compassmarketing

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What customer wants, you can’t give that. Look what Steve Jobs believes!

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#SuccessfulSaturdays

10 Lifestyle Habits That Will Help You Create Success

1. Exercise - refreshing the body and mind. Moving into the body allows us time to work our stresses and rejuvenate the mind.

2. Meditation - making time to do nothing. We can become consumed by the idea of chasing our success and this can result in us becoming overwhelmed by our daily tasks. Meditation allows us time to wipe the mental slate clean and approach future tasks with a clear head.

3. Self-love - being there for ourselves. Failures are going to come thick and fast along the road to success and we need to be there for ourselves during the hard times if we’re going to keep pushing forward and chase our dreams.

4. Affirmations - priming the mind for greatness. Repeating affirmations such as “I am in the process of manifesting my success” helps us to reinforce the belief that we will reach our goals rather than just hoping it will happen.

5. Creativity - expressing ourselves. Creativity dissolves resistance inside us that has been created by stress, trauma, unexpressed emotions and negative energy picked up from others. 

6. Positive energy - surrounding ourselves with positive people. Being part of a mastermind group or having accountability buddies is a vital part of achieving success - like-minded individuals encourage each other to win.

7. Authenticity - being true to ourselves. Doing what we love is the surest way to be successful, life’s too short to miss out on what we love and too long to do what we hate.

8. Focus - blocking out distractions. Removing distractions such as negative people, television and drama is how to we remain focused on our goals and invest the most time into them.

9. Visualisation - creating a clear mental picture of the dream. Knowing exactly what we want our future to look like allows us to map our actions to our goals which speeds up the process of manifestation.

10. Work - putting in the hours. The most important part of creating our success is what we choose to do with our time, investing the majority of our waking hours into achieving our dreams will make them a reality - it’s just a matter of time.

What makes us successful is how we use our time.

Peace & positive vibes.

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I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.

Thomas Edison (via entrepreneurship-blog)

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A millennial and a business owner? These tips might strike a chord.

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Note to self: Make a decision on what you want today and nail a single goal for that everyday

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“I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man,” goes the now-famous Jay Z line. Rappers have long mused on wealth in their verses, and some of those lyrics can provide invaluable advice to founders.

Here are 10 of the best startup tips, in lyric form, from hip-hop’s finest.

Some of our favorites:

“Don’t be worried about the next man – make sure your business tight.” (Dr. Dre, “Get Your Money Right”)

“I’d like for y'all to meet the love of my life, her name’s the game.” (Drake ft. Young Jeezy, “Unforgettable”)

It’s foul what this money could do, cash corrupts the loyal.“ (Nas, "A Queen’s Story”)

“There’ll be ups and downs, smiles and frowns.” (Snoop Dogg, “Ups & Downs”)

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Picking the best APAC country to expand or resettle your company

If you want to get started up in APAC (or expand your existing company) but are unsure where to start, assess what your priorities are – whether it’s the spoken language in the region, cost of living or ease of work life. From there, it’s a process of elimination. It’s by no means a full list, but here’s a starter guide to help you prioritize and get you to your destination!   LANGUAGE: If spoken English is your main concern, consider: Singapore: English is the main language used for conducting business, and it is also the main language in Singapore’s education system. Practically all Singaporeans can speak English, making it easy to get directions on the street or find what you’re looking for at the market, while being immersed in a diversified, multi-cultural environment. Singapore is also extremely friendly to foreign companies, giving many initiatives and incentives for expats to live and work there.   Australia: While you may have to do some cultural adjustments, nothing will change on the language front – aside from picking up a few slang words and abbreviating everything. (See our article “What you need to know before expanding your business to Australia HERE”). COST: If you want low cost of living without sacrificing on quality, consider: Vietnam: For developed cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, Vietnam offers incredibly value. It’s possible to get a modern apartment, eat amazing food every night out and hire someone to do your errands, even on the startup dime. There are also thousands of cafes in the city with free Wi-Fi that you can bunk down in or have meetings in. Philippines: With a better public transportation than Indonesia and Vietnam, the Philippines is also a place where costs are relatively low. While safety is a bigger concern in the Philippines more than other parts of Southeast Asia, so long as you are careful and informed, it’s a place where the dollar goes far. TALENT: If you want to expand your staff and find cheap and talented workforce:   Vietnam: The country’s labor force is growing at more than 1 million people per year, with a low unemployment rate of 2.5 percent. China: With a large number of tech-savvy millennials who think far differently than their parents, China is a great place to find college educated talent – at a fraction of the price it would cost in the West. TECHNOLOGY: If you want to be at the forefront of technology: Japan: Japan is known for its breakthroughs in technology, such as robots, self-driving cars and knick knacks for everyday life. If you can bear the language and culture barrier, it’s an amazing country to be inspired by. Singapore: Singapore came in number one on Asian Digital Transformation Index, released recently by the Economist Intelligence Unit commissioned by Telstra. The index ranked 11 nations according to their ability to transform themselves. (If you’re wondering, trailing behind Singapore respectively are South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong). If you’re looking to expand overseas, talk to one of our Consultant and see how we can help you!

Like this? Read more at: https://www.compassoffices.com/en/about-us/blogs/

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Checklist: 9 things you absolutely must ask about your new office

Expanding and moving into a new office? While this is an exciting change in scenery and lifestyle, it can also be an overwhelming process. Before you get burdened by it all, make sure you have all your bases covered. Here are 9 things you absolutely must ask about your new office space before moving in your desk:

1. Rent / lease terms, fixed rate: When the lease of the office is extended, can the rent be reviewed? Is the rent fixed? Is there usually an increase after a year?

2. After-hours costs: If you plan on staying after normal business hours, make sure you ask whether this comes at an extra cost. Some buildings, for example, charge for air conditioning after the standard work hours, which can be a hefty bill to pay if you live in hot and humid city like Hong Kong!

3. Post-rental obligations: Are you planning on sprucing the place up with your own artwork and hanging vases? Be careful, as many buildings require that condition when you leave be the same as when you took lease of premises. That means you should check the contract of what can (and can’t) be done when you’re renting. Put down that paint brush and sandblaster until you’re sure!

4. Utilities bill: Check what the rent actually covers.  Are you responsible for only paying your portion of the building operation costs? Is it included or a flat rate?  What about the shared utilities?  It also does not hurt to ask about the energy performance of the building if you were to pay for the utilities – is the building “green” and energy friendly? This could add a lot to your bill, and also your conscience, if not.

5. Parking space (if needed): Parking is a finicky and expensive thing to consider especially if you’re renting an office in a city. It might also be completely unnecessary though, if no one drives to work. Check to see what everyone’s choice of transportation is, just in case some colleagues need to drive in.

6. Added Incentives: In lieu of a reduction on rent, are there any incentives that the landlord can throw in? I.e. Extra furniture, discounted parking space, temporary storage during the move, etc. It never hurts to ask!

7. Other premises available for use: Say you have to accommodate a meeting for 50 executives coming in from out of town. While there is no way that your office can accommodate this meeting, is there anything in the building itself that is available for use or for rent? See if there are potential patio / rooftop spaces or shared and spare rooms available.

8. Equipment, furniture and systems available for use: Similarly, check to see if there is extra furniture that may come along with the lease – even if it’s just temporary. Headcount may change in an office, and it never hurts to have a few chairs or rubbish bins around, eliminating that last minute trip to IKEA. Verify also what telephone or IT system the building has in place, lest you need to buy a router or phone system on your own!

9. Broken clauses policy: Say something happens unexpectedly and you must break your lease. What are the terms and conditions? Can you sublet to another tenant? Or is the only option to pay the fine?

Like this? Read more at: https://www.compassoffices.com/en/about-us/blogs/  

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Interesting Reads for Business Owners

For business owners, it can be hard to shut off completely, but you can use time away from a busy schedule by reading one of more of these interesting books. You’ll be sure to have some engaging chats over coffee after you have checked out the books on this list.

Don’t Bring it to Work by Sylvia LaFair

Workplaces tend to be more like families than we realize, and people fall into patterns. This book explains why some people revert to patterns they learned on the schoolyard when they should be far more professional. Find out how to spot dysfunctional ones and discover how to move into a more positive and productive pattern.

Crazy Bosses by Stanley Bing

Focusing on the people who have made it to the top of the corporate heap, these darlings of the corporate press have certainly done well for their companies, but their success has come at a price. Stanley Bing takes a close look at the narcissism of the privileged few who have clawed their way to those highly-prized executive offices.

The Peter Principle by Laurence Peter and Raymond Hull

Most businesses are actively looking to recruit the best and the brightest candidates and to selectively remove mediocre performers from the company pool. Authors Peter and Hull point out that this strategy has a distinct disadvantage and that as a business grows and changes over time, everyone will eventually be in over their heads.

The Four-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss

To be an entrepreneur is synonymous with working long hours but Timothy Ferriss has a different take on the key to success on his book. He asks readers to reconsider what work means to them, and points out that the majority of activities that we spend time on may be unnecessary and holding us back from the kind of life we really want.

The No Asshole Rule by Robert Sutton, Ph.D

The title of this book may sound a bit harsh, but it provides some great advice on how to deal with difficult people while remaining relatively unscathed. This reading list should give you some interesting food for thought that you can choose to digest on your own over the upcoming, hazy summer days to come.

Like this? Read more at: https://www.compassoffices.com/en/about-us/blogs/

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3 tips on managing a millennial team (even if you’re one yourself!)

While it might seem like millennials are drastically different from their predecessors, like most employees, they just want to feel valued, find job fulfilment and leverage their skills. As a leader, you can cultivate this feeling – even if you’re a millennial yourself! Who is a millennial? Well, for one, millennials are born between 1980 and 2000. So even if you’re not one, chances are that a majority of your work force (especially incoming) employees are. Above all, this generation values technology, flexibility and mobility. Keeping this in mind will allow you to adapt your leadership skills accordingly. If you’re in a leadership position (or aspiring to find yourself in one), here are some tips on leading a team of millennials – even if you’re one yourself – just in time for the new year!

    1. Be a flexible leader – democracy not autocracy!

As revealed in our latest Compass survey, our respondents valued first and foremost flexibility at work. Whether this is in regards to office location, working from home and designated hours, flexibility is the key word for attracting and retaining millennials. Gone are the days of rigid and authoritative rule. Of course, there are certain policies that can’t be changed, especially if you’re working at a big corporation. But it’s always possible to implement flexibility and shift your leadership to a more democratic and flexible style. For example, if you know there are members on your team that aren’t early risers, allow a flexible 1-2 hour window for getting to work and leaving. For those that love coming in early, allow flexibility in leaving earlier, provided that everyone finishes their tasks.

    2. Lead in many ways – not just at your job.

Leadership doesn’t begin and end at the office. Millennials are mobile and value being active outside of work. There’s a reason why tech companies like Google insist so much on creating an exist in and out of work, as extending work to social life often creates stronger bonds amongst colleagues.  If your office has community or social events, take the initiative to lead these. Show your leadership skills whether you’re the captain of the group’s basketball team or heading up the annual food charity drive. This will also not only allow you to see your colleagues outside of their field, but you’ll also see what other strengths they have, outside of work.

    3. Be punctual and reliable.

Millennials are not that different than the generation before them – and this may sound like a given – but they value a leader they can respect. Your team will notice if you’re perpetually late to work, miss meetings, and delayed in replies. Like all employees, millennials need structure and value a leader that is fair, honest and reliable.

Like this? Read more at: https://www.compassoffices.com/en/about-us/blogs/

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5 ways to know when it’s time to outsource your social media for your small business

Social media has created an entirely new marketing platform, making it an invaluable part of your business, no matter what industry you are in. While many larger companies have entire digital departments set up, some smaller companies may be on the fence in what resources to put into social media. Many factors, like budget and targets, play into whether or not a company wants to outsource the job of managing social media to an agency or a new headcount. If you are currently (and reluctantly) managing your company’s social media, here are some signs that it’s time to transfer the work elsewhere.

It’s a dreaded chore on your to-do list, attended to at random hours of the day.

If you’re not treating social media like a job, then likely you’re not doing a good job. Nowadays, customers reach out first and foremost via social media. If you don’t have someone on hand 24/7 to monitor social care and requests that come through online, whether it’s through Facebook or Twitter, your company is missing out on a valuable way to connect directly to potential customers and clients. Not responding quickly nowadays is unprofessional, however small the request is. It’s important to attend to comments coming in on social media at all hours of the day.

Your social media is not being frequently updated.

Similarly, you need to be updating your pages with relevant content to keep consumers and your audience base engaged.  Even if you’re a new startup or small company, you should devote at least a few hours a week updating your social media platforms. Platforms like Facebook, SnapChat and Instagram all engage users in a different way, and it’s important to have a stream of constant, curated, content across all your social media. Closing early for the holidays? Update your social media! Have special offers available for one week only? Blast the message out on social media.

Your social media is not relevant.

Creating content that compels people to like, share, tag friends, and comment on takes skill and time; there’s a reason why being a blogger nowadays is a full time job! Hashtags in the market aren’t intuitive – there are many trends that come and go. To keep up your Instagram / Snapchat number of followers, you need to constantly be updating with relevant content for your audience.  

There’s little attention paid to the overall brand building storyline of your social media.

Social media marketing is more than posting updates as well. It can be a powerful and seemingly organic way to build your brand story. Brands like Daniel Wellington pull from their fan social media pages to build an attractive idea of who their customer base is – turning their product into something aspirational and desired. This however, isn’t something that can be done by haphazardly posting pictures every so often. Many brands – especially tech and fashion – plan posts weeks in advance to create or build hype around key storylines.

You answered yes to all of the questions – and you also have an agency in mind that fits with your company’s scope and strategy.

Not everyone or every business can manage social media themselves. Thus, hiring an agency whether on contract or long term is a great solution. The most important thing is finding an agency that not only understands your brand voice but also has the right attitude and capability to work as a team. If you have agencies or talent in mind that seems to fit the bill, it’s a great start to handing off some of the workload.

Like this? Read more at: https://www.compassoffices.com/en/about-us/blogs/

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Five Productivity Tips For Successful People

Like this? Read more at: https://www.compassoffices.com/en/about-us/blogs/

Businesses are increasingly moving away from measuring people’s output based on how long they sit at their desks. Presenteeism – when people remain at work for longer than required in order to “show their face” – is no guarantee of productivity, particularly in this age of social media, when we’re just as likely to be tweeting football scores from behind as screen as compiling reports. So how to become a more productive person without working 24/7? We look at five top tips to help you on your way. Timing is everything Some people are naturally more productive first thing in the morning, while others are night owls. Aim to take this into consideration when tackling your workload. Are you most likely to sustain focus if you dive straight into a project or do you need time to “warm up” when you get to the office? Wherever possible, prioritise your tasks accordingly and you’ll find it easier to stay motivated to completion. Double duty Most of us will have a commute of some kind to tackle each day. Why not use this downtime to tick a few items off the list before you start your day in earnest? Clear as many items from your inbox as you can, set reminders and cross-reference your calendar to your appointments to make sure you’re set up for the day. If you’re driving to work, why not use this time to listen to business podcasts (insert link to podcasts article) and gain valuable industry insights as you travel? Clear lines of communication Email can be a major time-suck for even the most organised individual. Before you do anything else, switch off any screen notifications and sound alerts. If you can, set aside two or three designated timeslots throughout the day to deal with email and avoid checking it at any other time. If your contacts have grown to expect an instant reply, set up an auto-response to let them know that you’ll only be checking in at specific times. Your inbox will quickly decrease in volume as people reduce the number of unnecessary emails that they send you outside of these times. If that sounds a little too drastic, commit to only checking your email when you actually have the time to respond, meaning that you save time on re-reading previously opened messages. Know your strengths… and your weaknesses While learning new skills is an important part of entrepreneurship, the ability to effectively delegate and outsource certain tasks is also a crucial skill – particularly if you’re an SME with limited time and human resources. Acknowledging that others might be better suited to assist you with, for example, copywriting, social media or web design not only enables you to focus on using your skills and expertise to most effectively support your business, but also typically ensures a more polished end result. Get on the list To-do lists are nothing new, but a little bit of maintenance each evening can help you to save time and become far more productive in your work. Firstly ensure that everything is written down each night before you go to bed. Check your previous day’s list and either delete or carry forward any outstanding items. Once your list is complete, prioritise your tasks. This can be achieved simply, either by marking them with a symbol (e.g. a star for urgent, a circle for medium and a triangle for low priority), or by underlining in a different colour. The whole process should take no more than a couple of minutes, but will allow you to fully switch off and rest at night, safe in the knowledge that you won’t be reaching for a notepad at 3am when you suddenly remember something urgent, and that you’ll be ready to hit the ground running in the morning. And if there’s one thing that increases everyone’s productivity, it’s a good night’s sleep.

Like this? Read more at: https://www.compassoffices.com/en/about-us/blogs/

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5 ways to rethink your desk for success

Ah, the desk. The work desk harbors not only your computer, mobile, pens and never ending collection of messy papers, but it’s also the place where you do all your work, take phone calls, eat – and for some – squeeze in a catnap. For that reason, the desk is probably the most worthwhile area to rethink when you’re struggling with your mood and productivity, as it’s where you spend an estimated 90% of the day. Whether you have a semi-permanent desk, a rotating desk or shared desk space, the desk shapes most of your day. Want to accomplish more during the day with a better attitude? Rethink your idea of the work desk.

Change your desk chair.

One of the easiest ways to change the way you engage with your desk? Simply change where and how you’re sitting.  Substitute your chair for an exercise ball. When you sit on an exercise ball, your body will automatically readjust itself to utilize muscles that you otherwise wouldn’t use. Using yoga or exercise balls improves your posture and creates a better sense of balance. For kinesthetic learners, or people who learn best over physical activity, bouncing on an exercise ball may help stimulate ideas and thoughts. How’s that for thinking your way out of a problem?

     2. Consider a standing desk.

There’s a reason why a “desk job” is called just that. If your job requires you to sit all day chained to your desk, this can be damaging to your body. Numerous studies show that being sedentary all day increases your chances of being overweight and is generally bad for your health. That’s where a standing desk comes in. Ideally you should get a standing desk that also enables you to sit for a few hours, something where the height is adjustable or you can perch comfortably with a stool. What are the benefits of a standing desk? You can burn calories, increase your metabolism and best of all, studies have shown that standing desks boost productivity. In a 2014 study published in the journal IIE Transcations on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors, there were cited cases where a “standing desk improves basic cognitive functioning via enhancements in the frontal regions of the brain.

     3. Eliminate clutter from your desk.  

A cluttered office desk is not only an eye sore but could also potentially limit your productivity. With business cards  laying around (from meetings you don’t remember), sticky-notes with scribbles, files everywhere and the occasional snack, searching for things in a sea of mess takes time and energy. By cleaning your desk and removing all miscellaneous items, you not only clear your mind but you can shift your focus to the immediate task at hand, thereby increasing your productivity.  

    4. Eliminate clutter from your computer desktop.

The one thing everyone has on their desk:  a laptop or desktop. While it’s essential nowadays to work using a computer, it can also provide endless amounts of procrastination opportunities – even after you’ve cleaned your desktop! What’s the best way to eliminate these distractions? Have your computer desktop mirror your now (clean) desk.   Get rid of the unused documents on your desktop, change your wallpaper to something simple, and remove icons and programs that you don’t use. Find what you need, when you need it.

    5. Explore basic Feng Shui principles

Whether or not you believe in certain aspects of Feng Shui is irrelevant; some basic facets of Feng Shui simply make sense. If you don’t want to get into the principles of the Bagua (the center of the universe and how you can position certain things on your desk), some things are easier to approach. Feng Shuit asks you to explore everything from your desk shape –  rectangle, circle or curved –  to the desk material, color, proportion and where it is located in the door. All these things contribute in some way to productivity and happiness, so do some research to Feng Shui your desk into success!

Like this? Read more at: https://www.compassoffices.com/en/about-us/blogs/

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5 Benefits of Serviced Offices for SMEs and Startups

Finding a space for your business can be one of the biggest challenges in starting a company – but if traipsing around unappealing office blocks is starting to wear thin, a serviced office might be the answer to all your real estate dreams.

Here’s a few reasons why: Flexibility Staying on your toes is all part and parcel of life as an SME or startup – and that’s exactly the kind of flexibility and freedom that serviced offices specialise in. Thanks to short-term lease agreements and pay-as-you-go usage, there’s no need to be tied to long-term fixed rental contracts that you may not have the budget for in future months. With a serviced office, you’re free to up or downsize your space or change your location at the drop of a hat depending on the needs of your business – in short, it’s a space that can be every bit as flexible as your business itself! Facilities With a regular office rental, finding the space is only half of the story – what about the furniture, the utilities, the maintenance staff? With serviced offices, all this (and frequently much more) is taken care of, with a full infrastructure already up and running for you to take advantage of. We’re talking meeting rooms, office furniture, conference and video calling functionality, IT support and maintenance, Internet and telephone connectivity, electricity and lighting, cleaning and security services, air conditioning, reception staff… the list is endless. More importantly, all this means you can concentrate on the truly important stuff – working on your actual business itself! Location Snagging a space at a serviced office brings you all the benefits of a prime location, but without the eye-wateringly expensive prices regular rental properties often come with. Serviced offices are usually pretty savvy about picking the right spots for their branches, ensuring that they’re in the thick of the action… and having a proper office address in a central business district certainly looks a lot more professional than an anonymous PO box! Convenience is also an important factor – CBDs are likely to have good transport links making it easier for employees and customers to reach you, as well as plenty of nearby amenities like banks, post offices, shops and restaurants that are bound to be useful for everyday working life. Budget We’ve touched on it briefly in all the reasons above but it’s worth spelling out again – serviced offices really are great options for those on a strict or unpredictable budget. With the range of facilities and locations available, plus utilities and other services included, you’re likely to get more bang for your buck in the first place; factor in the flexibility of monthly rental packages that mean you can easily vacate the space if times get tough without being tied to deposits or no-break clauses, and it’s a win-win situation for SMEs and startups. Networking

By now, we’ve established that serviced offices are a pretty good bet for your business… and you certainly aren’t the only SME or startup that’s come to this realisation! Serviced offices are a great place to meet like-minded entrepreneurs and professionals; they’re there for all the same reasons you are, meaning you probably have lots of great business knowledge to share.

Increasing your network is only ever a good thing – so whether it’s sharing the growing pains of a small business with a sympathetic ear that’s gone through the exact same process or simply discovering some mutual connections that could be beneficial for both parties, working in a serviced office could be the beginning of several beautiful friendships! Many serviced offices also host networking events and industry talks, which can also prove fruitful for picking up expert tips and useful contacts.

Like this? Read more at: https://www.compassoffices.com/en/about-us/blogs/

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7 Ways to Kick Start Your Creativity

Having new ideas is the cornerstone to building any business – but what about those times when the only thing you manage to produce is an empty screen? Suffering from the occasional mental block is a totally normal part of working life… but it’s how you pull yourself out of it that matters. Here are a few tips for kick-starting your creativity when you need it most. Change your scenery When you’re feeling uninspired, nothing feels worse than a blank screen that refuses to be filled. During these times, a change of scenery can work wonders – simply getting out from behind your computer, going for a walk and getting a breath of fresh air. On a larger scale, this could even mean going for a holiday and exploring a brand new city; numerous scientific studies have shown a strong link between travel and creativity, so now’s the time to book that ticket! Get inspired There’s no need to feel like you’re in a creative black hole, even if your business is a one-man-band; these days, there are plenty of resources out there to spark new ideas and offer fresh entrepreneurial insight. Motivational books, informative podcasts (link to podcast article), inspirational TED talks, business blogs… there’s a wealth of options all ready and waiting to help you recapture that creative mojo. Brainstorm – the right way A brainstorming session with colleagues is often held as the traditional solution for unearthing new ideas, but it might not always be as productive as you think. Research has shown that group brainstorming usually generates fewer ideas than flying solo; groups tend to converge on the same ideas, actually limiting creativity, whilst shy people frequently go unheard. Similarly, a disorganised brainstorming session can end up resulting in a time-consuming mess of disjointed voices and distractions from the subject at hand. Instead, encourage colleagues to think about the task independently first, then pool everyone’s ideas together – allowing them to be assessed, developed and refined methodically in a collaborative setting that truly harnesses the power of a good brainstorm. Make time to be creative Meetings, events, emails, Candy Crush… whatever the cause, 21st century schedules seem more packed than ever before – and it’s unsurprising that creativity ends up taking a backseat when you’ve got dozens of items to tick off your to-do list. The answer? Schedule some time for it alongside everything else, marking off an hour or two in your calendar purely for idea generation. Get your little grey cells in even better shape by setting yourself challenges and restrictions that force your brain’s problem-solving abilities into becoming even more agile, thereby maximising your creative time to its full potential. Digital detox Procrastination these days is king – especially with social media on tap, an ever-bursting inbox and an Internet full of far too many cute cat videos to keep us occupied. When you’re struggling to focus and knuckle down on creative tasks, sometimes the best thing to do is pull the plug; go sit somewhere quiet, away from all digital distractions and let your imagination soar. Get energised “An active mind cannot exist in an inactive body,” goes the old saying – and there’s certainly some scientific truth behind the theory. A 2013 study by cognitive psychologist Professor Lorenza Colzato of Leiden University in The Netherlands found that those who exercised four times a week had greater creative abilities than those leading a more sedentary lifestyle. So if those creative juices seem to running dry, it might just be the perfect time to take an actual run instead! Make mistakes When you’re letting your imagination take full flight, it can seem like anything is possible… until you’re sent crashing back down to earth with real-world practical constraints, that is. However, don’t be afraid to think big or make mistakes in your creative brainstorming – sometimes getting the wrong ideas is exactly what we need to show us the right ones. Everyone needs to start from somewhere and having ideas that can act as a jumping-off point to be adapted, developed or even totally scrapped when better ones come along is a much better proposition than having nothing at all!

Like this? Read more at: https://www.compassoffices.com/en/about-us/blogs/

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4 Tips on How to Dress for Success in Business

We’ve all heard the mantra “dress for success” – but what does it really mean and why does what you wear to work matter? Whether we like it or not, people are often judged based on first impressions, and what you wear is all part and parcel of those split-second judgments. In fact, there’s a very literal impact it can make on others in the workplace – a 2012 study by the Centre for Professional Excellence at York College of Pennsylvania found that inappropriate appearance was ranked as the biggest factor for being perceived as “unprofessional” by human resources staff, whilst a CareerBuilder.com survey revealed that 41% of employers were more likely to promote those who dressed more professionally than others in their organisation. Your choice of clothing is a non-verbal statement about how you see yourself and how you want others to see you.

While there are no steadfast rules since dress codes vary from industry to industry, here are some general guidelines to make sure your clothing projects an image of professionalism whether you’re the rookie on the floor or a CEO superstar. Assess the landscape One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to dress way outside the norm for your position and work environment, sticking out like a sore thumb as a result. Instead, look around at what your peers and your bosses are wearing. Is a suit and tie the daily uniform? Are jeans acceptable? Use the way others dress as a yardstick to determine where you fall, then aim to dress slightly above your post – as the saying goes, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” That doesn’t mean copying your boss verbatim; instead aim to emulate his or her level of professionalism, dressing half a step more formally than your peers. This has a direct payoff – if say, you work at a PR firm and someone is needed to fill in at an impromptu client meeting, guess who’ll probably get chosen to represent the company… the slick dresser or the office slob? Don’t forget grooming It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing the most expensive suit in the world if your hair is a mess! Personal hygiene speaks volumes about how disciplined you are and the pride you take in both yourself and your job – as proven by a 2010 survey by HR consultancy Reabur where 68% of business owners stated that “poor personal hygiene” was the main factor in deciding whether or not to hire someone. If a client sees that you cannot be trusted to brush your hair, how will they trust you with their money? As a general rule for men, it is important to be clean-shaven, have your nails trimmed and not have your hair covering your face. For women, long chipped nails, heavy Friday-night makeup and disheveled hair are all no-gos. It’s especially important in client-facing functions not to have pink hair and a dozen visible piercings or tattoos; your personal hygiene should never distract from your work, period. Know your dress codes Besides your day-to-day work, there are other work-related functions that you might have to attend, each with their own dress code, and it’s worthwhile to fully understand what each of these entail so there’s no room for ambiguity when the time comes. Again, industry definitions vary but in general, business casual for men equates to khakis or slacks paired with button-down shirts and leather shoes (not sneakers), whilst these sartorial rules are usually more flexible for women. One good trick for both genders is to imagine that you’re going to dinner with friends immediately after work, so whilst you’d still be in nine-to-five attire, you can ditch the jacket and tie or change from heels into flats. For formal events, a cocktail dress and heels is a safe bet for ladies whilst men should bust out their nicest suit, even if they’re not entirely sure if it’s necessary – after all, a jacket or tie can always be taken off once you’ve assessed what everyone else is wearing! Knowing how to adapt to various work events shows that you are well prepared, respectful and are serious about everything you do – and having made a great first impression, who knows where those initial connections forged at work functions might take you? When in doubt, overdress! It can never hurt to overdress, especially on your first day of work when you don’t yet have a gauge on what your colleagues will be wearing. Even if you’ve heard that tech start-ups are notorious for their sweatpants lifestyle, do not make any assumptions until you are explicitly given permission. When in doubt, be conservative and wear an over-the-knee skirt or dress with sleeves, or reach for a tie. You would rather be mistaken for a perfectionist than a slob, and it’s much more difficult to regain others’ respect once it’s been lost.

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Four Things That Workers Look for in an Office Environment

Establishing the right office space for your business means knowing exactly what your employees are looking for in a workspace. “People ignore design that ignores people,” Frank Chimero, a Brooklyn-based designer, once wrote. His point being that any design, in whatever form and for whatever purpose, should always consider the requirements of its users. This is also applies in real estate, especially with regard to office spaces. While trends continue to come and go, office space remains anchored on the needs of the company’s employees. As employees are arguably any business entity’s most important asset, companies should always consider what workers look for in an office space in order to ensure safety, optimum productivity, and overall well-being. In this article, we put together a list of elements that office workers look for in an office environment. 1. More Sunlight and Natural Elements Hygiene, health, and safety are the most important considerations when maintaining an office space, and are expectedly what workers look for in an office. However, there is also the need for natural elements that help promote health. American-born British psychologist Sir Cary Cooper conducted a study of the impact of the work environment on employee well-being. In this study, 3,600 respondents were asked about components they would want in their office space and the top responses included a quiet working space and live indoor plants. However, the most widely cited turned out to be very simple: more natural sunlight. There is a reason why plenty of studies suggest workers not eat lunch at their desk, and if possible go out during their break. Theorist Edward O. Wilson, in his 1984 book The Biophilia Hypothesis, suggested that there is an instinctive bond between humans and other living systems, and a yearning to be closer to nature. This hypothesis, and the results of Sir Cooper’s study, suggests that bringing the natural world indoors ensures that employees are healthier and happier and, thus, more productive and creative. 2. Spaces That Promote Flexibility Open layouts have been a big trend in office space design, what with the success of companies like Google and Pixar exemplifying the effectiveness of the layout that promotes collaboration. However, this is done at the expense of privacy and focus. A 2013 survey by international architectural firm Gensler found that 53 percent of workers were found to being unable to concentrate while working in an open-layout workspace. Not surprisingly, the new design consensus is a balance of both. The respondents in the Gensler survey believe that workspaces designed to promote collaboration without sacrificing privacy end up being more successful, and a key finding was that employers offering choices of both types of areas are viewed as more innovative and have higher-performing workers. This is easier said than done, as it would expectedly require bigger space to accommodate both open workspaces and private ones, or any other that acknowledges worker’s individual requirements. Eventually, the key is in how efficiently overall spaces are designed and utilized to allow for both. 3. A Good Location Commuting to and from the office is an unofficial part of any office workers’ job description. Hence, it is understandable that they prefer an office that is conveniently or centrally located, so that it is easy to get to and less fuel is used for the commute, and more time is left to perform actual work. However, this does not only mean that the place can be easily reached; it should also be surrounded by the conveniences that today’s office workers require, including restaurants, shopping malls, and banks. A big plus if the office is situated in a good neighborhood with increased police visibility and access to needed services like hospitals and fire stations. Indeed, when workers have less to worry about, more time is spent being productive. 4. Comfortable Work Stations It is not uncommon for office workers to complain of backaches, neck pains, or even persistent headaches, most of which are a result of having to sit still for an extended period of time. In most cases, however, these complaints are due to poorly planned workspaces, desks that don’t have appropriate heights, and chairs that are not ergonomic in design—all of which can be easily remedied. As office workers spend eight hours or more in their workstations, ensuring that they are comfortable definitely improves their well-being and increases their productivity. Article supplied by Lamudi.

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