Business Etiquette Tips That Would Help You Become Professional

When it comes to business, the workplace is a diverse landscape where different kinds of opportunities are present. It is also a highly competitive world where results matter the most. With business courses present in different kinds of universities, which include civil engineering universities in Manila, students have the chance to be able to learn the ropes and study to become an excellent businessman.

One important element in becoming a good businessman is having good business etiquette. This is the mark of being a true professional businessman, as you have character and manners that befit your role. Here are some important business etiquette tips that you must know.

Punctuality matters

One of the traits that you must have, whatever career path you would choose, is punctuality. This is a trait that is highly valued in a lot of companies across the world. Being punctual is going to work, meetings, and other events on time. This means not being late and making sure that you would not keep anyone waiting too long. Being punctual is good etiquette even in places like a civil engineering university in Manila, where time is something of the essence each passing day.

Always say thank you

Gratitude is another trait that everyone should learn in any place, as a simple thank you goes a long way, and always leaves a good impression. At work, one might be too busy to thank people face-to-face, but that does not mean you should not send your regards. Things like simple notes, emails and texts are effective ways to thank people at work and is a sign of professionalism on your part.

Turn your gadgets off during important meetings

Having gadgets at work helps, as you are able to communicate while on the go. This can help you send work emails, and even make sure that you are reminded of the tasks that you will be doing during the day.

As effective as gadgets are at work, always make sure that they are turned off during important meetings and discussions. This helps prevent any unnecessary distractions and be fully focused on the meeting itself. This is another sign of professionalism and can be learned in a civil engineering university in Manila.

Observe good manners during meals

One of the earliest forms of etiquette that you will learn as a child is good table manners. First impressions are very important, which is why showing your good manners would give people a great impression of you instantly. From eating and drinking properly, to how you converse at the table, always remind yourself to show good manners.

Have a firm handshake

When it comes to meeting different people in a professional environment for the first time, you will most likely begin and end with a handshake. When it comes to handshake, it is important that you have a good and firm one, as a handshake is one-way people would be able to leave an impression. Having a good handshake, along with being a good communicator, are definitely important elements of a good businessman.

Key Takeaway

Learning business, like every other degree program, always has its challenges that must be overcome. By learning these business etiquette tips, you are guaranteed that you are able to build yourself to become a great businessman.

6 Tips to Build Self-Confidence During Job Interviews

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking at times. It’s the one segment we all have to go through before landing a job of our choosing. There are times where you feel the nerves kicking in, which in turn can affect the overall vibe during the interview. Nonetheless, applying in offices like call center services in the Philippines and landing an interview doesn’t have to be as nervous as it seems; in fact, with a couple of tips bestowed to you, you can nail any interview that comes your way, and in turn, seal the deal on any job you want! With that said, read on for some of the best tips to help you build up your self-confidence during any job interview.

Before the Interview

The best time to prepare for the process would be anytime before the scheduled interview, specifically a day before. That way, you’ll be able to project a great vibe that the interviewer will surely like. Here are some of the best tips for you to try before the interview:

  • Prepare and Rehearse the Interview

Say, you’ve landed a job interview with one of the best call center services in the Philippines and the interview is tomorrow. If you wish to do your best for the next day, prepare some mock interview questions, stand in front of a mirror, and start speaking as if you’re both the interviewer and interviewee. In fact, you can even have someone read some lines with you and you can have your own practice interview session then and there.

  • Research the Company

Even before the interview happens, one thing to consider is that offices like Philippine call center services absolutely LOVE it when you’ve done your fair share of research on the company. With that said, research on the company you’re applying for, understand its schematics, as well as what they can offer you in terms of service and experience.

  • Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Of course, a key component in great self-confidence would be none other than a good night’s sleep. No matter what time your interview may be scheduled tomorrow, get a good night’s sleep and you’re sure to wake up excited and ready to conquer.

During the Interview

Finally! The day you’ve been preparing for is finally here! Of course, the nerves can still kick in; but luckily, these tips can help you seal the deal and land the job! Here are the best tips for you to try for your interview:

  • Greet Your Interviewer with Enthusiasm

This is a really great way to build your self-confidence during a job interview. When your name is called and you walk in the room, put on a smile, reach out for a handshake, and greet your interviewer as bright as the day! Interviewers love to see the right amount of eagerness in their applicants; and with you, they are sure to smile back!

  • Maintain Eye Contact and Answer Politely, Honestly, and Precisely

This is the part that determines your interviewer’s overall impression of you. After all, first impressions DO count.

When it comes to this, simply maintain eye contact with your interviewer, smile, and answer with honesty and earnest. If ever there are trivial questions being asked, no need to worry about getting a wrong answer. Simply make an intelligent guess on the topic at hand and make our answer believable with your tone.

  • Stand/Sit Straight

Never EVER slouch during your job interview! Interviewers love to see their prospects with great posture as it exudes such a confidence that can’t be broken. In fact, even before the interview itself, you can practice your posture to better prepare.

Key Takeaway

There are numerous other tips you can try for your upcoming job interviews; either way, these 6 tips are your stepping stones towards any job of any industry you wish to venture to! Just make sure to come on time, be patient, and above all, relax. You’re sure to land the job in no-time!

 

How to Be a Better Leader for the Better Future of Your Business

When it comes to working in any company out there, especially a Philippine call center office, the one thing that proves to be essential for the betterment of the company is none other than leadership, which is often encompassed through your very own team leaders, supervisors, and company executives. Without leadership, work flow would be affected to a certain extent, as well as the absence of a natural camaraderie between co-workers; and with that said, it falls on the leader’s shoulders to uphold the virtue of authority and the responsibility of constant vigilance, especially when it comes to the work environment.

There are numerous ways to become a better leader for your team. Not only can being a better leader be the betterment of your team, but it can be the betterment of your business as well. So, if you’re looking for some enlightenment on this particular topic, here are some of the best ideas for you to consider, especially if it is for the betterment of your business:

Get to Know Each and Every One of Your Employees

Philippine call centers and most other companies of the same track are known for their different and unique approaches to numerous workloads. In any case, while most businesses are known for strictly imposing a hierarchy between the big bosses and their employees, your business doesn’t have to fall into that very vibe.

With that said, take the time to get to know the people who are working for you, especially those working directly under you. Not only will this encourage a friendly dynamic between you and them, but it can also encourage them to work more and complete the tasks up ahead.

Don’t Be Too Strict; But Don’t Be Too Laid-back Either

Since we’re on the subject of getting to know your employees better, one of the best things for this is to project a friendly demeanor. That way, your employees will be able to approach you with any concern they might have, as well as bond with you on numerous occasions such as through drinks and/or through dining out.

However, while building a friendship with your employees is great, especially in a Philippine call center, it’s also important to know your boundaries as their boss. With that said, it’s best to set those limits for your employees, especially when it comes to the rules and regulations of your company. That way, your employees will know the best times to engage in a jovial manner with you.

Don’t Blame Them for Anything Negative That Happens in Your Business, especially in a Philippine Call Center

Unless, of course, if any of them really had something to do with anything of the matter. In any case, blaming your employees for anything negative not only shows your lack of trust with them, but also your complete inability to accept any form of criticism, as well as any form of inconsistency that may serve as a means for you to increase productivity and drive among you and your teammates.

Key Takeaway

Being a better leader for the better future of your business is one way to ensure that your business is here to stay; and with these tips in store for you, there’s definitely no argument that may ensue in your business’ overall standing.

How To Choose The Perfect Domain Name As A Photographer

website for a photographer

Even if you don’t think so, you absolutely need a website as a photographer. Social networks make it seem pretty easy to promote your business and find customers. But if you want people to take you seriously, you have to create a place where they can see a full range of services you provide and discover you as a professional.

Choosing the right domain name is vital for any new business. Your first impulse would be to use your imagination and creativity and make sure you stand out from millions of other young artists. But you also have to think everything through.

Just like a lot of people at the start of a new chapter in their life you may feel lost. The following tips will help you build a website that can become your digital portfolio.

When Choosing a Name

Don’t Stick with .com

Even if it is considered to be the leading domain nowadays, there are plenty of domain extensions such as .net, .store, .blog, .photography and even .pizza that will help you create a memorable name.

Use Keywords

These are the words that are supposed to tell what your website does. A list of the appropriate keywords will provide a high rank for your website and make it easier to find it. Since most of the keywords are already taken, this is the time to get creative.

Keep It Short

Your domain name should be 15 characters at most. It’s better to have a domain name that is short and memorable. A short domain name will make sure that users don’t enter typos.

Think about the Spelling

Be sure to use your name because you are the one people would want to cooperate with. Sometimes a misspelled character like number or hyphen will make the clients lose interest in your website. So, you might want to avoid using numbers, hyphens or doubled letters.

Be Unique and Brandable

Although millions of creative names are already taken, it is also your advantage because you can visit these websites and get inspired. You can even run a domain name through your friends and relatives to check how it sounds and whether it seems catchy.

Follow-up Work on Your Website

The Registration

Be sure to choose the right registrar because it will define the work of your website in the future. Think about the price of registration that can vary from 9$ to 24$. Google, however, provides a private registration service for free. You can look through this hosting services review that will help you find the company that provides the features you need.

Developing of the Website

Your website keeps will keep growing, so you want to leave the room to expand and develop it. Think carefully about the domain name that will allow you to open a full range of service you might provide in future.

Website Hosting

While some users are sticking to the WordPress, you can discover a variety of other platforms. Some of them can partially free you from the hard work of keeping a website. Others will allow you use their apps and professional tools.

You Have Options

Do some research and pay attention to opinions and suggestions of other photographers. However, don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd. Good luck designing your website!

Identifying The Signs Of Unhappy Employees

It’s simple: unhappy employees don’t work well. Their projects will fail, which will make disappointed clients no longer want to invest in your company. This can be avoided if you set a good work attitude example, which can help shape the work culture of your office. Failure to cultivate this culture could lead to endless cycle of employees coming and going; similar to the practice of endo. Because of this, your company will always be comprised of entry level workers and trainees and no associates. Your company cannot evolve to the heights you want to reach if you the people in it don’t perform well.

Now, as an employer, your employees are, naturally, more socially reserved towards you. Because of this, it may be hard to tell if someone has a grievance since they feel like they can’t tell you directly. You’re going to have to look for signs. Here are some examples:

Reaching for only the minimum

As a business, you’re going to want to exceed the expectations of your clients. This attitude is what makes companies evolve. You want employees that believe in this mantra because it encourages them to not just go for bare minimum; they aim to do more to invest in their careers and get the coveted promotion. Employees that don’t aim for the promotion are merely there just for the pay check and not success.  This disinterest to grow in their field means that they aren’t happy with the job or with what they are doing.

Disappearing Acts

If employee absence has been a problem for you, then that could also mean they are unhappy. It’s possible that they relate the workplace to excessive stress. This leads them to find all opportunities to not be at the work space. Signs of this are the following:

  • Tardiness
  • Over-breaks
  • Work and Life Imbalance
  • Clock-watching

Lack of Transparency

People in a company may only have professional relationships but they are relationships none the less – whether it is boss-employee or between the employees. For any relationship to flourish, transparency is a requirement. The lack of this in the office is dangerous because it doesn’t allow trust to form. A sign of an office without trust is eerie silence. While silence is needed for concentration, too much of it means they are not communicating well with each other. This is because they don’t trust each other with their thoughts and opinions. This kind of environment is toxic and it could lead to people leaving or work inefficiency.

Value

People choose to apply for certain jobs over others because they feel like they can use their special skills there. Because of this, being accepted at their desired job will make them feel like their value is recognized. Companies that value their employees inspire them to work hard and invest in their careers in your company.

There are two things that can make an employee feel unvalued; first is if you assign him to do something that you both agreed (via contract) that he/she shouldn’t be doing. This will make him feel like just a person being bossed around. Second is failure to give them credit to a job well done. It is a horrible feeling when you don’t believe like your efforts have any meaning. If you do any of these things, then expect your employees to lose enthusiasm and no longer invest their efforts. Try to re-evaluate the way you see and treat your employees if you see this sign.

Your employees are your most valuable asset and their happiness is the key for success in your business. For the sake of your company’s future and overall positivity, make sure that you make working in your company an inspirational experience.

Business Ideas for Introverts

Nowadays, having only one source of income is not enough to fulfill your financial goals and be financially independent. This is why many people are embracing the idea of entrepreneurship. Having your own business means working with your own people at your own time. But, what if you prefer working alone than in a team? Worry not! There are various business ideas that you can consider to start gaining regular customer acquisition services, which are perfect for introverts.

Start your entrepreneurship journey and determine which of the following business ideas suits you best.

Blogging

blogging

Are you efficient in writing and editing? Why not start your own blog site? Starting your own blog nowadays is easy because of the availability of the Internet. Many of the successful entrepreneurs today found their success in blogging.

Apart from writing and editing skills, you also need marketing skills, which will help you identify what type of content you need to produce to engage your audience into your website and can meet your client’s goal. Start your blog by choosing platform, which mostly free, create a short bio about you, and start writing.

You need:

  • Computer
  • Stable Internet connection
  • Impeccable writing and editing skills
  • Efficient marketing skills
  • Reliable platform

Graphic Designer

graphic designer

Graphic designing is one of the easiest digital businesses. Designers can make a living by creating their own website with their portfolio in it, which can attract potential clients.

When communicating and dealing with clients, designers can use either email or Skype.

Responsibilities of a graphic designer include creating logos, websites, layout, and producing marketing materials.

You need:

  • Computer
  • Design software, such as Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop
  • An eye for art
  • Deep knowledge in design principles

Landscape Photographer

Landscape photographer

Do you have an eye for capturing beautiful imagery in different locations? Landscape photography might be the best option for you. Landscape photography is one of the kinds of photography that deals in capturing the beauty of certain scenery. There are many ways how a landscape photographer can generate his or her income: by shooting for different publications or websites and selling your photographs to various stock photos websites. Start your photography career by coming up with your name and purchasing equipment, such as DSLR. Moreover, you can build your portfolio and market your services through different social media platforms, such as Facebook and Pinterest.

You need:

  • High-quality DSLR
  • Different lens
  • An eye for art

 Start an E-commerce Store

E-commerce

The easy access to the Internet gave birth to the different e-commerce stores or online shops. Online shopping is popular because of accessibility and convenience it brings to its consumers. All you need to do is to choose a reliable platform, upload photos of products in the website, and pick a trusted payment system.

You need:

  • Products
  • Reliable platform
  • Trusted payment system

Starting your own business is never an easy task. You need to know the basic elements of entrepreneurship to adapt in the fast paced world of business. However, with a proper research and preparation, you will surely achieve your success in your chosen field, whether you are an introvert or not.

Is Working from Home Right for You?

Many people get excited about working from home due to the prospect of having control over everything. In fact, some people run multi thousand dollar organizations out of the privacy and security of their own bedrooms, kitchens, or living rooms. Of course, while that all sounds great hypothetically, there’s some things you may want to ask yourself first.

How Secure and/or Permanent is your Workplace?

For starters, is your home sustainable as a place for your work? How long will you live there, and should you have to move, how badly will it slow down your business? Should you keep your products and inventory at home, do you have the room for that? And make sure you have the room for proper organization! Your place needs to be big enough to benefit your work rather than ruin it. Furthermore, it should be safe from threats to your business. If your work isn’t secure where you live – as in, the location stops it from being feasible for whatever reason – then working from home might be a bad idea. Always be prepared to leave.

How many people are working on your project?

Maybe you need people working with you in person. That’s great and there’s nothing wrong with that, but please ask yourself: will they fit in your house? If not, find a new space. You do not want your staff to work so closely together they get sick of each other, and homes are an easy place for that to happen. Keep in mind, it is completely possible for a team to have unity and solidarity from remote locations. There is not a reason to overcrowd your space if you don’t have to.

Do you have the time at home with no distractions?

Many of us, at the age we start building our own businesses, start to have kids as well. The truth is that if you’re going to work from home, you need time to do so. And I don’t find it insensitive to point out that kids, of course, occupy a lot of time. If your family is distracting you find ways occupy young kids. Pro-tip: consider making your ‘work’ time their ‘learning’ time by sneaking in math or reading based games. If that’s still not working for you though you might want to evaluate if working from home is the best option for you.

What’s your Long Term Goal?

A little advice: before any big or rash decisions about where to place your workspace, decide what your ultimate long term goals are and then make a list of how to accomplish them. If you want to expand to work outside of your own house and this is a waste of time, maybe you should move. If your goals are big, do what you need to accomplish them. In fact, going back to family, maybe the distractions of home are too much. Maybe cutting costs isn’t worth less productivity in those cases. Ultimately, while I believe in saving as much money as possible, I also know that spending more in the short run can save more in the long run. So set those goals and use your wisdom to make them happen!

What’s your experience working from home? Let me know on Twitter @robolitious!

Which Social Media Platform is Right for Your Small Business?

It seems like virtually every business is on social media and they are right to do so. Millions of people access social media everyday through computers, phones, and tablets. Which is exactly why businesses are taking advantage of these free communication tools.  There are lots of social media platforms to choose from but what some business owners don’t realize is that they don’t have to be on all of them. Here’s some info to help you find which platform is right for you.

Facebook is by far the platform with the most users. Business owners use it to either increase their web presence or for direct advertising. People can link to their product pages or buy ad space directly from Facebook. However businesses tend to favor increasing their audience than making ads. Active users who frequently like and share content end up being more profitable in the end. Marketing was usually managed by third party marketing firms but people are starting to hire social media managers internally. Internal management tends to result in a more personable image since the person writing posts lives in the area and knows the demographic better.

For business owners Twitter and Facebook generally achieve similar goals: increasing presence and advertising. Sharing content and posting original Tweets is the best way to gain a following, but remember to get creative with your Tweets because you are limited to 140 characters. Twitter is a great tool to direct contact, you can Tweet directly at a business or person and usually get a response. You can even Tweet at your favorite celebrity and get a response. These two platforms are also used as a form of public relations since they are a direct connection to customers. Businesses can refute negative feedback with public or personal responses.

Many businesses are utilizing Google Plus because of its growing user base and access to other tools, making it a quick and effective for communication. The platform is accessed through Gmail which creates many different ways to share ideas between different people. A favorite from Google Plus is the hangout platforms that allow people to instantly message each other. Plus it includes a calendar that is used to schedule events and reminders, which can be used to create projects that are then assigned to specific people. On the employer side the main benefit is streamlining company communication.

Another social media platform that most businesses are using, or at the very least their Human Resources department is using, is LinkedIn. The platform connects businesses with people working in that field. Employees and employers can establish a connection and communicate with each other about potential job opportunities. LinkedIn is used alongside a strong email marketing campaign to recruit new hires when needed. It is a simple and effective tool to vet new hires because LinkedIn profiles are basically online resumes. LinkedIn is not as popular as Facebook so you won’t be able to find nearly as many people but it is increasing in popularity and this particular social media platform looks like it is here to stay.

Going Green Around the Office

 

There’s a stereotype out there that big business is on a rampage to destroy the environment. Some would argue that this perspective is justified regardless the relationship between industry and the environment has been tenuous at times. The BP oil spill of 2012 is still fresh in the memory of many, particularly in the gulf region. The publishing industry is constantly on the hook for their business practices in regards to conservation, and chemical companies like DuPont and Dow have always been environmentally controversial. But many business offices across America are trying to reverse that thinking. There are many ways that an office environment can take steps to keep from harming the global environment. These measures don’t interfere with profit margins, indeed, in some ways they may even increase them. Here are some useful tips about how to “green” your office.

Energy in the Office

One of the most effective things you can do is to make sure all electronic equipment and lights are turned off at the end of the day, and don’t forget replace lights with energy efficient light bulbs. There may be some devices that needs to be powered overnight but certainly not all electronics. Encourage employees to turn off their computers while they’re checking out for the day also. By turning off just one 75 watt desktop every night, you can spare the world 750 pounds of carbon emissions every year. It will also go a long way to reducing your power bill.

Re: Recycling

Encourage a recycling program in your office. Just have two bins instead of one in the corner of your office, and make sure employees throw any and all used paper products in the recycling bin as opposed to the trash bin. You can even recycle your office furniture. There are companies out there that will come to you to pick up your old desks and chairs and will subsequently recycle them. While you are recycling your old materials, make sure to strictly use recycled material, when you have the option. Office Max and Staples sell 100% post-consumer recycled paper. It’s just as good as new paper and cuts down on deforestation.

The Road Less Travelled

In today’s tech crazy world, instant communication is easier than it has ever been. With the advent of instant messaging and networks like Skype, it is possible to communicate with someone halfway around the world with just a click of a button. Many companies are using these instant communication technologies to save on travel expenses, and it’s proved to be effective. But the great added perk is the environmental benefits that come with this minimized business travel. So next time you are planning a business trip, take a moment to consider if you really need to actually travel to conduct your business or if you can just use the bevy of communication tools available to you.

These are only a few creative ways to become more environmentally friendly while you conduct your daily business. Keep an eye out for tax breaks that apply to your company if you start green initiatives, these tips could save you money.