5 Things to Keep in Mind When Starting a Business

Starting a business looks like a tough hill to climb. However, if every potential businessman thought of it this way, then there would be no successful businesses now. It takes a lot of preparation, but the benefits that a businessman would reap after years of running it will surely be priceless.

To shake off some of the newbie nerves,

here are some strategies when starting a business:

1. Build a business you’d like

The first few steps of starting a business will be very challenging. That’s why it is important for anyone to build a business out of something they like doing for the next few years or for the rest of their lives.

If an individual has a business they like, it’s going to have an effect on their motivation and the effort they put in starting and maintaining the business. In the long run, the business they’re starting with will become their passion.

Aside from liking it, an individual should ask himself why he’s doing it. Find the purpose. Identify the calling. This business started from that tiny random curiosity in the corner of one’s mind, and now, it’s turning into reality.

2. Have patience in knowing the business landscape

It is completely normal to not know everything yet. An individual who’s a master of what he’s doing right now has definitely started as a shaky learner in the very beginning.

Understand that it really is going to be a process to polish every business transaction and it should only be fine to make mistakes because that’s where the individual will learn. As they say, the experience is the best teacher.

3. Do your research

When starting a business, a lot of things boil down to preparation and readiness. Research about the competitive landscape of the industry that the business will be a part of. Moreover, an individual should have an overview of the target market. This is to make sure that the business is delivering what the customers want and not what the owner wants.

Study their buyer’s journey and customer behavior. While experimenting from time to time might strike gold, the business would benefit in having a full grasp of their target audience’s identity.

4. Organize yourself

Before an individual is ready to manage quite a number of people, he or she should be ready to manage himself first. This could simply be plotting all the business’ initial activities in the calendar, fixing all the logistics, up to the nitty gritty of setting up a business.

Keep in mind to follow through when there’s an idea at hand and plan the step-by-step process to not get lost in the way. An organized self will be focused and determined.

5. Know the business bureaucracies

It is not a surprise that setting up a business involves a lot of processes from the business itself up to the government. Licenses, permits, and recruitment notices should all be attended to. Never be late in paying the business’ taxes because this will escalate to a huge problem if not addressed right away.

When employees come in, their payrolls take effect on the business’ budget, so dividing the revenue properly is really crucial.

After reading these initial tips, don’t be afraid to buzz a friend or a colleague to ask for assistance and guidance. Simply ask the minor details of starting and running a business.

Also, family matters when it comes to starting a business. They can give the support an individual never knew he needed. This is not just a phase in one’s life. It’s a life-changing decision that could affect his life forever. And lastly, keep the ball rolling and grab every opportunity that comes along. Success is just around the corner.

Infographic transcript:

What is Ergonomics

Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. (International Ergonomics Association Executive Council)

What should be inside an Ergonimic Workspace?

1. Desk: Adjustable desks that will put your arms at the sides and elbows on a 90-degree angle
2. Chair: Adjustable chairs that can be swiveled and rolled, with armrest, cushioning, and lumbar support.
3. Monitor: Placed in front and at about an arm’s length away, with the top of the screen slightly below eye level.
4. Keyboard and mouse: Placed as close together as possible, on the same surface, and within easy reach, to keep the wrist straight when working.

Benefits of having an Ergonomic Workspace

1. Prevents disorders and promotes well-being: Adjustable desks that will put your arms at the sides and elbows on a 90-degree angle.
2. Reduces cost: High direct and indirect costs attributed to poor ergonomics can significantly impact the company finances.
3. Improves productivity: When employees can properly do their job, they become more efficient and have a better quality of work.
4. Fosters employee engagement: Less fatigue means fewer absences, lower turnover, higher morale, and better employee involvement.
5. Significant ROI: High worker efficiency leads to better productivity, quality of work, and revenue, with the organization having better chances of attracting and retaining the best talents.

Other tips to achieve an Ergonomic Workspace

1. It should start from the top: Upper management should work together with staff members to achieve good ergonomics.
2. Maintain good posture: This means not slouching, sitting up in a 100-degree angle, keeping the elbows close to the body and the wrists straight, and relaxing the shoulders and back.
3. Reduce repetitive movement: Changing tasks or positions, even for a short time, can help reduce potential injury.
4. Take a break and stand up: Once every hour, employees must get out of their chairs to take the stress off the joints and muscles.
5. Rest the eyes: Look at distant object for about 5 minutes every 10 or 20 minutes to readjust the eyes and relax the muscles.
6. Consider the environmental setting: Lighting, temperature, humidity, and conveniences are all part of ergonomics, so these should be considered as well.