As shared by Antara News, The Asia Pacific region has a thriving freelance economy with Singapore leading the pack as the top market for freelance talent hire in Asia and one of the top 10 markets for independent workers globally. According to data released from a Southeast Asia freelancer jobs portal, India is at the forefront with 2,369,000 users and The Philippines as an upcoming market with 536,000 users. Other markets in the region are also active in the sphere with 412,000 users tracked in Indonesia; and 155,000 in Vietnam; across industries including Graphic Design, Internet Marketing and Programming.

Understanding the Freelance Essence

It is evident that the freelancer segment is now a flourishing community. In fact, according to a survey done by OECD’s Entrepreneurship at a Glance 2015 report, more than 50% of this workforce segment shared that work-life balance and ability to forge ahead their own paths are the main driving forces behind their decision to pursue flexible working.

However, up to this day, this workforce segment is still under-served, under attended and given cut-rates. Additionally, even while freelancers do enjoy way flexible time and work on their own terms, it doesn’t take away the fact that there are times when it can also get lonely especially when they do not have the support of the organization that they work for.

Spotting and Using the Trend to your Advantage

The very few businesses that hire and use freelancers’ services, whether on a long-term agreement or on an ad-hoc basis can be considered as pioneers as they are the ones who acknowledged the value behind freelance working, that is independence and entrepreneurial spirit. They are the ones that took and leapt at the chance. Companies who did this were reported to have enjoyed and still is enjoying its benefits on their own workforce, as shown by the survey done Deloitte in their Global Human Capital Trends report last year.

Business Opportunity & Network Opportunities that go along with it

With the increasing number of freelance workforce, businesses can take this as an opportunity. Having these freelance workers convinced about working in high-quality, flexible, and fully-equipped working spaces for just a fraction of the cost can be a win-win situation for both parties. The more freelance workers find it more convenient to work in flexible working spaces, the more business it would mean. This could also benefit the workforce to work more productively, knowing that their rental for the space is limited, and would then motivate them to focus more on their work. This could also open networking opportunities for both the workforce and service office providers.

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Outsourcing is simple hiring someone, or an agency that is outside of your internal workforce to do a particular project, or a task. Outsourcing tasks, beyond getting help on a professional level, also provides many great benefits for you, your base staff and your company. Outsourcing has proven to be helpful in many office tasks and have provided incredible results to many companies, the reason why outsourcing is still on a roll up to this day.

Fields that outsourcing is known to be of great help are accounting and booking, organization, social media management, email and mail handling, hiring and recruitment, secretarial, and business registrations. Sure, in the beginning of your business, it may feel as if you can do everything yourself, or your base staff can do everything, but as soon as your business starts picking up, it will eventually be hard for you and your workforce to do everything by yourselves all at once. After all, none of us can be experts at everything all in the same time.

Accounting and Bookkeeping is a task that needs proper focus and demand great amount of time. Outsourcing can save you and your workforce a serious headache and great amount of time, especially knowing that this task doesn’t really need to be done full time everyday.

As with mail handling, it could be draining to receive constant and continuous notifications everyday. This may give you an overwhelming feeling and may also cause you to loose focus and have loopholes of every other thing you also have to do.

Social Media Management, although a very fun task, is also very time demanding. Beyond having just to post something, it also needs detailed plan on timing, content, advertisements, 24/7 availability for customer queries and chats, editing of photos and lay outing digital posters and flyers. The task is easy but it could mean your whole day is also lost.

Outsourcing may need from a great sense of trust to the person or agency you are going to hire, but the great thing about this is you get more in return. It will give you more time to do more things, especially the ones that really need your attention and focus. It also gives you the liberty to hire the best ones, regardless of location, because they can do the job even if they are located in other parts of the world. It can also help you reduce your costs because with outsourcing, you usually find cheaper options than when you hire a full-time employee.

It is a good thing to be hands on to your business, but it is also not a bad thing to be open and not end up micro-managing your business. Outsourcing will help you realize that exploring other options that just your own and your usual system will bring you better and faster results for a cheaper cost.

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It is evident today how many start up and small businesses begin and continue operating their businesses from the comfort of their homes. As convenient as it is, it is important to consider having a different address for your business apart from your own personal home. Setting apart your business from your personal life and space can do wonders in organization of your company and personal life, privacy, and most of all, professionalism.

PRIVACY
Privacy is one of the many important issues that need to be addressed by an entrepreneur who is operating his/her business in the premises of his/her home. Business addresses are public, and should be available to not only your current clientele but also to everybody who might be considered as your “potential” customer and it is most probable that you prefer to keep your home private. Using your home address as your business address means you would have to put the same address to your business cards, website, advertisements and just about everything to help spread the word about your business. This means your home address is known to the public, just about anybody can have access to this information.

ORGANIZATION
Setting your business and personal home and space apart will aid you in keeping everything in order. It is beyond your control how many mails will end up piling on your address. Just imagine, if you have a separate address for your business, you can have your business documents stay all together and separate from all your personal ones. It will also save you time to scan through all the mails and separate and organize them one by one.

PROFESSIONALISM
Although first impression doesn’t always last, first impressions still matter. Companies who would like to work with you, whether for a collaboration, or get your company as a vendor, giving them your home address would not give a good image. It will, in fact, give them the notion that you are a small time business and may not have the capacity to provide them the services or products they need, especially if the demand increases. By having a professional business address, you will have the advantage of making your business look more official and trustworthy. It will send out an image that says you are established and that whatever mails they send you will be handled professionally and answered quickly.

Having a professional business address (and a prestigious one at that), is one of the many steps you must consider to take if you are setting up your business for the big jump. The small effort to finding yourself a virtual office that offers prestigious business address could help you greatly in the long run.

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Just last year, the Oxford Business Group joined a news conference and made this statement. “It was unthinkable seven years ago, but the Philippines is the best economy in Southeast Asia today. Investors no longer ask why but where and what sectors they should invest in,” Oxford Business Group (OBG) Managing Editor, Paulius Kuncinas, said.
According to the Oxford Business Group, its investment view for the Philippines from year 2016 to 2022 shows that the country’s strong domestic consumption, growing business process outsourcing sector and newfound political stability are some of the major factors for the country’s growth. Philippines’ large, young and fluent English-speaking workforce, plus, very close trade links with other Asian countries are the main lures for investors.

Here are some of the other reasons why the Philippines is good for business:

1. Higher education priority

It is without question that Philippines is one of the countries who takes education seriously. It is in this country that sets Bachelor Degree holders apart from those that didn’t pursue education. It has been reported that the literacy rate in the country is 94.6- among the highest. Philippines is the world’s 3rd largest English-speaking country.

2. Business-Friendly Economy

As per Philippines’ DFA, Philippines’ incentive packages include the corporate income tax, reduced to a current 32%, with companies in the Special Economic Zones are subject to only 5% overall tax rates. Multinationals looking for regional headquarters are entitled to incentives such as tax exemptions and tax and duty-free importation of specific equipment and materials.

3. Hospitable Lifestyle & Lower Manpower Salary Cost

The Philippines is a natural at being the second home to many expatriates who enjoy the company of the warmest people in the world. Filipinos are well known to be very hospitable to foreign visitors. The country’s openness to varied cultures and a ardently global outlook is a cut above the rest. The expats appreciate the accessibility and affordability of both necessities and luxuries in the Philippines- business centers, schools, shopping malls, hotels, housing, hospitals, beach resorts, restaurants, recreation centers and parks, and most importantly, manpower salary cost for their companies.

4. Unrestricted Business Opportunities

ASEAN Free Trade Agreement or also known as the AFTA has been studied and integrated by many Asian economies. It showed and proven how the Philippines is the most strategic location for firms who wants to reach to the large ASEAN market and its enormous trade breaks.

The Philippines continues to grow its economy and welcomes the upsurge of foreign businesses who have realized this lucrative market that has grown its GDP in the past 4 years. As modern and developed as it is, the country’s Central Business District, Ayala – Makati, in particular, have since introduced ready serviced office solutions and business address use for company registration as well as fully-equipped business centres. Specialists in this business in Asia like CEO SUITE offers more than just prestigious business addresses and serviced offices, they also extend complete business start-up solutions that include: a virtual office, company registration services, accounting and personnel hiring services, as well as branding solutions.

Find out more at www.ceosuite.com.

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When putting up a business, a business plan is a must. It should contain an in-depth plan with complete and specific details on how you will attack the possible challenges and difficulties your business will come across with ahead. Your business opportunities should be defined, your business mission should be stated as it will be a your guide for the rest of your business life, know your target and describe them in details, establish measurable goals, and most importantly, set deadlines and follow them. You should also keep in mind that while it is vital to have a plan, you should also be equally flexible enough to adjust when a business slump is met along the way.

However, more than having a good business plan, one must have a great brand identity and positioning – a professional and reputable company image that can bring success automatically.

How do politicians win? How do movie celebrities become recognized as successful actors and actresses? It is initially their public image in media and in the public that is assessed by the audience. What they see is what people think they are. They can prove otherwise though but what is vital is that the first impression – it is a make or break situation just like any PR practitioner would say.

Just like in any company, the brand image that you create should be reflected in all your marketing activities and dealings with the public. Most of the time, we create a perfect brand image of who we want to become and we strive to become it as we go along in the business. It can in fact be the vision of your company. And one major factor that contributes to this corporate image is the business location or your company headquarters’ address. Imagine if you put a business in the slum area, would you expect your clients to call you if on your website and business cards, what they see is a very shady office address?

Choosing a prestigious and professional location and facilities for your company has a great impact in the creation of your perfect company image. You can be a small business entity but use a highly reputable business address at an iconic building in the CBD area, and your potential to attract new clients are much greater than one working from home and using a residential address on the website. And who says you need a big amount of budget to have a prestigious CBD office of your company? Given the proliferation of one-stop serviced office solutions globally, you can get a 5-star standard office for your business at minimal fees for a few months or even a year. Everything is plug and play, just bring in your laptop and do your work. High speed WIFI, receptionist and secretarial services are available, including messenger services, access to complimentary beverages in a modern business café within a few steps from your office, meeting rooms with video conferencing facilities are also there for use by renting by the hour, business lounges for more relaxed working, document printing and scanning facilities, and any other business support that you may require.

In Asia, you can never go wrong if you get your business address or office at CEO SUITE that has the most prestigious list of business centres and serviced offices in Singapore; Makati, Philippines; Hanoi, Vietnam; Jakarta, Indonesia; Bangkok, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Beijing and Shanghai, China; and Seoul, Korea.

Learn how CEO SUITE can help you on your business, visit: www.ceosuite.com.

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Starting your own business requires wisdom. That is why, business consultancy and advising is common to new business owners, or those who are planning to start their own companies. Turning to the Internet for research could be a good thing, but horde of articles and lengthy lists on the subject might also overwhelm you. The proper approach to this situation is to not let overthinking and overanalyzing get the best of you. In fact, only a few simple steps can help you start your own business towards the road of success. Here is an outline of basic tips you can follow and apply to help you get your business running in no time:

1. Prepare a detailed plan and start with it.

A business plan is a must. It should contain an in-depth plan with complete and specific details on how you will attack the possible challenges and difficulties your business will come across with ahead. Your business opportunities should be defined, your business mission should be stated as it will be a your guide for the rest of your business life, know your target and describe them in details, establish measurable goals, and most importantly, set deadlines and follow them. You should also keep in mind that while it is vital to have a plan, you should also be equally flexible enough to adjust when a business slump is met along the way.

2. Put yourself out in the open and grow your network.

Start your momentum by making yourself available, reachable and known through attending a wealth of events, trade shows, networking groups, business social get-togethers. Through attending events like these, you can gain initial connections who can lead your to future business partners, investors, client prospects, and mentors with bigger network reach and years of knowledge about business to help you succeed in your business too.

3. Get an office.

While it may seem a costly decision for start-ups, it is important to have your business addressed at an impressive business location. Today, traditional offices are no longer the only choice for new business owners. Serviced offices and virtual office have now paved the way to better, easier, and more cost-efficient business operations for entrepreneurs. Like CEO SUITE who offers fully furnished serviced offices with complete amenities necessary for basic business operations at customizable options and flexible lease terms, there are also many others whom business owners can check out.

First impression lasts, so it is best to have your business look as an established one through getting a virtual office, or a serviced office. Everything else will follow and your business success is almost guaranteed.

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Indonesia has particularly focused on their export performance the last year through strengthening their commondity prices. As a result, the trade balance of Indonesia showed of USD $990 million in December 2016, higher than the USD $830 million (revised) surplus recorded in the preceding month.

On record, Indonesia has shipped USD $ 144.4 billion worth of goods to its export markets in full-year 2016. Comparing it to the year before, there was a down of 3.95 percent from shipments. However, this decline was much softer than the 15.57 percent (y/y) export earnings decline that occurred in full-year 2015 from 2014.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s imports in full-year 2016 stood at USD $135.7 billion, down 4.94 percent (y/y) from the nation’s import earnings one year earlier. It led to a USD $8.8 billion trade surplus in full-year 2016, improving from Indonesia’s USD $7.7 billion trade surplus in the preceding year.

Regarding the forecast for Indonesia’s exports in 2017 there should occur an improvement due to the recently unveiled mining rules. Under certain conditions, exports of mineral ore is re-allowed.

Reference: www.indonesia-investments.com

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1. Get in the social media game.

It doesn’t matter if your business is very corporate, or very lenient. Social media has now become a huge part of people’s daily routine- checking and opening their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat accounts every now and then without even thinking. With reportedly over 1.71 billion monthly active users on Facebook alone, it is evident and a no-brainer that every business should invest and consider using these platforms to reach their audience.

2. Blog!

If you have already been thinking about hitching on the blogging rides, now is the perfect time. Writing a blog provides many benefits such as boosting your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for your website, or explaining who you really are, what you really have to offer. Needless to say, it helps a lot on your branding as well.

3. Go out in the open

The problem with so many businesses today is how they have fully embraced the digital world. It still pays to go out and live a little! Many businesses get so turned up in the success of their online presence that they forget to also invest and allot time in being physically available for many other markets, or potential customers/clients. There are still many business relationships that are formed through face-to-face meetings. Meeting people personally is still essential to get people to understand more and be interested more on your business.

4. Host events!

Take opportunities right in your doorstep! Make it happen by hosting a networking event, or a grand socialization party while spreading the word about your business. Giving them firsthand experience or information is still one of the best ways to win projects!

5. Be in the know and stay up to date!

Social trends tend to change all the time. It wasn’t so long ago when Facebook was the only one everybody was talking about. Now, there’s dedicated platforms for each type of people, there’s LinkedIn for straight professionals. Now Snapchat’s the next big thing. We’ll never know when the tables will turn again, but it is best to be able to be in the know all the time. It will help you figure out which channels your clients are mostly using and with that, you will know where to bring and invest your efforts!

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It has been 2 decades when financial crisis stunned Asia’s business foundations- the time when CEO SUITE had started with only one business centre in 1997, and has since then grown and considered to be the industry leader and the first choice for global workplace with Premium Business Centres across Asia, catering to various industries.

Ever since being established in 1997, CEO SUITE has devoted its life and existence to incomparable hospitality- wherein hands-on management mainly focuses on clients’ needs and details. The company believes that to remain the best in the industry and to incessantly grow even more, clients’ satisfaction is of top most priority.

Now with over 20 years of service, CEO SUITE continues to ensure clients’ satisfaction through providing value in service experience, offering the best business locations, investing and providing luxurious and state of the art facilities and technologies, and delivering highest quality of care and reliability towards CEO SUITE team across all Premium Business Centres in Asia. Hundreds of Blue Chip Multinational companies have witnessed and experienced the CEO SUITE difference.

Living up to its vision to be come the first choice for global workplace solution, and its mission to be an enabler of excellence for clients, their team and the community, CEO SUITE holds dear the company values in each tasks for every client: Sense of Urgency, Care, Openness, Ownership, Trust and Teamwork.

Now with larger network base and reach, CEO SUITE provides different services for all client needs- whether it is serviced offices, instant offices, virtual offices, meeting/boardrooms, and professional services for their businesses, CEO SUITE has it. The variety and flexibility of CEO SUITE offerings range from an office space good for one person, or a larger office fit for a requirement of 50 employees to work in at. CEO SUITE Premium Serviced Offices offers layouts for private managerial suites, to open space plan layouts and customized arrangements for a more cost-efficient approach fit for rising and new businesses.

Enabling not only large scale businesses to grow, but also providing better opportunities for small scale and new companies to excel, CEO SUITE furnished offices are offered in customizable options- can be rented daily, weekly, monthly or on a yearly basis- whatever is the most suitable for any business.

For businessmen with sophisticated tastes and only aim for perfection, CEO SUITE is the perfect solution. Experience the CEO SUITE service excellence, enquire now at www.ceosuite.com.

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CEO SUITE has been an industry leader for 20 years now, with its premium business centres instituted in no less than the best and most luxurious business districts in Asian countries such as Indonesia, Philippines, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, China and Singapore and Malaysia. Beyond its invaluable prestige locations, CEO SUITE offers a cut above the rest- that is, its unrivalled consistency in delivery, credibility and dependability among its differences in culture and traditions.

CEO SUITE has not only become an industry leader, but is also the trusted choice for many blue chip multinational companies for its evident and standard sense of professionalism practiced in each of its premium business centres. Over hundreds of blue chip multinational companies have found satisfaction and awe in the CEO SUITE service, and continues to believe in what CEO SUITE brings to the table for them. With a team consisting of serviced office professionals who have a combined experience in the industry of over 200 years, CEO SUITE has shown and continues to do so how even cultural distinctions can be overcome. CEO SUITE predominantly consists of women leaders with different Asian nationalities but with one set of values, strongly and unswervingly applied in everyday transactions across 19 premium business centres for over hundreds of clients in different business industries.

More than the belief on CEO SUITE values, the most valuable strength and advantage of CEO SUITE team is its actual application of its company values. The sincerity to deliver nothing but the uppermost quality of services to each client goes beyond the business culture dissimilarities, and that is how CEO SUITE binds multicultural experiences.

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