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5 Reasons Holding Companies Are Used For Real Estate Portfolios

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what are holding companies

Real estate is an immensely sought-after investment venture (having recently hit $10.5 trillion in value) that, unfortunately, has several idiosyncratic risks. These risks should not deter investors away from this market but merely inform them of the precautions they should be taking to safely capitalize on their investments.

While often the first thing that comes to mind, insurance is not the most effective safeguard that investors can employ to protect their real estate portfolio. That title goes to holding companies, which not only mitigate risk but also grant several other fringe benefits.

After explaining what a holding company is, and how it’s structured, this article will explore the reasons it is used for real estate portfolios.

What Is A Holding Company?

In the context of real estate portfolios, holding companies are entities designed to contain several subsidiaries, each of which is responsible for a single, specific asset (i.e. a property) of the owner. The purpose of the holding company is merely to hold all of these other subsidiaries responsible for each property of the owner.

Furthermore, holding companies will not get involved in the daily undertakings of each of their subsidiaries to maintain a separation of the risks of each business. It is common for holding companies to be formed as an LLC in a business-friendly state such as Nevada or Texas.

Limited liability companies (LLCs) have become more popular as holding companies than corporations since the latter is far more complicated to manage and is less adaptable to taxation.

Why Use Holding Companies

  1. Tax Benefits

Since the IRS views holding companies used for real estate purposes with a single owner as equivalent to a “disregarded entity” (such as a sole proprietorship or general partnership), it benefits from the tax advantages associated with these structures. Namely, they are subject to a reduced form of tax called ‘passthrough taxation’ since any capital gains and income tax the business would be liable for is only paid by the owner instead, rather than both.

On top of this, if the holding company chooses to organize itself as an LLC (which it is recommended they do, not least because there is no extra tax associated with this decision) it is able to avoid double taxation too. This would mean that neither the rental income of the property nor its raw value can be subject to tax penalties.

In fact, mortgage interest on the property is tax-deductible for owners of single-member LLC holding companies. That being said, the IRS takes a slightly different approach with multi-member LLCs, which are considered more similar to partnerships if anything.

  1. Insulates Against Economic Downturn

Establishing a holding company in order to manage all the properties on your real estate portfolio is an extremely effective measure to insulate oneself against the effects of an economic downturn on properties.

Since property values are highly volatile and, to quite a large extent, determined by the state of the economy itself it is important for real estate investors with multiple properties to use holding companies to protect themselves most effectively from a drop in the value of one or several of their properties as a result of an economic downturn.

  1. Precludes Personal Liability

It is well known that real estate investment can yield great returns, due largely to the pure amount of capital involved in single deals. Because of the size of this capital, and the highly volatile nature of the housing market, it is paramount that real estate investors use holding companies in order to protect their personal assets (i.e. their liquid, car, house, etc.).

Holding companies are able to provide this protection because they are normally either LLCs or corporations – both of which curb a business’s liabilities to the business itself. This stops the owner’s personal assets from being drawn upon to cover business debts in the event the business becomes bankrupt or is subject to a lawsuit.

As such, only the holding company’s business assets would be at risk in the case of these events, so the owner can rest easy that their personal assets are not on the line with every investment.

  1. Association LLC Benefits

Since holding companies are very often established as LLCs, they get to share in a number of additional benefits associated with this structure, primarily its:

  • Cheapness – LLCs are by and wide much cheaper than corporations to maintain, the starkest example of this is the difference in fees each business structure has to pay for its authorized number of shares. That being said, the cheaper state registration fees of LLCs do not go unnoticed either.
  • Transferability – ownership of LLCs is fairly simple to transfer, which perfectly suits the needs of a holding company as the owner can use this as a way to ‘gift’ the LLC to their heirs every year to avoid some taxes without the need to sign a deed.
  • Straightforward nature – LLCs are far simpler to manage than corporations because the latter is mandated by law to have appointed directors while no such requirements are present for LLCs. This means that it is much less of a headache to apportion responsibilities and roles between owners (or even a third party) at an LLC

  1. Increased Privacy

Since holding companies can be LLCs, owners who do not wish their ownership of the company to be public knowledge can establish it as an anonymous LLC. This is a specialized way of registering an LLC which means that the owners of the LLC do not need to be publicly recorded by the state in a database of some sort.

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Manage Your Startup While Working Full Time

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how to manage a startup while working full time

Starting and managing your startup or small business while working a full-time job can be difficult. It takes a lot of time and energy to get a new business off the ground, and it’s often hard to find the extra hours in the day to do everything that needs to be done. 

In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for how to start and manage your startup while working a full-time job. We’ll also offer some advice on how to make the most of your limited free time!

If you’re considering launching a startup, or if you’ve already started one and are struggling to balance your work and personal life, read on.

Set Realistic Goals While Working Full Time

First, it’s important to set realistic goals for your startup. Don’t try to do too much too soon – it’s better to make slow and steady progress than to try to accomplish everything at once and then burn out. It’s also important to be flexible; as your business grows and changes, so will your goals.

Use Technology to your Advantage

Second, take advantage of technology. There are a lot of great tools out there that can help you manage your time more effectively, stay organized, and automate tasks that would otherwise take up valuable hours of your day. Utilize these tools to make your life easier and to free up time for the important tasks that only you can do.

Get Good at Delegating Task

Third, delegate! If you’re trying to do everything yourself, you’re going to quickly become overwhelmed. Delegate tasks to employees, contractors, or even friends and family members who are willing to help out. This will allow you to focus on the most important aspects of your business, and it will also help other people feel invested in your startup’s success.

Take Care of Yourself

Finally, don’t forget to take care of yourself! While Working long hours can be stressful, and it’s important to make time for things like exercise, relaxation, and socializing with friends outside of work. A healthy mind and body will help you be more productive overall, so make sure to schedule some time for yourself every week.

By following these tips, you can start and manage your startup while still While working a full-time job. It won’t be easy, but it is possible! With careful planning and execution, you can build a successful business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Good luck!

Do you have any startup tips of your own? Share them in the comments below! And if you found this post helpful, please share it with your friends!

Keetria is an entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and brand strategy coach for creatives & entrepreneurs with 16 years of public relations expertise working with some of the world’s leading brands, startups, media personalities, and entertainers. If you would like to work together, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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Minority Entrepreneurship: How to Find Resources to Support Growth

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minority entrepreneurship

Many minority entrepreneurs have a great idea for a business but don’t know where to find the resources and support they need to make their dream a reality. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best places to find help and advice when starting your own business. We will also talk about how to generate leads for your products or services, and give you some tips on how to grow your business. So if you’re ready to start your own company, read on!

Ways to find resources & support

One of the best places to find resources and support for minority entrepreneurs is online. There are several informative blogs and online resources that offer advice and information on starting your own business, as well as providing a directory of minority-owned businesses. You can also find helpful articles, tips, and advice from other minority entrepreneurs on sites like Medium or Reddit and even on Instagram.

Another great way to find resources and support for your minority business is to connect with other entrepreneurs in your community. There are often meetups or networking events specifically for minority entrepreneurs, where you can share ideas, get feedback, and find potential customers or partners. You can also join online communities such as Facebook groups or LinkedIn groups dedicated to minority entrepreneurship.

Ways to generate leads for your business

If you’re looking for ways to generate leads for your minority business, one of the best places to start is by networking with other businesses in your community. You can attend local business events or meetups, or even connect with businesses online that could potentially complement your target audience. Another great way to generate leads is by offering free consultations or samples of your product or service. Providing samples or trial periods of your product will give potential customers a chance to try out what you have to offer, and if they like it, they may be more likely to buy from you in the future.

Finally, if you want to grow your minority business, one of the best things you can do is invest in marketing and advertising. There are many ways to market your business online and offline, and minority-owned businesses often qualify for special discounts on advertising rates. You can also get involved with minority business organizations or your local chambers of commerce, which can help you connect with other minority-owned businesses and get your name out there. In some communities, resources like Score are available for business owners and entrepreneurs.

Support Resources are Available for Minority Entrepreneurs

Minority entrepreneurship is a growing field with plenty of opportunities for those who are willing to put in the work. While it can be difficult to get started, there are plenty of resources available to minority entrepreneurs if they know where to look. 

With a little bit of effort, anyone can find the advice and support they need to start their own business and begin generating leads for their business. All it takes is some research and networking. By following these tips, you can find the resources and support you need to grow your business today.

Keetria is an entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and brand strategy coach for creatives & entrepreneurs with 16 years of public relations expertise working with some of the world’s leading brands, startups, media personalities, and entertainers. If you would like to work together, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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How to Use Infographics to Drive Traffic to your Journal Articles

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how to use infographics

Consider the articles you like to read. Are boxed text pieces, tables, and pictures “more easy reads” for you? Do color graphics catch your attention and pull you into the content? Consider how much more likely you are to engage with something that has a visual component while surfing through social media updates or reading online diaries.

The author’s objectives are to connect with the public and share material, with the objective of educating, informing, and motivating. Isn’t it time they made maximum use of all possibilities and formats to achieve these goals? An infographic is a way to display your article information, appeal to your current readers, and attract new audiences. Infographics are used by 65 percent of organizations to complement their content marketing strategy.

Why should I devote time to creating an infographic?

The best answer is that an infographic can be used as a marketing tool. By taking the time to design an attractive and well-crafted graphic, you are increasing the visibility of your work and attracting new readers.

You don’t have to be a professional designer or artist to create an infographic. There are many infographic tools available online that allow users to create simple designs with basic shapes and colors. In addition, most journal publishers will have staff who can help you with the design process.

What are some best practices for creating infographics?

Here are a few tips:

– Keep it simple: Use short phrases and sentences, avoid jargon, and use easy-to-understand language

– Use strong visuals: Choose high-quality images, use bright colors, and consider using icons or illustrations

– Be creative: Think outside the traditional journal article format and get creative with your design

– Tell a story: Use your infographic to tell a story that will engage readers and make them want to share your work

By following these tips, you can create an infographic that will help you achieve your goals of increasing the visibility of your journal articles and attracting new readers. Give it a try! 

How to use infographics to drive traffic to your journal articles

The first step may be the most difficult: coming up with a topic. After you’ve collected your data and organized it, it’s time to present it in a way that is visually appealing. 

After that, provide a solution to a problem!

People are more likely to engage with your content if they feel like you’re providing them with a solution to their problem. Make sure your design is clean and easy to understand. Use strong visuals and avoid using too much text. 

Also, tell a story with your infographic. Infographics must also have a fantastic design in order to capture attention and draw people in. People learn better through pictures, therefore this is the greatest method to interact with them. When creating an infographic, consider using one of the best infographic tools available online. This will allow users to create simple designs with basic shapes and colors. 

To be more professional and fantastic, infographics should also contain educational and entertaining facts to look more attractive and professional. According to some best practices for creating infographics, keep it simple by using short phrases and sentences, avoiding jargon, and using easy-to-understand language. Also, use strong visuals such as choosing high-quality images and using bright colors. You can also use icons or illustrations. Be creative in order to think outside the traditional journal article format. 

Most importantly, tell a story that will engage readers and make them want to share your work! By following these tips, you can create an infographic that will help you achieve your goals of increasing the visibility of your journal articles and attracting new readers.

Keetria is an entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and brand strategy coach for creatives & entrepreneurs with 16 years of public relations expertise working with some of the world’s leading brands, startups, media personalities, and entertainers. If you would like to work together, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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Best Small Business Growth Strategies for 2022

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small business growth strategy

For a variety of reasons, 2021 was a difficult year for small company owners. 2022 gives a fresh opportunity to build your business, whether it was a successful or unsuccessful year for you, or if you’re just getting started. Eight small company growth methods and recommendations are included below to assist you in achieving your objectives.

Create a Successful Business Plan

You should prepare a business strategy if you do not already have one. Writing a business plan pushes you to consider different areas of your company, including your products and services, target clients (more on that later), competitors, and marketing strategy.

A business plan also aids in the formulation of revenue predictions and the setting of firm objectives. Take the time to consider all of these factors and set objectives for the year. It’s time to dust off your old company plan and refresh it with new objectives and predictions.

Boost your Online Visibility

Having an online presence is critical for future success, regardless of whether your firm is thriving offline. The eCommerce business is increasing at a rate of roughly 23% per year, and some experts predict that by 2040, online sales will account for 95% of all purchases.

2022 is the year to have a website for your company if you don’t already have one. A website may assist your firm gain reputation, expand sales capacity (particularly in the future), develop brand recognition, allow you to engage in email marketing, and much more.

Another channel you can’t overlook is social media. 45 percent of social media users said they used the platform to study companies and items, and 67 percent said they bought something they saw advertised on social media. Even concentrating on one or two social media channels where your clients are engaged might help your company grow significantly.

Quality Employees to Attract and Hire

A solid team is one of the most important components of a successful business. Quality and devoted staff may make a huge difference in the success of your small business.

According to the most recent labor data, the United States still has 10.6 million job opportunities and insufficient applicants to fill them. In reality, for every job opportunity, there are just 0.7 jobless people.

Write precise and informative job descriptions to attract great employees by letting applicants know exactly what will be required of them. Then, to make your firm as appealing as – or more appealing than – your rivals, match incentives from other businesses in your field.

This might include a welcome bonus, a hybrid work model, or other perks.

Develop a Positive Company Culture

Businesses have faced large waves of resignations in what has been dubbed “the Great Resignation,” in addition to facing financial difficulties and implementing Covid-19 safety standards.

Developing a strong business culture is one of the greatest methods to retain outstanding personnel. In 2022, make an effort to bring the whole business together for events – as securely as possible – to establish trusting connections via transparency, to have an open-door policy so workers can voice their concerns, and to be as flexible with scheduling as feasible.

Reduce Your Business’s Risks

While running a company does come with risks, having proper business insurance will protect you from serious liability risks. 75 percent of firms, according to one research, are underinsured.

There are many various forms of company insurance to consider, but general liability, workers’ compensation, and commercial property insurance are the three most important.

– Liability in general. General liability insurance protects you and your company in the event that a client, customer, vendor, or other third party is injured on your premises or while using your products and services.

– Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance is almost mandatory for all employers. It pays for medical expenses and missed earnings when employees are injured on the job or get ill as a result of their work.

– Commercial real estate. Accidental damage, vandalism, or loss of the physical structure and assets are all covered by commercial property insurance.

Make sure you have the correct sort of business insurance and enough coverage so that you and your company are protected in the event of a disaster.

Make a Marketing Investment

Invest in marketing and spread the word about your company to get ahead in these unpredictable times. In 2022, marketing must be a component of your business growth plan, but it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Utilizing social media ads, google ads, regular print advertisements, and other marketing strategies can all be effective ways to make your business known and attract potential customers.

Directing visitors to your website and establishing an email list may also be quite successful if you have one. Make marketing a priority in your budget, regardless of the path(s) you take.

Concentrate on the Correct Customers

Do you know who you’re trying to reach? Do you understand their wants, needs, and passions? If not, you should make this a high priority because you won’t be as successful if you can’t satisfy your clients’ demands.

Making customer/buyer personas is a fantastic method to get started thinking about your consumers’ problems and how to address them.

Are your products and services satisfying the requirements, wants, and interests of your target customers? Make contact with your current consumers and solicit feedback. They’re the ideal individuals to inform you how you’re doing and even provide you advice on how to better.

Make Customer Service a Top Priority

This may come as no surprise, but customer service must be prioritized in order to expand your business in 2022. If you don’t provide better service than your competition, your clients will move elsewhere.

When customers’ concerns are promptly addressed and their problems are rapidly resolved, they feel appreciated. Always go above and above to assist your clients, and make sure your employees are well-trained to deliver the finest possible service. Also, it is a good idea to get a business phone number.

Don’t forget to request reviews and testimonials, as 88 percent of purchasers trust internet reviews as much as personal recommendations.

Keetria is an entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and brand strategy coach for creatives & entrepreneurs with 16 years of public relations expertise working with some of the world’s leading brands, startups, media personalities, and entertainers. If you would like to work together, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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All You Need to Know About Choosing the Right Colors for Your Brand

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Your Brand

Colors play a huge role in branding, without proper explanation and the use of color, you may be sending the wrong message to your audience. You may not know, but every color that you see out there, particularly in the marketing domain explains color and a story behind it. There is always a relationship between the branding colors and the message that you want to convey to your audience. Therefore, it is important to research well and then choose a color for the brand while still looking for the answer to a very obvious question “who is going to make a Logo for me”? Once you have decided on something, it is important you send over the message to the designers so they know what they are expected to do.

With the use of the right color in the logo, you can influence your audience. There is a critical influence of color on the way we see the world. In case you are planning to start a new business or maybe thinking of rebranding, it’s time you understand the impact of colors on the consumer’s behaviors.

It is time you take a closer look at how you can incorporate colors into your brand strategy by keeping the following things in mind because obviously, you do not want to mess up your branding.

Colors and Its Meanings in Branding Life (Your Brand)

First thing first, here we are going to discuss how each color indicates something and means something in marketing. The use of the wrong color can just completely jeopardize your whole branding. Nevertheless, here we go!

  1. Red: If you are looking to grab attention and get your audience excited about something, red is the color to go with. It signifies anger, comfort, love, and life.
  2. Yellow: When advertising something adventurous, travel, enthusiasm, or happiness, yellow is the color to choose.
  3. Green: Sustainability, health, knowledge, and anything educational or healthy, if your brand promotes any of such a thing, go with green.
  4. Blue: It is the color of competence, integrity, high quality, reliability, and honesty.
  5. Purple: When it is about creativity, respect, and royalty, there is no better color than purple.
  6. Pink: It signifies romance, sophistication, compassion, love, and gentleness.
  7. Black: When you have to be sophisticated, serious, and intelligent, choose black.
  8. Grey: Choose grey, if your brand is all about class, timelessness, practicality, and neutrality.
  9. White: It shows innocence, space, cleanliness, and purity.

If you are still confused about how to choose the right colors for your brand, you need to read stay here and keep reading.

5 Tips to Choose a Brand Color

  1. Create Your Brand Identity

The colors that you choose for your brand say a lot about you, we have already discussed it before. However, you need to understand how the colors reflect your brand identity. They are one important part of your whole identity and how you should go about it. The whole palette explains your values and the message that you want your brand to communicate. In order to reach this point, you need to first explain your brand identity.

The most common practice that is followed normally is listing all adjectives that explain your brand character, list them as if you are talking about a person in general. Ask questions to yourself and see what perception you want of your brand in your customer’s minds. What is that thing that differentiates you from the other brands in your industry?

2. Explore the Meanings of the Colors

The industry you are in and the message you want to send over to the customers is the deciding factor in the overall branding. However, you must understand that colors are not the exact science and there is no particular equation that can accurately explain what the color defines. And this is where we make the use of the color combinations. If your message does not come in the palette of regular colors, it is time you make some right combinations.

As we have already discussed colors, explain the brand message therefore, proper study and research should be done to ensure you are on the right track. In order to understand, if you have chosen the right color for your brand you need to think of the differences in the meanings of the different shades when combined with the other colors. Blue alone may show something else but when combined with another color, it would mean something else.

Following industries use these colors in order to signify the right meaning.
a) Food industry: You would see most of the logos of the restaurant industry in the warm tones, one of the reasons is because they attract attention and hunger. Colors like yellow, red, and orange are a few of the many colors that are used for this purpose. However, when the brand is all about nutrition and health, green is the color that most brands use for their identification. And of course, pink and blue for the desserts and sweets.

b) Health and wellness: When we talk about health and wellness, cleanliness is the first thing that comes to your mind and nothing represents cleanliness better than blue color. The blue color shows responsibility and trustworthiness. Other colors to choose from are green and orange as they represent nature and wholesomeness.

c) Fashion: If your brand is all sophisticated and elegant you MUST go with the black color. No fashion brand can ever go wrong with the black color. You would be surprised to see how black and white are the most classic colors and they are always the safest choice. Nevertheless, you can also go with pink, red, and orange as well to show excitement, passion, and confidence as well.

d) Technology: You would most see blue color when it comes to advertising technological products. The color symbolizes intelligence, efficiency and trust. Moreover, you can also use orange as well as it is more friendly and optimistic. Other than this, purple also stands for creativity and quality.

3. Look for Inspiration

There must be a story behind your brand? Or a reason why you started it? Or something that must have influenced you to begin your brand. When you are working on branding your brand, you need to look for the reasons why you started the brand, what was the initial inspiration for you. It would help you decide your brand colors. Look through the colors your competitors are using the palettes they go through and try to think of their pattern. We are not in any way recommending you to copy their theme or influence, but you should look for inspiration from them. You both are in the same industry and nobody can guide you better than someone who has already been in your shoes. Think of all the lessons that you can take from their color choices, and the ways you can be different from them.

4. Choose the Main Color

Once you have taken all the inspiration from the competitors, it’s time you decide on the main color. The primary color will later then decide the whole palette for the brand. Such as the primary color for Tiffany’s is blue, you would see different shades of it in their whole branding. The same goes with the brands like Pinterest and Facebook, there is always so much that you can do with your primary color. The only thing is how you choose to do it.

Choose one main color that you think explains your business the best and their meaning is perfect for a brand. In order to reach the final color, you can try o the different colors and then choose the one that goes with the brand the best.

5. Choose Secondary Colors

You cannot depend on a single color for your whole branding, as good as it looks sometimes you have to choose other colors as well for the same purpose. When you have chosen the final color, look for the combinations and the colors that make the best combination with the primary color. You can choose more than one for it and then make sure the meaning of the combination is not confusing for your customers. It might be tricky for you but once you have decided on the whole palette everything later becomes easy.

Wrapping up!

Going with a branding color only because it’s your favorite is one irrational decision, you should know the science behind all the colors and understand why should it go with your brand. Most brands make the mistake of going with the colors only because the color is trending or the vibe of the color is good. It is not recommended at all. Changing your branding, again and again, is not possible therefore it is important when you are taking an initial step you should know when and how to go about it. The color you choose for your brand says a lot about you as it has a strong subconscious impact that most people do not know about.

Keetria is an entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and brand strategy coach for creatives & entrepreneurs with 16 years of public relations expertise working with some of the world’s leading brands, startups, media personalities, and entertainers. If you would like to work together, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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Things to Consider Before Hiring Developers

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hiring developers

When you employ developers for your company, you may save the burden of recruitment. There are several things you may do to prepare for the procedure. Here are some ideas to help you get started with your planning. In and of itself, recruiting in the software sector is difficult. According to a Forbes report, there may be a developer scarcity in the industry. So, finding great talent to recruit might be difficult.

So, if qualified developers are already rare, where do you look for them? Or, to put it another way, how can you compete in terms of remuneration with significant IT firms?

You may always prepare for the recruiting process to relieve some of the stress. Before you hire developers, there are a few things you can do to prepare.

Before you hire developers, keep these things in mind.

Hiring requires more than just placing a job ad. When a result, think about these items ahead of time as you recruit software engineers, both before and during the process. These pointers may even make hiring easier for you and your company.

1. Get your company’s name out there.

Do you want to compete for top talent with other significant corporations? To improve employer branding, brainstorm with your marketing and human resources teams. Potential applicants will approach you for opportunities if everything is done correctly.

Present your organization as a wonderful place to work in order to achieve this. Make a point of emphasizing your company’s culture and ideals.

Also, avoid placing anything in front of your new job that can jeopardize your integrity. Otherwise, if word comes out that you were dishonest in promoting your organization, your reputation may be jeopardized.

2. Familiarize yourself with the software development cycle.

This will allow you to assess how well the person will fit into your workplace. In addition, applicants can assess their ability to perform successfully on the job. This reduces the chances of new recruits quitting after onboarding because their expectations were not met.


3. Clearly define qualifications.

What technical skills are required for this position? What kind of experience do you think qualifies as relevant? Is there anything specific you’re looking for in terms of soft skills? Before you submit the recruiting notice, you must address these critical questions.

Many failed hiring occurs as a result of businesses failing to properly define what they require. This may lead you to recruit developers who do not fit the culture of your company or who do not perform effectively on the job.

As a result, make a list of the qualities that are required for the position. You may also make a list of desirable talents to assist you in reaching a compromise in various scenarios.

4. Make a detailed job description.

While hiring developers, be cautious when establishing the job description. Make sure precise duties and responsibilities are listed for the potential applicant to evaluate.

Any company-specific needs, such as technology to be employed on a certain assignment, should also be included. You may also customize the position’s details.

For instance, if you require the role to work on a shift that corresponds to a different time zone. This may appear to be extraneous information, yet it might play a significant role in an applicant’s choice. It can also play a role in the retention of new hires.

5. Make a plan to assist in the verification of credentials and portfolios.

This is a piece of cake if you have a well-established HR department. However, if you’re still a small business, it could be tempting to skip over the applicant’s qualifications. However, even if you opt to engage freelance developers, this must not be the case.

Now, to make things easy for you, seek assistance from the staff. You may start with react interview questions when interviewing people and even ask the help of experienced developers to check credentials and portfolios. Because they have the technical expertise, they know who’s who.

Also, be sure you arrange the applicant’s credentials to be verified. It’s important to keep in mind that candidates may misrepresent themselves. As a result, it is preferable to be comprehensive during the recruiting process.

6. Prepare an evaluation of technical skills based on real-life events.

Create a test utilizing real-life challenges to assess how well a candidate fits within your business. You may look back at prior projects to see what troubles you had and try to replicate them.

Request that the candidate address the problem for you during the technical skills evaluation. Inquire about their solutions throughout the interview. This way, you can get a sense of how they operate and see if they fit your expectations.

7. Have a recruitment consultation lineup

Do you believe you aren’t qualified to acquire coding assistance? Then seek for persons with whom you may consult during the hiring process. These folks might be industry contacts or senior developers on your team.

There is no shame in seeking assistance. So, anytime you hit a stumbling block in one of your activities, ask them to assist you.

8. Look into the developer rate standard in the business.

Because good developers are in high demand, you’ll need to make a compelling employment offer. To make this happen, conduct some studies on industry salary and benefit requirements. After you’ve received an estimate, you’ll need to determine your budget and devise a strategy for presenting the offer.

Before hiring coders, do your homework.

The expense of hiring new personnel might be significant. It extends beyond the remuneration and perks you provide. However, you must also consider the costs invested prior to finding the suitable developer.

As a result, it’s important to be as informed as possible while hiring software engineers. And with these pointers, you’ll be more equipped to deal with the obstacles of recruitment. Take note of what relates to your scenario and tailor the rest of the advice to your needs.

Keetria is an entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and brand strategy coach for creatives & entrepreneurs with 16 years of public relations expertise working with some of the world’s leading brands, startups, media personalities, and entertainers. If you would like to work together, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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How to Manage Your Own Marketing Department

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how to manage a marketing team | Marketing Department

Marketing departments can be expensive for startups and small businesses. Because it is vital to ensure your business is visible and accessible to the right people at all times, many small businesses tend to go beyond their budgets on marketing departments.

For those who aren’t familiar with the industry, it may seem overwhelming to get started. But with these helpful tips from Keetria, you can be on your way to managing your own marketing department.

What Are “Channels” in Marketing Terms?

Companies use marketing channels to send out their messages to consumers. Marketing channels are essential in order to reach as many customers as possible with a particular message.

Marketing channels can be both offline and online. They can include anything, from phone pole advertising to email marketing. For email marketing, for example, consider using eye-catching subject lines and include content that addresses consumer needs.

It is important to select the channels that best suit your brand and business model. To get the best feedback, you should test several different channels at once. These channels can be used to direct your marketing department efforts.

What Is “Messaging” in Marketing Terms?

Many industries use messaging in marketing. It describes the communication your company has with customers. This type of communication is meant to keep customers trusting you and to encourage them to take the next step in their conversion or sales journey.

It’s much more than simply communicating with customers. It’s about creating meaningful messaging to influence customers’ behavior over time. It’s also about getting the customers excited enough so that they take action via the channels you provide.

How Can You Tell if Marketing Worked?

Did your marketing campaign work? Marketing department can be complicated, especially when you are trying to reach new people. You can use five methods to assess whether your marketing campaign is successful.

  • Traffic to websites has increased
  • Increase in social media interaction
  • Always positive feedback from clients or customers
  • Sales or conversions increase
  • Value your own feedback

Effective Marketing Strategies

Marketing campaigns are crucial to any company’s success. Marketing strategies are essential to growing your customer base. You can get help from a professional marketer if you need it. Here are some tips for those who want to do it on their own.

Find Your Target Market

Before you can create a marketing campaign, it is important to identify your target audience segment. You can identify your target market’s needs and provide the products or services they need by conducting market research.

Protect Yourself

The Marketing Department doesn’t count for much if you fail to safeguard your customers’ financial information (as well as your own). So make sure you’re implementing tough measures to protect your business – and your customers – against cyberattacks. With new strains of malware and viruses popping up constantly, routinely updated patches are a must if you want to safeguard financial information from hackers, as well as facilitate data recovery.

Create a Marketing Budget – Marketing Department

Before investing in any marketing strategy, you should create a Marketing Budget. The campaign should be considered for how many people it will reach, how often it will appear, and how long. If you’re launching a new product, a marketing budget will help you stay within your means.

Use Different Types of Media

Social media is one of the best ways to market your product. You can reach millions of people through social media, and they will share your content easily on their profiles. This will generate a positive buzz around your business.

Different media types, including pictures, videos, and text posts, can be used to increase engagement on social networking sites.

Keetria is an entrepreneur, business consultant, and lifestyle wellness coach with 16 years of public relations expertise working with some of the world’s leading brands, media personalities, and entertainers. If you have a question or would like to work together, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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3 Areas That Require Careful Consideration When Relocating for Work

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work relocation tips

If you find yourself needing to relocate for your career, you may feel overwhelmed by all the things you must do. That’s why Keetria has put together the following guide, including three of the most important aspects to consider when moving for work.

1. Finances

Data show that half of the job-related relocations are in pursuit of career advancement or a higher salary. Use your projected earnings to determine what monthly payment amount is affordable. Use your current savings and equity to determine a reasonable down payment amount. Check your credit score and speak with a lender to determine the actual loan amount you are eligible for. Documents your lender may require for pre-approval include:

  • Banks statements
  • Tax returns
  • Recent pay stubs
  • Letters documenting any amounts gifted to you

Look at the median and average home prices in neighborhoods near your new job. If you can’t afford a home very close to work, look at homes a little farther out. Keep in mind the time you will spend commuting as well as gas money and wear on your vehicle. Don’t forget that renting may be a better option in some markets, especially if the job is not a permanent position. Luckily, there are plenty of great apartments in Denver CO to fit your budget. Such sites generally have filters so that you can sort by price, location, bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage. Whether you are renting or buying, a real estate agent familiar with the area can offer invaluable advice and help you find the right residence.

2. Other Household Members

If you have family members or pets living with you, their needs can add an extra layer of complexity to the move. The quality of the local school district may affect where you choose to live. Research schools online. If you have contacts in the area you are moving to, ask about their experiences with the district.

If you have pets, find a new vet close to where you are relocating. Locate the nearest emergency animal hospital as soon as you can, and get or transfer all records from your current vet.

On moving day, pets and kids have different needs from adults. Pack up comfort items separately so that they are easy to find and pull out when needed. Set up a safe room for pets at both the old and new houses, so they don’t escape during the packing and unpacking. Provide kids with offline toys and games to keep them occupied before the internet is connected.

3. Packing and Moving

Unfortunately, there are many things that can go wrong on moving day. Monitor the weather to avoid surprises. Make sure all items are packed safely. Complete all necessary repairs beforehand, so the house is functional when you arrive. Purchase and organize supplies early so that you don’t have to spend time looking for them.

There are professionals available to help the move go smoothly. Packers and movers help all your items get to the new house safely. Locksmiths change the locks so that your family is secure in the new home. Read reviews and ensure any professional you hire is fully insured and provides a satisfaction guarantee.

  • Check out this Moving Checklist Guide from MyMove.com

Relocating for work can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, a little planning goes a long way toward ensuring the move goes smoothly for all involved.  

Keetria is an entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and brand strategy coach for creatives & entrepreneurs with 16 years of public relations expertise working with some of the world’s leading brands, startups, media personalities, and entertainers. If you would like to work together, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Attractive Company Perks Prospective Employees Would Love and Appreciate

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company perks

When looking for a job nowadays, prospective employees look for more than just a job description. In fact, a huge drawcard for attracting talented employees is the perks (or company benefits) offered. And because we are all getting used to a new way of doing things, company perks are taking on a whole new meaning. Hence, if you own a business and are looking to implement never-heard-of-before company benefits that your employees will marvel at, Keetria presents a few examples that can help get you started. 

Limitless vacation time

Indeed, this would sound like a dream job perk for almost everyone. Furthermore, it should attract top talent from everywhere and is one way of gaining access to a select talented pool of prospective job searchers who may have gone looking elsewhere for better company perks had you not offered this. Of course, employees are obliged to work the required number of hours in order to be eligible for this. Nonetheless, unlimited vacation time is an eye-catching company perk that won’t go unnoticed. 

Health and wellness days

Sure, this may have been around for some time. However, the need for health and wellness benefits is still just as relevant today as it ever was. In addition to standard on-site gym facilities, why not offer a variety of options to your employees to ensure you’re catering to a wide variety of interests. You could also offer access to counselors for mental health issues, given the significance placed on mental health recently. 

Extended parental leave

For most working parents, having the option to apply for an extended leave when they need it could literally save the day for them and is sure to be very much appreciated and valued. Furthermore, offering the option of flexible work times is also sure to be a valuable company perk that many working parents would give anything to have access to. 

If you have many sports fanatics working in your team, then offering tickets to the next big game is sure to get people excited about working for you. Look online to purchase tickets in bulk and you could end up saving quite a bit in the process. In addition to this, employees will also have access to tickets to watch the Houston Astros on an ongoing basis, as well as the option to also view spring training sessions live. 

Scholarships for the next generation

Here, we’re referring to offering scholarships for employees’ kids who require some financial assistance to get into college. This could be based on employee performance to determine the most deserving winners of such a scheme. 

Not just company lunch or dinner reimbursements

Instead of just offering the odd lunch or dinner reimbursement for employees treating clients to a meal on the house, why not take it a step further and offer employees reimbursements on their vacation expenses too? Here, the choice is yours as to what you would incentivize. Nevertheless, even a small gesture like this can go a long way in retaining employee loyalty.

Benefits that are not the norm

Indeed, the landscape of jobs has changed dramatically. Prospective employees are searching for something different when it comes to landing a job. Even more than this, they are looking for company perks that are a little different from the norm (and way more exciting) to convince them to commit to a job long-term. Failure to implement such changes could mean that you risk losing outstanding talent to other companies. And who would want to risk that?

Keetria is an entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and brand strategy coach for creatives & entrepreneurs with 16 years of public relations expertise working with some of the world’s leading brands, startups, media personalities, and entertainers. If you would like to work together, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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