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7 Things to Do After Your Job Interview to Get Hired Faster

Posted: 21 Aug 2019 08:00 AM PDT

Whew, your interview's over. You're probably feeling relieved and eager to hear about the next steps. Instead of just sitting back and crossing your fingers that a job offer will come your way, there are a few things you should be doing along with waiting by the phone.

Here are seven actions that can have a significant impact on how quickly you get hired. 

1. Ask when you'll receive feedback

Nobody likes waiting anxiously by the phone for days without knowing when they will hear news about whether they got the job. With that in mind, the first thing you should before leaving the interview is to ask when you can expect to hear feedback. That way, you'll be able to plan accordingly and be productive instead of waiting and worrying.

Also, mark your calendar with the date they told you, so you know when it's time to check in with them for an update. If you do this you'll be able to follow up with confidence instead of worrying that you're being a pest or checking in too soon.

2. "Audit" your performance

Sometimes you get hired by the first company you interview with, but that's not often the case. So your recently-finished interview is a chance to learn and improve.

Were there any interview questions you weren't prepared for? Write them down and practice them for next time. Think if there's anything else you could have done better, like body language, eye contact, etc.

These are all things you can focus on when you prepare for your next interview. You don't need to address them all right now. You just finished an interview and should take time to relax. However, be sure to make note of what you'd like to practice and improve for your next interview so you don't forget.

3. Track everything

Create a simple spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to track the different updates from different employers you're talking to.

I'd recommend setting up your spreadsheet with the following columns:

  • Employer
  • Date of Last Update
  • Details of Last Update

The "Details of Last Update" should leave room for some notes. This way you can make an entry like, "Sent email on 7-24 for updates," or "Received voicemail from Todd. He said he will get back to me Friday with an update." That way, you'll know when to message each employer to stay on top of the situation.

You can add anything else you want to the spreadsheet, too, as an additional column. The three columns above are just a starting point. For example, you could include the method of contact (phone, email, etc.) and person of contact for each company. This may seem basic, but if you're talking to a high number of employers, it can be difficult to keep track of names and emails.

4. Don't go behind anyone's back

When waiting for feedback, pick one single person from the company to communicate with. This will usually be someone from HR or the person who has been scheduling your interviews.

If you're finishing an interview and aren't sure who you're going to be in touch with about feedback, you should be sure to ask so you'll know who to follow up with. 

This will make things simpler for you, and will generally be the best way to keep a positive impression with the employer, too. HR departments don't like when someone goes behind their back to try to fast-track the process. 

Of course, if the hiring manager told you they'd be in touch directly, then it's appropriate to start communicating with them rather than HR. Just pick one point of contact after your interview and stick with that person. 

There is one exception. If you've been waiting for more than a week for a reply, it's reasonable to contact someone else in the company to ask for an update. Here's how I'd recommend positioning it:

"Hi <Name>,

I hope you're doing well. 

I emailed Beth nine days ago and haven't heard a response from her, so I wasn't sure if she's been in the office. Do you have any updates regarding the Senior Staff Accountant position I interviewed for on Monday, 7-26? I was excited by what I heard in the interview and am eager to hear any news you can share.

Thank you for your time,

<Your Name>"

I once interviewed with a software firm in Boston and the recruiter (who was my main point of contact) left the company mid-way through the process and nobody told me.

I would have never received an update unless I had contacted someone else in the company. So use your best judgment. Don't rush to contact a second person in the company during a minor delay or gap in communication, but know that it is an option.

5. Expect delays

Delays are normal throughout the hiring process. Key decision-makers get sick or go on vacation. Sometimes emergencies come up and the hiring manager has to "put out a fire" rather than focusing on hiring. Remember, hiring managers are often running a team and have a lot going on aside from interviewing people.

While this can be frustrating for a job seeker, it's common even if the company loved you in the interview. So I'd recommend waiting one extra day beyond when you were told you'd hear feedback before following up.

For example, if an employer said they'd have feedback for you on Wednesday, wait until Thursday to check in with them. That way, you won't seem overly-eager or desperate, yet you'll still show them that you're staying on top of things and excited to hear about the next steps.

6. Be polite and understanding   

When you do check in with the employer, never show frustration or anger. This will cost you job offers and will not speed up the process.

Employers have a lot of things to consider when making a hiring decision and aren't going to change their process based on a complaint. So while it's great to take initiative, follow up, and reaffirm your interest in the position, you never want to seem emotional or desperate. Be polite, cheerful and positive when emailing or calling employers and you'll get more job offers.

If you find yourself getting frustrated, look for other productive things to do with your time.

7. Use downtime to get more interviews

I never recommend waiting for one single employer to get back to you. There are countless reasons you could lose out on the job – from changes in the budget to the company finding an internal candidate they want to promote into the position.

None of these are within your control, unfortunately. So use downtime between interviews to apply for more jobs and schedule more interviews. Not only will this give you more opportunities to get hired, but it will also relieve stress by taking your mind off of waiting.

The more interviews and potential job offers you can get, the more confident you'll be and the less anxious you'll feel. Imagine having late-stage interviews with five different employers. You're going to be a lot less anxious when waiting for feedback, right?

And if one job offer doesn't come through or is delayed, it's not the end of the world. Yet if you put all your eggs in one basket and wait for a single job offer, you're back to square one in your job search if something goes wrong.

My advice is to don't stop applying for jobs until you've accepted a job offer in writing, filled out tax paperwork and scheduled your first day of work.

It's better to have to turn down a job offer or tell an employer you're no longer available than be left with no interviews or offers because you were relying on one single employer that didn't come through. 

If you follow the steps above after your interviews, you'll get more job offers and feel relaxed and confident throughout the process.

It's great to relax and decompress after a big interview, but make sure you're also giving yourself the best possible chance to land a new job.  

 

How To Write Product Descriptions That Lead to More Sales

Posted: 21 Aug 2019 07:00 AM PDT

If you run an online store, you know how important it is to write copy that's enticing and grabs the customers' attention. Because shoppers don't get to view your products in person, it's essential to write accurate product descriptions that say exactly what they're going to get and highlight the benefits.

A badly written description could be the difference between an abandoned webpage and a sale.

But how do you write the kind of descriptions that convert? It's important to go into detail about the different features and benefits the products provide so users feel like it's worth their coin. Too many copywriters go about writing product descriptions the wrong way because they focus on the aspect of selling instead of the customer. However, when you write them with the customer in mind, you automatically increase your chances of selling that product.

To write descriptions that work, you need to:

  • Focus on the customer

  • Make your content easy to scan

  • Emphasize the product's benefits

  • Optimize for SEO

  • Maintain consistent branding

Here's more on these five tips so that you can write product descriptions that convert your visitors into customers.

1. Focus on the customer

When you make your marketing strategy about the customer's needs, you set yourself up for higher conversions. Your end goal may be to generate sales, but that thought alone isn't going to help you get there. You need to focus on the customer and what they want so you can easily sell to them.

Focus on your target audience's pain points. A customer's pain point is a specific issue they're experiencing that your products could help alleviate. For example, if a customer wants to buy a certain type of product online but the shipping costs are too high, that creates a pain point. Now the customer has to search elsewhere for a similar product with free shipping. If your brand offers this perk, then you've just solved that prospect's pain point by offering a solution.

To focus on the customer, you need to know them well. Create buyer personas of your ideal customers so you can write product descriptions that detail their pain points and tell them how you're going to solve them. 

Include the following information in your buyer personas:

  • Age

  • Location

  • Buying behaviors

  • Income 

  • Education

  • Personal interests

  • Problems and pain points

Consider how your audience likes their favorite brands to talk to them. What specific keywords do they include in their search? What questions are they asking?

The more you know about your customers, the better you're able to cater to their needs based on their interests. As such, the product descriptions you create based on the knowledge you already have about them will match their expectations and encourage them to buy.

2. Make them skimmable

Most users aren't looking to read five paragraphs top to bottom about your products and their different features. They want to know the basic benefits and whether or not they align with their needs. If this information isn't readily available, there's a chance you're missing out on paying customers.

According to research by ChartBeat, 55 percent of website visitors spend less than 15 seconds scouring a webpage. On top of that, attention spans are short, so it shouldn't take customers more than a few seconds to know what your products do and why they add value to prospects' lives.

Make sure your product descriptions are skimmable. Break them down into bullet points or numbered lists that are easy to look over quickly. Provide multiple clear images of each product including a few during use. If you can, include video content of your products so customers can follow along with the description and its uses.

3. Highlight the benefits

It isn't enough to say what your product does, although that is helpful information. According to a recent study, only 25 percent of leads are ready to purchase. If you want to entice your audience, you need to make your description about how your product benefits them. What all does it do? How does it make life easier? What problems does it solve? The more you emphasize the benefits, the more customers will want to buy.

Your description should highlight how your products improve the buyer's life. To emphasize this more clearly, jot down all the features that come to mind before writing your description. For every feature, list a direct benefit the customer will experience from using it. 

For example, if you're selling skincare and you write down that your products contain no alcohol, then a direct benefit would be that it's safe to use for those with sensitive skin. 

Not only will this method allow you to highlight the benefits of your products, but it also sets you up to create descriptions that are vivid and enticing. The more persuasive your writing, the higher chances you have of selling. Include power words in your copy to strengthen your content and avoid passive voice. 

4. Optimize for SEO

Search engine optimization should be present in all areas of your e-commerce site, not just your descriptions. This will determine how you rank in search and how easy or difficult it is for customers to find you through a Google search. If you don't keep these keywords in mind when writing your product descriptions, there's a lower chance of reaching your target market.

Write down a list of keywords you want to include in your description and narrow them down as specifically as you can. Think about who you're catering to and for what purpose. For example, instead of using "gym shoes" as a keyword, which is broad and difficult to target, you could narrow it down to "comfortable women's running shoes." This tells your audience what and who the shoes are primarily for.

Focus on long-tail keywords that allow you to be descriptive. Stay away from broad terms that speak to a large, unreachable audience. You want your products to be the first that pop up in search when a customer is on the hunt for a new purchase. If that's going to happen, you need to be specific with your keywords.

You should include your keywords in the following areas:

  • Page titles

  • Meta descriptions

  • Alt or image tags

  • Product descriptions

Use Google Keyword Planner or Buzzsumo to search your keywords and see which terms are currently trending. Collect a list of recurring words and descriptors appropriate for your product that you can add to your description so it appeals to your target audience. 

5. Align with your brand image

Your brand image is how customers and prospects perceive your brand. Contrary to what many think, it's not just about the physical look of your brand. It also consists of your morals, mission, tone, voice, language, packaging and more and develops over time. It should be relevant to your message and spread across all aspects of your marketing, including email, landing pages and social media. 

When writing your product descriptions, consistent branding is important because it:

  • Builds brand credibility

  • Makes your site look professional

  • Creates recognition 

  • Sets you apart from competitors

Inconsistency shows prospects that your brand is lazy and unorganized, so you want to avoid this by making sure every area matches your image.

You can't afford to not realize how much your product descriptions play a part in increasing your revenue and generating sales. They're one of the first things users see when they check out your products; if they aren't in tip-top shape to persuade customers, then they aren't fit for your e-commerce store. You need to make sure you focus on the customer, stick to branding, use SEO, highlight the benefits, and make your descriptions scannable and easy to consume. 

17 Things to Look for When Hiring Freelancers

Posted: 21 Aug 2019 06:00 AM PDT

Freelancing and remote work is becoming increasingly popular, both for companies needing specific talents and for people looking for flexibility and a broader range of potential clients. However, each remote worker does things a bit differently from the next, so how do you know you're hiring the right one for you and your project?

To help you identify what to look for, beyond the specific skills they can offer, members of the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) recommend paying particular attention to the following:

1. Referrals and portfolios

When hiring a freelancer, we generally start with a referral and then look at the portfolio of work. This provides validation not just on what the freelancer has worked on, but that they were good enough to work with that the prior employer would refer them. - Ashley Merrill, Lunya

2. Ability to be proactive and ask questions

One of the rarest skills these days is being proactive, and when hiring a freelancer I want to know whether or not they understand the project and the big picture. The best way of doing that is by asking questions. If a freelancer doesn't ask me any questions during the interview process, I automatically discard their application because that will generally lead to a sub-par product. - Amine Rahal, Little Dragon Media

3. High ratings and reviews

With websites like Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer hiring a freelancer is a piece of cake. But, "buyer beware" because the price is not the most important factor when hiring a freelancer. Having used sites like Upwork for over a decade I've found the most important factor when hiring a freelancer is ratings and reviews. Qualify prospects based on no less than 10 reviews and a 4.5 star or higher rating. - Kristopher Brian Jones, LSEO.com

4. Good communication skills

Communication style is the number one thing I look for over the minimum skills requirement. I look for a freelancer who seeks to understand. When they seek to understand and are specific in their language, then I know they care about the project. I also look for quick communication. Long response times in email, texts or returned calls is a major red flag that could show they don't really care either. - Shay Berman, Digital Resource

5. Understands your company

Whether it's design work or copywriting, we take into high consideration the freelancer's understanding of our branding and positioning in the digital signage industry. It's also a big plus if they're familiar with our industry. When the freelancer understands the personality of our company, they're able to provide work that better matches the rest of our product and marketing. - Nanxi Liu, Enplug

6. Recent references

When considering hiring a freelancer, I always want to talk to references who have worked with that person in the past six months. I think it's important to have recent references because the passing of time won't have dulled their criticisms and the narrow window means the freelancer is less able to cherrypick only the happiest of clients. - Ryan D Matzner, Fueled

7. Ability to take constructive criticism

When looking to hire a freelancer, I think it's important to choose someone who is able to take constructive criticism. While they may be awesome at what they do, it's still important for them to consider what you think and want, since it's your project. Being able to take constructive criticism and use it to improve their project also shows that they're able to work well collaboratively. - John Turner, SeedProd LLC

8. Compatible time zone

The timezone in which the freelancer is located is often ignored. Collaboration can be a nightmare under incompatible timezones. A lack of proper communication usually produces project misalignments. - Jaime Manteiga, Venkon.us

9. Experience with collaborative tools

I look for a freelancer who has experience using collaborative tools like Asana, Google Docs, Slack, etc. It's important that the freelancer you hire is able to work with you and your team on projects together if you want everything to be cohesive. So, if they have previous experience and know their way around collaborative tools, they'll be able to work well with your entire team. - Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms

10. Good motivation

Look for contractors who want more than a one-off gig, which means asking questions to understand their motivation and their ambitions. Next, seek to understand what they want out of this engagement. A chance to work with our brand? Expansion into a new vertical? Anything other than money is a good indication of their intention. Finally, did they do their homework on our brand? - Gabriel Krajicek, kasasa.com

11. High-quality standards

Some freelancers take a transactional approach to their projects, and their deliverables reflect that. They may fulfill the minimum specifications and requirements but fail to meet the overall quality standards you desire. Copywriters leave spelling errors. Designers miss key details. In searching for the right freelancer, find someone who will go above and beyond to produce spotless work. - Firas Kittaneh, Amerisleep

12. Attention to detail

Attention to detail is a crucial trait for a freelance hire. Adding a simple task to the middle of your job posting will help weed out the freelancers who don't pay attention to detail. I usually have a small blurb in the middle of job posting stating in your cover letter type the words, "I pay attention to detail." This little tip will save a ton of time and frustration in the hiring process. - Chase Williams, Market My Market

13. Ability to relate to the project

Whenever possible, it is preferable to bring on a freelancer who can relate to the project on a personal level. Someone with a personal stake in the project's success is someone you can rely upon. If you are in a position to choose between two people with the same experience, bank on the person who is more likely to genuinely care about delivering a successful result. - Evan Nierman, Red Banyan

14. Completion time

It's usually a good idea to ask freelancers when they will be able to complete your project or offer them a strict deadline. There are plenty of cases where you might have a qualified freelancer on your hands, but they simply don't have enough time due to other projects. Before you accept an offer, always make sure you establish a completion date. - David Henzel, LTVPlus

15. Available for the long term

By definition, freelancers work for a fixed amount of time. Still, the best freelancers are the ones you believe will be around at the same time next year. While projects can be completed and freelancers can move on, having an understanding of your freelancers' long-term goals can increase the likelihood you have a relationship that spans more than just the lifetime of a particular project. - Ryan Bradley, Koester & Bradley, LLP / White River Consulting, LLC

16. Rate of repeat clients

While references can be staged and portfolios can be stuffed, it's difficult to dispute the quality and reliability of a freelancer if they have a high rate of repeat clients. While the ideal repeat client rate will depend on the type of work, understanding how many of their clients hire them for additional jobs is a perfect demonstration of if their previous contractors would recommend them. - Colton Gardner, Neighbor

17. Ability to follow directions

It's important to hire a freelancer who will follow your directions. Some freelancers have a tendency to do what they feel is best, rather than strictly adhering to the customer's specifications. If you receive resistance during the initial conversation or interview, it can be a sign of a larger problem. If the candidate is unable to comply with your specific instructions, then you should look elsewhere. - Matthew Podolsky, Florida Law Advisers, P.A.

Here is Why Your Employees are Ignoring Your Emails

Posted: 21 Aug 2019 05:00 AM PDT

"I never received an email about that." You've heard it. You doubt it's true and you don't find it amusing.

Effective corporate communication requires the sender and receiver each fulfill their side of the equation. Unfortunately, there are many more ways to ensure your people are not reading your communications than there are ways to ensure they are.

Here are seven email etiquette pitfalls you are making and hor to fix them.

Pitfall 1: Send from one central mailbox

So far this morning I've ignored two calls from unknown numbers and taken another from a customer. Who a message is from is the primary filter we use to decide when a message is worthy of our attention now, later or ever.

The benefit of a shared, centralized mailbox is that everyone knows which department a message is coming from; say Corp Comms, HR or IT.  When the majority of messages sent from a shared mailbox have not been relevant to the recipient, the minority ones get ignored too. 

Instead of an everything under the sun approach, use multiple "from" addresses for each different publication and each specific content area. For example, with the HR mailbox, you might have "from" address fields set up like benefits@, 401k@, policy@, training@ and more. This sends a clear message to recipients regarding what the message is about and its relevance to them and reduces the odds that an important message will be missed.

Pitfall 2: Send everything to everyone

Sometimes the audience is all employees, more often it's not.  If you only have broad-based distribution groups, they will appear to be the nails you can hammer.  Broadcasts that should be narrowcasts are major contributors to feelings of email overload. If you are on the receiving end, it's much more comfortable to ignore the blows.

Consider the differences among employees that you may have in your organization: new hires, long-term employees, employees in different roles, employees in different departments, employees with different levels of education, etc. These differences matter.

Relevancy leads attention; making your message content more relevant requires the ability to accurately target your audiences, which may require new tools.

Pitfall 3: Subject lines that tune out people   

After the April Company Newsletter and the May Company Newsletter comes the ignored company newsletter.

What's this about? The subject line. It's the second filter we use to decide now, later or ever, and you only get about 7 words to capture attention or pique curiosity.  If you turn "The Company Newsletter" into the "from" address, you may turn your most captivating storyline into the subject line. 

What makes a good subject line? If that good question captures your attention, try writing your own good question to capture theirs. Consider what matters most to your staff and what represents value to them. Making or saving money. Being productive. Doing a good job. How can your subject lines be modified to focus on piquing employee attention around these value propositions?

Pitfall 4: Send when it's done

Writing and editing to make messages clear, concise and compelling takes time and concentration to do well. Crafting communications, getting them approved, and sending them out in a timely manner is often a harried and hectic project.

That sense of relief, upon finally hitting the send button, is unfortunately not an accurate indicator of the communication being done.

Sent doesn't necessarily equal received. Sent doesn't equal read and understood.

Office employees are busy doing their jobs, and you won't find reading corporate communications as a bullet point on their job descriptions.

People generally process between 100 and 200 email messages per day. So where does your email message fit in? Probably not at the time you sent it, especially when they sit in a different time zone.

Instead of sending on your schedule, consider sending on theirs. At least establishing a routine schedule for routine messages will enable both sides to schedule it into their day.

Pitfall 5: Send big blocks of text written in PR speak

A press release can be an email, but email isn't a press release.  Only PR and media pros can appreciate and translate the nuance of corporate speak. The rest of us tend to tune it out, preferring simple language in an authentic voice instead of working to parse through the jargon and acronyms. 

If the leader wouldn't say the words, don't send the words. Better yet, have them say it and send the audio and/or video instead of, or in addition to the text.  YouTube is all the evidence you need that authenticity beats pretentious insincerity. Varying the method of your messages – between text, audio and video – can help generate interest and more engagement. Mix it up.

Another important tip is to think visually about your message. Long, gray blocks of copy look like – you got it – long, gray blocks of copy. Not very appealing and not likely to engage your readers. Instead, break up long paragraphs, use bullet points, bold and underlining to help your messages be visually appealing.

Pitfall 6: Send long messages containing multiple topics and numerous links


The inbox is the corporate work processor. Because we get so much of it, why not consolidate various content into one weekly or monthly uber message full of a wide variety of valuable content, stories and links? Because it will get ignored.

Email overload is more about message content volume rather than email message volume. I can easily consume a pile of brief, focused messages. I get indigestion from a single bite of a long, dense message loaded with rich topics and frosted with lavish links.

That doesn't mean you should never use long-form content, some communications demand it. However, most don't, but when they do, utilize plenty of white space and subheads. For the rest, keep them under 500 words and focused on one thing.

Pitfall 7: Send mobile-unfriendly messages

Smartphones are everywhere these days, meaning your audience is less likely to be reading your message on a desktop or laptop computer than they are to be reading it on their phone. How's that experience going for them? Likely not well.

Try it yourself. Open one of your emails on your mobile device and consider how painful the experience of trying to read and comprehend it can be.

Creating mobile-responsive emails, like using larger font sizes, will boost the odds that your emails will be read.

Pitfall 8: Make open rate your key metric

Just because we sent a message doesn't mean they read it, but if they opened it, then case closed right?  Wrong. For most internal corporate communications, opens happen as soon as the message hits the preview window. In my experience, on average 11% of the time they will skip it or delete it.

Open rates are a measure of reach, and only tell you the message was received, but for most communications, that is not the point. Attention, readership and engagement are better indicators for data-driven communications results.

Time is the one thing everyone has the same amount of and wishes they had more. Corporate communications teams are often overworked and understaffed.  Employees might feel overloaded with email, but email remains their primary screen and preferred channel.

So, how do we balance both sides of the equation?  Send shorter, more frequent, more focused and more targeted messages.

 

5 Ways to Find a Niche for Your Startup

Posted: 16 Aug 2019 11:00 AM PDT

The road to startup success is long, but the start is clear. To reach success, you must first find a market niche with potential value in an unsolved problem, an undiscovered need or an untapped desire.

As tech pioneer Jaron Lanier has written, true utopia is impossible, which means that there will always be flaws to profitably exploit by new innovators, entrepreneurs and startups looking to provide value.

Humans and the systems they create are messy and complicated. Each new innovation, whether incremental or radical, creates change that ripples across industries and economies in unpredictable ways, creating new problems for innovators to solve.

The industrial revolution brought the world into the modern era, but the fossil fuels used to power it now threaten the world's climate. The internet connected the world, but that connection can be exploited by terrorists and foreign governments that want to cause trouble.

Finding niches of potential value before everyone else is easier said than done, but the startup that gets to that innovation first will have an incredible edge.

Many entrepreneurs get their start when they notice an untapped niche of potential value by accident, but market niches are also waiting to be found by smart entrepreneurs following these five methods.

1. Track trends and everyday problems.

I got my first taste of what it was like to earn money online by keeping "an ear to the street" and tracking trends. I started a six-figure business from home that went on to be featured in Forbes because I tracked trends.

Beyond simply searching your own life for unsolved problems, needs and desires, expand your search outside your own little bubble to see what other people are talking about. The world is full of problems needing solutions, and the internet lets everyone complain about their problems and unmet needs.

Keep your ear to the ground. Pay attention to what people talk about in the media, both by using trend-tracking tools, such as Google Trends, and by simply watching for patterns in media coverage.

Remember to read more than just tech news. There's a whole world out there, and even popular books and movies might hold the seed for innovative ideas. Fiction might seem an odd place to look, but it's often where people go to vent their frustrations with the status quo.

For example, in a society obsessed with techno-dystopian fiction, perhaps what people really need is more human connection, which could be fulfilled by smart startups.

2. Focus on human needs and desires.

Unfortunately, innovation doesn't happen just where people know they want it.

Most people in the 1980s had no idea that in two decades almost everyone would be connected to an entire world of information across the internet.

Instead of solving an obvious problem, the internet developed out of emerging technologies as people noticed it could help solve the innate human need for connection and information gathering.

To find a market niche for your startup beyond the problems that people already know they have, look for new ways to meet essential human needs such as hunger and thirst, and also more esoteric needs such as connection and belonging.

Already known problems are often still problems because they're hard to solve, but by exploring the possibilities of a changing economy, you can keep a lookout for new ways to solve problems and fulfill needs. 

There is a lot of room in the world for different ways to meet human needs and desires. For example, Meetup and Facebook both fill a need for connection, but in very different ways. The pure convenience of Facebook doesn't negate the more organic human connection of the in-person gatherings that users organize on Meetup.

3. Apply innovations from one industry to another.

Following the line of technological progress is a good way to find innovation across industries, but be careful not to get caught up in played-out trends and bubbles.

Uber popularized gig work with efficiency and lower costs for consumers, and countless imitator apps popped up trying to be the "Uber of X." Unfortunately, most failed, often because they didn't provide real value in the way that Uber did with taxis and delivery services.

Not every innovation works in every market. The dot-com craze of the late 1990s met a similar fate, as did the video game bubble that popped in the early 1980s.

Applying innovative approaches from one industry to another is still a great place to look for innovation, and certainly, someone is going to try it. Look for outside-the-box solutions to find the highest potential value, such as applying new solutions from one industry to a radically different industry to see if they make sense.

But be realistic about whether you've missed the boat or not, or you risk creating another buzzword-friendly, dead-end startup.

4. Find radical innovation in bottlenecks and hard places.

Instead of just following the technological trends, look beyond what's popular now to what might be popular in the future. While this strategy contains the highest risks, it also provides the highest rewards to a select few.

Incremental innovations, such as applying the innovations of one industry to another, already have a lot of legwork behind them. They are already primed and ready to implement.

Startups working on truly radical innovations, such as the telephone or the internet, are much less likely to succeed. But when they do succeed, they radically alter the economy and often make their pioneering innovators and entrepreneurs wildly rich.

This potential in radical innovation is why some Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and investors are looking beyond the digital-tech bubble for more radical innovation opportunities.

For example, former Facebook VP Chamath Palihapitiya has turned his investment attention to long-term, hard-to-solve problems in high-value fields such as education, energy and healthcare, telling Fast Company that he looks for startups that are tackling the most difficult problems.

5. There are niche markets waiting in every industry if you think creatively.

It's very rare, if perhaps impossible, to find any industry or market where every niche has been permanently filled. In one instance of an unanticipated problem now being solved, society is so connected that simply getting away from that connection has value for many people, and new startups offer digital detox retreats for people hopelessly attached to their technology. As people increasingly grow wary of the potential for digital addiction, there is room for many startups to copy this simple model with numerous variations.

Despite the narrow purpose of digital detox retreats at first glance, there are many smaller niches even within the industry. For example, many retreats focus on heavily planned and programmed schedules. But not everyone wants to go to a retreat just to be shuffled around from activity to activity. And as for the activities themselves, while some people might like to go to digital detox retreats focused on mindful meditation, others may prefer retreats focused on intensive professional skills development.

Because society is constantly evolving, even the most impenetrable markets are never inaccessible indefinitely. There are niches of potential value out there just waiting for a new startup solution, and there are niches of potential value that yet to be discovered. Even within existing industries, there are many untapped niches just waiting for a new creative approach. For startup success, don't just copy everyone else. Instead, find a new market niche that provides people with value.

4 Reasons Why Texas Is a Hot State for Starting a Business

Posted: 16 Aug 2019 09:00 AM PDT

Everything's bigger in Texas, especially small businesses! WalletHub recently released 2019's Best & Worst States To Start A Business report that compares all 50 states to determine which ones are best for starting a business in the United States.

If the opening sentence didn't already tip you off, Texas earned the top spot as the overall best state to start a business. Methodology for the report examined conditions that make for ideal business creation. Some of these factors were capital access, available talent in the workforce and affordable office space. Texas narrowly edged out Utah with a total score of 61.05 and earned an additional No. 1 ranking in the category of business environment.

WalletHub's study aside, I've spent a few years writing about which states are great for starting small businesses. As time has progressed, I've noticed that traditional "corporate darlings" like Nevada and Delaware are starting to take a back seat. Entrepreneurs are still forming businesses there, of course, but they are also seeking new places and spaces for their companies. Up-and-coming states like Florida, Wyoming and – you guessed it – Texas are on the rise with startups.

How did that shift start to take place? What makes the Lone Star State so enticing for today's entrepreneurs? Here are four reasons why Texas is so popular for new businesses:

  1. The talent pool is deep, thanks to major metropolitan areas and local universities.
  2. There are tax benefits for doing business in Texas.
  3. It embraces innovation quickly.
  4. Texas has a small business-friendly climate throughout the state.

Let's take a closer look at the reasons why entrepreneurs are heading to Texas to launch small businesses.

1. Texas has an abundance of talent.

One of the keys to a successful startup is the company's team. From human resources to engineers, it takes a village of talented individuals to lead a startup to success.

However, some startups make the mistake of hiring too quickly. Maybe the candidate isn't completely the right fit or lacks key skills necessary for the role. The small business may decide to hire and onboard them anyway. After all, it's a priority to fill the position – and your business might have struggled to find interested, available candidates.

Texas brings endless amounts of talent to the table for entrepreneurs forming startups. According to The Best States for Small Business 2019, a recent study from Guidant Financial, Texas is one of the top two states for boomer and millennial entrepreneurs to open up shop. (California ranks as the other top state.) The reason is simple: Texas boasts a large state population, made all the more appealing due to its educated residents hailing from local universities.

CNBC recently tracked tech startup Bractlet and told the story of why its co-founders decided to do business in Texas. One of the advantages of starting a Texas-based business was the power of its schools and their students. Local universities, like the University of Texas, made it possible for the company to find and hire talented team members. Bractlet, which is now based out of Austin, was even able to find skilled employees beyond the Austin city limits. The startup attracted attention and talent from other Texas cities, including major metropolitan areas like San Antonio, Houston and Dallas. The combination of city hotspots plus educated graduates seeking new jobs is a win-win for startups ready to go above and beyond in their first year in business.

2. Starting a business in Texas has significant tax benefits.

There was a time, not too long ago, when many entrepreneurs flocked primarily to Delaware and Nevada to do business. Delaware has a reputation for being "the incorporation capital of the world" because of its business-friendly corporate tax laws. These laws have allowed the state to become the legal home to more than 1 million business entities. Nevada also has a reputation as a tax haven, since the state does not have corporate or personal income tax.

Beyond Delaware and Nevada, more states are passing tax laws that benefit small businesses. Texas is one state to watch. The Tax Foundation's 2019 State Business Tax Climate Index revealed that Texas does not have an individual income tax or corporate income tax. A lack of income tax, along with a thriving economy, continues to make Texas an attractive location for a startup.

3. Texas is open to innovation.

What states come to mind when you think of innovation? You're likely to think East and West Coast – specifically Silicon Valley in California and Manhattan (or Brooklyn!) in New York.

But consider events and conferences like South by Southwest (SXSW), held in Austin every year, that celebrate the changing landscape of tech and media.

More than 380 airports call Texas home, bringing new faces in every day to check out the sights and sounds (including a lively music scene) throughout the state. You might even be surprised at some of the industries thriving in Texas:

  • Advanced tech and manufacturing
  • Aerospace, aviation and defense
  • Biotechnology and life sciences
  • Energy
  • Information and computer tech
  • Petroleum refining

Remember when we mentioned the tech startup Bractlet earlier? That company is part of the innovation being seen throughout Texas right now. Thanks to a large population, and one that also works hard to serve minority entrepreneurs, Texas is able to put itself on the map with its diversified economy. That same economy, as the Texas Economic Development Corporation points out, allows Texas to pave the road forward in creating new jobs. Texas now leads the nation in job creation – and plans to continue the trend throughout the next decade and beyond.

4. Texas has a consistently friendly climate for small businesses.

Each year, I like to revisit Thumbtack's United States Small Business Friendliness Survey. This survey examines how states and cities throughout the U.S. receive small businesses. From 2012 through 2019, the survey examines key components like overall friendliness, ease of hiring, regulations, tax code, training programs and more to grade each state.

How does Texas fare for overall state friendliness? Texas received an "A" in 2019. Interestingly enough, 2018 marked the first year since 2014 that Texas dropped from an "A+" to an "A" grade.

I hovered over some of the "overall friendliness" responses to see if there was a culprit for the (slight) drop in grade. As it turns out, there wasn't much to dispute. The comment that stuck out the most to me was an anonymous response from a home-security specialist in Lubbock, Texas. Their complaint had less to do with the state and its offerings than with the day-to-day nuances of being a small business owner.

As noted by the Texas Economic Development Corporation, there isn't a guarantee of success for anyone who starts a business, Texan or not. The best way to succeed is to plan and prepare – as is true for any business that wishes to get off the ground. If you need help figuring out the next step you need to take to start a business, the website explains the "why" for choosing Texas, the state's advantages and resources entrepreneurs may utilize for their companies. You can go big or go home in Texas, but you don't have to feel alone or lost on the journey to entrepreneurship.

How to Use Customer Feedback to Your Advantage

Posted: 16 Aug 2019 08:00 AM PDT

Customer feedback is one of the quickest and most efficient ways to improve your business. Twenty years ago, if a customer had a question or issue, they would write a letter or call a hotline. Companies still use this model, but most marketers and small business owners are more interested in getting quick, detailed feedback from their customers online.

There are numerous ways to collect feedback from your audience, and marketers know that this information is essential. A survey revealed that 95% of people polled say collecting and measuring current customer data is their most significant marketing barrier.

We are going to take a look at the following benefits of obtaining customer feedback: 

  1. Improving your UX 
  2. Building social influence and increasing engagement
  3. Evolving your product line and creating a development roadmap
  4. Improving customer support channels

In addition to talking about the advantages of collecting information from your audience, we will also explore how to increase the number of consumers who provide feedback about your brand. 

1. Improve the user experience.

User experience (UX) is more than just how your website looks; it's how all the components function together. Often, we can miss a bug or glitch, even after vigorous testing. Odds are good that the consumers on your website will find an issue that your testing team didn't identify. That's not to say that testers are inefficient, but there are likely more consumers using your site daily than there are testers on your team.

When a consumer finds one of these bugs, they need to have a quick way to provide feedback to your support team. If you've ever started scrolling through a program only to have it crash, you likely received a notification telling you that there was an error. Normally, you can send your data to the team for review. This tactic is just one way to collect UX feedback. You could also consider adding an easy-to-use contact form to the sidebar of your website. 

Contact forms are an effective way to ask your audience if they have any constructive feedback on their experience with your business. If you want to take it a step further, you can send out periodic emails to your subscribers, or one email to new customers, and ask about their experience. Make sure to include a question about what they would change about their experience if they could. This data is useful for growing your business and providing value to your customers.

 

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2. Build social influence. 

Social influence, or social proof, is a phenomenon where people are more likely to buy something if they see other people buying and using products from the same brand. You can build social proof with consumer feedback in several ways, but one of the best is using testimonial pages. These are extraordinarily helpful at showing potential customers why your brand is worth their time. You can use the feedback you receive through your contact forms to build testimonial pages for your website. 

Feedback encompasses what people say on your contact forms and includes the opinions they express on social media, both directly and indirectly. When consumers mention your brand, comment on your posts or send you a message, they are providing valuable feedback that you can use to build social proof or enhance your business. Part of understanding your target audience is seeing how they view your brand and products. 

Regardless of the type of feedback customers leave your business, it's vital that you respond to as many people as possible and take their opinions seriously. The people who leave feedback are doing so because they want to praise you, or they see room for improvement. By responding to them, you'll also improve engagement, which can lead to more beneficial feedback. 

3. Evolve your product line. 

As your business continues to grow, you'll want to think about adding new products or services. It only makes sense to listen to what consumers expect from your business if you hope to gain their trust and turn them into lifelong customers. 

For example, if an online pet store has a ton of customers asking when they are going to add dog and cat treats, this is a great feedback cue. Current customers are happy with your products but wish you could meet their additional needs. 

Before every development roadmap, you should take customer feedback into consideration. In the previous example, you would want to start looking for ways to include high-quality pet treats on your growing list of products. 

It doesn't matter what niche you operate in – this tip will help you use feedback as a growth tool. Listening to your customers and creating a product or feature that's in demand will improve your retention rate and could boost your sales and conversion rates. 

4. Improve customer service.

Finally, customer feedback is an excellent way to improve the way you help future customers. If you use a chatbot, feedback can help you program and refine your bot to help customers with common questions or concerns. Consider that 75% of consumers expect a response to their question in five minutes or less. Speed and accuracy play a crucial role in obtaining and retaining customers.

If you use a live customer service team, you can educate your employees on the common issues customers mention when they submit their contact forms. For example, if half of your contact forms contain the same question or complaint, consumers are likely coming to your customer support channel with the same problem. This tactic gives you a chance to educate your team and help them create a fast, helpful answer when a customer comes to them for assistance. 

A knowledgeable customer support team is a huge advantage to online business owners. In your pursuit of building a broad audience, you may lose some interaction with your customers. A strong support team can bridge this gap, move leads through your sales funnel and boost the loyalty of current customers.  

Conclusion 

The key to using customer feedback to your advantage is recognizing patterns. As business owners, we spend almost every waking minute thinking about trends in our sales and conversions. However, it's our customers who allow us to thrive and exist. We have to be mindful of how consumers perceive our brands and look for patterns in the feedback we receive from them. 

As your customer count rises, you'll have a higher chance of identifying trends and making changes based on feedback. UX, social proof, development roadmaps and customer support all pivot on how customers interact and use our products and services. Without input from the people who frequent your website, you would be forced to just use your best judgment on how to expand your business. When you have data from customers in front of you, it's clear that there is an advantage to obtaining and using this feedback during every step of the development and marketing process.
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