All posts in September 2018

Flush With Cash Open A Profitable Business Philippines Venture Today

By blogger on

For a lot of foreigners, retirement does not mean not doing anything. You can find individuals that open a profitable business Philippines venture in order to keep busy and make money as well. Most of them come into the region flush with cash from having retired and so are aiming to build a new start in a country where the living costs is a lot more affordable. That is why you will notice plenty of small startups all over the country that are owned by foreigners. If it is your first time to work within the Philippines and want to prevent the stress of dealing with day-to-day operations, landlords, employees, inventory, as well as other such matters, allow me to share several opportunities that might be definitely worth your while.

One great place get started on if you want to open a company Philippines venture is to buy fixer-upper properties, renovate them and then sell them off. You’ll find numerous properties that are in a condition of disrepair and in case you’ve got experience in building homes and doing repair work, you will see that this is one opportunity where you could generate a nice profit. It might be advisable though, to get your own licensed Philippine broker in order to navigate the market as to what properties are worth renovating and selling.

The next thing listed where you can do good business within the Philippines is to build an apartelle. This is something that is uniquely Filipino and can be found all all over the country. An apartelle happens to be an apartment building where all but one of the units is rented out long term. Operating one of these can be done on a nightly or weekly basis, similar to a normal hotel, hence the combined name. Getting yourself into this will require heavy capital investment on your behalf, but with the right property together with a focus on rural areas and smaller cities, you can construct a small 4 unit building for about 3 million Philippine pesos, excluding the price of the land.

The third item that is also worth mentioning is farming. Considering the halt on the Agrarian Land Reform program (CARP), the private sector could have renewed confidence to invest in agricultural production once again. For the longest time, CARP has held back purchase of both production capacity along with farm acquisition. Now that it’s ended, land prices will go straight back to being valued for their own higher income producing potential.

For individuals who want to open a profitable business Philippines venture that is passive yet will yield a fantastic ROI, right here is the one. Farming has long been structured via the developers (all foreigners) to be an actual one turnkey investment price, which includes the buying price of the land, in addition to the clearing, planting, cultivating, and harvesting for the first few years. It has a price that’s intended to fit the capital investment budget associated with an average foreign retiree, and all landowners are going to be members of the co-op that can share in the usage of farming equipment. Farming operations will likely be handled by the developer’s management team.

Business within the Philippines is one thing that you should consider, especially if you really are a foreigner with a nice retirement fund. There are lots of opportunities around, however these three are some of the ones which could help you to get started.

Risk Taking In Business Has Its Rewards

By blogger on

Copyright 2006 Red Ladder, Inc.

People often tell me that they are amazed at how willing I am to take risks. For me, it’s less about the risk itself, and more about the opportunity and excitement it generates, which compels me to step out of my comfort zone again and again.

So, how do you view risk? Most people I talk to view risk in negative terms. In fact, Webster’s defines risk as “to expose to hazard or danger.” With a definition like that, who can blame anyone for avoiding risks?

Yet taking risks is critical for our long-term success. In fact, the authors of Breaking the Glass Ceiling indicate that taking risks is a key success factor for women, while not necessarily the case for men.

How can you overcome the fear of taking risks? Try these simple steps:

1. Decide what your tolerance is for risk. Some business owners might feel perfectly comfortable putting their business on the line regularly, whereas other business owners may not feel comfortable doing this unless the chance of success is very high. Both are taking risks, but at the level they feel comfortable with.

2. Start small. Take a new route to work. Go see a movie by yourself. Try coffee instead of tea. You get the picture.

3. Take “deliberate” risks. Deliberate risks are ones that you choose to take, typically after completing some fact finding or analysis.

4. Set risk taking goals. Ask yourself what you hope to accomplish. Then write down one goal about the risk that you would like to take. Break it down into smaller chunks. Then do one thing – today – to move yourself forward.

5. Have a contingency plan. Ask yourself what you would need to do to recover should the worst happen, and then create a back up plan.

6. Reward yourself. Risk-taking can be draining, particularly if you are not used to it. So, don’t forget to do something nice for yourself after taking a risk – no matter how large or small!

What are the benefits? People who are comfortable taking risks typically experience “increased autonomy, heightened self-esteem, a more positive attitude toward life and an increased sense of personal power.”

If you hope to be able to access your full potential, you will need to become more comfortable taking risks. That means stepping out of your comfort zone and sacrificing security. Remember the old adage, no risk no reward. So, what are you waiting for?

Understanding An Use Case Diagram And Common Business Analyst Interview Questions

By blogger on

When going for an interview after applying for a business analyst job you will be required to answer a couple of common business analyst interview questions. One of those business analyst interview questions might be to explain what is meant by logical data model. Your should answer shortly and quickly by explaining that a data motel is capable of telling and showing details about specific data that is physically stored in a database. Another interview question might have you explaining what a high level or low level use case diagram is. A high level use case diagram is a broad view of any business process. By dividing a high level use case into several sub use cases then we get what is referred to as a low level use care.

Another common business analyst interview question is what you know about SDD. This question should be answered very simply by saying that SDD stands for system design document and it is just a middle step dividing business users and developers. It allows developers to understand the business requirements. You may be asked how you make use case diagrams. You should reply by saying that you make use case diagrams by using MS Visio and Rational Rose.

One of your business analyst interview questions may ask you to define the different types of diagrams that are used by business analysts. There are a number of diagrams used by business analysts including entity relationship diagram, data flow diagram, class diagram, activity diagram, state chart diagram, collaboration diagram, component diagrams, use case diagram, and deployment diagrams. Another business analyst interview question may ask you to define the three different types of diagrams used most often by all business analysts. The three are use case, activity, and sequence diagrams.

What is a sequence diagram? A sequence diagram is used to tell an objects interactions with one another being arranged in a timed sequence. A sequence diagram is often used by developers and tests as it allows them to understand the system better.

What is an activity diagram? Most of the time, activity diagrams are normally only used in the early stage of analysis and designing level. An activity diagram is often used to provide the details about each individual component.

What is a use case diagram? A use case diagram is a diagram which is used to explain and entire business environment. The use case diagram shows a number of relations events or actions that are perform by a single actor.

You may be asked a number of other business analyst interview questions as well such as what is a winrunner used for. A winrunner is used for regression testing. What is a load runner used for? A load runner is used for testing the performance of your business. One of your business analyst interview questions might require you to explain the different between BRD and FRD. In this situation, you should say that a BRD described what is needed for the product and the FRD described the BRD in full details.

How To Start A Successful Caramel Popcorn Business

By blogger on

Starting a caramel popcorn business is a great way to make extra money, no matter what the economic climate is like! If you would like to start a caramel popcorn concession business, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. You can also request a free copy of the complete guide to caramel corn profits, How to Succeed in the Caramel Corn Business.

Begin by evaluating the current caramel popcorn market. Take a look at what concession stands, popcorn vendors, concession businesses and local stores are doing. Request brochures from as many caramel popcorn businesses as you can; either call or email, and request the latest brochure or insert that the company sends with gift packs of flavored popcorn. These brochures will give good ideas to generate your own brochures and promotional items, as well as the current price points for caramel popcorn and gourmet popcorn in your area. Remember, use the brochures as starter points onlynever copy something, as you do not know what falls under copyright.

Now, its time to do some recon work! Jump in your car and visit successful caramel popcorn businesses in your area and out of town. See what makes each shop popular and try to find a common thread among all the stores or concession businesses you visit. Look at the dcor, location, available products and more. This will give you a clear picture of what it takes to make caramel corn and turn a profit in your market. While you are out, note the displays, workers uniforms and other things that stand out to you. You will be able to take the ideas you like and put your own spin on them, tailoring them to your market and location.

When you return from the trip, you need to make an important decision how will you sell your product? There are four ways to sell caramel corn:
1.Over-the-Counter: You can put the product in popcorn bags, cans or glassware and sell it directly to the customer.
2.Local Gift Pack Sales: Using a parcel service, you can send caramel corn orders in popcorn bags or cans. This is also a great, local moneymaker during the holidays and for business gifts.
3.Wholesale: This would be considered any bulk caramel corn that is sold as a case good or Super Saver item.
4.Your Website: You can make money outside your neighborhood by shipping your delicious products. Gift tins and specialty flavors are some of the most popular items Internet customers are looking for.

Your caramel popcorn recipe is another important part of your business. You may choose to use an old family recipe the way your grandmother taught you how to make caramel popcorn, but you should consider using a mix. Caramel popcorn mixes produce a consistent end product that has uniform quality. Mixes allow other employees to make the caramel popcorn without you having to worry about it tasting the same as when you make it. You can still make a custom product by adding toffee, nuts, raisins, coconut, or dried fruit. Consider mixing caramel corn with cheese popcorn, or drizzling chocolate, yogurt and other tasty topping on it for an extra sweet treat.

Marketing is a key aspect for any small business, including your caramel popcorn shop! Experts like Gold Medal have cost-efficient suggestions for any size business. For example, try to speak in front of a school districts PTA meeting, or target local fundraising organizations through direct mail. Also, dont forget to gather your customers information. Contests, e-mail sign up sheets, and referral programs are great ways to collect data. Be sure to include reorder sheets with every shipment and sale! This way your customers can easily reorder and enjoy the treats, or give it to a friend who will then be a new customer.

You could consider asking a small ad agency or freelance designer to help you create promotional materials. Give yourself time to be the caramel popcorn expert and ask for marketing help from the ad or industry experts. Make sure to plan for a marketing budget based on your initial sales volume.

You now know the basics of how to start a caramel popcorn business. Your first goal should be to find a high traffic location that is not overly priced, and then create a store that fits your area and incorporates the best ideas from your research. Then, after you perfect your recipe and purchase concession equipment, you are ready to start bringing in extra money. Caramel popcorn is a fun food item and a fair favorite. Do your research, ask the experts for help and develop a plan. You will quickly see profits popping in no time!

Distribute Business Cards At The Right Opportune Moments

By blogger on

If you are starting up a new business, you will need to print business cards and other stationary items such as letterheads, envelopes and flyers. Take advantage of the huge industry that is now available online though you should take time to select a reliable and reputed online printing firm. It is important to read the reviews and be assured of the online printing firm before placing your valued order. Many printing firms may offer low prices but may not deliver the amount of cards that you order or the quality that you expect.

Since the first impression is generally the best, it is important to ensure that you project the right image when you hand over cards to prospective clients. Decide on whether you prefer the matte or glossy look as these cards look impressive as against the standard business cards. Look at the various types of special inks and finishes available and introduce a photographic image as a logo to depict the product or service. If you use metallic ink it will stand out impressively to highlight the logo or design. It is possible to coat an area of the card with spot UV coating as this will make a striking contrast when you use a matte finish for the rest of the area. Check the weight of the cards that you wish to order and remember that 14 and 16 point stock are definitely not as flimsy as 10 and 12 point stocks. The next criterion is to concentrate on the layout of the card. Give relevant details and try not to clutter the card with unnecessary information.

In an endeavor to save money, many people try to print their own cards. Some people may also resort to spreading the word when they start up a business. However these are not good marketing strategies to follow especially as they are many opportunities available online to print cheap business cards at very low prices. An important feature of marketing campaigns starts with printing of advertising materials. A business man will soon realize the value of using these insignificant cards when they see the results.

Before any major event or meeting, spend some time to decide whether your product or service will make an impact on the customers who will be attending the event. Spend some valuable time online to plan your marketing strategy. Use the free designer templates and tools available with most of the reputed online printing firms and plan the finish and style of your card. Provide the pertinent details and most importantly, your contact details. Talk to the people that attend the event and if you find that they show even the slightest interest in your product, hand them a card as this will make a good impression. You will not project your business in a good light if you scribble details on a piece of paper or write the contact details on one of the flyers. You will not feel the pinch when you distribute these cheap business cards that you have ordered from a reliable printing firm at a throw away price.