Tag: Coronavirus

Working from Home: Getting Your Business Started from Anywhere

Coronavirus

COVID-19

wfh

working from home

Jun 04, 2020

Even in the face of a global pandemic, lockdowns, and work pivots, businesses and entrepreneurs continue to find ways on how to succeed.  

We are facing a future that most of us did not expect when we entered 2020. COVID-19 has caused massive paradigm shifts in how we work and live our daily lives. With customer preferences and habits now changed, companies have had to adapt drastically. Numerous supermarkets and restaurants now offer delivery services, without any prior experience beforehand. Schools of all kinds have started offering more online classes just to make up for campus closures. 

If you’re working on starting a new business venture, developing a new idea, or simply trying to find ways to improve your marketing, don’t give up hope. While 2020 has kept us all on our toes, it also created new opportunities for growth.  

One of the biggest hurdles that companies have had to overcome is adopting a full work-from-home system. Many have embraced the flexibility of working from home, while others still prefer the routine and structure of office settings. Regardless, your ability to commit to your business goals remain.

Adjusting to such massive change is never easy, but as we have seen from others around the world, success is still achievable. In this article, we will tackle some of the best tips to remember about making the most out of working from home while pursuing your goals.

Be Mindful of Your Productivity  

Let’s not kid ourselves here, working from home comes with many distractions. The temptation to just boot up Netflix and watch a few (or many) episodes of your favorite show is easy to succumb to.  Therein lies the stigma towards those who work from home: relaxing while on company time. 

The truth about working from home is that it’s a true test of one’s work ethic. Remember to always be mindful of your team’s goals and deadlines. At the end of the day, you are beholden to yourself to make sure your they are being met. Where you do your work should not change that.  

Use being at home to the advantage of your productivity. To avoid distractions, create for yourself a “sacred” space in your home that is fully devoted for work. Whether it’s on your desk, couch, or kitchen table, it should be wherever you feel is your most ideal working environment. It’s where the switch in your head flips when you know it’s time to get down to work.  

Reach Beyond Your Duty 

COVID-19 has created a litany of problems, both known and unknown. No one is leaving their homes. Traveling is highly prohibited. Cleanliness protocols are at an all-time high. Take all these problems as a personal challenge to provide your company or value proposition with new and inventive solutions. It’s fully within your power to add more value to your vision and organization. 

While companies are looking to continue operations “like normal”, you can take the extra step by performing with greater effort than before. Try getting a head start on the goals you’ve slotted for tomorrow or next week. The flexibility of working from home allows you to fully maximize the time and effort you can put into your business each day. Brainstorm a few more ideas, write a few more emails, communicate a bit longer with teammates. This is your opportunity to come up with something big.

Take Advantage of Time  

Perhaps the danger of working at home is blurring the boundaries with work. You may feel the need to waste invest the hours you spent on the road to the virtual office.

Some people take pride in putting every available hour into their work. But the truth this behavior can lead to burnout, which hurts productivity and morale. This will create impediments to success, whether in the long- or short-term.

If you didn’t use to make time to get away from your desk in the office, it’s all the more reason to do so now. Take a bit of time each day to start a new workout program, or even spend more time connecting with loved ones. Spending time on things that bring you joy will help reduce stress levels, especially when pursuing your dream gets too overwhelming. This balance will be crucial in maintaining your ability to keep performing work at your very best.  

SlideGenius Helps You Reach Your Business Goals  

As a start-up design company since 2012, we’ve experienced our fair share of work and productivity struggles. We know the struggle so we know what it takes to succeed. Aside from gumption, that means having a professional designed pitch deck if you’re raising money, immaculate sales assets for bringing in new clients, or even a spot-on video that will help your potential customers or investor understand your value offer.

We are dedicated to helping our clients succeed by helping them tell their story better. From our artists, writers, web developers, animators, and project managers, we utilize our expertise in presentation design to spark invaluable growth for you. At SlideGenius, we are eager to be a valuable partner to all who need our services during this challenging time. Contact us today to get a free quote!

Emerging Strong During Recession

Black Swan

Coronavirus

COVID-19

Innovations

small businesses

May 19, 2020

Economic hardships aren’t always a bad thing. Some businesses rise from the ashes and pivot their strategies to come out stronger. Some people become their own bosses, taking the leap to start their own companies. 

Recessions are not without opportunity. Risks may be higher and advantages fewer, but for the thought leaders and entrepreneurs who put in the hard work, success can still be found. 

Miracle Whip Emerges from Great Depression 

In the early 1900s, Richard Hellman introduced mayonnaise to the world. But not everyone found their product of the sandwich condiment to be economical.

During the Great Depression, however, people could no longer afford it because of the ingredients used to make them were expensive. Kraft’s sales were slipping.

Determined to succeed, Kraft took a new production approach. They developed an alternative to mayo using new emulsifying technology, creating Miracle Whip. By adapting an trying a new method, they were able to help keep the company alive during historic struggles.

Domino’s Pivots Towards Success Following 2008’s Economic Downturn

A similar thing happened to Domino’s pizza in 2009, when they announced they were making significant changes to their signature recipe. The new pizza was a massive success, driving up both sales and profits of the company.

Netflix used to be a DVD-by-mail service provider in the mid-2000s, but have you ever wondered how they’ve become the streaming powerhouse of the world? During the Great Recession, Netflix defied expectations and found the way to its subscribers’ hearts, attracting 3 million more by the end of 2009. Its stock price rose to 57%, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

The first-generation iPod hit the shelves in October 2001. Even though it cost $399, 600,000 people bought one by the end of 2002, and 2 million a year later. While it wasn’t manufactured because of the recession, it provided a cheaper alternative to stereos and going to concert.

With the Recession Comes Reinvention 

Lockdowns, canceled events, panic-buying—these are just several setbacks caused by the coronavirus. Apart from the health risks posed by the pandemic, however, a global recession is in the midst. 

It’s a domino effect—a pandemic causes lockdowns, which affects businesses in terms of laying off employees and losing customers. 

This decade is comparable to the Roaring Twenties, where big businesses will be disrupted and some will eventually collapse, which will create opportunities for small businesses. 

Do you want fool-proof solutions to surviving a recession? 

  • Find opportunities in the root of the recession and company disruptions. 
  • Present an alternative. 
  • Get profitable quickly. 
  • Grow with in-house cash. 

You have to remember, however, that these are achievable if you have a sound mind and if you’re bringing you A-game even if you’re at home.

Leading Your Company Through Dark Times 

Your leadership will go through trial by fire as you face daily challenges in the system during quarantine.  

Aptly called the “Black Swan of 2020,” businesses will only survive if they act quickly and decisively.  

You might be asking, “How is that possible when there’s so much uncertainty revolving around this global threat?” 

Well, right now, it’s only the strongest who will prevail, but those most adaptable to change. 

Here are things you can do as a leader to navigate through this crisis and emerge stronger than the competition: 

  • Communicate brutal facts to your team while having confidence that you will get through it together. 
  • Allow your people to voice their fears as the crisis persists. 
  • Get ready for chaos. 
  • Envision the future. 

At SlideGenius, we want to help you get back up on your feet. Other companies may be on pause right now, but not us. We’re still here to lend a hand to those who want to get their message out there. 

Contact us today and let’s talk about what we can do to help.

Success During Coronavirus: How Businesses Are Coming Out on Top

Coronavirus

COVID-19

Mental Health

Positivity

May 12, 2020

Our health and economy have been greatly affected by Coronavirus. Though the news may make us feel differently, the world hasn’t come to a standstill yet. 

Though many businesses are struggling, others are thriving. How are they thriving? The trick seems to be the same always.

Take a moment, look at the market, and figure out what you have to offer. Sometimes, the difference is as simple as just appearing more prepared for the circumstances than your competitor.

Here are several companies allocating their resources to help medical workers and families at home during the Coronavirus outbreak. 

World-Renowned Companies Respond to Pandemic Demands 

Major car makers Ford, GM, and Tesla are alleviating the shortage amid the pandemic by making ventilators and other vital equipment for the medical community. 

The world’s biggest fashion brands and institutions are contributing to the battle against the coronavirus in big ways as well. Balenciaga, Gucci, and Yves Saint Laurent, to name a few, are manufacturing face masks and medical overalls as well as providing financial donations to support COVID-19 research.

Turn the challenges of Coronavirus to your advantage. SlideGenius can help.

The Body Shop, while its shops are closed for the meantime, are dropping off care packages to local hospitals, shelters, and senior citizens communities in North America and in the UK. 

Small Businesses Lend a Helping Hand During COVID-19

Local businesses, in Utah, for example, are also doing what they can to help people cope with the negative side effects of the pandemic. Five Wives Vodka is making hand sanitizers and donating profits to the Food and Beverage industry. 

These may be temporary solutions, but the payoff would probably be significant in the long run. 

Fundraising During the Pandemic 

Crisis often presents its own opportunity. Having the right solution for the market’s needs can still lead to success. Olive, an automation tool for healthcare administration, has raised $51 million so far. 

Fundraising for products such as eBikes, indoor farms, and portable power on Indiegogo have long surpassed their goals in a matter of minutes. 

Stories of financial distress are common, but there are still opportunities. That’s what makes having a well-designed investor deck that stands out is more important than ever.

Ideas, products, services, are all still getting funded. You just need to Plenty of people are still looking to the future, investing now while other people are stepping back. Don’t think it’s too late to make your plans happen. Just make sure you’re creating a business plan that reflects the needs of the future, not the past.

Mental Health Check 

Apart from a healthy body, you’ll need a healthy mind during these times.

SlideGenius can help you build your path to success even during the Coronavirus.

Here are several ways to keep your mental health in check during quarantine: 

  • Stay close to your normal routine; or 
  • Start a new quarantine ritual 
  • Talk to a health professional via telehealth if your anxiety becomes unmanageable 
  • Stop over-researching about the pandemic 

You may be bringing work home with you, but it’s still important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Otherwise, you’d be putting yourself at risk of burnout. Yes, even when you’re working from home. 

When you were going to work, there was a clear distinction of your work and personal life. Now that you’re working from home you can end up working more hours than you’re supposed to. 

Those who feel the lack of control over their schedules are at most risk of burning out. 

SlideGenius Helps Move Your Business Forward

Things are hard but they’re not hopeless. If you are trying to get your business off the ground or trying to grow your sales when times are tough, SlideGenius can help.

At SlideGenius, we have built our business helping people in your position. We can help you to catch the eye of potential investors by creating a more dynamic presentation or by creating sales assets that communicate your value in an engaging way.

Don’t give up just because the world feels challenging. Reach out to get a free quote and start growing your business.

What the Coronavirus Has Taught Us About Video Conferencing

Coronavirus

Video Conferencing

Apr 02, 2020

Following the outbreak of the coronavirus, millions of employees and students were forced to stay at home. These social distancing measures led governments, companies, and schools to employ strict work-from-home policies. 

Demand for video conferencing and digital conferencing software skyrocketed. 

Surge of Video Conferencing Needs 

Working from home drove companies like Google, Microsoft, and Zoom to offer their software for free to accommodate the growing demand from users. 

Depending on which software you choose, these can connect either a small group of five or large audiences of at least 150 people.

Transitioning from In-Person to Virtual Environments 

Some may say that in-person events are incomparable, especially for brands, because they make distributing content and building networks easier and more authentic. 

Is it, however, the most effective way to connect with people? 

A virtual event is similar to its in-person counterpart. It’s highly interactive and versatile depending on specific goals and purposes. 

Virtual Conferencing Benefits 

With video conferencing platforms, working together, even remotely, has never been easier. Apart from reducing travel costs, you also get: 

  • Improved communication 
  • Better business relationships 
  • Wider reach 
  • Simplified management and usability 
  • Increased productivity 

The best thing about virtual conferences is that you can be in two—even several—places at once.

Choosing the Right Video Conferencing Platform 

Over 98% of medium and large businesses, and two-thirds of small organizations, are likely to purchase video conferencing solutions in the years to come. 

Apart from the increase in remote work driving the need for video conferencing solutions, today’s companies need to communicate with employees from multiple offices. 

If you’re looking to integrate this into establishing a virtual environment for your workplace, choose a service tailored to your business needs. Consider these factors before you make your purchase. 

Locations of End Users 

Some platforms are restricted in specific regions or countries. Before making a purchase, make sure that everyone will have access to it. 

Recording Capabilities 

You may want to go over the highlights of your meeting on a later date. These keep track of where you are in terms of project management or if you’re remotely interviewing potential employees. 

Mobile Optimization 

Make sure that your video conferencing platform is available on both desktop and mobile devices to ensure equally positive experiences. 

Screen-Sharing Capabilities 

Collaborations may occur in and out of the workplace. This feature allows you to give feedback and apply changes to plans or design in real time. 

Application Integration 

If you frequently use third-party applications like PowerPoint during your meetings, you may want to look for a platform that allows you to import presentations and documents. 

There are also platforms that allow plug-ins that make it easier for you to schedule your next meeting and take notes without having to switch applications.

Before the coronavirus forced people to keep their distance, technology had already begun to give them the means of coming together. 

As businesses continue to work across greater distances, the advantages of working in virtual environments will become more and more clear.