There’s an undeniable allure to those individuals who just seem to draw others in, whether in business or personal life.

Ever wondered what their secret is? It’s not about good looks or a magnetic personality.

It’s actually about certain inner traits, rooted in psychology.

These traits have the power to influence people’s perceptions of you, giving you an edge in business and life—and the best part is, anyone can cultivate them.

In this article, I’ll share seven of these psychological traits that can make you irresistible.

You might be surprised at how simple, yet impactful they are.

So, let’s dive in and discover what makes certain individuals stand out from the crowd:

1) Authenticity

In the world of business and life, authenticity is a key trait.

It’s about being genuine, being yourself without any pretense—owning your strengths and weaknesses, your successes and failures, your emotions and thoughts.

Authenticity is a powerful magnet because it fosters trust.

When you’re authentic, people know they can rely on you to be consistent, to be honest, to be you.

As Carl Rogers, a famous psychologist, once said: “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

This means, being authentic isn’t about being perfect or static.

It’s about accepting who you are right now while also being open to growth and change.

When you embrace authenticity in your interactions, people are more likely to connect with you on a deeper level.

Because in an often pretentious world, authenticity stands out.

Remember: Be genuine, be real, and be you.

2) Empathy

Ready for the second trait? It’s empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and seeing the world through their eyes.

I remember a time when I was still fresh in my career, working as a team leader in a small company.

One of my team members was underperforming and it was affecting our results.

My initial reaction was frustration.

But then, I decided to have a one-on-one conversation with him.

During our talk, I learned that he was going through a tough divorce and it was taking a toll on him emotionally.

By understanding his situation, I was able to provide support and adjust his workload temporarily while he navigated his personal crisis.

This experience taught me the importance of empathy in leadership and life.

It creates an emotional bond that helps us connect with others on a deeper level.

If you want to be magnetic, strive to understand others better.

Listen to their stories, share their feelings, be there for them.

3) Resilience

Have you ever faced a situation that seemed impossible to overcome?

Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us, whether in business or personal life.

It’s during these times that our resilience—our ability to bounce back from adversities—truly shines.

Resilience is not about avoiding challenges or hardships.

It’s about embracing them, learning from them, and growing stronger through them.

I’ve had my fair share of setbacks – failed projects, lost clients, personal losses.

But each one of these made me stronger, taught me invaluable lessons and shaped me into the person I am today—resilient people are like magnets.

They attract others who admire their strength and aspire to have the same ability to overcome obstacles.

Psychologist Albert Bandura once said, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life.”

Embrace challenges, learn from your failures and always get back up.

After all, it’s not about how many times we fall, but how many times we rise again.

4) Optimism

Let’s move on to the next trait: optimism.

Optimists are like beacons of light in a world that can often seem dark and gloomy.

They have a positive outlook on life, believing that things will get better, even in difficult times.

But optimism isn’t about having your head in the clouds, ignoring the realities of life.

It’s about maintaining a positive mindset, while still addressing problems and obstacles head-on, and this isn’t just a feel-good trait.

Research backs it up too: A study conducted by the Harvard Business Review found that optimistic professionals outsold their pessimistic counterparts by 37%.

Why? Because optimists inspire others with their positivity.

They encourage others to believe in better outcomes, making them more motivated and persistent.

If you want to be magnetic, cultivate optimism.

Believe in better days, inspire others with your positive outlook, and always keep moving forward.

In business and life, optimism can be a game-changer.

5) Adaptability

The world is constantly changing, and those who can adapt to these changes are the ones who truly stand out.

Adaptability is about being flexible and open to new ideas and experiences.

It’s about being able to pivot when necessary and adjust your sails to navigate the winds of change.

I learned this lesson early in my career when a sudden market shift affected our business.

Instead of resisting the change, we adapted.

We revised our strategies, embraced new technologies, and managed to turn the situation around.

This experience taught me that adaptability isn’t just useful; it’s essential in today’s fast-paced world.

6) Vulnerability

It might seem counterintuitive, especially in the world of business where we’re often told to be tough, to keep our guards up.

But, the truth is, vulnerability is powerful.

It’s about opening up, showing your true self, sharing your fears and doubts, your dreams and aspirations.

When you allow yourself to be vulnerable and expose your authentic self, you create a deep connection with others.

It makes you relatable and human.

7) Humility

Last but certainly not least, humility.

In a world where self-promotion is often the norm, humility stands out.

It’s about recognizing your worth without feeling the need to boast about it.

If you want to be magnetic, cultivate humility—it’s a quiet yet powerful trait that speaks volumes about your character.

Final reflections

As we conclude our exploration of these seven inner traits, it’s important to remember that they are not just qualities to be admired.

They are attributes to be cultivated, practiced, and embodied; they are portals to a richer, more fulfilling existence.

While it’s easy to get caught up in the external markers of success, these traits remind us that true magnetism comes from within.

As you go forward, reflect on these traits.

Consider how you can nurture them in your own life.

Remember that becoming magnetic is not a destination; it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth.

The most magnetic person you can be is the most authentic version of you.

When people meet me, they often feel a bit on edge. It’s not that I’m unkind, quite the opposite.

It’s just that I have a strong personality that can sometimes come across as intimidating.

Now, this isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, having a strong personality can be beneficial in many aspects of life – business included.

But it’s crucial to recognize the signs and understand how it may impact those around you.

Don’t worry, though! This article isn’t about changing who you are.

Instead, it’s about understanding ourselves better and learning how to balance our strengths with empathy and respect for others’ perspectives.

After all, fostering meaningful connections is just as important as standing your ground.

1) You’re not afraid to speak your mind

Speak your mind, they say. But when you do, people seem taken aback.

When you have a strong personality, you’re not one to shy away from expressing your thoughts and opinions, no matter how unconventional or controversial they might be.

This can sometimes intimidate others, who may not be used to such directness.

It’s like you have this internal compass that’s always pointing towards the truth – your truth.

And you don’t hesitate to follow it, even if it means ruffling a few feathers along the way.

There’s a balance to be found here. Speaking your mind is a strength, but it’s also important to listen and respect the perspectives of others.

After all, strong personalities are not just about speaking loud, they’re about listening hard too.

2) You’re decisive and assertive

I remember a time when my team was stuck on a project, unsure of which direction to take. Opinions were flying left and right, but no one could agree.

Time was ticking, and we needed to make a decision.

That’s when I stepped in. I gathered all the information, weighed the pros and cons, and made a decision.

No second-guessing, no overthinking – just a clear, assertive choice.

People were surprised at first, but they soon realized that my decisiveness helped to break the stalemate and push the project forward.

When you have a strong personality like mine, you’re able to make decisions quickly and stick to them.

This assertiveness can sometimes catch people off guard, but it’s also what drives progress and gets things done.

Again, balance is key. Being decisive doesn’t mean disregarding others’ input – it means synthesizing it into a clear course of action.

After all, strong personalities are about leading, not dictating.

3) You’re independent and self-reliant

Here’s the thing about people with strong personalities – they’re often quite comfortable in their own company. They don’t need constant social validation or approval to feel secure.

Their confidence stems from within, and they rely heavily on their own abilities to navigate through life’s challenges.

Individuals who are comfortable being alone are often more creative, better problem solvers, and have a stronger sense of self-identity.

But remember, being independent doesn’t mean isolating oneself.

It’s about having the confidence to stand on your own while still valuing the importance of connections and collaborations.

After all, strong personalities are about drawing strength from within, not shutting the world out.

4) You’re resilient and tough

Life throws curveballs at us, but when you have a strong personality, you’re more likely to catch them and throw them right back.

That’s because people with robust personalities have a knack for resilience.

They know how to take a hit and bounce back stronger.

Whether it’s a setback in your career or a personal loss, you don’t let it keep you down for long.

You grieve, you learn, and then you get back up and keep moving forward.

But here’s the catch – being tough doesn’t mean being emotionless.

It’s about understanding that it’s okay to fall, as long as you pick yourself up again. After all, strong personalities are about resilience, not invincibility.

5) You’re a natural leader

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always found myself in leadership roles.

Whether it was being the captain of the school soccer team or leading a project at work, I’ve always been the one to step up and take charge.

Having a strong personality often means you have a natural ability to inspire and motivate others.

People look up to you, not just because of your confidence or assertiveness, but because you have a clear vision and the determination to see it through.

But remember, with great power comes great responsibility.

Being a leader doesn’t mean lording over others – it means guiding them and helping them reach their potential too.

After all, strong personalities are about leading by example, not by force.

6) You’re not always the life of the party

Contrary to popular belief, having a strong personality doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the center of attention at every gathering.

In fact, you might prefer meaningful one-on-one conversations over large social events.

You value depth over breadth when it comes to relationships.

You’d rather have a few close friends who truly understand and appreciate you than a large group of acquaintances.

But remember, this doesn’t mean you’re antisocial or aloof. It’s about valuing quality over quantity in your social interactions.

After all, strong personalities are about authentic connections, not superficial popularity.

7) You’re unapologetically authentic

People with strong personalities are often true to themselves.

They refuse to conform to societal norms or expectations if it means compromising their values or beliefs.

You don’t put on a mask or try to fit into a mold that’s not meant for you.

You embrace your uniqueness and aren’t afraid to show the world who you really are.

But remember, being authentic doesn’t mean being inconsiderate. It’s about staying true to one’s self while respecting the individuality of others.

After all, strong personalities are about authenticity, not arrogance.

8) You have a strong sense of self-confidence

At the core of a strong personality lies an unshakeable sense of self-confidence.

You believe in yourself and your abilities, and you’re not afraid to take on challenges or step out of your comfort zone.

This self-confidence can sometimes be perceived as intimidating by others, but it’s also what propels you forward and helps you achieve your goals.

But remember, confidence should never turn into overconfidence.

It’s about knowing your worth, not belittling others. After all, strong personalities are about self-assurance, not superiority.

Embracing your strong personality

Having a strong personality isn’t a flaw, it’s a strength. It’s about knowing who you are, standing firm in your beliefs, and not being afraid to make your voice heard.

Yes, it might be intimidating to some, but remember that it’s often because they’re not used to such a level of assertiveness and self-assurance.

It’s not your job to dim your light to make others comfortable.

Being aware of these signs and understanding how they impact those around you is the first step towards harnessing the power of your strong personality.

Use it to inspire others, drive change, and make a difference in the world.

As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.”

Don’t shy away from your strong personality.

Embrace it. Own it. Be unapologetically you.

After all, people with strong personalities are not just intimidating – they’re often the ones who leave a lasting impact.

Navigating a conversation with a narcissist can feel like walking through a minefield.

With their inflated sense of self and lack of empathy, they can twist any interaction to serve their needs.

But what if I told you that there are psychological tricks, backed by science, that can help you outsmart a narcissist?

I’m not talking about manipulation here.

Rather, these are strategies that allow you to hold your ground, maintain your sanity and even get your point across effectively.

Stay with me as we delve into these psychological tricks.

It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about understanding and managing your interactions to foster growth and resilience.

1) Maintain emotional distance

Dealing with a narcissist can often feel like being on an emotional rollercoaster, and it’s easy to get caught up in their drama.

Psychology tells us that one of the best ways to handle a narcissist is to maintain emotional distance.

This doesn’t mean you should be cold or uncaring, but rather, it’s about keeping your feelings in check and not allowing them to control the situation.

The idea here is self-preservation. Narcissists can feed off others’ emotional reactions, using them as a form of validation or even ammunition.

By maintaining your composure and not giving them the emotional response they’re seeking, you can keep the interaction on a more even keel.

This strategy isn’t about manipulation; it’s about protecting yourself and fostering resilience in challenging situations.

And remember, it’s always important to stay true to your own feelings and values while employing this approach.

2) Set clear boundaries

One thing I’ve learned from personal experience is that narcissists often don’t respect personal boundaries.

I remember this one time when I had a client, a self-proclaimed perfectionist with a larger-than-life personality.

He was constantly overstepping, demanding constant attention, interrupting my personal time, and expecting me to drop everything for his needs.

What did I do? I started setting clear boundaries. I communicated my availability, explained that I needed to balance different clients’ needs, and held firm when he tried to push past those limits.

This wasn’t an easy process, and it required a good deal of resilience. But it was crucial for maintaining both my sanity and the professional relationship.

By setting clear boundaries, you signal to the narcissist that you have a sense of self-worth and you are not afraid to stand up for it.

This isn’t about playing games; it’s about ensuring mutual respect in the relationship.

Remember to always set these boundaries firmly but kindly, emphasizing your needs without attacking their behavior.

Trust me, it makes a world of difference!

3) Use the ‘gray rock’ method

Dealing with a narcissist can often feel like being caught in a spotlight, with their attention — and critique — focused squarely on you.

That’s where the ‘gray rock’ method comes in handy.

Originating from the phrase “be as interesting as a gray rock”, this method involves making yourself appear completely uninteresting and unresponsive.

The goal is to avoid becoming a target of a narcissist’s emotional manipulation or exploitation.

Narcissists thrive on drama and strong emotional responses — they’re drawn to it like moths to a flame.

By responding in a bland, non-reactive way, you make yourself less appealing to them.

This isn’t about changing who you are or stifling your personality. It’s a strategy to employ when you find yourself in an unhealthy dynamic with a narcissist.

And it’s not about being manipulative — it’s about protecting your emotional wellbeing.

4) Practice active listening

It may sound counterintuitive, but when dealing with narcissists, one effective strategy is to practice active listening.

Narcissists love to talk about themselves. They crave attention and admiration.

Therefore, when you give them an attentive ear, they are more likely to feel validated and less likely to resort to manipulative tactics.

Active listening involves truly focusing on what the other person is saying, showing that you’re interested and engaged.

It’s about understanding their point of view, even if you don’t necessarily agree with it.

But here’s the catch: while you’re giving them your attention, you’re also observing their patterns, understanding their triggers, and learning how to navigate the relationship more effectively.

Active listening isn’t about enabling narcissistic behavior. It’s about understanding it to manage your interactions better.

And as always, it’s important to maintain your boundaries during these conversations.

5) Don’t take things personally

Here’s a truth that took me a long time to accept: when dealing with narcissists, their behavior is more about them than it is about you.

I used to get deeply hurt when a certain friend, who, looking back, displayed quite a few narcissistic traits, would belittle my achievements and constantly try to one-up me.

It felt like a personal attack on my self-worth.

But then, I realized that it wasn’t about me. Her need to feel superior was her issue, not mine.

Once I stopped taking her actions personally, it was easier for me to interact with her without feeling attacked or defensive.

Not taking things personally with a narcissist is key. It’s about understanding their behavior is driven by their insecurities and self-centered worldview.

It’s not about you, and it’s certainly not a reflection of your worth.

This isn’t about dismissing your feelings. It’s about protecting your mental health and maintaining your emotional balance in challenging situations.

6) Validate their feelings

Another somewhat paradoxical strategy when dealing with narcissists is to validate their feelings.

This doesn’t mean agreeing with their behavior or enabling their manipulation, but rather acknowledging their emotions.

Narcissists often struggle with a deep sense of insecurity, even if they mask it with bravado.

By validating their feelings, you’re showing empathy, which can often diffuse tension and make them more receptive to what you have to say.

The trick here is to be genuine in your validation without getting swept up in their drama.

It’s about showing understanding without compromising on your boundaries.

This isn’t about being insincere or manipulative. It’s about fostering a more positive interaction and managing the dynamics of the relationship.

7) Seek professional help if needed

The most crucial point to remember is that it’s okay to seek professional help.

If you’re dealing with a narcissist, especially in a close relationship, it can be emotionally draining and psychologically damaging.

A trained counselor or therapist can provide you with strategies tailored to your situation, and they can guide you through the process of setting boundaries, protecting your mental health, and fostering resilience.

There’s no shame in reaching out for help. It’s the bravest thing you can do for yourself and your wellbeing.

Final thoughts: It’s about empathy and balance

Unraveling the complexities of human behavior is a task that psychologists and researchers have been engaged in for centuries.

One such complexity is narcissism, a personality trait that has been the subject of numerous studies and debates.

What we do know is that narcissists often struggle with deep-seated feelings of insecurity and a need for validation.

This can manifest in various ways, from grandiosity and entitlement to a lack of empathy for others.

When interacting with a narcissist, it can be helpful to remember this.

The strategies we’ve discussed are not about outsmarting or manipulating them, but about understanding their behavior, managing your own emotional wellbeing, and fostering healthier interactions.

It’s about finding the balance between empathizing with their struggles and protecting yourself.

It’s about resilience in the face of adversity and growth amidst challenges.

As you navigate your relationships, remember these psychological insights.

They won’t necessarily make your interactions with narcissists easy, but they can make them more manageable. And sometimes, that’s a win in itself.

Understanding loyalty in a relationship can be tricky, but psychology offers us some powerful insights.

Loyalty is much more than just being faithful; it’s about commitment, trust, and genuine care for another person. But how can you tell if a woman is going to remain loyal to you?

Fortunately, there are clear signs that predict long-term loyalty in a woman.

Backed by psychology, these signs can help you identify and appreciate the steadfast loyalty in your life.

Each sign will bring you closer to understanding loyalty and nurturing deeper connections in your relationships.

And remember, realizing these signs is just the first step; cultivating balance and resilience is what truly ignites growth in any relationship.

1) She’s deeply empathetic

Empathy is a powerful indicator of loyalty in a woman.

Empathy, as defined by the psychologist Carl Rogers, is the ability to understand another person’s feelings and experiences as if they were our own.

It’s about stepping into someone else’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective.

When a woman is deeply empathetic, she can understand your feelings, your fears, and your hopes.

This understanding fosters a deep bond of trust and commitment between you two, which is the foundation of loyalty.

An empathetic woman is not only loyal in good times but also during challenging periods.

She stands by you because she understands what you’re going through and she genuinely cares for you.

Remember Rogers’ words: “When someone really hears you without passing judgement on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good!”

An empathetic woman gives you this feeling. She hears you and understands you without judgment or attempts to change you.

This creates a space of acceptance and security in the relationship, strengthening her loyalty towards you.

If your woman demonstrates deep empathy towards you and others, it’s a strong sign she will always be loyal to you.

2) She respects your independence

Respect for personal space and independence is another sign of a woman’s loyalty.

I learned this from my own relationship. When I got together with my now-wife, I was amazed at how she respected my need for personal space and independence.

She understood that even though we were a couple, we were still individuals with our own needs and interests.

This respect allowed us to grow as individuals, and also made our relationship stronger.

This reminds me of a quote by the renowned psychologist, Erich Fromm. He once said, “Love is not about fusion, but about respecting the individuality of the other.”

In essence, a loyal woman understands that love is not about merging lives completely but about respecting each other’s individuality.

If she respects your independence while being committed to the relationship, it’s a sure sign she will always be loyal to you.

3) She communicates openly and honestly

How often do you find someone who tells you what’s on their mind without holding back?

Open and honest communication is a key sign of a woman’s loyalty.

In my experience, it’s not always the easiest thing to do. But it’s absolutely essential for building trust and fostering loyalty in a relationship.

Carl Jung, the famous Swiss psychiatrist, once said, “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.”

It’s such a powerful statement that speaks volumes about the importance of honesty in our actions.

If a woman communicates openly with you, sharing her thoughts, feelings, fears, and dreams, it’s a solid sign of her loyalty.

She trusts you enough to be vulnerable and expose her true self to you.

Honesty might not always be pleasant. But it’s the bedrock of a loyal, lasting relationship.

4) She’s consistent in her actions

Consistency is a vital sign of a woman’s loyalty.

Consistency, or the lack thereof, can predict the stability of a relationship.

Those who were inconsistent in their actions and behaviors were more likely to experience relationship instability.

When a woman is consistent, she is reliable. Her actions align with her words, showing you that you can trust her. This consistency builds a strong foundation for loyalty.

For instance, if she says she’ll be there for you in tough times and follows through when those tough times hit, it’s a clear sign of loyalty.

If she consistently shows up, supports you, and fulfills her promises, you can rest assured that she will always be loyal to you.

In essence, the consistency of a woman’s actions speaks louder than any words about her loyalty to you.

5) She values your relationship over being right

Does she value being right over the relationship, or does she prioritize the bond you share over winning an argument?

The answer to this question can reveal a lot about her loyalty.

In my journey, I’ve learned that in a relationship, it’s not about who’s right or wrong. It’s about understanding, compromise, and finding common ground.

Famous psychologist Dr. John Gottman echoes this sentiment. He says, “A lasting relationship results from a couple’s ability to resolve conflicts they inevitably face.”

A woman who is loyal will always prioritize your relationship over her need to be right.

She understands that relationships are built on compromise and mutual respect, not on winning arguments.

If she’s willing to set aside her ego and work towards resolving conflicts for the sake of the relationship, it’s a strong sign of her loyalty towards you.

6) She’s not afraid to challenge you

Now, this might sound counterintuitive. Shouldn’t a loyal woman always agree with you and support your decisions? Not necessarily.

Famous psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”

If a woman challenges you, it means she cares enough about you to want you to grow and become the best version of yourself.

A woman who is unafraid to challenge you, to disagree with you when she believes you’re wrong, or to push you to step out of your comfort zone, is showcasing her loyalty.

She’s invested in your personal growth and wants what’s best for you, even if it means having uncomfortable conversations.

Paradoxically, if she’s willing to challenge you rather than always agreeing with you, it’s a strong sign of her loyalty.

7) She shows genuine appreciation

Last but not least, a woman’s ability to show genuine appreciation is a sign of her loyalty.

As psychologist William James said, “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.”

If she frequently acknowledges your efforts and expresses gratitude for the little things you do, it’s a testament to her loyalty.

She values you and the relationship you share, and isn’t afraid to show it.

Appreciation nourishes loyalty. If she appreciates you genuinely and consistently, you can trust in her unwavering loyalty.

Final reflections

Untangling the complexity of human emotions and loyalty can be a daunting task, but psychology provides us with powerful insights.

In understanding the signs of a woman’s loyalty, we delve into the world of empathy, respect, honesty, consistency, conflict resolution, challenging norms, and appreciation.

Each sign is a piece of a larger puzzle that paints a picture of loyalty.

These seven signs are not just indicators of a woman’s loyalty but also mirrors reflecting our own behavior in relationships.

They encourage us to reflect on our actions and to strive for these qualities in ourselves.

As you navigate the intricacies of your relationships, remember these signs.

They not only help you understand the loyalty of the woman in your life but also guide you in creating deeper connections and nurturing growth.

In the dance of relationships, loyalty is a step that takes two. It’s not just about identifying these signs in your partner, but also about embodying them yourself.

As we close this chapter, reflect on these signs and what they mean for you.

Understanding is the first step towards growth. And with understanding and action, you can ignite an enduring flame of loyalty in your relationships.

One way to support your remote workers is a company-wide phone system.

It makes sense for you as a business owner too. As of January 2027, landlines will become inactive as part of the PSTN switch-off, as will other fixed lines such as your broadband.

Phone systems can either be in the form of a cloud based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or VoIP private branch exchange (PBX). The VoIP PBX is a more modern version of the traditional PBX, using your broadband or data connection to receive calls. As there’s no hardware to install, it’s cheaper than the traditional version. VoIP gives you a higher quality of phone call and is free across multiple sites.

Cloud based VoIPs are another consideration and tend to be more flexible than a PBX system.

VoIPs are at times more expensive. They’re often determined by the number of employees who use it, as you’ll see in a minute. That said, it will still be generally cheaper than landline and these systems have more features than your standard phone.

Why should I upgrade my phone system?

There are huge advantages in everyone having the same system, especially when they’re working remotely. It’s easy to forward calls – it can done by name rather than wracking your brain trying to remember someone’s extension number. It’s flexible too, allowing your employees to take their calls wherever they go.

Take a look at some of the features that you can expect to find on your phone system.

Auto attendant: A digital receptionist which lets callers connect with the right person or department. Alternatively, you can set an after-hours message (outside business hours), set scripts and have your calls connect after a certain number of rings

Business SMS: Some systems have business SMS. With this you can send texts to staff and marketing texts to customers, as well as follow-up SMS surveys. What’s more, you can send someone a text using email to SMS functionality, giving you the direct communication of SMS without all of the faff of typing on your phone.

>See also: Six tips to small business success in SMS marketing

Call queuing: Queue up callers rather than missing important conversations. You’ll recognise a call queue from ringing up other businesses and customer service lines. It’ll play ‘on hold’ music and/or a repeated message to let the caller know that they’re in a queue and in what position. Other perks include automating how long a customer is on hold before being transferred to voicemail and managing queues from multiple devices. Companies with several departments have the option of defining multiple destinations for callers.

Online faxing: Online faxing is cheaper than its traditional counterpart. Platforms allow you to send multiple faxes being sent at the same time and as documents go directly to the recipient, it’s a more private way to send than traditional faxes that can be seen by the whole office.

Video calls and conferencing: If you want to use slides or other images while you chat (or you’re just missing your colleagues), you can opt for video calls. If it’s a conference, you’ll be able to record it for future playback.

Voicemail to email: This function records a voicemail, transcribes it and sends it to the recipient’s email address. You may receive an email with the recording attached, saved to your voicemail inbox (with or without a notification email). The voicemail file will include the time and date as well as caller ID info.

Which phone system should I use for my remote workers?

Below is a brief round-up of phone systems you could incorporate into your team’s day-to-day working.

Virtual Landline

Virtual Landline specialises in virtual phone numbers and virtual office systems. It offers a range of virtual numbers, including London and freephone numbers, making it an ideal solution for business startups, businesses that want to relocate or employ remote working staff or businesses that are growing and need a phone system that grows with them. What’s more, you can port your existing number to Virtual Landline or choose a memorable number to enhance your branding. Make and receive calls with ease with Virtual Landline’s user-friendly app or just divert all calls to another landline or mobile number.

Pricing

Local phone numbers and national numbers: Starting from £4.50 per month (including VAT)

0207 or 0208 London numbers: Starting from £10.00 per month (including VAT)

0800 numbers: Starting from £11.95 per month (including VAT)

Multi-user office numbers: Starting from £6.95 per month (excluding VAT)

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bOnline

With bOnline, you can establish your business with a local phone number, wherever you’re based. On top of that, bOnline has voicemail greetings, call reports, HD voice calls, voicemail to email, call queue and business hours call routing.  

Pricing

Starter: £7 per user per month; Unlimited Calling: £9.95 per user per month; Unlimited Calling (includes a desk phone): £15.50 per user per month

Call recording, HD video conferencing and CRM integration add-ons are available for £5 a month each.

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RingCentral

On RingCentral, you can easily add users and lines as your business grows. You can also set up visual voicemail, voicemail to email, internet fax, paging and answering rules as well as automatic voicemail transcription.

Pricing

Essentials: £12.99 monthly per user; Standard: £19.99 monthly per user; Premium: £24.99 monthly per user; Ultimate: £29.99 monthly per user.

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Dialpad

Dialpad comes with unlimited calling and unlimited video meetings. But it’s best known for AI-powered call and voicemail transcriptions. Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 integrations round off the package, making it easier to use among a wider range of small businesses.

Pricing

Standard: £12 per user per month; Pro: £20 per user per month. There’s also the offer of a free trial for 14 days.

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VoIPstudio

VoIPstudio is a lower-cost option, with call recording, conference calling, IVR and call routing, free number porting and on-hold music. What’s more, you can choose a local number from a list of countries and cities, plus toll-free numbers that customers can call you on free of charge.

It integrates with Zapier, salesforce, Microsoft Office 365, Zoho and more.

Pricing

Pay-as-you-go: £5 per user per month – better if you mostly take inbound calls

2K bundle: £17 per user per month. Get 2,000 minutes per user per month to over 45 countries with one inbound number per user.   

A 30-day free trial is available on both packages.

All clients get all features from the off, with no upgrades or tiered features.

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Which phone system should I use for my remote workers?

Choosing which system to use is really down to features and cost. If you’ve got fewer employees, you could look at one of the more expensive packages. If your business is international, your main focus should be a service which provides international calls. If you’re unsure, do a free trial before you commit.

For a virtual landline or a virtual office solution solution, try Virtual Landline and see how Virtual Landline can transform your business. 

Read more

Future-proof your business communications set-up – traditional landlines are being cut off on January 31, 2027 – here’s how to ensure your communications set-up is fit for whatever the future brings

Five telephone best practice tips for small businesses – Here, Carl Di Cicco looks at five top tips for businesses on how they can improve their phone practice

Why your business should switch to a broadband-based phone network – Analogue phone systems are increasingly being replaced by smarter broadband based networks – here’s why you should consider switching

Best UK business phone and broadband deals – how to choose – You need to understand your business and its internet needs before deciding on the best broadband and phone deal for you

There’s a fine line between being emotionally intelligent and being a master manipulator.

Understanding this distinction is crucial. Emotionally intelligent people use their understanding of emotions to build stronger relationships and navigate social situations.

Manipulators, on the other hand, use this knowledge for personal gain, often at the expense of others.

But how can you tell if someone is a master at manipulating emotions? Well, there are certain behaviors that give them away.

In this article, we’ll delve into seven tell-tale signs of someone who’s adept at playing with emotions.

These insights will equip you with the ability to recognize manipulation, empowering you to make more informed decisions in your personal and professional life.

Remember, awareness is the first step towards maintaining healthy emotional boundaries. Let’s get started.

1) They’re masters of non-verbal communication

It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. And manipulators know this all too well.

Non-verbal cues like body language, eye contact, and facial expressions can hold more weight than the words coming out of a person’s mouth.

It’s these subtle hints that can steer someone’s emotions in a certain direction.

A master manipulator knows exactly how to use these cues to their advantage.

A reassuring touch on the arm or maintaining eye contact just a little longer than necessary can create an illusion of trust and intimacy.

But remember, it’s not just about recognizing these signs. It’s also important to trust your gut feeling. If something feels off in the way someone is interacting with you, it probably is.

Take note and use this awareness to protect your emotional well-being. After all, knowledge is power.

2) They always play the victim

We all know that person. The one who always seems to be at the receiving end of life’s hardships.

I’ve encountered such a person in my life, a former colleague named Mark. No matter what happened, Mark was always the victim.

If a project failed, it wasn’t because he missed a deadline, it was because someone else didn’t give him the resources he needed.

If there was conflict within the team, he was never part of it – he was just “caught in the crossfire”.

It took me a while to understand that this was Mark’s way of manipulating emotions.

By painting himself as the perpetual victim, he could divert attention from his own shortcomings and mistakes, and garner sympathy and support from others.

This behavior is classic emotional manipulation. It’s designed to make you feel sorry for them and less likely to challenge them or hold them accountable.

Next time you encounter someone who always seems to be the victim, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. It could be a sign of emotional manipulation at play.

3) They’re always fishing for compliments

Emotional manipulators are experts at fishing for compliments. They often use self-deprecating humor or make disparaging remarks about themselves, hoping you’ll jump in and reassure them.

This behavior is actually a psychological manipulation tactic called “fishing for compliments”. It’s used to solicit praise and validation from others without appearing conceited or boastful.

In a study, researchers found that people who frequently fish for compliments are more likely to have lower self-esteem and higher levels of narcissism.

Next time someone constantly puts themselves down in a bid to get you to compliment them, beware. They might be trying to manipulate your emotions to boost their own ego.

4) They’re masters of guilt-tripping

An emotional manipulator has a knack for making you feel guilty, even when you’ve done nothing wrong.

They’ll often play the blame game, pointing fingers at you for their own mistakes or shortcomings.

This behavior is about control. By making you feel guilty, they can manipulate you into doing what they want.

They might use phrases like “If you really cared about me, you would…” or “You always make me feel…”. These statements are designed to make you feel responsible for their emotions and actions.

Remember, while it’s important to consider other people’s feelings, don’t let a manipulator use guilt to control your actions or decisions. Stand your ground and don’t be afraid to say “no”.

5) They use silent treatment as a weapon

Silence can speak volumes. And manipulators understand this better than anyone else.

I remember a time when I had a disagreement with a close friend. Instead of discussing the issue and finding a resolution, she gave me the silent treatment.

She stopped responding to my messages and calls, isolating me completely.

This was her way of punishing me for not agreeing with her. The silent treatment was her tool of manipulation, designed to make me feel guilty and push me into submission.

The silent treatment is a form of emotional abuse and manipulation. It’s designed to make you feel anxious, guilty, and unsure of yourself.

If someone uses silence as a weapon, it’s a clear sign of emotional manipulation. Recognize it for what it is, and don’t let it undermine your confidence or self-esteem.

6) They twist your words

Ever had a conversation with someone and left feeling like your words were twisted and used against you? That’s a classic move of an emotional manipulator.

They have a knack for taking what you say out of context, twisting it around, and using it to their advantage.

They’ll often use this technique to justify their actions or to make you feel guilty or confused.

This tactic is not only confusing but also incredibly damaging, as it can make you question your own memory or understanding of events.

If you find that someone consistently twists your words or misrepresents what you say, be cautious. Chances are, you’re dealing with a master manipulator.

7) They undermine your self-confidence

Manipulators have a way of making you doubt yourself.

They might belittle your achievements, dismiss your opinions, or constantly criticize you. This is not by accident. By undermining your self-confidence, they can gain control and power over you.

Remember, anyone who makes you feel lesser or unworthy is not worth your time or energy. Recognize the signs, trust your instincts, and protect your emotional well-being.

Your self-worth should never be up for debate.

Final thoughts: It’s about empowerment

The world of human interaction is complex and multifaceted. Emotional manipulation is just one aspect of this intricate web.

The key takeaway here is not to instill fear or mistrust, but to equip you with the knowledge to recognize manipulation when it occurs.

It’s about empowering you to make informed decisions in your interactions with others.

According to a study, individuals who can identify manipulation are less likely to fall victim to it. This awareness can be a powerful tool in maintaining healthy emotional boundaries.

As you navigate your personal and professional relationships, keep these signs in mind. Remember, understanding is the first step to empowerment.

By recognizing the signs of emotional manipulation, you’re taking control of your emotional well-being. After all, knowledge is power.

Seasonal changes aren’t just marked by shifts in weather—they’re reflected in the world around us. The first buds on a tree, a flake of snow or the arrival of the rainy season all signal a transition. But beyond mother nature, we can also see the seasons change through the displays in our favorite stores.

When you walk into a boutique and notice colors shifting from cool to warm or bathing suits being moved to the back, that’s fashion assortment planning in action.

What is fashion assortment planning?

Fashion assortment planning is the process fashion retailers use to decide which products to sell and display in specific periods of the year. And it goes beyond just the weather—it considers styles, trends, sizes, colors and locations. 

A well-developed fashion assortment plan can give retailers a competitive advantage—improving customer satisfaction, optimizing inventory management and increasing profitability. It keeps things fresh, engaging and on-trend for the brand. Of course, fashion assortment planning comes with its challenges. The fashion industry is constantly changing and evolving, making it difficult to stick to a rigid plan. That’s why it’s crucial to balance risk and reward to stay ahead.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to strengthen your fashion assortment plan with these key tips:

Fashion assortment planning tips and best practices

1. Start with a merchandising plan

This plan is essentially your product budget for the year—a high-level strategy outlining how you’ll distribute finances to ensure products roll out at the most opportune time. It includes key elements like pricing strategies, visual merchandising (both in-store and online), sales forecasting, inventory management and assortment planning.

2. Break it down into specifics

A fashion assortment plan builds on the merchandising plan by concentrating on the particular products and categories. It’s normally updated every couple of months to adapt to new styles and seasons.

For example, if your merchandising plan includes a dedicated winter section, your fashion assortment plan will determine which items to feature—such as trending winter jackets, sportswear and seasonal fashion must-haves. However, like many aspects of the fashion industry, you have to be ready for change because it’s not an exact science.

3. Timing is everything

Successful fashion assortment planning requires careful scheduling, especially for multi-store retailers balancing a consistent brand presence across various locations and platforms. 

Aritzia, a North American staple, is a great example of a brand that continuously evolves its fashion assortment plan. It’s rare for their stores to look the same from month to month—they’re always updating their displays, introducing fresh styles and keeping things interesting for shoppers. As a global brand, their approach varies by location, ensuring their assortment aligns with regional preferences and market demands. This constant evolution helps them stay relevant, no matter where they are.

4. Plan—but stay flexible

A well-structured plan is crucial, but adaptability is just as important. Staying on top of fashion trends while maintaining brand identity and keeping loyal customers engaged is a delicate balance. Some trends are fleeting, so it’s essential to react thoughtfully—trying not to overcommit or miss an opportunity. The perfect assortment plan doesn’t exist, so continuous refinement is key.

5. Use data to drive assortment decisions

At the core of fashion assortment planning is the customer. To keep existing customers happy, attract new ones and maintain brand loyalty, retailers need to offer products that meet the current demand. Understanding your customers’ needs and preferences is essential.

Beyond knowing who your customers are, it’s crucial to grasp how trends influence their buying decisions. For this, retailers must stay on top of key data points. 

Some of the key data points for fashion assortment planning include: 

• sales history
• data analysis
• customer insights
• market trends

By understanding your sales history, you can identify top-performing products and pinpoint those that aren’t selling. With data analysis, customer insights and understanding key market trends, you can get to know the important patterns in the industry and understand the demographics and behaviors of your community and beyond. 

This allows you to make informed decisions about what to stock and promote. Using historical data and past inventory trends, you can also plan ahead beyond seasonal replenishment. 

Lightspeed Insights is a powerful tool designed to help you optimize your fashion assortment plan by providing comprehensive analytics and reporting capabilities in real time.

Lightspeed Insights also offers customizable reporting options, enabling retailers to focus on specific categories, sales periods or customer demographics. This flexibility makes it easier to tailor your assortment planning to meet customer demand and maximize sales.

6. Streamline the supply chain: improve efficiency with technology

When assortment planning, it’s essential to use intuitive technology that ensures you can easily place orders with your wholesalers and brands. This not only saves time and reduces headaches but also provides greater visibility across your entire inventory.

As a retailer, you’ll have more time to focus on your customers and your creativity—ordering products you know they’ll love and enhancing your brand by having the time to build out your style and presence without the burden of a time-consuming ordering process.

Lightspeed NuORDER is a B2B ecommerce platform that connects brands and suppliers with retailers, creating a seamless wholesale buying and selling experience. Key features, such as digital catalogs, order management and real-time analytics, help foster strong partnerships between businesses.

Take Diane from The White Orchid, for example. Thanks to NuORDER, she saves about 90 minutes per order, giving her more time to focus on less redundant tasks. With the digital catalog, she no longer needs to attend trade shows, and everything is seamlessly integrated with Lightspeed’s POS system.

Having one streamlined platform to view your brands, discover new suppliers and interact ensures you’re always ready for changes to your fashion assortment plan.

7. Optimize inventory: implement smart inventory management strategies to balance supply and demand

A well-executed inventory strategy ensures retailers can meet demand without overstocking or running out of key items. 

Lightspeed’s inventory management system is designed to support seamless fashion assortment planning. Real-time inventory tracking provides a clear, in-depth view of product performance and stock levels, allowing you to make immediate adjustments based on trends and customer behavior. 

To streamline operations further, automated reorder points help prevent stockouts and reduce time-consuming manual processes. Low-stock alerts make it easier to stay ahead of inventory demands and refine assortment planning.

For multi-store retailers, Lightspeed offers complete inventory visibility across all locations, ecommerce platforms, marketplaces and social media channels. Additionally, Lightspeed’s Insights and inventory management system can facilitate demand forecasting by analyzing past sales data and identifying patterns over the last two years, helping retailers anticipate demand more accurately.

Bringing it all together

Success in fashion retail requires balancing a structured assortment plan with a flexible, adaptive mindset. Understanding its fundamental role, knowing when to plan versus when to act, leveraging key data points, optimizing inventory and streamlining your supply chain will help keep your brand fresh and engaging. Watch a demo to see how Lightspeed can help you get there.

FAQs about fashion assortment planning

1. What is fashion assortment planning?

Fashion assortment planning is the process retailers use to decide which products to sell and display at any given time considering styles, trends, sizes, colors and locations.

2. How does data help with fashion assortment planning?

Data-driven decisions help retailers predict demand, identify trends and optimize inventory levels. Tools like Lightspeed Insights analyze past sales, customer behavior and market trends, giving retailers the insights they need to curate a product mix that maximizes sales and minimizes stock issues.

3. How can retailers adapt their assortment plan to trends?

A strong fashion assortment plan provides a framework, but flexibility is key to adapting to fast-changing trends. Retailers can stay agile by leveraging real-time inventory tracking, demand forecasting and supply chain solutions like Lightspeed NuORDER to make informed adjustments as customer preferences evolve.

If someone wakes up at dawn, you’d think they’re a go-getter. If someone skips their lunch break for work, you’d assume they’re ambitious.

But let’s face it, it’s not always that straightforward.

In reality, it takes a specific set of habits to truly stand out from the crowd and get ahead. Habits that require discipline, consistency, and a dash of your unique flair.

I’ve narrowed it down to eight. Eight game-changing habits to start today if you want to leapfrog everyone else in just one year.

So buckle up and get ready to transform your life. After all, the secret to extraordinary success lies in our everyday routine.

1) Embrace the early bird lifestyle

We’ve all heard the phrase – “The early bird catches the worm”.

And it’s not just a charming old saying, it’s a strategy that works.

The world is quietest at dawn, allowing you to focus and get more done without external distractions. But it’s not just about getting an early start to your workday.

Waking up early gives you a chance to nurture yourself before the day’s responsibilities kick in.

This could be a morning workout, meditation, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee while soaking up the sunrise.

It’s like giving yourself a head start each day.

Remember, it doesn’t have to be 5 AM. Even pushing your wake-up time back by an hour can make a significant difference.

Set that alarm clock and welcome the dawn. It’s your first step towards getting ahead.

2) Cultivate a learning mindset

They say knowledge is power, and I’ve found that to be absolutely true in my own life.

A few years back, I found myself stuck in a rut at my job. I was bored, unfulfilled, and felt like I was just going through the motions. Then one day, I stumbled upon a book about digital marketing.

I had no background in the field, but it intrigued me. So, I decided to learn more about it.

Over the next few months, I spent my spare time reading books, taking online courses, and even attended a couple of seminars.

I embraced a learning mindset and turned every opportunity into a chance to grow.

Fast forward a year later, I had successfully transitioned into a new role as a digital marketing strategist at my company.

And it all started with that one book and my decision to never stop learning.

Make it a habit to learn something new every day. It keeps your mind sharp, makes you more versatile, and most importantly, it could open up doors you never even knew existed.

3) Practice mindfulness

In a world where we’re always juggling multiple tasks, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos.

But did you know that our brain’s default mode network, the part of our brain that’s active when we’re not focused on the outside world, consumes about 20% of our body’s energy?

Just think about that for a moment.

That’s a lot of wasted energy if not channelled correctly. And that’s where mindfulness comes in.

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, fully aware of what you’re doing and where you are, without being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s happening around you.

Whether it’s while working on a project or spending time with your loved ones, practicing mindfulness allows you to fully engage with the task at hand, leading to better productivity and more fulfilling relationships.

Start tuning into your senses and paying attention to the here and now. It’s an investment of your energy that pays off manifold.

4) Prioritize your tasks

We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but how we use them can make all the difference.

The key is to prioritize.

Instead of trying to juggle multiple tasks at once, focus on what’s most important and tackle that first.

This way, even if something unexpected comes up and disrupts your day, you’ll have already accomplished the most critical task.

It could be as simple as making a to-do list each morning and numbering your tasks in order of importance.

Or, you could use a more structured approach like the Eisenhower Matrix, which helps you decide on and prioritize tasks by urgency and importance.

Remember, it’s not about how many things you do, but rather how well you do them.

Start prioritizing and watch your productivity soar.

5) Cultivate a healthy lifestyle

I can’t stress this enough – a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. It’s something I’ve learned from personal experience.

A few years ago, I was constantly feeling tired, stressed, and overall just not at my best. Then I made a choice to prioritize my health.

I started by making small changes. I swapped my morning coffee for a green smoothie, started taking short walks during my lunch break, and made sure I got at least 7 hours of sleep every night.

The difference was astonishing. I was more focused, more productive, and generally felt happier and more content.

By taking care of my physical health, I was also taking care of my mental health.

Trust me when I say that your health is the foundation of your success. So start making healthier choices today – your future self will thank you.

6) Learn to say “No”

This might sound strange, but one of the most empowering habits you can cultivate is the ability to say “No”.

In our quest to get ahead, we often take on more than we can handle, thinking that being busy equates to being productive.

The truth is, it’s not. Overloading yourself with tasks can lead to burnout and lower the quality of your work.

Saying “No” doesn’t mean you’re not a team player or that you’re shying away from responsibilities. It means you’re setting boundaries and prioritizing your time and energy.

Remember, every time you say ‘Yes’ to something, you’re saying ‘No’ to something else. So make sure it’s worth it.

Start practicing this habit today and see how it frees up your time and reduces stress.

7) Foster meaningful relationships

Success isn’t built in isolation. It’s often the result of support, encouragement, and inspiration from those around us.

Building and maintaining meaningful relationships, both personal and professional, can provide a network of support that helps you navigate through challenges and celebrate successes.

Whether it’s a mentor who guides you, colleagues who inspire you, or friends and family who provide emotional support, these relationships can be a source of motivation and strength.

Make it a point to nurture these relationships. Reach out to old friends, connect with colleagues outside of work, and spend quality time with your family.

Remember, success isn’t just about getting ahead – it’s also about lifting others along the way.

8) Embrace consistency

The most powerful habit you can cultivate to get ahead is consistency.

Consistency means showing up, day after day, even when it’s hard, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s about commitment, perseverance, and discipline.

No matter how brilliant your strategies are, or how many productivity hacks you employ, without consistency, it’s all in vain.

Success isn’t built overnight. It’s the result of small, consistent actions taken every day that add up over time.

Start today and keep going. After all, consistency is the true secret to getting ahead.

Embracing the journey

If you’ve read this far, it’s clear that you’re ready to make a change, to take those steps that will propel you ahead in a year.

There’s a saying – “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. It’s an ancient Chinese proverb, and it couldn’t be more relevant to what we’ve been discussing.

Each of these habits is that first step. And the next. And the one after that.

But remember, being ahead is not just about reaching the destination faster. It’s about growth, about learning and unlearning, about facing challenges and coming out stronger.

As you embark on this journey, embrace these habits not just as means to an end, but as integral parts of your personal and professional growth.

After all, the journey is just as important as the destination. And who knows? You might even find that the journey is where the real magic happens.

Effective supply chain management can save businesses both time and money. Two of the most important components of supply chain management include efficient inventory management and accurate demand planning and forecasting. While deeply connected, each serves a different but equally important purpose. 

Supply chain management encompasses all the processes involved in sourcing, procuring, producing and distributing goods. The supply chain starts with the flow of raw materials and ends with getting products in the hands of customers.

Ultimately, business owners around the world have been impacted by supply chain issues. From a reduced demand for goods, geopolitical unrest, rising inflation costs and severe weather events, there are plenty of obstacles that disrupt the flow of goods. 

That’s why it’s important to tap into the factors you can control when it comes to supply chain management. Inventory planning and demand forecasting are two areas where you have the most control, and that can make an important difference in your bottom line. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between these two key areas. We’ll cover:

What is inventory planning? 

Inventory planning is the process of determining the correct amounts and timing of inventory to accurately meet customer demand, while minimizing costs and growing profits. Inventory planning serves many purposes. Here are just a few: 

Preventing stockouts

Timing is key: knowing your bestsellers and peak sales periods helps determine your inventory needs. Using this information, you can order with ultimate accuracy to prevent popular products from going out of stock. This way, you won’t lose out on potential sales and customers. 

Reducing overstocks

The point of inventory planning is to maintain optimal stock levels to maximize sales. Consequently, overstocking is just as much of an issue as stockouts. When your capital is tied up in inventory that isn’t moving–for instance, if you ordered too much of one item that didn’t end up selling–you’re tying up cash flow that could be utilized much more effectively. In order to avoid this, proper inventory planning is crucial so that you’re ordering the right items, at the right time, to keep inventory moving. 

Optimizing cash flow

Strong inventory planning means strong cash flow. When you maintain the perfect stock levels at any given time, you’re also optimizing your cash flow. Your capital isn’t tied up in inventory because it’s selling, which is the ideal situation. It goes all the way to manufacturing–if you order inaccurate quantities of an item but fail to meet actual customer demand, you’re jeopardizing your cash flow. 

Lowering holding costs

With accurate inventory planning, you reduce expenses related to holding inventory because it’s moving consistently. That includes storage fees, insurance, and product handling costs.

What is demand forecasting? 

Demand forecasting is the process of predicting future customer demand based on factors such as historical data, market trends, sales reports, consumer preferences and more. Demand forecasting plays an integral role in inventory management. Here’s how: 

Improves inventory planning

Being able to predict future consumer demand makes inventory planning simpler. Demand forecasting helps determine optimal stock levels, ensuring you’re ordering based on customer needs assessed through real data. 

Boost production planning

Demand forecasting simplifies production scheduling, ensuring alignment with future demand. This prevents manufacturers from either overproducing or underproducing stock, ultimately improving overall supply chain efficiency.

Efficiencies across the production process

Better informed decision making through accurate demand forecasting enables agility and coordination across your supply chain. Not only are you ensuring that raw materials are available when needed, your relationships with suppliers will improve because you’re able to plan ahead.

Improves customer satisfaction

It’s simple: the more accurate your forecasts, the more satisfied customers will be. By responding to the needs of your customers, you position your business as a consistent place to shop. Customer loyalty will increase, and they won’t be driven to your competitors. 

Related: Read our guide on the retail inventory method.

Key differences between inventory planning and demand forecasting 

Here’s handy table for you to reference before we get into the details. 

When it comes down to it, the simple difference between inventory planning and demand forecasting. respectively, is managing inventory levels compared to predicting future demand (forecasting). Timing and data are two key differentiators. 

Timing

Inventory planning is typically based on immediate and near-term needs, while demand forecasting looks at the medium- to long-term. 

With inventory planning, business owners must make day-to-day decisions, focusing on ensuring current stock levels meet demand. If that’s not the case or there are current supply and demand changes, adjustments have to be made. 

Demand forecasting operates differently. Depending on your industry, market, and business size, demand forecasting covers a longer time frame–several months to even years. Demand forecasting tends to be more strategic, providing insights into long-term inventory needs and broader supply chain requirements. 

Data 

Inventory planning relies primarily on current inventory levels. Accurate, real-time data on stock levels is essential for making effective decisions. Knowledge of inventory lead times–the amount of time it takes for warehouses to receive shipments after purchase orders are made–is also critical. Understanding lead times allows businesses to order inventory at the right time, preventing both overstocking and stockouts.

On the other hand, demand forecasting relies on historical data. Past sales data and trends are used as a baseline, while adjustments are made based on seasonality, peak periods, promotions and other considerations. In addition, market analysis plays a significant role in demand forecasting. That includes economic indicators, competitor research and overall industry trends. Combined, all of these factors make for more accurate forecasting, ensuring you can predict consumer needs to align with sales goals. 

Interdependencies

While these processes are different, they work together as a foundation for strong inventory management. That means you’ll need to rely on longer-term forecasts to inform your short-term planning decisions, if only to avoid making reactive decisions. 

It goes the other way, too. Demand forecasts can be refined based on real-time inventory and sales reports. Because the market can fluctuate, it’s important not to have tunnel vision or exclude real-time data entirely from forecasts. 

Managing stock levels vs. Predicting future demand

In the demand forecasting vs. inventory management debate, inventory management focuses on maintaining optimal stock levels for day-to-day operations. It relies on current data to prevent stockouts or overstocking. Meanwhile, demand forecasting looks ahead to predict future sales. While inventory management handles immediate needs, demand forecasting helps businesses plan strategically for the future.

Inventory tracking vs. Data-driven projections

The difference between inventory planning and demand forecasting lies in the type of data used. Inventory planning focuses on real-time stock levels to manage short-term replenishment, balancing supply and demand immediately. Demand forecasting, however, uses historical data, trends and market insights to project future demand, allowing businesses to plan ahead and optimize inventory.

Preventing stockouts vs. Aligning supply with demand

Preventing stockouts focuses on ensuring that products are always available when customers need them. It’s reactive—addressing supply gaps by closely monitoring inventory levels, and restocking when necessary. In contrast, aligning supply with demand is more proactive. To do this, retailers will forecast future demand, and ensure that their supply reflects it. 

Common demand forecasting and inventory planning challenges

Data inaccuracies

One of the biggest challenges in demand forecasting accuracy is using the right data. Inaccurate or incomplete historical data can lead to poor forecasts, causing imbalances like stockouts or overstocking. 

Retailers need to ensure their data is consistent, up-to-date and easily accessible to improve forecasting accuracy and make better inventory decisions. Then, retailers must take action to ensure that they have adequate supply to meet this demand. 

Seasonal demand fluctuations

Fluctuating seasonal demand can make forecasting and inventory planning tricky. While businesses often see sales spikes at certain times of the year, predicting exactly how much the demand will increase can be difficult. If businesses don’t plan for these changes properly, they may end up with too much stock or not enough to meet customer needs. 

To handle these inventory planning challenges, retailers can leverage data from previous seasons to get a better sense of the seasonal demand they need to prepare for. Retailers can also use inventory management software to automatically adjust stock levels based on these past trends, making it easier when a new shopping season arises. 

Supplier lead time variability

When lead times are inconsistent, it’s hard to plan effectively. Variations in lead times can cause delays or shortages, especially if inventory forecasts are based on inaccurate or outdated timelines. 

To reduce this risk, retailers can work to maintain good relationships with suppliers, keeping in regular contact about potential delays. Retailers should also consider working with multiple suppliers to avoid relying on just one.

Did you know? Lightspeed Inventory Management and Lightspeed Insights work together to ensure smooth and successful inventory planning and accurate demand forecasting. You get a full view of your stock levels, sales and historical data. Both real-time and past data work together to create a seamless process for your business, so you can grow faster.

How inventory planning and demand forecasting work together

Accurate demand forecasting informs inventory planning decisions, and vice versa. Together, they help businesses align stock levels with demand, improve order timing, reduce waste and boost cash flow. 

Both processes are streamlined with the use of integrated systems, ultimately improving supply chain efficiency. This can look like a POS platform with built-in inventory management software, for instance. Some benefits of using an integrated platform for demand forecasting and inventory planning: 

• Real-time synchronization: When your sales and inventory are connected, you will get real-time updates on stock levels with each transaction. You can always rely on the fact that your inventory is up to date, saving a lot of time and ensuring greater response times. 
• Faster ordering: With all the data you need at your fingertips, you can make faster purchasing decisions. Typically, recommendations will be automated as well–based on factors like stock levels, customer trends and lead times. 
• Data to enhance decision-making: You’ll have clear visibility into your inventory needs at all times with actionable sales and stock data, empowering decisions that boost your business’s growth.  

Potential challenges

When inventory planning and demand forecasting processes aren’t aligned, there are a few challenges that can come up. 

• Lost sales: This is a big one. Your bottom line is impacted when misalignment occurs, leading to stockouts. Consequently, you’ll miss out on sales opportunities, face dissatisfied customers and potentially even lose customers. 
• Increased costs: Poor planning and forecasting could lead to excessive inventory costs due to overstocking. Not to mention, resources may be misused, resulting in higher operational costs as well. 
• Lack of visibility: It’s difficult to plan well when you lack visibility into your inventory needs. That’s why data is so important–optimal stock levels are achieved through both real-time reporting and historical information. This will save you a lot of time, money and guesswork. 

All of these challenges can be mitigated by using an integrated solution. As your business grows, the solution you use should grow with it to meet your complex inventory needs. For instance, automated data reconciliation is one feature of an integrated solution that will help you identify discrepancies.

The bottom line

When it comes down to it, your business needs accurate inventory planning and demand forecasting to thrive. Both your short-term and long-term profits rely on it. 

They provide a foundation for strong supply chain management, allowing you to meet customer demands at every turn and grow your sales. 

Looking for a strong inventory and supply management system? Talk to a Lightspeed expert today. 

Running an ecommerce business comes with operational complexities, from order management to tax compliance and inventory synchronization. Manual processes slow down growth and increase errors.

The good news? Lightspeed’s latest eCom (E-Series) feature updates help merchants reduce friction, improve accuracy and enhance the customer experience.

In this blog, we’ll go over how our latest updates help you streamline your business:

• Multinexus automatic tax collection
• Streamline workflows, like promotions and category creation
• Reduce checkout friction with omnichannel gift cards
• Simplify domain setup for your online store

1. Multinexus automatic tax collection

The challenge: you’ve established enough tax nexuses that keeping your books in order is so frustrating, it’s discouraging you from future growth in case you establish yet another nexus.

If you’ve established a tax nexus, which determines whether a business must collect sales tax in a particular state through a physical presence, employees or significant sales, you are required to register and collect taxes. This can be especially difficult if you’re selling online—in fact, it’s much easier to cross-border sell than it is to sell domestically across tax nexuses in the US.

This makes manually managing tax compliance across multiple locations is time-consuming, and more complicated accounting is prone to errors.

Our solution: Lightspeed’s new Multinexus Auto Tax feature automates tax calculations across different online jurisdictions, ensuring compliance and reducing manual work. Instead of spending time monitoring tax remittance, you can set it up and let the POS do it for you. 

That means you can spend less time navigating complex tax regulations and more time focusing on growing your business.

2. Streamline workflows, like promotions 

The challenge: managing promotions separately for in-store and online sales is time consuming, and can lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies. Disjointed workflows mean staff spend more time duplicating tasks and fixing errors, which slows down launches and creates a disjointed customer experience.

Our solution:Lightspeed’s new unified promotions management system ensures seamless synchronization across all sales channels. 

We’ve enhanced the integration between our retail POS and eCom platform for a smoother, more efficient workflow, reducing manual effort and keeping promotions consistent across platforms.

3. Reduce checkout friction with omnichannel gift cards

The challenge: separate in-store and online gift card systems frustrate customers and create extra work for employees. When gift cards are in two different systems and don’t work across channels, customers abandon purchases and staff waste time troubleshooting or issuing new cards—hurting both sales and service.

Our solution:gift card management is omnichannel between Lightspeed Retail and eCom, allowing customers to purchase and redeem gift cards seamlessly across all channels. 

Omnichannel gift cards enhance customer loyalty while reducing manual gift card reconciliation. We are currently rolling this out to existing customers.

4. Simplify domain setup for your online store

The challenge: connecting an external domain to an ecommerce platform often requires multiple steps and technical knowledge, including logging into your domain registrar, updating DNS records in different places and verifying ownership manually.

Our solution: Lightspeed has simplified the process into a seamless three-step flow, eliminating the need for external configurations. Now, you just need to log in and complete a quick setup wizard without technical configuration or domain registrar hassle.  

Streamline your eCom workflow

Reducing manual work frees up time for growth, customer service and strategic planning.

Lightspeed’s latest eCom updates help retailers increase efficiency, reduce errors and create a seamless omnichannel experience.

Already have Lightspeed eCom (E-Series)? Click here to log in and get started with these updates.

Interested in what Lightspeed could do for you? Click here and someone will reach out.