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Gary McGaghey Explains Why You Need an Independent Advisor to Represent Your Management Team During a Private Equity Exit in 2022

ABC Staff
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Gary McGaghey Explains Why You Need an Independent Advisor to Represent Your Management Team During a Private Equity Exit in 2022

How an expert advisor can help you achieve great outcomes for all parties in a private equity deal.

The COVID-19 crisis has not put any dampener on the strong flow of private-equity-backed deals. A McKinsey Global Market Report has highlighted the fact that private equities’ net asset value has grown by seven times since 2002 and twice as quickly as global public equities. The report also concludes that private equity fundraising has grown by 18% annually since 2015. When the global economy recovers, private equity money won’t be far behind for further deal opportunities. There might even be some bargains to make the most of.

The divisional and group CFO Gary McGaghey explains that as we approach a new ‘normal’ on the business scene, it’s important that CEOs and CFOs understand the full context of private equity buyouts, especially when it comes to entering a private equity buyer’s buying funnel. Gary McGaghey is the CFO of the €1.3bn end-to-end marketing production and business services group Williams Lea Tag, where he oversees the company’s implementation of commercial plans (especially cash generation) and investment decisions.

Striking the Right Deal

The philosophy of private equity investments is to both generate and reward growth. Therefore, private equity deals should offer great outcomes for all parties. So, striking the right deals with strong management incentives is important. As deals become bigger and more complex, sometimes involving repeat buyouts of a company, there is now much more demand for specialist support from independent advisors.

Some private equity investors are well-versed in the management of the deal process. These investors often source management support quickly by offering excellent terms. Although these terms may need less commercial intervention, they will still need thorough assessment and must be communicated clearly to the team.

How an Independent Advisor Can Help

Although many private equity deals offer ideal opportunities for investors, often because of the nature of the process or the asset itself, some new funds that enter the market aren’t used to cutting attractive management deals. A management team may sign up to terms and structures that materially disadvantage them and damage their relationship with their new investor post-acquisition. This can jeopardise the original motivation for the deal.

Gary McGaghey explains that 10-20% of deals are egregious and need careful review. It’s important to look out for ‘hidden’ elements, such as management targets that are impossible to reach with the given post-acquisition business strategy. An independent advisor can help a management team understand how their position would change in a range of scenarios and what the funds could be like to deal with throughout the investment journey.

The mergers and acquisitions market sees new entrants each year, including private equity funds from other jurisdictions, family offices, long hold funds, infra funds, and strategics. Many of these entrants have little experience in completing these kinds of deals. A specialist advisor can be invaluable to highlight future roadblocks, teach management teams about the elements they should and shouldn’t accept, and show them how to uphold sensitivity when negotiating with counterparties.

Hiring an Independent Advisor

Even if a company is at the end of the process, an advisor can uncover vital insights that the management team needs to understand. That said, the earlier a company gets an advisor involved, the better. An independent advisor can scrutinise and negotiate a deal to benefit a private equity fund. When there is more equity in the hands of managers and all parties listen and respond fairly to proposals on the management plan, a company can strengthen engagement and motivation to reach its potential post-acquisition. An independent advisor can help all stakeholders align their interests and benefit from a private equity deal.

What’s more, management teams don’t directly pay for an independent advisor. Instead, it is a cost of the transaction teamed with advisory, finance, and diligence fees that are funded as part of the overall deal.

About Gary McGaghey

Gary McGaghey has achieved optimal outcomes for a number of private equity, privately owned, and listed companies across a range of sectors, including beverage, FMCG, media, and pharmacy industries. Now, as the CFO of Williams Lea Tag, he has hired and cultivated an expert finance team for the company. The team works under his careful management to achieve transformation for the company.

Gary McGaghey holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Natal and a postgraduate Bachelor of Commerce degree with honours from the University of South Africa. He is also a chartered accountant in South Africa and a chartered management accountant in the UK. On top of this, he has completed a Non-Director Executive Diploma through the Financial Times.

Learn more about Gary McGaghey.

Cybersecurity Myths

ABC Staff
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Cybersecurity Myths

In today’s world, we have come across a point where everything is being digitized and everyone is now dependent on digital means for fulfilling their needs and completing their daily basis work. On the one hand, where everything is moving toward the digital world, the security issues have also increased to their extent because it is very necessary to protect our digital space where we perform various activities like online shopping, online transactions, online business, and many more.

To protect our digital space there is a term from which we all are aware of and that is cyber security.

Cyber security provides us the security for all the electronic data so that nobody uses it for a criminal act. Cybersecurity has now emerged as an imperative role in this modern digital world, so a career in cybersecurity is going to be the most sought after.

There are some myths that are related to cybersecurity as there are misconceptions that may put your business at risk. In today’s blog, we are going to discuss these cybersecurity myths.

Let us come up with one by one security myths and discuss them.

  • Strong Passwords

We all think that once we have set our passwords and they are strong enough then there is nothing to worry about but this conception is a wrong myth. Just setting a strong password does not save you from cybercriminals. You need to set two-factor authentication as well as data monitoring.

  • Cybercriminals do not attack SMBS

We all think that cybercriminals do not target small-sized businesses or medium-sized businesses because it is a thought process that small-sized and medium-sized businesses do not have any sensitive data on which cybercriminals can target. But this is a myth because cybercriminals mostly target small-sized and medium-sized businesses. After all, these businesses lack advanced security solutions as well as it is easy to attack these types of businesses. If we talk about statistics, then around 58% of cyber attackers choose to attack small businesses.

  • We will not experience a cyber attack

This is the biggest myth that your business will never experience any kind of cyberattack. If your business has any kind of sensitive data then you can experience a cyberattack at any point in time. If we talk about statistics, then around 84% of cyber attacks are because of human error. So, it is baseless to say that you will never experience a cyber attack as the mistake is made by us only.

  • Having an antivirus software is enough

We all think that we have antivirus and anti-malware in our system so we are safe from cyberattacks. I must tell you that this thinking is wrong because these kinds of software are not enough that they can detect all types of cyberattacks.

  • Cyber threats are external

We all keep an eagle eye on the attacks which are attacked by the insiders but it is equally important to be aware of attacks that are done by external means.

  • IT department is responsible for cybersecurity

We all have thought that cybersecurity is a term and related to computers and the cybersecurity is the responsibility of only those people who are related to the IT sector and their role is not required but it is a myth because each employee must keep their organization or company cyber-safe so that no cyberattackers attack their organizations.

  • Wi-fi protected through passwords are secure

When we protect our wi-fi with passwords this doesn’t mean that you are safe from cyber-attacks. Public Wi-Fi networks can also be breached even if it is being secured by using a password.

You will be informed if your system is being attacked

We think that when our system will be attacked then we will get to know about this immediately but this is not true. It takes months and sometimes years also to know that your system is being attacked by cyberattackers.

Also Read: Cyber Security Threats for Indian Banking Sector

  • BYOD is secure and safe

If you think that all personal devices like smartphones, laptops, and other devices can also cause a breach in your and the company’s cyber security. If we talk about statistics, around 61% of companies suffer cyberattacks due to the policy of BYOD and have experienced a mobile data breach.

  •  We are fully cybersecure

If you think that once you have followed all the cybersecurity precautions and the solutions to cyberattacks then I must tell you that you think wrong we are never fully secure because each day a new threat emerges so all we need to do is that we have to stay updated with the new measures to protect ourselves as well as our organizations or company.

  • Sophisticated security tools keeps your business secure

It is always advised that all the security tools should be properly configured in order to provide strong cybersecurity from cyber attacks.

  • Regular penetration tests are enough

If we talk about penetration tests then I must tell you that these regular penetration tests are effective only when the cyberattacks and vulnerabilities are being rectified in time.

  • Regular compliance equates to a robust security strategy

If you are keeping the compliance of cybersecurity checks on a regular basis then this does not ensure your security is strong.

  •  A third-party security will provide more security

We always think that if we ask the third party to keep a check and manage our security then we will be no more liable for our security but this approach is totally wrong because you are also equally responsible for securing all the critical assets of your company.

  • Never experienced breach which means our security is strong

If you think that you have never experienced the breach then your security is strong and you can sit peacefully then don’t do so because everyday new cybersecurity issues are generating and you must be very well prepared with this.

CONCLUSION

We all have several myths regarding cybersecurity. I hope with this blog your myths are being cleared. It is very important that nowadays we have to be very vigilant and active in the digital world so that we can secure our sensitive data from the attackers. If we talk about statistics then around 2,245 hackers daily attack on an average, 81% of data breaches are due to weak passwords and taking the cybersecurity as not so important. So, it is also important to create awareness regarding cybersecurity so that each and every individual should be aware of this and can actively secure their sensitive data.

Avoid Getting Scammed – Job Security Tips to Know if You Are a Freelancer

ABC Staff
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Avoid Getting Scammed – Job Security Tips to Know if You Are a Freelancer

The gig economy is increasing exponentially. It is further accelerated with remote workforce culture becoming the new normal due to the pandemic. Standing at $347.8 billion in 2021, the industry is poised to reach $455.2 billion by 2023. 

Due to attractive benefits like being your own boss, flexible work hours, global exposure, etc., people worldwide are eager to join the freelance world. But this is where fraudsters are finding an opportunity to scam vulnerable people. If you offer freelance services online, here are some job security tips that can help prevent scams.

Get Everything in Writing

It is very common to find scammers who create fake company accounts. They will promise you huge sums and then leave you hanging once the project is complete. Hence, it is always advised to have a contract. After all, what’s documented can be shown as proof if anything goes wrong.

You might think that why go through the hassle of creating a contract? Why not simply take some advance payment instead. Well, taking advance payment can offer security up to a certain extent, but there’s a downside to this: the overpay scam.

Suppose a scammer pays you in advance and then overpays you during the final payment. Now, the person can ask back the overpayment made. Next, he or she can reach out to PayPal and register an issue of a possible hack or compromise and ask for a refund. Thus, the payment made to you will be reversed, and you will be left with nothing. Overpay scam is one of the most common PayPal scams you will come across. Hence, it is better to have a contract in place.

Don’t Provide Too Many Trial Pieces

Companies do ask for trials to evaluate your skills. This is understood. But some scammers will try to use the excuse of trial assignments to make you work for them for free. For instance, a single 500-word article should suffice the purpose if you are a content writer.

Fraudsters will try to trick you by saying that they will offer many varied assignments; hence, they require multiple trials to match skills with each type of assignment. Don’t fall for this trick. You should even try to get paid for the trial assignment as you are putting in efforts to complete it. But if that’s not possible, provide a small free trial that can be completed quickly.

Never Hand Out Sensitive Data

Some platforms and job providers will ask you for sensitive information to get a job. This can include your financial information, Social Security number, card details, etc. Many freelancers who have not landed any project for a long time give away all the information asked for. But you should not do that.

If you encounter such a scenario, please report the person or platform asking for sensitive data. They might convince you that the information is required for payment transactions or some legal work. But don’t listen to them because if they ask you for too much sensitive data, the chances are that they will use it.

Don’t Pay to Get Paid

Asking for upfront payment to grab a project is a common scam. You don’t have to pay to get paid in the freelance world. If someone asks you for upfront payment, decline the project straight up.

Some job portals or freelance sites might ask you for a membership payment. This may be required to maintain the job portal. Hence, subscription-like membership payments on such portals can be valid. However, researching about these job portals is advised.

Ask for Clear Expectations

While some scammers will ask you for multiple trial assignments, some will ask you to alter a single piece numerous times. They will never give you clear expectations to leave room for dissatisfaction.

Once you deliver the first piece, they will ask you for rework repeatedly without any additional payment. After some reworks, they will give you an entirely new set of expectations stating that the previous one didn’t work at all. Thus, they will trick you into completing multiple tasks while paying you for one.

You will find many scammers online. But they shouldn’t stop you from freelancing. More and more companies, especially small-medium businesses (SMBs), are working with freelancers. Around 70% of SMBs have already hired freelancers and will continue to do so. Hence, it is a great opportunity you should not miss because of some scammers. 

It’s all about differentiating a legit opportunity from a scam. Simple practices like getting everything written down in a contract, taking part-payments in advance, setting up clear expectations, etc., will help you avoid scammers and cons. So, next time you take up any freelance project, you know what to do.

How New Trends Can Shape Your Current Look

Claire James
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How New Trends Can Shape Your Current Look

Fashion is now at the point where new trends are beginning to take precedence over older styles. Unfortunately, not all of us are ready to move on.

This period isn’t as bad as you may initially think. Instead of throwing out your current style altogether, why not adopt a revolving door policy? You can still keep your current look, while making changes that adopt new styles at the same time. Read on to find out how.

Tights Are Back

Tights have always been used in formal situations. They look good, but can also match the office style adopted by most places of work. However, there is the other side of tights that disappear and reappear whenever society demands.

Often found in the UK, these tights are adorned with wild patterns containing stripes, stars and polka dots to make them less formal, and they are making a comeback in 2022. The fact that UK tights are coming back isn’t the end of the world, however.

The past year has seen basic mini-skirts come back into fashion. You may think that these two styles would clash, but they actually have the opposite effect. These tights can draw attention away from the bland skirt, creating an interesting miss-match of ideas. Therefore, all you need to do to keep up with new trends is buy some extra tights.

Puffer Jackets

The general public were mostly divided on their opinions about puffer jackets. These oversized coats were extremely popular back in the early 2000s, and only a few people have continued to wear them for practical reasons.

Some of you may be pleased to know that the puffer jacket is slowly making its way back into fashion. This boxy coat is exactly how is appeared two decades ago, only now they are made in bright, primary colours.

Whatever your view is on the puffer jacket, you will find it advantageous that you can wear these over the clothes that you currently own. This means that you don’t really have to worry about your current style clashing. You might have to wear certain shoes, but that is a small price to pay considering the alternative.

Colours

As mentioned in the previous passage, bright colours are coming back into fashion. This is in direct contrast with the darker tones that the public have favoured in the last couple of years. Surely there is no way to make these diverging styles work? Well, yes and no.

Darker trousers will work with anything; however, you need to be wary of the new patters that are emerging. Anything too busy will make your darker clothes look obsolete, so aim to wear single coloured tops or shoes. Yellow is currently the most popular colour that is destined to become the next trend, and this looks good with black trousers. However, patterned tights and a yellow top is really brave.

Conclusion

Your wardrobe is always going to be important to you. If you find that new fashion is giving you a hard time, try to take our advice and be clever. Alternatively, you could always wait until your clothes come back into fashion. It is bound to happen sooner rather than later.

Healthy Habits to Help Protect Against Seasonal Flu

ABC Staff
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Healthy Habits to Help Protect Against Seasonal Flu

The flu season causes around 3-5 million cases worldwide, and, just in the UK, it is related to an estimated 30,000 deaths annually. Each year, the virus causing the influenza epidemic in the Northern Hemisphere is different and can be more or less aggressive. 

It is true that, over the past two years, the global number of flu cases sank to an all-time low, and the number of deaths dropped to almost zero. But this year, the restrictions introduced to keep at bay Covid-19 and its variants are being lifted, which, according to Nature, could prompt a sharp rise in seasonal flu cases. 

“While the SARS-CoV-2 and its developments are making the front page,” 

Pharmacist Stuart Gale from Oxford Online Pharmacy tells abcmoney.co.uk, “Influenza and related respiratory illnesses are the ones to watch out for this winter.” 

Luckily, some healthy habits can help you protect yourself and your loved ones, lower the chances of becoming ill because of the flu, and live a healthier lifestyle. Learn more below.

Follow a Balanced, Nutritious Diet

A healthy lifestyle can strengthen the immune system, and a strong immune system – alongside vaccines and self-distancing rules – can help you avoid getting seriously ill as a consequence of a flu infection. 

There are many reasons why a healthy, balanced, varied, and healthy diet can help you boost your immune system:

  • A diet rich in unprocessed, natural ingredients can help with weight management. In turn, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease – all of which can compromise your immune system
  • A varied diet can help you provide your immune system with everything it needs to fight off infections, including a range of iron, zinc, vitamin A, C, D, E, as well as antioxidants. Make sure to eat a range of unprocessed, seasonal fruits and vegetables. 
  • A predominantly plant-based diet can influence the gut microbiome, thus boosting the immune system. 

Make Exercise Part of Your Daily Routine

Regular exercise offers many immune-boosting benefits, including:

  • Lowering stress levels
  • Causing the release of endorphins – or the happy hormone
  • Promoting healthy blood flow
  • Causing changes in the white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infection
  • Helping flushing bacteria out of mouth and lungs

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), you should strive to keep your body moving for at least 60 minutes a day. This might seem a lot, but you should focus on exercises that you enjoy – including walking, cycling, or cycling. 

Get at Least 8 Hours of Sleep Every Night

Sleep is important for all bodily functions, including enhancing the immune system’s effectiveness. In particular, during sleep, the heart rate and breathing slow down, giving the chance to our bodies to focus on fighting bacteria. 

Additionally, during the night, the body has the chance to replenish used energy and fight inflammation. As a general rule:

  • Adults should sleep 7-8 hours per night
  • Teens need around 9 hours of sleep
  • Younger kids might need to sleep for 10-12 hours

Make the Right Lifestyle Choices

Some lifestyle choices – such as drinking excessively or smoking cigarettes – can significantly affect immune system functions, increase inflammation, and cause chronic diseases such as cancer. 

Additionally, alcohol has been seen to suppress a wide range of immune responses, which can leave an individual more exposed to infections and flu symptoms. Because of this, smoking should be avoided entirely and, if you drink, do so in limited quantities!

Identify and Keep at Bay Stressors

Stress is our immune systems’ worst enemy – especially during the flu season. Indeed, as the levels of the stress hormone corticosteroid rise, it causes the number of lymphocytes drop. Lymphocytes – or the cells that have the role of neutralising harmful bacteria and viruses, are subdivided into many groups, including T cells and B cells. 

In turn, it is easier for foreign invaders to break through your immune system’s defences and leave you exposed to infections. While almost three-quarters of all adults in the UK report feeling regularly stressed, you can lower your stress levels by exercising, meditating, cutting down stressors, and taking time for yourself. 

Integrate Vitamins and Minerals

Even with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, you might not be able to integrate all the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals needed to keep your immune system strong. The levels of these compounds tend to drop during the winter months when we all spend more time indoors and indulge in comfort foods. 

However, when the flu season peaks, we need our vitamin levels topped up especially during winter! So, you should consider integrating Vitamins C, E, B, and D, as well as Iron. 

Practice Mindfulness and Spend Time in Nature

Over the past years, researchers have been focusing on exploring the connection between mental health, emotional balance, and immune function. Today, it has been confirmed that looking after our mental health also means improving the immune system’s function, thus adding an extra layer of protection against the consequences of flu infections. 

Some ways to benefit your mental health and boost immune function include:

Keep in Mind COVID-19 Measures

The flu virus spreads similarly to the Covid-19 one. One of the reasons why flu cases and deaths were so low over the past two years is that the restrictions and self-distancing measures introduced to protect us against Covid-19 also curbed the spreading of influenza viruses. 

While this year some of these restrictions have been lifted, you can protect yourself and your loved ones by wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, and keeping your distance. If you have started to experience symptoms, you should not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. 

Consult Trusted Pharmacist

Even by following all of the tips above and committing to a healthy lifestyle, there is no guarantee that you won’t get sick. Influenza viruses can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. 

However, by looking after your immune system and boosting its functions through a healthy diet, you can prevent severe complications such as pneumonia or lung or heart disease. And, you will get sick less often. In any case, finding a GP or pharmacist you can trust can help you keep your health in tip-top conditions. 

Ways to Get Ahead of Your Competitors

ABC Staff
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Ways to Get Ahead of Your Competitors

Business competition can be quite fierce, especially when you are selling in a marketplace that has active and aggressive competitors. It gets quite difficult to defend your position in the market and get that competitive edge over others. However, there are a few ideas you can implement to differentiate your brand from other sellers and get more customers!

1.   Know who your competitors are

If you don’t have enough information regarding your competitors, how will you be able to outdo them? It is really important to know what your competitors are offering and at what price. Also, learn about their strengths and the areas where they lack. This will help you discover the areas where you can get an advantage over your competitors and provide you with a platform to differentiate yourself from your rivals.

Conduct your research in two ways. First, evaluate the businesses that are doing better than you and find out their unique selling point. Second, keep an eye on weaker competitors and figure out how you can take advantage of the situation and get ahead of them.

2.   Learn more about your customers

You are trying to win the race to attract more customers and retain them- so you must know what your current as well as potential customers value.

Customer expectations are rapidly changing. Find out what your customers care about at the moment- is it cheaper product price, flexible customer service, or the trendiest products? Use the data from your existing customers and learn about their buying behavior. Which product of yours are they attracted to the most? Do they go for the one with the lowest rates? Which products are they not interested in? Such questions help you identify your target market and know about the category you can be most competitive in. If you think your customers are attracted to lower rates, then repricing is the way to retain them.

3.   Differentiate your brand

It is critical to provide compelling reasons for customers to choose you over a competitor. This can be accomplished by knowing about customer value and learning how to give customers what they want. It can be the best product prices, low-rate or free shipping, bundles, attractive discounts, and offers, or exceptional customer service. However, it should be evident, and clear-  no one should have to inquire what makes you unique. You can easily win customers when you offer them more than they expected.

4.   Increase your marketing efforts

Put more effort into marketing your products and let customers know about your brand, what products you offer, and why they should come to you to purchase those items. You don’t have to set a large budget to carry out marketing activities- there are various cost-effective ideas to promote your products, which include running campaigns on your social media sites and emailing your customers.

5.   Work on your content

Your content on Amazon should reflect your USP. It is really important to write creative product descriptions, utilize high-ranking keywords, and upload the best product images. Product images are the first thing your customers notice about your product, of course, after the title. Make your listings and products look more inviting and modern. Also, make sure your packaging is attractive as well. Customers love when they receive a little *thank you for shopping* note in their packages.

6.   Take care of your current customers

Your existing customers are going to be the target market of your competitors. Increase customer satisfaction by listening to them, and being responsive towards their inquiries and complaints. Consider offering better credit terms or loyalty cards for your existing customers. Retaining existing consumers is significantly less expensive and easier than finding new ones.

7.   Offer your products in other markets as well.

Expanding your business online is always a great idea. It helps you increase your customer base and sell more. If you are already selling on Amazon and are satisfied with the experience, then consider shifting to other similar platforms as well such as eBay, Walmart, and Facebook marketplace. Moreover, if you are offering your products to your local customers, then switch to selling overseas as well. In short, make sure you reach a wider audience by selling on multiple marketplaces and offering products worldwide.

8.   Keep your product prices competitive

Apart from expanding your product line and offering the best quality products to your customers, it is equally important to offer them the best price in the market. On Amazon, price changes occur within seconds and you must keep an eye on your competitor’s product prices to get ahead of them. It can be quite tough, but you can always choose to sign up with repricing software to make repricing easier for you. The software would change your product prices as soon as it gets the notification of a price change and also wins the Buy Box for your business so that you get maximum sales and profit.

9.   Get the best employees, tools, and services on board.

You will never be able to provide the best customer service if you fail to delegate tasks properly. It is really important to have skilled employees working for you if you are running an Amazon business. Get reliable suppliers that deliver the products to you on time, so that you don’t give your competitors a chance to get ahead when you run out of stock. However, if you don’t want to hire people to manage your tasks, then automate them. There are tools you can find online such as the best inventory management tool, Amazon repricing software, product and keyword research tool, and more. Get yourself the best tools to work with, and you will automatically get a lead above your competitors.

10.  Plan for the future

Businesses that have a clear goal to grow have a better chance of succeeding than those that do not wish to bring any changes and stand still. Keep up with the changes in the industry, latest trends, and invest in developing your business. Update your listings regularly, and invest in modern technology to help you stay successful. Have a clear vision of where you wish to see your business in a year, two years, or six years.

In conclusion,

By following all the tips above, you can easily make your way to the top. However, always remember that determination is the key to achieving whatever you wish to. Stay consistent, don’t lose hope, and always try harder to get to the top of the game.

Tips for Improving Your Conversion Optimization Plan Over the Holidays

ABC Staff
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Tips for Improving Your Conversion Optimization Plan Over the Holidays

The holiday season is the best for retailers and online ecommerce stores to experience a boost in sales. However, as an online retailer and any other type of ecommerce business, your website is going to play a major hand in how you appear to customers or potential ones who are just visiting.

If you lack experience in optimizing your website and don’t know how to make use of conversion optimization services, try seeking help from some of the best online digital marketing agencies. 

Improving Conversion Optimization for Upcoming Holidays

In simple words, conversion optimization refers to increasing the probability of site visitors performing a preferred action on the website. It’s one of the most efficient ways of improving website traffic and conversion for sales. The most commonly desired actions include adding products to the cart, proceeding to checkout, entering product pages, inquiring about the upcoming products/services collections, etc.

Be Fast!

Being faster than others is always the most important trait for an online ecommerce website. If your webpages take a long time to load, visitors and potential customers are likely to leave the website. Your webpages shouldn’t take more than three seconds to load, otherwise visitors are more likely to leave, according to research. 

Be Concise!

Writing descriptions and long engaging paragraphs might not always work. No customer really has the time to spend reading about a company and its products unless it’s something uniquely attractive. Customers and site visitors only skim, which means that you have to use power words throughout the text content on your website.

This could include using power words and concise yet engaging statements in call-to-action, description, and general information.

Be Encouraging!

Since it is the holiday season, you should radiate a cheerful spirit to encourage sales. For instance, your goal should be to increase website traffic but also to turn a high proportion of those visitors into customers. Make sure you greet and prompt visitors with holiday-related messages that aren’t too sales-y but rather encouraging and satisfying.

Be Mobile-Friendly!

Although this isn’t something new, many modern businesses miss out on this or come to it last. You should optimize your website and all its components according to mobile view and functions as well. This is because the use of smartphones for ecommerce purchases rose from 34 percent to 39 percent during 2019-2020, respectively. This shows the power of mobile phones over ecommerce retail shopping, which is at its peak during major holiday seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still looking for more info? We’ve compiled a list of FAQs – check them out!

Can you improve call-to-action for better conversion?

Of course, putting a strong but encouraging call-to-action through the website can help increase sales during holiday seasons.

What shouldn’t you ignore for holiday season website conversion?

Don’t miss out on the website layout and navigation, which makes the website easier to browse and scroll through. Higher engagement means higher chances of increased sales from potential customers.

How Does Network Penetration Enable Security In Singapore

ABC Staff
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How Does Network Penetration Enable Security In Singapore

This is a secure method to test any vulnerability that can appear in the operating system or network. A penetration test is exploiting the vulnerability of any network or IT infrastructure by evaluating the defence intelligently. A professional hacker does this job so there is no possibility of not getting the conclusion.

How it’s done

This is an incredible way to ensure that the network is secure or not. exposure can happen to any network by any device. The penetration is accomplished by using any automated or manual technology. This is performed to systematically jeopardize web applications, servers, endpoint, network devices, mobile gadgets and any other potential exposure tool.

After the system is exploited the testers are used to establish threatening sources or get the database out of the network. This is done to check the network can be breached and to prevent any future threat. The penetration testing is accomplished by ethical hackers.

If any weakness is found in the network, that information is sent to the IT or network supervision as a vulnerability report to prevent the unprotected points.

Why the network penetration test is

important

This is the best way to see the network from the perspective of the hacker or attacker. The security issues and questions about how or in how much time an attacker can hijack the network.

The risk factors can be managed beforehand. Any loose end can cause cyber-attacks and threats. To ensure the network is secure this procedure is performed.

The viewpoint of an actual attack can be seen and examined by the reports. This perspective can help in the future to determine any threat happening. If the network gets under invasion then it can be prevented. It’s more like checking the lock system of your entrance.

To ensure there is no exposure in the network and remediate them safely. This gives a sense of satisfaction and security to the network operator and user.

Effects of penetration

The report of all the weak points is submitted to get remediated. This makes the network safer to use. The penetration tester leaves no evidence of the attack. Testing is done again after remediation to check for any failures. The traces are then erased from the system to prevent the attacker from using them.

The network system is then safe to use. The retests can be done to see faults later on too. As different new vulnerabilities can emerge.

There are many network penetration testing available in Singapore. Get your network checked and secured from threats. Know if there is any weakness or vulnerabilities in the network. Search for network penetration testing in Singapore online to see some best and top service providers. Do a penetration test from a certified and professional service. Many penetration testing services provide certification of testing.

Lastly, If you want your network secure and not getting any harm or fraud in future. You must do this testing beforehand. You can get total security and privacy testing and results. Nowadays people, companies and many other facilities test their networks promptly.

Benefits of Village Rental and Accommodation in Japan

ABC Staff
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0
Benefits of Village Rental and Accommodation in Japan

Japan is one of the best places to settle in or take a vacation due to the presence of its breathtaking natural scenery. However, this is something you’ll mostly find in its rural settings. This article outlines the benefits of moving to or vacationing in a village house. If you want to experience rural residence, this article is for you.

Advantages Of Rural Accommodation

For individuals accustomed to city life, changing your scenery once in a while has immense benefits. If you’re a city-dwelling Japanese seeking to take a vacation, village accommodation is an ideal choice, especially for workaholic individuals. Below is an outline of the benefits you’ll receive from countryside accommodation.

Reversal Of Negative Effects

According to recent studies, there’s a 40% chance that you’ll likely suffer from stress disorders and moody tendencies as a city dweller. Since the countryside is nature-rich, spending your time in such a setting can help alleviate stress. That way, your brain can recuperate from the immense stress from city life.

Eat Healthy Food and Breathe Fresh Air

By moving to the countryside, you’ll be changing the environment, and you’ll get to breathe nature’s fresh air, unlike the toxic city air. Additionally, it will give you a sense of how good countryside residence can be health-wise. Click this link for more information https://www.villagehouse.jp/en/rent/shikoku/. Meaning, you can eat fresh fruits and vegetables the local farmers sell. Who knows, you might come back looking healthier than you left.

Sleep Improvement

Spending time in village settings gives your brain a recovery opportunity from city sounds and lights. Since you’ll be exposing yourself to natural light, your sleep quality will improve significantly.so, vacations to the countryside will make you feel re-energized and rejuvenated.

Peace And Quiet

Since you’re on vacation, you should be relaxing. Village settings are known for quietness and peace. So, it would be best if you took advantage of it.

Benefits Of Renting In The Village

Since you’re aware of the benefits of rural residences, you might consider renting an apartment there. Also, renting a village house is much cheaper than buying one, just like in urban settings. Below are some of the benefits of renting in Village House in Japan.

It Gives You A Chance To Try Out What Works For You

Moving to the village is a bold choice. So, if you’re not entirely sure of your readiness, then making a crucial financial commitment may also worry you, especially if you’re considering buying a house.

Village Renting Is More Affordable

Compared to buying a house, renting one is more affordable. Since you’ll be moving to the village for the first time and don’t have enough money to buy a house, renting is the next best option. Later, when you’re financially stable, you can start making plans to buy a house.

It Gives You a Tryout Opportunity

You can conveniently live in different village settings on village house renting to experience living with various neighbors and other residents. Since village house renting is cheap, you can try as many places as you like until you find a suitable permanent residence and consequently buy a house.

Factors To Consider When Renting A House/ An Apartment

Renting an apartment might seem easier than buying a house. But, do the environmental settings and the house itself meet your requirements? Below are factors to consider when renting an apartment;

• Insurance coverage: you must ask your landlord if the rental apartment is insured against damages such as fire or flooding. Otherwise, you risk paying for the damages in the event such a misfortune occurs. If the apartment isn’t covered, consider getting renter’s insurance.

• Monthly utility bills: note that as a tenant in Japan, you’ll shoulder your utility bills such as internet services and air conditioners. That is why it’s smart to set approximately $350 to $400 monthly. Since the country is in a tropical region, you have to prepare for increased AC utility costs unless you’d prefer to survive with fun. However, during cold and rainy seasons, the costs shift to dryers.

• Initial deposit amount: when you’re renting for the first time, your landlord will require you to provide a letter of intent (LOI). After that, you’ll also be required to settle a good-faith deposit. Before handing over the deposit, you should demand a TA first. Remember, you’ll get the good-faith amount in full when you decide to move out, assuming everything in the apartment is in good condition.

Conclusion

As outlined by the article, residing in a rural setting has numerous benefits. However, it would be best to prepare yourself financially when considering renting or buying a village house. So, the next time you decide to take a vacation, there are many village resorts you can opt for to relieve yourself of city stress.

Everything You Need To Know About Medical Cover For Employees

ABC Staff
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0
Everything You Need To Know About Medical Cover For Employees

As a business owner, you are in charge of making sure your employees have a good working environment. You also need to motivate your workers and ensure they continue to be a part of your company. One of the ways you can do this is by getting https://expatinsurance.com.sg/group-medical/ in Singapore. The cover offers invaluable peace of mind to your employees.

What Is Group Medical Insurance?

A Group Medical Insurance is a plan that covers employees or members of an organization. It offers health insurance for the members at the lowest rate. That is because the cover spreads the risk to all the members in the plan.

What Are The Benefits Of Getting Group Medical Insurance?

There are many benefits of investing in group medical insurance compared to other options. Discussed are the benefits you will gain when you choose the group medical insurance.

  • Cost Savings

As a business owner, you do not want to get insurance coverage that will strain your business finances. But, if you are searching for a cost-effective plan for your business, consider getting the group medical insurance cover.

  • Enjoy Tax Benefits

If you choose to get group medical cover for your employees, you will enjoy a health care tax credit. This tax deduction is for companies that give the employees’ insurance cover and then pay part of the premiums.

  • Get a Positive Work Environment

If your employees are happy, you can be sure of having a positive work environment. Getting group health cover is a sign that you care about your employees and their well-being. Thus, your employees will appreciate the insurance, which will motivate them to work.

Should Businesses Hire Medical Insurance Consultants?

Going directly to a company might seem like the best course of action when buying health business insurance. But, this might not be a suitable course of action. It is best to seek the help of a professional when faced with the many options and features. Here are reasons why you should consult with a professional.

  • Cut On Premium Costs

The insurance brokers have a role in guiding their clients to get the best insurance cover. Thus, they will strive to find the best cover at the lowest premiums possible. Moreover, since they have been in the business for a long time, they are familiar with the various insurance covers. So, they will present the different options and ensure that you get the one that suits your company.

  • Help Save You Time

Shopping for insurance coverage might seem simple until you start doing it. Note that the whole process can be time-consuming and stressful. The worst part is that you will likely land the wrong insurance coverage if you do not take your time to search. That will end up costing your business down the line. Hiring brokers ensures you get the best group health coverage for your business.

  • Help You When Filing Claims

The medical insurance expert will do more than find you good deals. The broker can advocate for your claim if you need compensation in the feature. So, you will not need to wait for months or years before the insurance company responds. If you hire the right expert, they will help ensure that you have settled your claim within a short time.

  • Get an Unbiased Risk Assessment

Since the brokers are not employees of a health insurance company, they will take the time to assess your business and what it needs. They can guide you on the best company to use. These experts will also give you the benefits and the risks involved to be informed.

Conclusion

Choosing a group medical insurance in Singapore among the many options you have available can be overwhelming. Going through the various health insurance companies and the policies they have implemented can be time-consuming. A suitable way to manage this is by hiring a broker company to help you get the best cover for your business. However, you ought to do due diligence to get the best company. The best health insurance cover is the one that will help ensure you get value for your money.

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