Seven Ways to Save on Your New Business Building

Buying a new business building can be a costly and time consuming process. But there are a few proven ways to reduce both the short term and long term costs. Use these seven ways to save on your new business building and make sure you’re heading in the right direction financially.

Work with a Real Estate Professional
The building you purchase and the subsequent location will have lasting consequences for your business. Choose your building according to both your present and projected future needs. A real estate professional will have better access to a wider range of properties and will also advocate for your needs and dislikes. As a result, a real estate agent can be the negotiator you need, and use their professional skills to get you a better deal.

Choose Wisely
Your new business building will require the employment of many different contractors. While a finished building may only require a few touch up projects, be sure to carefully select your contractor. Avoid accepting the first bid, or rushing through the process. Thoroughly check references for contractors through asking their previous clients for reviews. Choosing the right contractor will be financially beneficial in the long run because you will most likely have need of their services in the future.

Project Management Software
Buying and fixing up a building for your business will be a long term project with many complex tasks. Using project management software will allow you to stay within the budget, while making sure deadlines are met. Project management allows you to stay focused while reaching your business goals. Use a good organizational or software system to keep track of bills, project progress, and future tasks.

Understand the Math
It is important to understand the financial costs of buying a business building. There are also real property costs, such as real estate taxes and settlement costs. Your constructing assets will be part of your cost basis, which may include labor, materials, contractor payments, and inspection fees. Be sure to work with a certified accountant to maximize your savings. Learn more about the financial costs of buying a building from the IRS.

Permits and Licensure
Consider establishing a limited liability company (LLC) as the owner of the building. This will provide legal protection through limiting your personal liability and protecting your personal assets from potential lawsuits. Buying a building through an LLC also guarantees privacy, as LCC records are not public property records. Finally, be sure to obtain the correct local, county, and state licenses and permits for your business and industry.

Save Energy
The good news is, there are plenty of ways to save energy through making adjustments to lighting, office equipment, and the HVAC system. For example, use compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and replace any incandescent ‘exit’ signs with LED ‘exit’ signs. Be sure to install motion sensitive lights in areas that are occasionally occupied, such as break areas or conference rooms. Purchase EPA approved, Energy Star equipment, and plug load controllers that can shut down inactive electronic equipment. Laptops use over 80 percent less energy than desk computers, and you can keep your HVAC system in top shape through regular, preventative maintenance.

Lawn Care
Using a professional landscaping service will save you time, which in turn will save you money. A BBB business reviewed lawn care service company will have commercial-grade equipment and tools which will save a lot of money in the long run, since lawn maintenance requires a variety of supplies and equipment, such as fertilizer, leaf blowers and lawn mowers. Landscapers will have the expertise and know how to properly care for plants and trees. And most services like Pro-Lawns aren’t just hired for the pleasant seasons, but also come in handy during winter for snow removal in St. Louis or wherever your business is located.

As a business getting into a new building, you can save a lot of money through using competent real estate agent and contracting professionals, utilizing project management software, understanding finances and licensure, and can cut costs through energy efficiency and by using a lawn care service. Use these tips to help you get started saving more on your next building.

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Climate launchpad, secret seeds and the road to Amsterdam

Climate launchpad

I got the invitation to attend the Climate Launchpad bootcamp just as a work contract was finishing, the timing was perfect. I had toyed with the idea of working for myself for some time and this bootcamp and coaching seemed like something that would help me on my way. The bootcamp and mentoring sessions over 2 months leading up to the National Finals at the Climate Gathering were tough and interesting and really helped me formulate my concept.

National finals in Dublin

The eight businesses involved were so different but with a common goal in finding a climate friendly business solution that allows them to make a living. We were put through our paces weekly and presented at the National Finals on June 22nd. The eight presentations were very unique to each other and had come a long way from the initial bootcamp.

This was my pitch:

Climate Launchpad International finals in Amsterdam

I was really delighted to be selected in the top three and go forward to represent Ireland in the finals in Amsterdam. However this is where things got real, 28 countries, 84 contestants and all competing for 10 places on an accelerator programme and the top three will get cash prizes. The number of contestants is daunting but the variation in ideas is fascinating, with a common theme and ideal surrounding climate each team has developed very different concepts. I am a mix of nerves and excitement bringing Secret Seeds to the finals in Amsterdam.

Secret seeds

Secret Seeds are heart shaped seedbombs that are full of wildflower seeds. While they look small their impact is large. By using Secret Seeds instead of buying flowers you promote growing your own, you provide food for bees (who are vital for our own survival) and by choosing to buy Secret Seeds instead of cut flowers you reduce the transport emissions, virtual water and even human rights conditions associated with flower farms which are based in the developing world.

Change the world one seed at a time

I am looking forward to meeting the other contestants, hearing their pitch but I am more excited about presenting my business to the judges and showing them that Secret Seeds can change the world one seed at a time.

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Office Design for Optimum Productivity

In this post we take a look at office design and how it can influence productivity. We look at a few core principles in interior design including colour, ergonomics, clutter and light.

It’s all about the Colour

Some studies have shown that the colour of an office can have a direct impact on employees. To understand the science of colour, here are a few hues to consider, and the effect that they’ll have.

Blue:

Blue is a very stabilising colour, and encourages a calm environment, full of productivity and focus.

Green:

Green is great for people who work long hours, keeping them on-task and invigorated.

Yellow:

Yellow boosts creativity and optimism in the office. If you want a cheery and productive environment, this is a great option.

Red:

For physical jobs, the colour red has been shown to increase the heart rate, as well as emotions like passion.

Depending on what you need for your office, just changing the colour of your walls could lead to fantastic results. If you don’t want the hassle of deciding the décor for yourself, you can enlist the services of an office planner, such as Opus 4, or you can specifically hire a designer for your rebrand.

Ergonomics

It doesn’t get simpler than this: if your wrists or your shoulders are in pain, due to poor ergonomics, you’re not going to be a very productive employee – you might even have to take time off work to rest your injuries. Ergonomics are so important. All offices should be set out with them in mind. That means investing in equipment that will stop employees from feeling as if a demon has been stomping on their spine all day. Make your workers as comfortable as possible.

Get Rid Of Clutter

Clutter is distracting. There is a reason why many people choose to tidy up before they do anything practical. A clean office makes space for new ideas and fresh minds. Clutter everywhere can get oppressive and bring people down.

Bring Nature Indoors

Some offices don’t really come with window views, or if they do, they’re not always pleasantly green. Bring nature into the office by investing in plants that are hard to kill, such as succulents. Plants help to filter toxins out of the air and keep employees productive.

Let In Light

Nobody wants to live in a dungeon. Letting in lots of light helps to create a spacious feeling, and it’s often uplifting for employees to have a lot of natural rays coming through the windows. It will boost energy and creativity throughout the office. Darkness is often depressing and slows people down.

Get Rid Of Open Plan

Although an open plan office seems to be preferred these days (as people believe that the pressure of being looked at all day will make employees work harder) but really it’s just heavily distracting. With people talking and moving around members of staff all day, you need the concentration of a saint to keep your mind on your work. Give people the peace that they need to crack on.

Movement

Some employees will just sit at their desk all day. This lack of movement is bad for their bodies, but also bad for their productivity. Everyone needs to move around and take short breaks. Encourage movement throughout working hours, even if that’s a klaxon that goes off every two hours, signalling that employees should do some stretches or jump around!

What’s your office set-up like? Is there a specific structure of colour that increases your production levels? Comment below if you’ve got any helpful office interior tips!

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What is it Like to Win the Business Achievers Awards – John Barron, Reagecon

We talk to four former winners of the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards to learn more about how winning the award has impacted on their businesses.

In this post we speak to John Barron of Reagecon.

What was your start-up day?
Approximately 1990

What motivates you?
Growing the business to be market leader worldwide, developing new products (standards and certified reference materials), developing internal talent and contributing to the local economy.

What keeps you up at night?
Failure of products to reach customers on dates as promised and failure of products to match specifications or tolerances in line with customer expectations.

What’s been the most surprising part of running the business?
The excellent level of state support in Ireland, support and goodwill of stakeholders including banks, and level of co-operation from customers including competitors.

John Barron, Reagecon

What’s been the most challenging for you?
Products are extremely demanding technically, product range is very wide (approximately 7,000 different products), market tends to be conservative in accepting new products and sometimes (internally) our transfer process from R&D into full production is not agile enough.

And the most rewarding?
Building an international brand and obtaining a position as the largest producer of physical and chemical standards and certified reference materials in the world.

What is one mistake you’ve made, and what did you learn from it?
Company was under capitalised in the beginning. This restrained our growth trajectory and R&D pipeline. This was remedied by bringing in outside equity and leveraging grant aid and banking facilities against the equity. Learned the value of adequate funding.

What are some of the characteristics of people that have been successful at your company?
Positive attitude, ability to either implement and manage change or accept change, positive disposition, capability to work hard

What are you most excited about for the future?
There is significant growth in the market and we are very well positioned to capture a good portion of this opportunity, we are well positioned in China and the Far East for the growth that is occurring there and we have a significant new product pipeline developed.
Any amazing families, partners, friends behind the scenes you’d like to thank – how did they support you in the early days?

My wife Brigid, children James, Don, Maura, Eleanor and Stephen. Constant support and tolerance to enable me to develop the business. Constant support, dedication and friendship from our leadership team of Mike, Vicky and Don, Michelle, Lee and Bernard, and external directors Finbarr and Jim – I would like to thank them all sincerely.

What doors has winning the Business Achievers Awards opened for you?
Has enabled us to confidently present our value proposition to customers around the world knowing that what we offer is externally validated by independent adjudicators.

What was the biggest benefit for you winning this award?
Confidence that we are on the right track from strategic, tactical and operational perspectives.

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Starting a Design Led Business? Bolton Trust is Seeking Applicants

Bolton Trust is seeking applicants for a 30 week #Springboard Enterprise Development Programme free to Jobseekers and based in Docklands Innovation Park.

This Diploma in Enterprise Development Programme is for applicants from within the Greater Dublin area who are aspiring to start a business. This part-time free course will be based in Docklands Innovation Park which is owned and managed by Docklands Innovation – A Bolton Trust initiative. It is a hub for enterprise and business startups close to the city centre with easy access to public transport.

If you are interested then you can apply online here.

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Starting a design led business?

Bolton Trust is seeking applicants for a 30 week #Springboard Enterprise Development Programme free to Jobseekers and based in Docklands Innovation Park.

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What is it Like to Win the Business Achievers Awards – Helen Arnold, TVM

We talk to four former winners of the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards to learn more about how winning the award has impacted on their businesses.

In this post we speak to Helen Arnold of TVM.

What was your start-up day?
1986

What motivates you?
I love a challenge and get great satisfaction from finding solutions – logistics / personnel / technical

What keeps you up at night?
Very little / pressure is for tyres.

What’s been the most challenging for you?
Balancing life / work. I love what I do, get great enjoyment from it and my family all work in the business – so getting away from it after hours is a bit tricky.

Helen Arnold, TVM

And the most rewarding?
I’m a glass half full person, love solving issues. But the best buzz is finding a solution to a client’s requirement.

What is one mistake you’ve made, and what did you learn from it?
After a few years in business we had an opportunity to diversify into a completely different business and we went for it but hadn’t researched it enough and it ended up costing us a lot of time and money and intimately we had to sell it on.

Lesson: Know what your good at, develop it and don’t run off blindly in another direction without very good reason.

What are some of the characteristics of people that have been successful at your company?
Our line of business is all about team work / getting along with people and from an operational point of view – thinking outside the box to find solutions (technical). So lateral thinkers with good people skills.

What are you most excited about for the future?
Planning the next stage of development of our company. We are currently looking at succession and knowledge.

What doors has winning the Business Achievers Awards opened for you?
Grew the profile of the company locally and nationally. Helped with recruiting.

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Integrated Data Management is a Productivity Goldmine

Everyone’s talking about Big Data these days, but all the data in the world is useless unless it’s structured in a way that increases productivity and profitability.Fortunately, integrated data solutions can blend and unify data sources and business processes to save time and money.A professionally designed integrated data solution has the potential to integrate thousands of data sources.The ability to connect and track business data, including sales, advertising, marketing, finance and SEO, empowers decision makers and customer service representatives with the information they need to improve business performance.

Data Integration

The idea of collecting and tracking disparate streams of data to improve business performance can be difficult to grasp.The amount of data collected by an average business has literally exploded in recent years.Many businesses have attempted to employ data management solutions such as cloud-based applications , limited legacy systems and other out-of-the-box digital products to stay ahead of the data avalanche.For example, genomic testing companies having to house trillions of strands of DNA data for personalized medicine are finding their process does not run smoothly with access to complex data storage and analysis. Designing and implementing an effective data management interface is now a crucial component of business success.

Remaining competitive in the global economy requires business leaders to adapt to emerging trends.The integration of business data collection systems is no longer optional for large and even medium size businesses.Data integration reduces labor costs and improves profit margins.The cutting edge of effective data management varies from business to business.A comprehensive approach to data integration is essential.Relying on one-size-fits-all data management products is likely to yield minimal results and increase long-term costs.

Organizational Goals

When business leaders establish clear goals related to business performance, they have a much better chance of arriving at a desired destination.Data integration is an essential aspect of attaining organizational goals.It’s rare that a company IT specialist possesses the skills and experience necessary to merge data collection sources into a unified decision making tool.Establishing a long-term relationship with a professional data integration solutions company is a more reliable way to develop a customized data integration system and achieve organizational goals.

Data integration is a proven means of eliminating data handling and enhancing organizational productivity.Well designed eCommerce solutions allow company leaders and representatives to focus on product and customer development rather than data mining and archiving.The industrial age was characterized by important developments in automation.Some things never change.A revolution in digital automation promises to change the business world forever.

Business Solutions

Increasing business efficiency makes it possible to get more done without adding more employees.Investing in productivity solutions is the key to continued business success.Data flow efficiency is a fundamental aspect of business success.This requires a willingness to listen to data integration experts and adopting a long-term approach to data management.When it becomes obvious that existing data management systems are hindering productivity and business performance, it’s time to consider the available options.

Data management systems don’t last forever.That’s why it makes sense to design a flexibleintegrated data management system that meets current needs while preparing for the future. There’s nothing more frustrating than a do-it-your-self system, plug & play integration application or add-onproduct solution that is incapable of keeping up with the volume of a growing business.It doesn’t take long for an aging legacy system to break down just in time for someone to hit the panic button.It’s time consuming and expensive to catch up with the digital age after falling behind.That’s why it’s best to stay ahead of the digital game by investing in a comprehensive data integration system.

Data Touch Points

The number of data collection touch points in an average business is astounding.Designing an efficient map that allows data to flow efficiently and be made available to key organizational stakeholders is a productivity goldmine.Always remember that the purpose of a data integration system is to accomplish important business goals.Data flow is never a finished product.A data integration system must be capable of adapting to market trends and revised business goals.Developing an ongoing relationship with an experienced data integration company allows the flow of business data to evolve naturally.

The flow of data encompasses so many digital languages.Connecting the flow of transaction data in a standardized way has the potential to invigorate any business.Whether a data management system integrates applications within a business or connects with external partners, converting and standardizing file types will ensure the viability of business data.Converted files, including PDFs, XML, EDI, hadoop and excel, makes it possible for businesses to import and export data in a standardized file format.

Improving business productivity and eliminating human error are only two of the enormous benefits associated with a properly designed integrated data management system.Under-investing in integrated data management is a costly mistake.The number of data touch points necessary to operate a profitable business in the digital age will undoubtedly continue to escalate.Deciding to learn about the available strategies for integrating data streams is a sound business decision.

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What is it Like to Win the Business Achievers Awards? – Paul Brophy, Paul Brophy Produce

We talk to former winners of the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards to learn more about how winning the award has impacted their businesses.

In this post we speak to Paul Brophy of Paul Brophy Produce.

Remember, the closing date to enter the awards is Friday 25th September 2015. You can enter your business here.

What was your start-up day?
The business started in 1983, so we were slow developers, not an overnight success but it proves the point “good things come to those who wait”.

What motivates you?
Building a better company, having more customers, adding more value to our products, building my skills and abilities as I develop as a leader.

What keeps you up at night?
I am able to detach myself from all the stresses of the day by immersing myself in a good book.

Paul Brophy, Paul Brophy Produce

What’s been the most surprising part of running the business?
The buy in and enthusiasm from key staff all wanting to go the extra mile to be part of a winning team.

What’s been the most challenging for you?
The transformation from a small enterprise to a larger one. Making the vision a reality.

And the most rewarding?
Living the dream. Ten years ago I could not have even comprehended being where I am today.

What is one mistake you’ve made, and what did you learn from it?
I made a quick decision once on a critical matter and was wrong, it cost the business a lot of money. I learnt a lot from that mistake. The lesson learnt was to think through all key decisions and the quality of these decisions are greatly improved if made with a small group of key stakeholders. As George Bernard Shaw said “ A life spent making mistakes is not only more honourable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.

What are some of the characteristics of people that have been successful at your company?
They make decisions quickly trying to exceed our customers’ expectations, agility is one of our traits. They all possess the ability to tolerate intelligent failure and never see risk taking as a career limiting move.

What are you most excited about for the future?
The rapid advances in the internet of things, the changes precision agriculture are bringing, where evidence based decision making will bring the industry to a new level really, enthuses me. Change and challenge creates opportunity, as a business we must embrace this as we cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.

Any amazing families, partners, friends behind the scenes you’d like to thank – how did they support you in the early days?
No one ever told me I was mad even though they secretly probably thought so. My Wife for her patience and close family for their support. Just being told you are doing great things reinforces you through the dark days.

What doors has winning the Business Achievers Awards opened for you?
The industry I work in (Horticulture) is a very small one, it did not take long for the word to spread among the key players not only in sales but in purchasing companies all wanting to be working with winning partners, as the mantra says “success breeds success”

What was the biggest benefit for you winning this award?
The exposure: when you are dealing with multiples the buyers all like to drive a hard bargain, but there is also a deep rooted need among them that they want to be dealing with the best companies to do a particular job, this has reinforced that need.

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How To Start A Successful Online Business

Whether you’re looking to get away from the 9-5 grind or earn a part-time income to supplement your salary, starting an online business can be extremely rewarding. Unlike brick-and-mortar businesses that require heavy capital investments upfront, business ideas such as a new blog concept or offering freelance services are relatively cheap and easy to build. Here are 5 essential steps to Start A Successful Online Business.

1. Build A Blog or Website

It isn’t the 90s or early 2000s where a blog was optional. If you want to establish credibility for any business, you have to build a blog. And fortunately for non-technical business owners, a blog no longer requires HTML, CSS, PHP, or an in-depth knowledge of any coding language.

Enter WordPress – the most popular blogging software in the world. In fact, your very own Small Business Can is built on it and see how professional it looks! There are dozens of great tutorials and guides that can teach you how to start a blog online.

2. Content Marketing

Content marketing refers to the concept of creating valuable, interesting content for your visitors as a means of indirectly marketing your products or services. Content marketing serves multiple purposes, but the following are the biggest benefits:

Developing trust. Publishing quality content allows you to demonstrate your expertise and credibility without being arrogant or making the hard-sell. By addressing their concerns through “how-to” guides, readers and potential customers begin to trust your industry knowledge and insights.
Build exposure. It’s hard to get people to link to or visit your website if all you are trying to do is sell them something. Why should other bloggers send their hard-earned traffic to your blog so you can make money? If they do, it’s called advertising and they will charge you. However, if you have unique content that might prove valuable to their readers, it is in their best interest, as an expert in their industry, to be aware of helpful publications.
SEO benefits. If you don’t already know, aside from cold-hard cash, links are the biggest online currency because search engines like Google use them as editorial votes to rank web pages. As you build your website’s credibility through links, you eventually start to earn organic search engine traffic from relevant keywords. For example, if you write a very high quality blog post on “How To Invest For Retirement”, you may end up ranking for the term “Investing For Retirement”, which is searched 720 times per month world-wide in on Google. As your rankings improve, a majority of those visitors may end up visiting your site.

3. Leverage Social Media

Social media is a great equalizer in the sense that anyone can become an overnight “celebrity” with the right Tweet, Share, or Pin. Due to the growing popular and user levels on social platforms, this free traffic source is difficult to ignore. However, bloggers and business owners must know where to find their target demographic.

For instance, LinkedIn might be best if your business targets professionals and a B2B audience. Instagram and Pinterest are great for image-friendly blogs, especially catering to women. Facebook is usually best for B2C niches and Twitter is ideal for news and current events.

Knowing where to invest your energy and resource is critical to reaching your best potential customers.

4. Be Consistent and Patient

Forget the Dot Com millionaires who enjoyed overnight success – those days are long gone. Making money online is just as competitive, if not more competitive, then any other industry given that the barriers-to-entry are exceptionally low. Nonetheless, there is still room for new success stories and bloggers looking to build an empire.

You just need to stay consistent and expect your online business to be a long-term investment of your time and energy. If you are doing something special and unique, you will eventually be noticed. Like anything else in life, the things worth doing take time to develop into something great.

5. Be Creative and Take Risks

When people think of innovation, they think of big technologies companies coming up with revolutionary ideas and concepts. But as a small business owner online, you have an opportunity to do something creative as well. Analyzing your competitors and copying their content or offerings will not get you noticed.

Instead, you can change an industry model to challenge established business practices, take a controversial, yet enlightened stance on a public issue, provide the absolute best quality services and products in an industry, etc.

Whatever you end up doing, always strive to be proud of what you’re building. The passion, determination, and goodwill will become apparent to your loyal readers and customers.

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