US Media Studios Shares News on What Matters Most to Employees

Most workers know what it will take to keep them happy and dedicated to their jobs and to the companies they work for. If only CEOs would listen and hear what matters most to employees.

It’s Not about the Money

While true that people appreciate a bonus for a group goal, and the occasional cost of living raise on their work anniversary, what matters more is gratitude. A recent report found that 60 percent of workers surveyed placed more value on being appreciated by management than a monetary reward. Gratitude plays a significant role in employee satisfaction and retention. A genuine thank you from the boss or a manager makes the world of difference for many American workers.

Say It Ain’t So

There are some bosses and managers who fall into these categories and US Media Studios hopes they hear us:

• Uncommunicative and emotionally distant bosses do not rank high on any employee’s list about good leaders.
• Business leaders who do not give credit to workers are high on the list (32% of respondents).
• Business leaders who do not give praise or express support fall closely behind not giving credit (28%).
• Business leaders that do not help employees with promotion is a major turn off for most workers (24%).
• Business leaders who view staff as replaceable (and remind them of that now and then) is another factor that compels employees to bolt (13%).

What Matters Most to Employees

Respondents (and most workers, in fact) want to feel appreciated by their managers. They want to know, in real time, that their hard work and dedication is appreciated. They don’t necessarily want to wait until the dreaded mid and year end performance review. If an employee did a good job on something today, let him or her know today. If it was a team effort, then thank the whole team.

USMedia Studios encourages business leaders to show and give gratitude and appreciation to your staff. It goes a very long way in convincing them you care.

US Media Studios Kicks Up Start-Up Discussion

What happened to all the start-up businesses in the United States?

The latest U.S. census data relays that there were 452,835 new businesses started in 2014. That’s down by about 50,000 that were started every year from the late 1970s to the mid-2000s. It is long reported that new businesses account for the greatest number of new jobs. But none of that is booming now, and hasn’t been since the Great Recession ended. People seem wary of getting into something that could crash cause them to lose money.

Start-Ups and Hiring

Start-ups generally hire less people than the big brand stores and businesses.  Major companies are seen aggressively recruiting and gaining new staff. They have the capabilities of utilizing outsourced vendors, some domestic and some foreign. Small businesses do not have this ability.

Restrictions

Other factors which prevent an entrepreneur from starting up are the mind boggling regulations in the U.S. Many businesses also insist a new employee sign a “non-compete” clause that prevents them from leaving and starting up their own company, for months or even years. With so many restrictions and stringent regulations, it is no wonder there are less new businesses than in previous years.

Future for Start-Ups

Many of the most successful start-ups were begun by an entrepreneur in their 30s. The Millennial Generation is rounding that corner. Generations X and Y are already there. The US Department of Labor notes there is an uptick since 2014 in new businesses. US Media Studios also notes that there are some steps established businesses and local, state and the federal government can take to spur new business growth: loosen up on the “non-compete” clauses, offer new business owners some tax breaks, give entrepreneurs support and financing if requested.

America is a great place to start a new business. If this is your dream, just go for it. Start very small and let it grow.

US Media Studios Examines How Work Habits Can Increase Stroke Risk

All work and no rest can add increased likelihood of having a stroke. US Media Studios takes a look at how work habits can increase the risk of stroke, and offers suggestions for reducing the chances.

Long work weeks, those over the standard 40 hours, face a stronger change of developing a stroke, according to a large study from a respected medical journal. While we know that entrepreneurs can put in an extraordinary amount time to their business, time should be set aside for rest and relaxation. The study also noted that workers that cross the 40 hour mark, even by one hour, have a better chance of heart-related medical issues than those that do not. Long work hours do not necessarily mean better work or increased productivity. Often, the more hours one works, the less productive they are due to tiredness and stress. Stress leads to stress-related health concerns, which added with poor lifestyle choices can result in stroke symptoms.

Below are some steps to take every day if one finds themselves working over 40 hours per week:

Stand up and move around when working, if possible. Bend the legs, arms, neck and torso.

Take a brisk walk outside three times a day to get blood flowing.

Lower stress during the day by counting to four, release breath and repeat four times. Don’t answer email or phone calls during that time. This resets the body’s stress hormone back to normal.  

US Media Studios also suggests eating nutritious meals and snacks and drinking plenty of water. These too will also help keep stress levels down and health up.

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US Media Studios Shares How to Best Work with Remote Teams

Tele-commuting is not only efficient but is desired by both employers and employees who are spread across time zones.  This way of working does have it challenges though. US Media Studios share how to best work with remote teams.

A recent Forrester Research survey found that 43 percent of the U.S. workforce will be tele-commuting by the year 2016. That’s roughly 63 million people. Working from home is a perk that some employees enjoy, even for one day a week.  Below are some suggestions for keeping remote teams and workers in the loop and productive.

• Hold daily meetings with all workers. Utilize the best forms of video conferencing and document sharing.
• Keep records of the meeting to be sure everyone knows what the objectives are and when deliverables are due.
• Set clear work hours and job responsibilities. Keep in touch throughout the day via phone and video conference to be sure work is being done. Create documents on shared Cloud drives where completed tasks can be recorded.
• Before hiring a remote worker, ask for and check references carefully. Ask about quality of work, amount of work, and work ethics.

US Media Studios recognizes that some people work better in a tele-commute situation than others. These are the people who are organized, goal oriented and thrive in their work.  Remote teams can easily and seamlessly get the job done when everyone is on the same page and communicating with each other. 

US Media Studios Reviews Data Security for Small Businesses

Don't keep passwords on note paper around your desk.

Data security is vital to the success of any company. But small businesses are especially at risk for breaches which can devastate them. US Media Studios reviews data security tips for small businesses.

A 2013 report from a respected Internet security found that more than thirty percent of attacks targeted in 2012 was at businesses with less than 250 employees. The average cost for one data breach is about $200 dollars per record. Small businesses are susceptible to security breaches and some shut down after one.

Here are some tips to keep data secure in a small business:

Regularly remind employees about Internet security in the workplace. Block social media sites which can distribute malware and viruses.  

Give passwords to only the employees who really need them. Ensure that the passwords are not kept on the computer in the hard drive, and are not written on notes and taped to computer monitors.

US Media Studios also suggests investing in secure conferencing software versus using an online open connection. The more data security features implemented, the safer the small business will be.

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US Media Studios Explains the Top Priorities for Entrepreneurs

There are many items of importance on the agenda of any entrepreneur. Making money is one of them. US Media Studios explains the other top priorities for entrepreneurs.

Innovation is a word which is used so often that it takes on a clichéd meaning. Entrepreneurs must always be active in the brainstorming, ideation, creating and trying of new approaches, new strategies, and creation of new products, services and upgraded or enhanced items. To remain stagnant as others grow and expand is the kiss of death for an entrepreneur.

Sustainability is another priority that should be on the top of the list. This includes the ability to make and keep a profit coming in so that the business can keep running. US Media Studios also reminds that sustainability could also be the willingness to take a short term profit loss in order for long-term goals to be reached.

Company culture is an important priority to keep on the plate. Entrepreneurs should consider what kind of culture they want for their business. Employees need and want to know how they should conduct themselves. Finally, don’t let the work load change the dynamic culture of the business. More work can create more stress. But it is how that extra work affects the overall culture of the company.

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US Media Studios Suggests Questions to Ask Before Buying a Franchise

Becoming a franchisee is not as simple and straightforward as it seems. There are many different aspects to it which should be considered before making any financial commitment. US Media Studios suggests questions to ask before buying a franchise.

How well does the franchisor know his or her franchisees? Did they take time to vet them? It is important for the prospective franchisee to ask the franchisor as many questions about how they run the business, support the others and what are its plans for growth in the next five to ten years.

How experienced are the managers for the franchisor? Do they know how to handle a conference call with 20 people on it, all new to running a business? How are their people skills?

US Media Studios also suggests asking if the franchisor has nay exclusive areas in which they operate? Are there any competitors in the area?

It is also smart to ask if the franchisor has a system in place to supplying needed items, both disposable and non-disposable? Who pays for the upgrade or replacement of equipment when needed?

Be armed with as many questions as possible to protect yourself before agreeing to become a franchisee.

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US Media Studios Reviews Online Marketing Tips

Online marketing can help anyone who has something they want to sell. From the top social media sites to review websites, US Media Studios offers marketing tips which bring success.

Social networking is more than being social on the Internet. If done consistently and with a sound strategy in mind, it can bring success to the solo business person. Online marketing can position the seller as an authority on the matter. It can also influence the consumers’ opinion on reviews. It can also help add customers which in turn can generate better comments from people.

Online marketing is not just about posting great photos with colorful descriptions. It is also about making the first YouTube video explaining how to use the product. US Media Studios advises that it’s best to learn how to use keywords when writing online marketing materials so search engines can find the company or product name when a prospective customer is trying to find it. Other strategies include posting interesting articles from different sources, sharing news from clients and consumers and using Instagram, an image posting social forum, to alert and remind the public when a new item is available or how an old was improved.

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US Media Studios with Strategies for Small Businesses

Small businesses want and need to grow in order to stay alive and survive. In order to do that, they’ll need strategies that are created just for them.

When an entrepreneur starts out, he or she may need just one laptop, a smart phone and a simple business plan. But as the business grows with inventory and revenue, the operational strategies must change. US Media Studios suggests researching what resources are available for the small business owner. Many times, the solutions for larger companies are not a good fit for the smaller ones. Marketing, for example, can mostly reach its target consumers via social media or email blasts. Other strategies to consider are hiring, technology needs, accounting and more.

Considering an e-commerce site? There are good resources available for less than what might be imagined. Entrepreneurs should consider getting any intellectual property trademarked.  US Media Studios also recommends find a tax professional to assist with any sales and use tax documentation. It is also important to choose the right e-commerce platform since there are many available. The best strategies are well thought out and fit the small business’s needs best.

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US Media Studios Reviews Capital Funding Approaches for Entrepreneurs

Every entrepreneur hopes to find capital funding which will help launch their business into success. US Media Studios reviews capital funding approaches for entrepreneurs.

Whether it is an angel investor, a crowd funding campaign, or friends and family backing the new endeavor, finding the right kind of capital funding takes time, patience and research. Financial experts suggest running an Internet search on the industry the business is in and add the term for the type of funding wanted. For example: public relations crowdfunding. Toy with the wording until results are produced with information which is useful. Take time to learn the language financial advisers and consultants use so there is no confusion. Choose the right partners or partner to provide back up and support. US Media Studios notes that having a sound business plan can also be of assistance when searching for the best approach for capital funding. Know where the business needs to head and have a strong plan in place for getting there, and then explore the different types of capital funding available. Let possible investors know what your strengths and weaknesses are. Don’t hide personal of professional blemishes. Always be transparent.

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US Media Studios Offers Location Tips for Small Businesses Owners

Location, location, location. It is not only the mantra for the real estate industry but also for people wanting to open their own business. US Media Studios offers location tips for small business owners.

The main rule of thumb for opening a small business is to know the customer. Know where they live, work, play and like to relax. Know where they shop for food, clothes, gas and home supplies. Once these establishments are known, a small business owner can start looking for a good space to rent or buy.

The U.S. Small Business Administration advises small business owners also look at if the location is right with the image the business wants to maintain. Also get a good look at the other shops or stores in the area to see if there is stiff competition.

Other location factors to consider: traffic patterns, parking, signage, pedestrian and vehicle congestion, public transportation stops in the nearby area, and residential demographics.

USMedia Studios suggests talking to other business owners in the area to determine if there are unknown expenses to opening a business there. Be armed with as much information as possible before deciding on a location for the new small business.

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US Media Studios Shares Tips for Productive Business Trips

Flight delayed? Get some work done. 

Business trips are inevitable for entrepreneurs, sales managers and CEOs. US Media Studios relays how to make them more productive.

Business travel can be a pain or it can be productive. It’s all in how we prepare for it, manage it and organize it. When we know in advance that a trip is needed, book the flight and make hotel and any conference room reservations ahead of time.  Most frequent travelers have personal care items already stored in the required sizes and clear bags. Keep the overhead suitcase ready to go with smaller items already stored in it such as socks, underwear, belts and etc. Put charging cords in plastic baggies and add them to tote bags or brief cases.

Store important documents on Cloud drives for easy access at airports, hotels and meetings.  Ship product samples and/or heavy files to the hotel before leaving. Call ahead to be sure they will be kept in a secure, safe place.

Make the most of flight time. Write and save email notes and other documents needed for the business trip. Drink plenty of water and take a short nap. Set the alarm on smart phones to ring in 20 minutes. This is all the rest one needs unless they are on an international flight.

US Media Studios also advises to take some time at the destination to enjoy the area. Dine at a local café, walk around and see what’s in the neighborhood and soak in some local flavor. This will go a long way in helping the hectic business traveler to relax.

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