Referral marketing, also known as word-of-mouth marketing, is one of the oldest (and still most effective) marketing strategies out there. It’s basically about people buying your products and services because somebody they trust recommends it to them. As a small business, word of mouth marketing is a reliable and cost-effective way to grow your business. Whether it be a face-to-face conversation, text or social media message, word of mouth has a way of circulating quickly tha

Singapore has retained its top position as the “easiest place to do business” for the last decade, according to the World Bank. That is a very impressive feat that reflects the pro-business environment created by the Singapore government. However, local businesses must also take into consideration another fact: Singapore is ranked the world’s most expensive city, according to Economic Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living 2018, for five consecutive years. In fact, cost

At Jai Financial I send out an email around once a month. This goes to JaiFin clients and friends. This is the “Educate” part of the ICEE process for client engagement and it applies to many types of business. We are learning as we go along and will share with you what we learn. ICEE is Innovate | Communicate | Educate | Execute Innovate Share new ideas outside of your regular scope of work that will help your clients open up to new ideas, and over time expand their scope. ->

The culture of a workplace is made up of its characteristics or the people in it, and the things that are commonly known, activities that are commonly conducted by most people and behaviours that are celebrated. The culture is what we do, what we say, the way we behave, the way we treat each other, our products, customers, communities and ourselves. The way we work is constantly evolving and over the past decade, some workplaces have seen changes which have helped to foster

If you think Singapore is a Tax Haven, it is not. The current 17% Singapore corporate tax rate might even seem high compared to some countries. But these are the headlines. If you take time to do some research, you will discover the many incentives and tax exemptions. The incentives change over time to focus on creating a pro-business environment where start-ups and small businesses can thrive and boost the economy and employment. However, like any well-meaning government pol

Small businesses in Singapore face more uncertainties and competition than ever before. In addition, the dynamics between consumers and businesses is changing. Consumers have more collective power over businesses and are now more discerning and demanding over what product or service they want. In fact, in the age of social media, word-of-mouth can cripple businesses in record time. Warren Buffett quoted that “it takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin i

When you search online on "the key ingredients required to grow a 7-fold business" or "grow hack your business" you will find answers like; competent leadership, hiring the right employees, having a strategic plan etc. All answers are no doubt sound advice that can give business owners idea on how better to run their business. However, business owners will still be restricted by their own ideas, actions, experience, connections and emotions. This can potentially increase chan