6 Efficient Automation Tips for Business Processes in 2023

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Automation has become an integral part of businesses in recent years. It not only helps reduce manual labor but also provides a high level of accuracy, improves efficiency, and reduces errors. The success of automation depends on how effectively it is implemented in the business processes. Here are some ways to enhance business automation:

Identify the right processes for automation

The first step in enhancing business automation is identifying the right automation processes. Not all processes are suitable for automation. Identify the processes that are repetitive, time-consuming, and have a high chance of errors. These processes are ideal candidates for automation. Once you have identified the processes, prioritize them based on their impact on business operations.

Evaluate the available automation technologies

Once you have identified the processes to be automated, evaluate the available automation technologies. There are different types of automation technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), and machine learning (ML). Each technology has its strengths and weaknesses. Choose the technology that is best suited for your business processes.

Integrate automation with existing systems

Integrating it with the existing systems is essential to enhance business automation. Communication with other systems should be possible between the automation technologies such as ERP, CRM, and HRIS. This integration will ensure that data is shared seamlessly across systems and the automation technology can access the required data to perform its functions.

Ensure data quality

Automation is highly dependent on data. If the data is inaccurate, incomplete, or inconsistent, it can lead to errors in the automation process. Therefore, it is essential to ensure data quality before implementing automation. This can be done by identifying the data sources, cleansing the data, and creating data governance policies.

Test and optimize the automation process

Once the automation process is implemented, it is essential to test and optimize it. This involves monitoring the automation process, identifying issues, and resolving them. It also involves analyzing the automation process’s performance and identifying improvement opportunities. Continuous optimization of the automation process can lead to increased efficiency and accuracy.

Train employees

Automation may require employees to learn new skills or adapt to new working methods. Therefore, it is essential to train employees on new processes and technologies. This will help reduce resistance to change and ensure employees can work effectively with the latest automation processes.

In conclusion, enhancing business automation requires identifying the right processes for automation, evaluating the available automation technologies, integrating automation with existing systems, ensuring data quality, testing and optimizing the automation process, and training employees. Automation can significantly benefit businesses, but its success depends on how effectively it is implemented and managed. By following these steps, businesses can enhance their automation processes and improve efficiency and accuracy.

5 Surefire Viral Marketing Tactics to Rapidly Expand Your Reach

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Viral marketing is a powerful tool businesses can use to increase brand awareness and generate buzz around their products or services. Unlike traditional forms of advertising, viral marketing relies on social sharing and word-of-mouth to spread the message. In this article, we will explore five secrets of viral marketing that can help businesses create successful campaigns.

Emotion is key

One of the essential secrets to creating a viral marketing campaign is to evoke emotion. People are more likely to share content that makes them feel something – whether it’s happiness, anger, or surprise. For example, a heartwarming video about a dog who overcomes adversity is more likely to be shared than a dry product advertisement. By tapping into emotions, businesses can create content that resonates with their audience and increases the chances of it going viral.

Keep it simple

Another critical element of viral marketing is simplicity. Complex or confusing messages are less likely to be shared, as people often do not have the time or energy to decipher them. To create a successful viral marketing campaign, businesses should focus on creating simple and straightforward messages that are easy for people to understand and share.

Timing is everything

Timing is also an essential factor in viral marketing. Businesses should aim to release their campaigns when their target audience is most likely to be online and receptive to the message. For example, a campaign targeting college students should be released during the school year when they are more likely to use social media. Timing can also be affected by current events or trends, which can be leveraged to make a campaign more timely and relevant.

Harness the power of influencers

A powerful marketing strategy that can be implemented is influencer marketing to amplify the reach of a viral marketing campaign. Businesses can reach their audience by collaborating with influencers with a sizable following – increasing the chances of the campaign going viral. Choosing influencers who align with the brand’s values and message is important to ensure the partnership feels authentic and genuine.

Encourage sharing

Finally, businesses should make it easy for people to share their content. This can be done by including social sharing buttons on websites or creating shareable graphics or videos. Businesses can also encourage sharing by running contests or giveaways requiring participants to share the campaign with friends. By making sharing a part of the campaign, businesses can increase the chances of it going viral and reaching a wider audience.

In conclusion, viral marketing is a powerful tool that can aid companies in generating buzz about their brands, products or services. By tapping into emotions, keeping messages simple, timing campaigns effectively, harnessing the power of influencers, and encouraging sharing, businesses can create successful viral marketing initiatives that connect with their target market and get results.

9 Practical Tips to Dramatically Improve Your Work-Life Balance

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Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging in today’s fast-paced society. Many people work long hours, neglect their personal lives, and feel stressed and burnt out. However, achieving a better work-life balance is crucial to increase happiness and productivity in all areas of your life. Below are some practical tips to help you achieve a better work-life balance.

Set clear boundaries

One of the most vital things you can do to achieve a better work-life balance is to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. This means establishing specific times for work and sticking to them, and disconnecting from work-related technology during non-work hours.

Prioritize self-care

Looking after yourself is essential for achieving a better work-life balance. This entails obtaining enough rest, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise. It also means taking time for hobbies and other activities that bring you joy and help you relax.

Learn to say no

Many people struggle with saying no to work-related tasks and commitments but learning to set limits and say no when necessary is essential for achieving a better work-life balance. It’s acceptable to put your needs first and decline offers that don’t support your personal or professional objectives.

Focus on productivity, not just hours worked

Instead of measuring your success based on the number of hours you work, focus on your productivity and the quality of your work. This can help you be more efficient and effective and ultimately allow you to achieve more in less time.

Make time for friends and family

Maintaining solid relationships with friends and family is integral to achieving a better work-life balance. Make time to connect with loved ones regularly, whether that means scheduling regular date nights, family dinners, or simply making time for a phone call or video chat.

Take regular breaks

Regular breaks are essential for avoiding burnout and maintaining productivity. Take frequent breaks throughout the day, whether that means taking a short walk, practicing meditation, or simply getting up from your desk and moving about.

Manage your time effectively

Effective time management is critical to achieving a better work-life balance. This means prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and using specific tools such as calendars and to-do lists to help you stay organized and on track.

Be flexible

Achieving a better work-life balance is not always a straightforward process, and it’s essential to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. This may mean adjusting your schedule or priorities or finding creative solutions to balance work and personal life.

Seek support

Finally, don’t be afraid to seek support from colleagues, friends, or family members if you’re struggling to achieve a better work-life balance. Talking to others can help you gain perspective and identify new strategies for managing your time and priorities.

In conclusion, achieving a better work-life balance is essential for maintaining physical and mental health, as well as happiness and productivity in all areas of life. By setting clear boundaries, prioritizing self-care, learning to say no, focusing on productivity, making time for friends and family, taking breaks, managing time effectively, being flexible, and seeking support when needed, you can create a healthy balance between work and personal life that works for you.

5 Side Hustle Ideas To Make Extra Money In 2023

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The pandemic has pushed many people to rethink their career paths and explore new avenues of income. Side hustles have become a popular option for those seeking additional income streams. With the sudden popularity of the gig economy and technological advancements, there are plenty of side hustles to choose from in 2023. Here are five of the best side hustles to consider.

Online Tutoring

Online tutoring has become a lucrative side hustle with the shift toward online learning. Whether it’s math, science, or language tutoring, the demand for online tutors will be much higher in 2023. Platforms like Chegg, TutorMe, and Skooli offer opportunities for tutors to connect with students globally. Online tutoring provides flexibility in terms of hours and location, making it a perfect side hustle for those passionate about teaching.

E-commerce

E-commerce has been on the rise for years, and the pandemic has only accelerated its growth. Starting an online store on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon allows you to sell products from anywhere in the world. You can create your own products or source products from other suppliers and actually resell them at a markup. With the right marketing strategy, e-commerce can be a highly profitable side hustle.

Delivery Services

The pandemic has seen a surge in demand for delivery services, and this trend is expected to continue in 2023. Companies like UberEats, DoorDash, and Grubhub offer opportunities for delivery drivers to earn extra income by delivering food from local restaurants. With the rise of online shopping, delivery services for packages and groceries are also in high demand. Platforms like Instacart and Shipt provide opportunities for drivers to deliver groceries to customers’ doorsteps.

Freelance Writing

Freelance writing has been a popular side hustle for years, and with the rise of content marketing, it’s expected to continue to be in high demand in 2023. Freelance writers can create content for websites, blogs, and social media platforms. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr provide opportunities for writers to connect with clients globally. Freelance writing offers flexibility in terms of hours and location, making it a perfect side hustle for those with solid writing skills.

Virtual Assistance

With the rise of remote work, virtual assistance has become a popular side hustle. Virtual assistants offer assistance to various businesses and individuals from anywhere in the world. Tasks may include scheduling appointments, managing email accounts, and social media management. Platforms like Zirtual and Fancy Hands provide opportunities for virtual assistants to connect with clients globally.

In conclusion, the gig economy has opened up numerous opportunities for side hustles in 2023. From online tutoring to virtual assistance, there are plenty of options for those seeking additional income streams. With the right skills and a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, a side hustle can turn into a lucrative career.

3 Surefire Tips On Empowerment and How To Engage Your Employees

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With the different industries slowly opening up after being upended by the pandemic, business owners are now re-calibrating for immediate strategies to achieve their long-term organizational goals.

SKYBIZ, the business solutions arm of SKY Cable Corporation, rolls out some important tips and solutions that will help employers grow both their business and their employee’s morale in this post-lockdown era.

Encourage a favorable set-up

The remote set-up became the new standard in most businesses, employees are able to go on with their daily tasks while working in the comfort of their homes, connecting with their peers purely online. Now that a lot of industries have gone back to their pre-Covid set-up and with the hybrid work arrangement gaining popularity, business owners should allow for more flexibility for employees to get their work done either at home or in the office.

A comfortable working environment is crucial for employees’ productivity, performance, and job satisfaction. Whether you are working from home or back to the office, the physical space where work is done should be conducive for every employee to excel daily.

Engage professional and personal growth

A well-balanced life is something that both employers and employees should strive for. Businesses will continue to grow if their people also grow, hence, it’s important to make the workplace a safe place where employees can unleash their maximum potential professionally and personally.

Most companies have incorporated different activities and practices that can boost the morale of their employees. A shared activity outside the workplace like a Monday morning reflection over coffee or a Friday night sports fest will strengthen the working relationship within the company allowing employees to feel more at ease and closer with their peers.

Invest in tools that empower

With most of the work transactions and meet-ups done digitally, businesses should invest in a reliable service provider and solutions tools that will empower them to grow their business in this digital age.

SKYBIZ is extending its BizTastic BunDeals with its Biz Broadband Connect and BizFiber Connect plans that include reliable business-grade internet connection for SMEs suited for their day-to-day activities, bundled with a three-month Microsoft 365 and a voucher from ABS-CBN Dash or Grab.

4 Simple Ways to Wake Up Happier Tomorrow

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Granted, some mornings are better than others! No matter what the mood or situation, you’ll be thanking yourself silly if you follow these four easy steps before leaving the house every morning. They will ensure you start your day off positively and with an air of complete determination and purpose.

1. I am just as good as the person next to me.

Always remember that the person you’re comparing yourself to will always be comparing themselves to someone too. You never know; it could even be you! Although a little bit of extra push and determination can come from comparisons, making daily comparisons to others can be very detrimental to a woman’s thought process. Constantly thinking ‘she’s much skinnier than me’ or, ‘she likes him more than she likes me’ is simply pure negativity. Remember that you are on the exact path in life you’re supposed to be on, and everyone has a different path. The time taken to stop and look around at everyone else’s paths will slow you down on your own.

2. Today, I will be brilliant.

I find this to be very important. Every morning I wake up, look in the mirror and say (out loud), ‘today, I will be brilliant!’ There are a few reasons for this – I promise there is a method to the madness. The first reason is that I like to use my voice before I have to speak to anyone else and embarrass myself with the husky cough we all know too well because the ole’ vocal cords aren’t warmed up. The second and more important reason is that positive self-talk is really important to a successful outlook on life.

3. I deserve the best

I think this is something women are constantly compromising on, and you know what? I’m sick of it, ladies! Everyone deserves the absolute best when it comes to important matters of life! Now I’m not talking about having the perfect espresso every morning from your local brew house; I’m talking much bigger picture! Things like relationships, jobs, and friends. Yes, finding a balance between the three is hard, but simply aiming for the best will push you in the right direction. Settling for ‘just ok’ or ‘average’ should be a thing of the past!

4. Say Cheese!

Smiling as you walk out of the front door can be one of the most rewarding things you can do all day. It can truly set the tone for the rest of your day. The mere act of smiling releases endorphins and initiates a chemical reaction in your brain that forces happiness to conquer any feeling of unease. I find this technique especially useful when I’ve had one of those terrible mornings where everything that can go wrong does go wrong! Even though you’re in a state wherein the SheWitch Banshee from Hell would be afraid of you, forcing a smile will help you leave negativity behind you.

5 Tips for a Safer Online Shopping Experience In 2023

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For many shoppers, the online marketplace has been one of the best features of the technological age – you get what you want without travelling to the shops and negotiating the long queues and the arduous effort of getting there. For business owners, it’s a cost-cutting strategy to get their products out without costly overheads.

However, how sure are you that you are not paying more than you think you’ve bargained for? Horror stories of buying fakes and low-standard materials have been seen on posts and other online platforms. So how do we protect ourselves from these possible threats?

It would be very hard to figure out if what you’re buying is the real thing or a triple-A imitation. So we sought out brand maven Barbs Aguirre-Miravalles, the Division General Manager for Fragrances of LUXASIA – the leading omnichannel partner for luxury beauty and lifestyle brands to reach Asia Pacific consumers for some tips to help consumers figure out what they are buying.

Find a reliable source

Most e-commerce platforms have a marketplace where in it is open to all resellers. It is difficult to spot authentic resellers from counterfeit resellers as most would put 100% authentic on their product pages. When in doubt, I recommend shopping at the retailer.com sites or brand.com sites so you can be guaranteed that the products come from the original sources.

Compare and review

It would help to read reviews, but it would still help to compare prices and product details/ specifications from the original brand websites to know what you are buying. Check the source of the products.

Beware of cheap items

Counterfeit items are sold at cheaper prices precisely because the ingredients/materials used to create this is not comparable to the authentic item. We suggest watching Netflix’s ‘Broken’ to understand the danger of counterfeit items. This is dangerous to one’s health, especially for cosmetics and ingestible. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. You get what you pay for, so the lower money you spend equates to the quality you will receive in return.

To further help our readers, we dug deeper into precautions necessary for doing online purchases courtesy of the Australian Filipina:

Always make your purchases from a secure connection.

After clicking the link to the site, check out the prompt in the address field. It would usually read https://www, but if you read “Not Secure,” then it’s not worth your while.

Create a unique password.

If you keep on forgetting your password, get a secured password keeper like dashlane which keeps all your unique passwords that can be generated by the system or from a story of your life that no one knows about.

Be mindful of the information that you provide the sites

Identity theft is one of the most rampant crimes going around, and giving more information than you have to may just be the biggest mistake you can ever make. Standard information would be information on the payment method, shipping address, telephone number and/or email address. If the merchant asks for more, walk away.

Check the shipping details.

Some merchants charge exorbitant shipping fees that can turn a shopping bargain into an expensive mistake. Look to see if they provide tracking and insurance. Understand what carriers they use, and be particularly cautious if the item won’t be shipped within ten days.

Always remember, before you CLICK & SHOP, STOP & THINK.

Source: The Australian Filipina

4 Business Opportunities To Try in 2023

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Businesses are everywhere. With every second that we spend living, business is there. It is inevitable that you buy at every stopover or just by the moment that you can see that you don’t have toothpaste right after you wake up. Business is there, and it is there anywhere and at any time.

Is business really that important? Yes, of course. Imagine life without a business. Will you ever survive? Businesses provide products of all kinds to their customers. It also makes the best possible use of scarce resources with the aim of gaining profit from a specific kind of business or just a simple buying and selling transaction.

Engaging in business need not have a lot of capital. Some may be of low cost, and some may require high investment depending on the kind of business that you would like to engage. There are a lot of businesses that may be an option for you also, depending on the inputs that you have. Some may require real money, but for some, if you have the talent, you can already dive into your specialized business. Below are some that you can opt for.

Event Planning

If you want to start a small business, event planning is a sure activity. In event planning, you need the skills since this is a highly specialized kind of business. You can go for catering services or a wedding event planner. If you have experience organizing and planning a wedding, this is a business from which you can profit. It is also important that you should be sociable since this job requires you to meet a lot of different kinds of people. Event planning is becoming popular because most people now depend on someone to organize their events perfectly.

Dining Business in a Food Cart

Heard about fast-casual dining? This is not a fast food or a full-service, sit-down restaurant. This kind of business is believed to be a low-cost one and is the “in” now. Food carts’ profitability has been proven in major city areas. You can always start there. Franchising food carts are now available all around; you can grab one and start your own business immediately.

Affiliate Marketing

Marketing products have now gone online. If you have the skills in blogging and writing, this business is the best one for you. Affiliate marketing is earning a commission by selling other products on your website. One good thing about this is that you do not need to develop your product. All you have to do is promote the product you are selling and let orders come their way.

Candy Maker

Do you have the skills to make candy? Then you can start your own business right there in your kitchen. You can always make one and have your friends taste it; once they love it, you can start your little business.

Success in a business is indicated by how much you love your work. If it is your passion, go and let the world know that your business is the best.

Swarovski and EssilorLuxottica announce a ten-year licensing agreement

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Swarovski and EssilorLuxottica announced recently that they have signed an exclusive license agreement for the design, manufacture, and worldwide distribution of Swarovski Eyewear.

The agreement will be effective until December 31, 2028, with an automatic renewal option of an additional five years. The first collection under the agreement will be available on the market from September 2023.

This agreement combines Swarovski’s creativity and savoir-faire with the knowledge, innovation, and expertise of EssilorLuxottica.

The partnership builds on Swarovski’s luxury credentials alongside its enduring commitment to eyewear as a key fashion accessory. Swarovski Eyewear, which features designs inspired by the brand’s jewelry families, brings an additional facet to Swarovski’s customer offering, and complements its extraordinary jewelry, home décor and accessories collections.

The first collection will be developed under the leadership of Swarovski Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert and launched in time for the FW23 season.

Alexis Nasard, CEO of Swarovski, said: “We are delighted to further evolve our Swarovski Eyewear business with global leader EssilorLuxottica. This is in-line with our LUXignite strategy, and is a natural partnership for us, forged from a shared passion for beautiful design coupled with impeccable quality and savoir-faire.”

Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica said: “We are excited to embark on this journey with Swarovski, a brand known for its artful design and incredible attention to detail. We have always seen each pair of frames as a piece of art to be worn, which makes Swarovski and its story such a wonderful fit.”

About Swarovski

Swarovski is a place where magic and science meet. Swarovski unifies all parts of its organization under one spellbinding idea and brings forward a wondrous new world of crystal craftsmanship. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures and sells the world’s highest quality crystal, gemstones, Swarovski Created Diamonds and zirconia, jewelry, and accessories, as well as crystal objects and home accessories. Together with its sister companies Swarovski Optik (optical devices) and Tyrolit (abrasives), Swarovski Crystal Business forms the Swarovski Group. A responsible relationship with people and the planet has always been an integral part of Swarovski’s heritage. This manifests today in the company’s well-established sustainability agenda with youth-focused education programs and foundations to promote human empowerment and conserve natural resources to achieve positive social impact. For more information, please visit swarovski.com.

EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames and sunglasses. Formed in 2018, its mission is to help people around the world to see more and be more by addressing their evolving vision needs and personal style aspirations. The Company brings together the complementary expertise of two industry pioneers, one in advanced lens technology and the other in the craftsmanship of iconic eyewear, to set new industry standards for vision care and the consumer experience around it. Influential eyewear brands including Ray-Ban and Oakley, lens technology brands including Varilux and Transitions, and world-class retail brands including Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, Salmoiraghi & Viganò and GrandVision are part of the EssilorLuxottica family. EssilorLuxottica has approximately 180,000 employees. In 2021, the Company generated consolidated pro forma revenue of Euro 21.5 billion. The EssilorLuxottica share trades on the Euronext Paris market and is included in the Euro Stoxx 50 and CAC 40 indices. Codes and symbols: ISIN: FR0000121667; Reuters: ESLX.PA; Bloomberg: EL:FP. For more information, please visit essilorluxottica.com.

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Swarovski

Editorial credit: Luca Lorenzelli / Shutterstock.com

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Homegrown Basketball Australia… What Is This All About?

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Homegrown Basketball Australia (HGBA) is a community-based sporting association that started off as a small group of interested basketball players and enthusiasts playing social basketball games in 2012. It was later established as an organisation by its founders, Karlo Basa, Alfred Sayas, and Cromwell Alvarez.

HGBA prides itself on being the seasoned basketball influencer in Western Sydney and the Sydney Filipino community. Its presence has continued to expand all over Australia and is commonly recognised by International Filipino Basketball associates as the long-standing leader in Filipino Basketball in Australia.

The brand continues to be associated as the driver of the basketball movement in Western Sydney as it constantly elevates and redefines its services throughout the years. This has resulted in wide exposure and strong influence over the Basketball and Filipino community at large.

Homegrown Basketball provides the following services:

Western Sydney Basketball Association (WSBA)

WSBA is the Basketball League entity of Homegrown Basketball Australia, which officially commenced its Basketball League operations in Autumn 2013. In its tenth year and 16th basketball season, WSBA has established itself as the leading amateur Basketball League in Western Sydney, managing between 40-50 teams every season.

Homegrown Basketball Academy (HG Academy)

HG Academy is the basketball coaching and player development entity of Homegrown Basketball. Accredited coaches and trainers deliver the program in an innovative and fun environment, providing several options for all ages and skill levels.

National Basketball Training Centre (NBTC)

Homegrown Basketball Australia is the tenured partner of the SM NBTC Basketball Pathway to Philippine UAAP and NCAA Basketball. The program provides for Philippine Collegiate Basketball aspirants to participate in the extensive training and development program with an opportunity to be selected to represent Australia in the annual SM NBTC Global Games, the scouting platform for Philippine NCAA and UAAP coaching and scouting staff.

HGBA continues to build on its rich history as they endeavour to develop the sport of Basketball and its presence in Australia. For more information on its services and how to be part of the Homegrown Basketball community, please contact the Homegrown Basketball admin at info@homegrownbasketball.com.au.