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The Power of Time Management to Make You a Better Morning Person

I used to feel that the late-night hours between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. were great for my creative activities. I kept everything until the late hours of the day, whether it was meetings, instructions, assignments, or producing presentations at the office. My conviction was that I could work calmly and peacefully late at night, and this habit continued in place. Despite continuous advice from elders and seniors in the office to avoid becoming a night owl and to adopt an early sleep and wake-up plan, I ignored their advice and provided my own reasoning.

Over time, I gradually realized that, despite my best efforts, my overall quality of life was not improving significantly; whatever progress I made was slow. During this time, I learned from a University of Westminster study that people who rise early (between 5:22 and 7:21 a.m.) have higher levels of stress hormones than those who wake up later in the morning.

In addition, I spoke with over 100 important leaders in Bangladesh about their daily routines and time management practices. To my surprise, they all started their days early, often between 4:30 and 6 a.m., and finished their evening activities quite early, between 10 and 11 p.m. This newfound realization inspired me to intentionally accept the timeless knowledge symbolized in the proverb “Early to Bed and Early to Rise Makes a Man Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise.”

I made a strong decision one day to turn off my room light at 11 p.m., setting my alarm for 5 a.m. the next morning. I struggled to wake up when the alarm rang out at 5 a.m., finally opening my eyes at 7 a.m. I started my day after eating breakfast. Nevertheless, I repeated it the next night, turning off the lights at 11 p.m. and setting an alarm for 5 a.m. This time, I was able to get out of bed as soon as the alarm rang. I went to the Mashjid for Fajr prayers and then spoke with the Imam, asking for advice on how to develop a good schedule.

During our conversation, the Imam suggested that I incorporate Quranic reading into my daily practice. Despite knowing the Bengali translation, I admitted that I couldn’t read Arabic. The Imam advised me to find a mentor to help me learn Arabic reading and gave me the phone number of a Moulana.

I contacted the Moulana in the evening and asked him to come to my house after Fajr Salah. The goal was to create accountability by requiring me to get up early every morning. The tactic worked because he kept calling me and asking, “Ripon bhai, did you wake up?” I answered every morning, and he taught me Quranic reading, which became a regular part of my routine.

I created a daily routine to improve my general well-being as part of my commitment to a more disciplined lifestyle. This routine is as follows:

  • Sleep Schedule: I go to bed at 11 p.m. every night to ensure that I sleep well. This early bedtime is consistent with the idea of “Early to Bed.”
  • Morning Ritual: I begin my day by getting up at 5 a.m. After a good night’s sleep, the first thing I do is drink a refreshing glass of water to rehydrate my body.
  • Religious Connection: After that, I perform Fajr Salah (morning prayers) and spend time in thanksgiving, creating a connection with God at the start of the day.
  • Knowledge Improvement: To expand my awareness of Islam, I read the Quran and have thoughtful discussions with a mentor, exchanging Islamic knowledge.
  • Physical Activity: As part of my morning routine, I go for a quick walk and engage in light exercises. This not only helps with physical fitness but also acts as a brain booster.
  • Personal Hygiene: Following my morning activities, I take a nice shower to reenergize myself for the day ahead.
  • Healthy Start: One of the most crucial aspects of my plan is to fuel my body with two or three dates coated in honey and a cup of hot tea without milk or sugar. This gives me a nutritious and energy-boosting start to my day.
  • Creativity: After these rituals, I enter into creative activity. Addressing assignments, working on presentations, developing ideas, engaging in creative writing, and any other responsibilities that need creative thinking are examples of this.
  • Healthy Breakfast: After my creative work period, I take a break to enjoy a healthy and delicious breakfast, ensuring that my body receives the nutrition it requires.
  • Office Journey: My morning routine concludes with me leaving the house for work with a refreshed mind, a spiritually enriched start, and a good balance of physical and mental well-being.

 

This thorough practice shows my dedication to a holistic way of living, incorporating spiritual, physical, and creative components for a better and more fulfilling way of life. I am grateful to the Almighty Allah for the beneficial transformations given to me after a year of faithfully maintaining my modified lifestyle, which includes early rising and a more disciplined routine.

The extensive changes in many areas of my life are visible, and I attribute these gifts to my dedication to my activities. Here’s a full list of the good things that happened to me:

  1. Improved Relationships: The improvements resulted in more positive interactions in both my personal and professional relationships. The early morning routine had a good impact on how I communicated, building stronger bonds with those around me.
  2. Sharpened Focus: The sharpening of my focus was a noteworthy improvement. The discipline of getting up early and following a set schedule helped me focus and pay attention in my everyday responsibilities.
  3. Better Social Skills: I discovered that I was more competent at making friends, allowing for easier and more significant interactions than before. This development in social skills improved the quality of my personal life.
  4. Stress and Anger Management: My disciplined lifestyle helped me manage and control my reactions to stresses and reasons for anger. In the face of challenges, I developed a stronger feeling of calm and resilience.
  5. Improved Physical and Mental Fitness: Morning activities helped to increase both physical and mental fitness. I saw an improvement in my energy levels and overall well-being.
  6. Increased Positivity: In comparison to the previous year, my view on life has improved. The constant practice of a meaningful habit contributes to a more optimistic and joyful attitude.
  7. Increased Creativity: Creativity has increased significantly. Working on creative projects in the early hours of the morning proved to be a stimulus for enhanced imaginative thinking and ideas.
  8. More Opportunities: There was a considerable increase in the number of opportunities that presented themselves. More doors opened, giving opportunities for personal and professional development.
  9. Authorship Accomplishment: The strict practice gave me the mental space and time I needed to put my imagination into authorship. I wrote and published two books, which was a huge accomplishment for me.
  10. Appreciation for Creative Stuff: I received more praise for the creative stuff I created, which included videos, blogs, and articles. The audience grew as a result of the excellent response to my work.
  11. Professional Development: The positive improvements in my personal life transferred to my professional life, where I was given greater responsibility and chances. This led to a better overall career path for me.
  12. Charitable Initiatives: With a stronger sense of purpose and better financial stability, I was able to launch charity initiatives aimed at assisting those in need. This was a huge step toward giving back to the community.

It is essential to follow natural, universal rules rather than depending entirely on man-made regulations. Our creator, who knows the most about our well-being, has given us guidelines. If you want to reach your goals, accept yourself as a morning person and avoid the night owl lifestyle.

However, being a morning person is useless without dreams, vision, goals, and targets. Life is short, and time is our most valuable gift. Do not waste it; time, no matter how much we cry, never comes back.

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About The Author: K M Hasan Ripon
K. M. Hasan Ripon is a distinguished figure and a leading career mentor in Bangladesh, recognized for his expertise as an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder and employability specialist. He currently holds key positions, serving as the Executive Director of Bangladesh Skill Development Institute (BSDI), Managing Director of Global Entrepreneurship Network Bangladesh, Executive Director of Daffodil Education Network, and Vice President of Start and Improve Your Business Foundation of Bangladesh.
With a wealth of experience, he has consulted for over 100 national and international organizations, providing training for executive development in areas such as communication, leadership, customer service, team building, negotiation, and problem-solving. Hasan Ripon’s extensive reach includes visits to 64 districts in Bangladesh and travels to 40 countries as a speaker and workshop facilitator. He has inspired over 100,000 youth and graduating students in 100+ public and private universities and polytechnics in Bangladesh, as well as more than 20 international universities.
Hasan Ripon is widely recognized on social networks, with a fan following exceeding 3 million, as a skills activist and inspirational speaker. His previous roles include serving as a short-term consultant at the World Bank, consultant for Industry 4.0 (HTS) at a2i, ICT Division (government agencies), master trainer and industry assessor (CBT&A) at ILO, convener of the National Board of CYFI Bangladesh, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). He also previously served as the local president of JCI Bangladesh (Dhaka Central).
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Common Reasons Behind Startups Failure In Bangladesh

Over the past several years, there has been a notable surge in the aspiration of Bangladeshi youth to become entrepreneurs or company founders. In a nation with an approximate population of 180 million and an average age of 27.1 years (according to Worldometer), the increasing enthusiasm for entrepreneurship is a positive indication of economic progress.

The lack of full-time-paid job prospects is not only restricted to Bangladesh but also affects the worldwide environment. In 2023, I undertook a journey to over 30 universities and polytechnics, where I provided mentorship, delivered talks, and facilitated workshops. Through these encounters, I discovered that, on average, 30% of students in a class expressed a preference for pursuing entrepreneurship instead of a conventional job.

The remarkable change in perspective is deserving of recognition, and the government and other stakeholders should be credited for their relentless efforts in inspiring young people to engage in entrepreneurship. International funding agencies are actively contributing to the promotion of entrepreneurship development in their programs.

However, despite the prevailing enthusiasm, it is an undeniable fact that a significant proportion of businesses encounter failure, with over 70% failing to survive beyond the initial year (according to CB insights).

The Common Challenges

Being extensively engaged in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, I have made deliberate attempts to comprehend the causes of these failures and have successfully recognized common pitfalls.

  • An ongoing obstacle is the mistaken belief that starting a business requires a significant amount of initial funding. A multitude of ambitious entrepreneurs, particularly those coming from rural regions and beyond the city center, are overflowing with creative ideas. However, individuals frequently yield to a rigid attitude, believing that they are unable to start a startup without substantial cash or waiting for grants. As a result, promising ideas diminish.
  • Another significant observation is the absence of adequate market research and networking. Many ambitious entrepreneurs encounter failure in establishing connections with established businesses or in seeking solutions due to their poor questioning. Concepts may ignite, but without effective research and collaboration, they have difficulty gaining momentum.
  • Collaboration is an essential element of entrepreneurship, but certain entrepreneurs have a tendency to excessively depend on the abilities of others. For example, individuals who want to develop technology-based businesses may collaborate with friends who are knowledgeable about technology. However, when these coworkers leave for any cause, startups become vulnerable to failure.
  • There is a noticeable gap in financial literacy. A lot of entrepreneurs lack understanding of product costing, initial investments, fixed and variable expenditures, as well as the complexities of annual planning, which includes marketing, hiring, sales, and accounting.
  • Based on my personal observations, the primary factors contributing to the failure of startups are typically legal obstacles, cash misallocation, insufficient market analysis, and a lack of financial expertise. Tackling these difficulties requires a comprehensive approach.
  • Although the government has made praiseworthy endeavors to promote an entrepreneurial ecosystem, there continue to be legal complications. Enhanced and entrepreneur-friendly rules and regulations can greatly promote an environment that is favorable for innovation and the expansion of businesses.

Piloting Solution

Within the domain of entrepreneurship, conversations frequently center around obstacles, although it is the solutions that genuinely create the path to achievement. As a passionate supporter of promoting entrepreneurship among youths, we have developed a comprehensive solution. The solution is presented as a structured course module named InnoBiz which consists of three essential components:

  • Idea Development and
  • Business Plan Development with Pitching Strategies
  • Compiling of all Legal documentation with Access to Funding Support

The implementation phase entailed validating the module’s correctness with stakeholders. In order to execute the program, we have chosen Daffodil Polytechnic as the model institution and are in the process of establishing an Entrepreneurship Development Club to foster an entrepreneurial culture and mindset. An individual was selected to supervise club operations with the assistance of a committed team of five members. Six individuals were prepared with the requisite abilities through a training of trainers program.

A rigorous selection procedure was developed to find prospective entrepreneurs, which included administering a questionnaire to 200 candidates. Following rigorous workshops and seminars, a total of 25 students were chosen based on their objectives and dedication. The participation of reputable startup founders and mentors, who shared significant insights and experiences, further increased the program’s effectiveness.

In order to get investments, strategic alliances were established with Bangladesh Venture Capital Limited and KnowledgeVale, a provider of co-working spaces. After the logistical and resource developments, the group of 25 students participated in a vigorous 8-week program focused on developing entrepreneurial skills. This program included two weeks of classroom-based activities and six weeks of practical work both in the field and at a desk. The 25 trainees and 6 mentors maintained constant communication using WhatsApp and Google Meet. Various forms, tools, and research data were exchanged and discussed online and offline during desk jobs.

After finishing the program, the students acquired expertise in several areas, such as financial literacy, product/service costing, team building, branding and promotion, investment strategies, market research, sales strategies, cost analysis, profit forecasting, cash flow management, funding sources for startups, legal documentation, human-centered problem-solving, prototype development, and idea presentation and pitching.

Outcomes Piloting Solutions

The Entrepreneurship Festival marked the summit of this undertaking, during which the 25 students exhibited their prototypes aimed at addressing the specific challenges described in their business ideas. Prominent startup founders offered significant insights derived from their experiences. Bangladesh Venture Capital examined and authorized the business’s ideas, resulting in immediate financing for two students, while others launched the businesses using their own funds. These 25 students are now getting mentorship support through the Entrepreneurship Development Club.

This model emphasizes the significance of not only motivation but also the necessity for a comprehensive approach that includes multiple stakeholders. By implementing comparable entrepreneurial models, universities, colleges, and institutions globally may facilitate the transformation of our skilled young individuals from passive job seekers to active job creators. This, in turn, will cultivate a climate of innovation and economic empowerment.

Conclusion

To sum up, promoting entrepreneurship in Bangladesh needs an in-depth approach that includes improved networking opportunities, financial literacy, and regulatory reforms. By tackling these obstacles, we can enable the ambitious entrepreneurs of Bangladesh to transform their innovative ideas into thriving enterprises, ultimately boosting the country’s economic fulfillment.

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About The Author: K M Hasan Ripon
K. M. Hasan Ripon is a distinguished figure and a leading career mentor in Bangladesh, recognized for his expertise as an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder and employability specialist. He currently holds key positions, serving as the Executive Director of Bangladesh Skill Development Institute (BSDI), Managing Director of Global Entrepreneurship Network Bangladesh, Executive Director of Daffodil Education Network, and Vice President of Start and Improve Your Business Foundation of Bangladesh.
With a wealth of experience, he has consulted for over 100 national and international organizations, providing training for executive development in areas such as communication, leadership, customer service, team building, negotiation, and problem-solving. Hasan Ripon’s extensive reach includes visits to 64 districts in Bangladesh and travels to 40 countries as a speaker and workshop facilitator. He has inspired over 100,000 youth and graduating students in 100+ public and private universities and polytechnics in Bangladesh, as well as more than 20 international universities.
Hasan Ripon is widely recognized on social networks, with a fan following exceeding 3 million, as a skills activist and inspirational speaker. His previous roles include serving as a short-term consultant at the World Bank, consultant for Industry 4.0 (HTS) at a2i, ICT Division (government agencies), master trainer and industry assessor (CBT&A) at ILO, convener of the National Board of CYFI Bangladesh, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). He also previously served as the local president of JCI Bangladesh (Dhaka Central).
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Identifying Customer Needs: The Basis of Profitable Business

Launching a business is like going on an exciting yet challenging journey. Knowing what customers actually want is crucial, whether you’re opening a brand-new store or launching a hip new venture. Any business’s ability to satisfy customers and fulfill their needs is what determines its success. Let’s examine some key aspects of consumer behavior and how firms might satisfy them:

Improving Happiness and Comfort:

The finest things are those that provide comfort and happiness to others. A company that knows what makes its clients happy may produce products that they will truly like and enjoy.

  • Example: A world of delight and imagination is brought to clients by Disney, a company well-known for its wonderful entertainment, which reassures them via beautiful encounters. Global coffee chain Starbucks improves comfort by providing a variety of comfortable drink options and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Technology behemoth Apple makes people’s lives easier with slick, intuitive products that fit into their daily routines. Traveling might seem more like home with the help of Airbnb, a pioneer in the sharing economy, which provides a cozy and tailored housing experience. A large music library and customized playlists created by Spotify, a music streaming service, allow users to choose music that suits their tastes and creates a calming and pleasing listening experience.

Relieving Pain and Providing Help:

It’s fantastic when a company can help solve a problem or improve a difficult situation! People will strongly like a product or service that may make something hard easier, and they may even become loyal customers.

  • Example: Both the well-known meditation apps Headspace and Calm offer users peaceful experiences and guided sessions to help them efficiently manage stress and anxiety and promote mental health. Nike, a well-known brand for sports apparel, not only supports mental health but also physical activity by encouraging a positive outlook through its famous “Just Do It” concept. Leading sports clothing company Lululemon appeals to consumers who lead active, healthy lifestyles by incorporating mindfulness into their designs.

Saving Time:

Time is a precious resource in our busy environment. Companies that are able to save their clients’ time are really awesome. People love simplicity and quickness!

  • Example: Google‘s effective search engine has significantly reduced user time, revolutionizing the way we obtain information. Google expedites the process of conducting research and retrieving data by providing fast access to a wide range of information. Amazon is a leader in online shopping, providing a one-stop shop for a vast array of goods. Amazon saves customers time and effort by offering delivery services that are dependable and swift, replacing the need for conventional shopping. Uber has completely changed the way people travel by offering a quick and easy substitute for traditional taxis. Users may quickly request a trip using an easy-to-use smartphone interface, doing away with the waiting time associated with conventional transportation services. FedEx is a well-known international courier delivery business that offers dependable and quick shipping options.

Boosting Financial Security:

Money is a necessity for all people. Companies that offer financial savings or income generation opportunities are going to be popular. Showing how a product or service makes money for people is an excellent way to win over customers.

  • Example: Visa, a multinational payments technology firm, makes safe and easy financial transactions possible, enabling people to easily make purchases both online and offline. PayPal, a well-known online payment provider, enables customers to send money, conduct secure transactions, and do business online with ease. Renowned investment management firm Vanguard focuses on exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds. Vanguard, which prioritizes affordable investing solutions, helps its clients achieve financial stability and long-term asset creation by offering diverse and well-planned investment portfolios. Square is a payment and point-of-sale solutions provider that is revolutionizing financial transactions, especially for small companies.

Maintaining Our Health:

Maintaining our health is crucial. Companies that provide goods and services to promote health are in high demand. Customers love companies that are concerned about their well-being.

  • Example: Fitbit is a well-known company in the health and wellness space, with a focus on wearable fitness gear. Whole Foods, a prestigious brand of grocery stores, emphasizes health and wellbeing in all of its product offerings. Peloton is redefining fitness via the integration of technology with workout gear. Well-known for its treadmills and stationary bikes, Peloton provides a distinctive workout experience with live and recorded sessions that can be accessed from home.

Conclusion

Understanding these important things can help businesses plan how to make customers happy. Doing surveys, asking customers for their thoughts, and keeping an eye on what’s popular are great ways to make sure a business gives people what they want.

In the end, a successful business is all about being kind and understanding. By knowing what makes customers happy, a business can grow and become super successful.

 

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About The Author: K M Hasan Ripon
K M Hasan Ripon is a distinguished figure and a leading career mentor in Bangladesh, recognized for his expertise as an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder and employability specialist. He currently holds key positions, serving as the Executive Director of Bangladesh Skill Development Institute (BSDI), Managing Director of Global Entrepreneurship Network Bangladesh, Executive Director of Daffodil Education Network, and Vice President of Start and Improve Your Business Foundation of Bangladesh.
With a wealth of experience, he has consulted for over 100 national and international organizations, providing training for executive development in areas such as communication, leadership, customer service, team building, negotiation, and problem-solving. Hasan Ripon’s extensive reach includes visits to 64 districts in Bangladesh and travels to 40 countries as a speaker and workshop facilitator. He has inspired over 100,000 youth and graduating students in 100+ public and private universities and polytechnics in Bangladesh, as well as more than 20 international universities.
Hasan Ripon is widely recognized on social networks, with a fan following exceeding 3 million as a skills activist and inspirational speaker. His previous roles include serving as a Short Term Consultant at World Bank, Consultant for Industry 4.0 (HTS) at a2i, ICT Division (Government agencies), Master Trainer & Industry Assessor (CBT&A) at ILO, Convener of the National Board of CYFI Bangladesh, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). He also previously served as the Local President of JCI Bangladesh (Dhaka Central).
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Ten All-Time Great Advices for Succes

Achieving success is a journey without a set direction and rules. It is a mixture of personal goals, strong commitment, smart work methods, and the social network that helps us get in peace in mind. Even if the future is still unknown, we can learn from people who have accomplished incredible things. These ten general guidelines will help you succeed in life, based on observations and study.

1. Have faith in your creator:

Sustaining prayer and faith can offer a solid basis for achievement. Following the rules established by our creator almighty Allah will help you make decisions and take activities that will give you clear direction and clarity.

2. Exercise for Health:

There is a proverb “health is wealth” is accurate in all respects. A strong mental and physical foundation is essential for long-term success. Include regular exercise in your daily routine to maintain mental and physical fitness and build resilience in the face of difficulty.

3. To Gain knowledge, Read Books:

Explore the world of books to broaden your viewpoint. Reading is a powerful tool for broadening your thinking and providing the intellectual nutrition needed for development. Select books that will enrich, educate, and stimulate your mind.

4. Save Money Towards Strength and Self-Assurance:

Financial stability is a prerequisite for success. Start saving, no matter the amount you can. Creating a saving habit, even if it’s only one taka daily, improves one’s strength and financial discipline.

5. Develop and Sharpen Skills:

Having practical skills is crucial. Don’t rely solely on what other people know. Acquiring and improving your skills keeps you valuable to your field and protects your career from threat.

6. Keep Trying:

Our fear of failure often holds us back. Remember, nothing comes without action. Take calculated risks, accept challenges, and be open to learning from both failures and successes.

7. Don’t Waste Time, It’s Precious:

Time is a valuable resource that shouldn’t be wasted. It’s simple to become disoriented in today’s digitally connected society. Adopt discipline, pay attention to time-wasting cautions, and spend your time wisely on things that will help you achieve your objectives.

8. Create a To-Do List:

To help you stay organized, make a to-do list. This to-do list helps you prioritize tasks, and lets you monitor your progress—all of which help you stay on track to meet your goals.

9. Always be with Positive People:

Your perspective can be greatly impacted by positive people. Be in the company of people who inspire, motivate, and support your goals. Positive people creates an environment that is favorable to development and achievement.

10. Spirit of Entrepreneurship:

No matter what you do for a living now, think about launching your own company. Even your small business have the potential to grow into significant businesses that help those around you. Develop an entrepreneurial mindset and set out to make chances for both you and other people.

Conclusion

Even if getting success is a dynamic and individual path, you can start your efforts off strong by following to some general guidelines. Keep in mind that success includes more than just your personal achievements; it also involves helping others around you. Remember these rules as you go on the journey.

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About The Author: K M Hasan Ripon
K M Hasan Ripon is a distinguished figure and a leading career mentor in Bangladesh, recognized for his expertise as an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder and employability specialist. He currently holds key positions, serving as the Executive Director of Bangladesh Skill Development Institute (BSDI), Managing Director of Global Entrepreneurship Network Bangladesh, Executive Director of Daffodil Education Network, and Vice President of Start and Improve Your Business Foundation of Bangladesh.
With a wealth of experience, he has consulted for over 100 national and international organizations, providing training for executive development in areas such as communication, leadership, customer service, team building, negotiation, and problem-solving. Hasan Ripon’s extensive reach includes visits to 64 districts in Bangladesh and travels to 40 countries as a speaker and workshop facilitator. He has inspired over 100,000 youth and graduating students in 100+ public and private universities and polytechnics in Bangladesh, as well as more than 20 international universities.
Hasan Ripon is widely recognized on social networks, with a fan following exceeding 3 million as a skills activist and inspirational speaker. His previous roles include serving as a Short Term Consultant at World Bank, Consultant for Industry 4.0 (HTS) at a2i, ICT Division (Government agencies), Master Trainer & Industry Assessor (CBT&A) at ILO, Convener of the National Board of CYFI Bangladesh, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). He also previously served as the Local President of JCI Bangladesh (Dhaka Central).

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Effective Strategies for Job Search

Job searching can be hard, but if you know what to do, you can improve your chances of getting the right position. Here are some successful ways to look for a job:

Set clear goals: Figure out what you want from a job and what your work goals are. When you know what you want, it’s easier to search for it.

Optimize Your Resume: Each time you apply for a job, change your resume to fit the job. Showcase skills and events that are important. Use words and phrases from the job ad.

Make a presence online: Make sure you have a good LinkedIn page. Talk to people who work in your field. Share useful information and take part in conversations.

Network: Tell the people you know that you are looking for a job. Go to events in your field, join professional groups, and talk to people you know for help and leads.

Job Search Engines: Use well-known sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and SimplyHired to find a job. Set up job alerts for certain words or phrases.

Visit the careers pages: Visit the career pages of the websites of companies you’re interested in. Many job openings are posted on their websites before they are posted on job boards.

Recruitment agencies: If you’re looking for specialized jobs, you might want to work with a recruitment agency or headhunter.

Professional Associations: In many fields, professional groups post job openings. Join these groups and look at the job boards they have.

Job Fairs: Go to career fairs and job fairs near you. It’s a great way to meet face-to-face with possible employers.

Use social media: In addition to LinkedIn, you can follow business and job search accounts on Twitter and Facebook. Some jobs are posted on social media sites.

Personal Branding: Share what you know online to build your personal brand. Write papers, make videos, or give talks about what interests you.

Volunteer or Intern: Volunteering or working at a company can sometimes lead to a full-time job. It’s a chance to show what you can do.

Cold outreach: If you’re interested in a certain company, send them a cold email letting them know what you can offer them.

Informational Interviews: Ask people in your field to meet with you for informational interviews. This can help you learn more about the business and find jobs you might not have known about.

Skill Development: You can improve your skills by taking online classes and getting certifications. It can help you look like a better option.

Set up a plan: Look for a job like it’s your job. Set aside time every day to look for jobs, fill out applications, and follow up.

Personalize your cover letter: For each application, write a unique cover letter. Tell them why you’d be a good fit for the job and business.

Maintain Personal Website: Website can give you huge advantages specially in Google search. There are many ways where you can create your personal website for free. Get someone with who can help you developing your website. Even I belive you are enough to use free tools like Google Sites to create your own website.

Video Resume: Now a days employer prefers video resume. Video Resume can give you enormous opportunities as it has no border. Even you don’t know who is watching your video resume. There are many sample Video resumes are available in YouTube which you can follow to develop your own.

Say Thank You: Send thank-you emails and follow-up texts after you apply or have an interview. It shows how much you care and how skilled you are.

Positivity: Stay positive and keep going. Looking for a job can be disheartening. Stay positive, keep trying, and learn from every interview and failure.

Professional Growth: Use the time you are looking for a job to improve your skills. You could go to workshops, get certified, or learn how to use new tools.

Remember that finding a job isn’t just about how many you find, but also how good they are. Pay attention to applying for jobs that are a good fit for your skills and work goals. Good luck with finding a job!

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About The Author: K M Hasan Ripon
K M Hasan Ripon is a distinguished figure and a leading career mentor in Bangladesh, recognized for his expertise as an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder and employability specialist. He currently holds key positions, serving as the Executive Director of Bangladesh Skill Development Institute (BSDI), Managing Director of Global Entrepreneurship Network Bangladesh, Executive Director of Daffodil Education Network, and Vice President of Start and Improve Your Business Foundation of Bangladesh.
With a wealth of experience, he has consulted for over 100 national and international organizations, providing training for executive development in areas such as communication, leadership, customer service, team building, negotiation, and problem-solving. Hasan Ripon’s extensive reach includes visits to 64 districts in Bangladesh and travels to 40 countries as a speaker and workshop facilitator. He has inspired over 100,000 youth and graduating students in 100+ public and private universities and polytechnics in Bangladesh, as well as more than 20 international universities.
Hasan Ripon is widely recognized on social networks, with a fan following exceeding 3 million as a skills activist and inspirational speaker. His previous roles include serving as a Short Term Consultant at World Bank, Consultant for Industry 4.0 (HTS) at a2i, ICT Division (Government agencies), Master Trainer & Industry Assessor (CBT&A) at ILO, Convener of the National Board of CYFI Bangladesh, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). He also previously served as the Local President of JCI Bangladesh (Dhaka Central).
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Are you trapped in a fixed mindset?

Mindset is a very important part of developing ourselves and achieving our goals. There are two main types of mindsets: Fixed Mindsets and Growth Mindsets. A fixed mindset keeps us from reaching our full potential, while a growth mindset gives us the tools to do so.

Someone with a fixed mindset thinks that their skills, talents, and intelligence are fixed and can’t change much. People with a fixed mindset tend to avoid difficulties, be lazy, and feel threatened by the success of others. They see mistakes as proof of how bad they are, not as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Imagine that there is an executive named Kamal who has always been praised for being good at decision making. Kamal is afraid to take harder decision because he thinks that if he fails, it will show that he is not good at decision making. This fear makes him inactive and his other colleagues often see him as a dead horse in the workplace.

How to overcome Fixed Mindset:

Accept Challenges: Instead of trying to avoid problems, actively look for them. Problems are chances to learn and grow. Approach them with the idea that you can get better if you work hard and keep going.

Think of Effort as the Way to best: believe that the way to become your best version is possible only through effort. Putting in effort doesn’t mean you’re not good enough; it shows that you’re determined and want to get better.

Learn from Mistakes: Instead of being afraid of loss, look at it as a step toward success. Look at your mistakes, learn from them, and use what you’ve learned in your future projects.

Replace Negative Self-Talk: Challenge and get rid of negative thoughts that keep you stuck in a certain way of thinking. Instead of saying, “I’m not good at this,” say, “I’m not good at this yet, but with practice, I can get better.”

Celebrate Effort and Progress: Instead of focusing on the results, pay attention to the work you do and the progress you make. Celebrate your trip, no matter what happens right away.

Ask for Feedback: Be willing to hear helpful criticism from others. Feedback shows you what you’re doing well and what you could do better, which helps you grow.

Stay connected with positive people: Study people who have had success by having a growth attitude and being open to new ideas. Their journeys can make you want to follow in their footsteps.

Focus on Work not the result: People with a fixed mindset tend to focus on the results of their actions, like getting a promotion or salary increment. People with a growth mindset focus on how they can learn and get better. Even if they don’t always get what they want, they are more interested in learning new things and getting better at what they do.

Find a mentor who has a growth attitude: Try to find someone who can help you build a growth mindset. They can give you support and motivation and help generate questions and challenge your preset learning and believe.

Getting rid of a fixed mindset is a life-changing journey that takes self-awareness, effort, and learning all the time. We can break free from the limits we put on ourselves by shifting our focus to growth and accepting challenges. Remember that developing yourself is something you do for the rest of your life, and that having a growth attitude is the key to reaching your full potential.

So, the next time you face a challenge, know that you have the power to overcome it and become a better version of yourself if you have a growth mindset. Accept change, and you’ll see how well you do.

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Author: K M Hasan Ripon, Director, Global Entrepreneurship Network

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Are you an Obsessed Leader?

Obsessed leadership is a style of leadership in which a leader is too focused on a single goal, idea, or outcome, often at the expense of other important aspects of leadership and the effectiveness of the business as a whole. Passion and hard work are good qualities for a leader to have, but an obsession can lead to a number of problems:

Tunnel vision: Leaders who are too obsessed on one goal may lose sight of the bigger picture and fail to look at other points of view or plans.

Lack of Adaptability: When leaders are fixated on a certain result, they may not be able to adapt to new circumstances or feedback, which can make it harder for the organization to deal with problems.

Stress and overworking: Leaders who are too obsessed on one thing may work themselves and their teams to exhaustion, which can lead to stress and less work over time.

Neglecting Team Development: Leaders who are too obsessed on their own success or goals might forget about the growth and development of their team members, which could hold them back from reaching their full potential.

Unable to Maintain Relationships: Relationships can get tense because obsessive behavior can make people focus on one goal instead of the wants and contributions of others, which can make it hard for people to get along.

Me Syndrome: A Leader who is too focused on himself or herself often has “Me Syndrome,” which means that he or she is more concerned with his or her own wants, interests, and goals than with the team’s or organization’s well-being as a whole. In these situations, the leader’s actions and decisions may mainly serve their own goals or agendas, rather than thinking about how they will affect the team, stakeholders, or the long-term success of the company as a whole.

Blame Other: A Leader who is too focused on himself or herself might be quick to say, “It’s your fault.” This is because they are very focused on reaching their goals or seeing their vision come to life, and they may not want to take credit for any setbacks or failures. Instead of taking responsibility for what they did, they may put the blame on other team members, employees, or outside forces.

Micro Management: Micromanagement is more likely to happen when a leader is very focused on something. When a leader watches too closely and too often over every part of their team’s work, this is called micromanagement. It often shows that the leader doesn’t trust their team members’ skills. Obsessed leaders want to be in charge and may feel like they need to be involved in every part of their team’s projects and tasks.

Threatening: A leader who is too focused on himself or herself can be dangerous to his or her team members by making threats like letting them go or firing them from their jobs. When a leader is too focused on one goal or result, they may do anything to reach it, even if it means putting the health and safety of their team members at risk.

Effective leadership requires a mix between passion and reason, with a focus on achieving goals while also thinking about the team’s and organization’s well-being as a whole. Leaders should be aware of the risks of getting too obsessed and try to lead in a way that is healthy and well-rounded.

Author

K M Hasan Ripon, Executive Director, BSDI

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Why you need new skills and continuous learning to advance in your Job!

The fast-changing job market of today makes it easy to move up in your field. A degree or set of skills that would promise a job for life. To be successful in your job today, you need to keep learning. This blog talks about how learning new things can help your job.

In a workplace where things change quickly, you need to keep learning to stay useful. Professionals have to keep updating their skills to keep up with technology, business trends, and client needs. You can show companies how valuable you are by keeping up with changes in the business.

Upgrading Professional Competence:

Your professional competence will go up as you learn new skills and improve the ones you already have. Employers look for learners because they want to improve. Your understanding, ability to solve problems, and ability to deal with hard situations all get better when you keep learning.

Example: Nahida, a professional in marketing. In the digital age, she understood that her traditional marketing skills were becoming less useful. Amena didn’t want to ruin her career, so she took online classes on digital marketing, data analytics, and social media trends. Because of this, Amena’s marketing efforts became more data-driven, targeted, and successful, which impressed her employers and she got promotion with salary increment for her Measurable outcomes.

Opening up new opportunities:

Learning helps you get ahead in your current job and prepares you for new opportunities in the future. If you keep learning, you’ll be ready for new chances, such as promotions, moves within the same department, and career changes. A growth mindset lets you see more and try new jobs.

Example: Nishat, who worked as a software developer, knew how important it was to keep up with new technologies. He attended tech conferences, took computer boot camps, and worked every day on open-source projects. He got a great job at a cutting-edge technology company because he worked hard and kept learning. This gave him new opportunities to advance in his work and think of new ideas.

Getting more flexible and strong:

Learning new things all the time makes you more adaptable and strong, which are important skills in a fast-paced workplace. Learning new technology and responding quickly to changes in business gives you an edge over your competitors. A willingness to learn gives you the confidence to deal with uncertainty.

Example: As a project manager, Kamal Khan had to deal with the fact that the market was always changing. To do well in this fast-paced place, he was always willing to learn something new. Kamal was able to improve his ability to adapt quickly, solve problems quickly, and lead his team through hard times by taking leadership classes.

Leadership skills:

Learning helps both skills and leadership. As you learn, you can teach your coworkers, help less experienced team members, and lead. A team member who helps others learn is a valuable asset.

Example: Emily, who works in human resources, knew that getting better at being a leader would help her make a big difference. She went to seminars on leadership, helped younger team members as a mentor, and started knowledge-sharing sessions at her business. Emily’s positive attitude not only helped her become a better leader, but also helped her team grow and work together.

Build a growth network.

A common way to keep learning is to meet new people and join workshops, seminars, or online courses. Meeting other workers in your field is a great way to make new connections and learn new things. A good professional network can help, give advice, and maybe even work together.

Example: Rebel, who was in charge of sales, knew how important networking was to his job. He went to many events in his field, talked to potential clients, and joined online sales groups. Not only did his networking keep him up to date on the latest market trends, but it also led to relationships that helped him grow his business.

In a job market that is always changing, it’s important to keep learning throughout your work. Learning new things keeps you ahead of the game and opens doors. You can take charge of your job by developing your leadership and professional skills through continuous learning. Always keep in mind that learning new things is an investment in yourself and your future. So start, try new things, and watch your job grow as you learn.

 

Author

K M Hasan Ripon

Executive Director, Bangladesh Skill Development Institute (BSDI)

Email: [email protected]

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How to find your first job after graduation from University/Polytechnic.

To find a job that matches one’s talents, qualifications, and career aspirations, one must actively search for and apply for jobs. It’s an important part of a career and can be difficult and rewarding. To improve your chances of finding work, follow these suggestions:

Customize/Edit your CV or resume:

In your CV or resume, be sure to highlight any related projects or extracurricular activities. The projects you worked on during your time as a student. As well as your education, internships, and skills that are important to the job.

Video Resume:

Video resumes let job seekers show off their creativity, charm, and communication skills. It shows off both hard skills and soft skills, giving hiring managers a full picture of how well the candidate fits into the business mindset. Video resumes are especially helpful in the media, arts, and marketing industries because they let people show off their experience and give employers a chance to see how they present themselves, how confident they are, and what their skills are.

Use your college’s career services to their fullest.

Many schools and universities offer career services that can help you find a job, write a resume, prepare for an interview, and network with people who might hire you. If you need help, go to the career center on your college.

 

 

Maintain Your Network:

One way to network is to use your personal and business networks. Tell your friends, family, professors, and coworkers that you are looking for work. Sometimes, suggestions from people you know can put you in a better position.

Online job platforms:

Set up accounts on well-known job-search websites and social media sites for workers, such as LinkedIn. Look for and apply for appropriate entry-level jobs on a regular basis.

Apply Volunteering Experience:

Volunteering and jobs are both great ways to meet new people and get experience in the real world. From time to time, an internship can lead to a full-time job offer.

Increase Your Visibility:

You can talk to recruiters and hiring managers in person at job fairs and networking events, whether they are in person or online.

Company Research:

Do study on companies to find ones that share your professional goals and interests. Do a thorough search on these companies, find out what it’s like to work there, and then use their websites to directly apply for any open jobs.

Create Custom Applications:

For each job you apply for, make a cover letter and application that are tailored to that job and show how your experience and qualifications match the needs of the role.

Develop Interview Skills:

Prepare for interviews by looking at sample answers to common interview questions, making a list of stories from your own life, and practicing talking smoothly about your skills and achievements.

Accept Rejection:

When looking for a job, it’s normal to get turned down, so it’s important to keep trying and stay positive. Be determined and positive while you’re looking for a job.

Skill Development:

If you have some time between graduating and getting a job, you might want to take online classes or get certifications to improve your skills and make your resume more appealing to employers.

Personal Projects and Portfolios:

If it’s acceptable in your field, you might want to put together personal projects or showcases that show off your skills and creativity. This can be very helpful for artistic fields like design, writing, and coding.

Don’t hesitate for Personal Branding:

Personal branding can be done well with tools like LinkedIn, Twitter, and business blogs. A strong personal brand can help build trust and credibility in a field. Employers look at candidates’ social media profiles to see how they act online and how professional they are. To show their experience, knowledge, and interest, candidates share consistent and smart content on their profiles. Personal branding can lead to meeting new people, working with others, and getting job offers. Social media also helps candidates connect with leaders in their field and possible companies. This helps them build their professional networks and opens up new opportunities.

 

Just remember that getting your first job can take some time. Be flexible and keep changing your plans when you get feedback. Even after you finish, you still need to be proactive, keep learning, and make connections if you want to increase your chances of getting the perfect job. Best wishes!

 



Author:

K M Hasan Ripon, Executive Director

Bangladesh Skill Development Institute (BSDI)

Email: [email protected]

Customer Service

Eight customer service blunders that businesses should avoid

Ignoring the priority of customers
Your staff should put the requirements of the customers and assisting them in achieving their objectives first. But occasionally, customer success managers (CSMs) put corporate development ahead of customer success, which is a common error in customer experience. While driving clients along the sales funnel may be advantageous for your business, it doesn’t encourage customer success and might turn customers off. It’s critical to show your consumers that you actually care about them and how your product or service may help them accomplish their goals in order to avoid making this error.

Example of MoviePass.
Customers of MoviePass, a subscription-based company, may see one film every day for just $10 per month. However, the firm discontinued its service and is unsure of its future when the Better Business Bureau received more than 1,500 complaints. One of the complaints that went viral was from a San Francisco client who had their account abruptly and without warning canceled. She subsequently found out that watching a “premium movie” violated the rules and conditions, resulting in the termination of her membership. This illustration shows how MoviePass put its own success above the comprehension of its customers and could have averted misunderstanding by being transparent about its policies from the beginning.

Not A CSM Leader Who Is Committed
An effective customer experience strategy requires strong CSM leadership. These team captains control team output and give CSMs the resources they need to help clients. It’s critical to choose the right leader for your company if you want it to expand.

American Airlines, for instance. When a traveler boarded an American Airlines aircraft, a flight attendant requested him or her to get off because the cello was thought to be “too big.” Due to a miscommunication, airport police later encircled the passenger. When it was eventually discovered that the airline’s regulations authorized the instrument, it was determined that the customer should have been able to board the original aircraft. This episode highlights how crucial it is to have a committed CSM leader who is knowledgeable about all processes, regulations, and rules and who can serve as a quick source of information when conflicts arise.

Lacking proactively serving customers
Together, customer success and support can deliver the finest experiences. They are essentially different, though. While customer success is proactive, looking to foresee and fix issues before they arise, customer support is reactive, responding to questions with responses. A solid customer success strategy is built on being proactive. Customers will feel appreciated if they receive regular communication, use conversational marketing techniques, and receive assistance along the way.

Example: An incident involving a phony Facebook account made by a user impersonating Target Target’s customer support team occurred. This impersonator made fun of clients who had issues with the business’s new gender-neutral signage. Target should have taken preventative action by designating customer service representatives to keep an eye on social media platforms and foresee what customers could say. They might not have been able to stop the bogus account from being made, but they could have been able to lessen the effects of the scenario with early discovery.

Over engaging Your Clientele
Even though interaction with clients is essential, going overboard with it can backfire and be more annoying than useful. Over-engagement frequently results from uncertainty, and CSMs attempt to get in touch with clients who are silent to make sure they aren’t experiencing any problems. To the detriment of other clients who might actually need assistance, this might result in time wastage. In order to avoid upsetting consumers or wasting agents’ time, finding the ideal engagement balance is crucial.

Comcast, for instance, In order to satisfy a customer’s demands, even account cancellation may be necessary. When a client wanted to discontinue their account, a Comcast agent tried to talk them out of it rather than help them with the cancellation procedure. This mistaken dedication to maintaining client engagement led to a bad experience and drew unfavorable media attention.

Setting ambiguous expectations
Customers will doubt your credibility if you make promises that are unattainable or impractical to fulfill. When you miss a deadline, it decreases trust in your capacity to produce on time. Customers can measure you by a standard that you set by having clear and attainable expectations. Customers will assume you either forgot about them or didn’t appreciate their demands if you offer something and then fail to fulfill. Customers should be quickly informed whenever you are unable to achieve a deadline or expectation in order to minimize this.

Company as in Amazon Unintentionally, a consumer on Amazon spent $88 on an item that really cost $7,455 to delivery. The order was not refunded by Amazon because it was delivered on time, despite several complaints and calling customer support. Before Amazon agreed to compensate the consumer, it took two and a half months and media coverage. Regardless matter how long a customer has been a client of your company, this occurrence emphasizes the value of continually offering excellent customer service.

Building silos for customer success
Silos in customer success develop when teams and departments don’t communicate goals and information, which impedes the delivery of seamless customer experiences. You cannot integrate customer data to understand how consumers benefit from your product, for instance, if sales, marketing, and customer success don’t communicate with one another. For the purpose of achieving corporate objectives and providing superior customer experiences, silo-busting through cross-functional collaboration is essential.

Company Illustration: Spectrum An internet-setup maintenance visit was scheduled by a Spectrum client. When the repair worker didn’t arrive, she called support, who informed her that the worker was on the way. When they couldn’t enter the building, the employee eventually departed. The next appointment was in 15 days, and she would still be charged, the consumer was informed when she phoned assistance once again. She terminated her subscription out of frustration and changed to a rival. This might have been avoided by coordinating the maintenance and customer care teams.

Generalizing specific client outcomes:
Customer experiences that are general undercut customization and fall short of satisfying their unique demands. client success depends heavily on treating each client result differently depending on their own goals and preferences. To provide individualized advise and quicker replies, make sure your staff has appropriate knowledge of each customer. You may also define customized KPIs in your CRM.

Samsung is one such business. client care was contacted by a Samsung client who needed to be home to sign for a parcel but couldn’t afford to leave work. Instead of rigorously sticking to business policy, the customer support agent ought to have taken the matter up with a management to discuss possible exceptions. Negative feedback on Reddit resulted from not meeting the customer’s demands.

Approaching consumers that Are a Bad match:

It is pointless to put time and effort into forming connections with consumers that are a bad match. Early detection and withdrawal from prospects who are a poor fit are crucial. To spot bad-fit prospects and stop them from becoming expensive clients, work closely with the sales and marketing departments.

Propose is a company example. The CEO of Proposify made the decision to “fire” a client who had a history of complaining about the program and making unreasonable requests. The CEO wrote a thorough email in which he admitted fault, apologized, offered a refund, and even provided alternatives from other companies. By taking this action, you won a devoted supporter who saw your commitment to the interests of the consumer.

Adopting a new customer success strategy takes work, but prioritizing customers, being proactive, keeping your word, dissolving silos, and investing in leadership are essential first steps.