How To Reduce Shipping Costs!

An entrepreneur hates the idea of spending money on shipping. They just want to get into a Longship and cut out the middleman! Sadly, this isn’t an option in the 21st century because it has something to do with E.U regulations. Still, fear not as there are ways for businesses to cut the cost of shipping to a bare minimum. Hold onto your horned helmets because this is the Viking Wanderer way to organise the delivery process.

Think About Goldilocks

Apart from her flowing blond hair, it’s her story which makes her a shining example. What’s the first way to save money? It’s to find a supplier who doesn’t cost as much. It’s great logic until you think about the reasons why. Why are they cheaper than their competitors? Why are they hiding something? Why does it give you an uneasy feeling? The answer tends to be that it’s a sign of incompetency as they can’t match their rivals for quality. So, that means they are out, as are the costliest services. The middle ground is without a doubt is the best place to be because it ticks all the boxes. The cost is neither cheap nor expensive, and the service is dependable. Often, the most affordable option costs more in the long run.

Rent To Buy

In simple terms, a rent to buy scheme is where you pay off the amount until you own the product. You can find out more by clicking the link but just think of it as a car finance deal. Businesses who want to save money can use this service to their advantage. Another way to cut out the middleman is to start operating a similar service. Businesses hate this idea because shipping expenses are high, yet this is where renting to buy comes in handy. By paying a minimum amount monthly, there is no reason to splash out a fortune. Instead, you can use the rent side of things to keep the cost low until the trucks are a business asset. It can cost a little extra in the beginning, but it pays off in the long-term when you can run a decent shipping outfit.

Put Tech To Work

Even if you bring shipping in-house, there is going to be a large cost. Thankfully, technology is on hand to reduce the firm’s expenses. Take tracking packages and parcels as an example. With a tracking service, it is possible to forecast daily workloads or to introduce new items to salespeople. You can also use the info for customer service purposes to appease customers. Simply put, a tracking service allows you to reorganise the entire supply chain for the company’s benefit. Once there are a couple of changes, the productivity levels will begin to increase, as will efficiency. These are the two leading factors in any business because they save the most money.

Shipping is a notable expense for any organisation. But your company can reduce the cost by a significant amount.  

 

How To Set Up FREE Facebook Targeting For Each post!

I thought I would run over this quickly as I was surprised by how many founders I had met that hadn’t realised they had this free Facebook targeting option.

Although Facebook targeting has been around since 2012, the focus now seems to be more on paid ads. But what about if you wished to increase your engagement on your organic posts, and for free?

Well you can and here’s how!

Apparently the organic targeting is set for your Facebook page fans but if a fan likes your post then depending on their viewing restrictions, THEIR friends will see it too and that’s why I think it’s so important to target to your fan base. ESPECIALLY if you have 50k or more! 

Imagine for example you have an event coming up in London, you can actually target London AND increase the reach by up to 50 miles meaning you will reach the greater area of London but fans in other countries will not need to see a post that is not relevant to them.

I should also mention that I have noticed I have received likes and comments from people that weren’t even my fans so let’s take a look at how to set it up!

Click on your business page settings and then search for ‘audience optimisation for posts’.

Simply tick the box and then go back to your main business page. Now when you click on new post you will see the small targeting symbol below next to the location pin.

 

Now type in the interests that your audience may have. Startups for example. You can even type in major publications such as Vogue and Forbes!

Once you have entered in your interests, click on ‘audience restrictions.’ You may now enter in a specific location such as within 25 miles of London and you can also set the age range and if it is for men or women, even a different language!

 

Once you have saved your options you can simply post your content and it will be targeted to your specified audience! Simple AND free!

Are you a founder looking for some basic social media training to incorporate into your business? Then click here to get in touch!

 

4 Ways You Can Raise Money For Your New Startup Business

You have made the exciting decision to go into business. This is it, you know that your business is destined for big things. Your business is going to stand out from the crowd! It’s going to be a success and nothing is standing in your way. Actually there is one thing standing in your way, to quote Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire

“Show me the money!”

Yes, you need some money if you are to get your business off the ground. You have worked out your budget and you just don’t have enough money in your savings. What should you do? Give-up? Never! There are lots of different ways you can raise money for your business. Here are 4 ideas for raising money for your new start up business.

Family And Friends

This is one way of raising money for your startup but it is a way that should be treated with caution. Do you really want to have to ask your family and friends? Can they afford to lend you the money? Are you going to feel under pressure to pay them back the money as soon as possible? Starting up a business is stressful enough as it is and you really don’t want any added pressure. However, if you think that borrowing money from your nearest and dearest won’t strain your relationships, go for it! Just be sure to check that they can afford to lend you the money. Also, make sure that you put the lending agreement into writing. Make sure those terms are clearly laid-out. You need it in writing to protect yourself and the people you are borrowing from –  https://eforms.com/loan-agreement/ has some examples legal agreement templates that you can download for free.

Startup Business Loan

If you don’t want to borrow from friends then a startupbusinessloans.co could be a great option for you. They will talk you through your options and as a result it will feel less daunting. They will also compare fees and discount rates. You will need to make sure that you have a good business plan in place and that you are clear on how much you need to borrow and why.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is becoming increasingly popular as a way of raising money for a new business. It does what it says in the name – crowd funds. You share your idea for your business and then the public are invited to give some money. How much or little is down to them. Most crowdfunding sites use a reward system where people who invest in a new business venture are given some form of reward.

Get A Partner

Getting a business partner could be the way forward. However, you need to do this with caution. It is a popular way of raising money but be wary of signing too much away. Mark Zuckerberg learnt from the mistakes of earlier dot companies, who gave away almost all of their equity to venture capitalists. Mark decided that he wasn’t going to make the same mistake and his 28.1% Facebook stake is now worth a cool $14.9 billion.

When funding your business it is important that you choose a solution that works for you. You have a business to run so find those funds and start enjoying the profit.