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Good dental care is a vital part of good health overall. Whilst one can take those ads for dental care products with a pinch of salt when they suggest that success in life is dependent on a smile that can illuminate a football stadium, it is true that poor oral health can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Fortunately, routine dental care is not rocket science, and following a few basic principles can ensure a healthy mouth.

The Importance of Brushing

The value of good brushing in proper dental care cannot be overestimated. Many of us are content to simply drag a toothbrush across our teeth for a few seconds and call it brushing. Sticking to these few simple rules should ensure a better quality of brushing.

Use a soft bristled brush: For many people, hard bristled or even medium bristled brushes can actually damage tooth enamel. There are some exceptions, so talk to your dentist to see what type of bristle is best for your teeth. For best results, use a brush with rounded tips to the bristles. This protects the teeth better and can help prevent scratching of the enamel.

Brush for at least two minutes: Most people do not brush for anywhere near the recommended two minutes, but that’s how long it takes to brush your teeth thoroughly. Start with the outer surfaces of your teeth, then brush the inner surfaces, and finish off with the chewing edge. Some toothbrushes feature a rough surface on the back for brushing your tongue, which can help to freshen your breath by removing the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Use a fluoride toothpaste: Fortunately, most toothpastes available nowadays are fluoridated. Fluoride can help fight tooth decay and plaque. However, fluoride is not recommended for children under six, as it can be poisonous to small children if swallowed. Some toothpastes also contain additional ingredients for tartar control, whitening and so on. Whichever brand of toothpaste you pick, make sure that it carries the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. The ADA seal ensures that the toothpaste is effective in providing adequate dental care to those who use it properly, following the techniques outlined above.

Flossing As a Part of Your Dental Care Routine

As any dentist will tell you, flossing is another essential component of good dental care. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. If you find regular dental floss difficult to use, there are devices available that can help you. The simplest are flossers, little plastic utensils with a small piece of dental floss held between two prongs. They come in packs of 100 or so, and each flosser is good for a single use. If you want something a little more hi-tech, there are interdental cleaners available that squirt a thin jet of water between your teeth which acts the same way as a piece of dental floss.

If you are happy with regular dental floss, there is a correct technique and many incorrect techniques, just as there is with brushing. The correct technique is to take a piece of floss 18 inches long and wrap it around your two middle fingers until there is just an inch or two left between them. Slide the floss up and down between the teeth in a zigzag motion. Repeat for each tooth, making sure that you use a clean section of floss every time.

Using Mouthwashes

More and more people now use mouthwashes as part of their dental care routine. They can be more effective at removing interdental plaque than flossing alone, and are also good at killing bacteria and freshening breath. Mouthwashes have come a long way from the early days, when using them felt like gargling with paint stripper, and are now much gentler on your mouth without compromising their effectiveness.

Most people aspire to own their own businesses without clearly identifying the best way to do it. The ever-changing needs of consumers makes it even more complicated for entrepreneurs to select the right business to own. Most people already know that there’s a world of possibilities out there for anyone who wants to start a business. The question is: how can you possibly narrow the possibilities down to find the type of business that’s right for you? Business success research proves that most businesses do not survive for more than three years after inception due to poor business selections at the outset. It’s paramount to choose a business which you understand from an operational standpoint or for which you have a particular passion.

Types of Business Structures

There are different business structures to choose from: sole trader, partnership, limited liability, trust, proprietary limited company, incorporated association and co-operative. There are also a few complex structures like a joint-venture (JV). You may want to contact me personally to discuss the most appropriate structure for your situation. For the purpose of this business guide, I will concentrate on sole trader, partnership and limited liability. You will need to decide on which business structure best suits your business and personal needs.

Business categories

Businesses are mainly categorised as either product or service type. If you are a trained professional, such as an accountant, architect, or a specialist on any ailment, your business is naturally going to revolve around the professional services that you provide. However, there are many professionals who also have the opportunity to offer related products if they choose to do so. For example, if you’re an Information Technology (IT) specialist, you may decide to sell computers, software and hardware.

For untrained professionals, the key to deciding whether to focus on products or services when thinking about starting a business is in determining where your true talents lie and what you most enjoy doing. When making a decision, do not base it simply on whether or not you enjoy selling or are good at it. You will be involved with sales no matter what type of business you start.

Once you have identified the business to own, you will then have to make an informed decision whether to start one from scratch or buy an existing business.

How to Write a Business Plan

A business plan is a road map which will stipulate how you shall steer your company to achieve the goals and objectives which you have set. Most people, especially those starting a sole proprietorship business, do not prepare a business plan. For those who have done so, most of them are sub-standard. Preparation of a standard business plan will help make your business successful.

A business plan is quite often the entry-level requirement to getting government money, investor capital or bank loans. Although you may have a complete picture of the business in your mind, investors and bankers need to see if you really have an understanding of the business. The business plan also provides you with a blueprint to succeeding in business. It provides you with the direction of your company and also serves as a guidepost for your employees.

The business owner’s primary job is to manage and run the business. The term “manage” implies planning and execution. The very process of business planning helps reduce risk. Successful entrepreneurship is often the ability to build a business by taking calculated risks. If you’re putting your life savings on the line or borrowing other people’s money, it is your responsibility as a business owner to not take foolish risks. The business planning process does not guarantee success, but it surely decreases the odds of failure.

The business plan has different sections which I will discuss in greater detail.

Executive Summary and Introduction

Write the name of the business, its principal operating address, and any other information which would inform people where your business is located
Identify the business ownership. Is it a sole proprietor type or is it owned by a number of directors? Include percentage of ownership for each of the directors if it is a limited liability company
Briefly explain the goods or services which you offer
Specify the market which you intend to reach and service
Vision, Mission, Objectives & Values

Vision: This is the broad goal which you want to achieve, a statement of your strategic intent – a picture of the future. For example, if your company is to provide Cloud-based internet services in Bangkok, your vision could be: “To provide the cheapest and fastest Cloud internet connectivity in Bangkok.”

Mission: A mission statement should identify the core values to which the business is committed, the core purpose of the firm, and visionary goals which the business will pursue to fulfil its mission. The mission should mirror the vision, and elaborate on what shall be done to realise the vision. Using the example above, an appropriate mission would be, “Strive to offer cheap and first quality internet connectivity by investing in the latest technology and innovation.”

Objectives: These are the pre-set goals which the company should achieve. The objectives are grouped into two categories.

I.) Short term objectives: These are the goals which the business should achieve within the first year following business commencement; and

II.) Long term objectives: These are goals which the business should achieve within five years after business commencement.

Values: These are the principles, morals and ethics which the business strives to uphold. For example, how the business is committed to customer satisfaction and how it practices a culture of excellence.

Evaluate your business statement by answering the following questions:

· Is it longer term, but still time-defined?

· Is it clear on the major benefit(s) that you seek to achieve?

· Does it provide for some method of measuring success?

· Does it omit specific references to “how” things will be done?

A good mission statement will contain the following components:

· Specify target market/s and potential customers

· Identify principal products and services

· Specify the geographic domain

· Identify core technologies

· Contain an expression of commitment to survival, growth and profitability

· State the key elements of the owner’s business philosophy

· List the company’s core values

· Identify the desired public image

An effective values statement will include:

· Approximately 5-7 core values

· Values that can be demonstrated as actions or behaviours

· Values that are aligned with business processes or people

Products & Services

Identify in detail all the products and services which the business offers
Explain how each and every product or service shall be composed and made available to the intended customers
Explain the use and benefits of your key products and services
Revenue Generation

This section will identify all the revenue generation activities on which the business shall capitalise to generate revenue that will sustain the business. This is evident when a professional decides to work as a freelance expert. This section is customised based on the specific products you sell or the particular services you provide. For example, a photographer who owns a studio and sells photographic materials, might list the following:

Camera sales
Picture frame sales
Film sales
Camera memory card sales
Photograph/Video coverage charges
Capital Cost

Capital is defined as the initial investment which you shall put into the business before you commence operation. It is also defined as assets available for use in the production of further assets, wealth in the form of money, or property owned by a person or business, and human resources of economic value.

This section includes some basic accounting, but you don’t need an accounting degree to write this. It has simple arithmetic which is easy to understand. Just list all the expenses which you expect to incur before you commence operations.

Research & Development

All businesses need to continually improve their products, services and business processes in order to anticipate and respond to the ever-changing needs of customers, especially in line with today’s technology boom. This means investing time and money into researching these needs, then developing products and services to meet them. Research and development together with the design of new and modified services will form an essential part of making your business more profitable and productive. Then you can be sure that your career as a freelancer will be successful.

Amidst this pandemic many people got the opportunity to help out and do what they need for their community. A lot of us got to connect with our communities in new ways. In Boston small businesses have lost a significant amount of foot traffic.

“There’s people DoorDashing and post-mating half the stuff they usually buy” – owner of Symphony Mart on Boylston St. in Fenway.

Convenience stores are losing foot traffic at the rates they’ve never seen.

“Who’s buying diamonds during the pandemic? Not a lot of people” – owner of Boston jewels, Maury and his wife (have been operating over 20 years).
This is another brick and mortar store that was advertised by this small marketing agency in Downtown Boston.

When I was reaching out to the founder of Oakland Trust Marketing Company, I told him I was an aspiring journalist interested in their methods. He responded to me with a phrase that I may not be allowed to re write on here. I explained to him that I’m not here to complain about anything, just to learn. Finally he agreed to give a statement although he asked not to be named, he wanted the world to take away one thing;
“Connecting customers with quality products is all I know how to do, I was doing it before the pandemic and We’re doing it even more now. This is the time when people need you to shop, we spent our money like crazy before the pandemic and now all of a sudden we know how to budget. Buy your candy bar you deserve it! Have been looking for a sign from god to pull the trigger on a Beautiful argument solving necklace for your significant other, now you have it.” – Founder of Oakland Trust Marketing Company.

I get the sense that maybe he was trying a bit too hard on the sell there in our conversation, but at the same time I sort of appreciate the effort just because I know that’s what this young kid is doing while running around Boston promoting these stores. He’s always on the sell and always making sure you know where to go. I wouldn’t want to have a long nice relaxing dinner with the guy but I’d definitely want him pushing whatever I think of in the future. If I was going to make a start up I’d definitely consider their designs and slogans. After looking into them I was fascinated by the way they incorporated actual features unique to these stores within the ad. The ads didn’t look tacky, they were tacky don’t get me wrong, because they are ads and almost all ads are tacky when you know they are trying to sell. This was a different style of tacky, I hadn’t seen it before. I didn’t know how to rate it, how to judge it, I didn’t even know what to say about it, but here I am 73 hours later writing about it.

Whether it’s following up on work, assigning tasks, checking on your business mail, or just replying to customers, it can all be done from your phone. As a matter of fact, almost anything can get done online, through your phone today.

Yes, it’s that simple. But don’t go running home or rushing off to your next vacation destination just yet! We need to establish how you can get all this done and more without being at the office. Keep reading to find out the key factors you need to consider when managing your business while traveling or being away.

Key Factors to remotely managing your business:

Conduct Regular Meetings:

Everyone doesn’t need to be huddled up in the conference room to conduct a good meeting; you can get remote employees, freelancers, and employees at the office all in the same meeting with just an internet connection.

Now meeting on a daily or even weekly basis can be difficult while you’re traveling because you’re mostly busy and have other things to address. However, meeting with the managers weekly or bi-weekly will reassure your presence in the office and confirm your supervision on all business matters.

You can easily conduct meetings through Skype or Google Hangouts where everyone can see each other and even share files if needed. You can also use Google Slides for presentations or Team Viewer to share your computer screen with everyone for demonstration.

Be sure to regularly interact with your employees no matter where you are and build close relations with them that can evolve into trust. If this is accomplished, you’ll never need to worry about business when you’re away.

Follow-up on Work Progress & Hours:

You being away from the office should never mean work doesn’t get done or is on pause. Technology created a solution for slacking or lazy employees, time tracking software. This type of software allows you to track employees working hours so you will always be updated with who came late or who worked overtime.

Employees will be able to track their shifts, breaks, and leave notes on their work progress.

There are many types of time tracking software, some are essentially focused on tracking working hours like ClockIn Portal that generate timesheets and can be integrated with payroll systems.

Others include a project management feature like Zoho Projects where you can share projects, assign tasks, and follow-up on tasks.

You can also use essential project management software like Basecamp or Asana that mainly focus on getting work done efficiently. Project management software allows you to assign tasks, update them with comments, set deadlines, add attachments, and eventually mark them as complete. With a straightforward tracking method of working hours and work progress, employees will feel obligated to stay focused and get things done faster.

Handle Business Mail Instantly:

While traveling, your mail is something you mustn’t forget about. Neglecting your mail for even a few days can lead to problems. Unattended mail can be important contracts from clients, documents from partners or investors, or feedback from your customers.

With a virtual mailbox, you can take your mail with you wherever you go.

A virtual mailbox is a mailbox that you can access online and handle your mail. The options vary from shredding any document or forwarding packages to opening, archiving, or downloading mail in just a few minutes. Your mail is delivered to secure mail facilities where the envelope is scanned and uploaded to your cloud-based mailbox for you to control.

So not only is it remote access to your important mail, but it eliminates the need for a mailroom! This means lesser paper storage, no mail operators, and faster mail operations, a win-win for you and your pocket.

Travelling is a very basic component of every business institution. Meeting with the partners and remote coworkers every now and then is crucial to intensify the growth of the business. Generally, the business executives prefer meetings in person. For countless reasons you may have to travel to different cities or countries and host business meetings.

However, the work ethics has changed significantly in the world, making things more digitalized but there are not enough ideas in the world that can put an end to business travelling. While hotel conference rooms are always a pick for the business travellers, the meetings can also be held in the coworking spaces.

Hotel conference rooms charge immensely to arrange meetings. And since these meetings are quite frequent, you always look for an outlet that can save you some money. So today, we will be discussing some of the choices that you have to hold meetings or presentation for your business-

Business Centers- To begin with, we would like to introduce Business Centers as your initial choice of holding business meetings. This alternative does not require any former investment. The presentation rooms and business meeting rooms are rented on hourly basis or for days. You can rent the room as per your needs. Most of these places are equipped with internet, printers, workstations, meeting tables in different sitting capacities, projectors, etc. The Business Centers are designed to give you real-life office experience on a remote location.

Business Hotels- As we were discussing earlier, Business Hotels is the common-most choice of every business traveller to host business meetings. These hotels usually have meeting rooms, classrooms, private office, individual desks etc. The ambience is amazing and you can also quickly arrange lunch for the clients. The Business Hotels are usually equipped with all the major amenities that you may need to hold meetings. The rent however is a troublesome element. You will find business hotels to charge massively for the services delivered. You can rent it for hours or days, as per your needs. Of course, you can also stay at the same hotel and make arrangements for the meeting.

Coworking Spaces- One of the most pragmatic option that is available on an affordable rate are the coworking spaces. Coworking spaces are still creating their market as not many business people know about it. These offices are available at low prices and can be rented for hours or days. They have fine suitable for different kinds of professionals. The amenities that you get at coworking spaces are internet, projectors, meeting rooms, etc. You can also conduct meetings in the dedicated coworking places and meet new people. This will also help you to connect with professionals that may help you with your business as well. It is a perfect choice for the professionals with budget constraint.

To get started creating authentic content, you’ll want to define your ideal customer and know what is important to share with them to lead them through your funnels – in a way that matches their intent based on where they are in their buying cycle.

Share Your Stories

But you need to know what stories to share. When you really understand who your audience is, and what they need to know based on where they are in their buying cycle, it’s easy to choose which stories to share. And the more you can share with your audience, the better. When you share and relate with them, they’re going to see your authenticity shining through as it relates to them.

Be Transparent

Okay, you want to be transparent. But first you need to decide how transparent, then stick to that. Makes sure the transparency you’re using matches the need of the customer. For example, if you are claiming to make $100K a year, why don’t you show them? If you’re just saying you can make money, that’s different. But if you state a number, it’s important to also be willing to show the proof.

Engage More

A great way to create content is through engagement. For example, if you have Facebook groups that you like to go to, are you using them in a manner that is authentic with what you want to achieve? Do you answer questions openly or do you ask them to PM you? It’s probably better to talk about some things openly even if they are a problem or complaint. This is going to make you even more transparent and authentic to your followers.

Tell Customer Stories

One way to use content to show authenticity is to collect and share your customers’ success stories. This is a great way to show what is working to the rest of your audience. They love to read stories and connect with people who are already your customers. You can do this in a blog post, on social media, or via live interviews using Facebook Live or Zoom.us.

Be Consistent on All Channels

Today, marketing in a multichannel environment is expected. You’re going to need to market online and offline and in various channels in both environments. Then you need to be consistent. Consistency is much easier if you’re already being authentic to your brand and yourself.

Use Different Formats

Content marketing requires that you use a lot of different formats of content, much of which you can repurpose. For example, if you interview a satisfied customer via Facebook Live or Zoom, you can turn that interview into a blog post as well. Then you can even use that interview in a book as an example. Plus, you can pull quotes from the interview to make memes.

When you learn to match the content to your customer’s buying cycle, using authentic forms of content from yourself, users, and others who contribute content to your industry or niche, you’re going to find that it’s easier to create content for your audience. This is because you know that you’re being true to your brand and yourself.

Various types of products and services have various marketing objectives due to the nature of their trade. Objectives are best defined in a marketing plan which details exactly how the company can benefit if it takes on projected sales and marketing activities. The plan highlights the marketing mix, its budget, and how the business will expand in a specific period.

Marketing communication has channels that deliver your business message to the large masses. These days, companies use both print media and electronic media in their marketing mix. They like to take part in events and put up kiosks in various busy spots of the city for product testing as well. If the objective is to reach large masses you can create TV ads. To engage users online companies create websites and use questionnaires for new product development, learn more about consumer behavior, their likes and dislikes.

Reinforcement is the main element of integrated marketing communication as it ensures all elements of a result-driven campaign work cohesively to achieve objectives. For brand awareness five elements are most important as follows:

Personal Selling
Advertising
Sales Promotion
Direct Marketing
Publicity

A promotional mix works like a combination of options and the options that suit the trade best are always part of a marketing mix. If you are a local restaurant there is no need to advertise on TV. All you need is sales promotions, websites, and direct marketing through food delivery companies. For an FMCG TV ads are essential when you have a lot of competitors. FMCGs try to make sales using all types of channels. So objectives of the marketing communications (MC) depend on the type of business you are in.

The importance of integration

Integration is important for consistency. For example, if the brand logo appears different on the packaging than what is displayed on the website it gives off a very bad impression. Uniformity gives you a clean brand image that is more trustworthy. The corporate identity has to be maintained at all times. The look and style of your brand need not change across the various channels. Your brand message has to be consistent for corporate reasons. The target audience will take actions you want them to if you have a consistent message across many platforms. For this reason, the brand, the agencies, media, channel members, and the MC support services all need to work together to ensure they are on the same page. This prevents clutter which is damaging for the company image.

Role of marketing communications in promoting and developing brands

Promoting and developing brands requires work on graphics. When you have attractive graphics the brand name will be well recalled as the mind likes to retain eye-catchy graphics. When you have the effectual graphics for your advertising and publicity you are ready to promote a brand. The logo is a vital element of the brand as it distinguishes you from others. It can be revamped when the market trends change. Brands are best developed using the right IMC strategy so they can find consumers in the large target market and this requires research. After that, we can build a brand using a marketing mix for IMC. It helps with customer retention and getting new customers. By building brand equity brands can survive n the market. Product information that consumers get leads to making informed decisions about making purchases.

A business message gives the target market awareness about who you are and the benefits you have to offer. By using events at expositions or interacting with consumers online at websites or social media sites we can build associations with the consumers. When we have a large following the perception of the brand in the market will be positive. More prospects will trust us and try it. From the experience they get online and from the product use, they will be loyal.