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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!

7 Common Cybersecurity Mistakes SMBs Make and How to Avoid Them

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7 Ways SMBs Shoot Themselves in the Foot with Shoddy Cybersecurity

There are mistakes you can afford to make and then there are the mistakes you can’t – the cybersecurity-related mistakes invariably fall in the latter category. Cyber-attacks on small businesses shot up by 424 percent last year, reports Hacked, with insider-related incidents costing an eye-watering $7.68 million in damages on average!

Needless to say, not all SMBs can afford to lose a few million bucks. And, indeed, 60 percent of companies go bust within six months of a data breach. If you’d like to avoid this fate, you need to learn from other people’s goof-ups – it’s a survival imperative at this point.

In this mini-guide, Keetria presents the most damaging mistakes SMBs make with their cybersecurity, and how you can avoid them:

#1 Not educating employees

Security breaches are caused by human errors 88 percent of the time, says SHRM. Even the best security setup on the planet can’t save you if the people manning the stations don’t understand basic threats and how to avoid them. Invest in your employees, educate them on threats, and make clear your expectations regarding do’s and don’ts.

  • Research common attack vectors like phishing, keylogging, and click-baiting.
  • Understand common attack targets like data, money, identity info, and infrastructure.
  • Instruct on and implement best practices like authentication.

#2 Only using basic antivirus software

Relying on Microsoft Defender (a pre-installed program on Windows) to keep your individual systems safe is not a bad idea – to an extent. It needs to be backed up by other security measures. Good cybersecurity works in layers. If one layer fails, the others can pick up the slack. Some other layers to implement are multi-factor authentication, firewall, networking monitoring, private WiFi, and active monitoring solutions.

#3 Not testing your security setup

You may think your security setup is airtight – but is it really? The only way to be sure is to perform penetration testing. Pen testing is a simulated cyber-attack by a white-hat hacker that identifies weak links in your armor. You can patch up any holes found, essentially, to make your security truly airtight. Doing pen testing routinely is best.

#4 Giving employees too much power

If you owned a building, would you give your employees the keys to every room and door? Unfortunately, too many do just that when it comes to their virtual setup. The security best practice is to give your employees only the level of access they need to do their jobs, no more. Even if you trust them, they’re only human and may leave their keys lying around somewhere.

#5 Being slow to update

Even the biggest companies have trouble keeping their systems updated, for various reasons. Not unexpectedly, this provides hackers a window of opportunity to infiltrate their systems. Frequent patching is necessary if you want to eliminate newfound weaknesses in your security setup. To help, create an online calendar so your team can keep track of when systems have been updated. When looking into an option to create a calendar planner, find one that allows you to easily leave sticky notes or comments to members of your team in case you need to leave any special instructions.

#6 Believing you’re not vulnerable

Don’t fool yourself into thinking bad things only happen to other people, and your business will just happen to fly under the hackers’ radar. Vulnerability attracts hackers, like soon-to-be carrion does vultures. Safeguard yourself and prepare for the worst for the best outcome.

#7 Not having a recovery plan in place

A cyber-attack is not a possibility, but an eventuality. Your business will likely be attacked at least once in the course of its lifetime. Not having a recovery plan in place to do with it is asking for trouble. Not only could it cost you productivity, but it can and will destroy your reputation. No customer wants to do business with a company that doesn’t protect their data.

An effective data recovery plan allows you to quickly remove threats and resume operations. The plan should identify which applications you’ll need to recover first, define time objectives, and appoint individuals to be involved in the recovery efforts. PR management to protect your reputation is also a good idea. “Disaster recovery” is a key cyber security data protection best practice.

Conclusion

Hackers are getting more intelligent and technologically capable by the minute. Prevention is the best cure – the only way to stay ahead of them is to invest time and energy in learning about the latest countermeasures and continuously shore up your cybersecurity setup. Be prepared and stay safe.

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!

How to Build a Team of Freelancers

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freelancer

Remote working is continuing to grow, and it’s estimated that 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely by 2025. Here are a few tips to help you build a successful team of freelancers. 

Consider Nearshoring

While outsourcing allows you to hire freelancers located anywhere in the world, nearshoring usually involves working with freelancers from countries located nearby, such as the Dominican Republic, and therefore a  similar or close enough time zone. This lets you increase efficiency by maintaining a similar daily workflow.

Post on Online Job Boards

To find freelancers, post a job listing with information about the available position. If you have a specific country in mind, you can often find job boards for that location. In the Dominican Republic, for example, it’s possible to hire freelancers via the online job portal Workana.

It’s also important to be industry-specific. That means posting job listings in places where they will be seen by relevant talent. There are job sites geared towards specific fields, from cryptocurrency to social media. Pick those most in line with the position you are looking to fill.

While a portfolio or work samples are helpful, you’ll still want to have a Google Meet, Zoom, or FaceTime call to learn more about each candidate.

Schedule Weekly Check-Ins

Be sure to schedule at least one video call a week with your freelance team when possible. Remote teams using video conferencing can build better relationships.

Establish Communication Lines

Be clear about how you’ll communicate with your team. While there are numerous social messaging channels, it’s better to try and keep workflow on email or in a messaging channel such as Telegram. Depending on the size of your team, you may want to have a Discord channel or set up Google Meet to make sure everyone is aligned.

There are a few options when it comes to paying freelancers. First, you’ll create a contract or negotiate a rate based on your needs. This can be hourly or a fixed fee delivered on a project basis. You’ll need to also discuss a timeline for payments. Consider using a money transfer service such as Remitly to ensure low fees and reliable transactions. Remitly can help you avoid high transfer fees, and instant payments to the Dominican Republic are free for first-time transfers.

Form an LLC

You’ll need to handle some logistics and admin work before you begin hiring freelancers. Depending on the amount you need, you might want to consider forming an LLC. An LLC is a limited liability company and comes with many benefits that are useful to a small business.

The amount of time it takes to form an LLC and the regulations associated with doing so differs depending on the state in which you’re planning to register. Formation services can help you with paperwork and other logistics associated with incorporation, such as ensuring you file the correct documents. They can also save you expensive lawyer fees.

Build a Team For Success

Every great idea needs support to come to fruition. Hire a team of freelancers to help you accomplish your vision. Utilize the internet to connect with talented professionals around the world. It takes a team to achieve success, and now you can choose the one that’s right for you.

Explore Keetria for more entrepreneurship insights and tips.

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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Late Payments: Simple Prevention and Handling Measures for Small Businesses

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late payment

Nearly 40% of invoices are paid late. Although late payments on goods provided are almost guaranteed to happen, this can wreak havoc on small businesses already struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can help prevent late payments from happening. When they do occur, you can take some steps — including those presented below — to manage the situation without damaging your relationship with your customers.  

Communicate Effectively  

Effective communication with your customers is essential to stay on top of payments and handle them when they do occur. Most importantly, you want to ensure communication takes place without error. 

For example, double-check that customers understand verbal communications by summarizing the conversation at the end. Always ask the customer if they understand and whether they have any additional questions.

Pay Attention to the Contract Details 

Writing a clear contract is one of the best ways to prevent late payments. Pay attention to details when writing customer contracts to avoid confusion.

A few essential details to include in your contracts are:

  • Important dates: Contract creation and expiration dates, dates contract was signed, and (if applicable) dates of goods provided, alongside payment due dates.
  • Involved party’s information: The name and contact information for both you and the customer.
  • Payment terms: When and how payments are to be made.
  • Late payment terms: What happens when payments are late.
  • Contract termination terms: When, why, and how the contract can be terminated before its expiration date.

Make the Invoicing Process as Easy as Possible 

Invoicing doesn’t have to be complicated. You can use financial API bank account balance software, such as Plaid Balance, to help make the process smoother. Plaid Balance allows you to verify (in real-time) whether customers have the money to pay for your services or products. You get peace of mind knowing you can receive on-time payments. Your customers get peace of mind knowing they can avoid hefty fees because the funds are available. It’s a win-win situation. 

Create a Late Payment Plan (and Stick to It) 

Establish a late payment plan, stick to it, and make it transparent for customers. Generally, fees are added to balances once they remain unpaid after their due dates. How much those fees are and when they’re imposed are your choice. 

If payments are very late, you may need to send the account to a collection agency. When you choose to do this is up to you, but some experts recommend waiting at least 90 days. Try communicating with a customer before sending the account to collections. Let them know it’s coming up, and ask them to reach out to you, so you don’t have to take this step. 

You Can Prevent and Handle Late Payments

Late payments are an unfortunate reality that can significantly impact the financial well-being of small businesses already struggling after the pandemic. Thankfully, the information above can help you prevent late payments from happening and handle them when they do occur. 

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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Should You Refinance Your Student Loans?

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refinance Student Loans

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Refinancing Your Student Loans

When you refinance student loan debt, you’re effectively trading your old loans for a new one. Student debt refinancing, on the other hand, isn’t for everyone. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of refinancing student loans.

Student Loan Refinancing’s Advantages

Your interest rate will be reduced.

If you refinance your student loans, you may be able to get a cheaper interest rate. Depending on the size of your loan and the new loan conditions, you might save thousands of dollars. Let’s imagine you have $50,000 in student loan debt with a 7% interest rate and a 10-year repayment period. You would save $8,918 if you could refinance that amount at a cheaper rate of 4% for the same period.

Pay off your school loans as quickly as possible.

You may be able to pay more toward the main loan sum since you are paying less interest on your student loan.

Make handling your student debts easier.

Student debt refinancing is a type of consolidation. Refinancing student debts consolidates several loans from various lenders into a single loan. This implies only one payment each month and only one due date. This might help you avoid late fines and missed payments.

Make your monthly payment smaller.

You may be able to get flexible repayment terms from some private lenders. If you pick a longer payback period, your monthly payments may be cheaper. Keep in mind, though, that the longer your term, the more interest you’ll pay.

Remove a cosigner from your student loan.

If a parent or other family member cosigned your student loan when you were in college, they may wish to get rid of it. If your present lender does not provide or you do not qualify for a cosigner release, refinancing the loans will delete the cosigner because it is a new loan.

Look for a new loan servicer.

If you are dissatisfied with the service provided by your current student loan servicer, refinancing may be able to help. Look for lenders with great customer service ratings.

Allow a cosigner to be released.

If you have a cosigner on any of your current private student loans, refinancing them usually relieves your cosigner of any future obligations.

Cons of Refinancing Student Loans

You will no longer be eligible for student debt forgiveness.

If you convert a federal loan into a private loan, you will no longer be eligible for PSLF if you work as a teacher, nurse, lawyer, or other public servant. This includes the possibility of a large-scale cancellation of federal student debts, as has been advocated. Student loan forgiveness through the Department of Education is not available for private student loans.

There are no income-driven repayment programs available for private student loans.

If you have federal student loans, you may be eligible for a repayment plan based on your income. This is a method of tying your monthly payment to a proportion of your monthly income. Income-driven repayment programs are not available for private student loans. This option is no longer available if you convert a federal loan into a new private loan.

Private student loan deferments are not as liberal as federal student loan deferments.

There are methods to delay student loan payments if you have federal student loans. These safeguards allow you to defer payments temporarily if you are experiencing financial difficulties or if you lose your job (for up to three years). If you refinance your federal loans, you may have fewer alternatives or may not be eligible for any forbearance or deferral at all, depending on your lender.

Variable interest rates may rise in the future.

You have the option of student loan refinance with a variable or fixed interest rate. If you choose a variable interest rate on your new loan instead of a fixed one, the interest rate may rise over time. Variable interest rates are tempting because they begin lower than fixed interest rates. If you are certain that you will be able to pay off your student loans promptly, a variable rate loan is the best option.

For federal student loans, you will forfeit your grace period.

You will lose the grace period if you are just graduating and refinancing federal student loans. A grace period is a period of time after you leave school or graduate when you are not required to make payments. It normally lasts six months.

Refinancing is not available to everyone.

When it comes to refinancing student loans, there are a few standards to meet. Lenders have different criteria, but most will demand steady work, a degree, a minimum amount to refinance, a credit score of 650, and a debt-to-income ratio of less than 50%. It’s time to determine if student debt refinancing is best for you after reading the benefits and drawbacks. If you decide to refinance, be sure to shop around for student loan refinancing lenders to ensure you receive the best deal.

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!

Innovative Approaches to Recruiting and Selection

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for hire

Do you want to enhance your recruiting and selection processes? Make sure you discover candidates that will not only fit in well with the corporate culture but will also become as enthusiastic about working for your firm as you are.

It’s critical to write job descriptions and outline what the position requires so that you can ensure that you’re attracting qualified candidates throughout the selection process and, of course, the selection interview.
You’ll be on the road to seeing your business grow if you make sure you’ve covered the following recruiting and selection processes, especially if you nail the onboarding process as well.

Say goodbye to employing the incorrect people, and rest assured that you won’t make the same mistakes again! The only tough decision you’ll have to make during the hiring process is to choose between so many qualified candidates! Our recruiting and selection methods will appeal to hiring managers, therefore bookmark this page so you can return to it if necessary. With these recruitment efforts, say welcome to discovering the greatest applicants!

You’ll learn about the following topics in this recruiting process guide:

• How to write the perfect job description
• Where to look for the best talent
• How to make your background check technique more efficient
• Begin hiring for attitude and skill development
• Bias-reduction and efficiency-increasing tools
• How to gather and analyze candidate feedback
• Recognizing the significance of the onboarding process


Improvements to the Recruitment and Selection Processes

1. How to Write a Fantastic Job Description

If you don’t have enough competent individuals applying for employment at your organization, the problem might be hiding in plain sight. Poor job ads, according to researchers from the United States and Canada, are the leading reason of low application rates.

But how can you know whether a job ad is good?

Researchers believe that job ads should be more than just a list of requirements. They must also be motivating. An excellent job description should, above all, address the question, “why is this firm a suitable career and life option for me?”

You might want to include the following ideas in your job description template:

Describe the firm in a few words. – this might be the tagline or pitch for the firm.

Mention the location of the employment. – so, you don’t waste anyone’s time, let the prospect know right away if you’re open to a remote position or where the office is located.

Mention the company’s top three achievements. – remember, you must sell this position in order to attract the best candidates

Discuss the character’s role. – who will the candidate report to, and a brief description of who they’ll be working with and what the job entails?

The things that aren’t negotiable and the things that are great to have. –  it would obviously assist if you had some flexibility in the recruitment process. List any abilities that will be a plus but aren’t technically required for the function to be scored.

Discuss the role’s responsibilities in greater depth, as well as what a typical day may include.

To attract candidates, emphasize the benefits of the position. – before they ever talk to you in person, you want to make sure they know they will be respected.

Include a statement from the potential candidate’s boss introducing himself and what he or she enjoys doing in their leisure time. It’s crucial to know that the new employee and the management will get along.

Discuss the company’s culture. – is the firm committed to promoting diversity? What are the personalities of the existing employees?

Finally, mention who the company’s directors are. What is their professional history, and where have they previously worked? If you’re a startup, this will assist you to figure out who should be in charge.

2. Unique Job Boards Can Help You Find Talent

Think beyond the box and come up with creative ways to advertise job openings. You might choose to avoid the main job boards and employment sites in the United States and instead look for applicants on smaller sites.

If prominent job sites haven’t been able to assist you uncover acceptable applicants, go deeper into the talent pool. LinkedIn, along with Facebook job ads, is one of the finest places to find job searchers that match your requirements. Most sectors will have job boards set up; it’s just a question of spending a few minutes online looking for them, which all hiring managers should do.

Great chances may be found at networking events, and employee referral schemes are an even better offline approach to talent recruiting.

Your employees are well-versed in your company’s objectives, culture, team dynamics, and day-to-day operations. Existing workers are more qualified to recruit talent than anyone else, so make sure they understand the recruiting process and can locate the best internal applicants for the job.

And, because they are supposed to vouch for their prospects, they will be hesitant to recommend someone for the position.

3. Make Your Background Checking Process More Efficient

Why undertake a background check on all candidates when screening is costly and time-consuming? Many businesses streamline this procedure by making a preliminary selection and then just reviewing the final applicants.

This stresses what’s genuinely essential, as well as the hard and soft talents of candidates. In addition, reversing the order allows you to make a speedier final selection.

On a similar issue, certain positions may not need the completion of specified screening examinations. For example, a candidate’s driving record will not assist you to determine whether or not they are a good software engineer.

Consider adapting your background checks to the demands of each role to make them more efficient.

4. Begin by hiring for attitude and then providing training for skills.

This increasingly trendy method to hiring helps establish dynamic teams by valuing work ethics, flexibility, and cooperation over experience and technical abilities.

In the long run, candidates who pass the attitude test become better workers. They have the mentality to learn, gain new talents, and contribute to the growth of your firm.

Furthermore, in today’s world, critical skills change quickly—the tools your employees will use in three years will be different from those they use now.

5. To eliminate bias and increase efficiency, use tools.

Developers and HR professionals are expected to release a new generation of AI-based hiring solutions aimed at automating screening, improving selection, and removing bias from the recruitment process.

These tools will establish a recruitment marketing practice, allowing you to leverage marketing tactics such as a multi-channel approach, targeted adverts, and deep analytics to find, attract, and engage better-qualified prospects, making the hiring process much smoother.

6. Candidate feedback should be collected and analyzed.

Another technique that helps recruiters save time and money is candidate rediscovery. It’s also one of at least two reasons why candidates you didn’t fire should never be forgotten.

The second reason is that I want to get better.

An applicant who has just been offered a position at your organization is unlikely to rate your hiring process on the record. On the other side, the prospects you’ve turned down are likely to have a lot to say about your employer brand.

Conclusion

It’s possible that you’ll discover that the recruiting procedure is more crucial than you thought. You must devote time to finding appropriate individuals while the organization is operating at 100 miles per hour. You’ll notice results if you make recruitment a top focus.

If you nail the job description, publish it on appropriate employment pages, and make sure the interview process is simple with the right questions, you’ll be ready to find the ideal new employee. If you’re recruiting a developer, for example, be sure you ask react interview questions.

Don’t forget to ask applicants about their experiences throughout the process so you can learn from them and, most importantly, get the onboarding process right. How many people do you know who quit their work because they weren’t adequately taught or didn’t understand their role? Here’s to building your company with a group of people that are just as enthusiastic as you are!

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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International Expansion for Your Startup in Houston Through Translation

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Few people know this, but Houston is the home and headquarters of companies that were once startups which became internationally well-known for their innovation and services. Not all startups have made that great leap forward despite how much easier it has become to expand internationally through eCommerce.

If you’re wondering what your startup can do to take that leap and expand internationally, then keep on reading!

Houston’s Startup industry in 2021

The New York Times reported that unexpectedly the pandemic had increased entrepreneurial activities in the US. For the past 40 years, entrepreneurship has been down. Many economists have pointed out that this led to stagnant job growth, poor economic resilience, and low innovation. 

However, the resurgence of entrepreneurship could bring back productivity and the dynamic aspect needed to rebound the economic recessions in the future. 

Houston is one of the places where you can see a boom in entrepreneurship. And there are several reasons why anyone would consider building their startup business in Houston, as it has a diverse and growing population, etc.

What’s more, Houston MSA’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) earned about USD 512.2 billion during 2019 while having 160,000 business establishments earning around USD 129.5 billion for exports alone in 2020. It is a clear indication that the business opportunities for startups in Houston are very favorable, especially if you plan to go global.  

Here are just some examples of startups that have gone international:

Elemental Coating (formerly known SurfEllent) 

SurfEllent’s startup story begins with the research of Hadi Ghasemi, whose research was licensed by the University of Houston. His research drew inspiration from North American Wood Frogs that could tolerate extreme freezing temperatures and survive the winter. 

They have since expanded their brand to cater to several industries locally and abroad that rely on automation, from marine to architecture. 

Last March 2021, they were given a grant worth $750,000 by the US air force to create “ice phobic” coatings for their aircraft.

Sysco Corporation

Sysco Corporation is a Houston-based company that has become one of the world’s leading foodservice companies. They provide support across 90 countries and operate across different continents.

In researching their marketing tactics and strategy, part of their strategy involved creating a blog dedicated to restaurant owners and professional chefs, featuring online recipe books and magazines, etc. 

Considerations When Creating an International Marketing Campaign and Strategy

Whereas Elemental Coatings, much of their marketing derived from news coverage and grants. Sysco Corporation, however, relied on digital marketing techniques through digital content to market their brand and company website.

Because of this, we’ve written some considerations when creating the perfect marketing campaign and strategy for international expansion, as follows:

Working with a Translation Company

The translation is what makes or breaks your international marketing campaign. For this reason, we encourage you to work with a translation company, especially if it’s your first time entering a foreign market, as they can guide you in how to best approach your target locale. 

We interviewed William Mamane, the Chief Marketing Officer of Tomedes, a translation company that has translated thousands of pages of marcom content for Fortune 500 companies for more than a decade now. When dealing with startups, Tomedes has assisted in translating and marketing their brands to foreign markets they plan to enter.

“Startups have the potential in bringing in innovation and technology that larger companies wouldn’t be able to provide due to constraints,” Mamane explained. “For any startup looking to go international, I advise that you take advantage of that flexibility into your marketing and business strategy. When expanding, you will have to consider changing some characteristics of your brand, your product, and services for your target locale. It’s all a matter of translating your brand so that your target locale can relate to it while retaining the essential aspects of your company.”

Local Market Research

When conducting research, a translation company can assist you with identifying your target locale, your locale’s culture, language, market, local competitors, demand volume, etc. You can conduct a feasibility study on your target locale regarding market opportunities and operations. 

It might seem like a no-brainer, but many entrepreneurs failed to take into account market research. By studying your target market, you can keep close tabs on your finances and reduce costs with your operations and marketing tactics.

Creating Content Strategy

Part of your consideration in creating a content strategy is translating your website. Gartner, a market research firm, reported that translating your website is necessary because about 66% of their survey participants said it’s important that the website is in their native language. 

A translation company can facilitate translating your website and digital content for your target locale, while at the same time helping with SEO. Your market research will be essential in your content based on the preference of your target locale. 

Online Platform Preference

During your research period, look into the online platforms where your target locale often uses. Some social media platforms, like Facebook, aren’t popular in countries, like Japan and Russia. 

Change Services and Products 

Again, marketing and operations go hand and hand. Sometimes, you will have to change certain aspects of your products and services for your target locale so that you can effectively enter a new market.

Be ready to change some things about your services and products because if you want to go global, you will need to go local.

Final Thoughts

Despite the pandemic affecting the global economy, entrepreneurship is on the rise, even in Houston. If you’re looking to expand internationally with your startup, working with a translation company is your best bet in ensuring that your marketing campaign becomes successful. 

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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