Enterprise Podcast Network

Enterprise Podcast Network

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Enterprise Podcast Network episodes

  • Three Ways HR Departments Can Communicate Better with Corporate Staff - Entrepreneur Podcast Network – EPN

    When you work for a large company in a specialist role, the role of HR is actually more important to you than you often realise as you go about your day to day work.

    HR provide a support role that impacts a lot of what you do, from reimbursing your travel expenses to keeping track of your annual leave, and from helping onboard new team members to providing references should you move on.

    What Good HR People Do for Teams

    A good HR department will also keep staff up to date on any process or policy changes, and ensure that anyone joining the business knows how to do the HR related personal admin they need to do.

    They will also make sure that managers brought into the business understand things like corporate appraisal procedures, and how to deal with complaints, disciplinaries and other matters that may arise in their teams in compliance with company policy. Often, managers may also need to liaise with HR to retrieve information from their databases and systems they use like xcdhr.com about their staff, for instance statistics on their department’s sickness record.

    Naturally, this means that good HR teams do a lot of communicating, and thanks to technology there are now more and more ways to make HR comms and policy documents easier to access. Here are three ways these can be used to make your HR team better at communicating with and supporting other staff:

    Well Managed Intranet Portals

    Intranets are not a new idea by any means, and many large companies have had them for as long as 20 years. However, advances in content management systems now make it easier to ensure that the policy documentation held in the HR part of your corporate intranet is up to date, easy to find, and accessible to the right people.

    If your intranet is a bit dated or you feel the HR portal could do with an overhaul to make it more useful, then this could be a good way to help people engage more with HR services.

    Communication Via Targeted Groups

    When people are constantly receiving ‘all staff’ emails from HR that don’t actually affect them, they begin to see these as things to put off reading or even as a drain on their time.

    Using your HR data, it is easy to create targeted groups on the fly, so you only send communications to the people they affect. If a policy change only affects people above a certain pay grade, send it to them. Having a special seminar for women in the company? Send the invite to all your female employees. Changes to policies for shift workers? Don’t bother those who don’t work shifts with it. This creates a culture where people see HR comms as important and worth reading.

    Let People Book Appointments Through a Shared Calendar

    Sometimes people want to talk in person with an HR representative for all manner of reasons, often private ones. Allowing for a system where appointments can be booked through a shared calendar makes this far easier.

    These are just three easy ways to improve the relationship between HR and staff using technology you most likely already have in better ways.

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  • 4 Negotiation Skills That Every Marketer Should Master - Entrepreneur Podcast Network – EPN
    Nowadays, marketers must wear many different hats, deliver answers to questions no one else can, and prove expertise in multiple areas. Although often overlooked, the ability to negotiate is one of the most important skills a marketer needs.
    Think about it this way: you are the promoter of the brand’s vision. Your ability to negotiate things like copywriting and ghostwriters services, media buying and to make sure that everyone is on the same page can help move the business forward.
    In spite of its importance, many marketers lack this vital skill. Some of them are afraid that they’ll be perceived as aggressive. That couldn’t be further from the truth since negotiation is a way of meeting your partner in the middle. In fact, studies have shown that people who don’t negotiate are 60% less successful than those who do.
    If you feel like you have yet to master this skill, then you should keep reading. In this article, we’ll talk about four crucial negotiation skills every marketer should know.
    1.  Always Have a Goal in Mind
    Don’t be afraid to set big goals and work your way from there, adapting accordingly to the situation. As long as you have an alternative course of action prepared (a strategy known as the Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement, or BATNA, in negotiation theory), you can enter the discussion knowing you have a backup plan and exuding the necessary confidence to win.
    But, what is perhaps even more important is figuring out your client’s BATNA as it can show you where they draw the limit and what could make them walk away from the deal. That means knowing what alternatives your client has and how much they value your expertise. This information will come particularly in handy in case of contract renegotiation since it can steer the negotiation in your favor.
    There are a few questions you can ask beforehand to identify your client’s BATNA. What other options do they have, in case they refuse to sign with you? Do their budget and timeframe allow them to find a someone else? Will they be able to find a better deal and also stick to their budget? What compromises are you willing to make to sign the deal?
    2.  Use Active Listening
    Active listening allows you to establish a meaningful relationship with your client. In negotiations, it can make the difference between a successful outcome and a deal breaker.
    Contrary to what you may think, active listening does not mean you turn into a passive partner that sits silently, waiting for the other one to finish talking, and occasionally nodding and saying they understand. Quite the opposite! Active listening is a complex process where paraphrasing, inquiring and acknowledging work together towards problem-solving.
    Here are three steps you should follow to use this strategy successfully:
    Paraphrase your client’s requests using your own words;
    Inquire and ask more questions to get to the root of the problem;
    Acknowledge your partner’s concerns to empathize with him.
    3.  Use Open-Ended Questions
    This strategy can be particularly useful when negotiating with people who have not only done this before but are quite good at it. It’s a technique that does not allow them to follow their plan but rather forces them to be candid and answer your questions on the spot.
    Here’s an example:
    Next time you and your client discuss any budget modifications, ask them what they believe the budget limit should be, why they think what you’re suggesting is not going to work, and if their reticence is based on the results of your collaboration. That way, you’ll show you place value on your work and will allow the discussion to shift from price talk to the experience your client has had working with you so far.
    4.  Leverage the Power of Emotions
    Emotions are the driving force behind the relationships y…
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  • Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Selecting a Payment Processor - Entrepreneur Podcast Network – EPN
    Choosing a payment processor (or payment gateway) is one of the most important decisions you can make for your company.
    It’s a potentially overwhelming one. Dozens of legitimate payment processors operate in the United States. Most adequately perform their core function: effectively, accurately and securely processing card present and card not present transactions for businesses of all sizes. How do you know which one is right for your business?
    For starters, you need to know what to avoid when selecting a payment processor. As you narrow down your choices and finally make your selection, be sure to avoid these five mistakes.
    Failing to Look Past Headline Rates and Fees
    Not all payment processing fee structures are created equal. Many gateways entice new clients with low headline rates and fees, only to tack on hidden charges or variable rates on the back end. By the time you realize you’re paying too much, you’re locked into a multi-year contract.
    Before choosing a gateway, spend time with the user agreement’s fine print. Better yet, look to gateways with minimal fine print (or none at all). If you’re not sure you’re the best person to evaluate dense, legalistic language, rope in an associate or consultant familiar with the payment processing world.
    Going the DIY Route Before You’re Ready
    If you have a competent technical team at your disposal, by all means choose a processor that expects its clients to DIY their way through bugs and disruptions.
    Most small businesses don’t have the internal resources to manage and troubleshoot their own payment gateways, though. If you’re in that boat, choose a processor with a comprehensive customer support infrastructure and a reputation for rapid issue resolution.
    Ignoring Less Common Payment Types
    Just about every payment gateway is capable of processing EMV credit card transactions. Those that don’t are rapidly adapting — or exiting the space altogether.
    But many payment processors cut out ascendant (though still less common) payment types like ACH debits, e-checks and mobile wallets. It’s particularly important for e-commerce platforms to accept these types of payments. If you’re strictly brick-and-mortar, make sure your processor can handle gift card transactions too.
    Skimping on Security and Fraud Protection
    If you’re not familiar with PCI compliance standards, you need to be. All payment processors are required to meet PCI Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) — if you come across a gateway provider that can’t clearly articulate its PCI DSS adherence, stay far away.
    PCI compliance is just one piece of the security puzzle though. Top-tier payment processors have robust fraud detection, mitigation and resolution solutions for clients and end-users threatened or affected by identity theft and credit card fraud. Working with one could mean the difference between a catastrophic, reputation-destroying breach and a manageable setback that doesn’t ruin your customers’ trust.
    Refusing to Admit You’ve Made the Wrong Choice
    Mistakes happen. If it becomes clear down the line that you’ve chosen the wrong payment processor, be big enough to admit it and bold enough to right the wrong, even if it involves temporary financial pain. Simply hoping that a poor-fit processor won’t do lasting damage to your company’s bottom line or reputation with its customers is not a sustainable strategy. Sooner or later, the bill will come due — and you’re going to be the one footing it.
    Are you in the hunt for a payment processor? What’s your top concern? Please share your thoughts with our readers below.
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  • 3 Tips for choosing a desk for a tiny office space - Entrepreneur Podcast Network – EPN

    It may be a challenge to set up a suitable work space when you only have a tiny space available. You need to make sure that everything you could possibly need is there, but that it is also designed to make you work more efficiently.

    If you buy a desk that is too big, you may feel cramped and uncomfortable in your office and you may not be able to work properly. If you buy one that is too small just because you have a small space, you may not have enough storage for all of your paperwork.

    Choosing the perfect office desk is therefore very crucial and should not be taken lightly. Check out some tips you can follow below so that you can choose a desk that is perfect for your office space.

    Create a floor plan of your office space – it would be a big mistake to buy your office furniture without actually knowing how much space you have and determining how much you space will be allotted for each furniture. More so when you only have very limited space available. Depending on the kind of work you have, there may be areas that should be prioritized over others. Maybe you are the kind of worker that meets with a lot of clients every day, it is then important that even with a small space, there should be an area where you and your client can meet comfortably. If your work alone but require a lot of storage for papers and other stuff, then you should consider that. After that, you should come up with a floor plan to indicate where each furniture would go. Don’t forget to get measurements so that you won’t make the mistake of buying a desk that may be too big for your space.

    Prioritize function over form – you should consider your habit as a worker. Do you do mostly computer work? So you should get one that needs a CPU storage area if you do use a personal computer. See if there are holes for wiring and cables so that it will look cleaner. Do you generate a lot of paperwork in your line of work? That may require you to have a bigger desk surface to put all of those in. You can even get a desk that has shelves for extra storage. There are so many designs available that you might feel overwhelmed in making a choice. That’s why it is important that you look at the function first. Once you have determined the kind of work you will do at your desk, you can narrow down the options so that it will be easier to make a choice.

    Consider investing in a floating desk instead – here’s a revolutionary idea that is getting more and more popular these days. Instead of having an office desk, why not buy floating desks?  Unlike the regular desks which can take up a lot of space, a floating desk does not need floor space in order for you to use it. They can also be better for your health, as being sedentary can create havoc on your back.

     

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  • Launching a Contender with Monique Honaman - Entrepreneur Podcast Network – EPN

    Monique Honaman, Co-Founder of a new Concept-to-Consumer (C2C) company called Contender Brands joins Enterprise Radio to discuss their entrepreneurial journey.
    Listen to interview with host Eric Dye & guest Monique Honaman discuss the following:

    * Tell me about Contender Brands. Why did you launch the business? Tell me about your products.
    * Tell me about some of the early successes you have had in launching the business? Challenges?
    * What are your top 3 lessons learned in launching a new business?
    * Give us a preview of 2018. Where can our listeners find you and your products / services?

    Contender Brands, Co-Founders Justin and Monique Honaman believe that differences are to be valued, that collaboration brings new ideas, that rules are to be broken, that engagement with others should be authentic, that change is good, that smart risks are fun, that life should be an adventure, and that sometimes you just need to listen to your heart and trust your gut.
    The first two products they have launched include a get-to-know you card game called Cocktail Farty, and a fully-illustrated children’s book about the role of a step-parent called “Bonus Dad! Bonus Mom!”  Coming soon is a T-shirt line called Contender Tees, and  a portable ring cleaner called Ringo (you can clean your ring on the go with Ringo). Justin’s professional expertise encompasses an eclectic mix of data analytics, business intelligence, and strategic business development, primarily in the retail and consumer packaged goods industries. He holds a BSIE from Georgia Tech, and an MBA from Auburn. He mixes his left brain analytics with a strong right brain creative side and loves to write, sing music, and perform. He has written three books and is the host of ContenderCast, a podcast whose mission is to shine a light on bright ideas.
    Monique’s professional background includes 20+ years in the human resources and leadership development arena, not only working at a corporate level, but also leveraging her entrepreneurial expertise to found and lead several companies. She holds a BA from the University of Michigan, an MLIR from Michigan State University, and a JD from Albany Law School. Monique is also an author of four books, and a speaker and blogger on leadership and relationships.
    When not sitting on their back porch brainstorming new product ideas, they enjoy diving, hiking, boating and adventure travel with their two teenagers. When they need a break, you will find them curled up on the couch with their rescue dogs as Justin gets lost in a movie, and Monique gets lost in a book. Sadly, neither enjoys cooking, and both agree that popcorn makes a great dinner!
     

    Website: ContenderBrands.com
    Social Media Links:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contenderbrands

    Twitter: @contenderbrands
    People also listened to this: Play to Your Strengths: Unlikely Pairings Can Be Your Greatest Success Story
    16 min
  • Sports Massage: Things You Should Know Before Getting One - Entrepreneur Podcast Network – EPN

    Sports massage is beneficial in numerous ways. Some of the benefits include boosting your circulatory system, reducing the occurrence of injury and improving your flexibility. Before you book an appointment for sports massage, you should know some important things.

    There are different massage styles

    Understand that there are several styles of massage. So if you are a runner, you should get a sports massage, instead of a Swedish massage or a hot stone massage. A sports massage targets muscle groups you use for running and focuses on muscle release to increase your range of motion, reduce pain and improve your flexibility.

    Book a massage weeks before your race

    It will not help you much if you book a sports massage quite close to the event. You should either get a sports massage a week before the race or have it after the event. Being massaged less than 48 hours before a race increases your chances of getting sore on race day, rather than being fit and ready. If you are in the area, go for a sports massage London offers and get the best experience from the professionals.

    A massage after the race helps recovery

    A sports massage is designed to help you recover after a race, so keep this in mind. You’ll notice that many athletes go for a light massage after finishing the race. This is designed to calm the nervous system and coax the body to start natural repair. If you are an experienced runner, it is all right to schedule a recovery-centred sports massage several hours or two days after the activity. If you are a newbie, think about scheduling the sports massage within three to four days, as you’ll feel very sore right after the race and will not appreciate or feel the benefit of the massage.

    Drink plenty of water before a sports massage

    If you are dehydrated your muscles and fascia can become stiff, so the massage might be more painful for you. Drink an adequate amount of water before your massage session to help you enjoy the benefits of the massage.

    Expect to feel pain

    Having a sports massage is different from a massage session in a spa. A sports massage requires you to interact with the practitioner physically. You will be moved around as the bodywork is performed on your legs and upper body. You may also receive treatment for tensed back, shoulders and arms.

    Remember that a massage therapist is not a doctor

    If you are suffering a serious sports-related injury, you should see a sports doctor first. When the doctor has given a diagnosis, the massage therapist can refer to it and devise a massage plan to alleviate inflammation and tightness in your body to help you recover faster.

    It is normal to feel sore after a race and some soreness reveals areas that are weak and need strengthening exercises. However, if you feel discomfort and pain during a massage, let your therapist know as he or she may be applying too much pressure on very sore spots.

    Image: Pixabay.com

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  • The challenges of developing emerging technologies that have an impact - Entrepreneur Podcast Network – EPN

    Randall Hughes, President and CEO of QFactory33, the California green-tech incubator that has brought the B3 Bus Bar Bypass to market joins the Green Business Podcast Show to discuss the challenges of developing emerging technologies that have an impact.
    Listen to interview with host Eric Dye & guest Randall Hughes discuss the following:

    * What is a bus bar bypass unit and why is it important?
    * What is the B3 Bypass and why should consumers interested in installing green or alternative energy sources want it?
    * How does the B3 save time and money for consumers? How much money do you estimate the B3 can save a consumer for an average installation?
    * Do you need a professional installer to put the B3 in a home?
    * If you are purchasing an electric vehicle, will the B3 be something for you to consider?
    * How much should the B3 unit cost?
    * Where can I find and purchase a B3 unit?

    Randall Hughes is passionate about bringing products to market that solve real problems. He draws experience from 20+ years as an executive in consumer goods, and with the founding of QFE002 has now turned his attention to developing technology that promotes clean energy, making it accessible for all.  For Randall, this new mission is personal – with his 4 (soon to be 5!) kids in mind, he is doing his part to ensure that the environment will be protected for generations to come. Randall is originally from London, Ontario and holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University.

    Website: www.qfe002.com
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    10 min
  • Why Your Business Should Improve its E-Commerce Systems - Entrepreneur Podcast Network – EPN
    Outdated and inefficient e-commerce systems can prevent your business from reaching its full potential. If you want to ensure your enterprise has the best chance of succeeding, you may need to upgrade your current set-up. Here are a few of the benefits such a move could bring to your company.
    Enhanced customer engagement
    If your current e-commerce systems don’t allow you to engage with customers in real time, you could be losing out on potential sales. Studies have shown that the most loyal customers are those who are so fully engaged with the company that they feel an emotional or psychological connection.
    Consumers prefer to spend their money with such companies and will actively ignore those that they perceive to provide them with no value. The right platform will not only make it easier for your customers to shop but will also provide them with all the information they need to make the best possible purchase for their needs.  Improving your e-commerce systems can help you to gain a clear understanding of what is at the heart of the customer experience you provide and to work out ways to further enhance it.
    Simplified system 
    If your existing e-commerce system still relies on manual processes to complete the simplest transactions, moving to a more system centric model such as those offered by weaveability.com can help you run your day-to-day operations far more smoothly and efficiently. Rather than having to spend time duplicating data from one system to another, most likely to the detriment of your costs and productivity, a system centric model can seamlessly keep track of everything from product pricing structures to real time account management.
    With the latest e-commerce systems, you want to invest in a platform that can help deliver complete digital transformation such as Contact Centre Applications, Content Management Systems and of course an e-commerce system, you need a one-stop solution that addresses all the most urgent needs of your business and allows you to add any necessary processes and procedures you need to support your future e-commerce needs.
    Better demand management
    The ability to predict future customer demand is crucial if your want your business to succeed. Having the right level of stock in place to meet a surge of interest in your products and being able to cut back on production and save shipping costs during times when demand is less intense can make a huge difference to your bottom line. The most advanced e-commerce systems provide you with a wealth of data that enable you to make far more accurate forecasts so that you never get caught out.
    Better growth opportunities
    The best e-commerce systems are scalable, allowing you to acquire new employees or expand your business into new niches and markets without having to buy and integrate new software packages on an ongoing basis. Improving your e-commerce set up will ensure you have all the features you need both now and in the future.
    As a business grows, so does the need to have timely access to accurate business intelligence information. If your e-commerce does not simplify the process of collecting and sorting through such data, your sales or profits may suffer as a result.
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  • HNTB’s Corporate Diversity Program that benefits disadvantaged and small businesses - Entrepreneur Podcast Network – EPN
    Art Hadnett, who serves as president of HNTB Corporation’s West Division, an employee-owned infrastructure solutions firm serving public and private owners and contractors with more than a century of service joins Enterprise Radio to discuss HNTB’s Corporate Diversity Program.
    Listen to interview with host Eric Dye & guest Art Hadnett discuss the following:
    * You have more than three decades of leadership experience with transportation infrastructure, currently serving as West division president for HNTB, an employee-owned infrastructure solutions firms with over a century of service.  As a nationally recognized leader, can you tell us about some of your career highlights and high-profile projects?
    * Today we are talking about diversity and the importance of national firms helping disadvantaged, minority-owned and small businesses compete for multi-million-dollar transportation and infrastructure contracts. Can you tell us more about HNTB’s Partners Program?
    * With HNTB’s corporate diversity program, what are the benefits to disadvantaged and small businesses and how does the firm help these firms grow and succeed?
    * Can you share some examples of HNTB’s successful diversity initiatives?
    * Clearly there are significant benefits for small businesses from programs like this. What are the benefits to the infrastructure firms?
    * How do you measure the impact your program has on the small business community?
    Art Hadnett is senior vice president for HNTB and West Division president, based at the firm’s Los Angeles headquarters. He is responsible for leading the operations of the nine-state West Division, including eleven offices and nearly 600 employees, overseeing vital and complex infrastructure programs in rail/transit, tolling and aviation. He possesses more than 30 years of comprehensive leadership experience in infrastructure and transportation gained from high-profile megaprojects.
    The HNTB-designed Sixth Street Viaduct over the Los Angeles River between downtown and Boyle Heights is one of the city’s largest infrastructure projects that Hadnett currently oversees, in addition to providing design and engineering for the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor on behalf of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
    In his role, Hadnett leads strategic planning and operations, recruits top talent and builds relationships with thought leaders within the industry across the western region.
    Prior to joining HNTB, Hadnett served as vice president and practice leader for another consulting engineering firm’s transportation division, where he was responsible for managing major assignments with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Orange County Transportation Authority, Los Angeles World Airports, Southern California Regional Rail Authority, and Federal Transit Administration.
    Throughout his career, Hadnett built deep connections and relationships through his affiliation with professional associations.  He represents HNTB in civic- as well as industry-related associations in key leadership roles.
    Hadnett’s vast knowledge of industry issues and trends enables him to speak expertly on a wide array of topics, including:
    * Aviation
    * Bridges and tunneling
    * Program management/construction management
    * Rail/transit
    * Toll roads, express lanes and priced managed lanes
    * Major infrastructure programs
    * Design-build
    * Public-private partnerships
    * Infrastructure funding
    * Intelligent Transportation Systems
    * Executive management/leadership
    * Mentoring
    26 min
  • Genting Group’s Attempt to enter Canadian casino industry - Entrepreneur Podcast Network – EPN

    The Genting Group is well known worldwide for its contributions to the casino industry. The holding company is located in Kuala Lumpur with four subsidiaries. First organizing in 1965, the company was founded by the late entrepreneur Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong. Since that time the company has developed and operated casinos as well as integrated resorts worldwide. With holdings in the Philippines, Singapore, America, Malaysia, Australia and the United Kingdom, the Genting Group is now setting its sights on Canada.

    Recently, the company put in a bid to acquire several gambling related holdings in Ontario, specifically Toronto. If the deal were to come to fruition, Genting would hold the rights to slot facilities in the Toronto area at Woodbine and Ajax Down as well as the Great Blue Heron Casino for at least 22 years. However, their bid failed as the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation opted instead for a consortium formed of the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation and Brookfield Business Partners LP.  These holdings are rather lucrative as they include over 4,000 gaming machines and a total of 60 table games. This was not the company’s first attempt to get a foothold in Canada.

    Along with the Genting Group was the American firm, Caesar’s Entertainment that made it to the finals which included the winning firm as well. Research firm, UOB Kay Hian, is concerned that the parent company is losing value in comparison to its subsidiaries. Other impending litigation from local tribes is expected to possibly present further difficulties for the company.

    Even though the Genting Group is having some difficulty at this time, the trend in casino gambling continues to be strong and doesn’t appear to be dying down any time soon thanks to popular online and mobile casinos that have drawn in even more gamblers.

    0 min

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