Article Contributed by Mark Walsh
Are you confused about when you should upgrade your E-commerce site? How do you decide when is the right time to tweak things. Obviously you do not wish to spend money during the present liquidity crisis and recession.
You probably still remember the pain and efforts that went into building your site and making it live. You do not wish to revisit the same trouble again. Right? Wrong. This obvious reluctance to make do with the existing site without any changes, upgrades or tweaks can have disastrous results.
With rapid technological innovations taking place, online browsers expect and demand instantaneous online services. You need to show your customer that you care for their comfort and you are aware of their wants and desires.
Following are the 8 signs that can help you decide that it’s time to make changes on your site:
1) Website is not compatible on major browser platforms:
An e-commerce website is a virtual shop for your business. Imagine if it looks disfigured on different browsers (IE, Fox, Netscape, etc). Issues with different browser might not surface immediately, but when the browser’s upgrade their own software, the results can affect your website negatively. Problems could be as minor as graphic design defects to major issues like functional problems, shopping cart problems, problems with online payment etc. If these problems are not found and attended immediately, you will lose potential customers who might be using such browsers to surf for their online shopping expeditions.
Never forget to ask your website designer to check your website on various platforms and personally test this periodically to ensure the coding is compatible on all browser interface for best display of your website. If your website looks distorted or functionalities are not working completely, you need to rectify the same.
2) Changed or Diversification of Business Model:
‘A rolling stone gathers no moss’. Similarly a business that is flexible and changes with time survives, while the stagnant businesses go down the hill.
Innovation, research and development are part and parcel of today’s business world, ensuring products/services stay in line with the current demands. Your site might require minor changes with regards to graphics and additional features or major ones like offering completely new products line or services, or when you diversify and enter altogether different industry vertical.
Never forget to update the information and content in your website according to the changes occurring in your business model. Try and be as accurate, lucid and factual about the data displayed on your site as possible, as your site is the source of information for all your clients, industry experts and even competitors. You cannot afford to goof up here.
3) Site has become dull and old:
With the arrival of web 2.0 online browsing experiences are undergoing many changes. Online visitors are bombarded with creative gimmicks, flash and images to attract attention and motivate them to take the desired marketing action planned for them.
If your website looks like it has come straight from the 90s with a dull layout, slow loading graphics, table like frame with each panel taking its own sweet time to load, your visitor will say sayonara before your first product is displayed. They will go off to your competitors site which is faster, convenient and more user friendly.
Never forget to keep your customer as the focus of your website activities. Ensure you take help of technology to make online visitor’s experience on your site as happy, error free and convenient as possible.
4) Your website bugs your customers:
Yes, website can annoy online visitors. A recent online survey displays the following pet peeves of online visitors:
>>93% of consumer said POP-UP ADS extremely annoyed them
>>89% were annoyed by REQUESTS TO INSTALL EXTRA SOFTWARE
>>83% noted LOG-IN / REGISTRATION PROMPTS (to access content).
The result was: 75% of customers said they’d never return, 74% of customers said they would unsubscribe from the company’s messages, 71% said they viewed the company in a negative way and 55% said they bad mouthed the firm to friends or associates. (That’s dangerous!)
Other extreme irritations include:
-Dead links (86%)
-Confusing navigation (84%)
-Slow-loading pages (83%)
-Ineffective site-search tools (80%)
-Moving text (59%)
-Poor color, fonts and format (55%)
Never forget the simple rule ‘Keep your site simple and user friendly’ . Don’t go overboard with too many features, confusing navigations and too many irrelevant choices
confusing your visitor from finally placing that order. Make it as simple as possible for them to order online.
5) Textual Content on your site is boring:
Sit down and read the content of your website out loud? Does it sound right? Do you come across as sincere? Do you make sense to you? How about the language? If your content sounds insincere, misleading, confusing, you definitely need to hire a professional content writer to take care of this problem.
Never forget content is very important to make your site meaningful and interesting. Interesting copywriting helps to grab attention and convince visitors to turn into customers. Also proper content is required for search engine optimization to ensure your site is picked up by the major search engine and right kind of traffic is drawn to your site.
6) Your site embarrasses you or your employees:
If you find yourself feeling apologetic when referring your ecommerce site or handing out your business card, then it’s obviously time to change your site. Your website should be a source of pride for you and your employees. If you find yourself apologizing for outdated information, broken images, poor design, difficult navigation or anything else on your site, redesign the site without delay. Your website is an easy access to information for your customers and affiliates so make it good for them.
Never forget, your website represents your business. You cannot afford to get shoddy and compromise on quality of your ecommerce site.
7) Current Navigation has turned confusing:
Websites grow with changes in your business model, and this might increase the visual hierarchy of links. Your site may have started with only a few web pages and now you realize you have so many links that it’s hard for visitors to navigate through all your content. An overgrown or scattered link structure is a good reason to redesign your existing site. Below are some solutions to interface design:
· Drop Down Menus
· Collapsible Navigation
· Dynamic Flash Menus
· Good Hierarchy Layout
· Site Map
Make it possible for your clients to seek information within maximum 3 clicks. Do not confuse them with too many complicated navigations. Use web statistics tools to find out your popular pages and analyze why they are so popular. Try and duplicate the benefits and good points of those pages on your entire website.
8) Lack of proper customer service:
There are still many trepidations bothering the online shopper and it can get tricky for an ecommerce site to overcome all those prejudices and barriers. As an website owner think of the problems, fears and complications faced during shopping online. One of the major issue is the inability to touch, feel, see the product before buying. Online browsers have to pay in advance and that too basis the description and photograph shown on your site. Your site lacks the human interaction factor that is available when going physically to shop.
One of the major way to tackle this problem is to have strong support and customer care service in place. If possible have ‘live help’ available on your site to guide your visitors. If not, see that toll free numbers are prominently displayed on all the web pages and there is a friendly and helpful customer care rep to guide and solve your visitors problems. Ensure your FAQ section address all the major and minor problems associated with ecommerce sites and helps alleviate the fears of your visitors. No problem or doubt is too small or stupid to prevent you from attending them ASAP.
The above indicators will give you an idea on when your site requires tweaks, upgrades or complete redesign to turn into a source of profit center and pride for your business.
About The Author:
Mark Walsh is the marketing manager at Analytix Solutions (http://www.analytixsolutions.com/it/index.asp). Analytix team consists of IT experts and Internet Marketing professionals who help small business owners take their business online through website designing, ecommerce site designing and search engine optimization services.
Author: Pamela Swift
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BIZNESS! Newsletter Issue 76
Navigating Through Change And Landing On Your Feet
If you’re facing (or anticipating) one change of several changes, these tips will help you navigate through transition and help you land on your feet: 1. Acknowledge what’s happening. Get real about your situation and eliminate denial. Identify what you can control and/or influence to gain perspective in devising a strategy for action. 2. Invite collaboration. Brainstorming is an excellent resource for pooling knowledge by gathering…
Continued in BIZNESS! Newsletter Issue 76 >>>
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– Calendar Marketing
– Pop 2009!
– Qoof Video Commerce Widget
– Soundboard Speaker Concept
Continue reading these top stories in the BIZNESS! Newsletter >>>
– Where Have All The Leaders Gone?
– Search Engine Marketing: Can It Drive More Business?
– Blog VS Ezine? How To Choose For Your Solo Service Business
– 10 Tips To A Wellfunded Business
– It’s All About Building Relationships
– Easy Accounting for Sole Traders
– Success Happens By Design
Continue reading these top stories in the BIZNESS! Newsletter >>>
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Easy Accounting for Sole Traders
Easy Accounting
While a sole trader does not have to keep formal basic accounts financial records are required to enable the net taxable profit to be calculated with paperwork to support that calculation. Documentary evidence includes paperwork obtained from third parties such as sales records and receipts, purchase invoices and receipts and if maintained the business bank account. Sole Trader accounting really is the simplest easy accounting as the formal reporting requirements are the easiest.
It is not essential to employ an accountant to prepare the sole trader accounts and the tax return. Employing an accountant has the advantages of saving time in preparing the basic accounts, tax return; professional advice on what expenses can be claimed including calculating the capital allowances. The disadvantage is the cost and that is the choice of the sole trader.
Tax returns, Income Tax and National Insurance
Sole traders are assessed for income tax and national insurance on an annual basis based upon the self employed Tax return everyone self employed must complete and send to the tax authority. HMRC issue tax returns in April each year which need to be completed and submitted by 31 October following the end of the financial year. Tax returns filed online can be submitted with a financial submission date of 31 January, some 10 months after the end of the financial year.
There are 2 versions of the self employed tax return, The short tax return is completed if sales turnover is below £64,000 for 2007-08 and the more detailed full self employed tax return completed if sales exceeded the cut off point which for 2007-08 was also the level at which vat registration was required.
In calculating the tax payable HMRC deduct from the net taxable profit the personal tax allowance and calculate the income tax payable at the 20 per cent basic rate for 2008-09 on profits up to the higher earnings threshold and 40 per cent on net earnings above the higher threshold. Losses incurred in previous years can be offset against the net taxable profit.
Self employed pay class 2 national insurance contributions which were set at £2.30 for the financial year 2008-09. Refunds, through the small exceptions rules, are possible if net taxable profits are very low. In addition self employed also pay class 4 national insurance which in 2008-09 was 8% on net profit above the personal allowance and up to the primary threshold and 1 per cent above the national insurance primary threshold
Following the financial year end on 5 April the income tax and national insurance calculated by HMRC must be paid in full by the following 31 January. In addition HMRC also assess the liability for the next financial year and 50 per cent is also payable on 31 January with the remaining 50 per cent payable by 31 July.
Benefits and disadvantages of vat registration
Starting up as a sole trader does not involve compulsory registration for vat. If a business is unregistered for vat then the vat charged on purchases is treated in the accounts as a cost and vat is not added to the sales values. Businesses are required to register for vat when sales reach the vat threshold in a 12 month period, the current vat threshold as from April 2008 is £67,000.
If sales are mainly to the public who cannot reclaim the vat charged then it is usually better to delay registration until the threshold is reached. Where sales are mainly to other vat registered businesses that can reclaim the vat the sole trader adds to the sales value then it may be appropriate to voluntarily register to enable the vat input charged on purchases to be reclaimed against the vat charged to customers.
A business set up that registers for vat needs to maintain more than just basic accounts. Easy accounting can be adopted provided there ia an audit trail to support the quarterly vat return.
Bank accounts
A sole trader does not need to open a separate business account. If a specific business account is used then HMRC have a right to see the transactions through that business account as supporting evidence to the accounts and so bookkeeping records should be maintained. HMRC may ask to see a private account but they do not have a statutory right to do so.
Since all banking transactions are the personal responsibility and liability of the sole trader if a separate business bank account is opened then it must state the name of the sole trader. Typically the bank account name would be Your Name trading as Business Name.
The advantages of maintaining a separate business account are significant in keeping business and personal finances separate. The disadvantages are business bank charges and being committed to declaring the details to HMRC should they ask. If the business is run honestly then that should not be a problem.
Terry Cartwright qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant and Chartered Company Secretary in 1971. A successful business career followed as Head of Finance for major companies in the UK and several consultancy appointments. In 2006 he created DIY Accounting producing Accounting Software for self employed and small companies that use simple accounts spreadsheets to automate tax returns.
By adopting an approach of researching the opportunity and getting the administration right from the start the chance of success is increased, and that is important, as more new start up businesses go out of business leaving the sole trader with personal debts than survive in the first 3 years.
Setting up with the Business name, Business plan and personal liability risk
The first point of how to start up business as a sole trader is you can use your own name or choose a suitable business name. All transactions would be conducted under the actual name of the sole trader or the actual name trading as the business name. The sole trader own name should be used on all business stationery, letters, invoices, receipts and cheques.
As all liabilities incurred are the personal responsibility of the sole trader and there is no distinction between business assets and personal assets. Should the business incur losses, and that is quite common in the first year, all losses remain the personal liability of the sole trader.
An important part of how to start up business to take before trading commences is to prepare a business plan. A business plan is essential for a new start up if funding is being sought but is also important since the first year trading performance can be difficult. The business plan consists of sales, purchases, investment in assets and a financial profit statement plus cash flow forecast.
The major benefit initially to be obtained from the business plan for a new start up is the research the sole trader conducts into such areas as competition, market research, suppliers, costs and funding requirements. A business plan is essential to raising new start up finance.
HMRC registration, local authority licenses, retail change of use.
When trading starts, which would be the date of the first sale or purchase, all new start up sole traders have a responsibility to register as self employed with HMRC. Self employment business registration is required within 3 months of trading commencing or the sole trader may be fined £100 for failing to register on time. Following business registration HMRC will send an annual self employed tax return which has to be completed each financial year. It is usually advisable to adopt the 5 April as the year end date and so the first year would be less than 12 months trading.
The self employed registration form can be obtained by telephoning HMRC or visiting and downloading the new business registration form direct from the HMRC website.
There is no requirement to register the business or business name with Companies House which is solely for limited companies.
Depending upon the type of trade there may be a requirement to for business registration with the local authority where either an application for change of use of the premises might be required for a retail business and/or a local authority license required for the proposed trade such as a taxi driver license, child minder, restaurant or pet shop license. Sole traders need to contact the local authority to determine if a license is required for the new business.
Insurance and public liability
When considering how to start up business a sole trader consideration should be given to insurance requirements. Employers liability insurance will be required if employees are employed, insurance specific to the trade may be advisable to offer protection from claims, public liability insurance may be required and is often essential in retail trades particularly if that trade also requires a local authority license.
Payroll and Employees
The business set up status of a sole trader is not affected if employees are engaged as the sole trader is still self employed. If employees are engaged then the sole trader needs to register with HMRC as an employer and operate a PAYE scheme which involves calculating and deducting income tax and national insurance from employees gross pay, incurring the employers national insurance contribution, issuing payslips and keeping records of all employees and deductions. Income tax, employees and employers national insurance can be paid to HMRC quarterly if under £1500 per quarter or monthly if exceeding this level.
Networking with business groups
There are numerous groups a sole trader may consider joining for more information on how to start up business. The government organisation Business Link offer free advice on many issues and may have new business grants available for new start ups. Business Link also has contacts with local enterprise agencies who offer support. The Federation of Small Business charges an annual subscription, hold regular local meetings and provide a range of discounted services to small businesses.
Terry Cartwright qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant and Chartered Company Secretary in 1971. A successful business career followed as Head of Finance for major companies in the UK and several consultancy appointments. In 2006 he created DIY Accounting producing Accounting Software for self employed and small companies that use simple accounts spreadsheets to automate tax returns.
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Where Have All The Leaders Gone?
Article Contributed by: Karen S. Sieczka
Your most knowledgeable employees may be retiring soon. How do you replace those years of know-how? By grooming and developing other employees…
Many baby boomers are heading toward retirement and a wealth of experience and knowledge is heading out the door with them. According to The Conference Board’s report #1369, Managing the Mature Workforce, over 40 percent of the US labor force, some 64 million baby boomers, will be nearing retirement age by the end of this decade.
For organizations to stay profitable, they need to starting recruiting, retaining, and developing new talent while exploring flexible or phased retirement plans for those retiring. These valuable workers, who are wrapping up their careers, have skills that are difficult to replace. Since most of their transitions are planned in advance, there is time to institute plans for succession.
So, what can organizations do to anticipate these transitions and start grooming tomorrow’s leaders? Where will these leaders come from? How does a organization start succession planning?
Who? Where?
Where should organizations look for talent? Ideally, the place to look first for future leaders is within the organization. Current employees have a track record. They have already had a training investment made in them. They are familiar faces from participation in high visibility or high profit projects. But don’t just limit the search to these high profile staff. Other strong and steady performers may be hiding in the ranks. Start an internal search for rising stars with recommendations from several levels and departments. Include those retiring as a part of the review of potential succession candidates.
When choosing potential candidates here are some questions to ponder:
* Is this person “invested” in the organization?
* Is he or she worth the investment of time, training, and money?
* Is he or she willing to put forth the effort required?
* Is he or she suited for the position and responsibility?
* What type of personality does this person have? Does he or she have the aptitude but just lack experience?
* Does this person fit into the corporate culture?
* If tapped, would he or she be a willing and eager participant?
* What types of projects has he or she been involved with at work or perhaps as a volunteer?
Most importantly, the program should be voluntary for the folks being groomed as well as those who are retiring. A forced program generally will not have good results.
What?
After potential candidates have been identified, interviewed, screened and have been accepted to the succession program, they need to be trained. The best way is to have them experience interactions in several different departments to have a complete picture of how the organization operates but most importantly spend most of the time with the person they are replacing.
How?
Job shadowing: Shadowing provides a real insight into what a job is like day-to-day as the candidate literally shadows and observes interactions and projects on a typical day. The candidate should feel free to ask questions such as why things are done a certain way or the specifics of how a certain task is done. At the end of the shadowing, both should compare notes about what has been learned and what needs clarification.
Job rotation: This is a version of job shadowing where the employee rotates through a series of different departments, functions, and levels spending the day with each observing the daily routine of the person being shadowed.
Mentoring: Mentoring is a different sort of working relationship and should be going on at the same time as other activities are being used for training. This pairs an “up and coming” employee with someone who has “been there done that” having specific learning goals in mind. Mentor and mentee meet at certain intervals to discuss progress, problems and make plans for action. Often this is carried out through email or telephone interactions with an occasional face to face meeting.
About the Author:
Karen S. Sieczka is a training consultant and founder of Growing Great Ideas.com. Her latest training program is Growing Great Ideas: Unleashing Creativity at Work. The program generates ideas, enthusiasm, and teamwork and can be customized to address particular organizational issues or challenges. Her new book is Growing Great Ideas: Unleashing Creativity at Work now available at LULU.com for download or print version.