Internet Marketing – Page 161

Building Wealth Through Your Home Business: Long-Term Financial Strategies

Home Business Magazine Online

Working from home (WF) can be a real boon if you’re a disciplined, hard-working business owner. Being able to roll out of bed and get straight to work can meaningfully improve your productivity and working from a home office can cut down on distractions like workplace chatter.

Regarding financial strategies, running a business from home can help you build wealth, too. You don’t have to spend cash on gas and car maintenance when you work remotely and can use your newfound free time to improve your financial standing by making strategic investments.

However, you will need to invest in your home office setup if you want to hit the ground running when WFH. This will help you manage your expenses, increase your productivity, and build sustainable wealth over a number of years.

Long-Term Investments

Data from the Pew Research Center shows that 14% of working-age Americans now WFH. Those who do work from home say that have an increased ability to balance their work and home life and find it easier to meet deadlines when working remotely. Remote work is particularly beneficial if you work for yourself, as you’ll be able to save on overheads like office rental, equipment costs, and heating or electricity.

However, before you start running a home business, you’ll need to invest in your current home office setup. You can’t expect to be productive when working from your kitchen counter and should have a dedicated space for operations like shipping, crafting, packaging, or administrative tasks. At a minimum, you’ll need to account for some initial outlays like:

Essential Hardware: PC monitors, signal boosters, high-quality conferencing cameras, printers, and external hard drives are all but essential in modern business. Investing in quality upfront will help you achieve your long-term financial goals, as you are far more likely to land contracts and clients when you have a quality camera and reliable connections.
Furniture: Do yourself a favor and buy a top-of-the-line chair and desk. This will support your health, improve your posture, and help you stay productive when working from home for long hours.
Quality of Life Accessories: You’re far more likely to be productive when you’re feeling healthy and happy. Rather than forgoing a few luxuries, budget for purchases like coffee machines, smoothie makers, standing desks, and high-quality headphones.

Responsibly investing in your business will boost your productivity and help you achieve peak productivity. Even luxuries like espresso machines can give you a much-needed pick-me-up between calls with clients and may meaningfully improve your ability to meet demanding deadlines.

Financial Sustainability

If you work in an industry like content creation or crafting, you may struggle to stay on top of your finances. This can be unnerving when trying to make long-term financial strategies, as you need a clear understanding of your costs, income, and debts if you want to plan for the future.

Get on top of your finances by working with an accountant who can help you compile essential financial reports. Every business should have essential financial statements like:

Balance Sheets: A balance sheet tells you how much your business is worth. It weighs earnings against liabilities and provides a snapshot of your firm’s profitability.
Cash Flow: Knowing how much cash is entering or leaving your firm on a monthly basis is crucial for the long-term success of your business. Keeping your cash flow up to date will ensure funds don’t dry up and can help you budget for upcoming expenses.
Accounts Receivable: An accounts receivable statement tells you how much you’re owed by clients. This helps you stay on top of your earnings and ensures that folks don’t take too long to pay you.
Budget Variance Reports: This assesses the difference between estimated and actual reports. A variance report is key if you’re planning some major investments and need to know how accurate your estimations are or have been.

A qualified accountant can compile these reports in as little as a few days and will be able to keep your financial statements up to date. This is key when planning a period of growth, as you can’t afford to suddenly run out of cash midway through a major renovation or purchase.

Measuring Your Performance

Keeping up-to-date financial statements is key for your long-term growth and good financial strategies. However, you’ll still need to assess your performance using non-financial metrics like turnover rate if you want to achieve your long-term financial goals. As a business owner, you can start measuring your performance with KPIs like:

Customer acquisition costs (CAC): How much do you spend to land one client or customer? If this number is astronomical, chances are you won’t be around in a few years time. Get your CAC lower by investing in marketing and refining the way you approach new leads.
Supply Chain Waste: As a home business owner, you may overlook your firm’s waste. This is a major misstep, as the government looks set to increase fines and penalties for businesses that fail to dispose of waste properly. Start tracking your waste today to get ahead of the game and protect your long-term future.
Inventory Turnover: How quickly does inventory leave your storage facility? If you’re failing to shift new stock, you’ll likely need to look into more efficient ordering methods to reduce costs associated with storage.

Keeping track of these metrics will help you avoid major missteps like overstocking or fines for waste mismanagement. Be sure to track industry-specific metrics, too, as this will help you manage your finances.

Conclusion

Building wealth when running a home business can be tricky if you’re used to working for someone else. Get ahead of potential issues by hiring an accountant who can compile key financial reports. This will deepen your understanding of metrics like turnover rate and will ensure your firm’s long-term viability.

The post Building Wealth Through Your Home Business: Long-Term Financial Strategies appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/money/personal-finance/building-wealth-home-business-long-term-financial-strategies/

How to Grow a Business in the US

Home Business Magazine Online

Conventional wisdom tells us that there’s no great time to start a business. There’s some truth in that. There will always be something you’re up against––a faltering economy, stiff competition, a small pool of talented potential employees––and the way you envision things going won’t necessarily be how they actually pan out. Then again, conventional wisdom has never stopped the most successful in America from reaching new heights.

Whether you’re starting a new business in the US, pursuing your so-called side hustle, or simply taking your existing business to the next level, the path isn’t easy, but it’s worth taking. When you focus your efforts on key areas like market research, market investment, and strategic recruitment, the journey becomes a whole lot smoother.

Conduct a Comprehensive Market Study

Entering the US market can be a game-changer for the growth of your business. If you’ve already established a start-up here, you already know you should count yourself lucky, as the United States is home to one of the world’s biggest and wealthiest consumer markets.

But with all that buying power, it’s important to get an idea of how consumers will respond to your product or service so you can be more strategic in your marketing efforts. You can start by identifying key competitors, their strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning. Armed with this information, you can utilize digital channels like SEO, SEM, and social media to increase brand visibility.

Incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into your branding can also enhance your reputation. Conducting a materiality assessment will help you identify and prioritize sustainability initiatives that resonate with socially conscious US consumers. Read this article to learn more about what a materiality assessment is and how it can help your business as it expands.

Recruit the Right Team

Running a successful business takes more than just expertise in one area. Though you might have a great idea or developed a great product, making money from that takes an entirely different skill set. That’s why surrounding yourself with other smart people is essential. And if these people have the knowledge or experience of growing a brand in the US, you’ll have a jumpstart on the competition.

Once you identify roles that need filling, prioritize recruitment efforts that will help attract top talent and people that align with your company’s culture––in this case, fit is just as important as education or past experience. You need to know they share the same growth objectives as you.

Finally, invest in your team. Continuous learning and skill development are crucial for employee retention and performance. Implement training programs that equip your team with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the competitive US market so your business stays viable for years to come.

Adapt to US Policies

If you’re starting a new business in the US for the first time or are trying to enter the US market with a business that was established elsewhere, you have one thing in common––the need to get up to speed with federal, state and local regulations impacting your industry. Everything from compliance with tax laws to employment regulations and data privacy standards is non-negotiable.

So, as you bolster your team with the best of the best, consider also seeking legal counsel or consultants specializing in US business law to navigate the regulatory complexities effectively.

Unlock the Full Potential of the US Market

Expanding your business into the US market requires meticulous planning and execution across multiple fronts. It also takes surrounding yourself with the right people to succeed. So whether you’re a startup looking to expand internationally or an established company seeking growth opportunities, leveraging these strategies will set you on the path to achieving your business goals in the United States.

The post How to Grow a Business in the US appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/video/growing-a-business-video/how-grow-business-us/

Best Online Business Ideas to Start in 2024

Home Business Magazine Online

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, online ideas are revolutionizing passive income generation. You can create a steady revenue stream with minimal ongoing effort by leveraging technology and innovative tools.

Here are five cutting-edge online business ideas to start in 2024 that can help you achieve financial freedom and focus on strategic growth.

1. Social Media Management Tools

Social media is a critical component of modern business strategy. Managing multiple social media accounts can be time-consuming, but social media management tools like Hootsuite and Buffer simplify this process. These platforms allow you to automate content scheduling, track analytics, and engage with your audience seamlessly. Maintaining a consistent online presence will enable businesses to reach broader audiences and interact with followers effectively.

2. Print-on-Demand

Print-on-demand (POD) is a revolutionary approach to selling custom-designed merchandise without the hassles of inventory management. Platforms like Merch by Amazon and Redbubble enable you to upload your designs, and they handle the printing, shipping, and customer service. This model allows you to focus on creating unique designs while the platform takes care of the rest. Print-on-demand is an excellent way to generate passive income, as each sale requires no additional effort after the initial design upload. You can build a successful and sustainable business with creative marketing and high-quality designs.

3. Virtual Assistant Training

As remote work grows, the demand for skilled virtual assistants (VAs) rises. Creating and selling training courses for aspiring VAs on platforms like Udemy and Teachable can be highly profitable. These courses can cover essential skills such as communication, administrative tasks, time management, and specialized software training. Once the courses are created, they can be sold repeatedly with minimal maintenance. By providing
valuable education and resources, you can tap into a growing market and generate a steady stream of passive income while helping others build their careers.

4. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems like Salesforce and HubSpot automate key business processes related to customer interactions, sales tracking, and lead management. These tools streamline operations, improve customer relationships, and drive sales growth efficiently. By implementing a CRM system, businesses can automate routine tasks such as follow-up emails, appointment scheduling, and data entry, allowing teams to focus on higher-value activities. Investing in a CRM system enhances productivity and
provides valuable insights into customer behavior, helping businesses make informed decisions and optimize their strategies.

5. SEO Tools

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for improving online visibility and driving organic website traffic. SEO tools like Ahrefs and Semrush automate many aspects of SEO, including keyword research, tracking search engine rankings, and providing insights to optimize content. By leveraging these tools, businesses can enhance their online presence and attract more visitors. Business automation SEO tools help identify high-performing keywords, analyze competitors, and monitor website performance, enabling enterprises to stay ahead in the competitive digital landscape. With improved search engine rankings, businesses can enjoy increased visibility and higher conversion rates.

Embrace Automation for Financial Success

Embracing these online business ideas to start in 2024 can significantly boost your passive income potential while allowing you to focus on strategic growth and innovation. Automation frees up time and resources, enabling you to scale your business and explore new opportunities. By leveraging the power of automation, you can transform your financial future.

Unlock exclusive tools and insights for your business growth journey with Dario Markovic! Start exploring these innovative online business ideas today and pave your way to success in 2024 and beyond. Embrace the future of passive income and discover how automation can revolutionize your business strategy, providing you more freedom and financial stability.

The post Best Online Business Ideas to Start in 2024 appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/business-start-up/selecting-a-business/best-online-business-ideas-start-2024/

Get Paid £25 For Your Story!

Get paid for your story!

We are always on the look-out for real life stories.

So right now we’re offering YOU the chance to share your story with our readers and get paid £25 for the privilege.

We are looking for

Unusual and proven ways you have made money. (Keep it clean please kids).
Fun side hustles you have tried
Cost of Living hacks that you could share with other readers
Your experiences from the cost of living crisis.

Any of the above would be of interest.

How to Submit

Send an email to our editor at ‘vicky.parry@moneymagpie.com’ with “Reader’s Story” in the subject line.

Please include a photo as we want to show real stories.

In the email send an outline of what your story is. If you are successful you will hear back from Vicky and she will arrange payment.

The post Get Paid £25 For Your Story! appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/get-paid-25-for-your-story

The Google Maps pin scam: A new Google Business Profile threat

There’s a scam going on in the world of Google Maps/Google Business Profile.

Competitors can move Google Map pins to a new location which can negatively impact rankings.

This has been happening for several months and impacted many Google Business Profile listings.

It’s easy for scammers to make this change using the Suggest an edit feature on a Google Business Profile and then editing the map location.

When the Map pin is moved to the new location, Google thinks the business is no longer in the location it was in before, so rankings can tank.

Why is this a problem for you?

Google doesn’t notify the owners and managers of the GBP listing that the Map pin was moved.

So unless you’re specifically looking for this change, you may not realize why you’re no longer getting calls or customers. And if you’re keeping track of how your Google Business Profile ranks, you may not understand why your rankings have suddenly dropped.

If you’ve been hit by this scam, you cannot simply go into your Google Business Profile and reposition your pin to the correct location because many who do this get hit with a Google Business Profile suspension.

How to fix the issue

Right now, the best way to fix this issue is to log into Google using an email address that is not connected to any Google Business Profile.

Then, search for the business listing on Google Maps and follow these steps:

Click the Suggest an edit button on the Google Business Profile.
Click Change Name or other details.
Click Edit map location.
Drag the map until the pin is in the correct location.
Click Save.

Remember, it’s always important to check your Google Business Profile for any changes that others make to your GBP listing.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/google-maps-pin-scam-threat-444109

Meta adds custom offers to Instagram ad CTAs

Meta is rolling out a new feature allowing advertisers to showcase custom offers directly on Instagram ad call-to-action (CTA) buttons.

Key features:

Dynamic sourcing of offer details from the ad’s website URL.
Predictive display of the offer most likely to convert.
Support for up to 20 offers per ad, with Meta predicting which one is most likely to convert.

Why we care. Advertisers will be able to highlight multiple competitive promotions (e.g., percentage or cash discounts) on the CTA, potentially increasing user engagement and click-through rates.

The catch. It is limited to single-media ads in Instagram Stories and not available to all ad accounts.

How it works:

Create an ad in Ads Manager with eligible objectives (Traffic, Engagement, Leads or Sales).
Select “Website” as conversion location.
Enter the website URL to automatically add offers or manually input offer details.
Review and confirm offers in the ad setup process.

First seen. We came across this update on Bram Van der Hallen’s LinkedIn:

What’s next. Watch for potential expansion to other ad formats and placements across Meta’s family of apps.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/meta-custom-offers-instagram-ad-cta-444143

Hidden Google tool reveals GA4 and Google Ads discrepancies

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) contains a concealed report that allows users to compare conversions exported to Google Ads and explains discrepancies between the platforms.

Why we care. This hidden feature provides advertisers with a valuable tool to reconcile differences in conversion data, potentially improving campaign accuracy and performance.

How to access:

Start with your standard GA4 property URL
Append “/advertising/key-event-differences” to the URL
The full URL should resemble: “https://analytics.google.com/analytics/web/#/p153293282/advertising/key-event-differences“

First seen. We first came across this from Brais Calvo Vázquez’s LinkedIn who showed us the shortcut that allows us to see this report:

Yes, but. The report isn’t accessible for all GA4 properties.

Between the lines. The renaming of “conversions” to “key events” in GA4 was meant to eliminate discrepancies with Google Ads. The report‘s hidden status may be due to its potential contradiction of this goal.

The big picture. Some users report seeing this feature for over a year, suggesting extended development or testing.

What to watch. Whether Google will officially release this tool or continue to keep it hidden, given its usefulness to marketers in reconciling data inconsistencies.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/ga4-google-ads-discrepancies-report-444074

How to remove court records from Google: 3 effective strategies

Legal issues can drag on for ages. That’s the simple, unfortunate truth.

Worse, once a legal matter is filed in court, the case is highly likely to become visible on the web. Hundreds of websites now aggregate public court records and publish them for the world to see.

The issue I commonly come across for clients is that court records tend to rank highly in Google search results for both individuals and businesses. Lawsuits and various other legal matters attached to your name can cause long-lasting harm to your reputation.

Regardless of why a lawsuit was filed, being associated with a court case can cause a negative perception and first impression to people searching for you online.

Thankfully, there are several solutions to remove or suppress court records and lawsuits that are displayed in Google search results.

How do old court records appearing in Google search results affect your online reputation?

We all make mistakes. And we all deal with issues that may be out of our control.

However, some mistakes or issues are more costly than others and can lead to legal proceedings that drag on for months – or even years.

Should a (possibly minor) court case from five or 10 years ago affect the reputation of your person or business? Should it define you?

No, it shouldn’t.

As humans, we have the right to move on from our past and strive toward a better future.

Unfortunately, court records from years ago are often available online. It used to be that one would have to visit a local court records office and request that a clerk release court records. This was a long, arduous process that included a lot of back and forth with government office workers.

That is no longer the case. These days, Google’s algorithm indexes this highly sensitive information and makes it available online.

That means court records can be found in Google search results in mere milliseconds. And they often appear on the first page of search results.

Various websites, including Leagle, Justia, Casetext, PacerMonitor and many more, contain publicly available court records.

The presence of this information on these websites can harm you or your business’s reputation. It can specifically harm your ability to get a new job or lead to potential customers doubting your morals and not trusting your business.

All that simply because of some unpaid parking tickets? Or because you committed a “crime” that has since been deemed legal in several states? Or because of a dysfunctional marriage that led to a divorce?

The good news is that there are ways to combat the issue.

Dig deeper: How to repair your Google search results and reclaim your online reputation

How to remove court records from the web

The three most common ways to remove court records are expungement, link suppression and record removal requests.

1. Getting a court record sealed or expunged

Several websites that host court records require that the record be expunged or sealed for the content to be removed from their website. Expungement is a legal process in which a court order is issued to remove or seal records of a criminal conviction or arrest.

Sealing a court record typically means that it is not destroyed but hidden from public view. However, it may still be accessible to law enforcement, government agencies and employers conducting background checks.

Before considering getting your record expunged or sealed to have the court record removed from the web, confirm the website’s policies regarding how they process removal requests.

Getting a court record expunged or sealed involves several steps and considerations.

Here’s a simple overview of the process and what you need to know:

Eligibility: Not all convictions or arrests can be expunged or sealed. Eligibility criteria typically depend on factors such as the type of offense, the time since the conviction or arrest and whether you have fulfilled all sentencing requirements (like probation or fines).
Research your jurisdiction: Laws regarding expungement vary by state or country. Research the specific laws and procedures in your jurisdiction. Many jurisdictions have information available online or through legal aid organizations.
Gather the necessary information: You will likely need details about the conviction or arrest, including dates, case numbers and court documents. Make sure you have all relevant information before beginning the process.
Petition the court: In most cases, you must file a petition with the court where the conviction or arrest occurred. The petition typically includes your personal information, details of the offense and reasons why you believe your records should be expunged or sealed.
Attend a hearing (if required): Depending on your jurisdiction and the specifics of your case, you may need to attend a court hearing where a judge will review your petition and determine whether to grant expungement or sealing of the record.
Follow up: After filing your petition, follow the instructions given by the court. This may include attending hearings, providing additional documentation, or responding to inquiries from the court.
Outcome: If your petition is successful, the court will issue an order to expunge or seal your records. Once the order is received, you can submit it to the websites that host the court record to have it removed.

2. Court record link suppression

If you are not able to get your court case expunged or sealed (or you don’t want to go through the process), the next best option is to suppress the unwanted court record link(s) deeper in Google search results. There, it will be less visible to the public.

The process of search engine suppression involves creating new positive or neutral content about yourself that ranks above any negative or unwanted content harming your reputation.

Common strategies to consider if you are looking to suppress court record links are:

Create and optimize personal websites or blogs.
Establish and maintain social media profiles.
Publish high-quality content on industry-specific platforms.
Utilize online portfolio platforms.
Optimize existing content on websites you control.

If you’re seeking professional help, most online reputation management firms specialize in suppressing court record links from the web.

Dig deeper: Online reputation management: Top 10 hurdles and how to overcome them

3. Complete removal of court records (case-specific)

In certain situations, you can have the court record completely removed from the website. If the website agrees to remove the court record, it will be taken down immediately and the link will be replaced with a “404 error page.”

Alternatively, some websites will agree to deindex the link from Google search results so it is no longer visible when you search your name.

To determine if a website that hosts court records has a removal policy, you’ll want to search their terms of service (or FAQ section).

Doing so will inform you how to submit a request. Once a removal request is submitted, it can take up to 60 days for it to be processed, depending on the website.

Clearing your digital slate

It’s crucial to manage how court records appear online to protect your personal and/or company reputation.

Even though seeing your court record or lawsuit online can be distressing, there are ways to handle it effectively.

The methods detailed above let you take charge of your online presence, focusing on your current achievements and goals while removing or suppressing court documents that might not reflect who you are now.

Dig deeper: A 3-phased approach to proactive online reputation management

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/strategies-remove-court-records-google-444072

Here’s Why You Should Hire Friendly Debt Collectors

Home Business Magazine Online

Movies make the debt collection industry look like an ugly, sordid thing. Where friendly debt collectors do not exist. It’s not uncommon to see tactics like late-night phone calls, robocalls, threatening and aggressive language, and sometimes, even violence.

The movies are not real life but, sadly, sometimes real debt collectors treat people badly, too. No matter what sector your company is in, it’s always better to hire friendly debt collectors who treat people without judgment. Let’s check out a few reasons why.

Reputation Intact

Leaders like Summit Account Resolution make it a point to treat everybody they encounter with dignity, as that’s a core part of their business model. They have a PHD philosophy — Preserve Human Dignity.

Such friendly debt collectors view their job as helping two sides meet in the middle rather than being paid by one to badger and harass the other. Debtors may have very good reasons for being less than forthcoming with payments. Debt collectors can work with them to find a healthier path towards repayment that works to everybody’s advantage.

Not only do companies collect more debts in less time, but they do so with their reputation and branding fully intact. After all, companies invest a lot in marketing and advertising and want to avoid letting debt collection harm how people think of their company.

Collect More Debt

If treating people badly actually led to collecting more debts sooner, perhaps business leaders would try to calculate whether the debt collection efforts were worth the reputational damage. Thankfully, this isn’t the case!

The friendliest and most professional debt collectors who make a point of treating people with dignity also collect more than their rivals. You get the best of both worlds! The debt collectors who believe in being helpful and kind manage to collect nearly double the industry average.

Choosing between more debt sooner, on the one hand, and being respectful with B2B partners and customers is a false choice. Hire friendly debt collectors and you will have it all.

Every Type of Debt

In some industries, debt collection works differently. For example, medical patients who owe debt have HIPAA rights enshrined, and these must be observed, or there could be legal and reputational consequences.

Each industry has its own culture as well as technical rules. Friendly debt collectors have a wide range of experience in every sector. They can collect a diverse set of debts, always with tact and courtesy, whether it’s overpaid employees, commercial or residential renters, medical debts, and more.

Consultation

Finally, the friendliest debt collectors also provide consulting services that let you improve the core of your own business. They can observe how your in-house collection efforts work and recommend improvements, bolstering the business’s foundations. They work with a smile on their face, and the results will put a smile on yours.

Whether a company needs to outsource debt collections or improve internal processes, the best professional debt collectors have you covered.

Avoid the messy, ugly side of debt collection that doesn’t even recover as much money. Instead, look for friendly professional debt collectors who treats everybody with innate dignity.

The post Here’s Why You Should Hire Friendly Debt Collectors appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/marketing/branding/hire-friendly-debt-collectors/

Ensuring Real Estate Agent Safety

Home Business Magazine Online

By Scott Bonvisutto, President – Console Vault

Real estate agents maintain a high public profile and routinely meet with strangers alone, sometimes in isolated locations, due to the nature of their work. Yet, according to a National Association of Realtors (NAR) study, only 51 percent of realtors know their brokerage’s standard real estate agent safety procedures. Thirty-nine percent of realtors surveyed reported that their local association provides safety training during orientation for new members, but only 29 percent reported being aware of such safety programs.

While there is rarely a “perfect” time to discuss how real estate agents can ensure their personal safety, the truth is that protecting themselves and their clients is an ongoing practice. In this article, we will dive into how realtors can find themselves in a dangerous scenario and the steps they can take to safeguard themselves against threats.

Why Realtors are Vulnerable

As with any potentially dangerous situation, the first step to protecting oneself is becoming aware of potential risks. Real estate agents tend to be vulnerable for four main reasons. The first is that criminals tend to target people — especially women — who are alone, and real estate agents work by themselves for much of their workday.

Second, real estate agents must frequently meet and work with strangers. Sometimes, criminals or mentally unstable individuals pose as interested buyers or sellers. Thefts, sexual assaults, and even murders have occurred as a result. While we may like to believe that something so heinous could never happen to us, it’s likewise crucial to remember that several realtors have been killed during showings.

Similarly, drug addicts might attend open houses or showings to gain access to medicine cabinets and the prescription pharmaceuticals inside them. Given incidents like these, perhaps it should come as no surprise that, according to the aforementioned NAR study, 22 percent of respondents reported feeling unsafe during a showing.

Third, realtors may be required to show properties that are located in unsafe or remote areas. Sometimes, these properties don’t even have cell phone coverage, making it impossible to call for help if necessary. Arriving at an abandoned property or foreclosure can also risk bringing realtors face-to-face with squatters or other individuals who may pose a threat to them and their clients.

Finally, real estate agents need to promote their services and showings, which means their faces, names, and events become widely known in the community. As a result, criminals can also easily figure out where to find them, making real estate agent safety so important.

For these reasons, it’s absolutely vital for realtors to take proactive measures to shield themselves from possible harm.

Self-defense Courses

NAR’s study points out that only 38 percent of real estate agents have taken a self-defense class. Yet, being prepared to protect oneself can make the difference between being a victim or not. For instance, these classes can teach students how to leverage their entire body in a punch and ensure it lands in the right place, enabling them to break away from an attacker and gain time to run.

Moreover, taking a self-defense class brings other, perhaps unexpected benefits for real estate agent safety. For instance, it can alleviate anxiety about one’s personal safety, boost confidence, improve physical fitness, and support positive mental health. These courses also teach students how to set healthy boundaries and assert them effectively.

New Safety Technology

Numerous innovative safety solutions can also keep real estate agents safe while on the job. If a realtor does not already use a GPS tracking device to follow their movements, they should keep in mind that these can give them a way to alert their friends and family if a situation should arise.

According to the NAR survey, 72 percent of respondents use an app on their smartphones in this way, the most popular of which was the Find My iPhone feature used by 43 percent of those surveyed. Many participants also indicated that they routinely notify a loved one of their location whenever they need to conduct a showing.

In addition, automated solutions for confirming appointments can reduce the number of no-shows, meaning realtors will spend less time alone in an unfamiliar setting. Confirming showings in this way can also help realtors project confidence and appear less awkward or uncertain while waiting for clients, which makes them less attractive as a target.

In the wake of the pandemic, virtual property tours have become more accepted. Since these allow realtors to decrease the number of in-person meetings they have with clients, they present another way to reduce how much danger realtors could potentially be exposed to.

Carry protection

According to the 2023 NAR study, “Forty-nine percent of men and 50 percent of women carry a self-defense weapon or tool.” Eighteen percent of these respondents carry pepper spray, 14 percent list a firearm, and nine percent list a pocket knife, though another nine percent said they prefer not to reveal what their weapon is.

While having recourse to a weapon can help deter a criminal, it’s also important to have a secure place to keep dangerous items while out for the day, which is why in-vehicle safes are indispensable. In addition, these lockboxes can protect a realtor’s valuable items, such as prescription medications or even documents with sensitive client information.

Stay vigilant

Even the most experienced real estate professionals must remain vigilant and ensure their personal real estate agent safety. To reduce their vulnerability, realtors should consider taking a self-defense class, using new technologies, and keeping protection close at hand. In many cases, simply being prepared is enough to project the strength that makes a criminal choose someone else.

The post Ensuring Real Estate Agent Safety appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/businesses/real-estate/ensuring-real-estate-agent-safety/