Posts by Initia:

    How Bloggers Can Manage Money on a Freelance Income

    December 5th, 2019

     

    If you are blogging for a living, you might have become a viral blogger right away because of a few posts you created and now have a massive following. Now that you have changed careers, you need to find a new way of managing your money. There are a few tips below that you can use that will help you manage your money, save money, invest, and deal with emergencies.

    How Much Should You Have In Savings?

    You should have about six months of salary in your savings account. This is a simple formula that has been used the world over for some time. However, you might have a hard time saving that much money. You must make sure that you have created a budget that will help you save money, and you might think about building an emergency fund.

    Should You Create A Separate Emergency Fund?

    You can create an emergency fund using your savings. You might split up your savings between your emergency fund a regular savings account. This is important because bloggers tend to have an irregular income. If you trusted an online agency to pay you, you need some money to use if they do not pay. Someone might have offered you credit and ad earnings, but they might pay pennies on the dollar.

    The emergency fund is set aside specifically for emergency medical bills, home repairs, or major car repairs. People who live in suburban areas need a car to get around. This is especially important if your kids have activities that they need to get to.

    Can You Invest?

    You can invest your money in an app that will help you save money for the future, and you could invest money in a brokerage that will give you good advice. People who are investing can watch their savings grow, and you will have more money at the end of the year than you would if you just put your money in a bank account.

    Plus, you could use a penny-saving app that will round up all your purchases. The app will deposit that money in a special account, and you could transfer that money to an investment app. You can grow your investments throughout the year, or you might work with a broker who will give you advice on making wise investments.

    Investing and saving work hand-in-hand. You should save as much money as you can, and you could invest your emergency fund so that you are not in a bind when an agency does not pay you.

    Can You Protect Your Credit Score?

    You can protect your credit score by using a monthly budget that clearly lays out all your payments. You should work with credit card companies or lenders to defer payments if an agency has not paid you properly, and you must ask these companies to help you remove late charges while you are waiting to get paid. Your credit score can be protected when you communicate with your creditors.

    Can You Manage Emergencies?

    You may be stuck in the middle of an unexpected emergency that you have not saved for. Some people do not have their savings built up, and others just don’t have enough saved for an emergency like an unexpected car repair or emergency surgery. Taking out Missouri installment loans could be a day-saving solution for Missourian bloggers in need of funds to cover unexpected emergencies while you are waiting for your next paycheck. Note you will likely need to provide a source of income for the loan, and lending options vary by state. Whatever state or country you call “home” as a blogger, you’ll want to see what is available to you there.


    Can You Make Traditional Purchases Like Cars and Houses?

    You can buy a house or a car, but you should use the rules mentioned above to work with a lender. You might use your savings to make the down payment on a house or a car, and you do not need to forgo these luxuries just because you are a blogger working off a freelance income.

    Planning to manage your money as a blogger or online writer requires a savings account, investment account, and some proactive thinking. You can contact creditors if you have issues making payments, and there are options if you need to pay for a major emergency quickly and are still waiting on payment from a company you worked with.

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    My Top Tips to Buying a Set of Earrings

    December 4th, 2019

     

     

    There are a lot of different aspects to fashion that you need to master in order to look the part. First of all you need to know how to fill your wardrobe with the best attire out there, making sure you suit different colour schemes and have the right outfits for all occasions. You then need to ensure that all the shoes you own are in tip top shape and go with the outfits you wear out. These examples help to exemplify all the trouble you need to go through to look the parr, but there’s another aspect to an outfit that I haven’t mentioned yet – jewellery. A lot of people tend to underrate the importance of this, and earrings in particular. I can’t overstate enough how important it is that you buy the best earrings for whatever outfits you wear- but how do you do this? Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to make sure you’re in the right. Here are my top tips to buying a set of earrings. 

     

    The first thing you need to know is where you can buy the best earrings for you. Now, this is the same with any kind of accessory and the truth is there’s an almost infinite number of places for you to choose from. It’s not always about choosing from the most expensive shop either; it’s all about choosing what you believe will suit you best. There are a number of ways to go about making this choice. You could simply stroll into a shopping centre and visit a bunch of different shops to get a good idea of who sells what. You could also check out some shops online as they may have more selections available and you could get a good amount of images to look at. Asking friends and family about what kinds of earrings they’ve bought is also a good idea in my opinion and you can always learn a bit from what others wear. Check out DC Jewellery for some examples. 

     

    Of course, as is the case with anything you’ll ever buy, you also need to think about the prices of the earrings you want to purchase. There are a lot of ridiculously expensive sets out there that only a select few people can afford, so don’t worry if you can’t buy the top of the range sets. It’s all about sticking to a budget and picking a set that you can afford. Again, I’d say the best way to choose a pair for a good price is to do as much research as possible. Don’t buy the first pair that you see- look at a number of sets and perhaps look for any deals that are on at certain points throughout the year.If you’re smart about your money, you could end up purchasing a really nice pair of earrings for a really good price. 

     

    If you stick to a good plan, do the right research, find a good price and make sure they match any outfits you’ll wear them with, you have every chance at finding a great pair of earrings. Now get out there and start looking!

     

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    Top four benefits of using the Customized Lift Tables

    December 2nd, 2019

    Large industries and manufacturing plants are always having trouble in the loading and unloading sections. Dealing with heavy equipment and placing it in different height at different times is a very complex and time-consuming process. It requires a bunch of skilled people to adjust the height of the tables. But all these problems can be solved just by installing the Customized Lift Tables. Many modern industries are already using this technology and they are getting a positive result. Though there are many benefits of using the customized lift, let’s discuss the top four reasons for which we should use this technology.

    Meets your requirements

    The size of the table and lifting ability greatly depends on your requirements. So, getting the optimized lifting power for your industry is only possible via customizations. Many companies high capacity units, which can lift 120,000 lbs or more. But the small size industries might not require such massive lifting power. For them, customizing their lift is the best option.

    Boost your productivity

    Without embracing the blessings of modern technology, you can’t run your industry successfully. For instance, you might think human workers are the best, but do you think they can do the cuttings for expensive cars with a high level of accuracy. The obvious answer is NO. High-end car companies are using CNC laser cutting technology to ensure precise design. And all the heavy lifting of the parts and equipment are done via Customized Lift Tables. It’s not like the big company owners can’t afford the heaviest lifting units rather it’s about efficiency. With the optimized settings of the lifting equipment, they are improving the ergonomics in their workplace.

    Significant help for the construction workers

    The construction workers are always working in different heights and lifting heavy units. Most of the process is done via human and it increases the risk of damaging the product. Most importantly, human workers don’t get the perfect angle to finish their work on a significant height. But with the help of lifting tables, the members of the construction teams can easily work at a different height. Most importantly, loading and unloading will be much easier and safer.

    Easy to installation and portable in nature

    The customized lifts or the lifting table are easy very to install and you can easily reallocate the tables. The shifting process of these tables doesn’t require too much manpower. The low capacity units can be easily reallocated to a new place by a single worker. The worker can also operate the height of the table with some simple push of the buttons. However, these customized tables can also be programmed to meet user requirements. So, if you are dealing with loading and unloading in a fast-paced environment, these tables might give the best solution. Though the initial cost might seem high once you get used to this equipment, the unit will save tons of money for your industry. 

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    South Carolina Living: How To Get a Bad Credit Loan in the Palmetto State

    November 30th, 2019

     

    The Palmetto State is known for its high sales and income taxes and low property taxes. The state is an excellent spot for home costs, with rental prices staying less expensive than the national median. 

     

    When it comes to food and utilities, however, this is where you might be spending a bit more. Based on statistics, the cost of food and utilities in South Carolina is higher compared to the rest of the US. But do not worry, if you need financial help with a poor credit score in South Carolina loans for bad credit is available. Whether you want to get a loan for a new house, to pay for rent, or to add to your budget for utilities, many South Carolina-based lenders are ready to help. 

     

    Bad Credit Loan 

     

    A bad credit loan is offered to people with low credit ratings. The loan is similar to a personal loan, payable in predetermined monthly installments. Most banks and lending institutions in South Carolina do not usually lend money to people with lousy credit scores. And if they do, these borrowers are considered high-risks. Companies have no choice but to charge them high-interest rates to cover the risks.

     

    If you are in dire need of money, most of the time, you agree to these terms. Ultimately, the money that you borrowed cannot truly help you. Instead, you bury yourself in unconscientious interest rates. It is like adding insult to injury. 

     

    How much money can you take out as a loan from San Carolina lending institutions?

     

    In South Carolina, loans for bad credit provide better interest rates. It is because the lender does not only look at your credit rating. In most South Carolina-based lending institutions, you can borrow as small as $650 or as big as $2,000. Instead of only your credit score, your loan application and your repayment history are taken into account. 

     

    What are the terms of payment available? 

     

    The loan repayment terms vary from one company to another. Then again, most of the time, these South Carolina-based lending companies allow the borrower to choose the number of monthly installments for loan repayment. Loan borrowers can usually choose to pay their loan eight to 26 bi-weekly payments, eight to 24 bi-monthly installments, or four to 12 monthly payments. The loan repayment scheme is so flexible, so there is no reason for you to miss your monthly loan amortization. 

     

    How to apply for a loan in South Carolina-based lending companies?

     

    You can apply for a bad credit loan online. And though the process differs from one company to another, generally, it only takes a couple of minutes to complete a loan application

     

    You usually start the loan application by choosing your South Carolina as your state and indicating how much money you need as a loan. You will also need to disclose certain information such as your full name, address, contact details, employment information, and so on. 

     

    Once you are done filling up the information, you will be directed to a page where you will e-sign the loan agreement. After, you will need to verify your bank account. Once your loan is approved, your funds will be credited to the bank account you provided. 

     

    The good thing about these companies is they disburse loans as early as 24 hours after approval of the loan application. If you need the money for an emergency, you can get it in time to cover your needs. 

     

    The Takeaway 

     

    Most of the time, people with bad credit scores stay away from banks and lending institutions. They accept the fact that they will never get a loan because of their credit history. But things changed when companies started to look beyond the borrowers’ credit score and offered them new chances to redeem themselves financially. 

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    How to Make Money From Your Old Stuff Online

    November 29th, 2019

     

    Most people move through this world with a gathered stream of possessions and old bits and bobs behind them, dragged along from household to household without serving much of a purpose in their lives. This bundle of underused possessions can consist of so many different items – from old clothes to digital devices you no longer require – and you can find yourself burdened down with the sheer weight and variety of what you own. 

    In this article, you’ll learn how to sell your old stuff online, making cash from the items that you no longer require. 

    Taking Pictures

    Your first step is to take professional photographs of all of the items that you want to sell. It makes more sense to group your items by theme – but you should be aware that shoppers online are unlikely to want to buy a bundle of five dresses or ten DVDs – they just want the one that their collection is missing, or the dress that they’ve fallen in love with. As such, individual listings are usually your best bet at making high-value sales, whereas bulk listings will make you far less cash. Be aware of this when you take pictures of your items that you wish to sell. 

    Find a Listings Site

    Next, you’re going to need to find a website upon which you list your items. You’ll find that the best websites are slightly informal, and often more local than the global e-commerce sites like Amazon and Google’s Store. For North Americans, for instance, it’s leolist.cc that’ll serve this purpose well – allowing you to post multiple adverts online showing off your wares, targeted towards a user base that’s looking for products just like yours.

    Remember that it’s not just your items that are up for sale and reviewed by users on these platforms – it’s also your trustworthiness and your reviews that people will be taking note of. Make sure that you’re open and friendly in your product descriptions in order to encourage web users to trust your listings, and make the bids of purchases that you’re looking to secure from your old things.

    Setting Prices

    The last thing you need to consider is what kind of prices you’ll be setting for your products. Remember that online shoppers on listings websites are looking for bargains, so you shouldn’t be expecting to get RRP prices for your products – instead, offer exciting discounts, or even consider asking simply for monetary offers for your things from those who are interested. Being flexible might help you make more sales. 

    Posting

    Once you’ve made sales, it’s time to wrap up your products and get them to a post office. This is simple on the first time, but can be a little tiresome when you’re selling dozens or even hundreds of products, and shipping them all over the continent, if not the world. As such, invest in bulk packing equipment, and be careful to post on time, in order to quickly offload your old things – for cash. 

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    How to pretend you’re an amazing designer

    November 28th, 2019

     

    Wish that you could be a better designer? Want to give the impression that designing is something that comes naturally to you? You never know, if you pretend long enough that you are an amazing designer, then your design skills are only going to improve!

    To help you on your way, here are some of the best ways to pretend that you are an amazing designer. 

    Make everything a delight

    Are you someone who loves animations, generic, but cute illustrations and a lot of clever copy? If you have ever been asked to justify these things, then one single word could be all that you are looking for. If you make everything a delight, then you will be adding emotional connection with the user, which means that it doesn’t matter about the rest of the design! 

    Use some industry language

    When it comes to business advice, the main thing that you are going to be told is that you should never confuse anyone with industry language. However, when it comes to showcasing yourself as an amazing designer, this could be the exact thing to do. Use a lot of jargon when you talk and not only will you have the appearance of being an expert, but you will also suitably confuse those around you to the point that they won’t want to ask what exactly is going on with your design. 

    Focus on the way it looks

    Designing something means that you are going to be focused a lot on how something looks, however, there is a good chance that you will also be asked to look at functionality. If you are not sure that you are going to be able to deliver both of these things, then it is a much better idea to focus on the aesthetics over everything else. If you can wow them with this, then chances are that they won’t look too deeply for the other things. 

    Make sure you appear busy

    When someone is choosing a designer, they are going to want to know whether or not they are a popular choice with other people. If you are just starting out and need to make it look like you have plenty to do, then this possible. Display other designs that you may have done, or, if that is limited, quickly draw up basic sketches and let your clients know that they are things that you are currently working on for other clients. 

    Over time, if you pretend like you are a pro designer, then we are sure that it will become the norm for you, before you know it, you will be a fully fledged pro designer and you will feel ready to face the design world and be an expert in what you do! 

    Design is not only important when it comes to products, but it is also a key part of marketing too. Want to learn more about roller banners and their design process? Take a look at this pull-up banners article to find out as much as you need to know about roller banner design. 

     

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    What Makes EQ the New IQ for Success?

    November 28th, 2019

     

    Technical skills are essential to accomplish the first level of success, regardless of the field you are in. But, they can’t guarantee persistence in your career or personal life. There is always an emotional element that helps to manage the stress, collaborate with teams, and deliver the right feedback. It is emotional intelligence that makes a difference in your success story. 

    When analyzing EQ vs IQ, you will recognize that emotional intelligence is as important as IQ for success. 

    Let’s understand the difference between the two:

    IQ or Intelligence Quotient is a score that depends on a standardized evaluation of your mental capabilities. It is a predictor of your career path. 

    Emotional Intelligence Quotient or EQ, on the other hand, is a score of your emotional prowess. When you want to achieve success and balance in your work life, nurture your EQ instead of relying solely on IQ. 

    A major part of your success depends on your skills in human engineering using communication, interactions, and leadership. These are attributes that align with emotional intelligence. So, you need both EQ and IQ to focus on your goals and accomplish them with a flourish.  

    What Components of EQ Make It the New IQ?

    The idea of EQ vs IQ depends on your ability to manage your emotions in perfect alignment with your logical thinking and reasoning. It includes:

    Exercising Self-Control

    For being successful, possessing the ability to think before you act is vital. You should be equally capable of controlling your negative emotions that can hamper logical thinking. Being comfortable with change and exercising self-regulation is imperative to succeed, especially when building new relationships. So, always be in control and keep your calm under overtly emotional situations as well.

    Being Self-Aware

    When you recognize your emotions, it becomes easier to judge their impact on others. The ability to monitor your emotional mindset keeps you in control. If you can observe your actions and evaluate them logically, emotions will not overtake you. They will instead help you to manage the negative feelings and nurture positive thoughts. Bring out the best of your feelings to find the best in others.

    Practicing Empathy

    The success in your professional life depends a lot on your ability to understand the emotions of people who look upon you. Empathy is a critical leadership skill to recognize the emotions of others. You can utilize these insights to build strong bonds and handle performance issues when managing a team. 

    Infusing Self-Management

    The ability to manage your emotions under stressful conditions defines your positive outlook. If you lack self-management skills, it can be hard to control the impulses that often lead to wrong decisions. Though reactions are automatic, you can transcend from reaction to respond once you are attuned with your emotions. 

    Nurturing Social Awareness

    Although self-management of emotions is necessary, you can’t ignore the need to recognize the emotions of others as well. Use relationship building, collaborations, and conflict management techniques to find common ground with your peers and teams. Explore your ability to influence and mentor by resolving conflicts and motivating them.

    You might be good at whatever you do in your personal or professional life. But, emotional intelligence brings consistency and sustainability to your success.   

     

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    Advantages of Refinancing Loans

    November 27th, 2019

     

     

    Mortgage applications can be quite complicated primarily because the decisions rely on economic stability. Sometimes, consumers hesitate to refinance because of the fear that they would not have a return on investment. However, this is not the case since enrolling for a new loan constitutes lower interest prices and more favorable terms. 

    80% of loans obtained in 2018 carry a whopping 0.75% higher interest rate than the current rate of 3.49%. Overall, half of the American mortgagees have 75 points higher than the prevailing average. Besides, 11.7 million have the credit score and value ratios required for the process. These statistics only prove that homeowners should maximize this surge and opt to refinance mortgage

    A Process Guideline

    When buying a residential property, people usually acquire a mortgage that will pay for it. Technically, the money will go to the property seller. Refinancing will help the homeowner to acquire a new lease, which will pay off the balance of the old one. The payments for the loan will resume with the new lender. 

    Like other loan applications, you need to qualify first according to the standards set by the lender before you refinance a mortgage. These are the steps that you will be undertaking.

    1. Define your goal and stick to it. 
    2. Apply to three to five lenders and make sure to file them within two weeks to minimize the impact on the credit score. 
    3. Make a comparative analysis of their proposals. The lenders usually provide a document containing information about loan estimates. The loan that you will be getting should cater to the needs of the goal, whether you want to decrease monthly payments or reduce the credit term.
    4. Lock the interest rate and keep in mind that it cannot change for a specific period.
    5. Close the loan deal before the rate lock reaches expiration. This process includes finalization and payment of costs. 

    Why Do It? 

    Data also shows that the process can shave off an estimated 1.75% interest rate, which will help loaners save big. Additionally, these are the reasons why you should consider refinancing.

    1. The process can significantly decrease monthly payments compared to your old loan. It’s possible because the new one has a lower interest rate and can offer you an option to extend the term.
    2. Clients who have a lower interest rate usually acquire a cash-out refinance spontaneously. The lender gives out a difference check, which will help you enter equity.
    3. The payment of the loan will be faster and cheaper. When you acquire a new and shorter loan from a longer mortgage, you will be paying it in half the time that you would have spent on the older one. Thus, there will be a lesser interest rate.
    4. With sufficient accumulated equity, you can cancel private and conventional home loans. An example of this is the Federal Housing Administration mortgage, which is difficult to withdraw. To calculate the equity, determine the property worth and subtract your balance. 
    5. A refinanced loan has a fixed rate that will help you establish financial stability through steady payments.

     

    In the grand scheme of global economics where everything may change, refinancing mortgages entail a more stable and streamlined process. The expert market forecasts show that now is the best time to apply for a new loan, so what are you waiting for?

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    If I Get into an Accident, What Should I Do?

    November 27th, 2019

    Driving comes with many dangers, and you can only do so much to prevent a collision. In 2016, 1,530 people were injured or killed in Oxnard car accidents. Sadly, most people aren’t prepared for the possibility of being involved in a car crash. By learning what steps you should take after an accident, you can be ready for the worst.

    1. Stop Your Vehicle

    No matter how minor an accidental may seem, you need to stop your vehicle. In California, you have a legal obligation to stop for any crash that involves a person, vehicle, or property. Attempting to drive away makes you guilty of a hit and run, which only compounds your problems.

     

    If the accident involves an injury, you’re obligated to notify the police. However, you might want to do so even if there are no injuries. The police report could be useful in your attempt to seek compensation for your vehicle repairs.

    2. Check for Injuries

    The first thing you should do after a collision is check for injuries. Before you do anything else, evaluate yourself. Do you have any pain or obvious injuries? If so, you may need an ambulance. In the event that you suspect harm, you should get medical attention.

     

    It’s also crucial that you check other passengers and drivers for injuries. They may be in need of emergency medical care. Additionally, some of them could be in a harmful position. If possible, remove them from danger.

    3. Take Notes

    You should also take notes at the scene of the accident. As you wait for the police to arrive, take photos of the scene. Include pictures of vehicle damage, intersection signs, and license plates of the involved vehicles.

     

    In addition to photos, you should take down information on the names and contact details of the other drivers and passengers. Look for witnesses and write down their contact information as well. Finally, record your own recollection of the events that led up to your accident. Over time, you may forget some key details.

    4. Call an Attorney 

    Before you try to handle your accident alone, call an experienced car accident lawyer. They will tell you about your options for obtaining compensation for your accident. If you plan on going through the insurance company, your lawyer can handle the negotiation process. They may also advise you on ways to avoid hurting your claim. 

     

    Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you might be eligible to file a personal injury claim. This civil lawsuit is complex, but could come with a high payout. If the other driver’s negligence caused the crash, you could receive money for pain and suffering, property damage, medical bills, and missed wages. Most personal injury claims are resolved with a settlement and never go to trial. You can get more information here.

    5. Follow up with Medical Care

    Finally, it’s crucial to follow-up with all of your medical care. Even if your injuries don’t seem significant, they could have a long-term effect on your life. By getting medical attention and listening to the advice of your doctors, you improve your chance at recovery.

     

    You don’t need to let the cost of medical care keep you from seeking treatment. Whether you go through insurance or file a lawsuit, you can recover damages for your medical bills.

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    How Do I Know If My Contractor is Licensed?

    November 27th, 2019

    Any home improvement project you do on your home is a big deal, which is why you want to make sure that it is done right. There are some projects that you can do by yourself, or with some assistance from friends or family. However, there are bigger projects that require the use of a general contractor and a crew. If that is the case, then you need to be absolutely sure that your contractor is licensed. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can cause a whole range of problems that can snowball to create even bigger problems, problems that cost a lot of money and time. So make sure that you find a contractor who is licensed, Seattle residents can employ the services of Home Care Contractors for their home improvement needs.

    Why Do I Need a Licensed Contractor?

    Hiring an unlicensed contractor might be tempting because they almost always offer lower prices than licensed contractors. However, they also come with more risks than licensed contractors. Since they are unlicensed, they might not be able to get permits to perform the jobs you need them to do. This might not seem like a big deal as long as they get the job done, but it can have serious consequences. 

     

    For one is that it could have a detrimental effect on the property value of your house if word got out that you used an unlicensed contractor. You could also end up voiding your homeowner’s insurance policy if a claim arises because of work done by the unlicensed contractor. That is assuming that their work is any good in the first place since a good job is hardly a guarantee with an unlicensed contractor.

    Why You Should Hire a Licensed Contractor

    There are many reasons, but let’s start with the fact that licensed contractors must have liability insurance and worker’s compensation, both of which help to protect you in case something goes wrong. Liability insurance protects you in case any damage is done to your property during the contracting job. If, for example, a wall gets damaged, then the contractor’s liability insurance will pay for it. If the contractor is unlicensed, then they will not have any liability insurance, which means that you will have to pay for the repairs. 

     

    That is because homeowner’s insurance does not usually pay for damage caused by the contractor. The same goes for any injuries suffered by anyone employed by the contractor. Worker’s Compensation will cover any of those kinds of injuries, but if the contractor is unlicensed, and an injury occurs on your property, then the injured person could sue you to pay for their medical bills. 

     

    A licensed contractor will also have all the permits needed to perform the job at hand. That is because their licensing and training ensures that they are familiar with all the rules and requirements set by the local and federal government. That is important should you ever plan to sell your home because buyers will want to know if the right permits were used in any renovations or builds on the house.

    How To Find Out If a Contractor is Licensed

    Fortunately, there are a large number of online resources where you can find out if a contractor is licensed or not. You can visit sites like the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, Home Advisor, The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, and more besides those. Just enter the name of your prospective contractor into the required fields to find out if they are licensed or not. That will let you know if it is safe to hire them to work on your house.

    Only Use a Licensed Contractor In Your Home

    An unlicensed contractor may be cheaper initially, but they could end up costing you more in the long run. You have to worry about damage to your property or injuries suffered on your property, plus they will not have the proper permits for the job, which could eventually lead to trouble. Worst of all, you can’t even be sure that they will do a good job in the end, which means that you will have to pay money to fix any of the mistakes caused by the unlicensed contractor. It just isn’t worth it. Only hire a licensed contractor to work on your home. They will be safer and more efficient than an unlicensed contractor and there is a far better chance that you will be satisfied with the job in the end.

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    Choose the trading timeframe wisely

    November 27th, 2019

    To organize your trades, you will need an appropriate reference. And the timeframe will provide you the necessary ideas to create plans and strategies. To secure the trades, you will also get the necessary ideas. But a rookie trader must understand which timeframe to choose for his profession. If he thinks of scalping, short timeframe charts and methods will be suitable. To be relaxed with the trade execution, you will need a longer timeframe. For example, many rookie traders use intraday charts for analyzing the markets. They implement different strategies compared to the short timeframe trading strategies. Therefore, you must choose the most suitable methods for your profession and develop necessary plans for the trades. If you can prepare the necessary procedures, your trades will be organized. The execution process will be simple and less stressful as well. But you must commit to the business and focus on creating discipline.

    When you will have appropriate ideas of this profession, developing the edge will be easy. That is why this article will provide a few necessary ideas for developing ideas about suitable timeframes. You must read the following segments carefully and improve your knowledge. Then, you can improve the strategies for a profitable career.

    Understand your circumstance

    When you will select a suitable timeframe, understand the circumstances. The chosen timeframe must be valuable for your regular schedule. Therefore, you must learn about different policies and improve knowledge of different timeframes. Moreover, you must consider making a valid routine for this profession. Otherwise, you cannot participate in the markets regularly. And you will also fail to improve the strategies for a profitable career. Because irregular participation in Forex will not teach you any appropriate thing. The skills will be inappropriate for controlling the positions. Most importantly, you will have no constructive idea about establishing a simple risk to reward ratio.

    So, choosing a valuable timeframe is necessary even if you use the Forex trading demo account to learn trading. And while choosing one, you should consider vital credentials too. Thus, you can be safe and secured with your choice. It will help you participate efficiently in this industry. Then you will also have a high potential of gaining profits from the trades.

    Learn about different methods

    To choose the most suitable timeframe, you must understand different trading methods. They are important for understanding the value of different timeframes. For example, the scalping technique requires minute charts for placing a short term trade. It will run for a few minutes whereas a day trade will run for a few hours or so. Therefore, you will require hour charts or intraday charts for analyzing the markets. For swing and position trades, you will need a long timeframe. In this case, the daily and weekly charts will be suitable.

    So, you must understand how to utilize the methods with the chart timeframe. If you can choose the most suitable one, the performance will be efficient. Then you can also assure a consistent profit potential from the trades. Most importantly, you can develop reliable strategies like multiple timeframe analysis and price correlation wisely.

    Develop an efficient strategy

    To improve efficiency, you must improve the strategies. Otherwise, you cannot control the trades and positions. As a result, potential losses will be high in your business. If you choose a suitable timeframe, making a constructive plan will be easy. Because you will have a balanced method of executing trades. With this reference, a suitable risk to reward ratio can be selected. Then you will have an idea of the position size. Moreover, an effective market analysis will be assured in the business. Most importantly, you can assure consistent participating in the markets. It will improve your skills and strategies.

    To secure the investment and to find valuable positions for the trades you will need strategies. And the strategies must be developed before joining the live markets. Otherwise, you will fail to assure consistency or efficiency even with a suitable timeframe.

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    4 tips for your first company investment

    November 25th, 2019

     

    It’s a big step. Up until now you may have relied upon investing in your standard savings account – and ultimately losing out due to the power of inflation.

    Now, you’re entering the big time. Get it right and the riches can be significant. Of course, a wrong choice will result in you losing your initial investment – and this is all part of the game.

    We don’t have a crystal ball which can tell you which companies to invest in, but what we do have is some proven advice which can give you some actionable tips to help you along your investment journey.

    Location, location, location

    Forgive the cliché, but there can be an element of truth to this first point. Like it or not, as this infographic we found on Reddit states, some areas are just more suited to new businesses than others.

    Quite often, you’ll have to choose to invest in developed countries or established ones. The former carries more risk, but potentially higher returns, and vice versa with the latter.

    As such, this first point is establishing about how much risk you want to take, and then jumping into the market to see what is available.

    What does the company prospectus say?

    Firstly, this isn’t going to be bedtime reading. Company prospectuses aren’t pretty, but they can tell a very good story on whether or not a particular firm is worthy of your investment.

    It will tell you the benefits, any risks and just the general way in which said company is managed. You should also get a glimpse of a business plan and particularly if you have experience of this area, this should signal to you if this company is going places or not.

    Don’t go for the short-term rewards

    Sure, there are plenty of investments out there that will gift you short-term rewards, but when it comes to investing in companies we would urge you to avoid against this approach.

    Instead, try and ride it out for the long-term. If a company is going to be around for the long-term, your investment will gradually increase in value. There will be dips, but those investors who are happy to sustain these are quite often the ones who make the most money. If you are going to be frightened at the first downturn, you are entering the wrong industry. This is a long game, and you have to play it.

    Always have an exit strategy

    Following on from the previous point, you still need to have some sort of exit strategy.

    Sure, you are there to ride the storm, but there can be occasions where this storm gets too much to handle and you will need to dispose of your investment.

    Then, there is also the point about finding out when to leave the company along with a healthy profit. If you can pencil out this plan before you invest, you’ll find that it becomes much easier to make decisions when your money is tied up in the company.

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    Reasons to Hire Commercial Cleaning Services

    November 25th, 2019

     

    As a business owner, you have a lot of things to prioritize, such as supervising your employees, monitoring your production and sales, and taking care of your employees and customers. However, it’s also important to maintain the cleanliness of your office or commercial premises with the help of commercial cleaning professionals.  

     

    In this post, you’ll learn the important reasons why you need to hire commercial cleaning services. 

     

    What is Commercial Cleaning? 

     

    Commercial cleaning refers to all cleaning tasks performed in business settings or establishments, such as offices, factories, warehouses, restaurants, hotels, malls, hospitals, and other spaces. These locations are constantly occupied by customers and employees. 

     

    Why Commercial Cleaning Services Can Benefit Your Company

     

    1. Offers a Wide Range of Cleaning Services 

     

    Commercial cleaning services are offered to commercial establishments, such as banks, condominiums, retail stores, schools, hospitals, clinics, and government facilities.

     

    It’s best to hire a cleaning company that offers a wide range of cleaning services for a one-stop solution to your cleaning problems. Cleaning companies that can handle commercial and residential establishments are flexible enough to address any cleaning issue. Moreover, a commercial cleaning service employs highly trained and skilled cleaners to perform a wide range of cleaning tasks while abiding by approved cleaning standards.

     

    Here are some examples of services that commercial cleaning companies offer: 

     

    • General dusting of furniture, countertops, desks, and other surfaces 
    • Vacuuming the floor, upholstery, and carpet areas 
    • Cleaning the bathroom, including disinfection of toilet bowls
    • Cleaning external parts of appliances
    • Cobweb removal 
    • Wiping floors, mirrors, and other surfaces
    • Cleaning leaks and spills 
    • Spot cleaning carpets, doors, and windows

     

    1. Helps You Achieve Effective Product Stocking and Inventory

     

    Commercial cleaning companies can help ensure that all toiletries and cleaning products are properly documented in an inventory. Such basic stuff is needed by employees and customers for smooth business operations.

     

    Here are some ways that a commercial cleaning service company can help you in product inventory:

     

    • Restocking: For instance, toilet paper should never run out in bathrooms, so cleaners consistently check these supplies and restock as needed. 
    • Inventory Monitoring: Cleaning agents, like hand soaps and bathroom tile cleaners, are noted on a worksheet every shift to keep the supplies team updated if new orders are required.
    • Cleaning Improvements: Feedback on the quality of cleaning services is taken into consideration. In this way, cleaners can make the necessary changes on maintaining the cleanliness of an establishment. 

     

    1. Boosts Company Productivity 

     

    Employees work at least 40 hours for five to six days a week, and a cluttered or dirty workspace can be an extra inconvenience. A badly-maintained workplace can negatively affect the productivity of your employees. If you want your employees to perform well in their tasks, you have to maintain a clean working environment. 

     

    That’s why it’s important to hire a reliable commercial cleaning company to do the job. Check out commercial cleaning services here to find experts who can maintain the cleanliness and order of your workplace. 

     

    A clean environment boosts the morale of employees as they come to a clean and organized workplace every day. Workers will find your office a worthy place to work at, because they know that their health and safety are prioritized by hiring cleaning professionals. Also, employees don’t have to do their own cleaning after a week of work, but rather focus on achieving the goals of the company and performing well at work. 

     

    1. Improves Employee Well-Being

     

    Hiring a reliable cleaning service can help boost the morale of people in your organization.  If you want to hire a commercial cleaning company, make sure to choose one with years of experience in the industry. In that way, you can benefit from their experience and expertise in handling different cleaning problems. 

     

    A clean environment can improve well-being. According to research, a person’s physical environment dramatically affects the way he behaves, feels, and thinks. These aspects influence an individual’s ability to foster relationships with other people, or even ability to be productive at work. 

     

    According to the research, here are some aspects that can be affected by physical surroundings:

     

    • Health and Well-Being: Cluttered spaces may cause stress and anxiety, affecting a person’s focus, sleep cycles, and dietary choices or eating habits, which can all affect cognitive functioning.

     

    • Concentration: While you and your employees might think that stacks of paper on your desks or overstuffed filing cabinets are not bothersome, well think again. 

     

    Studies have discovered that disorganized visual reminders reduce an individual’s concentration and cognitive function, according to MRI results. When clutter was cleared from the work environment, study participants were able to process information easier because of increased concentration. 

     

    • Productivity: In the United States, workplace stress costs businesses about $190 billion annually in healthcare costs. Cluttered offices lead to poor eating choices of employees during breaks with less time spent on work, and increased sickness. Also, clutter causes procrastination and avoidance strategies.

     

    Employees take pride in companies that take the time to keep a workplace clean the everyday challenges. Experienced cleaners know how to effectively remove stains on the floor, furniture, and other surfaces. What’s more, they can give you expert advice on the emergency cleaning procedure you can do if you’re faced with such problems.

     

    1. Promotes Workplace Safety

     

    One of the most important things you have to secure is the safety of your employees and your clients. 

     

    By hiring professional cleaners, you are assured that safe cleaning solutions and cleaning techniques are used, minimizing health and safety hazards in the workplace. Moreover, maintaining cleanliness in the workplace can help prevent trips, slips, and falls. For instance, quickly cleaning of leaks and spills improves safety. Another example is keeping all entrance doors and exits clear. 

     

    Hiring commercial cleaning services will help prevent lost hours from attending to injuries and possible personal injury lawsuits.

     

    Here are the common health and safety hazards and accidents in offices or commercial spaces:

     

    • Slips, Trips, and Falls: The most common causes of these workplace accidents include wet floors, unattended spills, cluttered areas, unstable work surfaces, exposed cords, loose rugs, and uneven floors.  Also, weather conditions and other external hazards—such as ice, snow, and rain, may leave steps, walkways, ramps, parking lots, and entry and exit areas—slippery or difficult to access. 
    • Fire Safety: As reported by the National Fire Protection Association, there were about 17,500 office fires responded to by fire departments, with property damage amounting to $643 million in 2012.
    • Indoor Air Quality: Respiratory disorders and occupational asthma are usually brought about by poor indoor air quality due to overcrowded office spaces, poor housekeeping, inadequate ventilation systems, poor cubicle design (restricts proper airflow), and presence of pesticides and cleaning chemicals. 

     

    1. Prevents Spread of Disease 

     

    Commercial cleaning services help maintain your office’s cleanliness to safeguard the health of your employees. A clean environment helps reduce infections and the spread of diseases. Environmental issues can significantly impact the health of your employees and customers, which also directly affects your business. 

     

    Infections can easily spread in the workplace if the physical environment is not kept clean. Commercial cleaning services ensure that all surfaces are not just wiped but also properly sanitized to avoid the spread of germs or harmful microorganisms.

     

    Here are some facts about common environmental health issues in the workplace:

     

    • Sick Building Syndrome: Poor ventilation and bad air quality can lead to sick building syndrome. This condition affects office workers or employees, manifested by respiratory problems and headaches due to stress and unhealthy factors in the work environment.

     

    • Work-Lung Disease: The common work-lung diseases in the workplace include extrinsic allergic alveolitis (inflammation of lung cells), work-related asthma, pneumoconiosis (diseases of the lungs with fibrosis, coughing, and inflammation), work-related lung cancer, asbestos-related disease, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD (describes progressive lung diseases like emphysema, refractory or non-reversible asthma, and chronic bronchitis). 

     

    Why Commercial Cleaning Can Improve Employee Satisfaction 

     

    1. Provides a Comfortable Space for Your Customers

     

    If you want to improve your sales, you have to make a good impression on your customers with your shiny and clean floors, organized product displays, and pleasant-smelling establishment. Nothing can beat the ambiance of a clean and beautiful commercial space. 

     

    By hiring professional commercial cleaning services, you can receive expert advice on how to organize your things and keep dirt or mess to a minimum—aside from the cleaning services they offer. If you want to create a great and lasting impression on your clients and investors, invest in excellent commercial cleaning services.

     

    One of the major tasks that cleaning services perform is cleaning the bathroom, regardless of the industry that your business belongs to. Clean restrooms have a direct impact on the ability of your business to attract new customers and retain loyal customers.

     

    Here are some surveys and studies which show the relationship between maintaining cleanliness and improving sales in a commercial setting:

     

    • Clean Restroom and Customer Satisfaction: About 86 percent of adults in the United States perceive cleanliness of a restroom the same with a kitchen’s cleanliness. Also, it shows on a survey that 75 percent of customers would not want to come back to a restaurant if it has a dirty restroom. 
    • Cleanliness and Social Media Impact: The sales growth of a business can be influenced by social media, and a survey shows that dirty restrooms are a very hot “talk-of-the-town” topic in social media platforms. Even if you read testimonials in review websites and other travel channels, customers don’t fail to notice and talk about dirty restrooms. 

     

    What does this mean? A dirty establishment could mean a bad reputation against your business, which can dramatically influence other consumers and cause a decline in your sales. That’s why hiring a reliable commercial cleaning service is a must to ensure that your restrooms are kept clean. 

    • Commonly Avoided Businesses: In a commissioned survey, participants said that they would avoid businesses with dirty bathrooms. Here are the results of the survey:
      • restaurants at 79 percent
      • hotels at 79 percent as the highest survey results
      • supermarkets at 50 percent, and
      • gas stations and retail stores both at 45 percent
      • car dealerships having the lowest at 39 percent 

     

    1. Increase Your Company’s Trust Rating and Authority

     

    You can also increase your business’ trust rating and authority by ensuring that you have a clean and organized office or business space. Customers highly value cleanliness because it reflects how a company prioritizes the health, safety, and general well-being of their customers, and not just exists to make good money. 

     

    Here are some good reasons why you should keep your business premises clean, so you can increase your trust rating and authority:

     

    • If you want your business to be competitive and go beyond what a “normal” or “typical” office or business establishment provides, keep your premises clean to improve its interior and curb appeal. In this way, you gain the trust and confidence of your clients and potential investors.
    • Keeping your words, values, and principles about excellent product quality, transparency, integrity, teamwork, and professionalism is reflected in how you keep your workplace or business establishment clean and properly maintained. 
    • Regardless of how much work or traffic you have to go through, it’s not an excuse to neglect the cleanliness of your premises. If you can’t do and maintain the job, outsourcing a trusted, reliable, and experienced cleaning company is the wisest decision you’ll ever make.

     

    1. Promote Customer Retention and Loyalty

     

    Like what you normally give as a rating on apps, customers also rate your company based on what they experience in your premises. So, if you have clean premises, your customers will be enticed to keep coming back to avail your products and services.

     

    When it comes to dusting, cleaning, and sanitizing, commercial cleaning services are highly knowledgeable and skilled. They completely understand their services and are willing to listen to your customers’ maintenance concerns and cleaning issues. Moreover, they can give professional advice and can handle special cleaning requirements, such as chemical spills and organic waste cleanup. 

     

    Conclusion

     

    You have many good reasons to hire commercial cleaning services. From maintaining the cleanliness of your workplace, boosting employee morale and productivity, and improving your sales and customer satisfaction, a commercial cleaning company can help your business succeed. 

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    Importance of Storing Dangerous Products for Your Business

    November 25th, 2019

     

    Hazardous, toxic, or dangerous chemicals pose health and safety hazards to your employees and your customers, whatever type of industry your business belongs to. As a business owner, you have to ensure that your workplace or business establishment is protected from dangerous chemicals by storing them properly. In that way, you will have smoother business operations and a safer environment conducive for work, as well as being able to protect yourself from possible lawsuits. 

     

    In this post, you’ll learn the importance of storing dangerous products when you’re managing a business.

     

    Keep Your Environment Safe

     

    A safe environment practices strict international safety standards approved by the law, government organizations, and leaders in the industry you belong to. One good example is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA.

     

    The OSHA is a government agency in the United States that helps ensure healthy and safe working conditions. This agency of the US Department of Labor sets and reinforces standards, as well as provides education, training, assistance, and outreach to different businesses or companies.

     

    Whether you have a warehouse, factory, confined spaces, or office cubicles, any presence of dangerous products in your commercial space should prompt you to take extra precautions. For instance, you should find effective and efficient ways to store flammable products, such as using STOREMASTA flammable cabinets.

     

    OSHA highly recommends using a Safety Data Sheet or SDS, which lists important information on safe product handling to promote a safe workplace environment. This list includes:

     

    • Emergency or first aid instructions
    • Potential health effects
    • Usage precautions
    • Safe storage suggestions
    • Contact information

     

    Comply with Federal Guidelines for Handling Dangerous Products

     

    The Occupational Safety and Health Act or OSH Act of 1970 covers most employers in the private sector and their employees. It also covers some employers in the public sector and employees in 50 states, as well as certain jurisdictions and territories under federal authority.

     

    The Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines were created by OSHA to help assist businesses in formulating programs to prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace. This document contains general guidelines that are suitable for all businesses. It is a compilation of the best practices of consultants, associations, health professionals, and other businesses with years of experience in implementing successful health and safety programs. 

     

    Here are the four elements of the Safety and Health Program of OSHA:

     

    • Employee Involvement and Management Commitment: This element includes employee and management guidelines they can use to formulate and implement safety policies in the business establishment or workplace. It contains guidelines for goal-setting, delegation, availability of resources, and granting permissions and authority. 
    • Worksite Analysis: This helps employees and employers identify potential and current job hazards through regular site inspections, including inspection of the storage room and other facilities for dangerous products. Also, guidelines are included on how employees can report safety hazards to their supervisors and managers. In addition, this also includes an analysis of investigated events to determine patterns and trends to help improve the program.
    • Hazard Prevention and Control: This element includes hazard control and prevention, such as actionable steps when handling different dangerous products in the workplace.
    • Safety and Health Training: All employees are required to undergo training and education to increase knowledge and skills in handling dangerous products, like chemicals, gases, and flammable agents. 

     

    Promote a Healthy Workplace 

     

    There are many forms of hazardous substances, including dust, gas, liquid, and powder. Exposure to hazardous chemicals, toxic fumes, and flammable liquids that are commonly used in production or workplaces may lead to short-term and long-term health effects, such as skin rashes, lung problems, and poisoning. 

     

    By storing dangerous products in approved safety containers and storage facilities, you can promote a healthy workplace. Exposure to these dangerous substances is greatly reduced and controlled. Spills, leaks, and accidents can be avoided. 

     

    Peace of Mind

     

    Fire, accidents, and mortality in the workplace are avoided by keeping hazardous substances in appropriate storage containers, cabinets, and other safe storage solutions. Proper storage of dangerous products in your business will give you peace of mind because you know that you have complied with acceptable and proven safety standards. 

     

    You can assure your employees, investors, and clients that you have a safe working environment, and everything is under control. You don’t want to risk your business by buying cheap or poorly-made storage solutions. That’s why it is best to invest in superior quality storage solutions for your peace of mind and business’s success.

     

    Conclusion

     

    It’s better to be on the safe side by properly storing dangerous products for your business. Don’t compromise the safety and lives of your employees, and all the people visiting your business’s premises. Follow OSHA guidelines and invest in excellent storage solutions to keep your establishment safe, healthy, and an enjoyable place to work.  

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    The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone Earns Another Award

    November 21st, 2019

     

     

    According to fDi Intelligence, an industry journal that is part of the Financial Times family of publications, the Ras al Khaimah Economic Zone has once again earned a distinction for its commitment to attract global business activity. This is the third year in a row that RAKEZ is mentioned by fDi Intelligence as a global free zone worthy of recognition. As the situation stands today, RAKEZ hosts more than 14,000 companies that do business in over a hundred countries around the world.

     

    One of the factors mentioned by fDi in its recognition of RAKEZ is that business owners will find that setting up operations here is very affordable. Compared to other free trade zones in the United Arab Emirates, including the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai, the cost of setting up in RAKEZ can be 50% less, and the process is highly streamlined.

     

    Business owners and entrepreneurs will find three walk-in RAKEZ service centers where they can get all the information and assistance they need to establish a business presence. There is also Portal 360, an internet-based platform to speed up the process. All these initiatives to encourage international business activity in the RAKEZ are part of the vision of HH Saud bin Saqr al Qasimi, a ruler who strongly believes in the economic power that can be created through business-friendly measures.

     

    As can be imagined, many of the companies that have set up shop in the RAKEZ are considered to be small-to-medium enterprises. There are quite a few large companies, and this is something that CEO Ramy Jallad would like to increase. For 2019, RAKEZ was also recognized for its commitment to expansion, and this was made clear by the expansion of 39 buildings, 12 lots, and 47 warehouses. Whenever a RAKEZ business tenant needs more space to expand its operations, government-appointed representatives are there to assist. For the year 2020, RAKEZ leadership will continue working on its industrial strategy, which intends to attract more heavy industrial operations.

     

    It should be noted that RAKEZ is not your typical free trade zone; it operates as a government-sponsored business entity that enjoys the support of the RAK Investment Authority. Unlike FTZ operations in other countries, which are essentially industrial or corporate compounds closed off from the community, RAKEZ companies are tightly integrated in various districts of Ras Al Khaimah. There are six business zones managed by RAKEZ, and they are spread across the Emirate in a district-like fashion. Al Hamra and Al Ghail are for large-scale industrial operations. Al Hulaila is for manufacturing. The three remaining zones are dedicated to academic, business, and media activities.

     

    The business ambiance at the various zones in RAK can be compared to that of Manaus in Brazil, where the FTZ is essentially a large district within a modern city. RAKEZ prefers this approach over creating isolated compounds, a practice that is commonly seen in countries such as Costa Rica, where FTZ operations are not integrated with the community. RAKEZ presents the Emirate as a nice place to work, live, and play, and this is reflected in the way the various zones have been set up.

     

    In November 2019, RAKEZ was also recognized by the Gulf Cooperation Council as a great place to work in terms of branding. RAKEZ executives are strongly interested in attracting and retaining the best talent in the Emirate, and they do this through clever and strategic marketing; the idea is to build RAKEZ as a brand and to continue developing it as one of the best places to work in the UAE. Moreover, RAKEZ also offers staffing advice to tenants in the various business zones.

     

    Without a doubt, the involvement of the RAK Investment Authority is one of the greatest strengths enjoyed by RAKEZ. It would be easy to think of the RAK Investment Authority as a sovereign wealth fund, but this is not the case; Ras Al Khaimah does not possess oil riches, which means that its investment advisers are tasked with identifying opportunities to bring business into the Emirate. Whereas other sovereign wealth funds venture outside of their jurisdictions to look for overseas investment opportunities, the directors of the RAK Investment Authority are more interested in keeping the RAKEZ busy with new companies.

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    How to Start a Music Teaching Business

    November 20th, 2019

     

    Starting and running your own business is a hugely rewarding way to earn a living, and when you can combine business with a personal passion such as a love of music, it can be more like a vocation. While it can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, there’s no denying that it can also be a source of stress and anxiety, particularly in the early years when you are trying to establish a profitable business. To make a success of a music teaching business, you need to begin with a solid strategy and careful planning based on research. This guide is here to help by outlining some of the key considerations you need to keep in mind. 

    Create a business plan

    Your first step is to conduct some important research and planning before you part with any money. For example, you need to look into any existing competition in your area, whether the people in your local community will be able to pay for your service and, crucially, if there is a demand for music lessons in your area. Your business plan should outline what you will teach and where, how you will find students, and your financial projections. 

    Find a music studio or premises

    While many music teachers start out by visiting students in their homes this is not conducive to a long-term business plan. This will get you a lot of experience and enable you to earn a reputation, but you will be spending time and money traveling between your students’ homes. Some parents may prefer you to teach their children in their own home, and you can do so if you charge slightly more for travel costs, but it’s best avoided when possible. 

    When choosing a music studio or premises, be sure to choose somewhere which is easily accessible for students, while also giving the impression of professionalism. It should be in a quiet area or room, which will make it easier for your students to concentrate.

    Get the right equipment

    Your studio will need to be fully equipped – not only with the musical instruments that you will be teaching – but also with a laptop, computer, or tablet, a sound system, and music stands. Will you be providing sheet music to be paid for through the lesson fee or asking students to buy their own? You will need to make plans for how you will move large instruments, such as a piano, into the studio by contacting a piano moving company Deland

    Set out your payment terms

    Your payment terms need to be strict from the very beginning. A good strategy is to ask for lessons to be paid for in advance, for example, in blocks of five or more at a time. This make it easier to keep a steady flow of cash and to organize your lesson timetable. Booking several lessons in advance also deters students from canceling at the last minute. Obviously, sometimes circumstances change and cancelations will happen, which is why you should set out a cancelation policy. For example, you require a minimum of 48 hours notice if a lesson is to be canceled, so that you can rearrange your timetable. If you are unable to teach, you will offer an alternative or issue a refund. 

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    What HR Managers Can Do to Increase Employee Motivation

    November 20th, 2019

    Are you a strong believer in your company? Is there a fire that burns inside of you that motivates you to be better and more successful at your job every day? If yes, then you’re lucky, become not every employee of your company might feel the same. But why is that? Oftentimes, things are far out of your control, but that’s not always the case—there are various things HR managers can do to improve employee motivation and create a much healthier and happier atmosphere in your company. 

    Communicate for the win

    Employees aren’t just faceless means to an end goal for your company. They are the main ingredient that allows your business to stay afloat, so remember to treat them as such. Instead of distancing yourself from employees, make sure to be transparent and communicative. If they know they can rely on you and share issues, they will be much happier at work. 

    Set realistic goals

    When setting goals for your workers, make sure to make them specific and realistic. Goals that are too vague or too hard to reach will do just the opposite of motivation and make your successes feel meaningless. 

    Show your appreciation

    Everyone who does a good job deserves recognition and appreciation. When they know they’re doing everything well yet there’s no one to notice it, people tend to feel their motivation to keep up the good work wither and die. So, make sure to offer words of praise and even provide some bonuses and rewards for success stories in your team. Even if the project failed but everyone did their best, it’s still worth mentioning—failure is a crucial step towards progress. 

    Boost health 

    Healthy workers and happy workers and that’s often a fact. If you nurture your employees’ health, you will quickly notice a boost in productivity and a decrease in sick days and missed deadlines. So, make sure to provide people with fun break rooms and organize active team outings. Standing desks that allow people to work on their feet VS sitting down is also a great idea. When employees can mix seated work with standing work, they will get to reap the best benefits and keep their motivation and productivity high. 

    Ask for their opinion

    Employees are a huge part of your company, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that they can offer valuable input into various questions and issues concerning your business. So, make sure to encourage HR to involve employees into decision-making processes, especially those that directly concern them and their area of expertise. Additionally, asking questions like “What do thing about X?” or “What would you change about X” or “Where do you think we’re making mistakes?” is a great way to show that you appreciate their insight and opinions. 

    Allow them to grow

    One of the best ways for HR to motivate people is to allow them to grow and advance within the organization. There’s nothing not to like about the promise of promotions for the job well done. However, overworking your employees in hopes that they will get a promotion is not a very healthy way to motivate people. Instead of getting them to invest their blood, sweat and tears into a promotion, allow them to get easy access to additional training, free courses and seminars and other ways that will better their skills and allow them to grow professionally. 

    Do your best to provide them with good work/life balance

    Every person today struggles to find a good balance between their personal and professional life. However, a good HR manager can help employees find that delicate balance and be happy at work and at home. For instance, you can treat employees with extra vacation days based on their performance and accomplishments. Additionally, you can also offer more flexible work hours and even allow work from home in some cases. Meeting your employees’ needs and being understanding can go a long way when it comes to motivation and loyalty to your company. 

    Be positive

    This one is very hard to achieve, but being full of energy and spreading it through the office can do wonders for motivation. If you’re naturally enthusiastic, this will not come hard for you, but if you’re not, you might learn how to fake it for everyone’s good. Be in the moment and provide people around you with plenty of energy and they will return the favor. 

    As long as their needs are being met, your employees will continue to make the magic happen. So, make sure to encourage and educate your HR managers on these practical methods that will keep people motivated and happy with their jobs. 

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    Solo Traveling in Southeast Asia: Inspiration and Safety Tips

    November 20th, 2019

    If you are an adventurous spirit, the world is your oyster. Every corner of the globe has wonderful sites you can savor, but Asia has garnered particularly strong popularity among female solo travelers. There are various places you can visit without worries as several Asian destinations are considered safe for lone visitors. If you are eager to embark on a transformative journey across the continent that brims with wonders, take a look at some inspiration and safety tips for a solo traveling female in Southeast Asia. 

    Before your trip  

    There are some things you need to prepare if you plan on traveling to a different country alone. To avoid encountering problems during the day of your departure, consider settling your itinerary and flights beforehand.

    Furthermore, it’s best to pack smart and light baggage only, so you’ll be comfortable during your trip. For instance, if you’re visiting multiple countries and will fly from one destination to another, you should bring a travel pillow to use when resting during the flight. Also pack your clothes depending on the weather of the places you’ll visit. 

    A matter of inspiration 

    From Chinese Coastline and Taiwan, over Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam to Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines – Southeast Asia is an opulent joy of destinations that will dazzle and transform you. After a trip through any (or all) of these countries, you will go back home to a transformed person. But where does one begin the trip and what are the most inspiring hotspots? 

    Look no further than Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, which serves as an appropriate gateway to the ‘realm’ of Southeast Asia. The brimming urban kaleidoscope of wonders is an eclectic mixture of Eastern and Western influences that will positively overwhelm you. This is where you’ll first get a taste of just how affordable is Southeast Asia. For one, you can find great food spots for an inexpensive price. If you want to indulge in the culture of Thailand and make the most out of your trip, don’t hesitate to try some local cuisine and walk around the city.

    If you are not in the mood for urban experiences, head to Laos’ beloved Luang Prabang, the quaint collection of urbanites on the Mekong River that showcases the perfect symbiosis between nature and civilization. There, you can enjoy countless outdoor activities around the river, see and experience captivating waterfalls on the river and even embark on a cruise! It may also be a great opportunity for you to meet other travelers. 

    Of course, as a newcomer-pilgrim to Southeast Asia, you should do everything in your power to stop by Bali, the mist-laden carpet of greenery dotted with mesmerizing ancient temples that will change your perspective on the history of civilization. You can stay near a beach if you prefer water activities and views. There are spots in the city where you can also enjoy authentic food and busy nightlife. Spending a few days in the city can be a great memory for you as a solo traveler. While Bal’s beachside is particularly popular among the tourists, the temple tour should be on the top of your list.  

    And while we are on the topic of temples, if this sort of tourism appeals to you, head to see Angkor Wat, the most popular historical site in Cambodia and a place that can liberally be dubbed ‘the cathedrals of the East’. The 12th century complex of intricate architecture on the outskirts of Siam Reap has to be seen to be believed. It’s like a waking dream.  

    A matter of safety 

    Southeast Asia is one of the safest regions for, specifically, solo female traveling. This should tell you volumes about how secure you’ll be throughout your trip. If you are an avid nature lover, you should get the necessary permits before venturing on a solo camping trip in one of many spellbinding national parks, but it’s safe to do so.  

    While there is always a danger of wildlife under such circumstances if you delve too deep into the forestry, most popular spots are usually brimming with tourists that are constantly passing through, even in the middle of the night. While this attests to the region’s safety, the downside of this is that you’ll rarely feel as if you are braving the hinterland.  

    Apart from that, many travelers – female, male and other – rarely decide to go through the hassle of setting up the camp. This is because most Southeast Asian countries boast extremely pleasant yet affordable accommodation. There are various types of places you can check out, such as hostels, room rentals, or hotels. Booking transportation, flight, accommodation and tour guides are fairly light on the wallet, but you should keep the wallet closed because pickpockets are very proficient; purse-snatchers as well. 

    It would be prudent to keep your valuables – cash, cards, and passport – close to the chest and buy travel insurance for such purposes. The most common run-ins with the crime in Southeast Asia occur in the format of scams and robberies. Be on a lookout for taxi overcharges and guide frauds. Physical harm is extremely rare though it is a possibility just like anywhere else in the world.  

    Overall, it’s advisable to read about the places you’ll visit, so your trip will be hassle-free. 

    Conclusion 

    Asia is an incredibly vast continent that holds innumerable cultures and ethnicities under its wing. While Russia takes up a lot of space in the northwestern chunk of the continent, it can be more rewarding to immerse yourself into the lavishing intricacies of the culture that is foreign to you. Southeast Asia is a wondrous playground for women that want to expand their horizons on a solo journey. After all, traveling alone is about introspection just as much it is about impressions. 

    Images: 

    https://stock.adobe.com/au/images/woman-traveler-with-backpack-looking-to-pura-ulun-danu-bratan-temple-in-bali-indonesia/281660958

    https://stock.adobe.com/au/images/asian-woman-tourist-backpacker-travel-in-khao-san-road-bangkok-thailand/251752774

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    Peter Russo Analyzes How to Mitigate the Modern Bullying Crisis

    November 19th, 2019

     

    Bullying is a uniquely damaging problem that has serious effects on children and young people. School administrators have come to realize that bullying has long-lasting effects, causing depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Bullying can cause vulnerable students to avoid going to school, leading to a lack of academic achievement.

    In prior decades, school administrators brushed off bullying, believing that it was normal in a school setting. The movement toward bullying prevention was made more urgent when it became clear that children were affected in the long term, possibly causing such serious problems as suicidality.

    Peter Russo, an experienced teacher, explains the causes and effects of the bullying epidemic and gives solutions that school systems can use to help to contain the problem.

    An Epidemic of Bullying
    The National Center for Education Statistics claims that a full 20 percent of students between 12 and 18 have experienced bullying. Even more urgent is the knowledge that 30 percent of students in this age group have bullied another student.

    70 percent of students in elementary and high schools have witnessed bullying. Teachers report this problem in similar numbers. 15 percent of all students who have been bullied say that they have been cyberbullied, or bullied online or via text.

    The Three Types of Bullying Behavior
    Verbal, social, and physical bullying are the three main types of behavior. While boys are more likely to commit verbal and physical bullying, girls most often commit social bullying, including ostracizing classmates. Spreading rumors, name-calling, social shunning, and teasing are acute forms of bullying.

    Areas where Bullying Occurs
    For young children, most of the bullying occurs on the playground, in the lunchroom, or on the school bus. The bus is an area of particular concern because the students may not be adequately supervised when the driver must pay attention to road conditions. Bus drivers do their best to combat bullying, but they often do not have the resources to do so.

    Older children and teens bully one another in the hallways, on the bus, and in some cases, in class in front of a teacher. This brazen behavior can lead to social and developmental consequences for the bullied child.

    Cyberbullying is the most difficult to control because it often happens at home, on privately-owned electronic devices. Most schools have an anti-cyberbullying provision in their student handbooks, meaning that students have signed an agreement to stay away from cyberbullying their peers or that they will face behavioral consequences at school.

    Having these precautions in place does not always help. For example, on Snapchat, pictures, and videos disappear after they are viewed. It is difficult to create a “paper trail” on today’s social media sites, but students should be encouraged to keep screenshots of any damaging material they may receive.

    Solutions for the Bullying Epidemic
    Many schools are lost as to what they should do to combat bullying among their students. Fortunately, there are several effective programs in place at schools across the country and around the world. 

    Programs that Do Not Work
    According to a study of 7,000 students published in the Journal of Criminology, students in schools with anti-bullying programs were actually more likely to be victims of bullying. This statistic should alarm school administrators who believe that they are doing enough to stem the tide of bullying behavior. Anti-bullying programs that focus mostly on punishment, like zero-tolerance policies, are less likely to be effective.

    Programs that work focus on increasing empathy for bullying victims and on supporting the mental health of students involved. It is true that bullies are often the victims of bullying themselves or have significant social factors, like parent abuse or neglect, that cause them to take out their frustrations on their classmates. Addressing all of these programs makes an anti-bullying program more successful.

    An Innovative Finnish Program Against Bullying
    A study published by UCLA in 2016 found that a Finnish anti-bullying program was extremely effective among sixth-graders. This program had beneficial effects on sixth-graders’ mental health, especially when they were victims of bullying.

    The program is called Kiva. In Finnish, the word Kiva means “nice.” The program features role-playing exercises to help children explore their empathy skills. The program also includes computer simulations to help students learn to deal with bullying episodes in real-time. The bystander effect has been well-documented, where a student intervenes in an episode between their peers.

    The Kiva program reduced bullying in the pilot schools by up to one-half. This program improves students’ view of the school environment, particularly for children who have been bullied.

    This program contrasts with zero-tolerance bullying prevention initiatives. The Kiva study’s author, Jaana Juvonen of UCLA, claims that zero-tolerance policies punish without teaching anyone to change their behavior.

    Mitigating the Bullying Crisis
    Peter Russo offers these solutions to school districts that are struggling with bullying problems. While anti-bullying programs may pay lip service to the problem without making any significant impacts, there are programs that work, like Finland’s Kiva program. School administrators and teachers need to survey their student bodies and find out exactly where the problem is taking place so that they have the most accurate data to help them create a tailored program.

    When adults stand up for bullied children, they can help to improve mental health and school performance. This could affect a student’s life for many years after leaving the school system.

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    The most important religious philanthropists

    November 19th, 2019

     

    Religious philanthropists carry out a number of duties: not only to provide for their cause but also to represent their religion or beliefs as a whole. This is particularly the case if they are a religious leader and not just a follower or member of that faith. One of the most important features of any religion is the value of charity. Looking out for those in need of help and regularly donating charity is a prized quality that is held by most major religions. With that in mind, here are some of the most important religious philanthropists in recent times. 

     

    Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

    This Israeli-American philanthropist and rabbi has had a profound effect on his community, both nationally and abroad. He set out to develop a closer understanding between Christians and Jews in Israel, under the name of his charity the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. This charity has helped with some brilliant local causes, such as providing dairy and fruit products for the elderly in Israel, during the Shavuot holiday. They have continued to rally their cause despite speculations about the CEO’s Yael Eckstein salary

     

    Bono

    Those who are not partial to the music of U2 may eye-roll at the suggestion of Bono as a religious philanthropist; however, his influence should not be understated. Band Aid, Live 8 and Live Aid were all significant cultural events that raked in incredible amounts of money for charitable causes. He has claimed that his drive to help the poor and push politicians to support charitable causes is down to his Christian faith. 

     

    Oprah

    Oprah is famed for being one of the most generous TV hosts in the business, and she is also a force for good when it comes to illuminating major worldwide causes. She’s even gone as far as giving away houses and cars to willing audience members. She has used her Christian values to create the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, which aims to help those who have been left with absolutely nothing

     

    Bob Edmonton 

    Rather than a celebrity who happens to be religious, this man is known for founding Christian Vision. In fact, his ministry is said to have made him worth over £500 million in the United Kingdom. He spreads the word of God through numerous media outlets, and he is also said to be a generous donator to numerous charities and causes, specifically to those who build schools in his home country. 

     

    When it comes to religious philanthropists, the list could go on. Many A-list celebrities are quietly religious, which may contribute to their reasoning when it comes to generous philanthropy. However, the real hero, when it comes to charitable causes, is the average Joe. As a tax-paying citizen, you are incredibly likely to contribute to a number of charities, either for religious or non-religious reasons. However, it has been found that a large portion of charity donors are themselves a member of a faith. So, if you donate regularly, and follow a particular faith, you can count yourself as an important religious philanthropist too. 

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