Brain Wave, Entrepreneurship & Business Talks

3 Ways Your Business Reputation Can Be Put At Risk

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Reputation: It’s a powerful thing in business.

If your reputation is a good one, you can guarantee more interest in your product and service, and your business will have the opportunity to grow.

On the flip side, if your reputation takes a hit, perhaps because of the reasons we will list below, then you will start to lose customers, fail to acquire new interest in your business, and quite possibly see your business fail. Yikes!

So, let’s take a look at some of the factors that could negatively affect your business reputation.

#1: A lapse in ethical judgment

For the betterment of your business, you might be tempted to do something that is borderline illegal. You might try to save money by being dishonest with the taxman, for example. Or you could copy a business idea that has been spearheaded by another entrepreneur. Of course, you might also hire an employee who has less than moral ethics, and they could do something that could be considered illegal. Whatever the case, when the media and your customers discover ethical lapses within your business, your reputation will start to go downhill. While a good PR team and the white-collar legal services of law firms such as Takajian & Sitkoff will do much to protect your business, you should still think twice during the hiring process, and when considering your own actions in business.

#2: Doing your customers a disservice

In business, excellent customer service is a must. If you don’t give your customers what they need, then you can guarantee bad word of mouth will spread about your business on social media, review sites, and in the hearing range of the public at large. So, be sure to treat your customers well. Don’t talk to them with disrespect in person or on the phone. Don’t make them promises that you will struggle to keep. Don’t sell them something that is obviously defective. And don’t ignore them when they come to you with complaints or questions about your business. In each case, you let them down at your peril.

#3: Mistreatment of your employees

Not only will productivity start to falter when your employees become unhappy with the way you have treated them, but negative word of mouth will start to spread too. As with your customers, your employees may be inclined to share their opinion of you with others, be that face to face, on social media, or on employer review sites online. So, be good to your employees. Don’t give them more work than they can handle. Don’t speak to them with disrespect. Don’t ignore their requests for support. And don’t disregard any news of workplace bullying that filters back to you. Be good to your employees, and they will be good to you.

It’s not overly difficult to secure a positive business reputation. By acting ethically, and by treating the people who use your business well, there should be no need for bad word of mouth to spread. So, think about that today, as your business will have a better chance of survival if you heed our warnings.

Thanks for reading.

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Brain Wave, Family and Home living

10 Ways To Make Your Home Infinitely More Interesting

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Having an interesting looking home is something that can be really enjoyable as a homeowner. If you want to make your home as interesting as possible, there are a few different things you can try. Below, you’ll find 10 methods that will allow you to make your space infinitely more interesting – take a look and see what you can do.

1. Include Patterns In Different Ways

Patterns are a great way to make your space more interesting and really funk it up. You can include patterns in just about any way you like – on curtains, cushions, and on your walls, for example. There are no rules. All you have to do is figure out a formula of mixing patterns that you like best. Some people like to use three patterns in different amounts, while others like to use the same pattern just in different colorways/sizes. You can have fun and get really creative with this method.

2. Add Plants

Plants can do lots of things for your space. They add color and joy, not to mention texture. They can also purify the air and do other amazing things. Adding plants both small and large is great. Just make sure you learn a little about the plants and select those that suit your ability best. They should also suit the room and space you intend to keep them in. For instance, if you were to buy a croton, you’d want to keep it in a humid, moist place like the bathroom. Each plant will need to be watered different amounts and different levels of light, so bear this in mind. A great starter plant is the spider plant, or even a snake plant!

3. Use Various Textures

Use various textures by selecting rugs, cushions, and other items. Using as many textures as possible is a great way to keep things interesting and feeling cosy to boot.

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4. Add An Unexpected Twist

Adding an unexpected twist is a wonderful way to make your home more interesting. You could do this with an antique, for instance, or even patterned glass. Step away from the norm and you won’t believe how much more interesting your home can look.

5. Get A Bookshelf

A bookshelf helps you to show off your interests – as well as give you something to do away from the TV. Why not create a reading nook? A cosy space where you can grab a read will likely encourage you to do it more. You could even invest in a big cosy bean bag or an indoor chair swing if you want to make it extra appealing.

6. Collect Your Favorite Art Pieces

Art isn’t just for people with a lot of money. You can use your favorite pieces printed on high quality paper and framed – you could even create something you love yourself if you’re quite arty. Art in each room is a great way to perk the space up. A huge piece can make a statement, while smaller pieces can be used on the same wall to create an accent.

7. Use Mirrors The Smart Way

Mirrors can be used to add texture and interest, as well as make a room look bigger and better. If you use mirrors properly, you can make a small room look much bigger. Texture on a mirror can also do a lot for your decor.

8. Mix Up Your Furniture

You don’t have to buy matching sets of furniture. This is just plain lazy! Many people don’t realize that mixing their furniture pieces can actually create a more interesting space. All you need to do is make sure the same style or a similar color is used so that the space still looks unified. You can also mix up your pillows, using different sizes and styles to create an eclectic look.

10. Create Your Own Accent Wall

Creating an accent wall is a wonderful way to show off your tastes and have fun. Include art, prints, pictures of loved ones, and even souvenirs to add to the space. However, you shouldn’t do this too much. You don’t want one in every room of the house! Instead, stick to a maximum of two. Choose walls that are bare with no distractions like doors or windows. They should draw the eye when you enter a room!

Making your home more interesting is really easy if you use the ideas and methods here. Do you have any suggestions of your own? Leave them below!

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Brain Wave, Entrepreneurship & Business Talks, Internet-Web Devt

What Do Customers Really Need?

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When we’re running a company, we tend to think in terms of what we want to bring to the table. But while this is an important aspect, it’s not necessarily the best way to think. Let’s not forget who the most important group is when it comes to your business: your customers. As such, it’s best to think in terms of what they want, not necessarily what you want. The good thing about this approach is that it’s not a mystery; customers everywhere generally want the same thing, regardless of industry. We take a look at four such examples below.

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Problem Solved

You’re not going to get too far if you’re not solving a problem for a customer. You’re likely well aware of the failure rate of businesses. Still, there’s little reason to get too disheartened by the figure: the fact is that the majority of these companies failed because they just didn’t add enough value to the lives of their customers. It’s important to remember that customers aren’t going to flock to you just because your there: you need to aid their lives in some way, and do things better than other companies. So ask yourself: how are you improving your customers’ lives? Is it best to put up social media advertisements to inform them of what’s new in the online world?

Peace of Mind

We live in an age of skepticism, and it’s not hard to see why. Customers have become fatigued by companies who have their own interests at heart, and also by the rise in cybercrime. There is a long list of high profile data breaches, and every one has eroded customer trust that little bit more. As such, it’s critical that you’re taking your customer’s sensitive data seriously. They should have peace of mind that their information is in safe hands. If this is one area of your business that needs improving, then learn more about how you can incorporate a system that offers the highest levels of security. If you lose your customer’s trust, then they’re highly unlikely to return in the future.

Straightforward Processes

Some companies sure do make things difficult for themselves. If you have a customer interested in making a purchase, then it’s in your best interest to make that process as smooth as possible. This should be a priority, especially if you’re running an online business. Shopping cart abandonment is a real issue for online retailers, but it should be expected if there are too many layers to the checkout process, or if you’re adding surprise charges at the final hurdle.

Good Value

Unless you’re in the luxury goods market, then you need to look at value. This can be the difference between a customer deciding to make a purchase and moving to a competitor. Of course, you need to make a profit, so it’s all about striking a balance. If you’re finding it difficult to lower the cost, then look at other areas of your business where you can save money. Customers are looking for an even balance between value and the quality of the product. Get this right, and you’re good.

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Brain Wave, Travel and Attractions

Seeing Indonesia: The Must-See Locations On Your Next Trip

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One of the most diverse, beautiful places that you could hope to visit in 2020 is Indonesia. If you are currently hating the cold weather of the Northern Hemisphere and are craving sunshine, then put Indonesia on your bucket list of countries to explore. With over 17,000 islands, there’s bound to be something here that appeals to you, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a few places that you NEED to know. Not everyone has the time to see the entirety of Indonesia, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not the place for trekking, relaxing, culture, shopping and more.

Whether you are looking to couch-surf your way around the area, or you hope to book an apartment through Jual Beli Rumah, you need to know about the best places to visit when you head to Indonesia. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the must-see locations you should add to your list for the next time you’re headed to Indonesia.

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  • Mount Bromo is the majestic and iconic mountain to be on in Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. there are both active and dormant volcanoes to pick from, and as you’d be standing 2329m high, it’s one of the places that is most iconic in Indonesia. You can ride a horse or drive a jeep to the top, and you will be rewarded with the most spectacular views and sunrises!
  • When you want to unwind from your long journey, and when you are in between locations to sleep, why not take a tent and go and stay at Lake Toba? You can swim in the biggest volcanic lake in the world here, and the beauty of the area is one that is quiet, serene and ready to take your breath away. As one of the most visited lakes in Indonesia, locals and visitors alike appreciate the area for its stunning beauty.
  • Where you look at Bali, you’ll see the quieter shadow that is Lombok. It’s slowly becoming an extremely popular place to be in its own right. People arrive here purely to get away from the crowds, to enjoy the mountains covered in lush green and the waters a deep blue. It’s a place to escape, and Lombok is one of those famous places you MUST visit at least once.
  • One of the most beautiful places has been given a UNESCO World Heritage Site status in Indonesia, with Komodo National Park at the top of every bucket list! If you’re lucky, you could see the flying foxes (fruit bats, not actual foxes!) in the air at night. The stars are an amazing sight here, and you’ll be able to see the Komodo Dragon, too.
  • At Southern Sulawesi, you have Tana Toraja. It’s a popular destination that is steeped in culture. It sits between mountains, and it’s engulfed in a very rich culture, with traditional villages and ceremonies to attend that are simply fascinating.
  • If you want to be in the Papua area, then you need to head to Baliem Valley. You can find tribes here, many of which are still practicing rites and ceremonies that embrace the ancient times, with purple mountains that buzz with human activity. You can explore Lani, Dani and Yali Lands, which all have their own tribes in this area of Papua.
  • The heart of Indonesia lies in the capital, Jakarta. It’s the first or last stop when visiting Indonesia, and it’s an important international hub for those who want to fly worldwide. When you visit here, you’ll be surrounded in the city that remains a hectic place to be! You’ll be able to explore the rest of the country here, too, with tons of hidden places to visit both day and night.
  • When you go to Java, you’ll come across the magical area of Yogyakarta. It’s got everything a visitor could want, from ancient ruins to visit, shopping and food attractions and culture to die for! Those who love to try new street food will love it here, too, as the food vendors offer perfection when you want it. There are two different religions that reside here still, and you can appreciate both in their different methods of worship.
  • Lastly, one of the best for adrenaline hunting is Raja Ampat. You can find the best diving destination in Indonesia, and it’s even the best diving destination in the world. There are over 75% of the coral species in the world for you to see and you can spend time in the water with thousands of tropical fish.
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Brain Wave, Family and Home living

4 Funky Ways To Update Your Home’s Exterior This Summer

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Here’s something you might not know about your home: the exterior is as important as the interior. Shock! Of course, think about it logically and this statement makes sense. The outside of the property is the first thing anyone sees when they roll up on the drive or cruise past, so kerb appeal plays a significant part. And, if you can make an excellent first impression, then you can add value to your home.

A lick of paint and new windows and doors, however, won’t cut the mustard. To update the outside of your house and add value, you’ve got to get funky.

Aluminium Gutters

The gutters are practical, but they’re not stylish. And, why should they be when they collect rain and leaves over the autumn and winter? The answer is simple: they act as a focal point. Considering there isn’t going to be much rain during the hottest days ever recorded, you might as well get use out of them design-wise. Replacing cheap plastic with shiny aluminium or steel makes the exterior appear less tired and outdated. This technique works well if you have big, open windows that let in lots of natural light.

Solar Panels

No, they aren’t ugly! They are different, but that’s what makes them a funky and eye-catching addition to your roof. Plus, there’s no doubt that solar panels bring contrast too. The black, reflective surfaces of the panels work well against the backdrop of neutral stone or redbrick. You can invest in stand-alone panels if you feel they would make a better addition to your garden or backyard rather than your roof. Buyers love panels in Australia because, well, it’s always sunny! If they can offset the cost of installing them by purchasing a ready-made property, it makes them well worth paying for in the long-term.

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Roof Garden

There is a lot of hard materials on the exterior of your property, and it would be nice if you could soften them a touch. However, swapping them for lighter materials isn’t practical if they aren’t as durable, right? Yes, that is true, yet there is still a solution: covering part of the roof with turf. An extension is a perfect option as it is usually smaller and easier to install. Then, you’ll get to mix textures and combine elements on the outside of your home that isn’t typically possible, meaning your property will be unique. And, originality goes a long way regarding added-value.

Natural Doors & Windows

Doors and windows take up a big surface area, which is why they are always going to be part of the conversation. What you want to avoid is following the crowd and fitting plastic or PVC entry points because they are more affordable and require less maintenance. Plastic is cheap, but it’s a bit tacky, too, and gaudy doesn’t add value. Natural materials, such as hardwood, are the opposite as the deep hues of the wood are soft and welcoming. Plus, they are sturdier, and that means you can promote a safer, more secure property.

Every buyer on the hunt for a property will pay more to keep their family safe.

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Brain Wave, Entrepreneurship & Business Talks

Turning Your Business Dreams Into Reality

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If you have a great idea for a new business, then there is no reason why you should not be pushing yourself to get your idea realized. Starting a business can be exciting and invigorating. There is, of course, a lot of stress and worry that goes hand-in-hand with going into business, and you will want to ensure that you do everything that you can to reduce these stresses.

Forward Planning

Starting up a business takes some strong forward planning. That means that you will need to create a plan that encompasses everything that you are going to do, how you are going to do it, and when you will do it.

You cannot wing it when you are starting up your business or you will never make a true success of it. If you want your business to reach its fullest potential, then you should make sure that you do everything in your power to drive it forward. You can achieve this with the right planning.

Understand That You Cannot Do Everything On Your Own

Your business needs support. That may come in the form of financial investment or it may mean hiring Managed IT Services to look after your technology needs. You need to understand that you do not have to do everything for yourself. There are support companies out there for every aspect of your business management, from recruitment and payroll, through to administration, cleaning and maintenance, as well as security, logistics, and warehousing.

Understanding what there is out there that you can utilize will save you from developing an area of your business infrastructure that you just don’t need.

Make The Best Use Of Your Team

In a great team, the business leader is not the person who hoards all of the jobs to themselves because they don’t trust others to do that task. This shows weakness as a leader and an ability to train and empower those around you. Be sure to allow your team to demonstrate that they know what they are doing and give them opportunities to carry out business-critical tasks.

By empowering your team with the responsibility you are not only going to create a stronger and more productive workplace, but you will also make your life considerably more stress-free.

Effective delegation means knowing where your team’s particular skills lay. You can only find this out by getting to know them and understanding what makes them tick. Hold regular appraisals and use them as an opportunity to learn about your team and how they can be a greater asset to your company.

Communication Is Key

Your business vision needs to be communicated to investors, your team, and importantly your customer. You need to find the most effective way of getting this message across to everyone. Think about what it is important in your message and focus your attention on delivering these points home. Tell people what you need to tell them, and then always check their understanding afterwards to make sure that you have been understood.

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Brain Wave, Society at large

Teaching Children How To Be Safe In Your Neighborhood

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Depending on your neighborhood, your children will come into contact or witness some scary things. Some areas are better than others when it comes to crime and violence. Some neighborhoods simply have more welcoming and even more civilized people than others. So you may know how to handle yourself and stay out of harm’s way, but do your children? Essentially, you have to teach your children how to avoid certain things and be safe while they’re at home and or around in the neighborhood. Teaching your children ‘street smarts’ could save them from a lot of trouble in the future. But if you yourself are not really privy to such a way of life, then how do you let your children know what to avoid? That’s why you’re reading…

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