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Do you have what is needed to go through a recession? Here are the characteristics that homeowners have to go through a difficult time:
This article is quoted from 'Ultimate Home Based Business Handbook', by James Stephenson, available at the Entrepreneur Press.
Regardless of the definition of your success, there are a number of common characteristics that a successful entrepreneur has. You can give a check mark on each of the characteristics that you might have. In this way, you can see how you structure it. Even though you don't have all these characteristics, you don't need to worry. Most can be learned by practice and by developing a winning mentality, especially if you determine the level and you apply it to yourself, through strategic planning, to achieve goals in measurable stages.
Home Businesses Must Have
Like the other activities you are working on, there are a number of necessities needed to be successful in the chosen activity. To be able to drive in a public place legally, someone must have a SIM; in order to win a match, have to practice and practice; in order to retire comfortably, one must become a knowledgeable investor and actively invest in his retirement. If your goal is success in business, then the formula is not much different. There are several imperatives that must be fully developed, applied and managed for the success of your business. There are many imperatives in business, but this article only discusses a few that I believe are compulsory, more important is needed when starting, running and growing home business profits.
1. Do what you enjoy
What you get from business in the form of personal satisfaction, financial income, stability and enjoyment is the value that you will place in your business. So, if you don't enjoy what you are doing, then it will likely be reflected in the success of your business - or your next success. In fact, if you don't enjoy what you are doing, your chances will not be successful.
2. Work seriously
You cannot expect to be effective and successful in business unless you are absolutely sure of the business and the product or service that you are selling. Too many home-based entrepreneurs who fail to run their business seriously enough, easily switch and are not motivated and sharpen their sense of smell. They also become a meal for those who see a home business with one eye because they do not work in office buildings, shops, or factories. Few do skeptically, knowing that a number of people who work from home, and produce good annual income, have surged in recent years.
3. Plan everything
Planning every aspect of your home business is not only a necessity, but also builds habits that entrepreneurs must develop, implement and maintain. Business planning is very important because it requires you to analyze each business situation, conduct research and collect data, and make conclusions based on facts obtained from research. Business planning is also a second function, where you aim and how to achieve it, on paper. You can use the plan you made both as a map that will take you from point A to Z and as a measure of the success of each individual plan or segment in the plan.
4. Manage money wisely
Cash flow is the pulse of any business. You need it to buy inventory, pay for services, promote and market your business, repair and place tools and equipment, and pay yourself so that you can continue working. Therefore, all home-based entrepreneurs must be wise financial managers to ensure the cash flow continues and the bills are paid. There are two aspects of wise financial management:
The money you receive from the client as an exchange of goods or services that you provide (income)
The money you spend on inventory, supplies, wages, and other items needed for your business operations.
5. Ask for sales
Home entrepreneurs must always remember that marketing, advertising, or promotional activities are not useful, regardless of how smart, expensive, or precisely targeted they are, except for one simple thing that is resolved - asking for sales. This does not explain that being a great salesperson, advertising copywriting or public relations experts is not a big asset in your business. However, this skill is meaningless if you don't actively ask people to buy what you sell.
6. Remember customers
Your home business is not the product or service that you sell. A home business is not the price you wear for goods and services. A home business is not about competition and how you beat it. Your business is a customer, or client, period. After all, your customers are those who decide whether your business will boom or break. Whatever you do in business must focus on customers, including policies, guarantees, payments, working hours, presentations, advertisements and promotions and websites. In addition, you must know well who your customers are.
7. Become self-motivator
One of the biggest myths about personal or business success, is the personal ability, product or service that will be discovered and acknowledged by the community that might prevent others from buying what you sell. But how can this happen if no one knows who you are, what you sell and why they have to buy it?
Self-promotion is one of the most important marketing tools, but most fails to be used where the majority of entrepreneurs immediately ignore it.
8. Design a positive business image
Everything you have except the moment you missed to make a positive impression and be remembered by the person you are doing business with. Home entrepreneurs must get out of their way and always try to design the most professional business image. The majority of home-based entrepreneurs feel that there is no need to create an elegant office or shop or showroom to impress and impress customers. Instead, they must rely on creativity, creativity and pay attention to the smallest details when creating and maintaining a positive image of their home business.
9. Get to know your customers
One of the biggest features and the most significant competitive edge of a home-based entrepreneur who can beat a big competitor is that he is able to provide personal attention. You can call it a high-tech reaction, but customers get bored and tired of listening to their information somewhere on the computer and have to be retrieved, or are required to enter a series of numbers that eventually arrive at the right department just to listen to voice mail — where they never call back.
Home entrepreneurs can answer the phone, get to know their customers, give personal attention and win business by doing so. This is the fact that most businesses (80%) come from returning customers rather than new customers. Therefore, along with attracting newcomers, the more you do to approach customers, you will do better in the long run and giving personal attention is the most valued and remembered in this world of sophisticated technology.
10. Level of game land with technology
You must avoid being trapped further in the world of technology, but you also have to know how to use it. One of the most amazing aspects of the internet is that one or two people who run it from the basement can have a great website like a company worth $ 50 million, and no one knows the difference. Make sure you continue to pursue high technology as long as it suits your needs. The best technology is what helps you, not to impress others.
11. Build a top-notch business team
No one can build a successful business alone. This is a task that requires a team that has a commitment like yours to the business and its success. Your business team can include family members, friends, suppliers, business alliances, employees, sub-contractors, industry and business associations, local government and communities. Of course the most important team members are your customers or clients. Some or many of them will say how your business will run and risk the future of your business.
12. Known as an expert
When you have a problem that needs to be solved, you are looking for someone else's advice or looking for an expert in their field to help solve your problem? Of course, you want the most accurate information and get assistance. You usually seek expert help to solve problems. You call a plumber when a hot water tap leaks, a real estate agent when selling a house or dentist if your teeth hurt. Therefore, this only leads to the reason that you are known as an expert in your business, more and more people are looking for you to get your expertise, create more sales and referral opportunities. The impact, known as an expert is to have another style to get new business prospects, and vice versa. Instead of finding new and quality people to sell, these people are looking for your expertise.
13. Creating competitive advantage
A home business should have a unique sales proposition. This is more than just a straightforward question asking an important question, "Why do people choose to do business with you or buy your product or service rather than doing business with competitors and buying products or services?" In other words, what aspects or combinations of aspects separate your business from competition? Are services better, longer guarantees, better selection, more flexible payment options, lowest prices, personal services, better customer service, better returns and return policies or a combination of these?
14. Invest in yourself
Top entrepreneurs buy and read books, business magazines and marketing, reports, journals, newsletters, websites and industry publications, realizing that these sources will enhance their business understanding and marketing functions and skills. They join business associations, and network with other skilled business people to learn the secrets of their success and help them determine their goals and objectives. Top business people attend business and marketing seminars, workshops and training, even though they have mastered the problem. They do it because they know that education is an ongoing process. There are always ways to do better, less time, with less effort. In short, top entrepreneurs have never stopped investing the most effective, effective and best marketing tool for themselves.
15. Accessible
We live in a time when we expect a ready lunch on the drive-thru to be ready in a few minutes, the laundry is ready to be taken on the same day, the money at the ATM and pizza is delivered in 30 minutes or free. You see a developing pattern - You have to make it as easy as possible for the people who do business with you, regardless of the home business you run.
You have to be aware of the fact that only a few people are willing to work hard, get out of their way, or feel uncomfortable giving you the money they earn hard. Facilitating other people to do business with you means that you must be accessible and knowledgeable about your product or service. You must be able to provide what the customer wants, when they want it.
16. Build a strong reputation
Undoubtedly, good reputation is one of the most tangible assets and can be sold by home entrepreneurs. You can't just buy a good reputation; this is something that you produce by fulfilling your promise. If you promise to ship goods to customers on Wednesday, there is no reason for you not to send them. If you offer to fix something, you have to do it well. Consistency for what you offer is another key factor. If you cannot provide the same level of services (and products) to clients on a regular basis, they have no reason to trust you ... and without trust, you will not have a good reputation.
17. Selling benefits
Imposing product features for entrepreneurs who are inexperienced or prospective entrepreneurs. Selling benefits related to owning and using the product or service you deliver is a focus for sales professionals everywhere to create the desire to buy and sell, sell more, and sell more often to their customers. Advertising, sales presentations, and marketing materials that are printed, product packaging, websites, newsletters, trade shows are important things. Every time and media used to communicate with the target audience must sell the benefits associated with owning a product or using your services.
18. Engagement
Always out of your way to be involved in the community that supports your business. You can do this in many ways, such as engaging in local charities or food banks, involved in organizing community events, and local politics. You can join the kumpulam and groups that concentrate on programs and policies that are designed to improve local communities. This is a fact where people like to do business with people they know, like and respect, and with people who do many things to help them as members of the community.
19. Attract attention
Small entrepreneurs cannot waste time, money and energy for promotional activities aimed at building awareness through long-term, repeated opening. If you do, the chance is that you will go bankrupt long before this goal is reached. Instead, every promotional activity that you do, must be able to make money for your pocket so you can continue to attract more attention and make your business grow.
20. Mastering the art of negotiation
The ability to negotiate effectively is a skill that must be mastered by every entrepreneur. Maybe this is the second most important thing that a home business must have. In business, negotiation skills are used every day. Always remember that mastering the art of negotiation means that your skills are applied to win-win conditions. A win-win arrangement means that everyone involved feels they have become winners, which is the basis for building long-term relationships and a more profitable business.
21. Designing a workplace for success
Plan and design your workplace at home carefully to maximize personal performance and productivity, and if needed, to show professionalism for clients who come. If possible, resist the urge to change the corner of your living room or bed into an office. Ideally, you want a separate room with a closed door that separates business activities and family members, at least during business hours. Terrace, basement or garage is usually used as an office in the house. If this is not possible, you must find a way to change the room by partitioning or doing your work when there are no people at home.
22. Maintain order
The key to staying organized is not what type of file you have or whether you stack paper on the table, but about managing your business. Have a system for doing many things. Therefore, you want to create a routine where you can complete as many jobs as possible, or for three hours for part-time business or seven to nine hours for a full-timer. In fact, you must develop systems and routines for every business activity. Little things like making a to-do list at the end of a day's work, or in a week, will help you put the most important tasks first. Creating a single calendar to start work, not a task to duplicate tasks or jobs, will also ensure tasks are completed according to the schedule and promises that are fulfilled. Entering family and personal activities into your calendar is also important so you can work and plan from a single calendar.
23. Free time
The temptation to work all the time is real for some home-based entrepreneurs. However, you do not have a manager who reminds you when to go home because they cannot afford to pay overtime. Everyone who works from home must take the time to set a work schedule that includes time to stretch your legs and rest for lunch, and a few workdays and schedule a vacation. Make a schedule after you make a commitment to start a home business. Of course, your schedule must be flexible. Take time for yourself for one or two hours. Working all the time and not resting will make you tired and poor customer service is not desired by the customer.
24. Limit the number of businesses
It is difficult for most entrepreneurs not to take the approach offered. They want to do and handle assignments as much as possible in their business. The ability to multitask, in fact, is a common trait shared by successful entrepreneurs. However, once in a while you have to stop and review that day to determine what is the best interest in your business and yourself for a long time. Most successful entrepreneurs will tell you when they start, they know where their strengths and tasks are delegated to others.
25. Constant follow-up
Constant contact, follow-up with customers, business prospects and alliances are a mantra for any new or established home-based entrepreneur. Constant and consistent follow-up allows you to turn prospects into customers, increase sales value and buying frequency from existing customers, and build stronger business relationships with suppliers and core business teams. Follow-up is important for your customer list, such as real work that starts after the sale. It's easy to sell products or services, but it takes hard work to retain customers and get them back again.
By: James Stephenson is a home business consultant with more than 15 years of experience in business and marketing. The author of several popular books, including the Ultimate Startup Directory Entrepreneur magazine and the Ultimate Small Business Marketing Guide, both available from Entrepreneur Press.
The marketing mix strategy is often interpreted as a combination of important factors in marketing. These factors consist of several things such as products, prices, promotions, places, etc. that are important to consider in preparing a marketing strategy. Considering that every company must carry out a marketing process that makes the goods or products reach consumers, and to carry out the process it is necessary to carry out a specific strategy namely marketing mix strategies that pay attention to customer service as well as possible to achieve marketing success.
In general, the mix marketing strategy is like any other marketing strategy that has support from several factors. However, as mentioned earlier, in the marketing mix strategy there are factors or elements commonly known as 7P elements. The 7P element itself is useful for developing business and also winning market competition. Then what are the 7P elements?
The 7P element consists of product (product), price (price), promotion (promotion), place (place), participant (person), process (process), and physical evidence (evidence or physical facilities). For more details, here are some explanations of the 7P element:
1. Product
Product is an object in marketing, which sells these products that will provide income and then become a thing that determines the company's profits. When you want to run a successful marketing strategy, it has become a necessity for companies to always pay attention to good product quality. Given the quality of the product will have an influence on consumer attractiveness. In addition, tight business competition also encourages businesses to maintain product quality so as to prevent consumers from turning to competitors. So it is not surprising if a quality product has an influence in marketing.
2. Price
The amount of fees needed to get a combination of goods and services. So as a business person, it is necessary to determine the right and suitable price for consumers with the combination. If when determining the price it turns out to get an error, it will have an impact on consumers who do not buy the product and even buy products to business competitors that ultimately harm the business.
3. Promotion
Factors or elements of this marketing mix strategy are no less important than other elements. Where promotion is an information dissemination activity that can provide suggestions, influence, persuade or remind the market if the product is ready to be purchased by consumers. Promotion can also be said as a way to increase product sales, so it is not surprising that many companies use various media to promote.
4. Place
The place or location to run a business is also important in the marketing mix strategy. How not, if a businessperson constructs or opens a business in a certain location, it will affect the number of visitors who come. Considering, the place of business is a distribution channel that makes products reach consumers. The activity of moving products from producers to consumers occurs in that place. So that the place is very concerned, how easy access or strategic location that makes consumers go to that place.
5. Participants
Participants are everyone who enters and is involved in marketing products or is involved in marketing strategies for products offered by consumers. In carrying out a marketing strategy, it certainly requires more than one person. Such as employees, who are certainly involved in marketing success.
6. Process
In the marketing mix strategy here, the element or process factor is related to how the seller services to consumers. In this case, it is necessary to pay attention to management, which decisions in management will determine success. Thus, it is expected that every element that exists can work in accordance with its operations management. For this reason, it is not surprising that many companies improve management to provide good service to consumers, because it will have a major influence on the results of marketing.
7. Physical evidence
The last factor or element is related to facilities used to serve consumers that must be considered. Not only facilities that are visible but also that are not visible. Where is this facility that will support how the product can reach consumers properly.
Of the seven factors or elements of the marketing mix strategy above, it can be said that providing the best service including maintaining product quality is important in developing the business. Where both of these are also supported by several other factors such as strategic location, for the right marketing target.
In a company, making an example of the company's criteria is one of the considerations. However, how important is KPI for your company?
What is a KPI?
Key Performance Indicators (KPI) are indicators that are used to measure the performance of a company to meet the company's strategic and operational objectives. Making a sample KPI of a company can help your business venture ascertain how far the progress has been achieved and what will be achieved.
This benchmark can be used to see the performance of the company's important assets, namely company employees. This is because the performance of the company can be very dependent on the performance of employees as well. So, it is very necessary to manage regularly the performance of each employee as a benchmark for the development and defense of the company's performance. Such performance is like increasing customer satisfaction and also increasing company revenue. This recognition can be done objectively by setting indicators that have to do with the field or job description.
Elements & Examples of Company KPI
Examples of company KPIs are made after the company has a clear strategy and objectives. KPI can help companies ascertain how far the progress of their goals will be achieved. The following indicators of strategic success must meet the following elements:
- The success of KPI can be a means for companies to communicate their strategy.
- Can have a direct connection with the strategy chosen by the company.
- This KPI indicator is quantitative in meaning it has a certain formula in its calculations.
- KPI indicators can be calculated
- The frequency of updates is very useful
- Setting targets for repairs can also be done
- The possibility of comparison with other companies can be done
- Measurements are still very valid
- Data and resources available
- The cost of measurement is no more than the benefit.
Measuring Performance at KPI
There are two types of performance measurement, namely lag performance indicators and lead performance indicators. These two indicators are interconnected because they provide information about how the results or objectives can be achieved. In addition, this indicator can also ensure that the size made is in accordance with the organization's strategic goals.
The same thing with the lead indicator without a lag indicator, then only the lead indicator can focus on short-term performance, but you cannot see the results or objectives of the company in large or if longer time has been achieved. At the lead indicator, it should at least allow you to take preliminary actions to be able to increase opportunities to achieve strategic goals.
This lead indicator can be known before the risk occurs which explains a condition of a process. While the lag indicator is the size of the past performance and is known after the risk occurs.
The following are examples of KPI companies from various fields:
1. KPI in HR / HR
2. Marketing KPI
3. Information Technology KPI
4. KPI in Finance
5. Production KPI
One of the BSC method differences (when compared to other methods) in determining KPI is an example of a company's KPI in BSC determined from the vision and mission to the objective strategy. Recently, this strategy objective can be identified by the KPI needed. So, the BSC is more of a top-bottom approach.
This is very similar to the Japanese company trading strategy that prioritizes market share needs and then determines costs and PTF per product than foreign companies that mass produce goods.
KPI preparation for profit organizations is easier when compared to non-profit. In profit organizations, the achievement of profits and dividend distribution can be more easily measured by the financial scorecard sorted at the front. The vision and mission as well as the relationship between the organization and stakeholders and shareholders can also be more clear.
Conversely, the vision and mission and the relationship between non-profit organizations and their shareholders and stakeholders are sometimes not clear. The vision and mission that is carried out also likes to change. Measurement per program is easier than uniting it in an organization. Socially and the beneficiaries of the scorecard are at the forefront, then it must be able to determine the measurement of qualitative information. If the social and beneficiaries are successful and remain qualified and also the cost per person who does the activity or the cost per non-program decreases and is also effective. Then it becomes a valuable valuation for investors or funders. They will also be competing to make social investments for the organization.
In the end, the determination of KPI must be done by looking at the needs of the organization to achieve the best results. Examples of good corporate KPIs do not have to be applied to many measurements, but the main ones are those that support organizational goals.
KPI Function for Business
The following is the function of KPI for a business:
- Job Energizer
It should be, KPI is always distributed to all employees clearly and also transparently. This is due to the survey conducted by Geckoboard about mushroom management, there are more than 80% of employees in a company wanting transparency about information and data that the boss has, through this transaction, the employee will increase his motivation to reach all company goals. So, do not let things happen that the company and employees don't want, such as resign reasons and employee rights that are not met.
- Measuring Performance
Not only able to measure employee performance or performance, KPI is also able to measure the extent to which a business has developed. Is the business developing towards the good or just the opposite? From this data, you can get solutions for decision making, such as adding employees to cut production costs.
Employee job evaluation methods are very diverse, one of which is the effectiveness of the time spent for 8 hours of work, from the start, resting to home without homework being taken home. However, this evaluation will only make you judge subjectively without knowing what exactly they have contributed to the company.
- To hone a skill
After you know and make an example of a company KPI, then in the process of running a business when there are problems that must be faced, the ability of the responsibility holder will increasingly become sharper to decide about the best way to be able to respond to the company's business goals.
Types & Examples of Company KPI
- Financial
Financial is the main thing in the business so that it develops. Everything held by finance such as cash flow, net income, debt, expenses, income and operational costs must be included. Without the documentation, you will find it hard to give a decision on all the routines that were carried out for the past 6 months.
- Operations
This KPI is able to measure how all employees can provide the best service for their customers. Examples of KPI measurements for each different type of business:
1. Online service business: About how to provide 24-hour service
2. Product sales business: about the timely delivery of goods to consumers or customers.
- Growth
A complete KPI is a KPI that can be used to measure business progress, one of which is the type of growth KPI, starting from the number of visitors, leads, customers to company partners.
For a human being, wealth is generally the main purpose of their life and life. From waking up to going back to sleep, many of the people who make up their minds are mere assets. About how to get assets, how to maintain the assets that have been owned, about how to develop assets that are already in hand. And so on from various branches of thought about wealth. So that all their movements of life are only centered on assets and assets.
No exception for those of us who claim to be Muslim entrepreneurs, we are often carried away by such thoughts. Even though we know that our lives are only temporary and will not bring wealth, still our hearts are often centered on one of the world's jewels. Laa haula wa laa quwwata illaa billaah, ...
O my brother, fellow Muslim businessman, ... Maybe it's time we as Muslim entrepreneurs re-think about what our purpose in life is?
Is it really true to carry out the task as a servant of God? Or has it changed to become a servant of wealth and jewelry in the world? Do the assets that we can become intermediaries get a paradise, or have they become the main purpose of our lives and lives? Is wealth a slave to us, or do we become slaves of the world?
Let us introspect. Look at ourselves. Is our worship obstructed because we are busy looking for world treasures? Is the time to demand knowledge erased and replaced with all kinds of livelihood activities? And so on, ... Ask each of us.
And if the answer is "yes", so, then meditate on Allah's warning in the Qur'an:
O you who believe, do not let your wealth and children neglect you from remembering Allah. Whoever does this, they are the losers. [Surat al-Munafiqun verse 9]
God has warned us not to be negligent because we pursue world wealth. What we will actually leave, we will not take a penny with us to the burrow. So set aside our time for worship, not to be a negligent servant of remembering God because of looking for property. Then afterwards, we follow the instructions of Rabbani in the next verse:
And spend part of what We have given you before death comes to one of you; then he said: "O my Rabb, why hast thou not suspended (death) unto a near time, which caused me to give charity and I am including the righteous?" [Surat al-Munafiqun verse 10]
After we set aside our time to worship, do all the obligations and add to the various recommended sunnah, also set aside some of the assets that we have gotten as stock back. Do not let us be stingy, miserly, naughty, to spend some of the blessings that God has given us. Do not let us be like the person mentioned in the verse above, that is to be a person who regrets when death comes, because he rarely gives charity during his life in the world, and regrets that he rarely does good, even though he has had the opportunity during his lifetime.
Because remember my brother, our time is limited, so don't let us regret when our time is up, don't come to the end we cry loudly, ...
And Allah will not delay (death) someone when the time of his death has come. And Allah knows what you do. [Surat al-Munafiqun verse 11]
God, always make it easy and bless our commerce, and our whole lives.
Bismillah ..
Surely Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala sent down the Koran to be used as a guide for human life on this earth. In fact, Allah affirmed in his Shari'a, with the sending out of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.
In Islam the most fundamentalist legal foundation is Halal and Haram, because the two points of this law have been explained by the Prophet in a hadith narrated by Sahabat Nu'man bin Bashir radhiallahu ‘anhu, that the Prophet sallallaahu‘ alaihi wa sallam said,
إِنَّ الْحَلاَلَ بَيِّنٌ وَإِنَّ الْحَرَامَ بَيِّنٌ
"Indeed, Halal is clear and unclean is also clear ..."
If we write a list of things that are halted by Islamic law, of course we cannot count them. And unlike the case we write a list that is forbidden by the Shari'a, certainly not as much as a list of things that are legalized by Shari'a, for example; usury, gambling, dogs, pigs, carcasses, khamr etc.
But unfortunately, nowadays many people lack the enthusiasm to study. So that the heart and mind are covered in syubhat and do not know things that are lawful or unlawful. In the continued hadith of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said;
وبينهما أمور مشتبهات لا يعلمهن كثير من الناس, فمن اتقى الشبهات فقد استبرأ لدينه وعرضه, ومن وقع في الشبهات وقع في الحرام
Between them (halal and haram) there are cases that are syubhat (vague) that are not known by many people. So whoever is afraid of Shubhat means he has saved his religion and honor. And who is involved in the syubhat case, it will fall into a case that is forbidden ... "
Blessings in the Treasures of Thayyib are few in number
The human life cycle is always related to what they eat. Then what they eat is related to what they are trying to do ...
In the hadith above the halal and unlawful matters have been determined by the Shari'a. So that Muslims are required to look for anything that is permitted by Allah, and stay away from what is forbidden by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala. In his word,
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُلُوا مِن طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لِلَّـهِ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ -١٧٢
O ye who believe, eat among the good sustenance that We give to you and give thanks to Allah, if you truly worship. (QS: Al-Baqarah 72)
And that needs to be underlined, Allah ‘Azza Wa Jalla only accepts from his servant something Thayyib. From Abu Hurairah radhiallahu ‘anhu said, the Prophet sallallaahu‘ alaihi wa sallam said
إِنَّ اللهَ تَعَالَى طَيِّبٌ لاَ يَقْبَلُ إِلاَّ طَيِّباً
Surely Allah Ta'ala is Good, not accepting except the good.
That among the signs of charity that Thayyib is sincere to God and in accordance with the demands of sharia. Likewise with the treasure of thayyib, which is halal in its essence and lawful in how to obtain it.
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen rahimahullah in the book of Sharah Arbain Annawi explained, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala did not accept anything from a servant except the thayyib, both words and other deeds. And instead He will refuse and not accept something that is not thayyib. And among the examples are people who give charity with illicit assets.
For that the treasure that thayyib will be a blessing, so that even though a little God will fold it like a mountain. In authentic hadith explained,
من تصدق بعدل تمرة من كسب طيب ولا يقبل الله بيمينه ثم يربيها لصاحبه كما يربي أحدكم فلوه حتى تكون مثل الجبل
"Whoever gives charity with a date from the thayyib, God does not accept it except the Thayyib. Then when Allah ta'ala receives alms with his right hand, then grows it as you keep a foal, to the extent that alms is like a mountain (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim).
Risk of Treasure Not Thayyib, Prayers Are Rejected
Once again we emphasize, the condition of a thayyib treasure is twofold: halal in its essence and lawful ways to obtain it. If one of these conditions is not fulfilled, then we can be sure the property is unclean.
Among the consequences of ill-gotten property, it can be rejected. Abu Hurairah radhiallahu ‘anhu narrated in a hadith,
ثم ذكر الرجل يطيل السفر أشعث أغبر يمد يديه إلى السماء يا رب يا رب ومطعمه حرام ومشربه حرام وملبسه حرام وغذي بالحرام فأنى يستجاب له
Then he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said there was someone going on a long journey in a state of tangle and dust. He raised his hands to the sky as he said: Yaa Robbku, Ya Robbku, even though the food is unclean, the drink is unclean, his clothes are haram and that is filling him with something that is unclean, then how could his prayer be granted.
Subhanallah ... we can think about the above story. Where the terms of the prayer are almost fulfilled, among them the person is in a state of safar, his hand looks up to the sky, then he is also patient with the name of Allah. In a hadith Qudsi narrated from Salman Al-Farisi radhiallahu ‘anhu,
إِنَّ رَبَّكُمْ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى حَيِىٌّ كَرِيمٌ يَسْتَحْيِى مِنْ عَبْدِهِ يا رَفَعَ يَدَيْهِ إِلَيْهِ أَنْ يَرُدَّهُمَا صِفْرًا
"Indeed, your Rabb Tabaraka wa Ta'ala is the most timid and exalted, he is ashamed of his servant (who prayed) raising his hands to him then he rejects it emptyly" (Narrated by Ibn Majah, Syaikh Al-Albani menshahihkannya in Shahih Ibn Majah: 3131)
But in the end this traveler was not praised by Allah Ta'ala because the food was unclean, he drank it, his clothes were unclean.
What happens if the company's financial period is difficult, so that employees remain motivated and eager to work. If this is allowed, it is feared that anxiety and anxiety will occur, even if employees are afraid of layoffs, the employees will not focus on their work. But whatever the employee is the most important asset in a business. How to motivate employees even though the company is in a difficult situation, here's how:
Setting Goals
Employees who have a sense of responsibility in business have better motivation than workers who do not have a vision for the future. So this is where you have to create a conducive work environment and allow workers to see the goals of the company's vision and mission. Make employees realize that the success of all businesses depends on their work. And make your financial statements as transparent as possible so that they have a better understanding of what is your company's problem.
Regular Evaluation
Take care of your employees how well they do their jobs. Give their positive feedback regularly. Offer constructive criticism in such a way that they are not offended, but learn from their mistakes. By offering them regular evaluations, in order to be able to develop a sense of belonging and motivate them to work diligently in your work even in difficult times.
Training and development
Don't stop training your employees. Look for ways to train employees to be more skilled and don't let employees like monotonous robots.
Gift
Maintain employee motivation at a high level by offering gifts. Prizes do not have to be expensive, events like exemplary employee contests that never late motivate employees to beat their coworkers. If workers work well, you might appreciate them by giving a one-day vacation bonus. Or to a minimum if you can't give a lot of cash prizes, at least every time you meet them always gives them sincere praise.
Every February 14, some people throughout the world commemorate Valentine's Day. They said that the day was a day of affection with others. Pink is sold in stores as a symbol of love and affection.
Special items are also sold that are identical to this celebration, such as: chocolate, flowers, cards, gifts, pink jewelry, etc.
The 'rubber helmet' sales turnover is increasing, which shows that on that day the use was very much among the youth.
Therefore, it is something very urgent to discuss the issues related to this celebration. I limit the problem with the following questions:
1. What is the law of celebrating Valentine's Day?
2. What law helps prepare for the event?
3. What is the law of selling items that are used for valentine's day celebrations?
4. What is the law for using a 'rubber helmet' among young people?
LAW CELEBRATES VALENTINE DAYS
In Islam only two festivals are known, namely: Eid holidays (‘Eid-fithr) and feast days (‘ Eid al-Adha). There is no holiday other than the two feast days. Therefore, Muslims may not make their own feasts or celebrate the feasts celebrated by unbelievers.
وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءَهُمْ عَمَّا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ لِكُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مِنْكُمْ شِرْعَةً وَمِنْهَاجًا
"Do not follow their passions by leaving the truth that has come to you. For each people among you, we give the rules and the way that is clear. "(QS Al-Maidah: 48)
Valentine's Day is a day celebrated by infidels. Therefore, we as Muslims cannot or are prohibited from commemorating the day in all its forms.
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said:
مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ
"Whoever imitates a people is a part of them." (Abu Dawud no. 4031)
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also reported that at the end of time there would be many Muslims who followed customs that were specifically carried out by unbelievers. He sallallaahu aih alaihi wa sallam said:
حَتَّى بَرٍ وِرَاٍْْ وَذِرَاعًا بِذِرَاعٍ حَتَّى لَوْ دَخَلُوا فِى جُحْرِ ضَبٍّ لاَتَّبَعْتُمُوهُمْ. قُلْنَا: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ آلْيَهُودَ وَالنَّصَارَى؟ قَالَ: فَمَنْ.
"You will really follow the habits of the people before you. If it's an inch, it's followed by an inch. If it is a cubit, it is followed by a cubit, to the extent that if they enter the Arab monitor lizard, you will follow it. "We said," O Messenger of Allah! What do you mean by Jews and Christians? "He replied," Who else if not them. "(HR Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Muslims should not be "consumed by fashion". They must make Islamic law in weighing all cultures and influences from outside the religion of Islam. Do not let the Muslims fall into sin and guilt, let alone kufr, as reported by the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam above.
Many said, "I only give gifts / gifts to my friends?", Some said, "I only gave greeting cards to my friends?", Some said, "I only accompanied my friend and did not participate ? ", Some also said," I only give chocolate to my friends? " Know, friend, why do you have to privilege today to do that? "Therefore, these things include the form of celebrating Valentine's Day.
LAW HELPS SUCH CELEBRATIONS EVEN THOUGH IT DOES NOT FOLLOW
Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says:
وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَى وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ
"And help you in (doing) virtue and piety, and do not help in committing sin and transgression. And fear Allah, for Allah is severe in punishment. (QS Al-Maidah: 2)
This verse clearly explains to us that all forms of help help in evil and immorality including things that are forbidden by Allah, including helping to implement this event, even though it does not participate in it.
LAW SELLING GOODS FOR SUCH LIBRARY
Items such as: chocolate, gifts, sweets, cards, flowers and other halal items for sale and purchase. However, if the item is sold specifically on Valentine's Day or other pagan celebration days, then this is forbidden, because this includes helping in immorality and helping to imitate the infidels.
The sellers of the items mentioned above are of two types:
- People who are just selling because of this event and previously they did not sell.
- People who have been selling these items for a long time, then people buy from their stores.
The law for the first person is clearly unclean, as explained.
The second person has details in it, if he does not know that these items will be used to commemorate Valentine's Day, then selling these items is permissible and lawful. However, if he already knows or weighs the suspicion that these items will be used for valentine's events, then selling these items is forbidden, because it is clear to him that the item will be used for illicit things.
SELLING LAWS ‘RUBBER HELMETS '
"Rubber Helmets" or many are referred to as "Co-N-Dom", used by the community to accommodate ‘fluid’ menagar not enter into the body of his partner. The law of origin of using this rubber helmet for a man with his wife or slave woman is permissible or disobeyed (depending on which opinion is strong from the clash of clerics).
The law of using a rubber helmet is like the law of ber'azl, which is to dispose of fluid outside a woman's body when having intercourse, as long as its use is not harmful to the woman.
The ‘rubber helmet’ law which is traded freely or does not have a check for anyone who buys it, is illegal because it supports the spread of adultery, especially among young people. Therefore, our Shari'a limits this as a preventive measure or prevention of adultery in the community.
Conclusion
- Haram commemorates Valentine's Day in various forms.
- Forbidden to help implement the event even though it did not participate.
- Haram sells items that will be used to celebrate the day.
- Sellers who do not know that the item is used for the event are allowed.
- Forbidden to sell 'rubber helmets' freely.
The use of free accounting software is now increasingly popular with users who are business people. Free accounting software really helps you in carrying out accounting records. However, some people still cannot leave the manual accounting system. Manua or using software actually has the same purpose, but in the process and the benefits are different.
Differences in Accounting Manuals & Free Accounting Software
Manual Accounting
Maybe manual accounting is often used by you in the past. Understandably, now there are so many choices of free accounting software that are computerized accounting. This is the characteristic of manual accounting:
• Manual accounting makes all your work done starting from the process of recording to summarizing purely by the hands and minds of humans.
• It is the human element that plays an important role in carrying out the accounting process
• Accuracy and timeliness are needed to carry out the financial calculation process.
• Accuracy and timeliness in recording financial data and also the presentation of financial statements is very critical.
• There needs to be a separation between parties preparing diaries, ledgers and accounting journals.
Computer Based Accounting
• In the process also involves the human hand in key-in transaction activities or recording business documents that are carried out to input data into the computer.
• It takes precision and timeliness of recording until the presentation of information and financial reports is sufficiently guaranteed by the computer.
• Computer processes used in processing accounting activities. Reliability of hardware, Issue G.I.G.O (Garbage In Garbage Out) and appears in computerized systems.
However, in practice computerized accounting does not necessarily use free accounting software. Microsoft Excel can also be used for computer-based accounting calculations, but in the process, you may still be bothered with the use of an excel formula that is quite complicated. For this reason, in modern times, the use of free accounting software should be an option in making financial reports.
Benefits of Free Accounting Software
Here are the benefits that you can get from using free accounting software:
• You no longer need to use formulas for accounting calculations
• No more complicated writing and making complicated formulas
• Simply enter data or every transaction
• All processes carried out in the free accounting software will run automatically
• All work feels faster and easier
• The financial report will automatically start automatically
If you want to get financial reports that are fast and automatic, then this is the solution for you. Now it's time you switch to free accounting software. One accounting software that can be used by anyone with any business field is Zahir Accounting. Zahir Accounting 6 can be an option for your business calculation needs.
Benefits of Using Accounting Software
Here are some benefits that you can get if you use accounting software:
• Can determine fast business decisions
• Knowing the financial condition of the business at any time
• Able to manage debt and receivables very easily
• Facilitate complete inventory management
• Easy and fast implementation for various types of your business
• Work more fun
• Good investment at a very affordable price
By using free accounting software, there are many benefits that you can get, including:
• Safer Inventory Management
Inventory is one of the assets owned by the company, can be in the form of goods that have been owned or are still in the process and will be sold. From the inventory, you can get information about how much raw material and goods are in the process until the financial statements appear.
This convenience allows you to minimize errors that can occur if done manually. If there is a human error, the system quickly warns you that there is an error entering the data in the free accounting software program. So, you can quickly solve and get a solution for the mistakes you have made.
• Help with the Hospitalization Stock Process
Stock inventory aims to calculate and match the ratio between the amount of physical stock and inventory stock in recording whether it is suitable or not between products in the warehouse. Not only that, another goal of this process is to be able to find out the truth of the financial report that informs the certainty of the financial statements. Ensure compatibility, see cheating and this can be obtained from the inventory process.
• Purchase
This is closely related to the purchases made by your company. In free accounting software, there is a purchase order menu that can be used as authentic evidence in documents and company purchase transactions. In addition, there is also a purchase return menu that is used for items that are not in accordance with the order or damaged in shipping so it must be replaced with new items that match what was ordered. In general, free accounting software has a purchase order feature and purchase returns that can make it easier for you to know about purchase reports.
• Sales Transactions
Sales and purchase transactions are not much different. The function of the sales transaction is to be able to see VAT tax in detail up to discounts, etc. In the purchase transaction, there is a preferential return on the sales transaction menu. There is also another other feature, which is sales returns that can return sales items from customers. Usually, this menu or features are included in the free accounting software.
• Balance Sheet Report
This report is a part of accounting financial statements that will be produced every certain period to inform the financial position of your company. There are 3 crucial parts of the financial report balance sheet, including assets (assets), liabilities (liabilities) and equity (capital). So the main function of the balance sheet of this financial statement is to provide detailed or in-depth information about the company's debit and credit value .
Therefore, the benefits of using this free accounting software can greatly help your company's accounting work. You don't need to bother making a formula until you write it full and a lot until you line it up. With the advancement of this technology, the business of calculating to financial statements can be very easy and fun. In fact, with free accounting software, you don't need an accounting school or have this background because its features have been designed to be very easy to use for anyone.
Being an employee is certainly very desirable for most people, especially those who want to live in a comfort zone. In fact, often the prospective in-laws dream of a prospective daughter-in-law as an employee in a large company and have a fixed salary every month. Indeed their intentions are right, so that their children are guaranteed their lives. Not to mention the example of a businessman who goes out of business to make the status of employees / civil servants very tempting. No wonder both in big cities and in small cities and even rural areas there are so many high school graduates / undergraduates flocking to find work.
After becoming an employee of a company, having a steady income every month, a comfortable co-worker, a conducive workplace often makes people feel at home in the comfort zone. Some even grow old to be employees. Because most people only see examples of failed entrepreneurs. Though many in our eyes are examples of successful entrepreneurs but somehow people are more interested in seeing just bad examples. It could be that coming out of the comfort zone towards the freedom zone experiences a very difficult, uncomfortable, vulnerable phase of frustration.
Even though God has explained that 90% of the provision will be given to employers and 10% to employees. We can see examples of successful entrepreneurs in Indonesia starting from Sandiago Uno, Ippho Santosa, Elang Gumilang, and many other entrepreneurs. They certainly experience the phase of "falling up" to pursue success. There are some entrepreneurs who work first, but because they are bored at the stagnant situation, they stop and start towards the freedom zone.
Steps of Employees Become Entrepreneurs
There are steps they take in order to survive in the fall phase. Here are some steps for those of you who want to transform from an employee to an entrepreneur
1. Right mental preparation and intention
This is the most important requirement for you from an employee to an entrepreneur. To get out of the position of the employee alone requires a strong mentality. Because this means releasing a position where income is certain, a positive view of family and friends towards a zone where income becomes uncertain. In addition to mentality to get to the uncertainty zone, it is also necessary to mentally become entrepreneurs. Where each businessman will experience a "phase of bagun fall" which must be picked up during the road to the entrepreneur. In this phase, many entrepreneurs are not strong and eventually meet bankruptcy. Strong mentality to become a business will be more effective if it is intended correctly. Intention to run all because of worship. The intention to live it in the right way, not to take the dirty road.
2. Capital preparation
Capital preparation is an absolute requirement to move from an employee to an entrepreneur. Make sure you have capital first before submitting a resign letter to your boss. Whether you are still single or have a family, capital remains a determining factor in the course of the business. Can find investors and profit sharing, borrow family and friends, and other soft loans. It can also sell assets, whether it be land, house, or private property. Try not to borrow from moneylenders because of high interest. High interest rates can also cause the business to stagnate early.
3. Ready to work longer
The transformation from employees to entrepreneurs certainly makes you try again starting from zero. In the beginning, maybe almost all of our time will be taken for business. Whether it is through thoughts or actions. But we must be able to manage time well. Learning to manage time is one of the keys. Working longer does not mean forgetting your family or relatives. We also have to be able to make time for them.
4. Focus on goals and never give up
In the course of our business we will often experience obstacles. Whether it's a family attitude that is not proactive or a derisive environment. This often disrupts the development of the business. Mental often collapses because of opinions around, especially when the business is falling. This is where we must continue to rise and the spirit of never giving up. Try to discuss with the family at the beginning of the business. Ask for their support. Always keeping the spirit by sharing with fellow entrepreneurs, especially those who are experienced is a good thing. Read business motivational books for successful entrepreneurs can also be a spirit enhancer. Finally, we must be sure that our sustenance is already in place. So that our steps to pick it up feels lighter.
After reading this article, are you ready from an employee to become an entrepreneur? or still want to be an employee? All decisions are in your hands ...
Master Online Marketing to Increase Turnover
Online marketing is a marketing technique that is most often done in this digital era. In the past, online marketing was limited to attracting as many visitors as possible to the website page. As technology develops, online marketing is not only centered on websites, but also email marketing and social media marketing.
The rise of online buying and selling also makes business people overwhelmed to learn and upgrade their knowledge. They attend courses and seminars to master online marketing. Why? Because by mastering online marketing, business people can increase their turnover significantly. For those of you who read this article, you are very lucky to get free knowledge. Look carefully, huh! Following are the steps to master online marketing to increase your business turnover:
1. Update on social media consistently. Routinely share photos of your product or service, motivational words, while there are discounts and events that you will carry out. Don't forget to upload photos that have been edited first so that your followers are interested and respond. You can upload photos at least twice a day to improve your business through social media such as Facebook and Instagram.
2. Learn Email Marketing. Use e-mail marketing strategies and use automatic e-mail applications. Every type of business requires an automated email service to maximize its email marketing strategy. Like restaurants that always send automated e-mails when they have the latest menus, you also have to start planning like that. The trick is to build an email list / database that you have through an automated e-mail application and arrange what content you will send. Don't forget to insert a link that directs your email reader to get to your website content.
3. Create a website with a private domain address. Many people search first through the internet about the items that they need. As an online business, make sure the services or products you have are easily found by potential customers like this. You can use website creation services or online stores to make it easier for people to find the services or products you offer. They can see testimonials of your products and services directly through the appearance of your website. Make sure that the website creation services or online stores that you choose have a complete and easy-to-use Search Engine Optimization feature.
4. Use paid advertisements. By using paid advertisements like Google Adwords, Facebook Ads or Instagram Ads, you can target who your product or service will be advertised so that it not only increases the marketing of your online business, but also can affect your sales. From paid ads, you can have a database for your next target market.
Implementing online marketing steps to increase business turnover above is one way to still be able to get turnover even though online buying and selling competition is very fierce.
