Here are 9 AI use cases for startups that help you achieve your goals, while improving customer satisfaction, team productivity, and growth.

What we’ll cover:

1. AI in sales: Build stronger customer relationships
2. AI in customer service: Automate support to boost satisfaction
3. AI for marketing: Reach the right audience with targeted campaigns
4. AI in operations: Save time and cut costs
5. AI in finance: Budget smarter and boost security
6. AI in HR: Make hiring easier and boost employee satisfaction
7. AI in security: Keep your data and customers safe
8. AI in product development: Stay ahead of market trends
9. AI in data analysis: Turn insights into action

1. AI in sales: Build stronger customer relationships

Leaders responsible for CRM and AI understand the criticality of data readiness, and in ASEAN, they are rising to meet this moment. AI transforms how startups handle sales, from forecasting to relationship-building. Among AI use cases for startups, sales applications allow teams to build stronger customer connections and predict future needs.

Sales forecasting with AI

AI tools can study past sales data to see trends and predict busy or slow periods. With this information, you can plan better and allocate resources effectively.

• Streamline resource allocation with AI insights.
• Make smarter decisions through clear forecasting.

Sales teams can leverage AI-powered customer relationship management (CRM) like Salesforce to boost efficiency. With tools like Agentforce, your sales team can gain a deeper understanding of customer needs and deliver more relevant recommendations, creating meaningful connections that drive sales. ating lead tracking and allowing reps to focus more on customer relationships.

Improving customer relationships with AI

AI-powered CRM tools store and analyse customer data so you can offer relevant deals and communication. Tasks like data entry are automated, saving your team time.

• Personalise messaging to make customers feel valued.
• Save time by automating tasks and focusing on relationships.

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2. AI in customer service: Automate support to boost satisfaction

Great customer service can set your startup apart. With AI, you can speed up response times and ensure each customer receives the support they need. This is one of the most widely adopted AI use cases for startups and SMBs, as it enables efficient and scalable customer service.

AI-powered support

AI tools like chatbots and virtual assistants allow you to provide support 24/7. They can answer common questions, solve simple issues, and send complex ones to human agents through collaborative tools like Small Business Slack, creating a smoother experience for customers. In fact, 87% of small business teams use AI to personalise the customer journey across channels, helping enhance customer satisfaction and resolve identity issues.

• Get 24/7 customer support with an AI agent and help customers any time. 
• Resolve customer issues faster with automating routine questions, reducing wait time. 

Reading customer sentiment with AI

AI can analyse feedback from surveys, social media, and customer service interactions to understand customer sentiments better. This helps you fix issues before they grow, keeping customers happy and loyal.

• Build customer loyalty by resolving issues quickly to foster trust.
• Improve product quality by using customer insights to better meet needs.

3. AI in marketing: Reach the right audience with targeted campaigns

AI marketing tools give you insights into your audience, allowing you to create more targeted campaigns that drive higher engagement. AI use cases for startups in marketing are among the most popular due to their ability to increase customer engagement and conversion rates.

Personalised campaigns for higher engagement

With AI, you can use customer data to send highly personalised messages, increasing engagement. With this approach, you’ll see a better return on investment (ROI) and have the flexibility to make real-time adjustments as you track your campaign’s progress. Around 82% of small business marketing teams also leverage AI to offer real-time deals, ensuring customers receive relevant offers when they’re most interested.

• Achieve higher ROI with targeted campaigns that drive more conversions.
• Make real-time adjustments as AI tracks and fine-tunes your messaging.

Predicting trends with AI

AI-powered predictive tools help you spot trends and prepare for customer needs. From product recommendations to ad adjustments, AI lets you stay ahead of the curve.

• Reduce risk by avoiding overstocking or shortages with trend forecasting.
• Stay adaptable by quickly adjusting to meet changing customer needs.

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4. AI in operations: Save time and cut costs

With AI and solutions like SMB Commerce storefront, you can reduce operational hurdles, managing orders and inventory more effectively while cutting down on costs.

Automate routine tasks

AI can handle repetitive tasks like data entry, invoicing, and team workflows. This reduces human errors and lets your team focus on more important work. 88% of SMBs use AI for data integration and process automation, helping reduce repetitive work and improve efficiency.

• Reduce costs with automation for repetitive tasks.
• Ensure clean data with fewer errors for reliable insights.

Optimise store performance with AI

AI can track your storefront performance so you can be more informed and make better decisions: 

• Use your data to build valuable insights about purchases and transactions.
• Reduce issues by using AI to predict problems for proactive action.

5. AI in finance: Budget smarter and boost security

AI-driven finance tools help startups budget, forecast, and detect fraud. Financial management is a critical AI use case for startups as it enhances budgeting accuracy and security.

Accurate budgeting and forecasting

AI tools can predict revenue, expenses, and cash flow, allowing you to create budgets that support growth while minimising risk.

• Create smarter budgets with reliable forecasts
• Drive growth decisions using valuable financial insights.

Real-time fraud detection

Data intelligence scans transactions to spot suspicious activity, adding an extra layer of security to protect your business.

• Receive instant alerts for irregular transactions
• Strengthen customer trust with reliable fraud detection

6. AI in Human Resources: Easy hiring and boosting employee satisfaction

For human resources, AI tools can improve recruitment and boost engagement, both of which contribute to a positive work environment. HR-related AI use cases for startups make the hiring process faster and more inclusive.

Simplifying hiring with AI

Make hiring easy by using AI agents to review resumes to find candidates with the right skills, speeding up hiring and reducing bias.

• Build inclusivity through skills-focused hiring.
• Shorten the hiring process with automation.

Increasing employee engagement

Boost your team morale with AI-backed analysis. AI analyses employee feedback to measure satisfaction, giving you insights to make a better team environment.

• Reduce turnover by increasing employee satisfaction.
• Enhance support through actionable insights for your team.

7. AI in security: Keep your data and customers safe

Startups often handle sensitive information, making cybersecurity essential. 72% of business leaders in Singapore cite privacy and security concerns as a barrier to purchasing AI, while 92% agree that trust is critical when partnering with an AI vendor. AI-driven cybersecurity is one of the most crucial AI use cases for startups, offering proactive threat detection. 

Spotting cyber threats

With AI monitoring network activity and user behavior, you can detect unusual patterns and prevent breaches before they happen, strengthening your business’s security.

• Monitor network security 24/7 with AI.
• Flag unusual patterns instantly with quick alerts.

Securing access

Stay secure with AI that controls who has access to data, making sure only authorised users can view sensitive information.

• Prevent breaches with controlled access to avoid unauthorised data use.
• Increase efficiency through automated access management to save time and reduce errors.

8. AI in product development: Stay ahead of market trends

AI assists in product development by spotting customer needs and market trends, helping you create products that customers want. Product development is an innovative AI use case for startups, enabling them to stay competitive.

Identify trends

Spot patterns with AI that can analyse data to reveal customer preferences and trends, helping you create products that meet demand.

• Match customer needs with trend insights to create desired products.
• Find opportunities by analysing trends to identify market gaps.

Optimise features based on feedback

AI can scan customer feedback to prioritise features, helping you develop products faster and more effectively.

• Streamline development with data-based choices to speed up timelines.
• Enhance satisfaction by prioritising popular features to keep customers happy.

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9. AI in data analysis: Turn insights into action

Data analysis is a core AI use case for startups, allowing them to analyse large datasets, uncover patterns, and support data-driven decision-making.

Business intelligence and reporting

With an AI-powered solution like Data Cloud, you can analyse your data to generate meaningful reports, which helps to quickly identify opportunities and challenges — helping you stay competitive.

• Turn data into clear, strategic reports for actionable insights.
• Make informed decisions faster with AI.

Predictive analytics for various business functions

Predictive AI uses historical data to predict future outcomes, from customer behavior to sales performance. This helps startups make proactive, data-backed decisions.

• Anticipate trends and challenges to reduce uncertainty.
• Enhance forecasting accuracy for greater confidence.

Data visualisation and dashboards

AI-powered dashboards present data in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format, making it easier to communicate findings and track key metrics in real-time.

• Track data in real time with visual dashboards that update instantly.
• Simplify data presentation for easier accessibility and understanding.

Final thoughts on AI use cases for startups

Your startup is ready to be powered by AI. By exploring AI use cases for startups and SMBs with tools like Salesforce’s Starter Suite, SMB Commerce storefront, and Agentforce, you’re setting up for a smarter, more connected future. This blog has shown how AI can make a difference in areas like sales, marketing, customer service, operations, security, finance, and HR.

With the right tools, you can get your customer data ready for AI with Starter Suite — try it out for free.

The post AI For Startups: 9 Use Cases For Growing Businesses appeared first on Salesforce.

The mistake that many rookie web designers make is not realising that building a website takes time and effort. It isn’t a quick plug-and-play process. Getting started requires plenty of thought and a good bit of legwork.

The good news? After learning the basics of web design and development, anyone can create a great website that attracts customers and keeps them coming back for more. In our beginner’s guide, we’ll show you how to do just that using either a content management system (CMS) or a website builder.

What is website development?

Website development refers to the process of planning, building, designing, and maintaining a website for your business. The website development process is split into two main sections: front-end and back-end.

Back-end development (web development)

The back end is the server-side part of your website that your customers don’t see. It’s all about how the site functions, how fast your pages load, and how easy your site is to use. 

Backend web developers need to learn coding and generally how to make sure everything runs smoothly. This means being familiar with server-side languages like Python and Ruby on Rails.

Front-end development (web design)

The front end is the customer-facing part of your website. This encompasses the visual elements that help your customer navigate your pages, as well as the graphics, layouts, navigation, and content. It often involves using programming languages like JavaScript and HTML to create seamless menus that help users navigate through your pages. 

Front-end web developers have a lot in common with graphic designers. They spend a lot of time picking the perfect colour palettes, deciding on the best graphics and selecting legible fonts. They may also need to consider the words included on a page.

Why should I build a great website?

The world isn’t like it used to be. These days, customers aren’t content with visiting the first store they see and buying whatever’s sitting on the shelves. They want to do their own due diligence and find a business that aligns with their needs.

That’s why 81% of retail shoppers conduct online research before they visit a store. Your customers want to know what you offer, how you can help fix their problems, and how you stack up against the competition before they buy from your business. 

Creating a website lets all of these customers find you online. It helps you market to a global audience around the clock. It makes you look professional. And most importantly, it allows you to control the entire customer journey from lead generation to conversion and loyalty. 

However, it isn’t enough to buy a domain name and start uploading your products. Businesses create thousands of websites every day. If you actually want to stand out, you have to create a site that’s better than the rest. Consider these statistics:

• 94% of your customers’ first impressions will be based on your website design. 
• 89% of consumers will switch brands if they have a bad user experience.
• 42% will abandon a site if it functions poorly.

With so many websites online, consumers are spoiled for choice. So, to make sure they choose you, you need to focus on website personalisation and making your site easy to use. With that said, let’s get into the complete guide. Here’s how to create a website from scratch, step-by-step.

How to create a website?

If this is your first time building a website, we strongly recommend you opt for a CMS or website builder to streamline the process. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Plan your project

Before you pick a theme or write any code, you’ll need to define your project and understand what you want to achieve. Here’s what to do.

Defining the basics

First, work out all of the basic elements:

• Business essentials: Define what you offer, your unique value proposition, your mission, and your values.
• Stakeholders: Determine which key stakeholders will need to be involved in the web design process.
• Competition: Take the time to understand your competitors. These will be a valuable source of information, but you also need to understand how you can set yourself apart from the crowd.

Understanding your target audience

You need to understand your audience before you begin designing your website. Start gathering information and create an ideal buyer persona to build an understanding of your perfect customer. You can carry out surveys to gather insights directly, or explore your competition to identify opportunities. 

This knowledge will lay the foundation for everything from your website layout and graphics to font and colour scheme. The more details you know at this stage, the better.

Identifying your goals

Once you understand your audience and competition, define some goals that will underpin your development process. Here are some common objectives and what you’ll need to prioritise to achieve them.

• Generating leads: Create valuable content that people can download in exchange for email addresses or inquiries. 
• Growing organic traffic: Prioritise search engine optimisation (SEO) strategies to help visitors find your website online. 
• Improving product sales: Create enticing product pages and a seamless eCommerce website checkout process. 
• Improving brand image: Design a visually appealing website with first-class customer service options like live chat and FAQs.

Conducting keyword research

Search engine optimisation (SEO) will help you improve your website’s position in the search results, helping more people find you online. You should spend some time in this preliminary stage researching keywords that you can target within your content.

Using keyword research tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, and Google Keyword Planner, research your competitors to learn the words and phrases they’re ranking for. You can use this to create a list that you can refer back to when you begin writing content for your pages.

Considering the elements your site will need to include

Lastly, you should think about the elements your site will feature based on your goals, competitor research and understanding of your audience. Common sections include:

• Homepage.
• About Us page.
• Contact page.
• Blog page.
• Privacy Policy.
• Customer Portal.
• Product pages.
• Testimonials page.
• FAQs.
• Case studies.

Once you’ve decided on your ideal pages, your planning is complete. You should now have everything in place to begin building your site.

Step 2: Choose your website domain name

First, in the web development process, you need to think about your domain name. This is the URL that your customers will associate with your website. A great choice can communicate your professionalism and even help with your SEO efforts. Here are some tips.

1. Make it memorable: Don’t make your domain name too long. Two to four words are best. Also, try to make it catchy so it rolls off the tongue. 
2. Stick to words: Don’t include numbers or hyphens in your domain name, as these can make it harder for people to remember and type into a search bar. 
3. Make it relevant: Choose a domain name that aligns with your brand. It needs to resemble your brand’s core messaging and values closely. 
4. Think about SEO: Is there a keyword or meaning that you can include in your domain to boost your SEO efforts? While optional, this can help more customers find you online.

Got a few ideas in mind? Run them through a domain name checker to see if your choices are available. In addition, decide on an extension that aligns with your website. Using .com is the most popular choice, but you could also opt for .net, .store, .blog, or .org, depending on your brand.

Once that’s complete, you can register your domain with your chosen hosting provider and secure an SSL certificate. Most website builders will let you handle this entire process within their platform.

Expert tip: Avoid .io domains for the time being, as there is a chance that they might be removed from domain registrars.

Step 3: Choose your platform

Choosing the right website development software for your skill level will offer you just the right amount of control without becoming overwhelming. 

For the purposes of this guide, we won’t be diving into coding a website manually. If you’re a beginner in the world of web development, you may want to start with a web design agency that specialises in creating custom websites, as these tools require little to no technical skills. 

There are two primary options I’ll cover: content management systems (CMS) and website builders. Let’s break each down one by one.

Content management systems (CMS)

A CMS lets you build your website without writing extensive amounts of code. 

They’re designed to be more flexible than website builders but easier to learn than coding a website yourself. 

Beginners can choose a theme, add different sections, and upload extensions to customise their site. More experienced developers can access the back end and customise the functionality to suit their business needs. 

There are various options available to you when choosing your CMS. Here are five to consider:

When you choose a CMS, look for something that is easy to use and offers the right amount of customisation for your skill level. 
Expert tip: Note that when you select a CMS, you’ll also need to invest in a hosting plan with a hosting company, such as WordPress Hosting. This can either be a shared hosting plan (good for smaller websites) or a dedicated hosting plan (better for high-traffic sites that need more resources).

Website builders

Website builders are all-in-one tools that allow you to create websites with no coding experience. These out-of-the-box solutions are ideal for users who want to build functional websites fast without any web development know-how. 

However, these solutions have their limitations. They have fewer customisation options and are harder to make unique. With website builders, you have several options to choose from:

• Wix: Offers an intuitive UI, excellent web-store features, hundreds of templates, and easy customisation options. The best of the bunch when it comes to website builders. 
• Squarespace: Very aesthetic designs, options to use custom code, and an intuitive interface. Squarespace only has a premium plan — no freebies. 
• Hostinger: Offers an easy drag-and-drop interface and AI-powered recommendations. Also comes with Hostinger web hosting built-in. 
• Weebly: A very easy-to-use site builder with excellent uptime, but it lacks extensive customisation options.

Using an AI website builder is by far the easiest way to get your site up and running faster. However, with limited options for you to fine-tune your pages, you should weigh whether this is the best option versus a CMS.

Step 4: Build your site structure

A site map will help your users navigate around your website. It ensures every customer can get exactly where they need to go without frustration. 

Naturally, you’ll want to start with a homepage. Then, think about the different landing pages for your business website that you’d like your users to click on. A common navigation bar at the top of a homepage might include:

• An About Us page.
• A portfolio.
• Customer testimonials.
• A product directory.
• FAQs.
• A resources or blog directory.
• A ‘Meet the Team’ page.

From there, spend some time refining and optimising your navigation.

How to optimise navigational flow?

Here are some tips to make it easy for your visitors to navigate your site.

• Dropdowns: Use dropdown lists to ensure your pages are manageable. For instance, a ‘Meet the Team’ page could easily fit underneath the ‘About Us’ section. Your portfolio and customer testimonials could both fall under ‘Why Choose Us.’ If your site is too confusing to navigate, you’ll end up with a high bounce rate.
• Menu placement: Keep your navigation menus in the same place on every page so your users can navigate easily. A sticky menu is one of the easiest ways to achieve this. 
• Add a search function: Place a search bar to the top of your page so your visitors can search for what they’re looking for. This is a great choice if you have an extensive product list or content catalogue.
• Breadcrumbs: Add breadcrumbs (trails of links) to show users the hierarchy of the page they’re currently on. This allows customers to ‘backtrack’ to higher-level pages, aiding navigation and creating a better user experience.

At all times, think about how you can make your website provide users with the best possible experience. The more you know your audience, the easier it is to get in their shoes and figure out what they need from you and how you can provide it.

Step 5: Website design considerations

The design and development process will differ depending on your chosen platform. However, there are some essential considerations you should think about regardless of your chosen solution.

• Template: Choose a template in your chosen CMS or website builder that aligns with your sitemap, brand identity and style. Double-check the template works well on mobile. 
• Colour schemes: What colours will you use to convey your brand’s tone, voice, and messaging? Research colour theory and psychology to find a palette that aligns with your business ideas and audience. 
• Typography: Choose an interesting, engaging font that is easy to read. 
• Layout: How do you want each of your pages to look? Come up with a rudimentary design before you start building your pages in your chosen tool.

Through all of this, consider how your website will appear on mobiles. Mobile accounts for over 53% of traffic worldwide, so you need to keep this in mind as you choose your design elements.

Key features for your business website

While the web design process is unique to your business, you should consider implementing some of these core features:

Call to action (CTA): Include CTAs on every page. Depending on your business goals, this could be to get in touch, fill out a form, or download a piece of content. Either way, make sure it’s easy to find. 

Titles: Your headers should be easy to read and descriptive. They can be creative but don’t make them ambiguous. For a technical tip, make sure your headers are above the fold so your users can see them even when scrolling down the page. 

Contact information: What use is a website if your customers are unable to contact you? Include a contact form with all of your details so prospects can reach out to you.

Payment gateway: How will your audience pay for your products or services? 

Choose a payment processing provider that can accept different forms of payment. Then, consider how you’ll integrate this feature into your web pages.

Social media integration: Consider incorporating social media platforms into your website. Live social feeds, user-generated content, social media icon buttons, and even follow and share buttons on blog content are all exceptional ways to link your Facebook, Instagram and TikTok directly to your page. This can drive traffic on both sides of the equation.

Step 6: Creating content for your pages

High-quality content creation is vital for attracting customers. It will help you to engage your audience, convey your brand messaging, and guide your customers down your sales funnel. 

Your landing page content is the best place to start. What are the core messages you want to convey to your audience? You can look at your competitors for inspiration, but here are some additional tips:

• Keep it concise: You don’t want to overwhelm your prospective customers, so keep your text short and sweet.
• Use headers and subheaders: Break up long pieces of text with headings to boost readability. 
• Incorporate images and videos: Use videos and imagery to improve your site’s aesthetics while communicating core messaging faster. Just remember to optimise this media so it doesn’t ruin your site’s loading times.

As an aside, consider creating a handful of blogs. While blogging will be an ongoing part of your website journey, you’ll appreciate having some engaging content ready to upload when your site goes live.

Optimising your content for SEO

As we touched on earlier, SEO is one of the best ways to make sure your audience can find you online. We won’t get into the finer details of SEO in this guide, but here are a few best practices you need to know:

• Keywords: Conduct keyword research to identify the words and phrases your audience is using in search engines like Google. Then, incorporate these keywords naturally into your content. 
• Meta tags: Write meta titles and meta descriptions that accurately describe the contents of each page. 
• Images: Compress images to ensure your website loads quickly. Google PageSpeed Insights can help you find ways to improve. 
• Responsiveness: Make sure your website is optimised for every device. Test it on all devices, including tablets and mobiles. 
• Internal linking: Link to other areas of your site within each page’s content. This helps Google to understand the structure of your website.

SEO is a powerful tool that you can continuously improve over time. Keep it at the top of your mind as you design your site, and keep refining it long after your domain goes live.

Expert tip: You can use a project management tool like Slack Lists to help streamline your task management and improve team collaboration.

Step 7: Testing your website

Ready to launch your website? Test it first. There are potentially dozens of small errors and bugs that you won’t catch until you hit publish.

Here’s a simple website development checklist outlining all of the things you need to assess before launch:

• Make sure the website functions the same across all devices.
• Ensure the website works exactly the same on all browsers. 
• Make sure your UX and UI design looks as you intended. 
• Test all forms for proper submission. 
• Ensure fonts are consistent throughout. 
• Make sure the text is accurate and free of errors.
• Check that you’ve replaced all placeholder content. 
• Check all headers and text are properly sized. 
• Ensure your site’s security system is in place. 
• Verify all internal and external links work as intended. 
• Make sure the page loads as fast as you expect. 
• Check all pages have a meta title and description. 
• Install an SSL certificate. 
• Confirm HTTPS is working as expected. 
• Verify that error pages are functioning correctly.
• Check site performance under different traffic loads.
• Add alt text for all forms of media. 
• Create a full website backup.

Once you’ve completed that checklist, you’re ready to launch. Remember to submit your website to Google for indexing through Google Search Console.

5 quickfire tips for successful website development

Here are 5 tips for successful web development and design.

• User-centric design: Make your user the focus of every decision you make. They’ll be the ones that decide whether your website is the best of the bunch. 
• Clear navigation: The clearer your navigation, the easier it is for your customers to find exactly what they’re looking for.
• Fast loading times: If a customer can’t reach your page in a short space of time, they’ll leave. Optimise your site so it loads faster. 
• Regular updates: Post new blogs, articles, product listings, and more on your site regularly. This will keep people engaged and will also boost your SEO strategies. 
• Website accessibility: Make sure your site is accessible to everyone. Provide alt texts for images, allow keyboard navigation, and provide adequate colour contrast.

Web design Philippines example: Ayala Land

Image source: Ayala Land

Ayala Land’s image carousel is a brilliant way to incorporate several visuals and messages without overwhelming the user. The brand includes four core images and messages that automatically scroll on a short interval.

Image source: Ayala Land

You don’t always have to rely on keeping your brand messaging concise to deliver an impactful message. Employing creative web design tools lets you provide customers with all the necessary information without making your page too text-heavy.

Summing up

Building a compelling website isn’t a quick process. But with a bit of knowledge and the help of technology, you don’t need a degree to create something that keeps users coming back. 

Build your understanding of your audience, create a compelling layout, focus on the functionality, and let the design fall into place. Achieve all that, and you’ll create a site that attracts users and keeps them coming back for more.

How Salesforce Experience Cloud can help?

Salesforce Experience Cloud lets you build personalised sites, portals, and forums faster. With our platform, you can build custom experiences with code or clicks with our easy-to-use tools, custom templates, powerful AI models, and seamless app integrations. 

Here’s how you can use Experience Cloud to create a website that engages your customers and keeps them coming back over and over again.

1. Choose from our wide range of templates to start building your site. 
2. Select from hundreds of engaging themes and fully customise every pixel.
3. Add custom components and design your site with your own content. 
4. Connect your CRM solution to your site design to keep everything in one place.

Want to learn how our platform can help you design, optimise, and maintain your perfect website? Watch the Experience Cloud demo to find out what Salesforce can do for you today.

The post How to Develop a Website: The Complete Guide appeared first on Salesforce.

Dropshipping is an eCommerce method that lets you sell your products to customers without keeping any in stock. How? The business accepts customer orders and then forwards all the details to a dropshipping supplier. That supplier then packs the product and ships it straight to the customer.

Though the exact details can vary depending on the third parties you work with, dropshipping websites allow eCommerce companies and startups to outsource much of the fulfilment stages of a customer experience.

Dropshipping introduces a middleman who will handle order fulfilment on your behalf. They’ll keep the product in stock year-round, wrap it up when required, and handle the shipment for a fee. Some dropshipping suppliers will even handle custom orders, such as printing a custom graphic on a plain white or black tee when a customer requests it.

You can use dropshipping partners to handle everything from producing the goods you sell to storing them, shipping them to a specific region, and then handling the “last mile” delivery to each customer.

Becoming a drop shipper means you won’t need to invest in warehouse space. There’s also no risk you’ll have excess unsold stock if that product launch doesn’t go quite as you’d hoped. Let’s take a look at those benefits through the magnifying glass.

Running an eCommerce business often involves wearing many hats — from product development to marketing and service — and dropshipping is one way to let someone else wear a few of them on your behalf.

What’s the difference between dropshipping and affiliate marketing?

Affiliate marketing is another retail model that earns commissions by promoting another business’s products or services. 

For instance, you’ll receive a unique product link you promote through your website, advertisements, or social media posts. Whenever someone clicks on your link, you’ll earn a small commission. 

Affiliate marketing has an even lower barrier to entry than drop shipping. You don’t need business knowledge, branding ideas, or domain names. 

However, the profit margins are smaller since you need to source products, manage shipping times, or sell online directly to customers. If you want the full experience of running an eCommerce business, including managing product sourcing and shipping, without the upfront costs, dropshipping is a better option.

How dropshipping works: step by step

Let’s walk through a typical dropshipping process one step at a time.

Step 1: Work with a dropshipping supplier

First, find a dropshipping supplier that stocks the products you’re looking to market. Once you contact them and reach an agreement, they’ll keep the products in their warehouse, handle packaging, and ship to your customers whenever they make an order. 

Step 2: Build your brand

Once you know the products you’re selling online and have a partner to handle logistics, all that’s left to do is build your brand. Build an online dropshipping store, a business name, a logo, and key brand messaging to differentiate from your competitors. Then, market your new business to build your brand and start selling products. 

Step 3: Receive orders

Receiving orders works as you’d expect. A customer visits your website and clicks to buy online. They checkout, pay and receive an order confirmation. As far as they know, the stock comes directly from your online business to them.

Step 4: The supplier handles the rest

Next, forward the order details to your dropshipping supplier. They’ll handle all of the details, package your product with custom branding, and ship the order to your customer’s location. 

Step 5: You gain a happy customer

Lastly, the customer will receive their product. If all goes well, you’ve just gained a happy customer. If it doesn’t, your drop shipping partner will handle customer service.

Dropshipping benefits for eCommerce entrepreneurs

Given the increased use of digital channels for shopping and the business opportunity it represents, dropshipping can be a way to level the playing field and allow smaller players to act more like a large enterprise.

Instead of owning and operating their own warehouse, for example, dropshipping allows entrepreneurs to have help managing their inventory. There’s no need to invest in a fleet of trucks and hire drivers or become an expert in shipping products to various countries. This offers many advantages, like:

Lower startup costs

Dropshipping is the great equaliser. It doesn’t matter if you’re running an established enterprise or launching an online store for the first time. You don’t actually buy your own inventory, meaning there’s less of an initial investment. You can even run your dropshipping business model from home. All you need is an eCommerce website. As a plus, you’ll also keep low overheads, potentially increasing profit margins over time. 

Scalability and flexibility

Dropshipping is a common tactic for eCommerce, where products are sold through large online marketplaces such as Amazon and Etsy to make it easy to start an online store. However, it’s not the only option.

As a seller of record, you can also form direct relationships with manufacturers who will drop ship your wares and produce them. Then, some wholesalers might purchase your products, mark them up, and drop ship them to other retailers.

Global reach

One common roadblock for small businesses is getting products overseas. Selling to your local clientele is one thing; selling to a customer halfway around the world is much more logistically complex. 

Dropshipping gives businesses a global reach, allowing them to sell worldwide without jumping through logistical hoops. Dropshipping companies are only limited by the quality of their brand and products rather than their geographical and economic circumstances. 

Time to focus on other high-value tasks

Best of all, dropshipping may make it easier to focus on areas of the customer experience that require greater attention and creativity. This includes the brand image you’re trying to develop, the channels you use to tell stories about your products, and the time you spend addressing customer questions and complaints through customer service.

What are the challenges of dropshipping?

Every retail model has its pros and cons. Despite the benefits, dropshipping does have some notable challenges. Let’s walk through some of the cons of dropshipping now. 

Loss of control over the supply logistics and product quality

If you outsource your manufacturing, custom packaging, and shipping to a dropshipping supplier, you’re putting a lot of trust in that business. If there’s a problem, you can’t address it as quickly as if it were your own logistical network. 

If your supplier isn’t performing well, you’re in a tight spot. Either you cut ties and risk your temporarily discontinued product going off the market, or you risk losing customers and tarnishing your brand reputation. 

High competition leads to low profit margins

The beauty of starting a dropshipping business is that it’s so accessible. Anyone can do it, and many people will. Unfortunately, that also means there’s lots of competition. 

Many businesses attempt to undercut competitors’ pricing to stand out. This inevitably leads to lower profit margins, making growing more difficult. 

Building your brand

Carving out a brand identity is essential for customer loyalty. But this can be harder when you sell third-party products. For instance, it’s more challenging to assure quality and promise excellent service every time. In short, it’s harder to be consistent. And if your customer expectations demand consistency, retaining them can be tougher if quality dips or service falters.

Dropshipping best practices 

The good news is that these drawbacks are avoidable, provided you implement best practices. 

1. Choose the right niche

The dropshipping market is saturated. Do some competitor research and take the time to choose the right niche. You ideally need a market that isn’t overly competitive. There has to be room to get your foot in the door. Equally, you should choose a segment that you’re genuinely passionate about. 

2. Partner with a reliable supplier

Choose your supplier carefully. Don’t just opt for the partner that offers the cheapest rates or the best package deal. Be diligent and shop around carefully. Search for a supplier that is reputable, communicative, transparent, and, above all, committed to creating a quality product. 

3. Differentiate yourself in other ways

Price isn’t the only way to differentiate your product. Incorporate branding so consumers have something tangible to associate with your products. Commit heavily to customer service. 

Create intelligent or humorous marketing campaigns that make your brand memorable. The more you can do to stand out and build a strong brand identity, the better your chances of carving out market share. 

4. Take the blame

Authenticity goes a long way toward promoting customer loyalty. If your customers complain about missing items or poor service, own it and tell them how you will fix it. 

5. Track performance and improve

Use data analytics to improve your business strategy regularly. Learn more about your target audience, monitor KPIs, and track the competition. The more you start understanding customer habits through market research, the easier you’ll be able to work your way to the top of your niche.

Print-on-demand dropshipping in The Philippines: Prodigi

To reveal just how advanced dropshipping can be, let’s take a closer look at Prodigi, the Philippines’ print-on-demand brand. 

Dropshipping products have a reputation for needing to be more inspired and generic. However, brands like Prodigi change that narrative by allowing businesses to start selling custom on-demand products without stocking any inventory.

Prodigi’s online store contains over half a million print-on-demand products, including canvases, clothing, mugs, phone cases, and stationery. The platform allows businesses to choose from these products and upload their own designs, such as artwork and prints.

Image source: Prodigi

Then, the entrepreneur can sell these prints and products in their shop. When a customer places an order, Prodigi will create the custom end product you sell and ship it directly to the customer.

This effectively allows businesses to create branded products and unique garments without all of the upfront inventory costs. Prodigi also sets itself apart by promising quality, sustainability, and excellent customer service — three common concerns of the tentative drop shipper. 

Most businesses think that a dropshipping model implies a need for more personality and brand identity. But the truth is that it’s entirely possible to create custom products and merchandise without stocking them in your own warehouse. 

Key considerations for Choosing a dropshipping partner

If you’re seriously considering getting started with dropshipping to launch and scale your eCommerce operation, thoroughly vet your partners. Some of the areas to consider and explore include:

Flexibility

Many dropshipping websites have been developed with maximum efficiency in mind. That could mean there are limitations on how your products can be handled regarding packaging or other aspects of eCommerce fulfilment. As a result, you may want to think harder about how you’ll differentiate your brand in different areas.

Visibility

Even though you’re outsourcing as part of a dropshipping arrangement, your customers will consider you accountable for every process step. Talk to your dropshipping partner about the extent to which you’ll be able to see inventory levels for products to sell and ensure customers don’t order out-of-stock items.

Integration

Sharing data about customer orders should be seamless and allow you to continue optimising other aspects of the customer experience. Make sure you can connect your CRM to whatever the dropshipping service has in terms of a tech stack.

Promotions

Though no one wants to compete solely on price, eCommerce customers tend to respond well to special discounts and other offers. Before you can do that, though, make sure your dropshipping partners will allow you to extend free shipping for a limited time or to create themed product bundles.

Quality of Service (QoS)

If a product arrives broken or even with the package dented, it can detract from your brand’s experience and perception. Discuss the dropshipping partner’s controls and safeguards to ensure quality is prioritised throughout the fulfilment process.

Safety

In light of recent events, many customers will look for contactless options when products are delivered to their doors. Your dropshipping partner should be well-equipped with scanners or apps that remove the friction from signing off on a delivery.

Exchanges and returns

Whether you like it or not, customers who order via eCommerce platforms will need to return items. Ask about any costs you’ll incur as part of returns, how quickly exchanges can be handled, and how best to connect all the relevant data to your customer service applications.

Summing up

In some respects, dropshipping involves making trade-offs in the degree of control you have over areas like fulfilment and the speed at which you can grow your business.

If you have significant capital to work with, for instance, it may be better to create your own fulfilment operations so you can find ways to innovate in how customers receive their products.

You’ll also want to consider your goals in terms of profit margin. Products offered via dropshipping are often priced low to move larger volumes of orders. When you use a CRM well, this becomes easier because you can begin to forecast sales accurately.

At the same time, using dropshipping at the outset could mean you develop a brand with unique attributes that set you apart in the market. Once you reach a certain level of growth, you may be more prepared to deal with the complexity of supply chain management and inventory issues.

Remember that customers ultimately turn to eCommerce to enjoy a well-developed digital experience. You need to deliver, whether you opt for dropshipping or tackling fulfilment yourself.

Looking for a way to streamline your dropshipping operations? Salesforce Order Management helps you track orders, manage inventory, and automate fulfilment across multiple vendors for seamless eCommerce success.

The post Dropshipping: What is it and How to Get Started? appeared first on Salesforce.

RFQs are essential for effective project management. I’ll walk through everything you need to know about these handy documents, including an RFQ meaning, how they work, and how they differ from RFPs.

What does RFQ mean?

RFQ stands for ‘request for quote’ and is the process of asking another company, like a supplier or contractor, to submit price quotes or bids for a specific product, project, or service

A request for quotation has several essential details that you can provide to potential vendors, including:

• Product/service details: A breakdown of the specifications of your project.
• Company info: Information about your company, including your contact details.
• Submission deadline: By when you’d like the quote to be submitted.
• Delivery requirements: The timeframe for completing the project.
• Contract terms: Any legal considerations, such as penalties or liabilities.
• Evaluation criteria: Information about how you will judge all of the bids.

RFQs are valuable documents in dozens of industries worldwide. For instance, they’re often used by the government for public procurement. They’re also a common element of construction projects, wherein a firm sends RFQs to several potential suppliers when sourcing raw materials. 

RFQs are also invaluable in the tech space. Many technological projects, like building a data centre or installing a new IT solution, are complex and multi-faceted. Sending out an RFQ lets the organisation compare quotes to find the best partner. It also helps the company understand an estimated price range so they can budget accordingly.

What is the difference between an RFP and an RFQ?

Although a request for quote (RFQ) and a request for proposal (RFP) may seem similar, they are actually two different processes. 

An RFP is a document that a business creates to request information about a specific product or service. It’s created when an organisation doesn’t know exactly what it’s looking for. It’s all about gathering information. In contrast, an RFQ is sent when the business already has a project in mind and is looking for a price. 

With that in mind, an RFQ request contains more detailed information about the product or service the business seeks. It will detail exactly how the vendor can solve the business’s problem. Consider it an opportunity for the vendor to state their value proposition and win over the client.

When to use an RFQ vs RFP?

Let’s examine the key differences between RFPs and RFQs and explore when each is most appropriate for your digital procurement process. Understanding when to use an RFP versus an RFQ can streamline your decision-making and help you secure the best partnerships and services.

Knowledge of the project vs missing information

In general, you should use an RFQ when you already know all the details of the project you’re carrying out. You’ve already solved the problem. All that’s left to do is get a quote for someone to carry out the task to your specifications.

In contrast, you should use the RFP process when you haven’t quite figured things out. Perhaps you need the vendor to tell you how they’ll solve your problem. Maybe you haven’t ironed out the details and want the potential supplier to fill in the gaps. Either way, use an RFQ in this case.

Standard products vs complex projects

Similarly, if the product specifications are clear and standardised, an RFQ is a good choice. For instance, if you know you need 10,000 products by the end of the month, an RFQ will give you all of the information you require to make informed decisions. 

For a specific project that requires careful planning, an RFP request will help you get more information before you commit to a vendor. Building an app, for example, requires coding, wireframes, UI design, testing, quality assurance, and much more. There’s a lot more to consider than price when deciding on the ideal business to work with.

How to create an RFQ step-by-step?

The RFQ process isn’t too complicated, but it’s also crucial to get it right. Take the time to learn all of the best practices in our guide so you can nail the process every single time. Here are the steps to create an effective RFQ:

Step 1: Deciding on your approach

Before you start creating your document, you should decide on your preferred approach. Liaise with your team and stakeholders to clearly define the scope and specifications of your project. You should also decide on a preliminary budget. 

Following this, decide on a bid type. Do you want to approach a select few businesses or have companies approach you? There are a few different types to consider:

• Open bid: This involves opening your RFQ to all vendors. When a vendor bids, this bid will be visible to all other bidders. Essentially, this creates a bidding war to work with your business. It’s a great approach for transparency and cost management but may lead experienced companies to avoid working with you.

• Sealed bid: As with an open bid, sealed bids open the RFQ to every vendor. However, the vendors don’t know what other vendors offer during bidding. This avoids bias and favouritism by ensuring a level playing field for all bidders.

• Invitation for bid: With an invited bid, you conduct market research and reach out to specific potential vendors, asking them to submit their quotes for your review. This is useful when you already have a pool of companies you’d like to work with or when the project is so niche that you require a partner with specific expertise.

• Reverse auction: In a reverse auction RFQ, multiple suppliers bid for the chance to fulfil your order. The lowest bidder at the auction wins the contract. This is a viable approach for simple goods and services that multiple vendors can provide with no difference in quality.

Once you’ve chosen your bid type and aligned your organisation on the best approach, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Preparing your document

Next, it’s time to prepare your document. This should clearly state your project requirements, such as specifications, quantity, payment terms, and delivery date. Here are all of the essential details to include:

• A brief introduction to your company and project. 
• Your business’s contact information.
• The vendor’s contact information.
• Submission requirements (what the vendor’s quote needs to include).
• Submission deadline (by when the vendor needs to send their quote).
• The project’s scope and specifications. 
• Any extra project resources, such as drawings or concepts. 
• The deadline for delivery of the project. 
• Selection process (what you’re looking for in your ideal vendor).
• Terms, conditions, and legal considerations.

Create a standardised RFQ document that you can send to every vendor. This will provide a level playing field, making it easier to compare prices and expertise. An RFQ template can help with this. We’ve provided one below for you to use.

Step 3: Send out your RFQ document

Made your document? Distribute it along with supporting resources to your chosen vendors. Depending on your industry and the project’s urgency, you can either send by email or direct mail. Remember to include a point of contact so they know how to reach you. 

Now, all that’s left to do is wait for the deadline. At this stage, it’s important to treat all vendors equally and keep an open mind. Leaving bias at the door is fair for your bidders and may help you secure a better deal than you’d initially anticipated.

Expert tip: Acknowledge every response you receive and keep your bid evaluation team informed about progress. Keeping tabs will ensure everyone stays in the loop and invested in the RFQ business process.

Step 4: Review the RFQs and choose your vendor

Review them once the deadline has passed and you’ve received all competitive bids. You and your team need to ask:

• Who is providing the cheapest quote?
• Which business can provide exactly what we need?
• Does this business’s value proposition align with our needs?
• Which vendor is truly providing the best value?

Your team should also evaluate the bidders based on your own internal factors. It’s all about considering what you need and whether that supplier can provide it. Price is a factor, but there’s little use choosing the cheapest option if they can’t offer the right service.

Step 5: Close the deal

Have you decided on your chosen vendor? Let them know promptly, but wait until they’ve signed the contract before you inform the other bidders. 

You’ll need to negotiate with your chosen vendor to iron out any details, such as deliverables, timeframes, and whether the pricing is fixed. Use contract lifecycle management software to create and distribute a robust contract that protects your business from operational risk. 

Once all contracts are signed, you should notify and thank the other bidders. Being courteous is important as you might want to work with the other vendors later. Encourage them to bid on future projects if and when they arise.

An RFQ template

Below, we’ve created a standardised template that you can populate with your business information. Here, you can break down your RFQ into buyer info and project details, seller information, and the evaluation process.

RQF example A-Z Construction

To show you how the template above could look in practice, let’s fill out the RQF to send to vendors for the imaginary A-Z Construction, who have just been tasked with building a new bridge over the Darling River. They need the construction materials, so they’ll send out an RFQ to find potential vendors.

RFQs best practices

Here are some best practices to keep in mind throughout the RFQ process. By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared to achieve accurate, streamlined results across your supply chain, ensuring efficiency at every step.

1. Be as clear and detailed as possible

The more clear you can be with your RFQ, the more likely you are to get responses with accurate quotes. Include details about your upcoming project, including the quantity, specifications, and delivery expectations.

2. Create a level playing field

You may miss an opportunity if you go into the RFQ process with your eye on one supplier. Keep an open mind and be fair to every vendor. Ensure they can access the same data and see the same document as everyone else. This makes it easier to compare options once submissions come through.

3. Create pre-qualification selection criteria

Reviewing 30-50 submissions at once can be very challenging if you’re reviewing each in kind. Choose some pre-qualification criteria to quickly pre-screen applications. 
For instance, you could filter out candidates who have never worked on a project like yours or instantly filter out vendors priced above a certain threshold. This would reduce the pool of applicants, saving time.

4. Check pricing structures carefully

When you review the quotes provided by each vendor, check carefully for hidden fees and contract terms. A potential supplier might offer the cheapest rates for a service, but vague contract terms may lead you to pay more down the line. It’s worth it to be diligent.

5. Protect yourself

When you enter the contract negotiation stage, clearly outline your terms and conditions. We suggest securing a product warranty to protect you if the materials are defective. You can also set discounts to protect you if the product arrives late. Outlining these TOCs is essential to contract management.

Summing up

RFQs are the most effective way to achieve cost savings on your next project. They give you the option to select the best deal from multiple vendors. They can also help you find reliable partners who understand your needs and how to meet them. 

Managing projects from start to finish requires excellent organisation and stellar communication. Salesforce can help with that. With our platform, you can view all of your data, teams, customers, and projects in one place. This makes it easier to see what needs to be done, when, and by who. 

Take control of your projects today and start driving results with data management by Salesforce. Browse our range of products today to learn how our platform can help you grow your bottom line. 

Working as a vendor? The Salesforce CPQ can help you quote quickly and accurately from anywhere. With our guided selling flows and discounting rules for sellers, you’ll have everything you need to provide fast quotes and win bids more frequently. Find out more about the Salesforce CPQ today.

The post What is an RFQ? [Includes Example + Template] appeared first on Salesforce.

It used to be that starting up a small business was much riskier than being employed. Not anymore.

So, if you’re ready to launch a business, start a side hustle to supplement your income, or simply seek inspiration, this guide will help you get started with these 31 small business ideas.

Skill-based business ideas

Are you looking for an online business idea? These ideas leverage your professional skills or expertise and require little to no additional training.

1. Bookkeeper

If you have a flair for numbers and an eye for detail, use your skills to help other small businesses with their books, tax preparation and payroll from the comfort of your home office. Most small companies can’t afford a full-time bookkeeper, allowing you to help multiple entrepreneurs.

2. Tutor

Do you have a subject you know well? Something that you can teach people? People of all ages want to learn a new language or are interested in playing an instrument like guitar or piano. Whether teaching online or in person, your expertise could translate into a successful online business.

3. Freelance writer

Wordsmiths are always in demand. Suppose you can create compelling content, convey unique selling points, and are comfortable crafting for various mediums (from digital articles to marketing materials). In that case, you will find that remote businesses must have the skills of a freelance copywriter.

4. Graphic designer

Like freelance writers, skilled graphic designers and web designers are in high demand to create everything from logos to website designs to merchandise. Most companies can’t afford to have a full-time UX/UI web developer on staff, where experienced freelance designers can fill a need.

5. Beauty therapist

If you have training as a hair stylist, beautician or nail technician, you have valuable skills. Look for opportunities that salons and spas don’t offer, like mobile services or being a regular provider of assisted living facilities or local events.

6. Landscaper

Landscaping can be a lucrative, year-round business if you have the know-how and equipment. From small businesses to campuses to homeowners, there’s no shortage of grounds that need maintenance and improvement.

7. Consulting business

Put your expertise to use. Do you know how to implement successful communication strategies? Are you an SEO wizard or great at content marketing? Can you advise businesses on sustainability? Hone in on your area of knowledge and market yourself as a consultant.

Tips for success:

• Communicate your experience to potential customers through a portfolio of work and professional recommendations.
• Lean on your network. You’ve spent time establishing contacts in your industry. Ask them for help, advice, and support. 
• Be confident. You know your industry, and you have hard-won experience.

Hobby-lead business ideas

Are you looking for a home business idea? These ideas leverage your passion. It may take some time to build up a customer base, but in time, you’ll make a living doing what you love.

8. Dog walker

If you love dogs, are trustworthy, and enjoy exercise, dog-walking might be your ideal business. Many people own beloved pets and will pay to see they get the midday attention they deserve.

9. Event planner

Are you the go-to organiser in your friend group or family? Becoming an event planner means earning a living from what you already do naturally and well. An event planning business where it’s easy to start small and grow big.

With a vibrant and diverse event management industry that encompasses everything from corporate events and weddings to festivals and community gatherings, there are endless opportunities for creativity and collaboration.

10. Mobile personal training

If you’re passionate about moving and enjoy getting other people moving, consider taking your skill set on the road. Many people would rather pay for a coach than a gym. You can start training people one-on-one or set up group sessions in local parks.

11. Gardening

Green thumbs can help other people’s plants and gardens thrive through lawn care services. Whether it’s regular maintenance or a holiday watering, use your love of plants to set up a growing business.

12. Travel consultant

Do you know the ins and outs of all the current travel apps? Do you know how to hack systems to get the most points, the best upgrade, or a prime deal? If you’re travel savvy and organised, offer your skills to people who aren’t and help them explore and enjoy the world.

Tips for success:

• Look at other people who are doing similar things and study what they’re doing well and where you might have a point of difference. 
• Make sure you’re up-to-date on any training or certifications that you need, especially if you’re selling online products. 
• Be enthusiastic and authentic, whether you’re running a home business or traditional business ventures. Your love for your business will engage customers and foster loyalty.

Solution-based business ideas

Some of the best business ideas solve an existing problem. If you identify something that would be helpful to you, it’s likely to help other people. That’s an instant customer base for your new business. Here are some business ideas to consider.

13. Handyman

If you’re handy at fixing things around the home, use your talents to help others. Many people could use help with simple things, from hanging pictures to building a bespoke set of shelves to unclogging a drain. Set yourself up as the go-to fix-it person in your local area.

14. Seamstress

This is an in-demand (and vanishing) profession. People always need pants hemmed, zippers repaired, tears mended, and buttons replaced. Larger services can be prohibitively expensive, causing people to throw out old favourites rather than repairing or altering them. If you have sewing skills and the right equipment, you have a customer base waiting for you.

15. IT support

With technology advancing rapidly, many people (especially small businesses and older individuals) are getting left behind. If you know your way around phones, laptops, and printers, you can help people set up systems and troubleshoot problems.

16. Pet sitter

Pet sitting can be a lucrative business if you have an affinity for animals and the flexibility to live in other people’s homes. Consider offering additional services like dog walking or pet grooming to attract more clients and provide comprehensive care that’ll allow your pet business to grow.
Advertise locally or use an existing service to market yourself. Once you gain experience with different animals and receive glowing recommendations, repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals will help your pet care business take off.

17. Translator

If you can speak another language fluently, consider establishing a translation service. You can keep your services general or focus on a specific niche market, like medical or legal fields.

Tips for success: 

• Make sure to collect referrals from happy clients. This will increase confidence in your business. 
• Do your homework. Study the market to determine where you should be pricing yourself. If you can afford to undercut larger businesses, especially as you’re starting out, that will help build a robust client base. 
• Market yourself successfully. Create a website and social media channels, and utilise traditional marketing strategies (job boards and radio ads) to get your business name out there.

eCommerce business home business ideas

The online space is ripe with opportunity, and starting an eCommerce business allows you to reach an almost limitless audience. Here are some business ideas you can start.

18. Trading cards

Trading cards can be a lucrative and exhilarating business. Rare cards can sell for millions of dollars, and a steady business model exists for buying and selling cards online.

19. Craftwork

If you have a talent for making things (from knitted blankets to pottery), start an eCommerce website and transform your hobby into a job. You can create your own website or sell items via sites like Etsy.

20. Dropshipping business

This business idea is growing in popularity. Dropshippers accept customer orders while running online stores to sell products, including digital products like eBooks, online courses, and software as well as physical items through online reselling platforms.

When a customer makes a purchase, the dropshipper places an order with the supplier.When a customer makes a purchase, the dropshipper places an order with the supplier. This model effectively avoids supply issues, unsold inventory, and the expenses associated with investing in warehouse space.

Tips for success:

• Know your market. From t-shirts with cool artwork to trading cards, the better you understand your market, the better your chance at success.
• Be prepared to adapt. As technologies and platforms evolve, keep your business (and mindset) nimble to stay ahead of customer service trends. 
• Be social media savvy. E-commerce success relies heavily on self-promotion. Be proactive.

Niche-based business ideas

These business ideas cater to specific interests and can lead to a profitable business. They are small but mighty. Doing one thing passionately can make a business boom and be a great business to start.

21. Florist

Recently, many creative people have become florists, growing their own blooms, arranging colourful bouquets, and selling/delivering them locally. It has become such a lucrative business that many people who start this as a side hustle never return to their previous jobs. If you have a knack for growing things and an eye for design, this might be a small business idea that appeals to you.

22. Chef

If you’re a talented chef and love creating masterpieces in the kitchen, consider starting your own business. You could become a personal chef for people who are too busy to cook (or who don’t enjoy it), or you could market your skills to local businesses. You could also create ready-to-eat meals that you deliver to clients.

23. Storyteller

Everyone has a story. Many people would love to tell their stories, preserving them for family or posterity, but they don’t know where to start or don’t feel confident writing them down.

If you have interviewing, freelance writing, and editing abilities, offer your services as a storyteller, recording and transcribing memoirs and collating them (possibly with photographs) in a book for your clients.

24. Sustainable products

There is a huge market for eco-friendly alternatives to mass-produced products. If you have an idea, from chemical-free dishwashing tabs to environmentally friendly soap in recycled packaging, use it to start your own small business. Not only will you do your part for the planet, but your passion project might end up becoming a serious success.

25. Costume designer

If you have a talent for sewing and a creative mind, there’s a market for costume designs. If you love dress-up, create and sell Halloween or cosplay costumes. Alternatively, look into creating costumes for local theatre productions or even your regional film industry.

Tips for success:

• With niche-based business ideas, the more skilled you are, the more business you’ll attract. Put the effort into becoming the best in your trade.
• Start your business as a side hustle to grow your client base. There will be a pinch point when your business grows to the point when it can nearly support itself. Persevere. Soon, you’ll be able to quit your day job and focus on your burgeoning business full-time. 
• As with eCommerce business ideas, social media can be a fantastic marketing tool, showcasing your creations.
  

Community business ideas

These business ideas not only fill local needs within the community but also create opportunities to build strong, enduring relationships with your customers.

26. Property stylist

If you have a natural eye for aesthetics and live in a real estate hot spot, start a property stylist business, preparing and presenting homes for sale. You’ll need to have access to a large collection of furnishings and fine touches (either hiring them or buying and storing them), but after that initial investment, you’ll have what you need to get started.

27. Cleaning business

This is a high-demand profession with plenty of scope for diversification. In addition to cleaning local homes, consider marketing your services to small businesses and real estate agents (tidying up before tenants move in or after they vacate).

28. Photographer

Are you talented with a camera? Think about the number of pictures you see in your community on a daily basis: business portraits, team or club photographs, or images from events. These all require a photographer, and that could be your photography business.

29. Social media specialist

Most small businesses don’t have a thorough understanding of social media — which platforms they should be active on, the pros and cons of paid versus organic, how to handle partnerships, etc.
It’s also likely they don’t have time to post regularly and keep their accounts up-to-date. If you have a passion for social media marketing and know how to use it, you can take the weight off business owners’ shoulders and start a robust business as a social media consultant.

30. Food truck business

If you’ve toyed with the idea of owning a restaurant but are (understandably) concerned about the risks and costs associated with opening a brick-and-mortar store, think about launching a food truck specialising in gourmet or specialty food. It’s an excellent way to dip your toe into the restaurant business, trying out concepts while researching market and demand.

31. Tour guide

Do you know your backyard better than anyone else? If you have a handle on the history, wildlife, and hotspots in your region, set yourself up as an independent operator. You can set your own tours and schedule, meet new people, and share what you love.

Tips for success: 

• Cultivate your network of local businesses and connections. This will help you create a steady customer base and generate valuable word-of-mouth referrals. 
• Market yourself effectively. Showcase what makes your business stand out.
• Budget for and invest in the equipment to help you do your job effectively and well.

A small business success story from New Zealand

New Zealand retail brand Mons Royale is an excellent example of a solution-based business idea. Founders Hamish and Hannah Acland were frustrated with ineffective winter wear. As young ski enthusiasts, they wanted clothing that could perform on the mountain but still look good in town at day’s end.

Image source: Mons Royale

They had grown up on high country stations in New Zealand and were familiar with merino wool, a high-performing, soft, natural fibre that regulates temperature. This farming background, passion for adventure sports, and concern for sustainability established a unique platform from which Mons Royale was launched in 2009. 

Originally, Mons Royale started with an underwear and base layer offering, cleverly employing a well-known skiing phrase as their business tagline: “First on, last off.” They based their business in the small South Island town of Wanaka, eventually growing their offering to include a larger apparel offering for various action sports. They now have more than 700 global retail stockists, a team of 50 staff, and offices in Canada and Austria.

Throughout its journey, Mons Royale kept true to its small business origin story, which helped the brand maintain its core base while reaching new customers. They continue prioritising sustainability and base their offices in mountain towns worldwide rather than cities. Most importantly, they encourage their staff to take the day off and go skiing if it’s a perfect powder day.

What makes a strong business idea?

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur and love the idea of being a small business owner but are casting around for inspiration, chances are you already know where to start. Create a list of your skills — what background or talents do you have? 

Next, think about what brings you joy — what do you love to do in your own time? Lastly, look for gaps in your industry or local community. Where are there opportunities to fill a gap or improve on existing services? Somewhere in there is your big idea. 

Any business idea has the potential to succeed. Strong business ideas often begin with a unique selling point (USP). To effectively reach your target market, identify a gap in the market or a differentiator that sets your business apart from the competition, and you’re off to a great start.

Here are a few other considerations:

• Keep start-up costs low (but dream big). The more practical your idea and the lower your startup costs, the more manageable it will be to launch your small business idea. But don’t forget to plan for growth — if your business is ready to expand, be prepared to seize the opportunity. 
• Do your homework. Research your industry and create a robust business plan and marketing toolkit. If you can afford it (or have a savvy friend), engage a business mentor to review your idea and give you honest feedback and suggestions. 
• Follow your passion. Being your own boss is hard but rewarding. Having a genuine passion for your idea or industry will help you through the lows so you can reach the highs.

Right place, right time – a niche Australian business takes off

Have you ordered from a table QR code at an Australian bar or restaurant? Chances are, you’ve used the popular restaurant ordering app me&u. 

This revolutionary idea is a great example of a niche-based business concept that took off, thanks (in part) to COVID. It’s an app-less platform that lets customers scan a QR code to browse food and drinks, order, and pay, all without needing to queue. 

Image source: me&u

The platform isn’t just for customers – businesses can use the technology to pair food and beverages, curate menus, and ‘serve an experience’, which helps to increase sales. 

me&u started up in 2018, with its founders recognising the opportunities afforded by QR codes, and visualising how that might increase efficiency in the hospitality industry. When COVID forced venues to embrace a new way of working, this seemingly niche idea found itself in global demand. 

me&u now now operates in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. In 2023, it merged with its largest competitor, Mr Yum, to become a global leader, processing more than $2B in dining transactions every year. That’s not a bad growth curve for a company that started with 40 employees and a clever idea.

10 steps for getting started

Once you have your idea, you need a plan. These 10 steps will help you create a roadmap for getting your idea off the ground.

1. Check and obtain any licences and certifications that you need.
2. Seek professional advice on business insurance and liability protection to ensure you look after yourself and your business.
3. Consult with an accountant to determine the best structure for your business, identify any tax implications, and establish basic accounting practices. List items and expenses that can be tax deductible. 
4. Set up business banking and register for taxes. Having a business bank account right away will help you avoid mixing personal and business finances, making it easier to track expenses, manage cash flow, and simplify tax reporting.
5. Secure website domain names, trademarks, and social media handles. 
6. Create a business plan and a marketing plan and run it past a business mentor.
7. Start networking. Build relationships with other entrepreneurs and industry professionals by attending industry events and joining professional organisations.
8. Explore funding options. These can range from personal investments to crowdfunding to business loans and grants — or a mixture of all of these. 
9. Get your technology in place. What systems and software will help streamline your business, improve efficiencies, and protect your data? 
10. Celebrate. Seriously. A business’s early achievements will be overshadowed by the list of things that still need to be done. Celebrate and acknowledge your progress and victories with family, friends, and your team. Keep your enthusiasm and momentum — you will get there.

Most business ideas do not start off with a flashy office; instead, they are often started at home. That’s why when starting a business it’s crucial to reduce overhead costs from the get-go.

What to consider before starting a business?

Your ingenuity and hard work benefit you as a successful small business owner. You also have more control over when and how you work, which is helpful if you have a family, are studying, or are navigating other scheduling considerations. Here are some things to consider as you balance these responsibilities.

What is your unique selling point?

All businesses bloom from an idea. Start with a unique selling point (USP), a term coined by Rosser Reeves, and identify a gap to fill or a distinguishing feature that makes your business stand out from the competition.

Is small business ownership risky?

It can be. Many small businesses, including sole proprietorships, fail; however, many entrepreneurs believe the risk is worth the potential rewards: equity, flexibility, and job satisfaction across various types of businesses.

How much money do I need to start a business?

Depending on your starting point (amount of expertise, equipment, etc.) and your end goal (business expenses, staffing requirements, etc.), the amount you can get started with as little as $100 can range up to $100,000 or more.

The best way to calculate your startup costs is to list all of your expected expenses and assign a dollar amount to each item. Then, factor in a slush fund to cover unanticipated expenses.

Summing up

Starting your own small business might be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. However, it is risky and demands hard work, responsibility, and weathering uncertainty.

However, it could bring financial success over what you might achieve in a traditional job working for someone else. In addition, being your own boss brings greater freedom, control, and flexibility.

Best of all, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your idea take flight. Ready to get started? Now is the time to sketch out your idea and start researching how you’ll bring it to life.

Are you ready to take your small business idea to the next level? Discover how Sales Cloud can streamline customer relationships and boost sales today.

The post Be Your Own Boss: Ideas for Starting Your Own Small Business appeared first on Salesforce.

To answer that question, Dreamforce offered a firsthand look at Salesforce’s latest AI-powered innovations — including Agentforce, a new collection of autonomous agents that fulfill the promise of AI and human collaboration — and how these, alongside community, power sales success.

Here are the highlights:

Highlight #1: AI is table stakes for sales productivity

As our State of Sales report revealed, AI is everywhere. Roughly four in five sellers use it, and among those that do, 83% saw revenue growth last year. 

The question is: Why? The same report revealed some key benefits, echoed by Salesblazers during this year’s Dreamforce: Improved data quality and accuracy, reduced manual work, streamlined customer research, lead prioritisation, improved forecasting accuracy, and personalisation for customers. 

We saw this underscored during the Sales Cloud keynote, which showed the time-saving work of Sales AI action, highlighting big-win deal opportunities, automatically transcribing and analysing sales call, and updating deal records with the latest customer information — all inside Sales Cloud. (This is only a taste of what AI is already doing. Take a deeper dive into Sales Cloud’s AI features here.)

Of course, the benefits of AI can only be realised when the data feeding AI models is accurate and complete. Which brings us to…

Highlight #2: Integrated data and simplified tech are the way forward

While there were many AI innovations revealed at Dreamforce this year, the preface was clear: The only way to deliver accurate, impactful AI outputs is to make sure your data is clean and consolidated. 

That starts with an integrated tech stack. When you bring the functionality you need onto a single platform, like the Salesforce platform, you bring data into one place. That means whatever AI features you roll out will have access to the most complete customer information available. Clean, complete data = high-quality AI outputs.

Even better, this consolidation makes your sellers’ lives so much easier. No more swivel-chairing or tab juggling.

We chatted with some top-tier sales leaders at Dreamforce about this critical piece of AI use. They shared examples of consolidation in action, and how it’s improved seller performance. Watch a recording here.

Highlight #3: Humans + autonomous agents = the new formula for growth

First, we saw predictive AI take the scene. Sales forecasters were giddy, watching artificial intelligence comb through heaps of data to find trends and tell us the future. Then, generative AI launched, creating emails from simple prompts and call scripts from simple outlines. 

Now, it’s time for autonomous AI. 

Welcome, Agentforce. This Salesforce-wide innovation, revealed at the main Dreamforce keynote, is a collection of autonomous Agents across the Customer 360 platform. 

What are these fully customisable Agents used for? Think of them in two distinct categories: 

• “Complete a job for me” (Autonomous): Autonomous Agents can be set up to perform pipeline-driving tasks entirely independent of a human salesperson, like qualifying leads and sending sales outreach messages.
• “Help me complete a job” (Assistive): Agents can also serve as valuable companions throughout the day-to-day grind of working in sales. An Agent can train salespeople with personalised sales coaching, or answer technical questions on the fly directly in the flow of work.

For sellers, two Sales Agents were unveiled that will improve productivity dramatically:

Agentforce SDR. This prospecting Agent can qualify inbound leads using criteria, permissions, and guardrails set sales teams. For example, a seller might ask Agentforce SDR to send along only those leads with a potential deal value of $10k with a likelihood of closing in the next quarter. Agentforce SDR engages prospects via SMS, email, or their preferred channel and asks questions to qualify them according to preset criteria. Once qualified, leads are sent to sellers to continue the conversation and close.

Agentforce Sales Coach. We’ve heard it many times (including from our State of Sales report respondents): Managers don’t have enough time to coach their reps on sales calls, and sellers don’t have enough time to practice calls with their peers. In fact, roleplaying is one of the least commonly used enablement tactics. Agentforce Sales Coach to the rescue. This new autonomous Agent can roleplay sales calls with reps, providing personalised and objective feedback. How does it make these roleplays realistic? By pulling real-life objections, questions, and conversation details from past deals in Sales Cloud.

These are just a few examples of the fully customisable AI Agents available within the Salesforce platform – and they represent just a small fraction of the many unique Sales AI use cases to come in the near future. (Watch the Sales Cloud keynote for more on the Sales Agents available now.)

Highlight #4: Community will always be the beating heart of sales 

Is AI the future of sales? Yes. But not without people.

In the spring of 2023, we launched the Salesblazer Community. We knew — from conversations with customers, prospects, and sellers we admire — that community (+ technology) was needed to help sales professionals learn, grow, and succeed. 

So we delivered. We created and curated the best sales content anywhere. We offered opportunities to network and connect — from in-person gatherings at World Tours and Dreamforce, to virtual Coffee Chats and AMAs. We delivered sneak peeks of product innovations. And we listened while you shared your vision for this fast-growing community.

In a relatively short time, we’ve grown to almost 10,000 members, representing every conceivable sales role (from SDR to CRO), countless industries, and now, countries across the globe. (Just announced at Dreamforce: We’re adding new channels in our Slack Community for our French and German #Salesblazers.)

We even had the chance to give the much-deserved spotlight to leading #Salesblazers at the Sales Cloud keynote this Dreamforce — applauding THNKS, Veeam, and Accenture for being models of #Salesblazer values.

The best part? We’re just getting started. More innovation, more engagement, more fun is coming. If you’re not a part of the Community yet, you can learn more here and join. (Bonus: You can see photos and videos of #Salesblazers favourite moments at Dreamforce — and all of our events.)

Dreamforce TL;DR: AI + humans is the future of sales

AI was, perhaps not surprisingly, the biggest talking point at this year’s star-studded Dreamforce. But the AI revolution isn’t just about new technology. It’s about how humans, empowered by technology, can grow predictably, sustainably, and safely. That’s the future — and Salesforce is leading the way.

Boost sales productivity with trusted AI

See how AI tools from Sales Cloud can take on everyday tasks and point you to the best action for every deal.

Watch the demo

The post 4 Key Sales Takeaways from Dreamforce 2024, the Biggest AI Event of the Year appeared first on Salesforce.

Key Takeaways

• Soft skills, encompassing interpersonal abilities, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills, are crucial for navigating workplace dynamics and advancing in one’s career.
• Developing a synergy between hard and soft skills is key to becoming a well-rounded professional. Soft skills act as a catalyst for effective interaction, adaptability, and job performance.
• To effectively integrate soft skills into a professional setting, one should actively cultivate them through mentorship, training, deliberate practice and showcase them in resumes and job interviews.

Decoding Soft Skills: The What, Why, and How

Have you ever wondered why specific individuals thrive in their careers, seamlessly navigating the social labyrinth of the workplace while equally talented others seem to falter? The answer often lies in the elusive realm of soft skills—a blend of interpersonal abilities, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving prowess that are as essential as they are intangible. Soft skills are necessary. Picture these skills as the oil that lubricates the gears of professional machinery, enabling smoother operation and preventing the grinding friction of miscommunication and conflict.

As we navigate the digital age, technical skills are plentiful. However, soft skills have risen to prominence and are pivotal in career success or failure.

The Spectrum of Soft Skills: From Communication to Creativity

Soft skills form a rich, diverse tapestry, incorporating everything from articulate communication to innovative problem-solving. Envision this spectrum as a colour wheel, with each hue representing a different skill—communication, teamwork, conflict management—all critical to creating a successful career masterpiece. To better understand this concept, consider exploring some examples of soft skills.

Communication Mastery

In the symphony of the workplace, strong communication skills are the melody that resonates, harmonising the collective efforts of a team. The ability to actively listen, empathise, and articulate one’s thoughts with clarity sets apart adept communicators. Such mastery is not just about words spoken or written; it’s about the nuanced dance of non-verbal cues, the ebb and flow of conversation, and the respect it conveys.

Employers value individuals who can effectively communicate, as communication provides a platform for ideas to flourish and strengthens collaborations.

Emotional Intelligence in Action

Emotional intelligence is at the core of our professional interactions – the capacity to perceive, control, and evaluate emotions. Picture this as the intuitive understanding that allows one to navigate the complex web of human emotions in the workplace, enhancing teamwork and leadership.

Cultivating emotional intelligence requires introspection, utilising mindfulness and journaling to understand personal emotional patterns and learn to interpret those of others.

Creative Problem-Solving

When faced with the unexpected twists and turns of the professional world, creative individuals with problem-solving skills chart a course to success. This soft skill is less about finding the correct answers and more about asking the right questions, challenging the status quo, and embracing the potential within ambiguity.

Through a blend of critical thinking skills and imaginative exploration, one navigates towards innovative solutions, transforming obstacles into stepping stones towards more successful outcomes.

Bridging the Gap: Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

In the professional landscape, hard skills are the tangible credentials that open doors – the programming languages you’ve mastered, the design software you’ve conquered. These measurable skills are vital, but they are only half of the equation.

Think of soft skills as the driving force that propels you forward, enabling effective interactions with colleagues and the ability to adapt seamlessly to a rapidly evolving workspace. The synergy of hard and soft skills moulds a well-rounded professional adept at the concrete and abstract aspects of their role.

The Impact of Soft Skills on Career Trajectory

View your career as a journey where soft skills act as your compass and map, steering you through your professional path. These skills catalyse job performance, enhancing how you approach tasks, collaborate with colleagues, and confront challenges.

Employers are on the lookout for individuals who exhibit the following traits:

• Strong work ethic
• Personal responsibility
• Creativity
• Resilience to withstand pressure

These traits speak volumes about one’s potential for leadership skills and adaptability.

Cultivating Your Soft Skills Garden

Like a garden, your soft skills require nurturing – deliberate actions that foster growth and refinement. This cultivation can take many forms, from joining organisations that push your boundaries to seeking mentorship from industry veterans who exemplify the interpersonal prowess you aspire to attain. Developing soft skills is essential for personal and professional growth.

Active Listening Techniques

Active listening, being fully present and absorbing more than just the speaker’s words, forms the foundation of effective communication. Imagine the power of a conversation where you are completely engaged, where distractions are cast aside, and every non-verbal signal is acknowledged. This level of attentiveness enhances communication and fosters deeper connections, showing respect and facilitating collaboration.

Fostering a Growth Mindset

In personal development, a growth mindset is paramount. Based on the idea that abilities can be developed and improved, this belief system fosters continuous learning and resilience amidst setbacks.

Leaders who embody this mindset inspire their teams and create environments where challenges are met with optimism and innovation.

Enhancing Interpersonal Dynamics

The fabric of solid teams is woven from the threads of interpersonal skills – the ability to interact with empathy, confidence, and a commitment to building connections. Team-building activities and communication workshops can reinforce these bonds, creating a foundation for effective collaboration and collective success.

Integrating Soft Skills in Your Resume

An effective resume does more than just list hard skills. It strategically incorporates soft skills that align with job requirements, substantiating them with tangible examples. Whether it’s showcasing your ability to:

• Collaborate
• Communicate effectively
• Problem solve
• Demonstrate leadership
• Show attention to detail

Each soft skill you include should describe how you’ll add value to the team and contribute to the organisational goals.

Soft Skills Training: Sharpening Your Edge

Training can be an effective tool to refine your soft skills. Numerous resources, including online platforms and interactive workshops, provide exercises and tools to meet your developmental needs.

Embracing these opportunities bolsters job satisfaction and primes you for better teamwork and a more supportive work environment where effective communication is the norm.

Key Takeaways: Soft Skills That Employers Treasure

Understanding the soft skills required by employers can be equated to deciphering a hidden code for professional success. Employers seek individuals who are adaptable, who can prioritise and manage stress with grace, and who can communicate and collaborate with ease—these are the marks of a strong candidate.

Recognise these traits within yourself, nurture them, and watch as they open doors to new horizons in your career.

Navigating Professional Relationships with Soft Skills

Professional relationships can be complex, but armed with soft skills, including people skills, you can handle them gracefully. Teamwork, emotional intelligence, and intercultural sensitivity are the steps to mastering this dance, leading to stronger connections and collaborative successes.

Adapting to Unexpected Challenges: The Role of Soft Skills

During periods of change in your professional journey, your soft skills help you adapt and navigate. Adaptability, problem-solving, and critical thinking are the compass that directs you through unexpected challenges, ensuring you emerge unscathed and wiser.

Project Management and Leadership: The Soft Skills Connection

Soft skills serve as the unseen ties linking effective leadership and successful project management. They empower professionals to lead with vision, manage with empathy, and inspire with integrity, driving project success and organisational excellence.

Preparing for Job Interviews: Showcasing Soft Skills

Job interviews provide a platform for your soft skills to take centre stage. Engage your interviewer with adaptability, teamwork, and leadership, weaving stories that bring your abilities to life and set you apart as a compelling candidate.

Summary

As we draw this exploration to a close, it’s clear that mastering soft skills is not just a professional imperative but a personal journey of growth and discovery. From communication to creativity, these skills pave the path to a successful career, fostering environments of collaboration, innovation, and resilience. Embrace the journey, commit to continuous learning, and watch as your soft skills blossom, propelling you to new heights in your career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of soft skills?

Soft skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and leadership. These skills are crucial in today’s job market.

Why are soft skills important in the workplace?

Soft skills are important in the workplace because they contribute to productivity, effective communication, and a harmonious work environment.

Can soft skills be learned and developed?

Yes, deliberate practice, training, and feedback can improve soft skills. With dedication, anyone can enhance their soft skills.

How can I showcase my soft skills in a job interview?

Showcase your soft skills in a job interview by providing relevant stories and concrete examples demonstrating those skills. This approach will effectively engage the interviewer.

Are soft skills more important than technical skills?

Soft skills are equally important as they enable individuals to effectively utilise their technical expertise in a collaborative and dynamic work environment. Having a balance of both is crucial for success in a professional setting.

The post Mastering Soft Skills: Essential Strategies for Professional Success appeared first on Salesforce.

Key Takeaways

• Agile project management is a flexible, iterative approach that prioritises customer satisfaction and responsiveness to change, extending beyond software development into various industries.
• The Agile Manifesto emphasises values such as individuals and interactions, working software, customer collaboration, and responding to change, which guide diverse Agile methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP).
• Agile methodologies integrate customer feedback continuously, value working software over comprehensive documentation, and rely on self-organising teams, with certifications such as CSM bolstering professional expertise in Agile practices.

Exploring the Agile Methodology Landscape

Far from being a buzzword, Agile project management underpins numerous successful projects across various sectors. Since its humble beginnings in software development, Agile has evolved into a versatile, industry-agnostic philosophy. Its adaptability, focus on customer satisfaction, and iterative nature make it a go-to approach for companies aiming to stay at the forefront of innovation.

Agile methodologies provide a toolkit of methods supporting this adaptive mindset, enabling project teams to navigate complex and often fluctuating project requirements with finesse. Today, Agile extends its reach beyond IT, influencing marketing, sales, and even human resources practices, demonstrating its universal appeal and effectiveness.

The Birth of Agile: From Manifesto to Mainstream

Marking a pivotal shift in the project management paradigm, the Agile Manifesto emerged in 2001 as a declaration of four fundamental values and twelve guiding principles. This seminal document was the brainchild of forward-thinking software developers who recognised the need for an alternative to the sluggish evolution of traditional workflow management methods.

The Agile Manifesto’s values and principles were practical, not just theoretical, laying the groundwork for developing Agile methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP). These methodologies, in turn, catalysed the widespread acceptance and integration of Agile into the tech industry and beyond.

Agile Mindset vs. Traditional Project Management

The ethos of Agile is distinguished by its sharp contrast to conventional project management. Where the latter typically follows a linear trajectory—meticulously planning, designing, implementing, and closing—Agile thrives on continuous feedback and adaptation. This approach was borne out of a need to address the limitations of conventional practices like waterfall and Six Sigma, particularly within software development, where requirements and solutions evolve through collaborative efforts between self-organising and cross-functional teams.

Agile’s embrace of change and customer-centric focus offers a starkly different project management approach, becoming increasingly relevant in an era of rapid technological advancements and shifting market demands.

Popular Agile Methodologies: A Snapshot

Agile is an umbrella term for a set of methodologies, with each framework providing a unique perspective on software development project management. Some well-known frameworks include:

• Scrum, with its sprints and ceremonies
• Kanban, with its visual task boards
• Extreme Programming (XP), with its focus on continuous integration and testing

These frameworks offer distinct approaches to workflow and project progression.

Then there’s the Crystal Agile methodology, which stands out for its emphasis on the human element. It asserts that each project is a singular entity deserving its own tailored set of practices. These methodologies are not just isolated theories but practical, popular agile methodologies that have been tested and refined in the trenches of real-world project management.

Agile Practices for Effective Software Development Teams

Software development teams rely on Agile practices as catalysts for innovation. By embracing a flexible framework, these practices enhance proactive solution-finding and lead to more efficient planning and workflow management. The Agile process positions teams to swiftly respond to market changes and customer feedback, ensuring that long-term plans remain flexible and adaptable. In this context, agile software development is crucial in maintaining a competitive edge.

Originating as a lighter, more flexible model, Agile offers an alternative to traditional project management’s rigid, overhead-heavy planning, with a focus on continuous planning and adjustment as new information emerges. In contrast to traditional models, Agile fosters a collaborative environment where roles such as technical writers and software developers work in tandem, aligning documentation with ongoing development to strike a balance between agility and structure.

Iterative Development and Continuous Improvement

At the heart of Agile is the iterative development cycle, where product refinement is achieved through repeated, incremental stages, allowing for frequent reassessment and tweaking of plans. This cycle is punctuated by periods of reflection, ensuring that continuous improvement remains a constant pursuit for Agile teams. Teams aim to optimise product delivery by evaluating and improving their processes after each iteration, demonstrating a flexible and adaptable mindset.

Each iterative development cycle builds upon the previous ones, with teams learning and adapting from each iteration to enhance their processes and practices over time, leading to a final product more aligned with market demands.

Embracing Customer Feedback for Agile Projects

Agile projects are navigated by the compass of customer feedback. By integrating customer input after each iteration, Agile ensures that the features developed add real value and meet user needs, which is fundamental to achieving high levels of customer satisfaction. Agile teams employ various strategies to weave customer feedback into the fabric of their project, from establishing customer panels for consistent insights to using feedback to inform sprint priorities. This approach ensures that the product evolves in line with user expectations and helps forge a strong bond with the customer base.

Feature Driven Development (FDD), a specific Agile methodology, exemplifies this approach by heavily relying on customer input to steer the development of features.

The Role of Self-Organising Teams in Agile

Agile is associated with self-organising teams, autonomous groups capable of managing their workload and making decisions grounded in their comprehensive understanding of their tasks. This autonomy can be empowering and challenging as teams navigate obstacles like disparate personality types and communication barriers while maintaining individual accountability.

To reach their full potential, self-organising Agile teams benefit from comprehensive training, coaching, and mentoring programs, which equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of Agile project delivery.

Agile Project Management Frameworks Unveiled

Scrum, Kanban, and Enterprise Agile frameworks such as the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) excel among various Agile project management frameworks due to their extensive adoption and proven success in handling complex projects. Scrum, the most commonly used framework, is characterised by short sprints, the role of the Scrum master, and key ceremonies that facilitate transparency and continuous improvement.

On the other hand, Kanban leverages visual management to optimise workflow and limit work in progress, offering a different approach to Agile project management. For larger organisations, Enterprise Agile frameworks such as SAFe provide a structured, scalable approach to implementing Agile principles across large, cross-functional teams.

Disciplined Agile Delivery: Tailoring Agile to Your Needs

Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD) offers a more holistic approach to Agile, combining a range of delivery lifecycles with guidance tailored for larger organisations. By encompassing leadership, portfolio management, and other vital areas, DAD ensures that Agile methodologies are effectively adapted to address the unique challenges faced in large-scale environments. Its goal-driven approach allows organisations to:

• Modify Agile processes
• Enhance collaboration
• Enable the scaling of Lean and Agile methodologies
• Avoid imposing rigid procedures

Disciplined Agile certifications further empower professionals to borrow elements from multiple Agile approaches, creating a tailored strategy that scales effectively.

Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) for Bigger Teams

Large Scale Scrum, known as LeSS, is designed to scale the principles of traditional Scrum for larger teams working collaboratively on a single product. It operates on the premise that less is more, advocating for a ‘barely sufficient’ framework rooted in 10 principles that emphasise empirical process control and lean thinking. LeSS comes in two flavours: Basic LeSS for up to eight teams and LeSS Huge for more extensive collaborations, each tailored to accommodate different team sizes and complexities.

In Basic LeSS, core Scrum roles are preserved while introducing expanded managerial roles and a tailored approach to sprint planning that suits larger team dynamics.

Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM): Agility in Action

The Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) is another comprehensive Agile framework that stands out for its focus on the entire project lifecycle. Established in 1994, DSDM was an early frontrunner in the structured approach to iterative development to align closely with strategic business goals and deliver tangible benefits early in the project lifecycle. Using eight principles, including focusing on business needs, on-time delivery, and never compromising quality, DSDM is scalable, vendor-independent, and applicable across various business sectors.

It incorporates established practices like the MoSCoW Prioritisation technique and Timeboxing and can be tailored to integrate with other methodologies, such as PRINCE2, or complement other Agile methods, such as Scrum.

The Pillars of Agile Methodology in Practice

The pillars of Agile methodology are its core values that prioritise:

• People
• Working software
• Customer collaboration
• Responsiveness to change

These values guide Agile teams in their daily practices and decision-making processes, shaping the development and project management culture.

By consistently launching features as soon as they’re ready, Agile methodologies allow for quick user feedback and continuous product improvement, underscoring the importance of agility in today’s fast-paced market. This focus on working software over comprehensive documentation ensures that teams remain focused on delivering functional products rapidly, avoiding the pitfalls of becoming bogged down by overly detailed documentation.

Moreover, Agile’s emphasis on customer collaboration ensures that product strategy and execution are tightly aligned with user needs and expectations, making it a customer-centric approach.

Prioritising Individuals and Collaboration Over Processes and Tools

Agile’s success is deeply rooted in prioritising individuals and collaboration over rigid processes and tools. This focus on human interactions fosters a collaborative environment where team efforts are aligned toward shared product goals. By valuing face-to-face communication and fostering a culture of flexibility, Agile teams can swiftly adapt to new requirements and deliver quality results in dynamic situations.

Moreover, using user stories that centre on business value ensures that the benefits delivered are tangible and aligned with the company’s objectives. Regular customer interactions further drive innovation and guarantee that solutions are closely tailored to user needs.

Delivering Working Software Over Comprehensive Documentation

In Agile, functional software delivery takes precedence over exhaustive documentation. Agile methodologies are designed to prioritize practical outcomes, ensuring that the end-users receive a product that not only works but works well. While documentation is still an important component of the development process, it is streamlined to be as minimal and useful as possible, complementing rather than overshadowing the software’s functionality.

Customer Collaboration Over Contract Negotiation

Agile methodologies emphasise the importance of comprehensive documentation of customer collaboration, which includes:

• Customer collaboration over strict adherence to contracts
• A continuous dialogue with clients
• Managing changes and delivering functionality that truly meets user needs
• Fostering a strong relationship between customers and development teams through frequent feedback loops and adaptability
• Aligning the end product with the original contract and addressing emerging requirements and opportunities

Following these principles, Agile teams can effectively manage projects and deliver successful outcomes.

However, this focus on collaboration can sometimes be challenging, especially in projects where stakeholders prefer less interaction due to perceived low value or risk. Overcoming such resistance is crucial for Agile to be implemented effectively and for stakeholders to see its true value in promoting the evolution of products to meet customer needs.

Agile Certifications: Advancing Your Project Management Career

Agile certifications are more than just accolades; they validate a professional’s expertise and dedication to Agile principles. They serve as a beacon for career growth, signalling to employers and peers alike that a professional is well-versed in the nuances of Agile project management and is equipped to contribute significantly to project success. With the growing popularity of Agile methodologies, obtaining certifications can be a strategic career move that enhances one’s competitiveness in the job market, potentially opening doors to new opportunities and a higher income trajectory.

Certifications such as the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) are globally recognised and valued by employers, signifying a standard level of proficiency and dedication to Agile methodologies.

Choosing the Right Agile Certification

Choosing the appropriate certification is critical in the quest for Agile excellence. It involves considering one’s professional goals, the needs of the organisation, and the specific value that a certification will add to one’s skill set. When choosing an Agile certification, professionals should define their career objectives, assess the demands of their current roles, explore the different Agile frameworks available, and plan for continuous learning to ensure that they remain at the forefront of Agile practices.

Certifications such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) demonstrate an individual’s versatility and ability to apply Agile practices effectively within an Agile team, making it a sought-after credential in the industry.

Agile Alliance and Scrum Master Certifications

The Scrum Alliance offers Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) training, equipping individuals with the practical skills necessary to foster team and organisational agility. To attain this certification, one must complete a 16-hour training course and pass a multiple-choice test, demonstrating a solid understanding of Scrum principles and practices. The certification exam consists of 50 questions and requires a minimum passing score, reflecting a comprehensive grasp of Agile and Scrum concepts.

While the CSM certification may seem geared towards those in software development, its principles are applicable across various professional roles, making it a versatile certification with broad career implications. It’s also worth noting that Agile certifications are not exclusive to project managers; developers, testers, and business analysts within Agile teams can also benefit significantly from these credentials.

Implementing Agile in Uncertain and Turbulent Environments

Implementing Agile methodologies in unstable environments can pose challenges. While Agile is known for its adaptability, there are contexts such as heavily regulated industries or projects with well-defined requirements where its iterative planning and frequent revisions may be less beneficial. Additionally, a company structure that does not support cross-functional collaboration can be a significant barrier to successfully implementing Agile methodologies.

Success with Agile also depends on team preparedness, adequate Agile-specific training, and effective communication. These elements are necessary for the adoption of Agile to avoid significant obstacles. Furthermore, projects that aim to produce repeatable deliverables might find Agile’s inherent variability misaligned with their goals of reproducibility.

Adaptive Software Development for Evolving Requirements

Environments with rapidly changing requirements are particularly suited to Adaptive Software Development (ASD). With its non-linear and fluid structure, ASD enables continuous iteration and problem-solving through its three main phases: Speculate, Collaborate, and Learn.

This approach allows teams to identify and address issues promptly, fostering an environment where learning and adaptation are integral to the development process.

Agile Techniques for Continuous Delivery and Feedback

Designed to support continuous delivery and fast adaptation, Agile techniques incorporate feedback into the development cycle, promoting project success. By embedding quality into every step of the release pipeline, Agile teams can deliver features that are not only timely but also free from critical bugs. This focus on tackling the most complex and error-prone tasks early in the development cycle mitigates the risk of compounded errors and leads to a more robust product release.

With the evolving trends in Agile development, the emphasis on immediate feedback cycles has never been greater, highlighting the need for rapid adaptation and continuous integration to maintain a competitive edge.

Leveraging Tools and Technologies to Support Agile Methodologies

The success of Agile projects hinges significantly on the synergy between Agile methodologies and the supporting tools and technologies. Organisations implement Agile methodologies to foster better coordination and communication across teams, which is crucial for achieving superior project outcomes. Agile tools are particularly beneficial in breaking down functional silos within organisations, ensuring that teams with different goals can work together towards a shared vision. These tools provide comprehensive visibility into projects, maintaining the level of detail teams require to execute complex tasks effectively.

Some examples of Agile tools include:

• Project management tools, which assist Agile teams with planning, visualisation, collaboration, and process optimisation
• Kanban boards, which help teams visualise and manage their workflow
• Scrum boards, which facilitate the organisation and tracking of tasks in a Scrum framework
• Collaboration tools, such as Slack or Microsoft Teams, which enable real-time communication and collaboration among team members
• Continuous integration and deployment tools, which automate the process of building, testing, and deploying software

By leveraging these Agile tools, organisations can enhance their project management capabilities and improve their Agile projects’ overall efficiency and effectiveness.

Furthermore, the integration of AI with Agile methodologies is poised to offer enhanced analysis capabilities and more accurate forecasting for different project phases.

Project Management Tools Tailored for Agile Processes

Project management tools such as Git and Jira are instrumental in supporting Agile processes within the Agile toolkit. These tools are tailored to enhance collaboration and manage code changes, key aspects of Agile’s continuous delivery process. Agile project management tools offer features like interactive timelines, scrum and kanban boards, and customisable workflows, which streamline project execution and improve team workflows and communication.

Additionally, by automating repetitive tasks, Jira Automation integrates with tools commonly used by Agile teams, thereby improving team workflows and communication. Adopting cloud technology in Agile practices helps teams reduce costs and enhance their efficiency and market responsiveness, highlighting the importance of tools in supporting Agile methodologies.

Enhancing Communication and Collaboration in Agile Teams

Especially for geographically dispersed teams, effective communication is vital to Agile teams. Tools like Zoom facilitate real-time collaboration, supporting essential Agile practices such as daily standups and collaborative sessions.

Additionally, tools like Loom provide asynchronous video collaboration, enabling team members to:

• Stay updated on project developments without disrupting their workflows
• Share information and ideas easily
• Provide feedback and comments on specific parts of a project
• Collaborate effectively, even when working remotely

This is particularly beneficial for Agile teams that value flexibility and efficiency.

Agile Evolution: Adapting to Future Trends

The versatility of Agile is evidenced by its responsiveness to new industry demands and its evolution in tandem with emerging trends. As Agile methods have been adopted by a diverse range of industries, it’s clear that the principles of Agile are not confined to software development but can be adapted to meet the unique project needs of various sectors. Some industries that have successfully implemented Agile include:

• Finance
• IT
• Fashion
• Construction

By embracing Agile, these industries have improved their project management processes and achieved greater success.

Courses like IBM’s AI Product Manager Professional Certificate highlight how Agile concepts are tailored to specific fields, such as AI product management, showcasing Agile’s capacity to evolve and remain relevant in an ever-changing landscape.

Agile’s Response to New Industry Demands

With remarkable flexibility, Agile methodologies persistently adjust to the changing demands of various industries. Whether it’s the intricate world of finance or the fast-paced realm of fashion, Agile’s principles are being customised to suit the unique challenges and opportunities in these sectors.

This adaptability ensures that Agile remains at the forefront of project management methodologies, capable of delivering value and fostering innovation regardless of the industry context.

The Next Wave of Agile Practices

Integrating advanced technologies and extending Agile frameworks beyond their conventional domains shape the future of Agile practices. Some key trends include:

• Artificial intelligence is being integrated into Agile practices to provide predictive analytics for risk management and enhanced decision-making
• Agile methodologies are expanding to accommodate the unique needs of industries like manufacturing and healthcare
• Project management tools are becoming more sophisticated to support remote collaboration and real-time decision-making

These advancements drive the evolution of Agile practices and enable organisations to become more efficient and adaptable in their project management processes.

Techniques that embody Agile principles, such as DevOps and Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), are evolving to provide greater efficiency and faster value delivery. Moreover, as globalisation continues to influence business practices, Agile adapts to support distributed teams and facilitate cross-cultural collaboration, ensuring that Agile methodologies remain effective globally.

Summary

Agile methodology has proven to be a game-changer from its inception to its current status as a linchpin for project success across various industries. We have explored its rich landscape, delved into its practical frameworks, and considered its evolution in response to future trends. Embrace the Agile mindset, and you may find that it transforms your projects and fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement that propels you and your team toward unprecedented success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the core values of the Agile Manifesto?

The core values of the Agile Manifesto are individuals and interactions over processes and tools, working software over comprehensive documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiation, and responding to change over following a plan.

Can Agile methodology be applied outside of software development?

Agile methodology has been successfully implemented in various industries, such as finance, marketing, and construction, proving its adaptability and effectiveness beyond software development.

What is the importance of Agile certifications?

Agile certifications are important as they validate expertise in Agile principles and practices, enhancing career opportunities and competitiveness in the job market potentially leading to increased income.

How does Agile handle customer feedback?

Agile methodologies prioritise customer feedback, integrating it into the development process after each iteration to ensure that the product evolves to meet user needs and adds real value. This makes customer feedback an essential part of the iterative development process.

Are Agile methodologies suitable for every project or industry?

Agile methodologies are unsuitable for every project or industry, especially those with well-known requirements or heavy regulations where iterative planning and frequent revisions may be unnecessary. Consider the specifics of your project or industry before choosing an approach.

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What is GRC?

GRC helps organisations handle risks that could stop them from succeeding. It gives them the ability to spot weaknesses, predict disruptions, and make informed decisions based on their risk tolerance and regulatory requirements. By managing risks proactively, organisations move from reacting to problems to preventing them, using advanced tools to identify risks early. This helps them prioritise and address these risks effectively, ensuring better compliance and strategic value. Embracing GRC leads to greater efficiency, builds stakeholder trust, and ensures long-term success.

At the heart of GRC lies a framework of policies, processes, and procedures that work as a central point for organisational decision-making. These mechanisms enable organisations to pinpoint risks with extreme precision, assess their potential impact with unwavering accuracy, and develop strategies to mitigate their effects with remarkable efficacy. GRC rises above compliance; it cultivates a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct, permeating every fibre of the organisation.

In a space characterised by fierce competition and relentless change, organisations that embrace GRC gain a distinct competitive advantage. They demonstrate an unwavering commitment to responsible governance, effective risk management, and unwavering compliance with regulations. This commitment not only safeguards their reputation and financial stability but also elevates them to the status of trusted partners in the eyes of stakeholders.

GRC is not a static concept; it’s a framework that is constantly adapting and changing to new environments. Organisations that prioritise GRC vigilantly monitor their risk profile, adapt their strategies with remarkable agility, and maintain a state of readiness to confront new challenges with unwavering resilience. By embracing GRC, organisations embark on a transformative journey towards sustainable growth, navigating the stormy seas of uncertainty with unwavering confidence and resilience.

What does GRC stand for?

At its centre, GRC stands for Governance, Risk, and Compliance. These three pillars form the foundation of an integrated framework that empowers organisations to effectively manage and mitigate operational and regulatory risks. Let’s delve into each component to understand its significance:

1. Governance:

Governance refers to the systems, processes, and structures that provide direction, oversight, and accountability within an organisation. It encompasses decision-making processes, roles and responsibilities, and the ethical framework that guides the organisation’s operations. Effective governance ensures that the organisation’s objectives are aligned with its strategic vision and that it operates ethically and responsibly.

2. Risk:

Risk refers to the potential for an event or occurrence that could adversely impact an organisation’s operations, reputation, or financial stability. Risks can arise from various sources, including internal factors (such as operational inefficiencies or human error) and external factors (such as market fluctuations or regulatory changes). Identifying and assessing risks is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate their potential impact and ensure business continuity. Additionally, third party risk management is essential for integrating third-party risk insights to enhance decision-making and compliance effectiveness.

3. Compliance:

Compliance refers to adhering to relevant laws, regulations, industry standards, and best practices. It involves establishing and implementing policies, procedures, and controls to ensure that the organisation operates in accordance with these requirements. Compliance is essential for maintaining legal and ethical integrity, protecting the organisation from legal liabilities and reputational damage, and fostering stakeholder trust.

By integrating these three components, GRC provides a holistic approach to risk management and compliance. It enables organisations to proactively identify and address risks, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and make informed decisions that align with their strategic objectives and values. Embracing GRC principles allows organisations to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, enhance operational efficiency, and build a culture of accountability and transparency.

Why is GRC important for risk management?

In the ever-evolving business landscape, organisations face a multitude of risks that can significantly impact their operations and reputation. Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) plays a pivotal role in helping organisations navigate these challenges effectively. By adopting a comprehensive GRC framework, organisations can identify, assess, and mitigate risks that threaten their financial stability maintaining compliance, operational efficiency, and overall success.

GRC empowers organisations to make informed decisions based on a thorough understanding of their risk exposure. It enables leaders to allocate resources strategically, prioritise risk management initiatives, and implement robust controls to minimise potential disruptions. Moreover, GRC ensures compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, safeguarding organisations from legal liabilities, fines, and reputational damage. Audit management tools are integral to streamlining workflows and enhancing efficiency in internal audit processes, compliance tracking, and risk management.

Beyond risk mitigation and compliance, GRC enhances an organisation’s overall efficiency and effectiveness. By streamlining risk management and compliance processes, organisations can optimise their operations, reduce costs, and improve productivity. Additionally, GRC fosters a culture of accountability and transparency within an organisation, building trust with stakeholders and demonstrating a commitment to ethical and responsible business practices.

In today’s interconnected and rapidly changing business environment, GRC is no longer an optional consideration but a fundamental requirement for organisations seeking long-term success and sustainability. By embracing GRC, organisations can confidently navigate the complexities of the modern business world and seize opportunities for growth and innovation.

How does GRC work?

Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) operates within an organisation by establishing a comprehensive framework for risk management and compliance. At its core lies the implementation of robust policies and procedures that enable organisations to identify, assess, and mitigate risks effectively. These policies provide a structured approach to managing risks, ensuring that potential threats to the organisation’s operations, reputation, or financial stability are promptly addressed.

GRC entails continuous monitoring and risk assessment processes to gain real-time insights into risk exposure. By proactively identifying emerging risks and vulnerabilities, organisations can swiftly implement countermeasures, minimising the likelihood and impact of adverse events. This ongoing monitoring also allows organisations to stay abreast of evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices, ensuring their compliance posture remains up-to-date and effective.

Regular reporting and communication are pivotal elements of GRC, keeping stakeholders informed about the organisation’s risk and compliance status. Transparent and timely reporting fosters trust among stakeholders, including investors, customers, and regulators. It demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to responsible governance and adherence to regulatory obligations. Effective communication enables stakeholders to make informed decisions and fosters a culture of risk awareness throughout the organisation.

Ultimately, GRC empowers organisations to align their own business goals and objectives with their risk tolerance and regulatory requirements. By integrating risk management into strategic decision-making processes, organisations can allocate resources optimally, prioritise initiatives, and mitigate risks that could hinder their growth and sustainability. Embracing GRC allows organisations to navigate the ever-changing business landscape with confidence, resilience, and a competitive edge.

What is the GRC Capability Model?

The Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Capability Model serves as a guiding framework that enables organisations to assess their GRC maturity and identify areas for improvement. It provides a common language and a set of quantifiable metrics for measuring the effectiveness of GRC programs. The GRC Capability Model allows organisations to benchmark their GRC initiatives against industry peers and make decisions about resource allocation and improvement efforts.

The model evaluates various dimensions of GRC capabilities, including governance structures, risk management processes, compliance frameworks, technology integration, and performance measurement. By assessing these dimensions, organisations gain insights into their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to prioritise investments, make risk assessments, optimise resource allocation, and implement targeted improvements.

The GRC Capability Model acts as a roadmap for organisations seeking to enhance their risk management and compliance practices. It facilitates continuous improvement by identifying gaps and providing a structured approach to addressing them. organisations that leverage the GRC Capability Model can enhance their overall risk posture, strengthen compliance adherence, and build a culture of accountability and integrity.

What are common GRC software tools?

When it comes to Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), organisations have at their disposal an arsenal of tools designed to streamline and enhance their risk management and compliance efforts. Among these tools, a few stand out as particularly effective and widely adopted.

Jirav, a cloud-based GRC platform, offers comprehensive risk management capabilities, empowering organisations to identify, assess, and mitigate risks effectively. Its user-friendly interface facilitates seamless collaboration and communication among various stakeholders, ensuring timely risk response.

LogicGate, another prominent GRC tool, excels in streamlining compliance processes. It provides a centralised platform for managing regulations, policies, and controls, enabling organisations to stay up-to-date and compliant with evolving requirements. LogicGate’s intuitive dashboard and reporting features offer real-time insights into compliance status, allowing organisations to make data-driven decisions.

ServiceNow’s GRC solution stands out for its flexibility and scalability. It seamlessly integrates with existing systems and processes, allowing organisations to tailor their GRC approach to their specific needs. ServiceNow’s comprehensive suite of features encompasses risk management, compliance management, and internal audit and management, providing a holistic view of an organisation’s GRC posture.

SAP’s GRC offering is renowned for its robust enterprise-wide capabilities. It provides a centralised platform for managing risks, controls, and compliance across the entire organisation. SAP’s GRC solution facilitates seamless integration with other SAP modules, enabling organisations to streamline their GRC processes and leverage real-time risk data for informed decision-making.

Oracle’s GRC solution rounds out the list of prominent GRC tools. It offers a panoramic suite of features, including risk management, compliance management, and various internal audit processes and controls. Oracle’s GRC solution is designed to scale with organisations of all sizes and provides a robust framework for managing complex risk and compliance landscapes.

These tools empower organisations to enhance their GRC processes, improve enterprise risk management, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. By leveraging these cutting-edge solutions, organisations can navigate the ever-changing risk and compliance landscape with confidence and agility.

What are the challenges of GRC implementation?

The implementation of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) programs is often fraught with challenges that can impede their effectiveness. One significant obstacle lies in the prevalence of siloed data and systems within organisations. This fragmentation hinders the consolidation and analysis of crucial information, making it challenging to obtain a comprehensive view of risks and compliance obligations. Moreover, the lack of visibility and transparency further compounds these issues, hindering the timely identification and mitigation of potential risks.

The complexity of regulations and standards poses another significant challenge to GRC implementation. organisations must navigate a labyrinth of intricate and ever-changing regulations, each with its own set of requirements and nuances. This complexity demands a high level of expertise and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance and avoid costly penalties or reputational damage.

Resource constraints, both in terms of budget and personnel, can further exacerbate GRC implementation challenges. organisations may struggle to allocate sufficient resources to support the implementation and ongoing management of a robust GRC program. This can result in gaps in risk management and compliance, potentially exposing the organisation to unnecessary risks.

Lastly, resistance to change can also hinder successful GRC implementation. Organisational culture, existing business processes, and individual mindsets may create barriers to adopting new risk management and compliance practices. Overcoming resistance to change requires effective communication, change management strategies, and strong leadership support.

Addressing these challenges requires a proactive and comprehensive approach. organisations must prioritise the integration of data and systems, promote transparency and visibility of security risks, invest in expertise to navigate regulatory complexities, allocate adequate resources, and foster a culture of compliance and risk awareness. By effectively addressing these challenges, organisations can unlock the full potential of GRC and reap the benefits of improved risk management, enhanced compliance, and increased stakeholder trust.

How to implement an effective GRC strategy.

Implementing a robust Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) strategy is essential for organisations seeking sustainable success. Here are key steps to help you establish an effective GRC program:

1. Define Clear Objectives and Goals:

• Begin by setting well-defined objectives and goals for your GRC program. Identify the specific risks and compliance requirements that your organisation needs to address.

2. Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment:

• Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats. This involves analysing various aspects of your operations, such as financial, operational, legal, and reputational risks.

3. Establish Controls and Policies:

• Develop and implement appropriate controls and policies to mitigate identified risks. These may include internal control systems, compliance policies, and risk management procedures.

4. Regular Monitoring and Review:

• Establish a system for regularly monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of your GRC program. This involves tracking key risk indicators, conducting internal audits, and assessing compliance with regulations.

5. Continuous Improvement:

• Embrace a culture of continuous improvement by learning from experience and incorporating best practices. Regularly review and update your GRC program based on lessons learned and industry developments.

By following these steps and fostering a strong Governance, Risk, and Compliance culture, organisations can effectively manage risks, ensure compliance, and enhance their business unit’s overall performance and resilience.

How can Salesforce help with GRC?

As the world is today, organisations can find several challenges that require a strategic approach to managing Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). Salesforce, a leading cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform, offers a comprehensive suite of tools and solutions that can significantly enhance an organisation’s ability to effectively handle GRC processes.

Salesforce provides a centralised platform that seamlessly integrates various GRC-related activities, enabling organisations to gain a holistic view of their risks and compliance obligations. By streamlining processes, automating tasks, and centralising data, Salesforce empowers organisations to make more knowledgeable choices and respond swiftly to emerging risks.

Salesforce also enhances visibility and control over GRC processes. Through customisable dashboards and reports, organisations can monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), track compliance status, and identify potential gaps in their GRC framework. This level of transparency allows organisations to proactively address risks and ensure regulatory compliance, mitigating the likelihood of costly penalties or reputational damage.

Salesforce also offers capabilities for ensuring regulatory compliance. Its pre-built compliance templates and industry-specific solutions help organisations meet specific regulatory requirements, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). By leveraging these tools, organisations can streamline compliance processes, reduce manual efforts, and minimise the risk of non-compliance.

Salesforce seamlessly integrates with other Salesforce solutions, such as Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, and Marketing Cloud. This integration and single platform enables organisations to align their GRC strategies with their overall business operations, ensuring a cohesive approach to risk management and compliance. By leveraging Salesforce’s comprehensive platform, organisations can achieve operational excellence, enhance stakeholder trust, and drive sustainable growth.

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How is leadership evolving?

Today’s modern workplace varies greatly from that of the past. Leadership has undergone a profound transformation. The traditional command-and-control approach, where leaders held all the power and made all the decisions, has given way to a more empowering and inclusive style of leadership known as servant leadership. This shift has revolutionised the way teams operate, giving employees greater autonomy and a sense of ownership over their work and decision-making.

The rise of diverse and inclusive workplaces has redefined the very essence of leadership. Leaders today must be able to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background, beliefs, or experiences. This requires that great leaders make a conscious effort to create an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and leverages the unique strengths of each individual.

The increasing complexity of global business has further amplified the demands placed on leaders. In a world where borders are becoming increasingly blurred and competition is intensifying, leaders must possess strong cross-cultural competence and adaptability. They need to be able to navigate varying cultural norms, understand different business practices, and build bridges across different regions and countries. Flexible leaders are essential in navigating these diverse cultural norms and adapting to different business practices. Only then can they effectively lead their teams and organisations to success in the global arena.

Last but not least, the rapid pace of technological advancement has demanded a new breed of leaders who embrace innovation and are comfortable with ambiguity. In an era of constant disruption, leaders must be able to think outside the box, challenge the status quo, and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. They must be willing to experiment, take calculated risks, and learn from both successes and failures. Only by embracing innovation and ambiguity can leaders stay ahead of

What are the limits of traditional management styles?

Traditional management styles, often rooted in strict hierarchies and command-and-control approaches, face several limitations in the modern workplace. These styles assume that employees are primarily motivated by financial incentives and that a top-down approach to decision-making is the most effective way to achieve organisational goals. However, these assumptions are outdated and ineffective in motivating today’s employees who seek purpose, shared values, and opportunities for growth and development.

Traditional management styles often stifle innovation and adaptability, which are essential for success in today’s rapidly changing business environment. These same leadership styles tend to discourage employee input and creativity, leading to a lack of fresh ideas and solutions. Traditional management structures can also be inflexible and slow to respond to market changes, making it difficult for organisations to stay competitive.

Traditional management styles can create barriers to diversity and inclusion, hindering organisations from fully leveraging the talents and perspectives of their workforce. These styles often perpetuate biases and favouritism, creating an environment where employees from underrepresented groups may feel marginalised or undervalued. This not only undermines employee morale and productivity but also limits the organisation’s ability to attract and retain top talent.

Essentially, traditional management styles are limited in their ability to motivate employees, foster innovation and adaptability, and create inclusive work environments. To thrive in the modern workplace, organisations need to embrace new leadership approaches that empower employees, promote collaboration, and value diversity and inclusion.

How does a new approach to leadership impact teams?

When organisations adopt a new approach to leadership, the impact on teams can be transformative. By shifting from traditional, top-down management styles to more collaborative and empowering approaches, leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams and drive exceptional results.

It is so necessary to develop leadership skills that can adapt to any situation or need. Various leadership models such as servant leadership, affiliative and democratic styles, and commanding or visionary models contribute to the development of strong leadership skills.

One of the most significant impacts of a new leadership approach is the increased employee engagement and collaboration it fosters. When leaders focus on empowering employees, valuing their input, developing leaders and creating a sense of shared purpose, team members become more invested in their work and more willing to contribute their ideas and expertise. This collaborative environment encourages open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support, leading to improved problem-solving and decision-making.

A new leadership approach empowers employees to take ownership of their work and make decisions. When leaders trust their team members and delegate responsibilities, it instils a sense of autonomy and accountability, motivating employees to take initiative and drive projects forward. This empowerment fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement, as team members are encouraged to experiment, innovate, and take calculated risks.

A new approach to leadership also creates a more positive and productive work environment. By prioritising employee wellbeing, fostering open communication, and promoting a healthy work-life balance, leaders cultivate a supportive and nurturing culture. This positive environment enhances employee morale, reduces stress, and increases job satisfaction, ultimately leading to improved team performance and retention of top talent.

In conclusion, a new approach to leadership has a profound impact on teams. By embracing collaboration, empowerment, and a positive work environment, leaders can unlock the collective potential of their teams, driving innovation, achieving results, and fostering a culture of continuous growth and success. This transformative shift in leadership is essential for organisations that seek to thrive in today’s dynamic and competitive business landscape.

How does leadership differ in hybrid workplaces?

In hybrid workplaces, leadership takes on a unique set of challenges and requires a different approach to effectively manage and motivate employees. One key difference lies in providing consistent support for remote workers. Leaders must ensure that remote employees have the resources and support they need to succeed, including access to necessary technology, clear communication channels, and opportunities for collaboration. Establishing clear expectations and guidelines for remote work is also essential to maintain productivity and accountability.

Fostering a culture of trust and accountability is crucial in hybrid work environments. Since remote employees may not be physically present in the office, building trust and ensuring accountability require conscious effort from leaders. Regular check-ins, open communication, and setting clear performance metrics can help maintain a high level of accountability. Additionally, leveraging technology to facilitate communication and collaboration among remote and in-office teams is vital. Video conferencing, project management tools, and instant messaging platforms can help bridge the gap and create a cohesive work environment.

Inspirational leaders provide a rich picture of what the future will look like when their visions have been realised. They tell inspiring stories and explain their visions in ways that everyone can relate to.

By understanding these key differences and adapting their leadership style accordingly, leaders can be more effective leaders in hybrid work environments. They can create an inclusive and supportive culture that fosters engagement, collaboration, and productivity, regardless of employees’ physical location. In this evolving landscape of leadership, leaders who embrace these changes and adapt their approach will be well-positioned to lead their teams to success in hybrid workplaces. Leadership, in its essence, is about inspiring and guiding individuals to achieve shared goals, and in hybrid workplaces, this takes on a new dimension that requires leaders to embrace technology, build trust, and foster a sense of community among their leadership teams.

How should CEOs lead in this new world?

CEOs are all-important in shaping the culture and success of their organisations, especially in the modern workplace. To effectively lead in this ever-changing landscape, CEOs must adopt new leadership strategies and embrace a leadership style that prioritises growth, wellbeing, and innovation. Leadership lies in its ability to get things done, allowing for clear communication of vision, uniting teams, fostering creativity and innovation, and ultimately improving the company’s bottom line.

First and foremost, CEOs should cultivate a growth mindset, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. This involves encouraging employees to embrace new challenges, experiment with innovative ideas, and seek out opportunities for professional growth. By providing access to training, mentorship, and resources, CEOs can empower the best leaders on their teams to reach their full potential and drive the organisation forward.

Prioritising employee wellbeing is another key aspect of effective leadership in the modern workplace. CEOs should recognise that happy and healthy employees are more productive and engaged. This involves creating a positive and supportive work environment, offering flexible work arrangements, and implementing policies that promote work-life balance. By prioritising employee wellbeing, CEOs can boost morale, reduce turnover, and create a more productive and innovative workforce.

Fostering open communication is crucial for building trust and maintaining a healthy organisational culture. CEOs should encourage open dialogue, listen actively to employee feedback, and be transparent in their communication. This creates an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to share their ideas and concerns. By fostering open communication, CEOs can make informed decisions, address issues promptly, and maintain a positive work atmosphere.

Leading by example is a powerful way for CEOs to inspire and motivate their teams. They say successful leaders should embody the values and behaviours they expect from their employees, demonstrating integrity, authenticity, and a commitment to excellence. When CEOs lead by example, they set a high standard of performance and create a culture where employees are inspired to follow suit. This fosters a positive work environment, increases employee engagement, and drives organisational success.

Finally, CEOs should continuously invest in learning and development to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the evolving business landscape. This involves keeping up with industry trends, exploring new technologies and management skills, and seeking out opportunities for personal growth. By continuously learning and developing, CEOs can remain relevant, make informed decisions, and effectively guide their organisations through the challenges and opportunities of the modern workplace.

CEOs who embrace a growth mindset, prioritise employee wellbeing, foster open communication, lead by example, and invest in continuous learning can effectively navigate the modern workplace and drive their organisations towards success. By adopting these strategies, CEOs can create a positive and productive work environment that fosters engagement, collaboration, and innovation, ultimately achieving exceptional results and maintaining a competitive edge in today’s dynamic business landscape.

What is leadership development?

Leadership development is a crucial investment that organisations make to enhance their leadership capabilities. It involves a combination of formal training, practical experiences, various leadership programs and the invaluable guidance of mentors, sponsors, and apprenticeship opportunities. These elements work together to propel individuals toward successful leadership roles within the organisation.

Mentorship involves a one-on-one relationship where a more experienced individual (the mentor) shares their knowledge, skills, and insights with a less experienced individual (the mentee). The mentor provides guidance, advice, and support to help the mentee develop their leadership capabilities and navigate the challenges they face. Mentorship is often informal and can occur within or outside the organisation.

Sponsorship, on the other hand, is a more structured and influential relationship. Sponsors are typically senior leaders within the organisation who use their influence and resources to support and advocate for the career advancement of their protégés. Sponsors provide visibility, opportunities, and access to networks that can accelerate the protégé’s career growth. Sponsorship is crucial for individuals who aspire to reach higher leadership and management positions.

Apprenticeship, in contrast, involves learning a trade or skill under the supervision of a skilled craftsperson or professional. Apprentices work closely with their masters to acquire practical knowledge and expertise in a particular field. This hands-on approach allows apprentices to develop their skills and gain valuable experience that can lead to successful careers.

These three approaches to leadership development offer distinct benefits and contribute to the growth of future leaders. Mentorship provides personalised guidance and support, sponsorship accelerates career advancement, and leadership skills while apprenticeship cultivates practical skills and expertise. By embracing these approaches, organisations can build a strong pipeline of talent and develop leaders who are equipped to meet the challenges within business. 

How do mentorship, sponsorship, and apprenticeship differ?

Mentorship, sponsorship, and apprenticeship are three distinct forms of professional development and career growth. While often used interchangeably, each offers unique roles, responsibilities, and benefits. Understanding these differences is crucial for individuals seeking guidance and organisations aiming to foster a culture of learning and growth.

Mentorship involves a relationship between a more experienced individual (the mentor) and a less experienced one (the mentee). The mentor provides guidance, advice, and support to help the mentee navigate their career, develop skills, and achieve their goals. Mentorship is often informal and based on shared interests or expertise.

Sponsorship, on the other hand, is a more active and influential relationship. Sponsors use their power and influence within an organisation to advocate for and support the career advancement of their protégés. They provide opportunities, visibility, and access to networks that the protégé might not otherwise have. Sponsorship is often formal and involves a commitment from both parties.

Apprenticeship is a structured learning experience where an apprentice works closely with a skilled craftsperson or professional to learn a specific trade or skill. Apprenticeships typically involve hands-on training, mentorship, and a formal agreement outlining the terms of the relationship. They provide a pathway to skill development and mastery in various fields.

In summary, mentorship focuses on personal and professional development, sponsorship accelerates career advancement, and apprenticeship imparts specialised skills and knowledge. By recognising these distinctions and cultivating these relationships, individuals can unlock their potential, organisations can develop their talent pipeline, and the concept of leadership can be further enhanced.

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