Using your mobile technology to build your business

Businesses are becoming smaller in size, and hopefully with some planning, they can become more nimble within their environments. Many have been displaced within recent time and with their resources being limited, they need to have ways that they can get up to speed quickly. How can they do this, and do it well? This time, more than any, is when consideration needs to be given to the acquisition and use of mobile technology. 

The presence of so many different types of mobile technology in the market place gives rise to a diverse set up applications for a significant number of business opportunities. 

Many businesses are now functioning semi-remotely. Despite resources being scarce, there are mobile tech hardware and software that can help businesses gain traction within their chosen markets. There's literally no excuse not to function competently. 

Here's why:

• Smartphones can cost more than laptops/desktops and are versatile in their applications and dexterity of  functioning while the businessman/woman is on the move. 
• There are paid and free apps that enable the businesses to do the work of entire offices while on the go; and the available platforms support this process. 
• Delegation is easy and reliable. 
• Collaboration is easy, reliable and functional.
• Response rate is almost instantaneous. 
• Document management was also mobile complete with the virtual filing system(s). This is largely due to the memory capacity on most devices. 
• Backup systems are in the cloud making it absolutely difficult to lose information. 

Now that you are aware you have the technology. Here are some things that you need to be aware of:

• Changing devices is easy as information updates are instantaneous when you log in with you profile credentials. 
• Backups/Restoration is easy and reliable. 
• Your contacts are readily at hand should you need to make contact with them. 
• You can process invoices, refunds and track your bookkeeping activity directly from your mobile devices. 
• There are endless security services to protect your data. 
• You can easily manage your devices from your administrative panels and the information they can access. 
• You can see your schedule at a glance. 
• There is seamless integration between devices which means you can continue working even on the move. 
• There is talk to type technology so that you don't break stride with your productivity. 
• You can access movies and music should you need to gear back for a break. 
• There are a plethora of courses, workshops, and webinars to keep you in the know as you seek out more knowledge. 

No excuses are available any longer. Use your preferred mobile technology and get busy on building and developing your future and safeguarding your livelihood and that of those you care about. 

Check our website bladesandbladesconsultancy.com for continued posts and updates. Hope this helps move you in the direction of your most dominant thoughts of success. 

Mobile Phone Usage for Business

When considering business and the use of telecommunications, one thing that is being used increasingly is the mobile phone. Some people are competent in the use of their devices; for the most part, many aren't. 

When observing how people use their mobile phones, it oftentimes makes me wonder if they have given consideration as to the use of their device. Some people use their phones as unpaid comedians to forward jokes. Others send graphics that do not, shall we say, coincide with their branding. Some people are just seemingly lawless and will waste your data plans without any regard for the fact that they are costing you money needlessly. 

Here are some scenarios that mobile phone users tend to engage in:

• They call you and ask you to call them back since their credit is about to run out. Really? Who wants to make contact with whom? 
• WhatsApp calls for business reasons. The call quality is choppy in many instances and does not make for high-quality interaction that at least seems professional. 
• Then, they are those with the prepaid phones that run out in the midst of a conversation. Guess what, postpaid is always the cheaper option. Don't be afraid of the commitment. 
• The sending of non-business related graphics also ranks high on the list of not to-dos. 
• Purchasing mobile phones that cost more than a computer and then not possessing the ability to use the features is more than a little off-putting. I liken it to purchasing the Mercedes with its high powered engine and speed abilities; only to drive it at 25 kph on the highway. 

If used well, mobile phones can be a game-changer for business people. Here are some examples:

• Small businesses and mobile phones 
• Small businesses and mobile data 

When you consider your business planning, examine if you're using your mobile technology optimally.  You just may be surprised at how much you can save, but more importantly how your earnings can be enhanced if you use the technology properly. 

Business Fundamentals - post-COVID-19

Barbados like other countries around the globe has been impacted by the pandemic of the COVID-19 in a way that has left many staggering. SMEs who already had little to no financial backup resources, as well as, individuals who have been displaced from their jobs have found themselves in unfamiliar ground; especially since most of us are not old enough to have experienced something like this before. 

Beginning next week. my colleagues and I will be sharing with the public what they can do to overcome the challenges they've experienced businesswise with this pandemic. The sessions are free to the public as indicated in the information following which also contains how you may register. 

We look forward to your participation. Come and get practical insights that you can implement almost immediately to realize results. 

Additionally, we anticipate that industry partners will be a part of this so that you know who to make contact with immediately as you complete the program. You can attend the entire program or the segments that you are most interested in. Learn where you can turn to for your HR needs, possible financing, and other incentives that your business can surely benefit from at this time. See you on Tuesday and please come early. We begin promptly at 10:00 so it's great to be at least 10 minutes early. 

Don't worry about handouts and making notes. We have developed a website where all your course material will be stored and is accessible by any device you have which can connect to the internet. Yes, you'll even have our presentations to take with you when you go. Thank you for the opportunity to serve Barbados! 

A fresh perspective is needed

Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 

Facing the challenges of people in business can be a daunting task. In business development, it means that I daily have to grapple with the challenges and problems that people present to me about their situations. Often they are related to their business, however, there are instances of some personal issues they need to address that often impact their businesses.

2018 has been a particularly rough year, it seems that bad news was just coming in from all directions. Averting foreclosures, turning around financial situations, dealing with all the challenges in business within an environment of uncertainty were all old hat to me or so I thought. The bigger the problem people had the more I enjoyed the challenge of successfully solving it for them.

This year, sure it may have been going on before, but I hadn't noticed it with this intensity. Lots of people I know died, and quite unexpectedly and at a rapid rate. It was at such a rate that I couldn't even attend all the funerals. Many were younger than I am.

'“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”' Ecclesiastes 1:2

I managed to recognize it earlier last evening when depression was trying to grasp me. Having heard others describe it, I never once experienced it before. Along the way, I wondered how many others have to grapple with this thing called depression, especially when everywhere they turn there is bad news. Reader, we have tried to compartmentalize our lives using human standards of understanding, and we are wrong. Life is intricately intertwined.

Of late, there are many who want to put God in a box, only calling on him when there is a tragedy. I have read comments by those who know better, it would appear, who post seemingly careless thoughts about what they think about God.

Well, thank God for my relationship with him, since you can really get some really negative thoughts coming at you that if left unchecked can result in a loss. It is important to have a default position. Mine is with Christ. The opening statement of this article sums it up to an extent.

How many others have to grapple with this with changes and challenges to their equilibrium with regards to work, family, lifestyle, country, and other aspects of living to which they have grown accustomed. Yes, the only thing constant in life is change, but are we prepared for these changes?

We can't rely on the government for assistance, but the government has to rely on us as we are facing a most dire rebuilding process given the magnitude of the situations we face. There are many who don't have a mechanism for coping. We have to be our brother's keeper. It is necessary for others to experience the joy of their salvation. A fresh perspective is needed.

The 5 negative areas of impact within your business

There are a couple of things that go towards making a business successful; one of them is a constant flow of customers. The thing is, many businesses don't go beyond lip service when it comes to serving customers.

Daily we hear expensive commercials making promises that seldom deliver, and this is evidenced by the number of factors:

1. The staff is poorly trained in handling the product(s) / service(s). 
2. They may not have adequate knowledge about what they are offering for sale
3. The systems have not been adjusted to meet the increased demand in business, hence bottlenecks/shortages result within the operation. 
4. Incidences where the company can renege on its word which can lead to damaged credibility. 
5. An interdepartmental disconnect within the organization can lead to frustrated customers 

By now you get the picture of the myriad of things that can go wrong when interacting with customers without properly planned systems. 

When planning promotions for your workplace it is necessary to pay attention to the support systems that have to facilitate that promotion and its smooth running. All stakeholders need to be involved so that adequate discussion addresses any challenges that can take place; especially from a logistical/financial standpoint. It is key to ensure that all systems support each other adequately; serving the ultimate role of treating your customer well.

Too many organizations leave their staff in a lurch, forcing them to resort to the i.n.o. (I ain't know) situations. that adversely affect the objectives the organization is hoping to realize.

There are resources that can assist you in improving your business. Though not all free they are necessary in order for your business to become sustainable. Though we may not do business together, I can certainly point you in the direction of some that may be available.

Richie B. has been involved in business development for well over 23 years. He believes in a team approach to aiding businesses and can assist you in making contact with the resources necessary for taking your business forward. 

The benefits of treating your customers well

There are a couple things that go towards making business successful; one of them is a constant flow of customers. The thing is, many businesses don't go beyond lip service when it comes to serving customers.

Daily we hear expensive commercials making promises that seldom deliver; and this is evidenced by the number of factors:

• Staff are poorly trained in handling the product(s) / service(s). 
• They may not have adequate knowledge about what they are offering for sale
• The systems have not been adjusted to meet the increased demand in business, hence bottlenecks / shortages result within the operation. 
• Incidences where the company can renege on its word which can lead to damaged credibility. 
• Interdepartmental disconnect can lead to frustrated customers 

By now you get the picture of the myriad of things that can go wrong when interacting with customers without properly planned systems. 

When planning promotions for your workplace it is necessary to pay attention to the support systems that have to facilitate that promotion and its smooth running. All stakeholders need to be involved so that adequate discussion addresses any challenges that can take place; especially from a logistical / financial standpoint. It is key to ensure that all systems support each other adequately; serving the ultimate role of treating your customer well.

Some Serious Considerations for Getting into Business

Lately, entrepreneurship is a word that's being touted around. With the amount of business schools that are available, not to mention the online courses and articles, there are many who want to do business that are unprepared.

I hope that this would be a sort of guidance for some of them since as I interact with the various supporters of SMEs from investors and financiers, through professionals - accountants, attorneys, operations, marketing, statutory bodies, and general business advisory services; there's a growing intolerance that can be detrimental to those with sound businesses. There's a need for entrepreneurs to understand that business goes past the point of - A Great Idea.

• Governments are looking towards it for job creation
• Universities and tertiary level institutions are offering it as courses 
• Those who are upset with their jobs decide they will embark upon it so that they won't have to work for the man
• Young people leaving school have decided that they will embrace it so that they won't be treated like their parents 
• Agencies are set up to encourage it and to sometimes teach aspects of it
• Training programs are developed, Investors are predatory, yet with all these interest groups it is a sad day when the true realization is as follows

Entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurship are by and large unprepared for Entrepreneurship 

Beyond all the industry knowledge about your product / service idea some other real things are needed. Fortunately . Unfortunately, depending on where within the system you fit / have to function within you will find that you need some if not all of what will be listed below shortly. 

Business can be done internationally, regionally, and locally. However at the end of the day, it must be done well. 

Entrepreneurs why should any of the aforementioned groups wish to invest more in your business than you wish to invest yourselves. I may offend some of you with what's going to be suggested shortly, if you are thin skinned - STOP NOW and leave this article alone. If you're serious, you'll know what to do. 

• You need to know where to find information that will ensure the success of your business. You need to know your business inside-out. You need to surround yourselves with professionals. They are:
• accountants to calculate the feasibility of your idea in a numerical format - it's been my experience they don't do great business plans but can offer fantastic insights into the planning process 
• attorneys-at-law [yes a few of them - law is a vast area, you can't be all things to all people] 
• business advisory services [someone who knows a little bit about a lot of the different aspects of business, and who can find the specialist - those who know a lot about a little bit] 
• bankers, financiers, investors, friends and family - you will need money to begin a business is about as gentle as I can say it. the aforementioned support is not always free
• Marketing and Operations are key and vital functions for any business. Again these areas receive too little respect and are so critical to a business 
• Human resources will be offered separately since this area is evolving with the rise of so many small businesses, yet it is so vital with labour laws and employee rights being a major cause for concern in business 
• Your friends in government are a great source of information and are readily available to assist you. Do not believe the hype about civil servants. They are wonderful if you're respectful. 
• You need to bring the following to the table
• Commitment, Trust, Loyalty where necessary, Competence, Willingness to Work
• You need to show that you're organized
• You need skills in negotiation - however don't be ridiculous thinking that everything comes for free because you have a great idea that will be profitable. Expect that you will not get everyone willing to work and wait until the back end to receive their payment. Often they will not know you unless they are a part of your develop team. 
• Money - there's no gentle way of saying it so I won't try, but money needs to be present at the event of your business. 
• You'll need a working knowledge of how to utilize the skills and abilities of your professional "team". 

 There you have a place to start, and be assured that this information though is on the surface will help you to be a bit more prepared on embarking on your next business venture. 

Richie B. is responsible for Business Development with Blades & Blades Consultancy Services LP. He has experienced many successes for his clients over time and enables them to realize their business dreams. The above information will help you fast track your business to success; saving you time and earning you money. 

The Attraction of a City - The creation of jobs

Those who know me well have often heard me say that I go to Bridgetown for two reasons only:

1. To apply for a passport
2. To pick up the passport when its ready. 

Recently I had reason to just pass through Bridgetown for the night and just seek the ice-cream lady for a family treat of old fashioned ice-cream. Nostalgia for my wife and I, while it was a new experience for our youngster. While waiting I was able to look around and noticed that they were a number of buildings that seemed to be closed. There was nothing appealing about the town and this was supposedly a time of celebration when it's supposed to be lit. 

My heavy dislike for traffic does not in the least entice me to wish to come into the city by day, but as I stood on the sidewalk by the ice-cream lady, there was a brief glimpse of opportunity where my mind ran wild with an idea that I had since the mid 90s. In my minds eye, Bridgetown became transformed into The City of Lights.  I will not put any markings of intellectual property there since I believe that it's for the people to develop. Though I have the idea, and have shared it with a group of designers - The Janus Group of Associates. I don't have the resources to develop it in full, therefore I'll share it with you to see if there's anyone out there who can pull together the teams needed for such a reality. 

The time is now ripe, since it would provide a new activity that would be of benefit to Barbados in the following areas:

• Employment creation and economic development 
• Commerce
• Duty Free 
• Retail 
• Tourism
• On island and Cruise ship traffic
• May encourage longer stay of cruise ship traffic on island 
• Locals 
• Food and beverage 
• Themed foods [regional and international] 
• Entertainment 
• Photo blogging and social media 
• Manufacturing
• Foods and condiments 
• Beauty and skin care 
• Confectionery and preserves 
• Craft and memorabilia 
• Renewable energy displays which add light and attractions to the event
• Designing
• Clothing 
• Accessories 
• Education 
• Talent showcases
• Poetry reading 
• Drama and dance 
• Science and technology 
• Innovation displays 
• Services 
• Concierge and information 
• Food and beverage 
• Sanitation 
• Transportation 
• 
  
• Cultural development and diversity
• With art in all ifs forms being showcased and displayed from various segments around the city in an organized yet confused way that allows artistic expression that cannot / should not be contained in to cubicles of space
• Stages at strategic locations, where talent is shown / expressed in a manner that would encourage foot traffic of spectators, who are well dressed for an evenings' entertainment 
• No vehicular traffic since the park and shuttle concept is well accepted in Barbados now
• Boutique-like sidewalk food stalls adorning the sidewalks, with tables and chairs in the streets where people can sit an chat, grab a bite, or just relax for a little from their shopping and shows. 
• Fancy dressing is encouraged, where people wear clothes that are well tailored and the underwear no longer has a place in public domain other than to be discreetly worn under the clothing. 
• Education alive, where students of various institutions exhibit their creations and share their information with others who many not have had the opportunity to have the more formal education.
• Games zone filled with bright lights and promotions for regional board games existing and prototypes 
• Wari, dominoes, card games of various types, backgammon, etc. 
• Festival and attraction tie ins
• Cricket at Kensington Oval
• Crop Over Festival 
• Showcases of excellence in the aforementioned 
• Island Nights in tandem with UWI, BCC and SJPP highlighting the best features of our Caribbean neighbours
• World themes with the introduction of key celebration points through their embassies e.g. US Independence / Canada Day 

Once we use our imaginations and creativity, the list of things we can do to ensure our economic survival is seemingly endless.

Richard Blades is a Business Development Specialist. He is also the Founding Partner of Blades & Blades Consultancy LP. Contacting him is easy - richieb@caribsurf.com