Category: Marketing

On 25 April Twitter’s board of directors agreed to a deal for Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, to buy the social media platform for $USD 44 billion.

With the acquisition yet to go ahead, Musk has wasted no time in ‘tweeting’ his intentions. It seems the billionaire has big changes in mind for the social media platform.

So, what are these proposed changes, and how could they affect your business marketing strategies?

Let’s take a look at what we know so far.

#Free speech

‘Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated.’

Elon Musk, Twitter 25 April 2022

Musk, a self-declared ‘free-speech absolutist’, is against social media platforms policing content that may be offensive or politically sensitive, as long as comments remain legal within the confines of that country’s laws.

Musk intends to make Twitter a platform for free speech – a controversial move that won’t please everyone. Many are concerned that a less-regulated Twitter could give free rein to extremist views and hate speech. However, according to Musk, his interpretation of free speech is simply when ‘someone is allowed to say something you don’t like’. He refers to his de facto ‘town square’ analogy as a ‘politically neutral’ ground where people can have a free and open exchange of opinions, ideas, and information within the bounds of the law.

What would a less-regulated Twitter mean for your business?

To what extent Musk will ease restrictions on Twitter content is yet to be known. However, Twitter is used all over the world – and different countries have different rules regarding free speech. Content will still need to be moderated on some level, if only to comply with local government regulations for countries outside of the US. For example, Europe’s Digital Services Act will require social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to regulate content on their platforms or face huge fines.

Ultimately, businesses themselves are responsible for self-policing their Twitter accounts and creating, promoting, and sharing content that is aligned with their business ethos, values, and company culture.

Musk’s free speech changes, whether they are implemented or not, may be a healthy reminder for business owners and employees to take responsibility and ownership for their online behaviour and actions. For example, views expressed from your personal Twitter account can have a positive or negative impact on your brand. Always be aware of comments and hashtags before hitting that send button. Musk himself has confessed to ‘stream of consciousness’ moments when referring to some of his more bizarre tweets. His comments may not affect his reputation that much, but your own activity could have a lasting impact on your business’s credibility.

#Open-source algorithms

In the recent TED2022 talk, Musk expressed his intent to make Twitter algorithms open-source with the aim of increasing trust and confidence.

Musk explained that any manual or algorithm adjustments made to a tweet would be identified. Information attached to the tweet could then reveal whether anything has been done to affect the tweet in any way, such as promoting or demoting it, and why that action has been taken.

Open-source would also mean that teams of collaborators could work together on improving the platform’s design, functionality and security features.

In short, Musk wants to make Twitter more transparent and honest by eliminating the risk of ‘behind the scenes manipulation’.

What would open-source algorithms mean for your business?

Greater transparency could be a good thing for businesses. An open-source algorithm would enable users to know why their content gets promoted or buried within the Twittersphere. This could help you understand what type of content is more likely to be viewed, liked and shared by your target audience – in other words, how relevant your content is and how it will be prioritised.

#Eliminating spam bots

Musk has said that this is a top priority for him as it ‘makes the product so much worse’. He has called the issues with spam ‘the single most annoying problem’ on Twitter. In fact, a major concern for many on Twitter is the idea of fake follower numbers inflated by bots. Which begs the question: “How many of my followers are genuine?”

Although Musk hasn’t specified how, the billionaire has vowed to clean up the Twitter infrastructure. It’s likely that an improvement in the verification process to ‘prove’ you are human will become an important feature on Twitter. Users may also be given the option to view only tweets from verified accounts. Measures to eliminate spam bots could bring people back to Twitter and encourage users to spend more time on the platform – good news for marketers.

What would fewer spam bots mean for your business?

In a nutshell, it would mean a better user experience for all.  The content you receive in your feed is more likely to be genuine, and the content you promote is more likely to reach real human beings, not fake accounts. Fewer bots means that you can concentrate on building up a genuine and loyal following, and not be influenced by fake numbers that could negatively impact your marketing decisions.

#Fewer ads

‘Twitter will always be free for casual users, but maybe a slight cost for commercial/government users’

Elon Musk, Twitter 4 May 2022

While Twitter relies on paid advertisements for its revenue, there have been many complaints about too many ads showing up in users’ feeds. This may tend to put people off using the platform altogether – not great news if you’re investing your marketing budget into the platform.

It’s widely known that Musk is no fan of advertising.  He’s expressed a desire to cut back on ads and make way for a subscription-based service for commercial and government users. But as the platform’s largest bulk of revenue comes from advertising fees, it’s unlikely that shareholders will agree to major changes in the current advertising model.

What would fewer ads mean for your business?

The initial reaction of marketers may be ‘what’s in it for me if I can’t advertise?’ But even if there are no changes to begin with, companies may need to look for other ways to promote their brand. High quality content, interaction with followers and replies to feedback from customers could be a far more effective way to boost ‘genuine’ follower growth and build your business organically on Twitter.

Can your UAE business benefit from a Musk-owned Twitter?

Social media has a massive user base in the MENA region, and although not as high as Facebook or Instagram, Twitter still boasted over 2 million users in the UAE at the start of 2022. On a global level, Twitter offers marketers a potential reach of over 430 million users.

And while a Musk-owned Twitter may not appeal to some, there’s no doubting the guy’s golden touch when it comes to running a business. At this point, Musk’s plans are very much based on ifs and maybes, but one thing is certain – the 50-year-old businessman didn’t become the world’s richest person by chance. Businesses of all sizes have the opportunity to watch and learn from Musk as his Twitter journey progresses.

If Musk’s plans come to fruition, and prove to be successful, they could have a ripple-effect on other major social media platforms. His visions for Twitter could very well disrupt and transform social media as we know it. Preparing for the potential changes so you can adapt your marketing strategies if necessary could give your business a crucial advantage on Twitter and other platforms.

In an increasingly connected world, we’re becoming reliant on IoT in almost every aspect of our daily lives. But IoT devices aren’t just convenient – they could be lifesavers.

The personal safety and security devices industry has boomed in recent years and is currently worth around USD 3.2 billion. Thanks to the rise in tech products on the market such as personal alarms for women, wearables, GPS trackers and smart home security, it’s predicted to reach USD 5.5 billion by 2027.

While global demand comes primarily from the US and Western Europe, this highly competitive market offers exciting opportunities for talent and startups based in Dubai, a leading hub in tech innovation.

Here’s a look at the top trends in the personal safety and security market today, and the main drivers influencing growth in the UAE.

Wearables

Advances in digital technology combined with personal safety concerns has led to a surge in global sales of smart wearables, especially for women. Watches, jewellery and even hair accessories are equipped with smart features that can send out an SOS alert if the wearer finds themselves in a dangerous situation.

Medical wearables, especially, are gaining momentum in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia holding 26% of the market share in the MEA region. Thanks to advances in sensor technologies and the increasing adoption of user-friendly devices, the regional market, currently worth USD 389 million, is predicted to reach almost USD 897 million by 2027.

Apple Watch

After a rocky start back in 2016, the popularity of the Apple Watch has soared in recent years, taking the top spot in the global wearables space with a 55% market share of the smartwatch market in 2020. After suffering a fall in demand due to poor user experience, Apple redefined its smartwatch purpose, and began to focus more on health and fitness features rather than marketing it as a desirable fashion item.

Recent versions of the Apple Watch offer some pretty high-tech health features such as ECG-quality heart monitoring and blood oxygen monitoring. Series 5 and onwards also feature the following medical alert functions:

International SOS – thanks to LTE connectivity, the Apple Watch can call the local emergency services of a country you’re visiting, just as it would at home.

Fall detection – if you take a hard fall while wearing the Apple Watch, it will tap you on the wrist, and display an alert asking if you’re OK. If you’re knocked unconscious, and it doesn’t receive a response from you in around a minute, it will automatically contact emergency services for you.

Invisawear

Invisawear specialises in creating SOS safety devices disguised as everyday accessories. The stylish, discreet wearables work with a smartphone app and feature emergency alerts and location trackers. The US-based startup was founded in 2016 by CEO Rajia Abdelaziz, after personally experiencing a frightening incident when she was harassed by a group of men while walking home one night.

Abdelaziz attributes the company’s success to initial accelerator programmes and her own philosophy of paying attention to customer feedback.

The Invisawear range includes necklaces, bracelets, wristbands, key fobs and even hair scrunchies. These stylish accessories are equipped with a panic button which can text pre-selected emergency contacts, share the wearer’s location or call 9-1-1 directly.

Jiobit

US SaaS company Jiobit specialises in location monitors designed for children, pets, seniors, and people with disabilities. Much like Invisawear, Jiobit’s conception was motivated by personal experience when founder and CEO John Renaldi lost track of his young son in a crowded Chicago park.

Disappointed with the poorly designed, bulky trackers on the market, the ex-Motorola executive put together a team of talented tech engineers to create a better model with his son’s safety in mind. The result was the Jiobit Smart Tag, the smallest, longest lasting location device for kids.

Using GPS technology, the award-winning location tab pairs with a Jiobit Guardian App, so parents can receive real-time information about their child’s location. Stand-out features include:

Size – the tiny, lightweight device is about the size of an Oreo cookie and can be attached to waistbands, shoes, buttonholes, and pet collars.

Battery life – up to seven days.

Learning technology – can remember a child’s routine and usual routes and will send an alert to parents if they go somewhere they shouldn’t or don’t turn up where they need to be.

Secure – data is protected by multiple layers of government-level encryption and cutting-edge user authentication technology.

Smart home security

Thanks to its tech-savvy population and smart city status, demand for IoT-connected home devices is constantly growing in Dubai. The security segment of the smart home market in the Middle East, currently worth USD 8 million, is forecast to reach USD 13 million by 2026.

Google Nest Cam

A top-seller in the DIY home security market, Google’s battery-powered Nest Cam is a versatile security camera that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Using HDR technology the 1080p video records when motion is detected and will send alerts directly to the Google Home app on your smartphone. The intelligent alerts feature can even tell the difference between people, animals, and vehicles, so you can tailor alerts to suit your needs.

Hassantuk for Homes

Since 2018, thousands of households under the UAE social security scheme have benefitted from a government backed, state-of-the-art fire alarm system. The Ministry of Interior teamed up with UAE telecommunications service providers, Etisalat, to create ‘Hassantuk for Homes’, a smart and innovative command & control system that’s fully integrated with the Civil Defence to ensure the fastest response to fire-related incidents.

Using advanced AI technology, the fully automated, cutting-edge wireless system provides 24/7 detection, monitoring and reporting fire hazards in connected residential and commercial properties. Etisalat’s end-to-end fire solution ensures the fastest response, greatly reducing the numbers of fire-related deaths and injuries in UAE homes and businesses.

Market drivers for Middle East growth

 For now, the US continues to dominate the market for smart personal safety and security devices. However, there are several drivers that could impact the market growth rate in the Middle East region over the coming years. These include:

Increased consumer awareness – both in terms of personal security, and the growing use of smart technology by a younger, tech-savvy UAE population.

Smart Cities – government initiatives, innovative planning and heavy investments in reliable technology, high-speed connectivity and cybersecurity create an ideal infrastructure for the evolution of smart security in the UAE.

Smart wearables investment – increasing investment in smart wearable technology and a growing demand for smart devices with advanced features are set to drive the growth of the smart wearables market in the GCC region.

Future construction – as new homes are built, smart tech systems including security solutions will become the norm in construction planning and design.

 As innovative, more advanced technologies emerge, the personal safety and security space will continue to evolve. With its vast pool of tech talent, accelerator programmes and access to investor funding, the UAE offers a fantastic ecosystem for startups looking for opportunities to enter this exciting and competitive market.

Starting a new enterprise anywhere in the world can be a costly business. To help lighten this load and support cashflow in these early stages, Business Incorporation Zone (BIZ) has developed a brand new, simple payment plan called BIZ Pay As You Go.

This way, entrepreneurs can spread the cost of licensing and other business facilities, reducing upfront costs during startup.

In this article, we’ll cover the advantages and key considerations of Dubai company setup with BIZ Pay As You Go, including:

• BIZ Pay As You Go – What is it?
• Benefits of the pay as you go payment plan
• Business license payment plan – step by step
• Advantages of starting a business in the UAE

BIZ Pay As You Go – What is it?

Traditionally, company formation fees had to be paid upfront. This meant that early-stage entrepreneurs had to find anywhere between AED 20,000-24,000 before they had so much as raised an invoice.

To make this process more cashflow friendly, BIZ developed a new offering, BIZ Pay As You Go, giving entrepreneurs a Dubai company setup service with an instalment plan. This differs from a standard monthly instalment plan in that there is no credit involved. In a traditional instalment plan, the entrepreneur would pay the whole amount upfront with a credit card from an approved partner bank and then split the payment into 12 instalments.

With our new BIZ Pay As You Go service, entrepreneurs make payments at key milestones in the formation process.

BIZ is the first company in the industry to offer this type of payment solution. For a detailed and personalised quote for setting up your business, get in touch with our expert team today.

Benefits of the BIZ Pay As You Go payment plan

The main benefit of the BIZ Pay As Go Payment Plan is that it affords entrepreneurs greater financial freedom during the early days of startup.

Reducing upfront costs in any way can help to secure the longevity of an enterprise, and this style of payment plan does exactly that. By making payments at key stages of the formation process, entrepreneurs also get peace of mind that all is going to plan, rather than laying out a considerable amount at the very beginning of the process.

Business license payment plan – step by step

When you start a business with us via our new BIZ Pay As You Go Dubai trade license instalment plan, we will guide you through the following company formation process.

Stage 1: Name reservation

At this stage we will help you choose and register your company name. Here in the UAE, there are a few extra considerations to keep in mind.

In short, you should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e., Dave Mann Consulting, rather than D Mann Consulting. You must also check that your chosen name is available to register.

Stage 2: Apply for initial approval

Next, we’ll manage your application for approval to start your business. At this stage, we’ll ensure that your application form, company documents and other paperwork are in order, helping to speed up the process further down the line.

Stage 3: Apply for payment voucher

You’ll also need to apply for your payment voucher. This allows you to make the required payment to the Department of Economic Development or other relevant authority to start your business.

Stage 4: Apply for external approvals

As well as permission from the licensing authority, you may also need approval from external departments. This could be an industry body such as the financial authority or a local municipality.

Once again, BIZ will manage this entire process for you.

Stage 5: Apply for immigration card

Before the final all-important step, you’ll first need to apply for your UAE immigration card. This allows your company to recruit staff from overseas and apply for foreign investor, partner and employment visas. The immigration card must be renewed every year.

Stage 6: Receive trade license and apply for visas

Finally, we will manage your license and visa applications. The license application is made either to the local Department of Economic Development or Municipality or your free zone authority.

As part of the licensing process, you will need to submit your personal and company documents, including copies of your passport and visa. The visa application process includes a fitness test, medical and biometric scanning.

Advantages of starting a business in the UAE

The UAE offers a long list of advantages to the entrepreneurs and businesses that set up out here. You can trade from its incredible location at the heart of the Middle East, within easy reach of the vast markets of Asia, Africa and Europe.

The country is also home to an incredibly welcoming business environment with numerous incubators, support schemes and initiatives aimed at helping startups flourish. Our tax regime is another attractive factor, still standing at 0% on both corporate and personal income.

Why start your company with BIZ Pay As You Go?

From startup to launch and beyond, Business Incorporation Zone (BIZ) is your perfect partner for everything relating to business setup in Dubai. We are always on hand to guide you through the processes detailed above and provide you with everything you need to launch, grow and compete out here in the UAE.

From visas and licensing to business support services, everything we do is designed to give you the best possible start to company ownership. We’ll always take the time to get to know you, your requirements and your goals before we advise on the most beneficial way forward.

As well as setting you up with our new offering BIZ Pay As You Go, we’ll also help with visa applications, company administration, access to banking services, and the relocation process. Plus, our support extends across the life of your business with our wide range of concierge services.

Ready to get started? Get in touch with our expert team today on 800 BIZ (249), email [email protected], or pop in and visit us at our offices in Dubai and Fujairah.

Business Incorporation Zone is honoured to announce our partnership with Meydan Free Zone. As certified partners, we are now committed to serving Meydan Free Zone businesses with our UAE-based management consultancy and value-added services.

In return, clients referred to Meydan Free Zone by Business Incorporation Zone will experience the many benefits of setting up in this incredible business location, including:

An empowering environment
Setting up your business in Meydan Free Zone gives you exclusive access to a networking community that inspires growth through innovation and collaboration. Dubai is home to countless startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations, making it the perfect city for you to start and grow your business.

A startup-ready ecosystem        

Meydan Free Zone’s trade-friendly environment is designed to be as attractive as possible for the budding entrepreneur. Our businesses benefit from 100% foreign ownership, tax-free policies, no currency restrictions and more. Plus, entrepreneurs have endless opportunities to network with other innovative businesspeople – perfect for forming partnerships with others operating in your field.

Affordable business setup in Dubai

Whether looking to establish or expand your business, Meydan Free Zone offers over 1,500 business activities to choose from along with efficient, seamless, and cost-effective startup options starting from just AED 12,500.

A business presence in the heart of Dubai

You’re never far from the hustle and bustle of the city centre at Meydan Free Zone. Just 15 minutes from the Dubai International Airport and mere minutes from Downtown Dubai.

A vibrant community

Located in the luxurious Meydan Hotel with views overlooking the world-famous Meydan Racecourse that hosts Dubai World Cup as well as The Track, Meydan Golf that attracts stars from across the globe.

Through our partnership, we invite Meydan Free Zone businesses to benefit from Business Incorporation Zone’s many areas of expertise, including:

• Business Consultancy
• Business Planning
• Company Formation
• PRO Services
• Tax Residency Certificates
• Offshore Registration
• VAT Compliant Accounting Services
• Audit Services

Together, Business Incorporation Zone and Meydan Free Zone can look forward to a long and successful partnership providing UAE businesses and entrepreneurs with the support and expertise they need to launch, grow and thrive in the Middle East and beyond.

Building a team is one of the most important things you’ll do as a business owner. The right team can be the difference between success and failure. With great people around you, with a shared vision, your business becomes more than the sum of its parts.

And, on the contrary, a bad hire or two can be catastrophic. Not only do weak team members risk destabilising your organisation, but the cost of finding, hiring, and training is significant – and you don’t want to see that investment go to waste.

The key to picking out the best candidates is a thorough interview process. One designed to help those with talent stand out, and to expose those that aren’t up to the job.

To help you find your next great hire, here are five interview questions that you should ask all candidates.

1. Have you ever received negative feedback? If so, how did you handle it?

This two-fold question can open up a world of possibilities for interviewers. First and foremost, you are assessing how open and honest the candidate is. We’ve all had negative feedback. Anyone who says they haven’t is likely not being entirely forthcoming.

Next, you are testing their communication skills – a hugely important asset in any business. Not only is the candidate having to relay a potentially tricky subject matter to you, but they are also demonstrating their ability to receive and implement constructive criticism.

So, what’s the perfect answer here? Really you are searching for a candidate with the self-awareness to admit a mistake, the diplomacy to take on board negative feedback, and the courage to incorporate criticism into their process.

2. Is it more important to do things right or do things quickly?

This is something of a trick question. Let’s be honest, there’s no right answer here. What you really want is an employee who can work fast and to maintain a high standard.

But whatever answer a candidate gives will offer insight. And it will allow you to start a conversation about your work environment or culture.

Let’s say they think it’s more important to work fast. Now you know you have a candidate that understands the importance of deadlines and has no issues meeting them. You can also start a conversation about how, while speed is important, so is quality. Your candidate can now explain their process, giving you insight into how they work at speed without compromising on standards.

If they say that doing things right is more important than speed, you know you are talking to more of a perfectionist. And that is no bad thing. It also allows you to highlight the importance of working to deadlines.

Again, the candidate now has an opportunity to convince you of their ability to work to a high standard at an efficient speed.

3. Can you think of a time when you have motivated others?

Even if you are not interviewing for a managerial role, a great team needs its fair share of motivators. So, ideally, your candidate will be able to offer more than one example in answer to this question.

Here, you want the interviewee to find it easy to recall an instance or two rather than having to search long and hard. The answer to this question will shine a light on how well any candidate is at reading the emotions of others. And if they are able to impact those emotions positively.

Once again, this question opens the door for you to discuss your company culture. You can explore how their motivation techniques fit with those in your organisation.

4. How do you integrate with a team?

Of course, you need a team player. But rather than asking a more straightforward question – do you work well in a team? This variation should open up a broader conversation about teamwork, delegation, communication, and much more.

If a candidate struggles to find an answer, it could be a warning sign. Team dynamics are so important to success, and any new hire must understand that.

Here you are looking for examples of selflessness, flexibility, and expectations. Are they willing to work a little late to help a co-worker? Are they interested in the social side of work?

This presents you with another opportunity to discuss your company culture and determine if the candidate is a good fit.

5. Why did you apply for this job?

This question cuts right to the core of why the candidate is sitting in front of you. Why your company, why this role, and why now.

Any answer here will give you an insight into how well the candidate will fit with your organisation. It will also let you know how much they know about your business and the way you work. A candidate that has taken the time to do some research is always a positive.

As well as gaining an understanding of the candidate’s motivations, it will also allow you to paint more of a picture of your business – and whether the interviewee’s preconceptions match with reality.

Grow your business with Business Incorporation Zone

Are you looking to expand your business? Move into new markets? Or turn a side gig into a full-time hustle? Then you’ll know the importance of building a hardworking, adaptable team around you.

Open-ended questions can make all the difference in helping you build that team – and can be the difference between a valuable and in-depth conversation and an awkward silence.

Here at Business Incorporation Zone (BIZ), we know all about growth – with years of experience helping businesses flourish through startup and beyond.

We are a team of company registration professionals who are passionate about bringing the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs to life.

As well as handling trade license applications, BIZ can also assist with the opening of corporate bank accounts and advise on the most appropriate financial institution to suit your specific needs.

We also offer visa and immigration services and can handle all government formalities, permissions, work permits, and visa applications required to trade in the UAE.

In short, our experts can establish your company on your behalf, make your license and visa applications, and take care of all the necessary admin – leaving you free to get on with running your business.

It has become something of a cliché – a dissatisfied customer will tell more people about their experience with your business than a satisfied customer. But like many clichés, it has its basis in truth, with several studies finding this to be the case.

But while most businesses dedicate resources to placating dissatisfied customers, many overlook those in the satisfied camp. And that could be a costly mistake.

A recent Nielsen survey found that 80%+ of consumers, from Gen Z through to Boomers, trust referral marketing – with almost a third of Millennials saying they will not try a product if their friends don’t approve it.

Most notably, Nielsen’s survey found that B2B companies with referral programmes see up to 70% higher conversion rates.

And the best part is, putting a customer referral programme in place does not have to be a complex business. Here, we’ll look at how to start generating quality referrals in just five simple steps.

What is a referral programme?

In short, a customer referral programme is any method that standardises word of mouth sharing of your services. This could be a simple forwarding link on company emails, an incentivised programme, or a formal scheme with customers acting as ambassadors.

It is ultimately a growth tactic, aimed at winning new customers on the recommendation of your existing customers. And it works. A staggering 92% of consumers say they trust referrals and recommendations from friends and family.

Create a Customer Referral Programme in 5 simple steps

While customer referral programmes may not be too difficult to set up, they require thorough planning for maximum results. When designing yours, you should focus your efforts in these five key areas. 

1. Define your goals

Before launching any campaign, you need to outline precisely what you aim to achieve. Are you looking to drive sales across the board? Do you want to raise the profile of a particular product or service? Or do you want to increase customer loyalty at the same time as uncovering new leads? Once you’re sure what you’re aiming for, you can start drawing up a plan to reach your goals.

2. Choose the right channels

A great referral programme should be simple. Referral links and messages must be easy for your customers to share and easy for you to track. You should consider whether you wish to use referral links, a customer portal, pre-written messaging, or any other methods. The one that’s right for you will depend on the nature of your business and customer base.

3. Incentivise!

Some customers will recommend your business solely because they love your offering. Others, however, will need a little extra encouragement. Consider what is most likely to incentivise your customers to spread the word. This could be a cash payment, a discount code, gift, or anything else you feel your customers could benefit from. And remember to offer a welcome incentive to your new customers too.

4. Spread the word

Your referral programme can only be a success if your customers are aware of it. There are several ways you could spread the world. Consider placing referral messaging on invoices and in email signatures, as well as prominently in customer portals. You should also contact your customers directly, introducing the scheme, and explaining how they can earn rewards by recommending your business.

5. Be sure to follow up

Your referral programme is only as good as your follow-up. It’s crucial that you make contact with leads as quickly as possible, and that you follow clearly defined next steps. As well as acting quickly to sign up any potential new customers, you should also follow up with your referrers. If they are swiftly rewarded for their efforts, they are even more likely to recommend your business in the future.

Customer Referral Programme Ideas

The more eye-catching your referral programme, the more likely your customers are to engage. From straightforward discounts to contests and giveaways, there are plenty of effective ways to entice your customers to get involved.

Discounts and credits

The most direct way to reward your customers is to offer them a credit to spend with your business, either to their account or in the form of a voucher. Discounts are effective too. These can be tiered, with 5% off for one referral, 10% off for five referrals, and so on.

Prize draws

Offering a big-ticket item can be a great way to generate engagement in your customer referral programme. This could be one of your products or a popular prize such as a TV or tablet. If you opt for this approach, you may want to offer entry to the competition dependent on a successful new sign up. This will help to discourage low-quality referrals.

Ambassador programmes

If you want customers to make multiple high-quality referrals, consider starting an ambassador programme. Here customers are rewarded depending on how many of their referrals sign up to your services. The more successful sign-ups they generate, the more exclusive benefits they receive.

Take your business further with Business Incorporation Zone

There are few better ways to generate new business than through your existing customers. When implemented correctly, a customer referral programme becomes a powerful lead generation tool – designed to help your business grow.

We know all about growth at Business Incorporation Zone (BIZ), with years of experience helping businesses flourish from startup and beyond.

We are a team of company registration professionals who are passionate about bringing the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs to life.

As well as handling trade license applications, BIZ can also assist with the opening of corporate bank accounts and advise on the most appropriate financial institution to suit your specific needs.

We also offer visa and immigration services and can handle all government formalities, permissions, work permits, and visa applications required to trade in the UAE.

In short, our experts can establish your company on your behalf, make your license and visa applications, and take care of all the necessary admin – leaving you free to get on with running your business.

Poor sales questions are an easy way to waste hard work. There’s little point uncovering a lead and grabbing their attention enough to hold a conversation if they are instantly turned off by what you say.

Unfortunately, this happens all too often. Far too many salespeople rely on the same, tired questions, which sound generic and rarely spark meaningful conversations.

We’re talking about questions like “What do you want from your service provider?”, “Are you familiar with our products?”

The first is far too broad while the latter can be quickly answered with a simple yes or a no. Instead, salespeople must use direct yet open-ended questions to open prospects up and reveal valuable nuggets of information. Here’s how.

What are the four important questions?

There is no set pattern to open-ended questioning, so it is impossible to offer a template or formula to this technique. However, there are certain common key traits.

First and foremost, this type of questioning should require some thought to answer. You want to engage with prospects rather than firing easy questions at them. If the persons you are talking to have to search for an answer, they are more likely to be immersed in the conversation.

Questions should also focus on emotion rather than objective facts. For example, rather than asking “Do you have home insurance?” you should ask “How happy are you with the service provided by your home insurer?”

But what about those all-important questions? They are simple: Who? What? When? Why?

Who makes the buying decisions? What do they need? When do they need it? Why should they get it from your business?

Keep these considerations in mind when drafting your sales questions, and you’re more likely to have engaging, valuable conversations with your prospects.

How to have valuable conversations with open-ended questions

Sales questions can be loosely grouped into four categories: qualifying, pains, benefits, and objections. Open-ended questions can help you keep the conversation moving in all these areas.

Qualifying: The first thing to do when faced with a cold lead is to qualify the prospect. The tried and tested BANT score will help you here – do they have the budget, do they have the authority, do they need your services, is it the right time to purchase?

When arriving at these answers, be sure to steer away from closed questions such as “Are you the decision-maker?”. Instead, ask “Who makes the buying decisions at your organisation?” Similarly, don’t ask “Are you looking to purchase soon?” Instead ask “When do you think you may need our services?”.

Pains: When assessing potential pain points, the same rules apply. Don’t back your prospects into a corner by second-guessing the problems they may face. Instead invite them to open up, and ask questions such as “What problems are you looking to solve?” or “What’s preventing you from achieving your goals?”

Be sure when drafting these questions that you only invite discussions about problems that your offering can solve.

Benefits: Benefit-led questioning is key to any sale. Here, you should be looking to uncover what areas of your offering are most valuable to the prospect. Naturally, this type of question should be written with your key selling points in mind.

If your service is faster or cheaper than your competitors’, then focus your questions on price and speed, for example.

Objections: Every salesperson will face objections, but there’s no reason why this has to be the end of the conversation.

If a prospect says they are not interested or does not currently have a budget, ask when that situation is likely to change. If they need input from a more senior member of the team, ask who else is involved in the decision-making process, or if there is another person you should talk to.

When facing objections, the goal is always to extract as much valuable information as possible before the conversation ends. The lead may be cold for now, but the more detail you get, the more likely it can be warmed up in the future.

Whatever stage of the funnel your conversation, the goal should always be to get prospects talking. The more you can open them up about their business, their challenges, their decision-making process, the more you can tailor your sales approach.

Open questions are the best way to do this. But they are not 100% effective. Sometimes a prospect will shut down any line of questioning, expansive or not. In this case, stop with the questions and start with the statements.

For example, “Do you have a requirement for X?” becomes “I notice you have a requirement for X”. This approach causes the other party to ask themselves the question and gives them a feeling of control over the conversation.

Take your business further with Business Incorporation Zone

When it comes to growing your business, there’s no substitute for selling. A great sales team can be the difference between success and failure. And the questions and techniques above can be the difference between a long and fruitful conversation and a dial tone.

Here at Business Incorporation Zone (BIZ), we know all about growth – with years of experience helping businesses flourish through startup and beyond.

We are a team of company registration professionals who are passionate about bringing the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs to life.

As well as handling trade license applications, BIZ can also assist with the opening of corporate bank accounts and advise on the most appropriate financial institution to suit your specific needs.

We also offer visa and immigration services and can handle all government formalities, permissions, work permits, and visas applications required to trade in the UAE.

In short, our experts can establish your company on your behalf, make your license and visa applications, and take care of all the necessary admin – leaving you free to get on with running your business.

Dubai owes much of its modern success to oil. Without its discovery, it is unlikely that our small fishing village would have transformed into the sprawling metropolis that we inhabit today – certainly not within 30 years.

While successful efforts have been made in recent years to diversify the Dubai economy, oil still accounts for a significant percentage of the emirate’s GDP, at around 65%.

Although the extraction, processing, and sale of oil products is highly regulated in the UAE, there are plenty of other ways for entrepreneurs to benefit from this precious resource. A particularly effective way is to operate as an oil trader.

When you start an oil trading business in Dubai, you can trade, and profit from, oil commodities such as CFDs and futures trades. As part of a regulated industry, there are a few extra hoops to jump through to set up as an oil trader. However, with the right support, you can be up and running within weeks.

Benefits of starting an oil trading company in Dubai

The financial benefits of trading in black gold are incredibly well-known. The added benefit of operating in Dubai is that, with the right setup, you can trade in this valuable commodity while benefiting from the UAE’s low income, corporate, and customs tax rates.

However, it is important to note that you can only set up in this manner if you are trading in overseas oil. If you undertake any commercial activity involving UAE oil reserves, you will need to apply for several additional approvals and will be liable to pay a high rate of tax. Naturally, this route is best avoided.

Another benefit of starting an oil trading company in Dubai is the fast and affordable company incorporation process. Then there is the emirate’s location, with favourable flight times and overlapping time zones with many of the world’s most important oil markets.

Steps to start an oil trading business in Dubai

When you set up in the mainland with a local expert, the company formation process is incredibly straightforward. While there are a couple of additional steps due to working in a highly regulated industry, you can be up and running in no time as long as you know what to expect.

A company setup agent, such as Business Incorporation Zone (BIZ), can assist with every step of the process.

Step 1: Choose your company name

The formation process for an oil trading business starts in the same way as any other – choosing a name.

When choosing a company name in the UAE, you must abide by a strict set of naming conventions.

In short, you should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e., Dave Mann Consulting, rather than D Mann Consulting. You must also check that your chosen name is available to register.

Step 2: Find a local sponsor
When operating an oil trading business, you may be required to work closely with government departments and the local UAE market. If this is the case, you will usually require a local sponsor.

Local sponsors can be Emirati individuals or UAE businesses. In both cases, they will hold a 51% stake in your organisation. However, profits are not split along these percentages. In most cases, you retain all decision-making powers and pay the sponsors an annual fee for their services.

Step 3: Make your license application

With these critical early decisions out of the way, you can move on to the most important step in the process: applying for your UAE trade license.

When applying to form a mainland company, this application is made directly to the Dubai DED, or the local equivalent if you choose to set up in another emirate. This process takes place primarily online and can be completed within hours.

We can manage the process for you, informing you as soon as your license is approved, and you are ready to trade.

Step 4: Obtain additional approvals
Your trade license is just the first approval required to start an oil company in the UAE. Depending on the exact nature of your activities, you will also require approval from the Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC).

Once again, BIZ can help you with this step.

Step 5: Make your visa applications
As well as a trade license, you are also required to hold a residency visa to work in the UAE.

The visa application process consists of several steps including biometric scanning, a medical checkup, and a chest x-ray.

As the holder of a UAE business license, you can also sponsor others for their visas. This could be a spouse, parent or child, or a domestic worker such as a housekeeper.

The maximum number of visas you can apply for will depend on the size of your company, your chosen setup and, for dependant visas, your personal earnings.

Step 6: Opening a corporate bank account

Finally, you will need a corporate bank account to trade in the UAE. Obtaining banking services as an overseas investor is not always easy. However, we will take the time to understand your needs before putting you in touch with an institution that is most able to meet them.

Documents required to start an oil trading business in Dubai

When setting up as an oil trader in Dubai, you will be required to produce a few forms of identification, along with several other documents.

Exactly what you need will depend on the nature of your business. In most cases, however, you will be asked to provide completed license application form, a copy of your passport and that of any other shareholders, and two colour passport photos.

In some instances, you may also require a business plan. To ensure all your documents are present and correct, we will liaise with the relevant authorities prior to submitting your application.

Start your oil trading company in Dubai with BIZ

If you’re armed with the right knowledge, setting up an oil trading business in Dubai doesn’t have to be overly complicated.

That being said, it does require a level of prior knowledge of the process. What’s more, it is important to note that the application process is only straightforward if your license application is complete at the time of submission and free from errors.

To help you to ensure that this is the case, it’s a good idea to work with a mainland company formation specialist such as Business Incorporation Zone (BIZ) when establishing a new company in the UAE.

We are a team of company registration professionals who are passionate about bringing the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs to life.

As well as handling your license application, BIZ can also assist with the opening of corporate bank accounts, and advise on the most appropriate financial institution to suit your specific needs.

We also offer visa and immigration services, and can handle all government formalities, permissions, work permits, and visa applications required to trade in the UAE.

In short, our experts can establish your company on your behalf, make your license and visa applications, and take care of all the necessary admin – leaving you free to get on with running your business.

There can be few countries better set up than the UAE for logistics businesses.

It is a relatively short flight from most of the world’s population, at the heart of the Middle East.

Its world-class air, land, and sea freight infrastructure affords it direct links with every corner of the globe. And its low tax regime, plus minimal red tape, allow for easy and affordable import and export.

This winning environment is reflected in the size of the region’s logistics industry, which is expected to generate over USD 30bn in revenues by 2035.

And there’s more good news. With expert help, setting up a logistics business in the UAE can be incredibly fast and straightforward. Here’s how to get started.

Benefits of starting a logistics company in the UAE

If the opening paragraphs of this article haven’t already answered the question – is logistics a good business? The answer is a resounding yes, especially in the UAE.

The benefits listed above – low tax, excellent infrastructure, direct freight and cargo connections, make this one of the top spots in the world for logistics businesses.

Dubai is home to some of the world’s busiest sea- and airports, and boasts great road links to neighbouring emirates and surrounding countries. So, whether you’re distributing goods domestically, locally, or internationally, you’ll struggle hard to find a better base.

Steps to start a logistics business in Dubai

When starting any business in the UAE, your first step should be to find a reputable local expert who can guide you through the process.

Company setup agents, such as Business Incorporation Zone (BIZ), can handle every step of the process on your behalf. As well as removing the hassle of company formation, working with an expert can also help reduce errors and delays, and increase your chances of a successful license application.

We can guide you through the five step UAE company formation process.

Step 1: Selecting your business activities

You’ll need to specify the area of logistics that you’ll be trading in, and ensure that your chosen activity aligns with those on the list published by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).

Failure to specify every intended activity could lead to issues further down the line. However, there are thousands of permitted activities to choose from, so we’re sure to find one that fits the bill.

Step 2: Choosing your company name

Next, we’ll help you choose a suitable company name for your UAE mainland business.

When choosing a company name in the UAE, you must abide by a strict set of naming conventions.

In short, you should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e., Dave Mann Consulting, rather than D Mann Consulting. You must also check that your chosen name is available to register.

Step 3: Making your license application

After assisting with your early admin, we will then move on to the most critical step in the process: applying for your UAE trade license.

When applying to form a mainland company, this application is made directly to the Dubai DED, or the local equivalent if you choose to set up in another emirate. This process takes place primarily online and can be completed within hours.

We can manage the process for you, informing you as soon as your license is approved and you are ready to trade.

Step 4: Making your visa applications
As well as a trade license, you’re also required to hold a residency visa to work in the UAE. Again, we can help you obtain this important document.

The visa application process consists of several steps including biometric scanning, a medical and a chest x-ray.

As the holder of a UAE business license, you can also sponsor others for their visas too. This could be a spouse, parent or child, or a domestic worker such as a housekeeper.

The maximum number of visas you can apply for will depend on the size of your company, your chosen setup and, for dependant visas, your personal earnings.

Step 5: Opening a corporate bank account

Finally, you will need a corporate bank account to trade in the UAE. Obtaining banking services as an overseas investor is not always easy. However, we will take the time to understand your needs before putting you in touch with an institution that is most able to meet them.

Documents required to start a logistics business in Dubai

There is minimal documentation required when applying to start a logistics business in Dubai, UAE.

In most cases, you will only be asked to provide the completed license application form, a copy of your passport and that of any other shareholders, and two colour passport photos.

In some instances, you may also be required to submit a business plan. To ensure all your documents are present and correct, we will liaise with the relevant authorities prior to submitting your application.

Start your logistics company in Dubai with BIZ

If you’re armed with the right knowledge, setting up a logistics business in Dubai doesn’t have to be overly complicated.

That being said, it does require a level of prior knowledge of the process. What’s more, it is important to note that the application process is only straightforward if your license application is complete at the time of submission, and free from errors.

To help you ensure that this is the case, it’s a good idea to work with a mainland company formation specialist, such as Business Incorporation Zone (BIZ), when establishing a new company in the UAE.

We are a team of company registration professionals who are passionate about bringing the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs to life.

As well as handling your license application, BIZ can also assist with the opening of corporate bank accounts, and advise on the most appropriate financial institution to suit your specific needs.

We also offer visa and immigration services, and can handle all government formalities, permissions, work permits and visas applications required to trade in the UAE.

In short, our experts can establish your company on your behalf, make your license and visa applications, and take care of all the necessary admin – leaving you free to get on with running your business.

There will likely never be a higher demand for cleaning services than in the year ahead.

As offices, restaurants, hotels, airports, and more look to open their doors to pre-pandemic levels of visitors, they need to instil confidence. And expert sanitation and cleanliness is a sure-fire way to do that these days.

Such services are likely to see increased demand in places such as Dubai where trust in tourism, socialising, and hospitality is so vital to the economy.

And there are plenty more good reasons to set up out here too. As well as the UAE’s welcoming business environment and low tax rate, it’s also quick and easy to incorporate a business.

With the right support, you could be running a cleaning company in Dubai in a matter of days. Here’s how.

How to start a sanitisation and cleaning company in Dubai

When starting any business in Dubai, you should always engage the services of a company setup agent. Local experts, like Business Incorporation Zone (BIZ), can take care of all the paperwork, managing every stage of the process on your behalf.

We can help you save time, effort, and complications by ensuring your application is present and correct at the time of submissions.

Start your sanitisation company in 5 easy steps

Step 1: Activities

One of the first tasks your setup agent will help you undertake is outlining your business activities. You will need to be a little more specific than “cleaning company”, as the exact nature of your business will determine the license and setup type that you require.

There are three common types of cleaning companies in Dubai:

Industrial cleaning: These companies usually clean large office blocks and other corporate buildings. This is usually not a one-person job and requires a team of cleaners.

Commercial cleaning: Commercial cleaning companies tend to be specialised and highly skilled. As such, commercial cleaning contracts can be hard to secure.

Residential cleaning: Residential cleaning focuses on households. Starting a residential cleaning business in Dubai is a popular choice, as it can be taken on by an individual or a small team.

Any of these businesses can be licensed in a UAE free zone or in the mainland. Here, we are going to look at the latter.

Step 2: Company name
We can also help you decide on your company name, guiding you through the UAE’s somewhat idiosyncratic set of naming conventions.

For example, your company name should not include any offensive or blasphemous language, or reference known organisations and corporations.

If you are going to include your personal name in your business name, it must be in full – no abbreviations or initials. You must also check that your chosen business name is available to be registered.

Step 3: Trade license

Mainland license applications are made directly to the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). Once again, a company formation expert such as BIZ can help you with this step.

Depending on the nature of your business, you will require either a professional services license or a commercial license. The application process is similar for both.

Whether making your application yourself or with BIZ, you are usually only required to provide a few details and some basic documentation, including:

• Completed application form.
• Passport copy of the proposed owner or owners.
• Two colour passport size photos.

Step 4: Visas

You will also require a visa to work in the UAE. As the business owner, you are responsible for your visa as well as those of your employees.

It’s also possible to sponsor the visa applications of your dependants or any domestic staff that you may have.

Whatever type of visa you require, the process is usually straightforward with the right guidance. You will be required to undergo a medical examination, fitness test, blood test, and biometric capturing.

Step 5: Bank account

Finally, you’ll need to open a corporate bank account. Before making your application, you should first familiarise yourself with several financial institutions to find one best suited to your business needs and most likely to offer you corporate banking services. We can also assist with this process.
Keep in mind that:

• You must have a UAE business license to open a corporate bank account.
• Some banks require shareholders to have a residency visa.
• Most accounts require a minimum balance of anywhere between AED 10,000 and AED 150,000.

If your application is successful, your account is usually opened within two to four weeks.

Start your cleaning company in Dubai with BIZ

Hopefully, this guide has made clear that if you’re armed with the right knowledge, setting up a cleaning business in Dubai doesn’t have to be overly complex.

That being said, it does require a level of prior knowledge of the process. What’s more, it is important to note that the application process is only straightforward if your license application is complete at the time of submission and free from errors.

To help you to ensure that this is the case, it’s a good idea to work with a Dubai mainland company formation specialist such as BIZ when establishing a new company in the UAE.

We are a team of company registration professionals who are passionate about bringing the dreams of aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs to life.

As well as handling your license application, BIZ can also assist with the opening of corporate bank accounts and advise on the most appropriate financial institution to suit your specific needs.

We also offer visa and immigration services and can handle all government formalities, permissions, work permits and visa applications required to trade in the UAE.

In short, our experts can establish your company on your behalf, make your license and visa applications, and take care of all the necessary admin – leaving you free to get on with running your business.