5 Ways to be more environmentally-conscious business

 Running a business is a huge responsibility. As an entrepreneur, you started the business to be successful and earn good money. However, you also have to be responsible for society and the environment. If your business is not protecting the environment, it could mean less business and sales for you.

Even your customers are becoming conscious and want products/services from an eco-friendly business. Taking advantage of this, many people are launching startups that focus on eco-friendly products/services.

Talking about making your existing business more eco-friendly, here are a few things you can do or change.

1. Switch to a digital business card

Having a business card is essential for every business. It is a great marketing tool and a brand’s identity tool too. It has all the information that every client will need to contact you and know more about your business.

However, paper business cards require paper, and that requires cutting down trees. That affects our ecosystem. As a conscious business owner, you should instead invest in e-visiting cards. They do not require paper and are easy to design & send. They also are cheaper, saving tons of money that you can use to grow your business.

2. Change to digital documents

Following up on the above point, try to switch to digital documents. Saving paper files is a waste of paper and space. Also, they need maintenance. Otherwise, you will lose all critical records. The best thing to do here is to digitize all your files and start making digital documents. It also includes any invoices, receipts, and bills you have. 

If there are documents that require a signature, go with e-signature. Some documents require a paper trail. But all others can go digital, helping you save storage money and helping the ecosystem.

3. Let remote working be an option

Remote working offers multiple benefits to all parties involved. For instance, after the pandemic, people find that working from home is productive and also gives them more time for family. For a business, it can mean saving money on light, maintenance, and more.

When it comes to the environment, the remote option is favorable too. Why? Because fewer people are commuting to and from the office. That helps relieve vehicle pollution.

4. Offer public commute option

Encourage your employees to pool together to work. Or start a bus service that picks and drops employees. It will help cut vehicle pollution and also give a chance to your employees to gel.

5. Use sustainable manufacturing and packaging products

Sometimes we go for shortcuts as they are cheap. But think about the consequences. Thus, always go for packaging and manufacturing products that are sustainable or recyclable.

Running a successful business comes with many perks. Therefore, it is your responsibility to give back to your society. And one of the best ways to do so is by making your business eco-friendly. Try these tips, and you will be surprised how much positive feedback comes towards you.

Efficient business card tips for photographers

Are you a photographer looking to build your brand? Then you need to work hard on your brand’s elements to make your business shine. Since you are a photographer with a creative streak, people will expect damn good business elements from you. Whether it is a website, social media platform, or your business card, they expect the best and nothing else.

In this blog, we will talk about only one business element- a business card. This small marketing tool packs a massive package and can boost your website ranking, conversions, and client list. So how can you ensure that your card is the best so that everyone who has it wants to contact you? With these tips!

Invest in a digital business card too

For many years, paper business cards have been in circulation. However, as we evolve, it becomes essential to evolve ourselves and the way we conduct business. An e-visiting card is necessary nowadays due to many reasons, like:

• It is cheaper than a paper business card, which may appeal to small businesses.
• It has more space, and so you can write more details in it.
• It is eco-friendly
• With the ongoing pandemic, it is useful as more virtual conferences, seminars, and events are happening.

Add your logo

One of the best brand elements is your logo, and you need to add it to your digital business card or a paper one. The logo is one thing that makes people recognize your business anywhere and anytime.

When designing and creating a logo, you need to make smart decisions. Do not overcomplicate the design. It should be aesthetically pleasing so that people find it attractive. Also, it should convey the message about what your brand does.

Have a QR code 

All digital business cards come with QR codes. If you do not wish to invest in a digital card, ensure that your paper business card has a QR code. 

Work on the font of your business card

Choosing the font for your business card is tricky. You do not want a font that is unreadable or weird. You can experiment with new fonts but ensure it comes across correctly. 

Also, when choosing a font, make sure you do not use more than two fonts for your card. If you have three to four fonts, it will complicate the design, which no one wants.

Only add necessary information

With a digital business card, you have more space, yet it does not mean that you include unnecessary details. As a photographer, do not forget to add a link to your website showcasing your artwork.

Style it right

You are a photographer, so mentioning what form of photos you take is essential. Maybe you can show it through an image. For instance, use a photo of pregnant women in the background, if you are a maternity photographer.

If you have a digital business card, you can share it with anyone anywhere. For paper business cards, you will have to keep stock of them everywhere you go. In any case, work on creating an impressive business card for better growth.

6 Pro tips for growing your professional network

Several factors are responsible for your professional growth such as determination, hard work, passion, discipline, to name a few. One more thing that can impact your professional growth is a professional network.

If you do not have a strong professional network, it can start to decrease your professional growth. When you connect with people with similar traits and train of thoughts, your chance of success increases.

There are few things that can help you network, like having a digital business card and presence on social media. Other than these tools, here are a few things to try to build a professional network.

Tip 1: Greet people according to their culture and confidently

 

When you meet people the first time, you must leave a good first impression on them. That will happen only when you are yourself. So, be polite, friendly, and shake their hand firmly. Show how pleased you are to meet them through your actions. Also, be confident and greet them as per their traditions. For instance, in India, it is a tradition to greet each other with folded hands. Remembering the culture of people and greeting them is a great way to build a network.

 

Tip 2: Have some distance between you and the other person

 

When you meet someone, whether a second time or initially, it is essential to remember to keep some distance between you two. Do not crowd their personal space as it comes across creepily.

Keep at least a distance of two feet between you two, leaving space for a third person to come and be part of your conversation.

 

Tip 3: Keep your business card handy

 

You meet people at events, and you want to build a professional relationship with them. For this purpose, keep your business card always with you. After a point in the conversation, you would need to verify your information, like the services you provide and your designation. Therefore, carry your digital business card with you always. People often forget to carry their business cards. Thus, it is best to have a smart business card, which you can share with people through emails and text.

 

Tip 4: Do your research

 

When you attend a professional network, do your research about the people coming to the event. Find out a few common interests for initiating conversation.

 

Tip 5: Let the other person talk too

Sometimes when we start talking, we are unable to stop. We keep talking about our likes or want to explain our opinions so well that we forget to listen to other people's opinions. So, keep this in mind and also ask them questions about them to keep the conversation going. Asking about their interests gives you a better chance to build a strong connection.

 

Tip 6: Always follow up

 

Following up after you meet someone at an event is essential. Send a simple mail saying, ‘It was nice to meet you. Looking forward to future collaborations.’ It will place you in their mind, and doing future business with them will be easy.

Share other tips for professional network building that worked for you in the comments below.

Blog business card- Things to add in it

Running a blog requires efforts, hard-work, creativity, and investing in time and money. Sure, starting a blog is pretty easy and inexpensive as you can buy a free domain or an affordable domain.

But if you want to ensure that your blog is successful in the long-run, you have to work hard for it. You need to invest in marketing, and business elements and one such element is a business card.