Category: Business

Social responsibilities lay in business framework
Most people think of business simply as a way to generate money. While this may be a primary motivating factor for some, it also carries many underlain responsibilities. Business owners become part of the infrastructure of the community. They supply a service or product which fills a need of the community.

The common bond linking community and business lies in each others realization of shared assumptions. Business realizes they fill a need, desire or fixation of the community and the community realizes who their contributor is. While community can survive without business, business on the other hand cannot exist without community. No community is self sufficient and no business is customer free.

Business must develop social programs and policies that can be seen as responsive to social expectations, but not necessarily limited to socially demand. A firm having social awareness is in tune to its customers requirements as well as its viewpoint.

There are three main driving forces between business and society:

1. The idealistic outlook: primarily relates to principles and social responsibility,
2. the institutional outlook: Its expression of social responsiveness
3. the organizational orientation: primarily relates to policies and management of social issues.

There are four Basic Models of Business Relationships
1. Humanitarian – adhere to principles of compassion and reinvesting into the community
2. Ethical – adhere to principles of honesty and decency
3. Legal – adhere to all laws and regulations
4. Economic adhere to making a profit.

While a certain responsibility lies in being a good corporate partner and citizen, the most fundamental business responsibility is that of economics. The primary reason for being in business is to make a profit. Business exist for generating revenue for the business and in so doing, provides revenue for its employees. All other business responsibilities are based or established upon economic assumptions which is the responsibility of the people in charge. Without this statement the prognosis of future success becomes nothing more that arguable considerations.

While plotting a course of action, businesses are expected to operate within the framework of societal law, thus carrying the burden of legal responsibility. Likewise, legal responsibility is restricted to the letter of the law, while the spirit of law is
reserved for ethical reasoning.

Next, businesses are expected to have an ethical responsibility which is defined as any and all activities or practices which are either expected or prohibited by society members even though they are not written into law. Ethical classifications are further separated from legal activities by use of negative definition: ethical responsibility relates to those social expectations and norms not yet codified into law. In the same line, philanthropic responsibility designates those areas of voluntary social involvement not specifically
prohibited or demanded of companies because of their economic, legal, and ethical responsibilities.

Business also carry as a philanthropic obligation to contribute to its community. This responsibility is discretionary in nature and seen as an investment in future growth. Even though this is not a requirement it is a necessary and sufficient obligation that socially expects from responsible businesses.

Theoretical Assumptions

If the economic role of the business is reduced to the narrow emphasis of profit it then could become blinded to making of contributed economics. This posturing leaves out the need for community relations.

There is another scenario to consider which is in contrast to the ordinary view, the so-called separation thesis. This is when businesses focus either on profits or social
concerns but not on both. This rises a question of debate that businesses can not only be profitable and ethical, but they should fulfill these obligations simultaneously. Can a business be profitable and disconnected from community? In todays world, franchising brings business into a community while being completely detached from community needs.

The clear-cut separation of business from community raises the problem of coexisting within a harmonious environment. Even though a business may appear to be separated the burden of responsibilities still apply. The business provides a tax revenue as well as product, service and employment. There are interwoven responsibilities which represent the stimulus for economic considerations.

The social pressures imposed on todays business are decreasing in importance, whereas economic and legal responsibilities are a requirement and ethical practices are vaguely expected, charitable contributions although desired, are completely voluntary.

A good business citizen, while striving to fulfill all its responsibilities, will actually apply
the necessary priorities to secure its status in the community.

Businesses have a responsibility that goes well beyond the demands of law and common morality. They set as examples of good moral judgment and community responsibility.

Happy Trails

A private jet charter normally caters for between 1 and 18 passengers although private charter jets can carry up to 30 passengers comfortably. Because of this, corporate parties are today using, in ever increasing numbers, private jet charter as a cost effective business option when large numbers of staff need to move simultaneously and securely between destinations. With few limitations on the choice of departure and arrival points, as well as the choice of flight time, “increased flexibility of travel” is another key feature of the business jet charter. Flights are no longer dependant on the proximity of a major airport to the chosen venue as private jets are normally able to land at smaller, rural or private airports. Time on board a private jet can also be used more productively as business charters allow the corporate client to utilise the privacy afforded, for business purposes.

Should the private jet charter client choose to use the flight for the purpose of relaxation, then the benefits of the personalized service provided by a private flight attendant are obvious. Even the process of checking in for a private jet charter is far less stressful than the procedures applicable to a commercial jet flight, so relaxation begins well before the flight takes off.

When boarding a private jet, the first thing apparent to the passenger is the unfamiliarity of their surroundings. The spacious cabin and interior finishing of many private jets immediately puts the flier at ease and if this is not enough, the five star in-flight catering options are always conducive to an elevated mind set. For business travellers fearful of the links beween air travel and the risks imposed on it by the modern day terrorist, private jet charter is definitely the flight medium of choice. Since 911, the increased demand for private jet charter flights has created a greater supply of private charter companies, private jets and private jet pilots. The subsequent increase in competition between operators in this sector of the air travel market has seen the private jet charter become a truly affordable way to fly for a whole new business demographic: the small to medium sized company.

Additionally, and especially since the introduction of the Euro, companies situated within the European Union have begun to use the private charter jet as a means to visit clients in neighbouring member states. The business “hop” is rapidly becoming as popular as its long-haul counterpart in countries such as Portugal. Today, private and business charter flights regularly fly to and from Faro Airport in the Algarve region of Portugal as well as Lisbon and Porto Airports in the North of Portugal. Portugal’s many private and municipal airports have also added to the popularity of the private jet business charter amongst national businesses, as well as those businesses from overseas wishing to explore the opportunities afforded by the growth of the Portuguese economy.

Portugal’s tourism sector, which has significantly strengthened its infrastructure since joining the European Union, has responded to the needs of this new business traveller by evolving a new, business tourism genre. Companies have formed to broker the services required by the traveller who steps out of a private charter jet and on to Portuguese soil. Complementary business services, such as: luxury hotel reservations, event management, limousine and luxury car hire, yacht charter and corporate gift services have all experienced linear growth in parallel to the rise of the private jet charter broker. The sinergy of these business services means that the business and private jet charter traveller can now leave all of his travel arrangements in the responsible hands of one event organizer; A to B has never been so easy.

Promos are considered one of the most effective and cheapest means for marketing. Corporate gifts or promos are not very expensive and can be less than a dollar as well. According to the reports of an Advertising Specialty Industry, around 56% of people keep the promos, while 58% of the people remember name of the company printed on the promos. Promos are cost-effective means of advertising brand image of your business. This article discusses about some useful tips on how you can make the most of promos for a campaign.

You should be aware of the wants and desires of your prospective clients:

Promos that you use must be market driven. It is very important customers appreciate the promos that you give out; as this will help you increase your customer base. Therefore, what you can do is, make the promotional products the way your clients expect them to be. You will have to spend time conducting research, when it comes to determining the right promos.

You must be very cautious all through the process, because business organizations have the tendency of losing their core message in their attempt to target niche audiences. Your brand identity must be clearly expressed in advertising merchandise so that people wont have any problem getting the message you want to promote.

Remember less is more:

You should keep in mind the concept of less is more while designing promos for marketing. You should keep the text and color to the minimum to attract attention of prospective clients. Too many colors and words tend to make the promos look messy and chaotic. There is amazing elegance in simplicity and this helps you effectively project your business message to your clients. Untidy presentation shows lack of professionalism and leaves behind a negative image in minds of the clients.

Many consider bargaining or haggling a desperate act in business. It is actually a business negotiation process that a wise entrepreneur does to cut down the overall cost. Once you are aware of the basic negotiation skills, you will be able to save substantial amount of money.

Some of the commonly used promos include T-shirts, pens, gym bags, mugs, and other useful pieces of merchandise. Targeted promos for your customers generate more sales and help attract attention of clients to your site. Make sure to give out good quality freebies, as your company image will crumble down when you offer cheap promos.

Using promos for marketing is one of the most affordable means to increase your profit margins and improve your business. So, keep in mind the three useful abovementioned pointers and create a brand image of your business with promos or promotional gifts. You will be amazed to take your business products and services to an altogether new height with such promotional items.

Predicting possible sales for your Fish Farm business is a very chief process; before you launch your business you must feel positive in future sales otherwise there is no point in setting up in the first place. It’s suspect you will be right on the money but if you don’t make a realistic attempt your Fish Farm business will likely not make the grade; forecasting is an important element to your business stratgey.

Your sales forecast is the fiscal projection of the quantity of turnover your Fish Farm business will make from the sales of its products or services. Your sales forecast can stand alone, but it will be closely connected to your Fish Farm business plan. It is an essential and fundamental element of the planning method and it will be a chief part of your profit and loss account and cash flow forecast.

Why bother with a sales forecast?

It is needed so you can

1. Predict your cash flow – your forecast might predict slow times of business where you may need a cash injection to pay for products or just to pay the staff for example.
2. Manage Cash flow – innermost to the success of your business, it is essential that you understand how sales forecasting contributes to the computation of the cash flow forecast.
3. Plan future resource requirements – for example, the quantity of staff considered necessary to manage your orders and provide a certain level of service.
4. Plan marketing activities – this will noticeably have a knock on effect to the sum of sales you make as well.

Quite clearly constructing a sales forecast for your Fish Farm business is crucial to your business success – you should continually re-evaluate your sales forecasts – by looking at concrete sales to your forecasted sales firstly you can measure if you have done well or not.

So what do you need to consider?

Your sales forecast should show sales by month for at least the next 12 months, and then by year for the following two years. Three years, in total, is generally enough for most business plans.

You need to consider

1. Are there any comparable products or services already being provided in the neighborhood?
2. What is the extent of the market?
3. Is the market growing or declining, and if so,by what % each year?
4. What are the major considerations for this market?
5. What might affect it in future?
6. How do cyclic factors affect purchases of your product or service?
7. Are there fashions in your business?

Who are your customers going to be?

1. What percentage will purchase?
2. Why will they cease trading from someone else to trade from you?
3. How much will you charge?
4. Can you in reality supply the products and services that you are predicting?
5. How many competitors do you have?
6. It is unlikely your business is the only one of its kind – what happens to your customers when new businesses enter the market?

The whole globe is your marketplace with the creation of the internet – but what products/services can you make available Virtually all business has a quantity of competitor(s) – how can you hoover up your competitors customers? How can you put a stop to your competitors taking your customers? Can you tweak your product prices up or down to match new customers – can you simply add or transform the services you offer to new and existing customers to mushroom your turnover and profits?

Preparing your Fish Farm business forecast

All Fish Farm businesses need to base their forecasts on certain assumptions regarding potential changes that may take place in the future. These can be quantified and could include:

1. Sector growth/decline by a certain percentage e.g. 5%.
2. Planned expansion in the number of personnel to generate an expected 20% increase in production.
3. A move to a better location that ought to produce a 40% increase in sales.

Preparing your forecast

If you sell more than one product or service, you should prepare a separate forecast for each item in your range,and forecast:

1. By volume
2. By value
3. By a combination of both value and volume.

So what are the pitfalls when forecasting sales?

1. Make sure your forecast is based on realistic, verifiable and unbiased info.
2. Do not be tempted to ignore your investigation if it showed negative results.
3. Do not make predictions only on the basis of historical performance. Keep examining at what else might change your sales in the future and alter your forecast in view of that.
4. Make sure you understand your capacity limits. Can you produce the amount of sales being forecast with the personnel, equipment and financial resources available to you?
5. Does the pricing policy you have used in calculating your sales forecast convey to what is really achievable?, or conversely, have the prices been set too low down or too high so that either way your forecast is potentially unrealistic?
6. Is your business brand new?, your business may take longer than you imagine to get recognized, and have you set accordingly realistic sales goals?
7. Have you permitted for the possibility that high sales based on an initial promotional rush may drop off, leading to a need for more intensive marketing and higher ongoing costs once initial interest has peaked?
8. When you give reasons for your sales forecasts to prospective backers – are they believable?

Strategic planning and management is one of the keys to the success of the business. And this is what brought Warren Buffett to where he is now. He is the world’s second richest man according to the Forbes Magazine. His net worth is approximately $62 billion. Buffett is often called the Oracle of Ohama or Sage of Omaha. Right now, he is the largest shareholder, chairman and CEO of the company Berkshire Hathaway.

From a capital of $35 when he was still a teen, he grew largely by billions. He has shown a potential during his early years .In 1945, when he was still a freshman, he and a friend purchased a second-hand pinball machine that they placed in a barber shop. After some few months, they already owned three machines in different locations, His interest and dedication for business was already noticeable at a very young age which continued until today.

Now, he is one of the world’s greatest investor. Almost all businessman focusing on buying and selling industry have heard of Warren Buffett. Experts have now come up with the Warren Buffett Business Factors, a compilation of business principles that was used by the Sage of Omaha. He was the only man in Forbes rich list to have made it purely from buying and selling stocks and shares. In Buffett’s own words, he quoted:

Im 15 percent Fisher and 85 percent Benjamin Graham. The basic ideas of investing are to look at stocks as business, use the market’s fluctuations to your advantage, and seek a margin of safety. Thats what Ben Graham taught us. A hundred years from now they will still be the cornerstones of investing.

This is a brief view of Warren Buffett’s Business Factors that is applicable for all business owners.

1. Always stick to what you know, and that which is within your area of experience, expand on that experience, and stay focused.

2. Only enter into a business agreement, investment, or project where you can reasonably predict the outcome with certainty.

3. Only enter into a business agreement, investment, or project where you can reasonably predict the outcome with certainty.

4. Maintain emotional detachment in your business dealings. Invest only with a business perspective, do not let the others or the crowd persuade or dissuade you, but rather develop your self and your trust in your self. Make a point of learning from your mistakes.

5. Identify what kind of business deal you want, then determine what you are willing to pay. Small fluctuations in the price of what you need to buy can vastly affect your returns in the long run.

6. Work out the return on capital of your business, and try to make every business deal at least the same if not better than that return.

7. Use other peoples money to leverage returns. If your return on capital is greater than the cost of using other peoples money, then make sure you use their money as much as possible, not forgetting about your margin of safety. Warren has had great success with insurance companies, using this principle.

8. Only appoint or work with managers of outstanding quality. Use managers who act in the best of interest of the business and hence the owners of the business at all times.