Showing posts with label Non-profits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Non-profits. Show all posts

Monday, June 22, 2015

Is the Startup World Right for You?

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bevans branham palm springs california startup blogStartups are getting a lot of attention these days. From HBO to CNBC, shows like Silicon Valley and Shark Tank are peaking everyone’s interest. There’s a lot of big ideas (and big money) being thrown around, and it’s easy to want a piece of the action. But take away the funny antics and dramatized production, and you might want to think carefully about whether working for a startup is the right environment for you. Startups can be incredibly rewarding and great learning experiences. They can also be totally disorganized and unpredictable. Are you ready? Here’s a few things to consider.

There’s a lot to get done, and not enough people, process, or training to go around. Working in a startup often feels like being a kid again. Your dad is going to throw you in the deep end, and you better figure out how to tread water, quick. For many this ‘jump first, figure it out later’ mentality is exciting, challenging, and inspiring. For others, it can be overwhelming. As long as you can keep a cool head while you’re navigating new territory, you have the opportunity to learn more at a quicker pace than you ever have before. But beware, feeling like you’re constantly adapting to a new learning curve isn’t for everyone.

You’ll make a difference.
The processes and protocols you’re probably used to don’t exist in the startup world. You’ll often wonder what kind of glue is holding the place together because it looks like everyone is running completely different styles of companies. The good news? You can make your own processes and scale them across the company along the way. From the new intern all the way up to the CEO, if you see something that can help the business, and you’re willing to put in the work, time, and follow through to implement your idea, you can make a real difference in how the business functions. One caveat: startups are constantly iterating, so what works today might not work tomorrow. You could spend a lot of time creating a new process, and tomorrow someone could come in and replace it with something better. If you are good at creating order out of chaos and adapting to an ever changing landscape, you’ll have the chance to make signifigant changes.

You’re going to learn to be tough.
You need to develop tough skin to work in a startup. When you come up with a new idea, no one is going to hold your hand or pat you on the head and tell you you’re doing a great job. They’re going to have questions, LOTS of questions, and you can’t take it personally if not everyone likes what you’re proposing. Push through the good ideas, learn to let go of the bad ones, and don’t let what others say discourage you. Everyone who’s there is facing the same cut throat environment, and that’s not a bad thing. The best ideas survive, the criticism will help you come up with better versions of what you want, and you’ll get very good at thinking every detail of your ideas through from conception to completion.

No two days are the same at a startup, but if you’re ready to work hard, make a difference, and be accountable for your actions, you’ll fast track your personal growth, contribute immensely to something you can be proud of, and enjoy a pretty wild ride.

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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Working Less. Doing More.

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bevans branham palm springs ca marketing blogIt goes without saying that some people are more efficient at their work. So much so that they can work fewer hours, yet accomplish a lot more than the average person. A recent Stanford study on this found that productivity declines quite sharply per hour when the workweek is in excess of 50 hours. Most interestingly, the study showed that productivity fell so much beyond the 55 hour mark, that there was no point in even working. Essentially, those who are working around 70 hours a week, and more, are accomplishing the same amount of work as those who are working around 55 hours a week.

The idea of working smarter, not longer, is not a new idea. Many successful CEO’s have already tapped into this method and have found significant success. They understand the value in a weekend away from their work to relax and rejuvenate. By utilizing this time appropriately, their workweeks are far more efficient and productive. The most efficient workers disconnect. If you are unable to disconnect from the technology that keeps you bound to your work, then you never really left. Being on call 24/7 will only expose you to additional work stresses that will keep you from recharging your batteries. Do yourself a favor and disconnect, unless absolutely necessary to stay connected.

Efficient workers have also to practice a variety of different habits, all of which help yield similar beneficial results. These habits include minimizing chores, reflecting on bigger issues, exercising, pursuing hobbies, taking time for adventures, spending time with family, and preparing for the week. All of these activities are mainly linked by their dissociation with work, which ideally means less stress. Chores are basically work at home, so its important to schedule them during the week. Use the free time during the weekend to get in those brief exercises you frequently talk about during the week. Find a habit and stick to it. Whether picking up an instrument for the first time, knitting, or gardening, the mental returns on a passionate hobby are priceless. Lastly, spend time with your family. It is an essential part of recharging and getting back to normal before the busy week starts back up.

Best practices can take you a long way. Utilize these various practices often used by some of the happiest and most successful people out there. It’s at least worth a shot.

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Thursday, April 30, 2015

Successful Startup Entrepreneurs

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bevans branham palm springs california successful startupsThere are plenty of lists out there detailing the habits of successful people in practically any industry. I have decided to compile the information I have learned about successful startup entrepreneurs and discuss in brief the common habits which have made them who they are today. At first glance, the assumption is that entrepreneurs are everyday people who function like everyone else. After closely examining them, however, you will find there are a few significant differences which make them successful leaders of their businesses.

Often when we try to initiate something new, our first instinct is detailed planning and step by step processes. This is by no means the wrong attitude, but the reality is your plan will more than likely change – many, many times. The most successful entrepreneurs spend some time planning, but a majority of their time doing. Another major part of the process is adapting to reality and recognizing how funding affects your business. A capital intensive venture may require large amounts of funds, but a lot of successful businesses require little funding to get off the ground. Contrary to common belief, limited capital can be a blessing in disguise. Many venture capitalists firmly believe there is an inverse relationship between level of funding and a startup’s long-term success. When you have less cash in the bank, you learn to work through problems as opposed to throwing money at it.

Successful entrepreneurs do not waste their time. As mentioned many times before, these entrepreneurs are realistic in their goals and only chase what is attainable. If you focus on landing real business where you have a reasonable chance of success, odds are you will find it. In the same vein, the most successful leaders avoid anything that is not revenue generating. Reduce the time spent on anything that does not generate revenue, and that includes meetings, spreadsheets, reports, administrative tasks, and more.

The fact of the matter is that successful people come in many different shapes and sizes. One entrepreneur may do things very different than another, but the reality is that they share a few similar significant characteristics. If you are looking to be successful, be sure to learn from those who have taken their businesses new heights. They have obviously done things right, and some wrong, along the way.

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Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Employee Motivation

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bevans branham marketing palm springs ca employee motivationThere are many factors in business today which can harm your company or your brand. It is important to ensure one of these variables is not a lack of employee motivation. If your team is suffering and unmotivated, then odds are you have a big issue. In order to keep employees happy and motivated, make sure the workplace avoids some of the following common morale killers.


It should be understood that employees need to placed in an opportunity to learn, grow, and advance. While not every employee longs for this, most are aiming high and expect to grow in their roles. Without development, employees can become discouraged and the workplace will suffer as it grows monotonous and static. Putting your employees career first and providing them an opportunity to develop themselves professionally will yield major results. This lets everyone know that the company is investing in them.


Recognizing an employee’s efforts also goes a long way. An employee who feels their ideas are not appreciated can often find themselves not trying as hard, because why should they? If hard work goes unappreciated, people grow apathetic. Even saying “thank you” can go a long way. This particular scenario should be an easy fix. Sometimes it is a result of poor management or just flat out bad leadership overall. A poor manager can harm an entire team, which hurts the company. The brightest and best performers need effective leaders to truly excel. Identify and position your best leaders at the top, and do it as soon as possible.


Identifying leaders is only one side of this equation. Be sure to identify the underperforming or destructive employees. A bad hire can wear on employee morale just as much as other factors. If you can identify a negative employee who you feel brings everyone else down, then you need to make the proper moves to protect your team. Let them go or find them a better fitting position.


By identifying these factors, you are portraying to your team that leadership has a clear vision of who they want, what they want, and where they are going. It communicates to your staff they are in the right hands. A clear vision allows employees to focus as one and move in the same direction. This results in confidence, higher morale, motivation, and overall team happiness.


And finally, hire people who are better and smarter than you.


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Thursday, January 2, 2014

What Should Marketers Expect in 2014?

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Jeannette Kocsis, EVP of digital engagement at The Agency Inside Harte-Hanks, has witnessed her justifiable share of promoting tendencies. Right here, three electronic mail advertising concerns she believes entrepreneurs will have to brace for this yr.


1. New mail applications.


Expertise evolves and e-mail systems are without a doubt no exception. Google’s fashionable e-mail software, Gmail, obtained an overhaul in May just 2013. Google unveiled a brand new inbox for Gmail that makes use of tabs to separate incoming messages into classes together with Main, Social, Promotions, and Updates. Because of this, Kocsis says, “We will are expecting persevered modifications to the consumer expertise of webmail purchasers.” Entrepreneurs will wish to rethink how they run and ship their electronic mail promotions to make the most of new options and functionalities.


2. Entrepreneurs will wish to pay attention more than ever to audiences.


Error in judgment concerning content material, supply channel, and frequency can alienate customers and tarnish your model. “We are able to predict that deliverability will proceed to be a problem, as [will be] sustaining mailer popularity,” she says, including that “when a consumer chooses channels, content material, and frequencies, their preferences wish to be revered.”


3. Cellular will proceed to set the bar.


By now, many entrepreneurs have tired of the cell-first mantra, however Kocsis says they’re going to proceed to listen to it this yr. greater than 1.2 billion cellular net customers global, entrepreneurs should “design for cellular first, that means that if it really works on cellular, it is going to be fantastic in all places else,” she says. Guidelines for making electronic mail extra cell-pleasant embrace growing an attractive topic line, together with a compelling name to motion, and ensuring you do not inundate cell customers with undesirable messages.


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Monday, December 30, 2013

Kmart’s Advert Named One among 2013′s Worst

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Kmart’s advert to advertise a free delivery provider that options clients announcing issues like they will “ship my pants” or “I simply shipped my mattress” used to be named considered one of 2013′s worst by using one of the most high executives within the merchandising industry.


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Google Advert Named One among 2013′s Perfect

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Google’s advert that featured an Indian-Australian adoptee who discovered his start mom the use of Google Earth was once named one in every of 2013′s absolute best via one of the vital high executives within the promotion industry.


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‘Name of Accountability: Ghost’ Advert Named Considered one of 2013′s Worst

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Activision Blizzard Inc.’s motion-packed industrial for the videogame “Name of Accountability: Ghost” that presentations a gaggle of younger males and actress Megan Fox collaborating in a shootout in Las Vegas used to be named one of the most worst advertisements of 2013 within the WSJ’s annual survey of promoting executives.


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GoldieBlox Inc.’s Advert Named Certainly one of 2013′s Very best

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GoldieBlox Inc.’s advert that featured three women who become bored whereas staring at princesses on TV and construct an complex Rube Goldberg-fashion computer is known as one of the vital very best of 2013 within the WSJ’s annual survey of promoting executives.


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Mazda’s Recreation Changer Advert Named Considered one of 2013′s Worst

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A sequence of commercials through Mazda that highlighted “sport changers” from the worlds of activity and science have been named among the many worst commercials of 2013 by means of one of the most high executives within the promotion industry.


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Dove Advert Named Considered one of 2013′s Absolute best

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Dove’s advert marketing campaign that factors out how very important girls are of their very own seems is known as certainly one of 2013′s perfect commercials by means of probably the most prime executives within the promotion trade.


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Samsung Advert Named One in all 2013′s Worst

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Even though Samsung has efficiently given Apple’s industry a run for its cash, partly by means of matching Apple’s advertising high quality, a Samsung industrial used to be picked as one of the most worst commercials of 2013 within the WSJ’s annual survey of selling executives.


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Chipotle Advert Named Considered one of 2013′s Worst

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Chipotle ‘s three-minute animated video advert that pokes enjoyable on the processed-meals trade is called one of the crucial worst commercials of 2013 with the aid of one of the most high executives within the merchandising industry.


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Delta Will Honor Rock-Backside Fares Offered by way of Mistake

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Delta will honor the extremely low fares offered after a pc glitch on Thursday. Jack Nicas joins Lunch Wreck with small print of the error, and the way many individuals obtained in on the cut price to beat all of them. Picture: Getty Photography.


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Twitter Rally Picks Up Steam

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It’s a contented vacation for Twitter buyers. The inventory has been on a tear, up greater than a hundred and seventy% when you consider that its early November IPO, now one of the best U.S.-listed IPO for firms that raised greater than $a hundred mln this 12 months. Steven Russolillo joins the Information Hub. Photograph: Getty Photography.


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Monday, November 18, 2013

How to Increase Your Natural ‘Star Power’- Even if You’re Not Famous

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Star power is like many other things: you know it when you see it. But how can you ensure that people are seeing you as a power player?


A recent Forbes article discusses just that: how to own a room when you first walk in, how to emanate confidence — in other words, how to increase your “star” power. The author, Rob Asghar, provides several tips on how the common man can help himself come across like the President and CEO.


marketing-bevans-branhamHis first suggestion is to take an acting class. Learning to act can help timid or humble businessmen and women express themselves outwardly, displaying the positive aspects of their persona hidden by doubt or insecurity. This ability, Asghar argues, can go a long way to enhance and promote a career.


Next he says, is to try an improvisation class. Forcing yourself outside your comfort zone, improvisation can help you think on your feet, extemporaneously. Asghar writes that you’ll thank yourself for it the next time you have a high stakes job interview, sales presentation, or earnings call.


Perfecting the pause is another skill, Asghar argues, that can help you seem like all-star. He writes that the ability to sit silently and contemplate, during a meeting or a conversation, will improve your presence dramatically from using space holders like “um.”


Asghar’s next tip is to “ask for what you want.” Don’t be passive. It’s not rude to assert yourself to get what you want; it’s what successful people have been doing for years.

And don’t apologize or make excuses – stars don’t do that. If they’re late, you wait.


Perhaps his most important tip is to trust yourself. Act on your instincts, Asghar writes, because they’ve been honed over mankind’s many lifetimes to steer us in the right direction. Having the confidence to act on a gut feeling is one of the biggest assets of a star.


Overall, there is one comprehensive theme when it comes to star power, according to the article. It is not so much about branding yourself with your words or work, it’s about managing your own energy. If you can do that, Asghar says, you’re one giant step closer to being viewed as a star.


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Friday, November 15, 2013

Music With a Message About Poverty

Art and activism have always had tangible histories. Upton Sinclair’s 1906 novel, The Jungle, was a fictional work that changed the face of American labor . At the turn of the 20th century, Nellie Bly and fellow muckrakers used photography to shed light on poverty and poor working conditions, both in New York City and around the world.


And today we have the Global Citizen Festival.


Humanitarian Bevans BranhamAn article was recently published in the New York Times entitled, “Music With a Message About Poverty.” In the article, author Nate Chinen explores the role that the Global Citizen Festival in New York City’s Central Park, has in making a difference.


The program, the author writes, was hosted in September, and for the second consecutive year drew a full crowd of 60,000. Focused on the mission of ending poverty in the world, the program is not only a behemoth musical concert, but an informational, powerful congregation, timed (no doubt for the symbolism) to coincide with the United Nations General Assembly and the annual gathering of the Clinton Global Initiative. Featuring artists like John Mayer, Alicia Keys, The Kings of Leon, and Stevie Wonder, the Festival brought national attention to issues that might otherwise be ignored or minimized.


Interestingly, Chipen told readers, most of those 60,000 tickets were not purchased, but rather earned. Anyone who wanted to attend the concert could register on the organization’s website, and rather than pull out their credit card, was prompted to complete tasks related to building awareness around the Global Citizen Festival’s primary goal, to end extreme poverty.


In his review, Chipen praises the artists for their meaningful lyrics and powerful presence, noting John Mayer’s timely performance of “Waiting on the World to Change,” and Alicia Keys’ strong presentment of the lyric, “I’m here to make a statement.” But most notable, he argues, was Stevie Wonder.


Poverty wasn’t the only issue on Wonder’s agenda, however. According to the article, he told the crowd, “We must do something about the gun laws in this country,” before diving into a cover of John Lennon’s quintessential reflection on idealism, “Imagine.”


According to the article, Wonder proclaimed to the crowd, “We are global citizens, we’re gonna change the world.”


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