Category: Strategy

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Motivational Strategy

5 Steps for Newcomer to Build and Grow a Personal Brand Amid COVID-19

Steps to build and grow a personal brand. | File Image
Steps to build and grow a personal brand. | File Image

For a budding professional, the most difficult job is to build and grow a personal brand. This will not only boost his morale but also help his/her in securing a job in the corporate field. However, with pressures mounting with time and firms taking extra precautions in hiring candidates amid COVID-19 pandemic, here are five steps for a budding professional to build and grow a personal brand.

Create a Target Audience:

The first and the foremost step for building a personal brand is to create and make aware the target audience aware of the brand. For this, a well-written CV plays a vital role which should include a career summary, academic information, work experience, languages known, certifications, positions of responsibilities, and achievements.

Following this, post the CV in the right platform like Linkedin where recruiters can notice their prospective candidate. Apart from creating a profile, ask peers and ex-fellow employees to endorse your skills. Also, share relevant articles and write those which are relevant to your domain.

Online Classes:

Many of the budding professionals fail to grow their brand as they stick to traditional training. With the situation like COVID-19 pandemic in place and recruiters looking for extra talented people, budding professionals should focus on taking up online classes which makes them ready for the future. Courses like artificial intelligence, digital marketing, graphic designing, content writing, marketing analytics, among others.

Content Writing:

Apart from creating a CV and joining online classes to upgrade skills, a budding professional should write content in the field, in which s/he specialises. Content writing helps in building a professional brand. However, a clear knowledge of one’s vision, target audience and goals should be clear for writing content.

Participate in Case Study Competitions:

It is said that participating in case studies helps in building analytical and critical thinking. With this, a person develops the art of paying attention to details. Also, one learns to read between the line and begins strategic thinking. In the beginning, the idea might look scary, but with time this will help a budding professional into an ideal match for the recruiter.

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This is the last step which will help a budding profession to build and grow a personal brand. There is no harm in gaining current affairs related issues. This will help the budding professional in facing the HRs, future colleague and even friends to strike conversations on mutual interest. Even subscribing to OTT platforms like Discovery Plus or History Channel will enhance the chances of being recruited by a firm.

Among all other things, a budding professional should always look for options to enhance his/her skills. This will make him/her more confident and market-ready.

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Finance Strategy

GST Council Likely to Meet on August 27 to Discuss Compensation Payout to States

जीएसटी
जीएसटी

New Delhi, August 19: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is likely to meet on August 27 to discuss the compensation pay-out to states. The council will also discuss the opinion of the Attorney General on the legality of market borrowing to meet revenue shortfall. This will be the 41st meeting of the GST Council and will be held via video conference. Sources reveal that the meeting would be a single agenda meeting on states’ compensation.

A full-fledged meeting of the Council would be held on September 19, the agenda for which is to be decided, a report by news agency PTI said. The Attorney General, the chief legal officer of the government, is of the opinion that the Centre has no statutory obligation to make up for any shortfall in GST revenues of states from its coffers, sources revealed.

They had earlier indicated that following the AG’s opinion, states may now have to look at market borrowings to meet the revenue shortfall and the GST Council will take a final call. In March, the Centre had sought views from Attorney General KK Venugopal on the legality of market borrowing by the GST Council to make up for any shortfall in compensation fund – a corpus created from levy of additional tax on luxury and sin goods to compensate states for revenue shortfall arising from their taxes being subsumed into GST.

Reports inform that the Attorney General had also opined that the Council would have to decide on meeting the shortfall in the GST compensation fund by providing the sufficient amount to be credited to the fund. As per sources, the options before the Council for meeting the shortfall could be to rationalize GST rates, cover more items under the compensation cess or increase the compensation cess, or recommend higher borrowing by states to be repaid by the future collection into the compensation fund.

Under the GST law, states were guaranteed to be compensated bi-monthly for any loss of revenue in the first five years of the GST implementation from July 1, 2017. The shortfall is calculated assuming a 14 per cent annual growth in GST collections by states over the base year of 2015-16. Under the GST structure, taxes are levied under 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent slabs. On top of the highest tax slab, a cess is levied on luxury, sin and demerit goods and the proceeds from the same are used to compensate states for any revenue loss.

The GST Council has to decide how to meet the shortfall in such circumstances and not the central government, sources added.  Any borrowing of the central government is upon the security of the Consolidated Fund of India. Similarly, borrowing by a state government is upon the security of the consolidated fund of the state.

In either case, it would lead to increased general government debt burden and also a higher fiscal deficit. The payment of GST compensation to states became an issue after revenues from the imposition of cess started dwindling since August 2019 and the Centre had to dive into the excess cess amount collected during 2017-18 and 2018-19.

In 2019-20, the Centre had released over Rs 1.65 lakh crore as GST compensation. However, the amount of cess collected during the year 2019-20 was Rs 95,444 crore. The compensation payout amount was Rs 69,275 crore in 2018-19 and Rs 41,146 crore in 2017-18.

 

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Finance Startup Strategy

Narendra Modi Govt Operationlises Rs 20,000 Crore Stressed Fund to Benefit Around 2 Lakh MSMEs, Issues Guidelines for CGSSD Under Atmanirbhar Bharat Package

MSMEs in India | Representational Image Only (Photo Credits: Pexels)

New Delhi, August 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Government on Wednesday operationalised Rs 20,000 crore stressed fund aiming to benefit around 2 lakh MSMEs. Apart from this, the Union government has also issued guidelines for Credit Guarantee Scheme for Subordinate Debt (CGSSD) which was announced under the Atmanirbhar Bharat package.

According to the plan of the government, the subordinate debt that will be provided by the banks would be fully guaranteed through the Credit Guarantee Trust for Medium and Small Entrepreneurs (CGTMSE) and be counted as quasi-equity. In the subordinate debt, support of Rs 4,000 crore would be given by the government to CGTMSE. Through the CGSSD, a guarantee coverage will be provided for MSME restructuring. Under the scheme, 90 per cent guarantee will be covered by the trust, while 10 per cent will be covered by the concerned promoter.

Here’s the MSME tweet:

Who are eligible for CGSSD?

1) MSMEs whose accounts have been standard as on March 31, 2018, with regular operations — standard or NPA — through FY 2019.

2) Stressed MSME units which were SMA-2 and NPA as of April 30, 2020.

Requirements for availing sub-debt under CGSSD:

1) After fulfilling the eligibility criteria, all the promoters of the MSME units will be given credit equal to 15 per cent of stake in the company or Rs 75 lakh.

2) A separate loan account needs to be opened. All the promoters will have to infuse sub-debt or loan amount as promoter contribution.

3) As per RBI norms, all MSME loans would be linked to an external benchmark.

4) The maximum tenor for repayment will be 10 years, with a 7-year moratorium on principal payment.

5) Following the completion of the moratorium, principal amount to be repaid within 3 years. However, no additional charge will be levied in case of pre-payment of the loan.

Categories
Business motivation Strategy

Modi Govt Considering Giving ‘MSME Status’ to Dealers to Enable Them to Avail Benefits Offered to MSMEs, Says Nitin Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari | File Image (Photo Credits: Facebook)

The Modi government is considering of giving ‘MSME status’ to dealers which will enable them to avail benefits offered to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The announcement was made by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for MSME and road transport and highways, while he was addressing a virtual exhibition on ‘Construction Equipment, Technology Components and Aggregates’ on August 18. “Regarding MSME, we are thinking now of giving MSME status to dealers also and they will get benefit of it, that is also under consideration by which they will get the benefits,” Gadkari said.

He said the government is also working on integrating and developing all kinds of transport like waterways, sea transportation, rail, road and air transport which will definitely reduce the logistic cost and help industries in a big way. Adding further, Gadkari emphasised that the government is ready to provide all possible support and industries should come up with innovative plans so that India can be a manufacturing hub in the automobile sector.

The Minister said the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) comprising manufacturing and services units need to get registered to avail the benefits and subsidies offered under various government schemes. The MSMEs that have been registered are eligible for tariff subsidies as well as tax and capital subsidies. The registration also helps them in getting government tenders and enables easier access to loans at low interest rates.

Gadkari said in order to achieve the objective of self-reliance, the country needs to reduce imports and boost manufacturing of various components in sectors like automobiles and construction equipment. The minister called for research, innovation and technology upgradation and emphasised on the need for joint ventures and foreign collaborations to get easy finance and compatible technology, an official statement said.

The minister also reiterated his appeal to major industries to clear the outstanding dues to MSMEs in a timely manner. He said the Ministry has also requested the Finance Ministry, the industries who want to make their technology centers, training centers, research centers, from income tax point of view, whether we are in a position to give some more support to them by which we can inspire and motivate them for more research and innovation,” Gadkari said.

Categories
Finance Sales Strategy

TReDs Platform Joining Fee Waived For MSMEs till September 20

TReDs Platform
TReDs Platform Joining Fee Waived For MSMEs till September 20 (Photo Credits: Ministry of MSME)

Mumbai, August 18: Narendra Modi government has invited MSMEs to join the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platform with zero fees. The free access to the TReDS platform will be there till September 20.

TReDS is an online factoring platform connects buyers, suppliers and financiers. This platform will enable MSME suppliers to get quick access to low-cost finance.

Joining Fee on TReDs Platform Waived till September 20:

Congrats MSMEs !
The fee for joining TReDS platform has been waived. You can get funds against your approved invoices quickly. Register yourself and make your #msmetochampions. @FinMinIndia @sidbiofficial pic.twitter.com/4KdUEyGAaz

— Ministry of MSME (@minmsme) August 17, 2020

What is a TReDS platform?

TReDS is an online mechanism for facilitating the financing of trade receivables of MSMEs through multiple financiers. It also enables discounting of invoices of exchange of MSME sellers against large corporate.

How will MSMEs benefit on TReDS Platform?

Quicker Payment: MSME sellers will receive funds against the approved invoices within 48 hours
Multiple Financiers: MSMEs are not restricted to a single bank. With the help of TReDS platform, they will have the option to choose the lowest bids among the multiple financiers.
Without Recourse Borrowing: There will not be any obligation on the seller to repay the financier. The buyer’s account will be dedicated automatically through a pre-approved NACH mandate.
Lower cost of Funds: Sellers will be able to access financing at competitive terms as it is based on the credit rating of the buyer. The transparent bidding process will help to discover the most suitable price.

 

Categories
Finance Process & Business Expansion Startup Strategy

5 Ideas to Rebuild Small Businesses Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Few tips that can help small entrepreneurs to rebuild their business post COVID-19 pandemic
Few tips that can help small entrepreneurs to rebuild their business post COVID-19 pandemic. | Representative image

Mumbai, August 14: With the coronavirus lockdown still persistent in the country, small businesses are the most hit. While some have pulled down their shutters completely, others are looking for strategies to rebuild and reshape their businesses. Here are a few tips that can help small entrepreneurs to rebuild their businesses:

1) Financial Damage Assessment:

Every entrepreneur needs to analyse and calculate how bad their business has been affected in the COVID-19 lockdown. The first step that one entrepreneur shall take is to update the financial statements which include profit and loss or cash flow statements. Comparison with previous year’s numbers to see the loss is certainly a good idea to begin again.

2) Reshape Business Plan:

Ideas that might have worked pre-COVID-19 era, may not work after the lockdown. So it is very important to remodel the business strategy and do some fine-tuning. Paying close attention to competitors’ plan is another idea that would certainly help in reshaping the lost business.

3) Focus on Generation of Working Capital:

When an entrepreneur takes an initiative to rebuild the business, especially after COVID-19 pandemic, focussing on the generation of working capital becomes the priority. Without this essentiality, all plans to reshape a business model will turn into a failure. Look out for options for a sustainable and suitable financial lender/s who can show some faith in you (entrepreneur). But, for that, mutual understanding and trust are required, which an entrepreneur will have to build with the lender/s.

4) Revamp Budget Account:

Calculative risks during times like COVID-19 always help in revamping budget requirements for entrepreneurs who want to rebuild their businesses. All business ideas have pros and cons, however, a clear idea of what is needed for budgeting and what can be cut from the expenditure would certainly help in achieving the goal — monetary waste. Salary cut to self and only essential hiring are some of the good ideas that have been prescribed by experts.

5) Contingency Plan for the Next Crisis:

This is perhaps the last, but the most effective way to give life to business while rebuilding it. Learn from the previous mistakes and start working on the contingency plan for the next crisis. Saving the profits by cutting down useless expenditures and adapting self to the new way of business are some ways which will keep an entrepreneur in the market for a longer period. Moreover, thinking out-of-the-box to prepare for a worst-case scenario will be fruitful.

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Startup Strategy

Startup Permissions: Here Are Some Licences And Permits Required To Start Your Own Business in India

Permit (Representational Image, Photo Credits: Picpedia)

Starting a business in India requires a set of permission and licenses for its smooth functioning. Fulfilling the legal formalities is one of the first steps which startups should never ignore. Otherwise, there may be huge penalties and other legal complications which will hamper the name and growth of the company.

Depending on your business, there are certain licenses and permissions that are required. Government agencies can fine or shut down a business that operates without a licence.

Business Licence: A legal document that grants you the right to operate a business in your city. It is a permit which indicates that the company has the approval of the government to operate.

Various Kinds of Business Registration: The various kinds of business registration in India are-Private Limited Company, One Person Company, Partnership Firm, Public Limited Company or an NGO/Trust. A business will have to get registered under any of the above type o structure.

Safety Registration/Fire Permits

Depending on the type of business you intend to operate, you may need to get an inspection and permit from the local fire department.

GST Registration:

It has now become mandatory for all businesses to get their GST registration done. It needs to be obtained within 30 days of business incorporation, otherwise, the startup will be subject to heavy penalties.

MSME Registration

MSME Registration can be obtained by micro, small and medium enterprises in India to enjoy few subsidies and benefits in terms of loans, taxation, and other schemes.

Startup India Registration

When the business comes under the definition of a startup as per the DIPP Notification, it can get its Startup India registration done. There are a few criteria for it, for e.g., it has not been more than 10 years from the date of business registration. The annual turnover of the entity for any financial year since its registration has not exceeded Rs. 100 crores.

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Finance Process & Business Expansion Startup Strategy

Emergency Credit Facility Under ECLGS for Small Businesses Hiked From Rs 25 Crore to Rs 50 Crore, NCGTC Modifies Operational Guidelines

MSME (Photo Credits:
Emergency Credit Facility Under ECLG for small businesses hiked from Rs 25 crore to Rs 50 crore by NCGTC. | Representational Image.

New Delhi, August 12: The National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd (NCGTC) on Wednesday issued a circular regarding the modification of operational guidelines for Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS). The common trustee company informed that the new operational guidelines will now cover individuals and more enterprises amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Informing about the minutes of the modification of operational guidelines for ECLGS, the NCGTC stated that the upper ceiling of loans — outstanding as on February 2, 2020 — has been increased under the scheme from Rs 25 crore to Rs 50 crore. Apart from this, there has been a hike in the upper ceiling of annual turnover from Rs 100 crore to Rs 250 crore. This has been done in line with the increased ceiling of loans outstanding and revised definition of MSME issued by Union Ministry of MSME.

Among other details, the NCGTC circular stated that there has been an increase in the maximum amount of NCGTC to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) under the ECLGS. The amount limit has been raised from Rs 5 crore — at present 20 per cent of Rs 25 crore — to Rs 10 crore, which is 20 per cent of Rs 50 crore. However, it has been made clear that those individual loans given for business purposes should fulfil the eligibility criteria prescribed under the scheme.

NCGTC Circular Regarding the Modification of Operational Guidelines for ECLGS:

Earlier on May 23, 2020, the NCGTC was set up by the Ministry of Finance’s Department of Financial Services as a common trustee company to manage and operate various credit guarantee trust funds. It was incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1956 on March 28, 2014, with a paid-up capital of Rs 10 crore.

Under the NCGTC, five trust funds currently operate:

1) Credit Guarantee Fund for Skill Development (CGFSD
2) Credit Guarantee Fund for Education loans (CGFEL)
3) Credit Guarantee Fund for Factoring (CGFF)
4) Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU)
5) Credit Guarantee Fund for Standup India (CGFSI)

The NCGTC was launched ECLGS on May 23, 2020, for all the financial institutions of India. Among the four key points, which differs it from other schemes include — 100 per cent credit guarantee, zero guarantee fee for banks and customers, pre-approved loans and minimum bank’s risk weight allocation. However, the scheme will continue till October 31, 2020, or till the time Rs 3 lakh crore of the loan amount is sanctioned. The NCGTC has also made it clear that borrowers must be GST registered wherever it is necessary.

Categories
Startup Strategy

Startups From Home: 5 Business Ideas to Start From Home Amid COVID-19

Startup (Representational Image Only, Photo Credits: NeedPix.com)

Mumbai, August 12: The entire world is reeling under the effect of coronavirus, from businesses being shut, factories non-operational, to employees being handed over pink slips. The pandemic has bludgeoned economies worldwide, and the smallest of businesses have felt the heat. In a scenario, when thousands have gone jobless, we take a look at five business ideas which you can start from the comfort of your own home amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The best part is that these business ideas will require a minimum to no investments. So if you are wondering to start a business from home, here are a few ideas which you can consider.

Sale of Masks, Gloves, PPE

The demand for masks has skyrocketed after countries across the world said that it is an important preventive measure to curb the spread of COVID-19. In India too, all the states have imposed a strict fine in order to ensure that people are abiding by the rule. From being sold as a fashion accessory to a life-saving piece of safety equipment, there is a huge demand for selling masks.

In such a scenario, there is an opportunity, if you want to start a business dealing with the sale of masks, gloves, PPE suits or hand sanitizers.

Remote Tutor

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, when schools are shut, students are facing the problem to complete their syllabus and struggling with doubts. Here lies a great opportunity for home tutors who can continue to teach their students from home via online classes. One just needs a good internet connection to start with online teaching.

Fitness Trainer

The pandemic has taken a toll on our lives, with additional workload both at the office and at home, people are being stressed. On top of it, fitness centres at several places continue to remain closed. If you are a fitness trainer, then you can start your online classes, be it yoga, power yoga or meditation from the convenience of your home.

Cooking Classes

There has been a huge demand for online cooking classes ever since the lockdown. Your friends, family members, office colleagues have all been experimenting with different dishes and have been putting it up on social media. Amid the coronavirus induced lockdown when people are still hesitating to go to restaurants, they have been making most of the dishes on their own. From experimenting with new cuisines to trying out new ingredients, there is a huge demand among the people to learn quick and healthy dishes.

If you have a knack in cooking or an expert in this area, there is a huge opportunity for you to start with your online cooking classes.

Freelance Writing and Copyrighting

You can take up freelance writing and copyrighting projects. Initially, the payment can be low, but once you build your own portfolio of work, you can start demanding a premium for your service.

So if you want to start something on your own, don’t delay your plan. These are some business ideas which you can start from the comfort and the convenience of your own home today amid the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Categories
Finance Process & Business Expansion Startup Strategy

Innovative Ideas for Entrepreneurs to Keep Restaurant Startups Rolling Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Apart from unique challenges, the COVID-19 brought fresh opportunities for India in the hospitality and allied sectors. Here are few ideas which entrepreneurs in restaurant startups can try to keep their businesses rolling.
Innovative Ideas for Businesses

Mumbai, August 11: With almost five months out of business due to the coronavirus lockdown, one of the worst-hit sectors in India is the food and restaurant businesses. While many startups opted for innovative ideas, others failed to survive the lockdown. India’s lockdown against COVID-19 is considered to be among the toughest, however, relief measures given by the central government did keep the hope alive.

Apart from unique challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic brought fresh opportunities for India in the hospitality and allied sectors. Many startups succumbed, but few thrive as they looked for a window to keep their businesses running. Use of social networking and personal relations still make those few reaping profits in adverse market conditions.

Here Are Some Ideas Which Helped Small Restaurant Businesses Survive:

1) Use of Social Media:

During the lockdown, the biggest challenge for a restaurant business is to connect with their customers. Social media became a boon for all those startups who remained in contact with their valued customers. Be it Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, Gmail or Instagram, these social media apps helped the small entrepreneurs to keep their businesses running.

Apart from providing the latest information regarding the renovations in restaurants to take away services, people came to know it from social media only — if their favourite dining places are open or closed. Also, updating the precautionary measures taken by the firm to keep its customers safe, did make a lot of difference.

2) Adaptations and Collaborations:

Adaptation to norms and guidelines issued by the administration did play a great part for startups. For example, Chaayos — which started in 2012 — joined hands with another influencer marketing platform called Pulpkey. Apart from serving the ‘signature “Meri Wali Chai“, they also decided to create awareness among people. For this, they hired renowned content creators and influencers and started sharing quality content straight to the customers’ mobiles via social media. Hence, Chaayos is still serving the ‘chai drinking nation’ with the same zeal and love.

3) Takeaway and Door-Step Delivery With COVID-19 Protection:

Foodies anywhere are foodies. Be it rain, dawn, dusk or midnight, foodies will order food online. However, the COVID-19 stopped the wheels of food-delivery guys for some time. Business took a hit and many wrapped up their shops.

With the Unlock guidelines issued, the wheels started to roll and food-delivery was again back on track. This time, the food delivery system was a little different. First, the delivery guys maintained a 6-feet distance and secondly hygiene maintenance was observed very strictly. The result was small entrepreneurs in the hotel business managed to survive. Special mentions to food warriors of Swiggy, Uber Eats and Zomato.

4) Marginal Charge for Hygiene:

This is something that customers in India don’t like. Since lockdown is in place and sit-in dining is almost restricted in most places, charging extra for take-away to door-step deliveries — by asking customers to pay for hygiene practices — may take not be a welcome move.

However, making valuable customers understand the importance of hygiene practices and costs associated with it, the gesture might help. These days customers are well aware of the dangers of COVID-19 and are willing to pay extra to cleanliness and hygiene. So looking at the broader prospect, the idea of charging a marginal fee for cleanliness may help entrepreneurs to keep their business functioning.

5) Financial Management and Revenue Generation:

Among all the other factors, the utmost requirement is to keep the startup moving forward with proper financial management skills. Due to the COVID-19 revenues of almost all food-allied entrepreneurs declined, some even bailed-out too. But few are still sustaining and may sustain for long as they have ample revenues for it.

For those, whose revenues are crippling and businesses are on the verge of shutting down, one of the easiest ways is to reach out to banks — which provides loans under MSME schemes at nominal interest rates and easy instalments. Reaching out for funds to family members and friends is another good idea.

6) Patience and Perseverance:

Difficulties and challenges are part of startups. COVID-19 may have seized the business ideas and expansion, but what’s important is entrepreneurs shall not lose hope and patience. They should keep inventing innovating ideas and persevere to reach their goals. Things may take a little time, but with calculative risks and patience, the flower of success will bloom.