Today, the entire financial industry is witnessing how business development companies (BDCs) are taking a greater share of assets under management. BDCs are investment companies that invest in private small and medium-sized businesses, with the goal of gaining a large share, and wielding significant management power.
Under the Internal Revenue Code, BDCs are classified as Regulated Investment Companies, which entitle them to special tax privileges. As long as they meet standards regarding income, asset diversification, and distribution, BDCs only need to pay minimal tax. Moreover, they are able to avail of high-risk loans with relatively less regulatory demands compared to banks.
But the landscape is changing. BDCs are now drawing far greater attention, which have since been resulting in growing efforts to regulate the sector, on top of the current policies that require them to file reports on a quarterly and yearly basis, and submit proxy statements to the SEC.
Some groups are complaining about the sizeable fees companies need to pay the BDCs and its top executives, in exchange for their guidance in boosting business growth.
Others are putting more focus on the risk inherent in the BDC framework: BDCs assume that the companies they invest in will grow phenomenally, yielding great returns for the shareholders. However, many other factors will affect the performance of an enterprise, and it is also possible that the investment will fail to generate a return. Massive investment can also mean massive losses.
At the same time, over at Congress, there are efforts to lift the limit set on the amount BDCs can borrow. Right now, BDCs can borrow based on the equity they have. Under the proposed bill, they can borrow under a 2:1 ratio: BDCs can get funds double the amount of what they possess.
Aside from generating more attention, this new bill will push many BDCs to expend more effort in order to double their target income, and be able to pay their loans and also distribute capital gains to their shareholder, and escape taxation.
To address these new considerations that mark the changing terrain they operate in, many business development companies are now enlisting the services of fund administrators. These administrators can implement cloud-based systems for processing of subscriptions, transfer and exchange, and recordkeeping. Fund administrators can also take care of such tedious administrative roles as drafting proposals and agreements and preparing reports, while the BDCs look for bigger opportunities for growth.
Tuesday, February 09, 2016
Monday, January 25, 2016
Social Media Marketing: Learning About Your Consumer
Today, businesses that seek growth in their online presence need to give serious attention to social media marketing efforts, and invest considerable time, manpower, and other resources towards their campaigns on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram, among other sites.
But the job of social media community managers should not stop at creating content for publishing. They should also be able to contribute to market research, by using the data culled from their accounts. They should help the marketing team understand the target market, to be able to provide relevant products and services. Here are some of the valuable information that can be gathered through social media:
The demographic profile of the target market. Social media is typically able to offer some information about the location, age, gender, and affiliations of internet users. These details are useful in that they should serve as cue for more marketing efforts to be spent on drawing particular segments of the population that are not being reached by the existing campaigns. It can also lead to rebranding, in the event of a discovery that the business is greatly popular among a market not previously explored.
The language of the target market. A crucial part of succeeding on social media is the use of language relatable to the followers. What types of posts do they tend to publish? What jokes appeal to them? How long does a post need to be for them to finish it? What words do they appear to use all the time? These should find their way to the next set of marketing materials. Do they like images or funny memes, or do they prefer links to articles? Are they into emojis?
The industry influencers. Businesses should look for two kinds of “influencers”: the experts in the field, or the people who possess solid professional knowledge and/or training about the industry, or the people who have proven themselves to be discerning consumers. If the product in question is a fashion collection, the first group would include editors of style magazines, while the second would be the celebrities who are deemed stylish by their followers. In some cases, an influencer is both (for example, Anna Wintour, for the clothing industry). When a business knows who their target consumers look up to, they will know what kinds of aspirational thoughts they have, and hopefull, the kind of products and services to offer.
Partner with experts in digital marketing to learn more about social media marketing.
But the job of social media community managers should not stop at creating content for publishing. They should also be able to contribute to market research, by using the data culled from their accounts. They should help the marketing team understand the target market, to be able to provide relevant products and services. Here are some of the valuable information that can be gathered through social media:
The demographic profile of the target market. Social media is typically able to offer some information about the location, age, gender, and affiliations of internet users. These details are useful in that they should serve as cue for more marketing efforts to be spent on drawing particular segments of the population that are not being reached by the existing campaigns. It can also lead to rebranding, in the event of a discovery that the business is greatly popular among a market not previously explored.
The language of the target market. A crucial part of succeeding on social media is the use of language relatable to the followers. What types of posts do they tend to publish? What jokes appeal to them? How long does a post need to be for them to finish it? What words do they appear to use all the time? These should find their way to the next set of marketing materials. Do they like images or funny memes, or do they prefer links to articles? Are they into emojis?
The industry influencers. Businesses should look for two kinds of “influencers”: the experts in the field, or the people who possess solid professional knowledge and/or training about the industry, or the people who have proven themselves to be discerning consumers. If the product in question is a fashion collection, the first group would include editors of style magazines, while the second would be the celebrities who are deemed stylish by their followers. In some cases, an influencer is both (for example, Anna Wintour, for the clothing industry). When a business knows who their target consumers look up to, they will know what kinds of aspirational thoughts they have, and hopefull, the kind of products and services to offer.
Partner with experts in digital marketing to learn more about social media marketing.
Monday, November 09, 2015
Improving Business Value Through an Efficient Portfolio Management System
Making the next move in the global financial market entails dealing with a combination of fate and quantitative information. While the first one is unpredictable, having a solid reference of useful information about assets, liabilities and risks is already a choice. This is why an efficient portfolio management system has already become an essential part of the business.
Kellogg School of Management, in collaboration with DiamondCluster International, explained that trade press and industry analysts consider IT portfolio management (ITPM) as an integral part of the financial industry. Out of 130 senior IT executives who participated in their survey, 65 per cent believe that incorporating technology in managing of investments could yield significant value. But the question is how?
Visibility is so crucial in the investment world. When you have a good grasp of the past project metrics, it becomes a lot easier to forecast future factors like resource utilization. By presenting a consolidated view of assets, transactions, changes and cash flows, portfolio management system significantly help in better decision making.
Aside from presenting a wide range of useful information, an efficient financial reporting platform also offers tools that could help key players calculate the pros and cons of a project—considering all the crucial aspects, such as financial, governance and resource utilization. The sooner one identifies which projects are not performing well, the easier it is to mitigate risks and maximize the resources.
With these essential benefits, many firms prefer to partner with third-party providers to deploy a solution that really works. Not only does it save them from complex and time-consuming deployment burdens, but it also lessens their operational costs. For example, since cloud-computing solutions are basically pay as you go, there’s no need for capital expenditure (Cap-Ex) at all, said IT and social media authority SalesForce.
“The motives that drive different institutions to cloud differ,” said head of e-channels, Global Transaction Banking at RBS Alastair Brown in an interview with Business Cloud News. He adds, “Tier One institutions are very much focused on reducing costs, getting to market faster, whereas the Tier Two and Three banks want to roll out services like trade finance that they wouldn’t be able to do alone.”
To know more on how a portfolio management system could streamline your business operations and even simplify your job as a fund manager, contact a trusted asset services firm recognized for providing exceptional client care and innovative technology solutions.
Kellogg School of Management, in collaboration with DiamondCluster International, explained that trade press and industry analysts consider IT portfolio management (ITPM) as an integral part of the financial industry. Out of 130 senior IT executives who participated in their survey, 65 per cent believe that incorporating technology in managing of investments could yield significant value. But the question is how?
Visibility is so crucial in the investment world. When you have a good grasp of the past project metrics, it becomes a lot easier to forecast future factors like resource utilization. By presenting a consolidated view of assets, transactions, changes and cash flows, portfolio management system significantly help in better decision making.
Aside from presenting a wide range of useful information, an efficient financial reporting platform also offers tools that could help key players calculate the pros and cons of a project—considering all the crucial aspects, such as financial, governance and resource utilization. The sooner one identifies which projects are not performing well, the easier it is to mitigate risks and maximize the resources.
With these essential benefits, many firms prefer to partner with third-party providers to deploy a solution that really works. Not only does it save them from complex and time-consuming deployment burdens, but it also lessens their operational costs. For example, since cloud-computing solutions are basically pay as you go, there’s no need for capital expenditure (Cap-Ex) at all, said IT and social media authority SalesForce.
“The motives that drive different institutions to cloud differ,” said head of e-channels, Global Transaction Banking at RBS Alastair Brown in an interview with Business Cloud News. He adds, “Tier One institutions are very much focused on reducing costs, getting to market faster, whereas the Tier Two and Three banks want to roll out services like trade finance that they wouldn’t be able to do alone.”
To know more on how a portfolio management system could streamline your business operations and even simplify your job as a fund manager, contact a trusted asset services firm recognized for providing exceptional client care and innovative technology solutions.
Monday, November 02, 2015
Reputation Management: Best Practices in Handling Social Media Complaints
In today’s increasingly digital world, online reputation management forms an important part of corporate communication work of businesses. It is then important to be equipped with the right tools and strategies when engaging with your clients, customers, merchant partners, the authorities, and the general public in this landscape.
Below is a list of best practices when dealing with complaints on your social media platforms.
Listen to what is actually being said. As in most of our day-to-day conversations, it can be pretty easy for the message to get lost in translation because the recipient focused on how it is being conveyed. When you are an online community manager, you cannot afford to commit this mistake. Do hone your skills in reading between the lines and knowing what the other party is trying to say. While you should not condone impolite or downright abusive language, be perceptive and welcoming of constructive criticism.
Ask for clarifications. For you to be on top of everything, you should strive to know everything. Do not hesitate to get the big picture by asking clarificatory questions. What exactly happened? Who is involved? What time and where did this happen? Is anyone hurt or offended? What is their chief complaint? What do they seek? When you know who is at fault and the true extent of damage, you will be able to make informed decisions. This stage need not be made public, however. It’s best if you can release an intial statement promising swift action, get in touch with the complainant in private, and release a final statement with details once everything has been fixed.
Deliver a calculated. If you do find your company and your people to have been the responsible party, do deliver a sincere apology. Monitor the extent of the damage to determine the best channel for your statement. There should be just one official source of responses, and all other parties – especially your employees – should refer to this official statement. Explain how it happened, and how it was certainly not intended and are an exception, not the rule. Do not blame the victims, and express your commitment to offer better service next time. Follow up with the complainants after some time, to know if their concerns have been adequately addressed.
To find out more ways to boost your company’s online reputation, get in touch with experts in digital marketing and reputation management today.
Below is a list of best practices when dealing with complaints on your social media platforms.
Listen to what is actually being said. As in most of our day-to-day conversations, it can be pretty easy for the message to get lost in translation because the recipient focused on how it is being conveyed. When you are an online community manager, you cannot afford to commit this mistake. Do hone your skills in reading between the lines and knowing what the other party is trying to say. While you should not condone impolite or downright abusive language, be perceptive and welcoming of constructive criticism.
Ask for clarifications. For you to be on top of everything, you should strive to know everything. Do not hesitate to get the big picture by asking clarificatory questions. What exactly happened? Who is involved? What time and where did this happen? Is anyone hurt or offended? What is their chief complaint? What do they seek? When you know who is at fault and the true extent of damage, you will be able to make informed decisions. This stage need not be made public, however. It’s best if you can release an intial statement promising swift action, get in touch with the complainant in private, and release a final statement with details once everything has been fixed.
Deliver a calculated. If you do find your company and your people to have been the responsible party, do deliver a sincere apology. Monitor the extent of the damage to determine the best channel for your statement. There should be just one official source of responses, and all other parties – especially your employees – should refer to this official statement. Explain how it happened, and how it was certainly not intended and are an exception, not the rule. Do not blame the victims, and express your commitment to offer better service next time. Follow up with the complainants after some time, to know if their concerns have been adequately addressed.
To find out more ways to boost your company’s online reputation, get in touch with experts in digital marketing and reputation management today.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Hamptons Wedding Venues: Fall Wedding Ideas
Planning to tie the knot at any of the Hamptons wedding venues this fall? Enjoy mulling over these fantastic wedding ideas!
Bounty harvest as beautifuly rustic decor. Fall is the time of harvesting, and it presents such a great opportunity to fill your venue with the season’s bounty, and bring a splash of color to your big day. Bundles of wheat, adorned with fall blossoms like chrysanthemum, helenium, helianthus, heliopsis, zinnia, and carnation make for a stunning centerpiece, while pumpkins can be carved into lanterns to mark the pathways. Pinecones, plums, apples, and maple leaves, on the other hand, can be used as table markers and accents for the buffet table. Hay can even be covered with fabric and serve as your seats. Beige, gold, orange, dark red, and rust usually compose the palette of fall weddings, and all permutations make for an elegant motif!
Offer scarves and blankets to the guests. Fall weddings can get chilly for your guests! Offer information regarding the weather forecast on your wedding website, and when you send out the invitations. A thoughtful host can offer scarves and blankets that guests can borrow for the reception. These can be placed in a wicker basket placed beside the registration book (make clear instructions about where they should be returned). These items can very well serve as your wedding favors, too.
Prepare an open fire. Because fall is a cold season, you may want to arrange for an open fire at the venue. Talk to the wedding venue manager to ensure that there will be enough kindling for the evening, and that there will be trained staff that will keep the fire burning. For extra oomph, find herbs and cones that can infuse scent into the firewood mix. Light bulbs hung all around the venue can also help create a warm ambience for everyone.
Consider the season in planning the menu. Fall is such an exciting season for food aficionados. You can offer earthy, woodsy, and smoky flavors, while also teasing the eyes with the lovely combination of colors. Use lots of pumpkins, mushrooms, apples, plums, and other fall staples, and find yourself and your guests enjoying the wide array of autumn flavors. A glass of sparkling cider also makes for a nice beverage to down the food with.
To start planning your big day at one of the fine Hamptons wedding venues, talk to your wedding planner today!
Bounty harvest as beautifuly rustic decor. Fall is the time of harvesting, and it presents such a great opportunity to fill your venue with the season’s bounty, and bring a splash of color to your big day. Bundles of wheat, adorned with fall blossoms like chrysanthemum, helenium, helianthus, heliopsis, zinnia, and carnation make for a stunning centerpiece, while pumpkins can be carved into lanterns to mark the pathways. Pinecones, plums, apples, and maple leaves, on the other hand, can be used as table markers and accents for the buffet table. Hay can even be covered with fabric and serve as your seats. Beige, gold, orange, dark red, and rust usually compose the palette of fall weddings, and all permutations make for an elegant motif!
Offer scarves and blankets to the guests. Fall weddings can get chilly for your guests! Offer information regarding the weather forecast on your wedding website, and when you send out the invitations. A thoughtful host can offer scarves and blankets that guests can borrow for the reception. These can be placed in a wicker basket placed beside the registration book (make clear instructions about where they should be returned). These items can very well serve as your wedding favors, too.
Prepare an open fire. Because fall is a cold season, you may want to arrange for an open fire at the venue. Talk to the wedding venue manager to ensure that there will be enough kindling for the evening, and that there will be trained staff that will keep the fire burning. For extra oomph, find herbs and cones that can infuse scent into the firewood mix. Light bulbs hung all around the venue can also help create a warm ambience for everyone.
Consider the season in planning the menu. Fall is such an exciting season for food aficionados. You can offer earthy, woodsy, and smoky flavors, while also teasing the eyes with the lovely combination of colors. Use lots of pumpkins, mushrooms, apples, plums, and other fall staples, and find yourself and your guests enjoying the wide array of autumn flavors. A glass of sparkling cider also makes for a nice beverage to down the food with.
To start planning your big day at one of the fine Hamptons wedding venues, talk to your wedding planner today!
Tuesday, August 04, 2015
Portfolio Management: Rebuilding Trust Through Technology
After the economic drop of 2008, portfolio management, also known as the art and science of making decisions about investment mix and policy, asset allocation and balancing risk against performance, became an even more challenging responsibility because of the trauma caused by such chaotic period.
According to SimCorpStrategyLab, rebuilding trust is the main challenge facing global asset managers. With this, they have to ensure clients that all risk challenges, such as operational risk, market risk, regulatory risk and legal risk are properly addressed. It is all about attaining growth despite the cost challenges that they constantly deal with. But the question is how?
Kellogg School of Management, in collaboration with Diamond Cluster International explained that trade press and industry analysts consider IT portfolio management (ITPM) as the key. Out of 130 senior IT executives who participated in their survey, 65 per cent believe that incorporating technology in managing of investments could yield significant value.
Furthermore, their study revealed the primary factors that explain the soaring interest in IT portfolio management.
First is “tighter budgets.” In this case for example, cloud-computing solutions are easier to deploy, hence businesses should expect minimal project start-up costs. Also, since these kinds of services are basically pay as you go, there’s no need for capital expenditure (Cap-Ex) at all, says IT and social media authority SalesForce.
“The motives that drive different institutions to cloud differ,” said head of e-channels, Global Transaction Banking at RBS Alastair Brown in an interview with Business Cloud News.
“Tier One institutions are very much focused on reducing costs, getting to market faster, whereas the Tier Two and Three banks want to roll out services like trade finance that they wouldn’t be able to do alone,” he shared.
Second is “investor skepticism.” After the dismay of investors over lack of corporate governance in the previous years, they have since demanded for greater transparency regarding how spending ties to results. Today, many portfolio management solutions present a single dashboard where administrators and authorized third parties can easily sync findings by keeping all the files in one central location. This does not only enhance transparency, but also data management and collaboration.
Last but not the least would be the “higher expectations” on CIO business skills and accountability. With the help of advanced portfolio management solutions, asset managers are considered more equipped when it comes to real-time monitoring and evaluation of data, as well as formulating disaster recovery plans.
In fact, corporate researchers Aberdeen Group found out that businesses which moved to cloud were able to fix issues in an average of 2.1 hours, and not the typical duration of 8 hours.
To find the portfolio management software that suits your company’s needs, contact a trusted asset services firm recognized for providing exceptional client care and innovative technology solutions.
According to SimCorpStrategyLab, rebuilding trust is the main challenge facing global asset managers. With this, they have to ensure clients that all risk challenges, such as operational risk, market risk, regulatory risk and legal risk are properly addressed. It is all about attaining growth despite the cost challenges that they constantly deal with. But the question is how?
Kellogg School of Management, in collaboration with Diamond Cluster International explained that trade press and industry analysts consider IT portfolio management (ITPM) as the key. Out of 130 senior IT executives who participated in their survey, 65 per cent believe that incorporating technology in managing of investments could yield significant value.
Furthermore, their study revealed the primary factors that explain the soaring interest in IT portfolio management.
First is “tighter budgets.” In this case for example, cloud-computing solutions are easier to deploy, hence businesses should expect minimal project start-up costs. Also, since these kinds of services are basically pay as you go, there’s no need for capital expenditure (Cap-Ex) at all, says IT and social media authority SalesForce.
“The motives that drive different institutions to cloud differ,” said head of e-channels, Global Transaction Banking at RBS Alastair Brown in an interview with Business Cloud News.
“Tier One institutions are very much focused on reducing costs, getting to market faster, whereas the Tier Two and Three banks want to roll out services like trade finance that they wouldn’t be able to do alone,” he shared.
Second is “investor skepticism.” After the dismay of investors over lack of corporate governance in the previous years, they have since demanded for greater transparency regarding how spending ties to results. Today, many portfolio management solutions present a single dashboard where administrators and authorized third parties can easily sync findings by keeping all the files in one central location. This does not only enhance transparency, but also data management and collaboration.
Last but not the least would be the “higher expectations” on CIO business skills and accountability. With the help of advanced portfolio management solutions, asset managers are considered more equipped when it comes to real-time monitoring and evaluation of data, as well as formulating disaster recovery plans.
In fact, corporate researchers Aberdeen Group found out that businesses which moved to cloud were able to fix issues in an average of 2.1 hours, and not the typical duration of 8 hours.
To find the portfolio management software that suits your company’s needs, contact a trusted asset services firm recognized for providing exceptional client care and innovative technology solutions.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Planning Your Summer Escapade in The Hamptons
Planning a summer vacation in the Hamptons? Here are different exercises to try before hitting the beach this season.
Yoga. First practiced for spiritual and mental wellness, yoga is now widely practiced as a fitness alternative. Not only does yoga make the body physically fit, it also presents health benefits such as improving one’s breathing patterns and correcting postures. There are different types of yoga, and each type has different positions and breathing exercises. Ashtanga is ideal for beginners, as it enables students to work at their own pace. For those looking for more challenging routines, Iyengar can be the better choice, as it requires students to hold poses longer, putting emphasis on muscular and skeletal precision.
Boxing. This workout is best for people who want to strengthen their upper body and focus on their mid-section. Boxing is considered as a core strengthening exercise as it builds the muscles in the abdomen as well as the arms. This sport also improves feet and body coordination due to the footwork involved.
Running. Another cardio exercise on the list, running is one of the easiest and less-demanding workouts. No equipment is needed, only trusted trainers or running buddies perhaps. Beginners simply need to research about the correct running form especially for the legs and knees to avoid potential injuries.
Tabata. This high intensity interval training is suitable for people who seem to lack enough time to exercise. Requiring only four to fifteen minutes, this training’s goal is to burn as much calories in a short period of time by doing intense cardio drills instead of doing an hour of exercise with light routines. Tabata training can be done by using kettlebells, barbells, or any bodyweight lifts.
Zumba. Who said that workout is all about enduring pain and not having fun? Zumba, a dance workout craze that started in Brazil, shows that should not always be the case. During a Zumba class, an instructor leads, showing students different dance routines to follow while music is playing in the background. Zumba helps build all muscle groups in the body, as it is a whole-body workout. Perfect, indeed, for those who think of donning a bikini soon!
After taking up any of these options for physical activity, one should also make sure to eat healthy. Plenty of exercise as well as a good diet are both important in trying to achieve that beach-ready physique for The Hamptons getaway.
Yoga. First practiced for spiritual and mental wellness, yoga is now widely practiced as a fitness alternative. Not only does yoga make the body physically fit, it also presents health benefits such as improving one’s breathing patterns and correcting postures. There are different types of yoga, and each type has different positions and breathing exercises. Ashtanga is ideal for beginners, as it enables students to work at their own pace. For those looking for more challenging routines, Iyengar can be the better choice, as it requires students to hold poses longer, putting emphasis on muscular and skeletal precision.
Boxing. This workout is best for people who want to strengthen their upper body and focus on their mid-section. Boxing is considered as a core strengthening exercise as it builds the muscles in the abdomen as well as the arms. This sport also improves feet and body coordination due to the footwork involved.
Running. Another cardio exercise on the list, running is one of the easiest and less-demanding workouts. No equipment is needed, only trusted trainers or running buddies perhaps. Beginners simply need to research about the correct running form especially for the legs and knees to avoid potential injuries.
Tabata. This high intensity interval training is suitable for people who seem to lack enough time to exercise. Requiring only four to fifteen minutes, this training’s goal is to burn as much calories in a short period of time by doing intense cardio drills instead of doing an hour of exercise with light routines. Tabata training can be done by using kettlebells, barbells, or any bodyweight lifts.
Zumba. Who said that workout is all about enduring pain and not having fun? Zumba, a dance workout craze that started in Brazil, shows that should not always be the case. During a Zumba class, an instructor leads, showing students different dance routines to follow while music is playing in the background. Zumba helps build all muscle groups in the body, as it is a whole-body workout. Perfect, indeed, for those who think of donning a bikini soon!
After taking up any of these options for physical activity, one should also make sure to eat healthy. Plenty of exercise as well as a good diet are both important in trying to achieve that beach-ready physique for The Hamptons getaway.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Social Media Marketing: How to Deal with Bad Review
What exactly must a social media marketing manager do when a bad review pops out on one of these platforms? What is the right way to respond to a negative comment? Check out these tips below.
Promptly respond. Maybe a customer had a food poisoning episode after a meal at your restaurant. Or someone was not properly attended to in your store. Or had a horrible experience using your product. Whether or not you already have an answer to the scathing review, respond promptly. Say something to the tune of: “Thank you for your feedback; we promise that we will look into the matter and get back to you shortly.” Let them know that you value their opinion, and that you will really take action.
Get to the bottom of it. When you do look into the matter, get to the bottom of it. First, ask your customer to provide more details. Sometimes, bad reviews can in fact be composed by paid hacks of your competitors, to discredit you, and on your wall, to boot. So, make sure you confirm that they did actually purchase a product or enlist your company’s service. This part also ensures that you have the whole story to guide you in your investigation – you will find out who is the erring party, whether it is your own staff, or if the customer is party to the mishap as well. That way, you can deal sanctions properly, while also being fair to your own employees.
Be polite. A good social media marketing manager knows how to use words wisely, so that the company’s intent cannot be misinterpreted. Basically, you want the customer as well as the other people who will read the review and your reply, that you are committed to high standards of quality (or safety, if that’s the case). If they had an unfortunate experience, reassure them that it is the exception rather than the rule. Moreover, if you can justify your actions without sounding defensive, then all the better for your brand. For example, a huge part of customer experience will be subjective – they might not like the way your food is served, or the way your products smell or look like, or the way your store is designed. Instead of attacking the person’s taste, share with them your product development process. Perhaps if they knew the backstory, they will find a way to appreciate what they did not, before.
Promptly respond. Maybe a customer had a food poisoning episode after a meal at your restaurant. Or someone was not properly attended to in your store. Or had a horrible experience using your product. Whether or not you already have an answer to the scathing review, respond promptly. Say something to the tune of: “Thank you for your feedback; we promise that we will look into the matter and get back to you shortly.” Let them know that you value their opinion, and that you will really take action.
Get to the bottom of it. When you do look into the matter, get to the bottom of it. First, ask your customer to provide more details. Sometimes, bad reviews can in fact be composed by paid hacks of your competitors, to discredit you, and on your wall, to boot. So, make sure you confirm that they did actually purchase a product or enlist your company’s service. This part also ensures that you have the whole story to guide you in your investigation – you will find out who is the erring party, whether it is your own staff, or if the customer is party to the mishap as well. That way, you can deal sanctions properly, while also being fair to your own employees.
Be polite. A good social media marketing manager knows how to use words wisely, so that the company’s intent cannot be misinterpreted. Basically, you want the customer as well as the other people who will read the review and your reply, that you are committed to high standards of quality (or safety, if that’s the case). If they had an unfortunate experience, reassure them that it is the exception rather than the rule. Moreover, if you can justify your actions without sounding defensive, then all the better for your brand. For example, a huge part of customer experience will be subjective – they might not like the way your food is served, or the way your products smell or look like, or the way your store is designed. Instead of attacking the person’s taste, share with them your product development process. Perhaps if they knew the backstory, they will find a way to appreciate what they did not, before.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
What to Wear in the Hottest Hamptons Night Clubs
Dressing up for a party in the Hamptons, New York is easy. You just have to follow the rule to ‘always dress your best’ to get you into one of the hottest Hamptons night clubs. You might need to be a big spender for a night but the clubbing experience is truly worth every dime.
According to New York Times, dress codes have long been the secret language of New York City night life; fluency can mean the difference between an epic night out and a humiliating kick to the curb. That is why setting up a high standard in clubbing fashion is really important. You can choose to dress up like a model straight out of a Ralph Lauren advertisement or a Hollywood celebrity but still won’t look overdressed. That’s just how every partygoer in the Hamptons rolls.
“The ambiance of the experience is the people around you, so it’s important for us to keep those people fashion-forward and eclectic and interesting and engaging,”said Ian Parms, an owner of the Mulberry Project, a famous subterranean bar in New York.
Bear in mind that there is higher chance that you’ll be rubbing elbows with Hollywood celebrities so you have to dress appropriately. You surely don’t want to be in the worst dressed list and be seen as a partygoer who knows nothing about club fashion.
If you are taking notes on the latest trends in fashion, there are a lot of ways for you to pull off a killer clubbing attire like your most admired Hollywood celebrities do. For the ladies, grab your little black dress (LBD) because you can never go wrong with it. It has that elegant appeal that never goes out of style. If you want to look sultry and sexy, you can always go with a minidress and a pair of killer heels. Add a little extra oomph by wearing a gorgeous necklace. You can also go the rocker-chic route with a plush leather jacket, ripped jeans and boots ensemble.
For the male patrons, wear a blazer, a solid button-down or a solid sweater, and tapered jeans. Never attempt to wear short and sandals in the club because you won’t be able to get a pass. Shorts and sandals are a big no-no in the Hamptons night clubs.
If you want to party in Hamptons night clubs, ready your pocket, Jimmy Choo heels and designer party dress because you are in for a wild night.
According to New York Times, dress codes have long been the secret language of New York City night life; fluency can mean the difference between an epic night out and a humiliating kick to the curb. That is why setting up a high standard in clubbing fashion is really important. You can choose to dress up like a model straight out of a Ralph Lauren advertisement or a Hollywood celebrity but still won’t look overdressed. That’s just how every partygoer in the Hamptons rolls.
“The ambiance of the experience is the people around you, so it’s important for us to keep those people fashion-forward and eclectic and interesting and engaging,”said Ian Parms, an owner of the Mulberry Project, a famous subterranean bar in New York.
Bear in mind that there is higher chance that you’ll be rubbing elbows with Hollywood celebrities so you have to dress appropriately. You surely don’t want to be in the worst dressed list and be seen as a partygoer who knows nothing about club fashion.
If you are taking notes on the latest trends in fashion, there are a lot of ways for you to pull off a killer clubbing attire like your most admired Hollywood celebrities do. For the ladies, grab your little black dress (LBD) because you can never go wrong with it. It has that elegant appeal that never goes out of style. If you want to look sultry and sexy, you can always go with a minidress and a pair of killer heels. Add a little extra oomph by wearing a gorgeous necklace. You can also go the rocker-chic route with a plush leather jacket, ripped jeans and boots ensemble.
For the male patrons, wear a blazer, a solid button-down or a solid sweater, and tapered jeans. Never attempt to wear short and sandals in the club because you won’t be able to get a pass. Shorts and sandals are a big no-no in the Hamptons night clubs.
If you want to party in Hamptons night clubs, ready your pocket, Jimmy Choo heels and designer party dress because you are in for a wild night.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
The Rebirth of Prime Brokerage
Despite notable exits, there have been a lot of new entrants in the foreign exchange (FX) prime brokerage market, such as Saxo Bank and Forex Capital Markets. With the number of new entrants, the brokerage scene is changing rapidly and giving way to the rebirth of the prime brokerage model.
New entrants and smaller players have found that regulatory changes and increased levels of competition make it very hard to participate in the market. Prime brokerage has become a game of scale. It benefits more the big players who can take advantage of multi-asset platforms. These big players have been broadening their service platforms and giving rise to the new “prime of prime model”, which concentrates on micro contract trades and aims for volume.
Advantages of consolidating
A big player in prime brokerage, JP Morgan has led the way in consolidating infrastructure to boost competitiveness and efficiency. They provide clients with a single platform across all products that they trade and strive to maintain a single standard of service. Moving away from the traditional silo approach, they have consolidated their services by looking at clients in a more holistic framework
Operational and capital efficiency are hallmarks of a great prime brokerage company, leaving smaller firms at a disadvantage. However, the availability of outsourced financial services has given boutique firms more options. Startups can take their cue from brokerage giants like JP Morgan and begin structuring a consolidated platform from the get go. This will give them the needed edge in a highly competitive market.
“Prime of Prime”
A prime of prime is a brokerage that provides services to traders, especially FX traders who need micro-contract trades. They allow for trades that have greater leverage, albeit more risk.
The need for prime of primes that provide credit services to smaller brokerage firms increased after credit allocation the market decreased and various firms have exited the scene. These conditions have allowed prime of primes to grow their market share, with FX as their specialization. Carving out their own niche means being able to provide services that are more tailored to the needs of their clients.
Technology as leverage
The changes in the industry and the market have been drastic. It is no longer enough to simply have a big balance sheet. Smaller prime brokerage firms have learned that to compete with the big players, they not only need a more consolidates service platform, but also the advantages of leveraging technology. An efficient technology structure will allow them to scale, produce consistent results, and offer solid services.
New entrants and smaller players have found that regulatory changes and increased levels of competition make it very hard to participate in the market. Prime brokerage has become a game of scale. It benefits more the big players who can take advantage of multi-asset platforms. These big players have been broadening their service platforms and giving rise to the new “prime of prime model”, which concentrates on micro contract trades and aims for volume.
Advantages of consolidating
A big player in prime brokerage, JP Morgan has led the way in consolidating infrastructure to boost competitiveness and efficiency. They provide clients with a single platform across all products that they trade and strive to maintain a single standard of service. Moving away from the traditional silo approach, they have consolidated their services by looking at clients in a more holistic framework
Operational and capital efficiency are hallmarks of a great prime brokerage company, leaving smaller firms at a disadvantage. However, the availability of outsourced financial services has given boutique firms more options. Startups can take their cue from brokerage giants like JP Morgan and begin structuring a consolidated platform from the get go. This will give them the needed edge in a highly competitive market.
“Prime of Prime”
A prime of prime is a brokerage that provides services to traders, especially FX traders who need micro-contract trades. They allow for trades that have greater leverage, albeit more risk.
The need for prime of primes that provide credit services to smaller brokerage firms increased after credit allocation the market decreased and various firms have exited the scene. These conditions have allowed prime of primes to grow their market share, with FX as their specialization. Carving out their own niche means being able to provide services that are more tailored to the needs of their clients.
Technology as leverage
The changes in the industry and the market have been drastic. It is no longer enough to simply have a big balance sheet. Smaller prime brokerage firms have learned that to compete with the big players, they not only need a more consolidates service platform, but also the advantages of leveraging technology. An efficient technology structure will allow them to scale, produce consistent results, and offer solid services.
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