Your Online Boutique: Ready for the World?

Your online boutique has found its audience at home, and now shoppers around the world are showing interest. This is an exciting moment for any entrepreneur, a clear sign your brand has appeal that crosses borders. But taking your business global means more than just offering international shipping; it requires a thoughtful strategy to make sure customers everywhere have a smooth and welcoming experience. Before you start packing orders for new countries, it's smart to lay the right groundwork. That way, international curiosity can turn into loyal customers.

Photo credit: Rifki Kurniawan on Unsplash.

Assessing Your Market Potential

Before you dive into a global expansion, it's smart to see where the demand is already coming from. Start by checking your website and social media analytics. Are you seeing a lot of traffic or engagement from a specific country or region? Tools like Google Analytics can pinpoint exactly where your visitors are located, giving you a data-driven starting point.

Look for patterns. If you notice a cluster of followers from Australia or a surprising number of abandoned carts from shoppers in the UK, those are valuable clues. This existing interest is your easiest win. You can also do some quick market research. Are styles similar to yours popular in Germany? Is there a blogger community in Canada that would love your products? Answering these questions will help you focus your efforts on markets where you're most likely to succeed.

Website Localization Essentials

When someone visits your site from another country, they should feel like you were expecting them. That's the goal of localization, and it goes way beyond just translating words. While accurate language is important, a truly localized site adapts content to fit cultural norms and expectations. A comprehensive ecommerce localization guide can be a great resource, covering everything from language to logistics.

Think about these key elements:

• Language: Use professional translators or high-quality AI tools to ensure your product descriptions and policies are clear.
• Sizing: Clothing and shoe sizes vary a lot globally. Provide clear conversion charts to prevent confusion and reduce returns.
• Imagery: The models and settings in your photos should connect with a global audience. What feels normal in one culture might seem out of place in another.

Properly managing e-commerce localization for online stores shows international customers that you respect and value their business, building trust from their very first click.

Photo credit: Cup of Couple on Pexels.

Secure and Flexible Payment Options

Nothing stops a sale faster than a confusing or untrustworthy checkout process. International customers expect to see prices in their own currency and pay using a method they're familiar with. If a shopper in Japan wants to buy a dress, showing them a price in USD and only offering American-based payment options creates friction, which often leads to an abandoned cart.

Offering prices in local currencies is a great start, but the backend logistics need a solid understanding of multicurrency payment processing to handle conversions, fees, and payouts without eating into your profit. Partnering with a payment processor that can handle various international payment types, from credit cards to regional digital wallets, is essential. This flexibility not only boosts conversion rates but also signals to global shoppers that your boutique is a legitimate and professional operation.

Ensuring Data Security and Compliance

As you start welcoming customers from around the world, you also take on the responsibility of protecting their data according to international laws. This might sound intimidating, but it's a non-negotiable part of running a global business. Regulations like Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) set strict rules for how businesses collect, use, and store customer information.

At a minimum, your site needs a clear and accessible privacy policy that explains what data you collect and why. You also need to ensure your payment system is PCI compliant, which is the standard for protecting credit card information. Being transparent and proactive about data security doesn't just keep you out of legal trouble; it builds trust with your customers. They're more likely to make a purchase when they feel confident that their personal and financial information is safe with you.

Photo credit: Saravut Vanset on Pexels.

Customer Support for a Global Audience

Your relationship with a customer doesn't end when they click "buy." Providing excellent customer support is just as important for international shoppers as it is for domestic ones, though it comes with unique challenges. Time zone differences, language barriers, and the complexities of international shipping can all lead to questions and concerns.

Prepare your boutique by creating a detailed FAQ page that addresses common international issues, such as shipping times, customs fees, and your return policy. When communicating via email, use simple, clear language and consider using translation tools if needed. Be upfront about your support hours and state them in a universal time format (like UTC) or mention your specific time zone. A clear, fair, and easy-to-understand support system shows your global customers that you're there for them even after the sale.

Taking your online boutique global is a journey of many small, deliberate steps. By thoughtfully preparing your website, payments, and support systems, you'll be ready to build a brand that connects with customers no matter where they live.

SEC Express Is Now on the eGovPH superapp – And Honestly, It Makes Life Easier.

If you have ever had to secure corporate documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), you probably know that it is not exactly something people look forward to.

Whether you are a business owner preparing requirements for a bank loan, an entrepreneur closing a partnership deal, or someone helping process documents for work, obtaining official SEC records often meant coordinating requests, monitoring processing, and finding time to visit government offices.

The good news? Accessing these documents has become much more convenient.

Many Filipinos may already be familiar with SEC Express, the SEC’s official online document request and delivery service. What some people may not know is that the service is now also accessible through the eGovPH superapp, making it even easier to access from a single government platform.

So, what exactly is SEC Express?

Think of SEC Express as a way to request official SEC corporate documents without physically going to an SEC office.

Through the service, users can request plain and certified true copies of corporate records such as:

    ● Articles of Incorporation (AOI)

    ● By-laws

    ● General Information Sheets (GIS)

    ● Registration Data Sheets (RDS)

    ● Audited Financial Statements (AFS)

    ● Secretary’s Certificates

    ● Board Resolutions

    ● Amendments and other SEC-recorded corporate filings

These are documents that businesses and organizations commonly need for bank account opening, business partnerships, legal transactions, due diligence activities, and compliance requirements.

How does it work?

The process is straightforward.

First, users search for the company name or SEC registration number and select the documents they need. Payment can then be made througavailable online channels, including e-wallets and online banking services.

After payment, the visits and making services more centralized, it helps make government transactions more accessible and convenient.

As more services become integrated into the eGovPH ecosystem, Filipinos can expect a more connected and user-friendly way of accessing puSEC retrieves the requested records from its archives and prepares the requested plain or certified true copies.

Once released, the documents are delivered through courier services. Deliveries are typically completed within 3 to 5 working days within Metro Manila and up to 7 working days for provincial locations, counted from the release of the documents by the SEC.

A common misconception about SEC Express

Because the service is online, some people assume SEC Express works like a searchable database where documents can be downloaded instantly.

That is not how the system works.

The SEC still retrieves documents from its records and prepares each request individually. Certified copies undergo the proper processing and certification procedures before they are released.

In other words, SEC Express is a document retrieval and certification service, not a real-time download portal.

Why the eGovPH Integration Matters

At first glance, having SEC Express inside the eGovPH superapp may seem like a small update.

But anyone who has managed multiple government transactions knows how helpful it can be when services are available in one place instead of across several websites and platforms.

The eGovPH superapp was designed to bring participating government services together into a centralized digital ecosystem. Rather than navigating multiple portals, users can access various government services through a single application.

For SEC Express users, this means a more streamlined way to access SEC-related services while benefiting from the broader digital transformation efforts of the Philippine government.

Who benefits from SEC Express?

Honestly, more people than you might think. The service is useful for:

    ● Entrepreneurs and business owners

    ● Startup founders

    ● Corporate employees handling compliance requirements

    ● Lawyers and law firms

    ● Auditors and compliance officers

    ● Banks and financial institutions

    ● Investors conducting due diligence

    ● Anyone authorized to secure corporate records

A small change that makes a big difference

Government digitalization often happens quietly. Sometimes, it is not a flashy new feature but a practical improvement that saves people time and effort.

SEC Express becoming available through the eGovPH superapp is one of those improvements.

It does not eliminate the processing required for official corporate documents. Records must still be retrieved, prepared, and certified when necessary. But by reducing the need for physical blic services—one that brings government transactions closer to where people already are: online and on their mobile devices

How To Launch A Successful Business People Will Actually Be Interested In.

If you’ve always wanted to launch a business, a new start is the perfect time to have a fresh start and get it off the ground. But starting a company is about so much more than just putting an idea or a product out there and hoping it does well. You need it to take off. There are many fundamentals that can help this be a success, from the marketing behind it, to knowing your idea is something that people will actually want to be invested in. In this article we take a look at some top tips that can help you hopefully give it the best stepping stone possible to really get off the ground this year.

Photo credit: Lisa from Pexels.

Ensure it is a niche that people are interested in

The first thing you need to do when you are launching a successful business, is to ensure it’s a niche that people are actually interested in. You need to know you will have a market out there who wants to buy the service or product that you are selling, and that it won’t just fall flat. Take time to research your market thoroughly by looking at competitors, keyword trends, forums, and social media discussions. Speak to potential customers where possible and gather honest feedback. This research will help you refine your offering, identify gaps in the market, and avoid investing time and money into something that lacks real demand.

Think about the technical side of things

While the idea itself is important, the technical foundations of your business are just as crucial. This includes setting up a professional website, ensuring it works well on mobile, and making sure it loads quickly and securely. You should also think about payment systems, data protection, email marketing tools, and any software needed to run the business efficiently - if you run or want to start a dating site, online dating merchant services are a gamechanger for this. Poor technical setup can instantly damage credibility and trust, even if your product is excellent. Investing time early on to get these elements right can save you from costly fixes later and help your business run more smoothly from day one.

Photo credit: Lisa from Pexels.

Don’t forget about social media

Social media plays a huge role in launching and growing a business, especially in the early stages. It’s one of the most effective ways to build awareness, connect with your audience, and show the personality behind your brand. Choose platforms that suit your business rather than trying to be everywhere at once, and focus on sharing valuable, engaging content consistently.

Hopefully the above should help you feel inspired and know what you need to do in order to launch a company that will do well and flourish. The last thing you want is to have an idea that’s fantastic but no-one sees it, or go out there with an idea that’s a flop and ruins your credibility. What are some top tips you have for launching a successful business that people will actually be interested in?

Logistics Made Easy with ML Moves.

When we talk about pawning jewelry and money lending, the first name that comes to my mind is M Lhuillier. I guess most Filipinos can relate to this because after all, M Lhuillier is a household brand when it comes to pawn-broking and money-related services.

Established in the 1980s as an ordinary pawn and jewelry shop, M Lhuillier opened its very first branch in the oldest city in the country, Cebu City. The company now has over 3000 branches nationwide and have expanded their services through the years. From its humble beginnings, M Lhuillier has evolved into one of the largest and most respected financial institutions in the Philippines, offering services such as money lending, quick cash loans, micro-insurance, money transfer, and bills payment.

In 2015, M Lhuillier took a giant step by venturing into the logistics retailing sector with the addition of ML Moves to its wide range of products and services. With ML Moves, M Lhuillier branches serve as drop-off points and pick-up hubs to businesses and individuals with logistics needs. They cater to both walk-in and e-commerce transactions and accept deliveries to both local and international destinations.

Here's how ML Moves works:

WALK IN TRANSACTIONS

• Drop off your item at a M Lhuillier branch near you that offers the ML Moves service. Present it to the staff for checking, fill out the necessary form, and pay the corresponding fee.
• Shipping will be fulfilled by local courier partners and DHL Express (for international destinations).

E-COMMERCE SOLUTIONS

    RETURNS (Lazada and Shopee)

• Once your return/refund request has been approved, drop off the item at any M Lhuillier branch. Your item will be sent back to the seller without you having to shell out for the shipping fee.

BRANCH PICK-UP (Lazada and Shopee)

• You can opt to have your packages dropped at your nearest M Lhuillier branch so you can have the flexibility to pick it up any time you want. No more guessing what time your parcel will arrive or waiting at home all day for 'Kuya Rider'!
• Shopee costumers within Metro Manila also have the option to pay the COD amount at the M Lhuillier where they will pick up their parcel. This gives the customer ample time to prepare for their payment.

SELLERS' DROP-OFF (Lazada and Shopee)

• For selected Lazada and Shopee sellers, selected M Lhuillier branches can be used as drop points for their parcels. Lazada and Shopee couriers will then periodically pick up the batched parcels ready for delivery to the line haul carriers.

ML Moves is all about speed and convenience – truly an innovative solution to our constantly evolving logistic needs. At the same time, this latest addition to the company's wide range of product and services goes to show that M Lhuillier continues to be the bridge between families and stays true to its promise of being the “Tulay ng PaMLyang Pilipino”.

Pru Life UK receives back-to-back awards at the 20th annual International Business Awards.

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK clinched four Stevie® awards at the 20th annual International Business Awards held on 13 October in Rome, Italy.

Pru Life UK was awarded a Silver Stevie® in the Communications or PR Campaign of the Year - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category for PRUHealth FamLove, a first-of-its-kind renewable plan that provides critical illness insurance coverage for up to 4 family members.

PRUHealth FamLove is a progressive and inclusive insurance product covering both traditional and modern families, including foster families, LGBTQIA+ couples, single parents, and common-law partners.

Pru Life UK was also bestowed two Bronze Stevie® awards in the Communications or PR Campaign of the Year - Climate Change and Internal Communications category.

“We are grateful for every opportunity to show our PRU Love to our dear employees, our 40K-strong agency force, our 1.7M customers, and all our communities. With these awards, we are humbled and even more inspired to bless many more Filipinos, families, and communities and be their partners for every life, protectors for every future,” says Eng Teng Wong, Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer.

At the core of its work on Communicating Insurance Protection as a Climate Adaptation Measure is the pioneering study which revealed that no disease group is immune to the effects of climate change and warned that cases of certain diseases will increase due to global warming.

This made a strong case for financial security to be recognized as a climate adaptation measure. The result of the study was released to the public through a media briefing, followed by a three-part webisode with industry experts.

Meanwhile, its 2022 Byaheng PRU Employee Engagement Campaign was recognized for excellence in internal communications. A project of its Employee Welfare Committee, it has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among employees from various divisions and empowering over 900 full-time employees to lead their company-wide initiatives for growth and success.

The International Business Awards is a prestigious awards program that honors achievements in the workplace. The 2023 competition has attracted over 3,700 nominations from various organizations in more than 60 countries.

Last July, the Insurance Asia Awards, one of the industry’s most prestigious programs, named Pru Life UK as the International Life Insurer of the Year - Philippines for the third consecutive year.

These awards come on the heels of Pru Life UK securing the top spot in the latest industry performance report by the Insurance Commission based on New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) in the second quarter of 2023.

Details about the IBA and the lists of Stevie Award winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/IBA.

6 Businesses that Need Translation Services.

Many industries are gradually gravitating towards translation services as more businesses are going global. When you operate in foreign lands, you need experts in the native language to convey your message to the target audience and convert them into buyers. Failing to translate messages properly can give the wrong impression of your brand or service to the target audience and damage brand value. Some local businesses dealing with foreign individuals or immigrants also need translation services regularly. Not all businesses require translation services. But it's mandatory for some industries. The following six businesses or industries must hire a translation service if they wish to go global or serve a target market speaking a different language. Check them out to see if your business needs such services.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo Young Woo (2022).

Legal Services

Whether your business is going global or staying within the borders, you might need translation services to serve some of your customers if you provide legal services. Many immigrants are not proficient in their native language and might have papers that need a translation before use. You might also need an interpreter to communicate with them. If you serve businesses registered in foreign countries with different primary languages, you will need translation services before you can provide consultation to these clients. All contracts, visa applications, educational or marriage certificates, and birth certificates contain sensitive information. Any misinterpretation can land your client in serious legal trouble, so choosing a good translation service is mandatory for your business.

Research

Any research work done on a foreign country or a population from a country where the people speak a different language - requires a translation service. You must convey the intent and instructions of the research work to the population and make information available to them in their own language. The translation service can also help in the research method and data collection. For example, you need a survey in Spanish translation to conduct research on a Spanish-speaking population. Here, you must use a translation service to convert the original survey and the instructions to the desired language for the best outcome.

Hospital Playlist (2022).

Medical Industry

Globalization and a rise in immigration have given more people the chance to make a home in a developed country. These immigrants need healthcare regularly, and some might even speak another language. You must use a translation service when you serve these people. Interpreters can help you communicate with your patients. But if you want to check their medical history, you must hire translation services, especially if the documents are in a foreign language. Similarly, when prescribing medicines or therapy, you must use the translation service to turn the instructions into the patient’s native language so that they can easily follow them. The information is sensitive and hence must be handled with care because bad instructions can put the patient’s health in jeopardy.

Cha Hak Yeon in Familiar Wife (2018).

Financial Services

Every business needs to deal with finances. When you have a business that’s going global, a translation service is mandatory to handle the finances generated from overseas operations. Whether it’s related to transferring money overseas or looking at international laws for income and taxes, you will deal with a lot of documents and paperwork. Having a translation service in the native country and country of operation will make the process hassle-free. The financial statements dictate where the profit will go. To do so, the business must have a translated version of the original registration. A misinterpreted document can get your business into legal problems in foreign lands, and in serious cases, you might even have to wrap up your business. So, having access to a reliable translation service is mandatory in this case.

Entertainment

The entertainment industry is getting bigger, but the need for translation services is not new to this sector. Platforms like Netflix and YouTube are providing access to movies, TV shows, and video content to audiences from around the world. A large portion of these audiences speak various other languages, so if the platforms want the highest viewership, they must translate the content into their native tongue. Similarly, when new movies release in a foreign country, people expect to see them in their native language. Using subtitles or dubbing them in the local language is a common practice in the entertainment industry. The scenario is the same in the case of books, comics, and mangas. To properly convey the message of movies, shows, or books, a business in the entertainment industry needs access to a good translation service. It can also help the firm advertise its content in foreign lands without any chances of misinterpretation.

Bae Suzy in Start Up (2020).

E-commerce and Global Businesses

Ecommerce platforms are selling to customers from all around the world. Supply chains and shipping have become advanced in the last couple of decades, and the widespread use of social media marketing has increased international demand for homegrown goods. As a result, many new businesses have started selling to customers across borders. Having a website is mandatory for these businesses, and selling to customers who speak a different language requires a strong translation service. The website must be available in all local languages of the country the business ships to so that the customers can understand the details well. Similarly, companies with hubs in foreign lands must also use the local language to attract new customers and communicate with them. So, a translation service is a must for them.

If your business deals with clients who speak different languages, you should hire a translation service for superior customer support. It'll also enhance your brand value and reliability. Hiring a full-time interpreter or translator can bump the cost, and it might seem redundant if you don’t serve such clients regularly. In such cases, you can always go for a third-party translation service.

Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022 | Discover Malabon’s Best of the Best.

With Christmas just around the corner, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Malabon (PCCI Malabon) is opening the city’s doors and inviting everyone to discover Malabon’s best of the best as it holds the first ever Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022. The event is in partnership with the Local Government of Malabon with the support from Honorable Mayor Jeannie Sandoval.

Event starts tomorrow, Friday, November 18 until Saturday November 19 at the Malabon Sports Complex. As you explore the homegrown treasures of the city, you will be surprised to see how Malabon’s food business landscape is thriving - from local delicacies to food products as well as the value chain in the food industry from equipment, tools, packaging, and distribution network in the city.

Through this expo, PCCI Malabon is creating a platform to help push Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to grow and thrive. This is in line with the organization's vision to be the voice of business owners and entrepreneurs, and its mission to provide technical assistance through job matching, credit access and financial planning, and digital transformation in marketing.

According to PCCI Malabon President Elsie Chua, this expo is a testament to PCCI Malabon’s goal of fostering and positioning Malabon as the Philippines' primary food industry hub and leading supply chain through warehouse and distribution facilities.

“The Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022 provides a platform for our Malabon MSMEs to showcase our products and services that are proudly ‘Made in Malabon.’ Being a businesswoman who slowly built Melawares 45 years ago, I firmly believe in the power of mentoring and the right support. Through projects like this expo, we are giving them the chance to grow so they too can thrive together with the homegrown Malabon business big brothers and sisters like Liwanag Candle, Rufina's Patis, Master Sardines, Dolor's Kakanin, Melawares or Remilly's Yema Cake,” Chua said.

The event is free admission to the public --- just present your government issued ID to register.

The two-day expo is filled with fun activities with learning and inspirational sessions. Virtually, you can also join the event through the live and interactive online selling on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PCCIMalabonInc.

To maximize the experience,  everyone is encouraged to join the expo onsite. Guests can look forward to various learning experiences such as the food safety program by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the credit access financing program by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Francorp Philippines will also be hosting a seminar on how to grow businesses through franchising.

To further ignite the passion from our MSMEs, Philippines esteemed entrepreneurs will share some inspiring talks to be led by Vice President of FFCCCII Cecilio Pedro of Founder and CEO, Lamoiyan Corporation and Mrs Natividad Cheng, Founder and CEO, Uratex and Ms. Tess Ngantian, Owner of Lotsa Pizza and AVP, PCCI National.

Guests can also watch out for a live cooking demonstration by celebrity Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou and learn how to create brand marketing from Mr. Ian John White Hyndman, Manager Partner of Dagaz Consultancy from Dubai, UAE.

Plan your itinerary tomorrow and on Saturday, and head over to the Malabon Food and Gift Expo 2022. Tara na, Masarap sa Malabon!

The expo was made possible by Platinum Sponsors Melawares / Max Ideas and Spring Oil; Gold Sponsors include CDO, Dolores Kakanin, Remilly Cake, Ni Hao Express, Jamicos, Eagle Food, and Fudsource, and; Silver sponsors Pares Ave, Universal Canning, Manila Cocktails, Longlife, and Ideal Spaghetti.

Perk Up Coffee & Tea: A success story amid a pandemic.

Running a business in the middle of a pandemic isn’t for the faint-hearted. With the restrictions and restless consumers, entrepreneurs have to be quick on their feet to survive much less make a profit. This didn’t stop 24-year-old Pam Jacobe from establishing her ready-to-drink brand Perk Up Coffee & Tea. 

 A business administration graduate of Mapúa University, Jacobe always dreamed of having a coffee farm and shop. She studied it in-depth and started selling coffee grounds and beans in 2019.

Months before the pandemic, she rebranded and changed her products to bottled coffee and tea lattes after noticing a gap in the market. “I saw an opportunity and joined the #CafeAtHome movement which encourages people to bring home the cafe experience. Friends and former colleagues supported my business, and it started to gain traction,” Jacobe recalled.

Pamela Maris M. Jacobe, founder and owner of Perk Up Coffee & Tea.

To connect with customers, she relied on social media advertising and word-of-mouth marketing. “The pandemic made people more supportive of micro-, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), specifically small online businesses. I grabbed that opportunity and dedicated my time on digital marketing strategies,” the youthful entrepreneur explained.

But the real catalysts of Perk Up Coffee and Tea’s success were its compelling advocacies and quality products. Aside from helping customers recreate a coffee shop experience at home, it imparts a strong sense of community with the causes it advocates.

Jacobe explained that Perk Up’s main advocacy is being environment-friendly, so all drinks are served in reusable glass bottles and eco-bags. “I want to make sure that my brand is doing its part to lessen plastic wastes. Imagine the hundreds of drinks I sell in one month. If I use plastic bottles, that’s already 100 plastic bottles gone to waste.”

1 liter bottle of French Vanilla latte.

From L-R: Strawberries and Cream, Spanish Vanilla Latte,
Cold Brew Concentrate.

She naturally advocates the exquisite taste and variety of Philippine coffee, and uses locally-sourced teas. One of which is the Kalinga Robusta dark roast beans which she uses because its low acidity, and nutty and earthy notes. It’s best tasted in her best-selling caffeinated Cold Brew Concentrate and French Vanilla Latte. While her Strawberries & Cream and Hazelnut Chocolate are caffeine-free hits.

While business has been brisk, there were times when she was met with people’s doubts. Instead of being discouraged, Pam used these obstacles to refocus on her purpose and goal.

She gives credit to her college education for preparing her for the challenging road ahead. “I will always be grateful for the holistic education that I received from Mapúa. They trained us not just to be employees, but to be leaders and trailblazers in whatever industry we chose. Mapúa taught me to be diligent, strive for excellence, and never settle for ‘half-baked’ results,” she explained.

Jacobe was trained to pursue continuous learning and improvement. It’s no wonder that she is doing research and development on non-dairy options and new flavors to expand her product line. She also encourages other aspiring entrepreneurs to take the big leap.

“Don’t be afraid to start from nothing. Enjoy the fact that you’re literally starting from the bottom and have nothing to lose if you try. Your dreams are planted in your heart for a reason. You owe it to yourself to give it a try.”

6 Homemade Products You Can Sell in the New Normal.

The recent pandemic has changed how we live our lives. Foremost amongst these changes is the financial situation of a multitude of people. Hundreds of companies have closed down, and thousands of people have lost their jobs. During these times of uncertainty, it is always a good idea to have multiple sources of income.

Strangely, now is the best time to start a business at home. It is very advantageous because you can market and sell your products online, and seeing as most people are under quarantine, they do most of their shopping online. The only thing missing is a great business idea to bring it all together. Here are 6 great business ideas for the new normal.

Photo credit: Pixabay.

1. Jam
Homemade jams are a great choice of product. It is very easy to get a hold of the raw products, and the jam-making process is quite easy. All you need is fruit and sugar and a sturdy jar to preserve them in. The jam-making process usually entails you to pick a specific fruit. You then crush the fruit and then add pectin into the mix. Pectin is a natural ingredient that thickens the jam.

After mixing them together, you bring them to a boil for around 10 minutes. Your sugar measurements usually depend on the type of fruit you are using. Once you bring the jam to a boil, you can add the sugar into the mix, and have it boil for a minute more. The entire process takes more or less an hour and depending on the measurements, you can create a lot in one cooking.

The process also entails heating the glass containers, so you will need good quality glassware. Seeing as you will be mass-producing the jam, it is always a good idea to buy wholesale from trustworthy glassware manufacturers. Roetell is one such company. It is a soda bottle manufacturer that also creates custom glassware, so if you need a steady supply of quality glassware, you know who to call.

Bake It Away - best banana loaf in town!

2. Baked goods
If you take a closer look at online ads on Facebook and Instagram, you’ll notice that baked goods are quite popular. It seems the time spent indoors has compelled a lot of people to start baking, and some enterprising people have made this into a business. A quick note though, if you’re going to start selling baked goods they should be as unique as possible. Remember that common baked goods like baguettes and bagels can be bought at your local bake shops. So take the time to research your product. It has to be both easy to make, and unique enough to catch a potential buyer’s eye.

For example, Basque Burnt cheesecakes have gained a great deal of popularity in recent years. The dessert originated from the Basque Province of Spain, and because of its light, savory and tart taste it has become a favorite dessert all over the world. It is a perfect product because it is very easy to make, and the ingredients are very affordable. There are a myriad of great baking goods you can sell, you just have to do your research.

3. Vegetables and fruits delivery
Ever since the pandemic struck, getting groceries has been a struggle. Some people fear going to the market to buy specific food items such as vegetables and fruits. This is where you come in. If you have a farm or access to farmers, you can provide a truly great service to these potential buyers. If you have a motorbike or a car, you can also offer to deliver the foodstuffs for an added price. Just make sure when you deliver the food you should still follow quarantine protocols and wear a face mask or better yet a face shield.

Photo credit: Pixabay.

4. Meat products
Just like vegetables and fruits, you can also start mass-producing and selling meat products such as sausages, chorizo, corned beef, etc. Creating meat products can be a bit more time consuming and you will need to have certain pieces of equipment such as meat grinders and mixers. Luckily there are cheaper alternatives that you can buy online for a reasonable price. Just make sure that you follow sanitary procedures when you make your meat products.

Always store the product properly, and wear gloves when you handle it. Processing meat can also leave a certain smell in the area. So if you live in a crowded neighborhood, you should make sure that you minimize the smell as much as possible. Handling meat is also a lot more dangerous during the pandemic, so you should be as careful as possible.

5. Homemade soaps
During the pandemic, proper hygiene is key to staying healthy. This is why you should start selling organic soaps and shampoos. In the past few months, soaps and shampoos have been at a premium. Soaps are especially valuable because they are essential to disinfecting one’s hands. There has been a rise in soap sales, and it’s all because of the pandemic. Soap is relatively easy to make, and the cost of ingredients is relatively cheap. So you can mass-produce a great deal. By creating and selling organic soaps and shampoos, you will not only gain a profit but will also help in stopping the spread of the Coronavirus.

6. Homemade alcohol disinfectant
Aside from soap, one of the most important products you can sell are homemade alcohol disinfectants. In the first few months of the pandemic, alcohol became a rarity. A majority of people got scared that stores would run out of supply. Which is why people started hoarding alcohol. This soon led to shortages, and a limit was set on the purchasing of alcohol disinfectants. Luckily for you, alcohol disinfectants are relatively easy to make, and you can be assured that you will sell a lot. Just make sure that your alcohol disinfectants are 70% alcohol because that is the minimal amount needed to kill bacteria and most viruses.

Photo credit: iStock.

In the new normal, we all need to adapt to new ways of living. This is especially true for making a living. Luckily with these great tips, you’ll have a good head start.

Tips to Become a Successful Stock Broker.

A lot of people are attracted to the perks and benefits that revolve around the stock market. These perks may be one of the reasons why some people would venture on to becoming a stock broker. But these people are usually the business management and finance graduates; the ones who pretty much studied and immersed themselves with the know-hows of the industry so they can be able to keep track of certain market trends that affect the charts and investments.

If you are thinking of starting a career to become one of the successful stock brokers in the Philippines, you should make sure to at least familiarize yourself with some of the important factors that will be essential and highly beneficial once you’ve started your financial journey.

Ryu Joon Yeol as a stock broker in the 2019 film 'Money'.

Familiarize Yourself with All the Jargons
Before diving into the game, you should definitely do the most basic step – which is reading and memorizing all the stock jargons. You should acquaint yourself with the terms so you have a general idea of what you are getting yourself into. It is crucial for you to teach yourself first before wading into any type of investment contracts and having substantial knowledge of the basics will help you become a good communicator and translator for your possible clients.

Choose a Brokerage Firm
Choosing your brokerage firm is necessary since you cannot trade without it. The brokerage firm will serve as a bridge, a mediator if you will, between the traders and the corporations. Before anything else, you should be diligently researching about each respectable firm that has complete credentials and has proven their legitimacy. Take the time to really understand the vision of that brokerage firm you will be choosing and if it aligns with your goals and also reflects your ideals. It’s a vital step that you should not overlook considering you are investing hard-earned money.

Know the numbers.

You can fill out a new account application online once you’ve manage to select the best brokerage firm for you. The broker will then dutifully collect necessary information from you such as your current employment status, licenses, assets, financial status and goals. In addition, you will have to undergo the Certification Seminar for Securities Representatives which is provided by the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), when applying for a registration.

Get Certified
Like any other finance student, you will have to immerse yourself with comprehensive learning material first so that you can hone your skills. Do note that when undergoing the certification program, you should have mastery on every subject related to the stock market such as: valuation techniques and analysis, financial market theories, investment strategies, investment portfolio management, market dynamics, ethics and regulations. There are various review centres for you to enroll in which offers beginner and advanced courses that will aid in your preparation for the licensure exams. Becoming a stock broker here in the Philippines is indeed a commitment and requires outmost dedication to learn and improve oneself especially when the market involved is ever changing.

Top 3 Reasons for Buying a Franchise.

Owning your own business is one of the best feelings in the world, especially if you are sick of answering to your boss all the time. You need one of two things to own a successful business: a lot of capital, or a good idea.

There is one option, though, if you don't have either of those things - a franchise. Owning a franchise is that same thing as owning your own business. The only difference is that you are buying into an already existing chain.

This may not be everyone's dream scenario, but there are some stark advantages owning a franchise. It does pose the same responsibilities that a traditional business owner has. The following are three reasons that you should consider buying into a franchise.

Pizza chain franchise, anyone? :)

The business has a proven track record of success.
One of the biggest variables when it comes to owning a business is whether or not people will want to buy your product. This problem is completely alleviated when you buy into a franchise. Any company that can afford to franchise their store has obviously had a track record of success in the markets they are already in. The main concern when it comes to reaching customers when your franchise is just finding the right location.

Training.
You may not have experience running your own business yet. Franchise opportunities usually have a training program for new owners that helps get them up to speed. It will also teach you to follow a company protocol for operations. You may wonder why they want all their stores to be run the same way even though other people own them. They do this because they program they have developed has a proven track record of success with the company so far.

Maintaining this consistent level of success across multiple locations, especially within a franchise model, often relies heavily on robust data collection and analysis. Understanding which operational protocols are most effective and how each unit is performing requires a clear, up-to-date view of key metrics. This is where modern automated reporting solutions become invaluable, providing real-time insights into operational efficiency and overall business health. Such systems ensure that all stakeholders, from corporate to individual franchise owners, are working with accurate information to uphold the brand's established standards and continue its trajectory of success.

Marketing.
A company like Meineke offers their franchise owners a full marketing package to help them get their business off the ground. Like other aspects of the business, the marketing all uses techniques that have proven to be successful in other markets. A lot of people don't understand how to properly advertise an auto repair franchise at first. This can lead to a huge waste of money. Avoid this by buying into a franchise.

The first thing you should do when thinking about buying into a franchise is to decide what style of business you want to be in. It is important to do something interests you. A franchise is an affordable way to become an entrepreneur with some distinct advantages over start carte balance.

Promotion through Fun and Colorful Artwork.

Art tends to be a universal form of communication. People relate to the images and colors and can understand the conveyed message even if the artwork's language is not their own. When you want to promote your business or organization through artwork, you may appeal to a broader audience when you use pieces like custom printed vinyl sticker decals or other personalized works of art that contain your message and brand. You might be wondering, "what is a vinyl sticker?" Vinyl stickers are durable, adhesive-backed stickers made from a type of plastic called vinyl. They can be printed with custom designs, making them ideal for promoting brands, messages, and artwork in a visually appealing and versatile way. You can order these pieces of art online when you visit the custom company's website today.

Photo credit: Beagle Cakes.

Getting Ideas for Your Stickers
If you realize that stickers are a great way to promote your brand or organization, but you need some ideas to help get your creative juices flowing, you can use the art handbook found on the website. The book can give you direction to coming up with good ideas and also clue you in on how to get your order placed. It will give you the details you need about placing an order and what to expect when your stickers are created.

If you already have an image created and want to share it with the company, you can use the upload button found on the website. This function allows you to upload the file to your account and to start the process of getting your stickers customized and sent out to you.

Sticker Sizes
Depending on your brand or organizational needs, you may want to order stickers in a variety of sizes. For example, if you are promoting a sports team, you may want to order bumper size stickers. This size displays your organization's name clearly so that it is visible to a wider audience.

If you want to promote your brand to kids, you may order stickers that are soft and puffy in texture. These dimensional stickers appeal to a younger audience who may like the way your stickers look and feel. Alternatively, you can also order kiss cut stickers and cut out stickers that can be used as wall or auto decals. The website provides several options that you can choose from when placing your order.

Promoting your brand or organization calls for you to use methods that transcend languages and communication barriers. Artwork that can be imposed on stickers remains one of the more popular ways that companies and other organizations appeal to their targeted audiences.

Three Marketing Strategies To Help Optimize Your Business.

In a certain sense, marketing is magic. Through the innovative use of words and images, marketing professionals construct effective campaigns that communicate the value of the client's brand. This work captures the attention of the target market and turns them into loyal customers. If you're ready to put this important business-building process in motion, consider the value of implementing the following marketing techniques:

Photo credit: John Chow.

1. Custom Clothing Labels.
One of the best ways to advertise your brand is through clothing. Since this is the case, it's a good idea to invest in clothing labels that feature the motto or logo of your brand. When you start your search for the perfect company to provide you with the labels, consider Xpresa Labels. The company offers fast service, free shipping, and low minimums. Click here (http://xpresalabels.com/) to learn more about how they can help you build your business.

2. Invest In Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Services.
It's no secret that eCommerce is an effective way through which to build a business, but that doesn't mean that every corporate leader is taking advantage of this reality. Make sure that you do by using a domain name search to optimize your business name and ensure you don't sound too similar to your competitors. As you start the process of finding the ideal team of internet marketing experts, remember that search engine optimization (SEO) services are a must. These services (which include things like research, keyword analysis, local SEO, content creation, link building, and social media optimization (SMO)) help ensure that your brand gains ever-increasing visibility. As a precursor to conversion, visibility empowers you to generate the level of brand familiarity necessary to keep prospective clients interested in your goods and services. Additionally, the technical and visual structure of your site must also align with your specific industry standards to build trust. In sectors like healthcare, high quality Behavioral health website design services, for instance, can be important to create a professional, empathetic user journey that can guide visitors toward seeking help. This can ensure that once a user finds your brand through search engines, they are met with an interface that can validate their needs and encourage engagement.. 

Alongside SEO, site owners should also plan for sustainable monetization that doesn't compromise user experience. Testing a small set of ad partners and formats lets publishers compare revenue, load impact, and engagement before committing site-wide. For publishers exploring options, trying a focused partner such as Galaksion the best ad network, who can provide a baseline for performance comparisons without adding unnecessary complexity. Short A/B tests on placement and density will reveal which combinations preserve usability while contributing steady income.  

3. Don't Forget The Power Of Offline Marketing.
While online advertising is bigger than ever, this doesn't mean that traditional, offline modes of marketing have become irrelevant. Since this is the case, make sure that your company capitalizes on all advertising venues by looking into things like radio and print ads. Billboards and smaller forms of signage may also be appropriate and advantageous to facilitate curiosity and brand familiarity.

While many business owners understand that consistent, effective marketing strategies are the key to conversion, not all of these corporate leaders are systematically implementing advertising techniques that work. Don't let this be the case for you. Instead, utilize some or all of the marketing techniques listed here so you can build your brand on solid ground.

Make Your Product Stand Out.

Whether you are serving frozen yogurt, ice cream, sorbet or gelato, you need a container that will make your product stand out. Gelato Products offers industry standard ice cream cups that will show off your product at affordable prices. They pride themselves on competitive prices and fast delivery -with top-notch customer service.

Ice creeeeeeaaaaammmm!

Choose from an assortment of attractive containers in an assortment of sizes, colors, and designs. You can even personalize the paper cups you put your fantastic product inside! If you are environmentally conscious, there are earth friendly plastic cups that can easily be recycled as well as earth friendly paper cups in 12 and 16 oz. sizes.

The company has one of the largest assortments of cup styles. Pick a style that fits your color scheme or your personal taste. They offer octagonal cups in 200cc and 150cc sizes in pink, blue, crystal and green. Emerald cups come in brilliant colors - neon orange(150cc.) , neon pink (200cc.) and neon yellow (90cc). The regular round "rotonda" cup comes in yellow (90cc.), pink (130cc.), green (170cc.) and blue (210cc.). The smaller diamond cup comes in blue(100cc., 130cc., and 220cc.). For larger portions, you'll have the green (130cc.) and red (220cc.) size. The elegant fruit cup design comes in 4, 5, 6, 8 12 and 16 oz. size.

All that cuteness.

Don't forget the spoons! They come in either matching colors or a collection of pastel shades.

Custom logos can be printed on cups using 1, 2, 3 or 4 colors. Personalized ice cream cups is a perfect way to move your advertising message out into the public. Using a custom cup design is a simple yet cost-effective way to market your business and serve delicious desserts using the best ice cream cups available in the marketplace today.

There are exclusive offer benefits such as no minimum orders, 24/7 online access to the vast inventory of gelato products and frozen yogurt supplies, and FREE domestic shipping within the continental United States. Make your ordering experience a good one. Plus you can be sure that you're getting high-quality products at affordable prices.

Signs of Happiness | Coca-Cola's 5by20 Campaign.

If you've been wondering why I have not been blogging very often these days, it's because I'm pretty busy (too busy) with stuff at home. You see, my aunt, uncle, and cousins are home for the holidays. This is the first time they're celebrating Christmas here in the Philippines after they migrated to London ten years ago, and we (my siblings) want to spend as much time with them as possible. It may take awhile for this kind of reunion to happen again - after all, plane tickets don't come cheap.

Speaking of reunions, no party or family gathering would be complete without everybody's favorite drink - Coca Cola. When my cousins arrived last week, the first meal that they had were buckets of fried chicken from the local fast food chain (which they do not have in London), partnered with ice-cold bottles of Coke. Ah, happiness!

We never run out of Coke here at our place, as we have a sari-sari store in our compound. My aunt used to own that sari-sari store (which is now managed by my grandmother's relative), until she finally decided to go back to the nursing profession and try her luck in London. Back in the days, I would help my aunt tend the store by doing simple tasks like taking payments (bayad) and giving change (sukli). It was a lot of fun, and I think my people skills were actually honed by helping out in the store and attending to my aunt's loyal customers (suki).

And this is why Coca-Cola's latest video ad is close to my heart. In this video, Coca-Cola focuses on the power of women entrepreneurship, and how small businesses contribute to the growth of the community in more ways than one.

Take for instance Mercy's Sari Sari Store, which is not only a sari-sari store, but also a hangout for the local 'homecourt heroes'. (In my aunt's case, her sari-sari store is like the employees' lounge of the motor shop across the street.) There's also Elvira's Carinderia, which is not only a place for people to dine, but also a place for people to hang-out, spend time, and have fun with friends.

This video ad is part of Coca-Cola's 5by20 Campaign, which aims to empower women and help improve lives. Through 5by20, Coca-Cola aims to address the most common barriers to success that women face. This can be achieved by giving women entrepreneurs access to business skills training courses, financial services, and connections with peers or mentors.

Why 5by20, you might ask. It's because the goal is to empower 5 million women micro-entrepreneurs by the year 2020. Hence, 5by20.

5by20.

And with that, let us all continue to support every business woman out there - the way Coca-Cola does. Because when a woman owns a business, you can count on them to open happiness as well.

Click here to learn more about 5by20 Campaign.

*This is a sponsored post. Thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Looking Professional in Restaurant Uniforms.

People who own and operate their own restaurants typically want their wait staff and chefs to look and act professional at all times during their shifts. If employees show up to work in tee shirts and jeans, they lack the uniformity and cohesiveness that go into staffing a professional eatery. Rather than let their employees work in street clothing, restaurant owners can learn more about why they should order uniforms for their wait and kitchen staff. They can order uniforms that reflect the atmosphere and professionalism of their eatery online.

Photo credit: Japan Dong Phuc

The type of uniform that people choose to order can depend on what kind of restaurant they are running. If their establishment specializes in southern cooking, these owners may prefer that their staff wear checked aprons and white shirts. However, if a person is operating a French cafe, that person may wish the staff to wear blue or red shirts and pants to reflect the national colors of that country.

Photo credit: Ali Express

Along with considering the variety of uniforms that are available online, owners can also consider accessories for their hosts and hostesses. People who walk into a restaurant are often greeted at the door by a host or hostess. The appearance of this greeter can set the tone of these customers' overall dining experience. When owners want their guests to recognize the comfort level and professionalism of the establishment, they may outfit their host employees with ascots, scarves, and other accessories that set them apart from the other staff members there.