Business
Personal and Emotional Challenges May Affect Startup Business; How to Tackle?
You complete the best education, you work for the best company, but somehow you feel not so interested and satisfied with your job. You have been pursuing your favourite hobby and realize that it is making you some money. You work on it harder and realize that it is proving to be more profitable and interesting if analysed and compared with your job. You quit the job and pursue your hobby as your career. You feel the freedom, you are your own boss. You come back to your home, or work with friends or go to a solitude place with internet. You work on your own given time and rest on the time decided by you. You realize now you make more savings, and more time for your friends, family and personal things.
When you take your hobby as your primary business you may not be much organized. It may also be possible you have no knowledge of management and business administration initially. You move ahead with your own knowledge. You are enthusiastic and energetic. You find that you are investing more time for this work than what you had ever invested in your job, just because this is your hobby and is more interesting. Your friends start telling you that you are living dreams of many people. You build the confidence and sense of independence. Everything is going right, but what if you suddenly meet with an unfortunate emotional disaster? Break up with your loved one or loss of a partner or any problem that strikes you in the initial days of building your startup?
When I started working here, I had left my job at IBM and came home from Bangalore to Delhi. My only problem was the deplorable internet service at home. Most of the time I never got the ADSL signal. I called my ISP a number of times, they used to send a technician, he used to do something and it could work for another 2-3 hours and then again used to return to its non-operational state. This cycle I might have repeated over 50 times and now everyone in the department knows my name.
While the internet light on my modem was never a regular sight, another problem that struck me was loss of love. Without going much out of context here, I was thinking the way it gave me an emotional shock, could it have been avoided? I stopped working for almost 3 weeks. My traffic went down, Alexa ranking went down, number of people talking on Facebook page went down, twitter interactions went down and income from advertisements went down. The only thing I was thinking was how I could have tackled this situation.
I was not even willing to see the stats of the website, because I knew it would be disappointing. All the hard work that I did in the past 6 years was going into vain in such condition. Since we are student journalists most of our teammates were also busy with their exams. And when you have a flat organization in a startup, everyone’s role is equal. And in that case if you are lost for some personal reasons, others will get demotivated too or will face a big burden. I did not want all this to happen.
In the meanwhile I was comparing the situation with that of my previous job. How it would have been different if I had got same emotional shock when I was in my previous job. When you work in a company, other than your own desire to work, there is also an external force of your manager that makes you deliver on time. A lot happens on a working day if you are in the office. A call or a ping from manager, an appreciation or escalation mail/call, a new task and a new near deadline, making status report and attending status calls, talking to other colleagues and going for a coffee. All these things and external pressure makes you put the reasons behind your sadness in the background temporarily so that you can work and think more about your deadline, which if you do not meet, could create problems even worse than the present one. When you put the sorrows in the background you think about it, but comparatively less. It eventually helps you to forget and move on. But when you are working on your own business, there is only one thing that keeps you going on, your ambitions and dreams which are also emotions. And when you are emotionally shattered and destroyed, you lose that zeal of work. You look for a break or something that can cheer you up. Since you are free and independent you tend to delay your work.
I tried to implement the scenario at work here. Enforced some deadlines on myself and motivated myself to write this first article after the nervous breakdown. It took me three days to write this article compared to four to five hours which I usually take, but things seems to be working. After all writing is my hobby, something which gives me happiness. I realized I was unnecessarily going away from something which gave me the most happiness or may be the second most happiness after her. Being involved and dissolved in the flow of my ambition was the solution and I was moving away from it. After all this is the reason I left everything and my previous job. And now it deserves my full attention. Because when I write I forget everything, I even forget my headache if I am suffering from one.
Therefore, I think the solution to such emotional disasters at work is to involve even more in the work or something that gives you happiness. Do not run away from your friends, family. That is not the solution. Happiness and sadness is within you. Do not let someone else control it. You are the reason of your happiness and you are the reason of your sadness. We all keep the capabilities to forget things with the time. But the quick solution is in your hands.
P.S: My internet works now. I called MTNL 3 times to fix it and it worked.
Business
Do’s and Don’t’s of Firing People

As a business leader one of the hardest things that you could do is fire an employee. Of course, it sounds like an easy thing to do if the employee is rightfully deserving of being fired, but it is a lot easier said than done. Is a decision that many managers actually lose a lot of sleep over, because it’s such a difficult undertaking.
No matter what you do though, whether you are firing somebody because they are just not the right fit for your business, or you are dismissing an employee for gross misconduct, legal issues can arise that could do damage to your business. HR professionals across the country will tell you that there are many different ways of gracefully terminating an employee’s contract, but there are some do’s and don’ts that you could do to make it an easier process that can help you deal with it. Let’s take a look at a few of those below.
- Do get everything in order before you fire them. From evidence as to the reason they are fired, to the paperwork for them to leave the business, get everything in order so that there are no loose ends. For a firing to go smoothly this needs to be prepared in advance. Before you terminate the employee, you need to be able to prevent any misunderstandings or even accusations of illegal activity going on. Follow the policies and procedures in place of your organization and if necessary, consult a lawyer. Secure computer files, make sure you pull together all in performance appraisals and written warnings as any other correspondence that you might need. You should also make sure that you have all of the payroll information in place so that you can reassure the person being fired that they will be paid according to the law.
- Do choose a private space. Let’s be honest, nobody wants to be fired from their job. It leaves a bad taste, it’s nothing to be proud of, and it can be embarrassing for the employee. When you are dismissing somebody, you need to choose the right time and place and make sure that there are no eavesdroppers. It’s always a good idea to do it as early in the week as possible at the end of the day so that you minimize impact to your business. If an employee depends on the company or their colleagues to get home, it just makes good sense to ensure that they are not going to be left stranded.
- Don’t fire somebody with an audience around. As we mentioned before, anybody in your business has a right to privacy. Doing it in front of an audience will be poor behavior on your part as an employer. It also won’t help people in the office to feel comforted by the idea that they may not be next. Use an official meeting space, as it’s a private and neutral location that is free from any disruption.
- Don’t forget to toe the line. If you terminate an employee on parental or medical leave, or you terminate an employee who is pregnant, you are going to open yourself up to a lawsuit. Toe the line when it comes to the law and make sure that you are firing somebody with all of your ducks in a row in advance.
Terminating an employee’s contract is not easy, but sometimes it needs to be done.
Business
Best Strategies to Create an Comfortable Atmosphere in Your Restaurant

Creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in any restaurant is essential for success. Customers often form their first impression of the restaurant based on its ambiance, and if it isn’t pleasant or enjoyable, they are less likely to come back. It’s important to consider all aspects that can make up a positive dining experience — from the decor to the music playing in your establishment to the service you provide. Here are some strategies that will help you create an atmosphere that customers won’t forget.
Decor:
The key to creating a cozy environment is by designing decor that reflects your restaurant’s style and promotes relaxation. Think about what kind of mood you want customers to feel when they enter your restaurant — from the lighting to the art on the walls to the decorations that adorn your tables. Depending on the cuisine you serve and the atmosphere you want to create, consider investing in muted tones or warm colors for a calming effect or bright and vibrant shades for an energetic vibe.
Music:
The music playing in your restaurant can make all the difference. Too loud music can be overwhelming and uncomfortable, while music that’s too quiet won’t create an inviting atmosphere at all. Consider investing in a music player for restaurant so you can control what music is played and when it starts and stops. You should also consider whether you want to provide live or recorded music. Live music will usually give customers a sense of authenticity and provide them with something to enjoy during their meal, while pre-recorded songs can help set the background without being distracting.
Service:
Your service can be just as important as the ambiance in creating a memorable experience. Make sure your staff is well-trained, friendly, and attentive to guests’ needs. Ensure they understand your restaurant’s standards and expectations — from proper table setting etiquette to how glasses should be filled. Customers greatly appreciate being treated with respect and kindness, so make sure your waitstaff is not only efficient but also shows genuine care for their customer’s satisfaction.
Atmosphere:
Creating the perfect atmosphere requires more than just the decor, music, and service — it also includes small touches that will make your restaurant stand out. For instance, consider offering complimentary snacks or appetizers to customers while they wait for their meals to arrive. You can also provide warm towels after meals as a sign of endearment and appreciation. Additionally, choosing linens with exquisite patterns or using fresh flowers on each table will add even more charm to your restaurant’s atmosphere.
Business
Turn Your Passion into a Career: How to Make Money Doing What You Love

Many dreams of turning their hobby, passion, or creative outlet into a career. It’s a beautiful idea, but it can take time to figure out where to start. Here’s a guide on successfully turning your hobby into a career.
Do Your Research
Before you turn your hobby into a business, please research and find out what the industry looks like, your potential customers and their needs. Next, consider your strengths, skills, and knowledge and decide how to use them in this new venture. Finally, consider what makes you unique in the industry and how you can market yourself.
Take A Strong Career Test
A Strong Career Test can help you identify your ideal job and the type of environment you would flourish in. In addition, knowing this information can give you an idea of what kind of business to start and whether it’s something you’d be passionate about.
Think About Finances and Legalities
Once you have an idea of what you want to do, consider the financial aspect – are there any costs associated with getting started? What sort of budget will you need? Will there be any tax implications? It’s also essential to think about the legal side of things – if necessary, consult with a lawyer specializing in business law so that you understand all the regulations associated with starting up and protecting your intellectual property rights.
Create a Business Plan
Now that you have researched and considered the legalities and finances involved, create a business plan that outlines all this information. Make sure it includes short-term and long-term objectives to keep track of your progress over time. Be realistic when setting targets for yourself – don’t aim too high at first because this could set you up for failure if it doesn’t pan out. Also, consider whether or not there is potential for growth or expansion once your business gets off the ground. This may include marketing strategies such as social media campaigns or investing in advertising materials such as brochures or flyers.
Start Networking
Networking is essential when launching any new business; it’s about building relationships with people who may be interested in your offer. Start by reaching out to family, friends, and acquaintances who may already know about your business or service offering; they may even be willing to share it with others! Additionally, join online groups related to your area of expertise – these are great places for exchanging ideas with like-minded people and potentially finding potential customers/collaborators/mentors/partners, etc. Finally, attend events such as trade shows or conferences where relevant topics are discussed – these are ideal opportunities for making connections within the industry that could prove beneficial down the line!
Turning your hobby into a career is no small task, but it can be approached thoughtfully and strategically! Please research the industry thoroughly before beginning to understand its nuances; familiarize yourself with the legalities of running a business; create a viable yet ambitious business plan; network extensively (both online & offline). And never give up! With dedication & hard work, anything is possible.
-
Business11 months ago
4 Changes to Increase Your Bottom Line: Dip in Revenue? No Problem!
-
Business10 months ago
How To Safeguard Your Business
-
Business9 months ago
Online comparators are the best allies to help you find the loan you need
-
Health8 months ago
The Stigma Behind Anabolic Supplements
-
Sports11 months ago
3 Knots Of Nautical Advice For Newbie Sailors
-
Health6 months ago
How to Look After Your Health Despite Your Disability
-
Business5 months ago
Turn Your Passion into a Career: How to Make Money Doing What You Love
-
Business7 months ago
4 Ways to Improve Your Customer Experience