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How does one become a programmer?

10/30/2023 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

Becoming a programmer requires commitment, learning and hands-on experience. Here are the steps that can help you get started on the path to becoming a programmer:

Learn the basics:

Start with the basics of programming. Choose a programming language that is suitable for beginners, such as Python or JavaScript.

Learn the basic concepts of programming, such as variables, data types, loops and conditions. Online courses and tutorials:

Use online resources to expand your knowledge. There are many free online courses, tutorials, and learning platforms such as Codecademy, Coursera, edX, and Udacity.

Books and documentation:

Read books on programming and consult the official documentation of the programming language you are using.

Practical exercises:

Program regularly to improve your skills. Create small projects and exercises to apply what you have learned.

Open source projects:

Participate in open source projects. This gives you the opportunity to work with experienced developers and gain hands-on experience.

Programming courses and degrees:

If you want formal training, you can choose a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a related subject.

Specialisation:

Decide in which area you would like to specialise, e.g. web development, app development, database development or artificial intelligence.

Practical projects:

Create your own projects to build your portfolio. This can show potential employers or clients what you can do.

Community and networking:

Meet other developers and network with the programming community. Attend meetups, conferences, and online forums.

Applications and internships:

Apply for internships or entry-level positions to get your first professional experience. Continuing education:

Programming is a constantly evolving field. Keep up to date with new technologies and trends, and continue your education.

Certifications:

Consider obtaining industry-specific certifications to validate your skills and qualifications.

It is important to note that programming is a practical skill that is acquired through practice and application. The more you programme and work on real projects, the better you will become. Choosing the right programming language and specialisation depends on your interests and goals. Be patient and be prepared to learn and develop continuously, as the world of programming is constantly changing.

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Objection "Too expensive" - How to handle objections successfully in B2B

10/30/2023 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

In the world of business-to-business (B2B) sales, the "too expensive" objection is a pervasive obstacle that continues to challenge sales professionals. Customers today are better informed and more price-conscious than ever, which means they often cite price as the main reason for their concerns. But successful B2B salespeople understand that this objection is often more appearance than reality and have developed proven strategies to deal with it. In this article, we will show you how to successfully deal with the "too expensive" objection.

1. Understand the real objection:

The objection "Too expensive" is often just the tip of the iceberg. Customers may have various fears and insecurities that manifest themselves in this objection. Your job as a salesperson is to identify these real concerns. Start by asking open-ended questions to find out why the customer sees the price as a problem. It may be concerns about benefits, quality or long-term costs that are behind this statement.

2. Emphasise the value:

Once you have identified the real concerns, you can shift the focus to the value of your product or service. Show how your offering can solve the customer's specific problems and what benefits it brings. Highlight the unique features and benefits that differentiate your product from the competition. This will make the customer realise that the price is reasonable compared to the benefits offered.

3. Compare costs and benefits:

An effective way to address the "too expensive" objection is to provide a cost-benefit comparison. Show the client that the long-term benefits and savings outweigh the initial costs. Visualise how your offer fits into the client's business strategy and how it will lead to cost savings in the long term.

4. Flexible pricing:

B2B sales often require flexible pricing options. Make sure you have different pricing plans or offers up your sleeve to cater to the different needs of your customers. This will allow you to find a solution that is acceptable to both parties.

5. Offer additional benefits:

To compensate for the price disadvantage, offer the customer additional benefits. This could include advanced training, comprehensive support or exclusive upgrades. Customers are more willing to accept a higher price if they feel they are getting more value for their money.

6. Use social proof:

Reflect satisfied customers and success stories to build customer confidence. Social proof is an effective tool to show that your product or service is worth its price.

7. Temporal urgency:

Create a sense of urgency by highlighting limited offers or discounts that are time-limited. Customers are more likely to opt in if they fear missing out on a good offer.

Conclusion:

The "too expensive" objection in B2B sales can be challenging, but it is often surmountable. By understanding the customer's true concerns, emphasising value, using flexible pricing options and providing additional benefits, you can successfully address objections and convince the customer that your offer is worth the price. Always keep in mind that successful B2B selling is not just about lowering the price, but making the value of your offer clear.

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What is development effort?

10/30/2023 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

The term "development expenditure" usually refers to the costs and expenses incurred by a company for the development of new products, services or technologies. It is a specific category of expenses related to innovation and research activities. Development expenses can occur in a variety of business sectors and industries, including technology, pharmaceuticals, automotive and many others.

Here are some important points that characterise development expenses:

Research and development (R&D): Development effort is often a part of a company's R&D activities. These activities aim to design, develop, test and improve new products or services in order to increase competitiveness or take advantage of new market opportunities.

Development expenditure: R&D expenditure is often a part of a company's R&D activities.

Cost types: Development expenses can include various types of costs, including personnel costs for developers and researchers, costs for materials and equipment, costs for external services or licences, as well as indirect costs such as administration and overhead.

Accounting: In accounting and financial reporting, development expenses are often recorded in special accounts to distinguish expenses for research and development activities from other operating costs. These expenses may be capitalised over time and allocated through depreciation.

Risk and uncertainty: The development of new products or technologies often involves risk and uncertainty. There is no guarantee of success, and it can be expensive before a marketable product or service emerges.

Competitive advantage: Companies invest in development efforts to gain competitive advantage. New products or services can create a unique position in the market or improve existing products.

Accounting requirements: The accounting and reporting of development expenses is subject to specific accounting rules in many countries, such as International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in the US. These rules determine how development costs are recognised, capitalised and amortised.

Development expenditure is an essential component of many businesses, especially those that rely heavily on innovation and product development. Effective management of development spend is critical to ensure that resources are used efficiently and that the development of products and services meets the strategic objectives of the business.

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What are the key best practices for a successful PR campaign?

10/27/2023 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

A successful PR campaign requires careful planning and implementation. Here are some key best practices that can help:

Set clear goals: Define clear goals for your PR campaign. Would you like to increase awareness, improve your image or win new customers? Setting concrete goals allows you to measure and adjust the success of the campaign.

Target group analysis: Understand your target group exactly. Research who your potential customers or stakeholders are, what media they use, and what type of messages appeal to them. This helps you to develop targeted messages and choose the right communication channels.

Consistent Messages: Define clear and consistent messages that reflect your core messages and values. Make sure your messages are consistent across all communication channels including press releases, social media, interviews, etc.

Use Storytelling: Tell a story that makes your company, product or service interesting and relevant. Use storytelling techniques to present your messages in a vivid and engaging way. A good story can engage your audience emotionally and grab their attention.

Build media relations: Maintain good relations with relevant media representatives. Identify journalists, bloggers and influencers who matter to your target audience and build a personal relationship with them. Offer them exclusive information, interviews, or guest posts to grab their attention.

Take a multi-channel approach: Use different communication channels to spread your messages. Use classic media such as press releases, interviews and trade journals, but also digital channels such as social media, company blogs and influencer marketing. A multi-channel approach allows you to reach a broader audience.

Monitoring and Analysis: Continuously monitor the success of your PR campaign. Use media monitoring tools to track coverage of your business. Also measure quantitative metrics like reach, engagement, and conversion rates. Based on the results, you can adjust and optimize your strategy.

Prepare crisis communication: Plan in advance how you will deal with possible crisis situations. Create a crisis communication plan that defines clear responsibilities and courses of action. Responding to crises quickly and effectively can protect your company's reputation.

Build lasting relationships: PR campaigns shouldn't be limited to one-off events. Strive to build lasting relationships with your audiences, including media, customers, employees, and influencers. Ongoing communication and interaction helps build trust and credibility for your business.

Evaluation and Learning: After completing the PR campaign, take the time to evaluate and analyze the results. Identify what worked and what didn't to learn for future campaigns. Continuous improvement based on feedback and experience is crucial to the success of your PR activities.

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Jobs in PR/Public Relations - Tips on finding a job and choosing the right employer

10/27/2023 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

The world of public relations (PR) and public relations offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities for creative and communicative people. If you are interested in a career in this field or are already working in PR and want to change employers, here are some valuable tips on how to find a job and choose the right employer.

1. Be clear about your career goals:

Before you start your job search, you should be clear about what your goals are in your PR career. What specific aspects of PR excite you the most? Is it media relations, crisis communication, corporate social responsibility (CSR) or another niche? Your clear career goals will help you to look for job opportunities in a more targeted way.

2. Build and maintain network:

Relationships are crucial in the PR industry. Build your professional network by attending PR events, conferences and networking events. Cultivate contacts with colleagues, superiors and industry experts. Personal relationships can help you not only in your job search, but also in your professional development.

3. Update your portfolio:

Your portfolio is your business card. Make sure it contains your best PR work and projects. Show how you develop stories, cultivate media contacts and implement successful PR campaigns. A compelling portfolio will impress employers.

4. Research potential employers:

Thorough research of potential employers is crucial. Investigate the PR agency or company you want to apply to. Find out more about their clients, projects, culture and reputation. Online reviews and conversations with current or former employees can provide valuable insights.

5. Tailor applications:

Each application should be tailored to the specific requirements of the job and the company. Emphasise your skills and experience that match the advertised position. Be specific and demonstrate how you can contribute to solving the company's PR challenges.

6. Prepare for interviews:

Prepare thoroughly for interviews by deepening your knowledge about the company and the position. Think about possible questions and practise your answers. Demonstrate your skills in communication and your passion for PR.

7. Ask for references:

If you are shortlisted, don't be afraid to ask for references. This can give your potential employer confidence in your abilities.

8. Match the company culture:

The company culture is crucial to your satisfaction and success in a company. Consider whether the company's culture fits your personality and way of working. A good fit is often as important as the job itself.

Summary: Find your dream job in PR/public relations

Public relations offers exciting career opportunities for talented communicators. With careful planning, preparation and a strong professional network, you can find your dream job in PR/public relations. Remember that choosing the right employer is just as important as the position itself, and make sure you feel comfortable in the company culture. With these tips, you'll be well equipped to advance your career in this exciting field.

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