Improving Business

How do you choose a Forex broker?

February 13, 2012 By James Ellis

If you run a small business involved in import or export in any way – and you’ve decided to hedge your foreign currency exchange risk to iron out future fluctuations – how did you choose your broker?

Here are a few considerations to bear in mind:

Reputation is everything. Warren Buffett once said: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”

Forex trading has no single governing body, so many brokers are unregulated. So try and find a regulated broker and try and find out everything you can about the company; how long has it been around and what do other people say about it? Be careful, though, when searching online for this information as many posters have an “agenda” and the information may not be objective. Reputation really is everything here.

Depending on which currencies you hope to trade, you should think about which currency pairs a broker has to offer. You should also think about the spread sizes quoted for the various types of common currency pairings – and, of course, the leverage offered. This lets you know what value of currency exposure you can gain for the amount you are willing to put down. The level of importance you place on the leverage offered will depend on the size of exposure you’re really looking for, which in turn depends on the size of the business you’re looking to hedge.

The broker should also explain the difference to you between fixed and variable spreads. This can make a real difference to your bottom line. Not all brokers quote rates in the same way. If your broker has a dealing desk, then the broker creates the pricing and executes your orders – and the spread is fixed, so those spreads are usually higher than the average variable spreads. Where there is no dealing desk, then multiple banks usually stream competitive prices through your broker, so your orders are executed by the banks.

If this is all new to you and a broker won’t take the time to explain the complications and possibilities as well as the downside risks – then this should be a big red flag.

Written by David, a keen financial blogger who loves writing about anything related to finance, from Sunbird MetaTrader to student loans.

Filed Under: Improving Business, People in Business Tagged With: brooker, exchange risk, fluctuations, foreign currency, small business, trading

Do your homework

January 13, 2012 By James Ellis

In all aspects of business and investments, it’s essential to always do your homework.

This may sound obvious, but really; how many times have you found yourself in a business situation without adequate facts, research and knowledge – trying to make the best of things?

If this isn’t you, then hats off! You’re probably unique. But for the rest of us, the need to do our research thoroughly is the basis of business success. It’s also amazing how often thorough research suddenly lands you in the right position. This is perhaps most true of the world of investing where doing your own research before something happens in the real world can stand you in excellent stead to act quickly. As legendary golfer Gary Player has been credited with saying: “the more I practice, the luckier I get”.

The same is true in business. One of Hollywood’s most famous ever film producers, Robert Evans said in his autobiography “The Kid Stays in the Picture” the secret of success was in doing his homework; and this is a lesson he learned from a very early age.

The same is true of interviews. If you really want that job, you really have to have done your homework – and the more preparation you do, the better will be your performance. It’s all about going the extra mile. In this regard, the Internet is a mixed blessing. Of course, it makes research of all kinds so much quicker and easier than ever before – but everyone else is in the same boat, so you simply have to go further than everyone else to get the edge.

Doing so may be easier said than done. But you have to try if you’re to be successful. In the world of investing, the people who really focus and truly do their homework always win out in the end.

Written by keen financial blogger David, who will write about pretty much everything money related from Payday Loans to tips for keeping your business afloat.

Filed Under: Improving Business Tagged With: business advice, business hints, business tips, investments

Mobile protection at work

December 16, 2011 By James Ellis

When thinking about internet security, the first thing for a business owner to sort out is a good antivirus software package for the computers in the office and the laptops that belong to the business. This is vital to protect your business and customer information and data contained on the computers. It also protects your hardware from viruses, Trojans and worms that can cause catastrophic damage and crash the machines.

You can get antivirus programmes via the internet – downloading programmes directly onto your PC. You need to install the programme onto every computer and keep it updated and running at all times. There are free antivirus downloads which are often produced by the same companies that make the pay-for products. This is a great option, because you can try them out before deciding to buy. Be aware, though, that the free versions are a little basic in comparison to the ones you pay for. At home you may be ok with just antivirus software, but really for a business it’s important to have an internet security suite that includes firewall, anti-spyware and spam filters, as well as the antivirus software.

An area that sometimes gets neglected by businesses and home users alike is mobile devices. Since the advent of smartphones, mobile phones are used just as much via the internet as through the mobile network. So phones are just as susceptible to viruses and other malware.

Signs that your phone may have a virus include sudden draining of the battery and reduced functionality. Sometimes though, you may notice no difference in the phone’s performance but receive a shocking bill at the end of the month. This is because certain viruses cause your phone to text a premium rate service automatically and repeatedly, with you completely unaware until the bill arrives.

To avoid this kind of infiltration, there is now mobile antivirus software available. The main providers of computer antivirus programmes also provide a range of options for mobile devices.

Filed Under: Featured Products, Improving Business, People in Business Tagged With: antivirus software, business, internet security, protection

Wishing you a Tidy New Year

December 6, 2011 By James Ellis

Well now, Christmas is upon us and as always in offices across the country there is the usual round of parties, drinks, lunches out, presents from clients and desks groaning under the weight of chocolates and mince pies. It all gears up to that magic moment on Christmas Eve, or earlier if you’re lucky, when you get to turn off the computer and head home to start the celebrations in earnest. If you have played your cards right then you may not need to put in an appearance until after New Year, however many businesses will have a skeleton staff in over the festive period, and often they are twiddling their thumbs and longing to be elsewhere.

If you are one of those unfortunate people who need to spend a day or so working between Christmas and New Year then why not take the opportunity to get everything tidied up and ready for a brand new start in January. It is tempting to mess around on your computer when there are hardly any people in the office and the phones are deathly silent, but the time will go much quicker if you apply yourself to improving your businesses efficiency. Get that shredder confetti cut action going and do away with all the unnecessary paperwork you have been hoarding. Box up old files and make way in your cabinets for new filing in 2012. Clear out your desk drawers and that cardboard box underneath it which has been there since the dawn of time – you will be so pleased with the results.

In the UK shredders don’t get nearly enough of a workout so get shredding, get recycling and get filing: all necessary evils of the modern office world. Create the perfect office environment for yourself and look forward to a smug start to next year when all your colleagues are envious of your pristine desk.

Filed Under: Improving Business Tagged With: confetti cut shredders, rexel uk, shredders, uk shredders

Tips on Being a Landlord

November 23, 2011 By James Ellis

Love them or hate them, in the rental market landlords are an absolute necessity so whether yours is as elusive as a ghost or always popping in for a cup of tea you are stuck with them until you move house. Having seen it from both sides I have put together some top tips for landlords on some essential do’s and don’ts…

Make sure the tenants meet you fairly soon after they move in, even if you have a letting agency dealing with all the nitty-gritty for you. Everyone wants to meet the person whose house they live in.
Be clear about your expectations. Tenants need telling if you want them to mow the grass or be quiet for the neighbours.
Answer their phone calls and emails promptly. There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to get hold of your landlord when there is a problem.
Kit the place out properly with decent furnishings. If cash flow is a problem then get things like beds on finance it is worth it as tenants are more likely to respect brand new belongings.

Don’t

Hide behind your managed agent too much. Ultimately they will refer queries back to you anyway so remain involved as far as possible.
Turn up unannounced, especially at the weekend. Nobody wants their landlord on the doorstep – resist the temptation to try and make friends even if you live next door.
Spring surprises. If you have a whole team from Bensons for Beds coming in to refurnish the place then give fair warning.
Treat people unfairly. If you are planning on selling up then be honest and tell them – finding out when the ‘for sale’ sign appears in the garden is just not on.
Hide problems hoping they won’t notice. If the bath needs resealing or the fridge door is dodgy then tell them upfront and deal with the problem as quickly as possible. Honesty is always the best policy.

Filed Under: Improving Business Tagged With: beds, bensons for beds, landlord tips, property business

Insurance Companies set up their stall to catch emerging markets

October 24, 2011 By admin

If, like me, you’re an ordinary “Joe” who just tries to make ends meet and save when you can, the state of the world’s economies is not uppermost in your mind on most days! Things are changing however because with the worldwide economic downturn it’s become necessary to follow what’s going on – out there – in the emerging markets. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Improving Business Tagged With: emergin economies, emergin markets

How to tell if a casino site is trustworthy

October 12, 2011 By James Ellis

There are plenty of online casino sites swarming the internet. The best way to find a trustworthy site is to solicit opinions from family and friends who have had a good experience playing in one.

The internet is also a good source of information as to which sites are good and which has to be avoided.

But if you are the type who wants to really see for yourself, here are some criteria that you should look into that determines a reliable online casino site.

First, look at the software supplier. Among the trusted casino software suppliers are Microgaming, Realtime Gaming, Playtech, International Game Technology and CryptoLogic Inc. If the online casinos you are considering declare these brands as their software supplier, then you have one less thing to worry about.

Then examine the customer support. Does the online casino in question have a trustworthy customer support service? This can be determined by the way they reply to your consumer queries and concerns. Do they sound earnest? Do they even reply at all? Online gambling is a real time venture and players have real time concerns. Anything that involves sums of money should be attended to as quickly as possible. If they are not able to respond quickly, then that online casino site is highly questionable.

Finally, there are the terms and conditions. Are you the type who checks the box that indicates your agreement to the terms and conditions without actually reading it? You might consider reading it when signing up at an online casino site. In the long run, you may realize that you don’t like the hassles that have to be experienced just to be able to claim your bonus. Then you start complaining to customer service. But then they tell you that you completely agreed to it as you were already informed about it in the terms and conditions. Make sure the terms and conditions are truly acceptable for you before joining the site.

Written by Alex Corcoran, a regular player of online bingo and live casino games.

Filed Under: Improving Business

Boosting Morale – Team Building and Corpporate Events

February 18, 2011 By admin

In the current economic climate employers are looking at ways to streamline businesses and cut costs, measures taken by employers can sometimes stretch employees by asking that they take on extra tasks on occasion without the ability to offer any financial reward. This is where corporate events are great ideas.

This may seem to contradict the need to cut costs but a corporate event need not be an expensive and lavish affair. A drink after work with colleagues can be a great team building session.

The point of a corporate event is to spend time with your colleagues in a more informal setting and get to know the people that you spend your working days discussing business matters with. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business Events, Improving Business Tagged With: Corporate Event, Corporate Events, Team Building

How Can A Corporate Event Help Morale In Business/Team Building For Business

February 7, 2011 By admin

Team building for business is a company’s way of recognising employee needs in both personal and work-related aspects. It comprises of stages that lead to positive outcomes, where strengths are reinforced and weaknesses are given solutions. It does require an effort, since the employees work hard on team activities to build a much stronger relationship with one another, therefore fostering a sense of togetherness within the group. There are a wide range of fun corporate events and team building activities that include conferences, motivational days, outdoor activities, themed evening corporate events, treasure hunts, sailing/powerboat days and corporate hospitality. One thing that all team building exercises have in common is that they involve getting co-workers to engage with one another, so that each member feels an integral part of the team. The main reason a company pursues team building events is that they are thought to produce higher worker productivity.

People in all workplaces talk about being in a team, but few understand how to create the experience of effective team work. Successful team building for business requires attention to each of the following: [Read more...]