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How ‘Hybrid Marketing’ Is Set To Become The Future of Marketing

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Businesses that want to maximise leads in 2022 should embrace ‘hybrid marketing’. 

What is hybrid marketing? Essentially, it involves combining traditional ‘physical’ marketing and digital marketing together. 

Businesses have previously approached both forms of marketing separately. However, this has been changing as a result of new technology and changing attitudes as a result of the pandemic. As Deba Ghosol, vice president of Voltas Limited, explains: ‘there has been a significant shift in the way that marketers have reached out to consumers, adopting an omnichannel strategy to create a connection with consumers’.

This article delves more into exactly what hybrid marketing is and the ways in which it is likely to become the norm in the future.

The rise of smartphones

Before smartphones, most people accessed the internet from home on a PC. Nowadays, more than 90% of us own smartphones, allowing us to connect to the internet from any location. More than 55% of internet usage is now on a mobile device. This has changed the way in which businesses target consumers online.

On top of creating mobile-friendly sites, many companies have started to embrace the possibilities of geolocation technology and apps. Smartphones can now be used to direct customers to local stores – by making sure that your company address is on Google Maps, you can help local consumers to more easily find you. Apps can meanwhile be used to improve the in-store experience. Loyalty card apps can work just like a physical loyalty card, allowing customers to collect points with every purchase. Some restaurants now also allow customers to order from an app. 

All of this app usage can be used to collect data on individual customers, allowing you to send personalised promotions through these apps based on previous purchases. Such technology is likely to become even more integrated into the in-store experience in the future. 

Hybrid events and impact of the pandemic

The pandemic has altered the entire events industry. Due to social distancing guidelines and ‘stay at home’ orders, most companies gave up on physical events in 2020 in exchange for virtual events. This includes webinars, virtual conferences and even virtual trade shows.

Now that social distancing rules have relaxed and people are allowed outside again, physical events have been making a comeback. However, not everyone is ready to embrace physical events again, which has led to the creation of hybrid events – these are events that you can choose to attend in-person or choose to attend virtually.

Such events can help to maximise leads. For consumers that prefer to attend events in person, you can win them over by using top rated trade show exhibits, live demonstrations and free samples. At the same time, you can win over consumers that would prefer to stay at home by live-streaming events, creating exclusive online chat-rooms and offering exclusive online deals to attendees. 

Familiarity with QR codes

QR codes have been around for a long time now, but many of us have only started to use them as a result of the Covid-19. During the early days of the pandemic, a lot of businesses stopped using physical menus and forms to reduce the spread of the virus, instead switching to digital menus and forms accessed via a QR code. As a result, lots of consumers had to learn how to use these codes.

Now that more people are familiar with QR codes, we are likely to see them being used more regularly in the future. Many companies have already started to integrate them with traditional marketing methods, printing them on business cards, flyers, posters, billboards and signs. In doing so, traditional print marketing can now be used to convert online leads by directing consumers to specific webpages.

The possibilities of 5G

5G is likely to truly revolutionise hybrid marketing. As this decade progresses, we can expect 5G usage to become more widespread. A major advantage of 5G internet over 4G is that consumers can access much larger amounts of data. This allows for data-heavy AR and VR experiences to become more practical.

Just how will businesses benefit from AR and VR? One example is likely to be the option of being able to try on clothes or shoes virtually. By scanning a dress on a rack, customers will be able to virtually dress themselves up using their phone camera. This could help to increase purchases by allowing customers to more easily visualise what they look like in certain clothes, as well as reducing returns. 

There are likely to be many other applications that we cannot even imagine yet. By doing your research, your business can start to plan for the adoption of this technology. 

Student @ Advanced Digital Sciences Center, Singapore. Travelled to 30+ countries, passion for basketball.

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Do’s and Don’t’s of Firing People

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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.

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Best Strategies to Create an Comfortable Atmosphere in Your Restaurant

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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.

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Turn Your Passion into a Career: How to Make Money Doing What You Love

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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.

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