Top 5 podcasts for entrepreneurs

Top 5 podcasts voor ondernemers
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Top 5 podcasts for entrepreneurs

As an experienced business coach, I often receive the question, "what podcasts for entrepreneurs can you recommend?". We have the advantage that there is a lot of information available right now. You have podcasts for startups, general podcasts about business, inspirational podcasts with stories by and for entrepreneurs, more specific podcasts about e.g. ground-breaking business models, and so on. 

Everyone knows the Tim Ferriss show, a fun podcast for young entrepreneurs. But what are the must-listen podcasts? Below you can find a list of my favourite podcasts for both start-ups and experienced entrepreneurs.

This podcast provides valuable insights and strategies for developing a growth mindset, which is essential for successfully growing their business. The podcast offers practical and inspiring stories and interviews with successful entrepreneurs and experts who share valuable lessons on overcoming challenges, identifying opportunities and driving business growth.

Jim Rohn is an inspiring and influential speaker and author on personal development and business success. In his talks, he shares valuable insights, strategies and principles that can help entrepreneurs develop their entrepreneurial skills and achieve their goals.

Listening to the podcast "The Cardone Zone" is interesting because it gives entrepreneurs access to the powerful and bold business insights of Grant Cardone, a successful entrepreneur and real estate investor. The podcast offers valuable strategies, motivation and advice to help entrepreneurs grow and achieve success in their business ventures.

This podcast offers the chance to learn from the wisdom and experiences of successful billionaires, inspiring them and providing valuable insights for their own entrepreneurial journey. This podcast offers inspiring speeches and stories that can help entrepreneurs develop their vision, motivation and business strategies. From each episode, you can learn several lessons

This podcast offers experiences and insights from successful entrepreneurs in Belgium, giving them relevant knowledge and inspiration for their own business activities in the Belgian context. This podcast offers valuable stories and practical tips specifically focused on the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in Belgium.

When do you listen best?

I always recommend listening to a few episodes before deciding whether the podcast is for you. It's also good to make listening to podcasts a regular routine: for example, you can put on an episode every day on your way home. Some entrepreneurs also invariably put on the same podcast about entrepreneurship before going into a sales call: so you can also use podcasts as a tool to take yourself to the next level. 

Kurt Vervloet

Kurt Vervloet is a business coach, blogger and speaker. Since 2017, he has been coaching businesses around the world, ranging from solo entrepreneurs, SME companies to executive management teams at large organisations. His clients choose to work with him because of my proven, no-nonsense approach to optimising and scaling businesses. By achieving great results with his clients, he has already been rewarded with several Awards.

How do I organise a good Team Consultation?

Hoe organiseer ik een teammeeting?
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How do I organise a good Team Consultation?

Level 10 Meeting: The Game-Changer for Effective Team Consultation

Have you ever heard of a Level 10 Meeting?

If you are not already familiar with it, this could be the missing piece of the puzzle for productive and purposeful team meetings.

What is a Level 10 Meeting?

The concept of a Level 10 Meeting comes from the book "Traction" by Gino Wickman. The name "Level 10" comes from striving for a perfect meeting that would score a 10/10 on efficiency and productivity.

Why is it so Powerful?

The Level 10 Meeting is designed to minimise distractions, ensure consistent follow-up and keep teams focused on the most crucial issues.

Hoe organiseer ik een goed Teamoverleg?

Ideal Agenda Items:

1. Check-in (5 min)

A quick round-the-table for updates.

2. Scoreboard review (5 min)

Review how the team is doing against their KPIs.

3. Rock review (5 min)

Evaluate progress on quarterly targets.

4. To-do list (5 min)

Checking the previous week's to-do list.

5. Issues list (60 min)

Identify and discuss problems; find solutions.

6. Closure (5 min)

Conclude and identify action points for the coming week.

10 FAQ on the Level 10 Meeting:

1) Where does the term "Level 10" come from?

It refers to the goal of a "10/10" perfect meeting in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.

3) Why only 5 minutes before check-in?

The idea is to get going quickly and discuss key issues effectively.

4) Should every team member be present?

Yes, it promotes consistency and accountability.

6) What if we cannot solve all the problems in the meeting?

Focus on the biggest problems first and move others to the next meeting.

7) How are these meetings different from standard team meetings?

They are more tightly organised, focused on solutions and avoid distractions.

8) Is it only for big teams?

No, it can be adapted for teams of any size.

9) What if a team member consistently fails to contribute?

This needs to be addressed outside the meeting. A Level 10 Meeting relies on active contribution from everyone.

10) Can the structure of the Level 10 Meeting be changed?

While the framework is specific, it can be adapted based on unique team needs.

Teams around the world have discovered the power of the Level 10 Meeting.
If you are looking for a way to increase the productivity and focus of your team meetings, it is definitely worth considering this format.

Kurt Vervloet

Kurt Vervloet is a business coach, blogger and speaker. Since 2017, he has been coaching businesses around the world, ranging from solo entrepreneurs, SME companies to executive management teams at large organisations. His clients choose to work with him because of my proven, no-nonsense approach to optimising and scaling businesses. By achieving great results with his clients, he has already been rewarded with several Awards.

How do you calculate the gross profit margin?

Hoe bereken je de brutowinstmarge?
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How do you calculate the gross profit margin?

Calculating gross profit margin is crucial for companies to understand their profitability. Here's how to do it in clear steps:

What is Gross Margin?

 Determine gross profit: Gross profit is calculated by subtracting the cost of goods sold (CDVG) from sales. CDVG includes direct costs of producing or delivering a product or service. This can include costs such as materials, direct labour and manufacturing overhead.

Gross profit = Turnover - Cost of Goods Sold (CDG)

Calculate the gross profit margin: Divide gross profit by sales and then multiply by 100 to express it as a percentage.

Gross profit = (Gross profit / Turnover) * 100

A practical example:

Imagine a company has a turnover of €500,000 and the cost of goods sold (GFCF) is €300,000. To calculate the gross profit margin:

Gross profit = €500,000 - €300,000 = €200,000

Gross profit margin = (€200,000 / €500,000) * 100 = 40%

In this example, the gross profit margin is 40%. This means that the company retains 40% of its sales after deducting the cost of goods sold.

Formula

The formula to calculate gross profit is:

Gross profit = Turnover - Cost of Goods Sold (CDG)

Shows what profit a company makes after deducting direct costs related to production or delivery. Turnover refers to the total income from sales, while PPS includes the direct costs associated with what the company sells.

Practical example of gross profit margin:

A good example of gross profit margin in practice is a retailer. A retailer's profit margin is calculated by reducing turnover by the cost of goods sold, and dividing that result by turnover. The higher this percentage, the more profitable the retailer! This calculation can help retailers see where improvement is possible in their operations or pricing.

Comparing their gross profit margin with competitors in the same industry can also provide valuable insights. By knowing their gross profit margin, retailers can make the right choices to increase their profitability.

In summary, gross profit margin is a crucial measure for retailers. It helps them understand their performance, set targets and ultimately become more profitable. Knowing this margin can make the difference between success and failure in retail.

Praktijkvoorbeeld van een brutowinstmarge:

What is a Good Gross Profit?

An excellent gross profit margin ratio shows the profitability of your business. It is calculated by taking the difference between the selling price and the cost of goods sold (or cost of sales) and then dividing it by the selling price. The resulting figure is presented as a percentage, known as the mark-up.

A higher mark-up indicates a higher gross profit margin, which often indicates good financial health of the company. However, it is important to remember that a healthy gross profit margin does not always guarantee success, as other factors such as overheads and expenses must also be considered.

What constitutes a "good" gross profit margin ratio depends on your industry and is compared to other companies in your field. By understanding industry standards and finding ways to improve them, you can ensure that your business has a healthy gross profit margin ratio.

Why is Gross Profit Margin Important?

As mentioned above, the gross profit margin ratio is important because it helps analyse your company's financial performance. It shows how much revenue your business makes after deducting the cost of goods sold (GFCF). This gives insight into the efficiency of your pricing strategies, which can help you plan for future growth.

A high gross profit margin is beneficial because your business generates more profit than the costs it incurs. By regularly monitoring this ratio, you can ensure that your business remains competitive and profitable.

Hoe Analyseer je de Brutowinstmarge?

How to Analyse Gross Profit Margin?

Analysing gross profit margin is crucial to understanding the financial health of your business. It involves looking at net sales and taking into account all costs related to generating those sales, both direct and indirect. To do this effectively, you need to closely monitor your profit margins and compare them with other companies in your industry.

It helps you spot trends and identify areas where you may need to make adjustments. By knowing your gross profit margin, you can better understand your financial health and make informed decisions for the future.

Understanding this measurement helps you make informed decisions about allocating resources to maximise profits. Moreover, it indicates how well your business is performing compared to others in your industry. Knowing your profit margin allows you to know whether you remain competitive or need to make adjustments.

How do you improve gross margin?

Gross margin is essential to assess a company's profitability. It measures the difference between sales and direct production costs. Consider these key strategies to improve your gross margin and overall financial performance:

1. Increase prices

Raising prices is an excellent way to increase your gross margin. It is an effective strategy to make more money in the long run. However, before implementing price changes, evaluate other factors that can also affect your results. Overpricing can hurt your sales and alienate customers. Do your research and find a fair price for you and your customers.

2. Improve efficiency

Improving your efficiency is not always easy, but it is possible. Start by assessing your processes and identify which ones are most inefficient. Make sure you have the right tools to streamline those processes. Automation can also be a great way to reduce inefficiencies. Finally, don't forget to invest in training for your employees.

Gross margin versus Net profit margin versus Operating profit margin

Financial metrics are essential for evaluating a company's performance and overall financial health. Gross margin, net profit margin and operating profit margin are crucial measures of a company's profitability and operational efficiency.

Gross margin

Gross margin is a fundamental measure of a company's ability to generate profit from its core business. It represents the percentage of revenue that exceeds the direct cost of goods or services sold.

Net profit margin

Net profit margin is a more comprehensive measure of a company's profitability as it considers all costs, such as operating expenses, taxes and interest.

Operating Profit Margin

Operating profit margin is essential for assessing a company's operational efficiency and profitability. It focuses exclusively on the operational costs of producing and selling goods or services.

Limitations of gross margin ratio

While the gross margin ratio is useful for understanding how well a company manages its costs, the ratio has some limitations. It measures only one aspect of profitability and does not take into account other operating costs or taxes.

questions

What does a gross margin of 80% mean?

A gross margin of 80% means that after deducting the cost of goods sold from total sales, you make a lot of money. This indicates how efficient your business is in turning investments into net profit.

Is 80% a good gross margin?

It depends on your sector. An excellent gross margin varies from sector to sector, but generally, a gross margin above 80% is considered healthy.

What does a gross margin of 20% mean?

A gross margin of 20% means that from every euro earned, you keep 20 cents and the other 80 cents goes towards covering your costs.

It is important to remember that no financial ratio should be used in isolation when making investment decisions. Each ratio provides only part of the picture and should always be interpreted in conjunction with other information about the company. Therefore, it is essential to use different ratios when making informed investment decisions.

Kurt Vervloet

Kurt Vervloet is a business coach, blogger and speaker. Since 2017, he has been coaching businesses around the world, ranging from solo entrepreneurs, SME companies to executive management teams at large organisations. His clients choose to work with him because of my proven, no-nonsense approach to optimising and scaling businesses. By achieving great results with his clients, he has already been rewarded with several Awards.

The Power of Structure in your Business

De Kracht van Structuur in je Onderneming.
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The Power of Structure in your Business

In today's dynamic world, structure is often the secret ingredient behind successful businesses and productive individuals. Whether you are an entrepreneur striving for efficiency or a professional looking to reduce workload, structure is key. In this blog article, we dive deep into the world of structure and offer insightful tips for any question you may have.

1. How do I get more structure in my work?

Prioritise your tasks:

Use tools such as the Eisenhower Matrix to assess the importance and urgency of each task.

Plan ahead:

Start each day with a to-do list and set realistic deadlines.

Minimise distractions:

Create a workplace free of unnecessary interruptions.

Set boundaries:

Ensure clear working hours and take breaks.

Evaluate regularly:

At the end of the week, look back and adjust your strategies where necessary.

2. How do you provide structure in the organisation?

Clear hierarchy:

Make sure every employee knows who they should report to.

Standardise processes:

Implement established procedures for common tasks.

Regular team meetings:

These ensure alignment and clear communication.

Use technology:

Invest in tools that improve workflow and collaboration.

Training and development:

Make sure the team is equipped with the skills needed for their roles.

Discover here the 4 ways to make your business more effective and efficient...:

4 Manieren om je bedrijf effectiever en efficienter te laten werken

3. How do you make a business successful?

Success is often the result of clear vision, determination, and a strong organisational structure.

4. What is the structure of a company?

This refers to the way a company is organised, usually defined by its hierarchy, roles and communication channels.

5. What are the 4 corporate structures?

These are the sole proprietorship, general partnership (VOF), private limited company (BV), and public limited company (NV).

6. What is the purpose of structure?

It provides a clear framework for responsibilities, authority, and communication. This leads to efficiency and effectiveness.

7. How do you structure your day?

Start with a routine: Like meditating or taking a morning walk.

Time-blocking: divide your day into blocks dedicated to specific tasks.

Avoid multitasking: Focus on one thing at a time.

Schedule breaks: It improves concentration and well-being.

Evaluate at the end: Reflect on what went well and what can be improved.

8. Why is structure in a company important?

It promotes consistency, predictability and effective results, which is essential for growth and stability.

9. What types of structure are there?

Apart from the corporate structures mentioned above, organisational structures include functional, divisional, matrix and horizontal.

Conclusion:

Structure is not just a buzzword; it is an essential component for achieving business and personal success. By following the tips above and embracing a structured approach, you will set yourself and your organisation on a path of growth and efficiency.

Kurt Vervloet

Kurt Vervloet is a business coach, blogger and speaker. Since 2017, he has been coaching businesses around the world, ranging from solo entrepreneurs, SME companies to executive management teams at large organisations. His clients choose to work with him because of my proven, no-nonsense approach to optimising and scaling businesses. By achieving great results with his clients, he has already been rewarded with several Awards.

Why is 'Profit per X' Crucial to your Enterprise?

Waarom is ‘Winst per X’ Cruciaal voor je Onderneming?
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Why is 'Profit per X' Crucial to your Enterprise?

A company's health and growth are not measured exclusively by total profit, but often by specific economic drivers such as 'Profit per X'. In this blog, we dive deeper into why 'Profit per X' is a crucial part of a business strategy, how it relates to Jim Collins' 'Hedgehog Concept', and how you can implement it in your own organisation.

What is 'Profit per X'?

'Profit per X' is a way of measuring a company's profitability based on a specific unit that makes sense for the company.

Why is 'Profit per X' the Key Economic Driver?

Focus:

It allows companies to focus on what really matters in their operations.

Strategic decision-making:

By measuring profit per specific unit, companies can better allocate their resources and make more effective strategic decisions.

Optimisation:

It helps companies refine and improve their processes in areas that directly affect profits.

The Hedgehog Concept by Jim Collins

Jim Collins introduced the 'Hedgehog Concept' in his book "Good to Great". The concept states that companies, like the hedgehog that has one great defensive strategy (roll up into a ball), should focus on one simple, overarching concept consisting of three overlapping circles:

  • What you are really passionate about.
  • What you can be the best in the world at.
  • What the economic driver is (often expressed as 'Profit per X').

The intersection of these three circles is where the 'Hedgehog Concept' is located and where companies should strive for long-term success.

Relationship between 'Profit per X' and the Hedgehog Concept

'Profit per X' can be seen as the quantifiable part of the Hedgehog Concept. It helps companies identify where they can create the most economic value and where they should put their focus for sustainable growth.

5 Concrete Examples of 'Profit per X':

Profit per customer:

Used by companies looking to invest heavily in customer relationships and lifetime value.

Profit per transaction:

Useful for businesses such as e-commerce platforms where the frequency and value of transactions vary.

Profit per visitor:

Ideal for websites or apps where traffic can be converted into monetary success.

Profit per unit of product:

Suitable for manufacturers looking to maximise profit per unit produced.

Profit by region:

For multinationals looking to benchmark their performance across regions.

FAQs:

What is 'Profit per X'?

It is a specific measure of profitability based on a relevant unit for the company.

Why is it so important?

It helps companies refine their focus, optimisation and strategic decision-making.

How do I choose my 'X'?

Choose a unit relevant to your specific business model and strategy.

Is 'Profit per X' only for big companies?

No, any company, big or small, can benefit from this metric.

How often should I measure it?

This depends on your business dynamics, but regular measurements (monthly/quarterly) are often useful.

What if my 'Profit per X' drops?

Investigate the causes and consider strategic adjustments.

How does 'Profit per X' relate to the Hedgehog Concept?

It represents the economic aspect of the Hedgehog Concept.

Can 'Profit per X' change?

Yes, if a company's strategy or market conditions change, the relevant 'X' may also change.

Is it related to KPIs (key performance indicators)?

Yes, 'Profit per X' can be considered a financial KPI.

Why not just measure total profit?

Total profit gives an overall picture, while 'Profit per X' gives a more focused and actionable insight.

Closing, 'Profit per X' is not just a financial measure; it is a mindset. It helps companies refine their strategy, focus on what really matters and pursue long-term success.

Kurt Vervloet

Kurt Vervloet is a business coach, blogger and speaker. Since 2017, he has been coaching businesses around the world, ranging from solo entrepreneurs, SME companies to executive management teams at large organisations. His clients choose to work with him because of my proven, no-nonsense approach to optimising and scaling businesses. By achieving great results with his clients, he has already been rewarded with several Awards.

Calculating operating cash flow: complete guide

operationele cashflow berekenen
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Calculating operating cash flow: complete guide

As an entrepreneur, you know that cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. Positive cash flow can pave the way to success, while negative cash flow can quickly plunge you into a financial crisis. Let's talk about the importance of operational cash flow and how you can calculate and improve it.

What is cash flow and how do you calculate it?

Cash flow is the net change in cash of a company during a given period. It includes all income and expenses, both incoming and outgoing cash flows. You can calculate cash flow by subtracting total income from total expenses. However, how you calculate this cash flow depends on the type of cash flow you are interested in, such as operating, free, or other forms of cash flow.

How do you calculate operating cash flow?

To calculate operating cash flow, you can use several methods. A common formula is:

Operating cash flow = profit +- working capital + depreciation & amortisation

So this calculation takes into account both net income, depreciation and changes in working capital. Here, net income represents all income minus expenses. Depreciation is a cost that is included in profit but has no direct impact on the amount of cash. Working capital refers to current assets and liabilities; an increase in working capital is deducted because it means less cash available.

Are you looking for ways to improve your cash flow? Contact me and I will send the "Cash flow improver" with more than 40 tips to increase your peace of mind.

How can you improve operating cash flow?

1. Quick billing:

Make sure invoices are sent soon after delivering a product or service.

2. Efficient inventory management:

Minimise excess inventory to optimise your working capital.

3. Adjusting payment terms:

Negotiate longer payment terms with suppliers and offer customers discounts for prompt payments.

4. Good turnover management:

Increasing sales can also lead to a positive impact on operating cash flow.

5. Projections:

By making good forecasts, you can better estimate future cash flows and adjust your investments and spending accordingly.

Your company's liquidity and equity are strongly influenced by your operating cash flow. A strong operating cash flow provides more room for investment and reduces the need to raise debt, ultimately leading to a healthier financial future for your business.

What is the significance of this calculation?

Calculating and understanding your operating cash flow is crucial to the success and growth of your business. Conscious attention to factors affecting your cash flow, combined with proactive steps, can lead to financial stability and growth.

Want to regain control of your cash flow? Contact me and download the "Cashflow improver" guide

Kurt Vervloet

Kurt Vervloet is a business coach, blogger and speaker. Since 2017, he has been coaching businesses around the world, ranging from solo entrepreneurs, SME companies to executive management teams at large organisations. His clients choose to work with him because of my proven, no-nonsense approach to optimising and scaling businesses. By achieving great results with his clients, he has already been rewarded with several Awards.

How can I keep my staff in line?

How can I keep my staff in line?
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How can I keep my staff in line?

Retaining Your Employees:
The Art of Keeping Them Engaged and Motivated

In today's competitive job market, it is becoming increasingly essential for employers to find effective ways to retain their top talent. Losing valuable employees can not only be a blow to productivity and morale but can also result in significant financial costs for recruitment and training. Therefore, it is crucial for employers to focus on keeping their staff engaged and motivated. This article explores strategies to achieve this, ultimately helping you build a loyal and committed workforce.

Nurturing a Positive Work Culture: Strategies for Encouraging Employee Loyalty

Creating a positive work culture is the foundation for fostering employee loyalty. When employees feel valued and respected, they are more likely to develop a deeper sense of commitment towards their work and the organisation. One effective strategy is to promote open and transparent communication. Encouraging employees to voice their opinions and concerns can make them feel heard and valued. Regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and suggestion boxes are great ways to facilitate this open dialogue.

Another crucial aspect of nurturing a positive work culture is recognising and rewarding employee contributions. Celebrating achievements, both big and small, can go a long way in boosting morale and making employees feel appreciated. Offering opportunities for professional growth and development is also essential. Providing training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement prospects can show employees that their growth and success are valued within the organisation. By fostering a positive work culture, you can create an environment where employees are more likely to stay engaged and loyal. 

Boosting Employee Morale:
Uncovering Effective Techniques to Keep Your Staff Happy

Boosting employee morale is crucial for maintaining a motivated and productive workforce. One effective technique is to create a work-life balance. Encouraging flexible working hours, remote work options, or even implementing wellness programmes can help employees feel supported and reduce burnout. Additionally, promoting a sense of camaraderie and teamwork can significantly impact employee morale. Organising team-building activities, social events, or simply providing a space for employees to connect and collaborate can foster a positive and enjoyable work environment.

Regularly soliciting feedback and involving employees in decision-making processes can also boost morale. Employees feel more engaged and valued when they have a say in shaping the organisation's direction. Furthermore, implementing recognition programmes can create a sense of achievement and motivation. Acknowledging outstanding performance through awards, public recognition, or even small tokens of appreciation can make employees feel valued and motivated to excel. By focusing on boosting employee morale, you can create a workplace that employees are excited to be a part of.

Retaining employees is a critical challenge faced by organizations worldwide. By nurturing a positive work culture, implementing strategies to encourage employee loyalty, and boosting morale, employers can increase their chances of retaining their valuable staff. Remember, engaged and motivated employees are more likely to contribute to the success and growth of the organisation. By investing in your employees' well-being and showing them that their work is valued, you can build a dedicated and loyal workforce that will help your organisation thrive in the long run.

Kurt Vervloet

Kurt Vervloet is a business coach, blogger and speaker. Since 2017, he has been coaching businesses around the world, ranging from solo entrepreneurs, SME companies to executive management teams at large organisations. His clients choose to work with him because of my proven, no-nonsense approach to optimising and scaling businesses. By achieving great results with his clients, he has already been rewarded with several Awards.

What is psychological pricing?

psychologische prijszetting
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What is psychological pricing?

Psychological pricing is a method by which companies manipulate the perception of prices to boost sales. The concept of psychological pricing is based on the theory that certain prices have a greater psychological impact on consumers than others.

Why is psychological pricing important?

Psychological pricing is important because it can change the way consumers perceive the value of a product. If you start introducing psychological pricing, you will find that consumers are more likely to buy and spend more money.

Psychological pricing example

Let's look at an example of psychological pricing. Imagine a product priced at €9.99 instead of €10.00. Even though the price difference is barely noticeable, the lower price can make the product more attractive to potential customers. The consumer sees the first lower figure and subconsciously thinks it is a better deal.

What are the pricing strategies?

Price anchoring: Use a more expensive product as a comparison

By using a more expensive product or service as a reference, the perceived value can be increased. For example, a company can offer a 'premium' package with a higher price to make the standard package more attractive.

Product bundling: offering more for less money

By selling multiple products or services together at a lower price than the individual items, a company can increase perceived value. This can entice the consumer to buy more than originally planned. The psychological effect here is: suddenly, the customer is going to see many more benefits in buying.

Charm Pricing: rounding prices

We gave this example above and it is the standard example of a psychological price. Using prices ending in .99 or .95, such as €9.99 instead of a round €10, can create the feeling that the price is lower. This can increase the attractiveness of the product and encourage customers to buy.

Price differentiation

This is offering different price points for different segments of customers. Do you serve sole traders as well as larger companies? Then it might be an idea to provide lower prices for small sole traders.

Temporary offers

Creating a sense of urgency and scarcity through temporary discounts, limited offers or flash sales. This can encourage customers to buy faster and increase the perception of value.

Free product

Offering free products can also be part of psychological pricing strategies. Offering a free product with the purchase of another product can make consumers feel they are getting a good deal, which can influence their buying decision.

In doubt about a particular price?

In an increasingly competitive market, it is vital for companies to use their pricing strategies effectively to boost sales. Want to strategically increase your sales and sell more? I am happy to look at how we can make this happen and conduct my consumer research each time.

Kurt Vervloet

Kurt Vervloet is a business coach, blogger and speaker. Since 2017, he has been coaching businesses around the world, ranging from solo entrepreneurs, SME companies to executive management teams at large organisations. His clients choose to work with him because of my proven, no-nonsense approach to optimising and scaling businesses. By achieving great results with his clients, he has already been rewarded with several Awards.

Inform customers announce price increase

klanten informeren prijsverhoging aankondigen
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Inform customers announce price increase

As a company, if you want to announce a price increase to your customers, it is important to inform them clearly. Honesty is key here. Customers also know that you do not announce price increases for your pleasure. Explain to them why the price increase is necessary and emphasise the benefits they will get, such as a larger product range or improved services. Also use the Unique Selling Propositions you have defined.

Use every conversation to your advantage

Customer is king, that's obvious. So take the time to address all your customers' questions and concerns. Announcing a price increase will often cause many customers to request a call. Use this to your advantage: emphasise how good your services are, take the time for each client, and possibly suggest new services to further increase revenue per client.

Defer price increase for existing customers

Communicate the increase in new, higher prices that apply immediately to new customers. For existing customers, in turn, you can say that they will get preferential treatment and the new prices will only take effect in 3 months. This way, existing customers actually get preferential treatment.

Personalise the message

Every contact likes to feel respected and appreciated. So if you send a generic message to every customer, it will come across worse than if you personalise the message. So use the contact's company name and first name in the message.

Example inform customers - announce price increase

"Dear [First name],

We value our cooperation and pride ourselves on the quality of our services. Our goal has always been to provide the best value and we obviously remain focused on that.

However, due to a number of factors, including rising operating costs, we find it necessary to make an adjustment to our pricing structure. This adjustment is a necessary step to maintain the quality and level of service you have come to expect from us.

We understand that a price increase is never pleasant news. Therefore, we have taken an approach that takes into account our loyal customers like [Company Name Customer] as much as possible. While the new prices will apply immediately to new customers, they will not take effect for you until three months from now.

We hope you understand that this price increase allows us to further invest in our services to even better meet your needs. Also in the future, we want to continue to surprise you with improvements in our product range and services.

We value your opinion immensely. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to talk about how we can further help you get the most out of our products and services, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always ready to answer any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Kurt"

Kurt Vervloet

Kurt Vervloet is a business coach, blogger and speaker. Since 2017, he has been coaching businesses around the world, ranging from solo entrepreneurs, SME companies to executive management teams at large organisations. His clients choose to work with him because of my proven, no-nonsense approach to optimising and scaling businesses. By achieving great results with his clients, he has already been rewarded with several Awards.

Financial plan example Excel

Financieel plan voorbeeld excel
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Financial plan example Excel

It is crucial for any business to have a well thought out financial plan. Your business will simply not succeed if there is no money and a clear revenue forecast. In fact, based on fixed and variable costs, you can start calculating how much turnover you need to turn over to break even. This way, you know in advance how much turnover you need to turn over each month to get out of costs. Our Excel financial plan example will help you with this.

Download our financial plan sample

You can access a Google Sheet of our financial plan example via the Google Drive link above. You can also copy this to your own Google Drive, share it with others or download it as Excel.

Download fincancial plan example excel

Why is it important to have a financial plan?

A financial plan ensures that you think about your costs, product and services. Based on this, you can also adjust your asking price to still break even. When starting a company or to get loans, it is often also mandatory to present a financial plan.

Why is breaking even a must?

The break-even point is the point at which total revenues equal total costs. In other words, it is the point at which you make no profit or loss. Calculating the break-even point is important to determine when a business will become profitable. In your financial plan, this calculation helps you set realistic goals and develop strategies to reach those goals.

What's in a financial plan?

A financial plan is divided into the following aspects:

Investments

By using a more expensive product or service as a reference, the perceived value can be increased. For example, a company can offer a 'premium' package with a higher price to make the standard package more attractive.

Funding

Under the funding section, enter your own input. Can't get there with your own contribution? Then you can also take out a loan and mention this below.

Turnover forecast

In sales forecasting, you predict how much turnover you will make per product or service you offer. Try to base this on a normal year.

Break-even turnover

After all the previous steps, we have a view of the expected turnover and all the costs needed for your business. Our excel now simply calculates how much turnover you actually need to break even.

How does our excel example work?

You can use our 'financial plan excel example' here download with a simple click and start filling in.

If you would like help or advice on filling it out, you can always contact me without obligation.

Kurt Vervloet

Kurt Vervloet is a business coach, blogger and speaker. Since 2017, he has been coaching businesses around the world, ranging from solo entrepreneurs, SME companies to executive management teams at large organisations. His clients choose to work with him because of my proven, no-nonsense approach to optimising and scaling businesses. By achieving great results with his clients, he has already been rewarded with several Awards.