post regularly. Be sure to respond to comments and messages from customers.

Market Your Business

Websites and social media accounts are not the only ways you can use to market your business. You can also market your business offline by distributing flyers, brochures, and other marketing materials. You can also hold events and workshops to promote your business.

It’s essential to be creative when marketing your business. Don’t just rely on the same old methods. Try something new and see how it works for you. Remain flexible and be willing to change your marketing strategies as needed. When marketing your business, it is crucial to be consistent and persistent.

Stay Organized

As an entrepreneur, you will be juggling many different tasks at once. It’s essential to stay organized to focus on your business goals. There are a few different ways to stay organized. You can use a planner or calendar to track your tasks and deadlines. You can also create a to-do list and use it to track the progress of your tasks.

It’s also essential to have a good filing system for your documents. This will make it easy for you to find what you need when you need it. Stay organized, and you’ll be able to stay focused and productive.

Starting a business is not easy. It takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, you can succeed. These are just a few tips to help you get started. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to starting your own successful business.

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post Smart Tips For Aspiring Entrepreneurs On Starting Their First Business appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

Nominations have officially opened for the ninth Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards) ahead of its Awards Ceremony in September. For almost a decade, the BBBAwards have shone a light on the exceptional achievements of Black British business professionals and entrepreneurs who have made extraordinary contributions to the UK economy. This year’s Ceremony will be held in the city of London on the 29th of September.

Since their inception, the BBBAwards and its portfolio of change programs have facilitated impactful and enduring cultural change in companies across various sectors, ensuring greater representation of exceptional Black executives in senior roles. Focusing on research-led, impact-oriented initiatives which have driven the talent agenda, the BBBAwards provide a platform to acknowledge, inspire and celebrate Black business stars in the UK.

From editors to litigation lawyers, master tailors to creative directors, the BBBAwards continue to champion talent in all sectors. Sophie Chandauka MBE, Executive Founder and Chair of the Black British Business Awards said: “After successfully navigating the challenges of putting on an Awards Ceremony during the pandemic, we are thrilled to announce that this year’s ceremony will be back in person.

We are calling on individuals and organisations across the UK to put forward their best and brightest talent. It will be an honour to recognise and reward those who have defied the odds and flourished in an economic and social landscape impacted by the pandemic, paving the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps.”

The six categories open for nomination for both Rising Stars and Senior Leaders include:

• Arts and Media (includes media, design, fashion, performance art, publishing and advertising)

• Consumer and Luxury (includes food, beverage, retail, travel, cosmetics and luxury goods)

• Entrepreneur (businesses must have been operational for 18+ months prior to April 2022)

• Financial Services (includes banks, brokers, payment services, insurance and finance regulators)

• Professional Services (includes law, accounting management consultancy)

• STEM (includes health, industrial, telecoms, pharmaceuticals, construction, transport and energy)

Last year’s winners included a range of professionals in a wide variety of sectors up and down the country, including accomplished and recognised litigation lawyer Akima Paul Lambert (who was also featured in The Lawyer’s ‘Hot 100’ list for 2022), Edgar Chibaka & Jamal Tahlil (co-founders of security and facilities management provider First Response Group), and Vese Aghoghovbia (Lagos-born entrepreneur who is bringing diverse representation into children’s literature, toys and products).

For the second year running, the BBBAwards will be celebrating an individual of a non-Black background who has been an advocate for diverse equality in business and is a leading voice in the advancement of Black talent through the Ally of the Year Award.

In addition to the Awards themselves, the BBBAwards has contributed to the progression of Black talent advancement through a range of important initiatives including Mentor Mondays, Race in the Boardroom, The Middle Research Report, The Employee Network Leaders Series and The Global Investor Strategy and Corporate Governance Forum.
Nominations will be open for six weeks and will close on the 22nd March.

For the third year, J.P.Morgan will be Key Partner and will retain this role going into the BBBAwards 10-year anniversary next year. Sponsors also include Barclays, Bloomberg, Tranzfar, Wellington Management and Wells Fargo. The Daily Telegraph for the sixth-year running will be the BBBAwards official Media Partner.

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post Nominations Open For 2022 Black British Business Awards appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

However, there are several niche sectors or voids in the marketplace that entrepreneurs may fill, allowing them to capitalize on unmet market needs while also placing their best effort forward in the corporate world.

What Business To Start After COVID-19

If you have the skills, and you’re looking to start your own business or modify the goods and/or services you currently offer to a dynamic economy, here are 10 ideas to explore.

●     Pets Services

The huge increase in pet adoptions as a result of the COVID-19 lockdowns was a positive outcome. Shelters around the country saw a 700 percent rise in adoptions and caring in 2020 compared to 2019. Animal products such as handcrafted treats and toys, as well as online pet training seminars, are in a growing market right now. So, this is an opportunity for a new business.

●     Handmade Beauty Kits

Consumers who want to treat themselves at home rather than in a salon will appreciate DIY home beauty items and packages. Industry analysts predict that holistic health and self-care items, such as facial creams, oils, and aroma products, would continue to be in high demand for the near future, even as the virus has passed.

●     Clearing Services

Cleanup and disinfecting products rushed off the shelves in 2020, and many business cleaning services were in greater supply than they had ever been. Manufacturers and building owners will continue to seek these cleaning services when more businesses reopen to the public, especially colleges and universities, to minimize the risk of viruses and bacteria and guarantee their workers feel safe and secure.

●     Education Toys

Even after schools are reopened to in-person classes or hybrid learning, parents and students continue to come up with new ways to stimulate analytical thinking and imaginative stimulation. Entrepreneurs with a love for knowledge have a fantastic chance to move in and fulfill the educational toys and activities market gap.

●     Personal Training Online

Entrepreneurs with a desire for health and a degree in physical education, exercise physiology, nutrition, or sports medicine can offer online courses or one session to the work(out)-at-home public.

●     Virtual Career Consulting

Starting a virtual resume editing and consulting firm allows those with expert manners knowledge and a love for helping others to commercialize their talents and mission. This is ideal for businesses with a personal stake in personal training and advising. You can use a professional localization service to explore your business and make it visible to others. It’s easy-peasy, you can work on a laptop anywhere in the world and all the world will know about you.

●     Device Cleaning Services

COVID-19 placed the importance of cleanliness at the forefront of everyone’s consciousness, as well as greater consumption of resources to remain connected. Entrepreneurs can dominate a specialized industry by integrating the two demands of technology and cleaning large items and providing quick response and exceptional customer service.

●     Handmade Products

The pandemic demonstrated both the resiliency of stores selling online and the need of citizens looking to support small and medium enterprises. For ambitious sellers of handcrafted goods such as knitted cloths, flavored olive oil, and other items, online shops are the greatest option.

●     Transcription Services

Transcription services, which involve hearing audio recordings and preserving them in written form. It always has been and will remain to be a different business that can meet the needs of diverse sectors. However, if you need some help with the written form, you can always use the best translating websites to help you out. Transcription services, which are most commonly employed in the medical industry, are a fascinating online business.

●     Visual Team-Building

The number of businesses adopting permanent online work practices as a result of COVID-19 continues to increase. You can propose to plan it for them if they don’t have time to design and organize their unique virtual events.

Now you know which business will thrive post-pandemic, so it’s up to you to decide which one you will lead.

Summary

Workplaces would never be the same after this. The COVID-19 pandemic will revolutionize the way we work, much as 9/11 changed the way the globe travels. These transformations will affect how people move, access workplaces, engage with others, handle responsibilities, and much more. So, you have a few ideas on how you can help people post-COVID-19 and still earn some money.

BIO:

Merissa Moore is a writer, strategist, and analyst who specializes in content creation. She enjoys conducting studies on a wide range of issues and sharing her extensive expertise with the general audience. She enjoys taking holidays and visiting new locations in her spare time.

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post 10 Ways To Get Global in Post-Quarantine World for Business appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

When it comes to owning a small business or being an entrepreneur marketing is probably the last thing on your mind, right? There are so many other things that you have to focus on a day to day basis, that thinking about whether or not you’re going to publish a blog post or share a photograph on Instagram is the lowest of all your priorities. That is if it even makes the list.

Although it may seem as though it’s not relevant to your business, marketing is incredibly an important tool for those that want to increase their business’ earning potential. With that in mind, here are 7 marketing tips for small businesses and entrepreneurs:

Use Social Media To Promote Your Business

Social media is an incredibly important tool for those who want to extend their reach. Using different platforms you’ll be able to reach potential customers, all without having to spend thousands like you would on traditional media. Whilst it does take a little bit of time and effort to learn the basics, you’ll start to wonder how your business ever survived without it once you’re signed up.

Create A Content Marketing Strategy For Your Company Blog

Content marketing often revolves around the content you share on your blog and the other aspects that surround that. Whether that’s starting a social media campaign or sending out a newsletter to your subscribers – your blog will be the starting point for your whole strategy. For tips and advice on how to start a content marketing strategy, you can visit this site here.

Learn The Basics Of SEO For Your Website

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation which when put simply, means to change certain aspects of your website to help it become more visible to Google. Doing so will mean your site is more likely to appear at the top of search engine results when people search for things within your industry. Although slightly tricky to learn, this is a valuable tool for those looking to increase their online sales. For tips on how to improve your local SEO listings, you can visit this site here.

Consider Starting A YouTube Channel

If you find you have lots of content ideas that are too complicated or relaxed for an entire blog post, consider starting a YouTube channel instead. This will allow you to create content for your followers and potential customers, all of which will feel as though they’re getting to know you through the lens. It’s a great way to have a more ‘personal’ side to your business.

Pay For Targeted Ads

Targeted Ads are an inexpensive way to ensure a social media post is seen by your target audience. By setting certain parameters you can choose who you want your ad to be sent out with, increasing the chances of people discovering your brand and purchasing your products.

Do you want to use marketing to grow your business? If yes, let us know if you use any of the tips from this post in the comment section below.

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post 5 Marketing Tips For Small Businesses And Entrepreneurs appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

You may not realize it, but your office’s design and decor can actually go a long way to affecting your employees’ motivation and productivity. A badly designed office can be a terrible work environment as moving around it could be highly inefficient. Not only that, though, but it could create a few hazards and might even encourage clutter.

Once you’ve sorted out your office’s layout, you then need to think about how it looks. Here are some tips from other successful entrepreneurs that should help you create a beautifully designed office that is great for your team’s productivity!

Use Bright Colors

First of all, think about the colors that you use within your office. Don’t go for ones that are too dark as these could be quite overbearing. They might even make your office feel a lot smaller than what it is as well. So, it’s best to go for crisp, bright colors that can help to open up the whole space. Try to keep the colors fairly neutral too so that they aren’t too overwhelming for any of your employees.

Support The Local Arts Community

To try to improve your company’s reputation with the local community, it’s a nice idea to support artists working in your region. You might want to buy a few artworks from a couple of local artists for your walls, for instance. Another nice idea is to hire a couple of artists to come into your office so that they can create a stylish mural for one of your office walls.

Keep Decor Features Tasteful

When you do choose other decor features to add to your office, it’s best to try to keep everything as tasteful as possible. This will help to add an air of sophistication to your office, which can help it seem extremely professional. Rather than some plain wall sconces, you might want to opt for some office acrylic wall art for example. It’s also best to keep these decor features to a minimum as adding too many could make your office look slightly cluttered and tacky.

Don’t Forget Mirrors

It’s really worth adding a few mirrors around your office. This is especially the case if your office is only fairly small, as these mirrors can help to create the illusion of space. Mirrors will also help fill the room with a lot more natural light. If you strategically place a mirror opposite a window, then sunlight will shine into the mirror and reflect around the rest of the office, helping to brighten it all up.

Use Dividers In Open-Plan Offices

It’s a good idea to add some dividers to open-plan areas in your office. They can help add a bit of privacy so that it doesn’t feel like your employers are all working on top of one another. Plus, creating sections with dividers will make the space feel a lot more spacious.

As you can see, there are plenty of great decor tips that you can use in your office. Let us know which ones you go with!

This is an article provided by our partners network. It might not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of our editorial team and management.
Contributed content

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

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Today, 60% of millennials consider themselves as entrepreneurs. However, despite the growing interest in the world of startups, only 35% of Millennials make up the percentage of entrepreneurs under 30 – making them the least entrepreneurial generation. So what’s the cause for the gap between the expectations of young entrepreneurs and the reality of starting a business? Student debt is definitely part of the blame.

While over 70% of college seniors left with debt after graduation, the national student loan debt is now $1.48 trillion. That is more than a 150% increase within the past decade. Not to mention, research claims that 19% of students said to have delayed starting a business because of their loan debt, according to the 2015 Gallup-Purdue Index. So, can personal credit really make an impact on your startup ventures? Unfortunately, yes. Check out these strategies on how to settle your personal debt before starting a business.

Audit Your Position

The initial step is to run a full audit of your current position. If you have existing loans, it will have an unfavorable impact on your credit report. How much are you currently earning every month? What are your monthly expenses and savings? How much debt do you currently hold? Before you can move forward with your startup, you will need to answer these questions and become aware of your current financial position.

Eliminate All Debts

As one of the biggest obstacles when starting a business, you must get rid of all debt before starting a business. If you’re tied to monthly payments, you’ll have less financial flexibility. In fact, high amounts of debt can also increase your personal financial risk if the business falls. As a business owner may already have a sizeable amount of personal debt, reducing the chances of getting your business loan approved. If your credit history is low, expect to pay a higher rate for interest. You can also take out a consolidation agreement to reduce your total interest rate or pay off the monthly premiums.

Remove Risk to Income-Generating Assets

As most are concerned with revolving debt, the risks from secured loans can be even greater when you’re in business. Should you fall behind in monthly loan payments; the company will hound you mercilessly – even when you’re experiencing low cash flow. Eventually, they’ll place your account in a collection or secure a court judgment against you. This will not only damage your credit but also remove the income-producing assets from your name.

No matter why old or new your business may be, the success relies on long-term thinking and planning. Thus, it is important to stay on top of finances and consider delaying the opening of your business until you are able to pay down debt, clear your previous loans, and have comfortable savings for your startup.

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Contributed content

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post Starting A Business? Settle Your Personal Debt First appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.