Success online can begin at home For most online startups, the founder’s home is also the very first office space. This can be an exceptionally convenient arrangement for entrepreneurs who understand that a new business can require a significant dedication of their time. However, simply plopping down on the couch with a laptop in tow typically will not suffice.
Whether you originally started in the living room, at a kitchen table or holed up in your bedroom, these areas can all hoard easy distractions that can prevent you from focusing on the task at hand. At times, a pile of dirty dishes in the sink can become more compelling than a business-related laundry list of tasks left to complete.
So, does this mean that starting your business from home is ultimately a hopeless task? Of course not! Instead, find a dedicated office area and put that space to good use.
First things first, though. You actually need to find this space in your home. Not everyone has a spare room to utilize, so get creative! Transform a walk-in closet, clear out one side of your bedroom or position your desk in a less-frequented side of a hallway.
Optimal productivity is not the only reason that home-based entrepreneurs can benefit from a home office area. Ever heard of the home office tax deduction? To take advantage of this tax break, you have to do more than just set up your base at the kitchen counter. According to the tax code, you need a space in your home that is solely dedicated to business.
Are you ready to see your online business succeed? With a dedicated home office space, you will likely be off to a great start.
A well-written piece of copy that accurately represents a product to the target market is one of the most important aspects of a business’s website. But, exactly how useful is that copy if no one can actually locate it? This is where keywords can change the game.
Lightweight
Google Trends is an invaluable resource for copywriters. By searching keywords individually and in pairs, you can view the popularity and number of matching results. Typically, an ideal search term would include keywords that yield a high popularity alongside relatively low-matching results. If lots of people are searching for customizable tablets but there are only a few hits, there is a good chance that your copy will make it to your customer.
Criticism is a normal part of doing business. In fact, some of the most successful business leaders have found themselves under intense scrutiny at some point or another. When dealing with negative people and criticism, it is vital to respond correctly, as your response can have a direct impact on the health and future direction of your company.
How should you, as a business owner and representative of your product, respond when negativity is directed at you online? First of all, it is important to acknowledge that some people are simply impossible to please. Charles Barkley, the basketball legend, said, “I don’t do the Internet…that’s where fools go to feel important.” This statement is simultaneously hilarious and accurate. Twitter and Facebook give negative and destructive people a public voice, but it is very important to remember this: you do not have to acknowledge it.
In some cases, it may be appropriate to respond publicly and address concerns. If a public response is not possible or appropriate, send a private message. If the person is simply attempting to cause trouble, it is completely reasonable to refrain from responding.
One of the most valuable aspects of success is reputation. Regardless of whether preconceived notions or ideas are based on fact, what people think about your company will determine sales, growth and profitability. If your company is known for erratic customer service or pushy sales representatives, it will eventually affect your bottom line.
I haven’t shopped at that department store in six months because the store is always disorganized and there are never any employees available to help me.