Author: anwaryusef

Anwar Y. Dunbar is a Regulatory Scientist. Being a naturally curious person, he is also a student of all things. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan and his Bachelor’s Degree in General Biology from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Prior to starting the Big Words Blog Site, Anwar published and contributed to numerous research articles in competitive scientific journals reporting on his research from graduate school and postdoctoral years. After falling in love with writing, he contributed to the now defunct Examiner.com, and the Edvocate where he regularly wrote about: Education-related stories/topics, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Financial Literacy; as well as conducted interviews with notable individuals such as actor and author Hill Harper. Having many influences, one of his most notable heroes is author, intellectual and speaker, Malcolm Gladwell, author of books including Outliers and David and Goliath. Anwar has his hands in many, many activities. In addition to writing, Anwar actively mentors youth, works to spread awareness of STEM careers, serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the David M. Brown Arlington Planetarium, serves as Treasurer for the JCSU Washington, DC Alumni Chapter, and is active in the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Ministry at the Alfred Street Baptist Church. He also tutors in the subjects of biology, chemistry and physics. Along with his multi-talented older brother Amahl Dunbar (designer of the Big Words logos, inventor and a plethora of other things), Anwar is a “Fanboy” and really enjoys Science-Fiction and Superhero movies including but not restricted to Captain America Civil War, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Prometheus. He is a proud native of Buffalo, NY.

850-4 Ways to Grow a Creative Business

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. There are many creative businesses, but because they aren’t traditional businesses, it isn’t clear how to grow them. The following contributed post is entitled, 850-4 Ways to Grow a Creative Business.

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Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Whether you are a designer, maker or an artist running a creative business offers a lot of rewards. It’s an opportunity to earn money from your passion. However, turning that passion into a consistent paycheck can be a challenge. It’s going to require more than just raw talent.

Success in a creative business boils down to strategic thinking. You have to build connections as well and continuously improve your products and services. Take a look at these practical ways in which you can take your creative business to a whole new level.

Refine Your Brand Identity

Your brand is about a lot more than your logo. It’s also about the experience that people have when they interact with it. You want them to remember your work at all times. The first thing you should do is identify your unique style, target audience as well as your message.

Having a consistent look and tone to your brand is going to build recognition. It will also cement trust. You should update your website, packaging as well as your social media profiles to reflect the personality of your brand as well as your values.

Invest In the Right Tools and Skills

As your business begins to grow, your needs also change as well. There comes a time when you have to upgrade your equipment so that you can improve your products and increase efficiency.

For example, if your business focuses on textiles, then investing in a high performance quilting machine is going to allow you to produce a lot more professional designs.

This will assist with meeting the growing demand of your business. Similarly, taking online courses or even doing workshops in marketing as well as business can help you to hone your craft.

Build an Engaging Online Presence

Having a strong digital presence is going to be critical for your growth. You should use social media platforms to show off your work. You can also share behind the scenes content as well. This way, you’ll be able to connect with your audience. You’ll also need to build an online store so that your customers can buy from you directly.

Start an email newsletter so that you can give regular updates to your customers without having to depend on social media. With an email list, you can send special offers and product launches to them.

Explore New Business Ventures

It’s always a good idea to diversify your income whenever you can. This will help you to grow your business. In addition to selling finished products, you can do digital downloads, and custom commissions as well.

It may even be possible for you to license your designs. When possible, you should try to collaborate with other creative brands. This way, you can get your products exposed to an even wider audience.

Growing a creative business is going to take a lot more than just your talent. You’re going to have to be strategic about it. You’ll also need to have a willingness to learn and be consistent.

Fixing Up Your Home After a Flood

My blog focuses on Home/Living and Home/Property Discussions. Many regions of our country and the world are impacted by flooding at the hands of Mother Nature. In some instances, you property can be salvaged. The following contributed post is entitled, Fixing Up Your Home After a Flood.

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There’s nothing like waking up to the sound of water inside your home to really ruin your day and make you immediately step into panic mode when you should have been enjoying a nice, relaxing breakfast, right? But if you live in an area that is prone to heavy rains and flooding, then there is a distinct possibility that this exact scenario will become your reality one day, if it hasn’t already. If the worst does happen, it’s important that you don’t panic. Instead, take a few deep breaths (try to ignore the impending smell of damp and doom as you do) and do this stuff to get your home back on track again.

1. Safety First, Hero Later

Before you channel your inner DIY warrior, check for hazards. That means shutting off electricity (wet wires and feet are not friends), avoiding standing water until it’s clear of contamination, and making sure the structural integrity of your home hasn’t gone full Jenga tower.

When in doubt? Call a professional. No shame in not wanting to fall through the living room floor.

2. Document the Damage (Yes, Before Cleaning)

Resist the urge to immediately mop everything up. Your future insurance claim depends on good documentation. Take photos, record video, and capture all the soggy, sad evidence before you start tossing stuff. It’s not fun, but your wallet will thank you later.

3. Call in the Pros (Because Mold Doesn’t Wait)

Sure, you could rent a wet vac and throw some fans around, but let’s be real: water damage is sneaky. It seeps into drywall, creeps behind baseboards, and throws a welcome party for mold spores.

That’s why services like United Response restoration exist. They’ve got the tools, the training, and the time to handle flood recovery like pros, because you have better things to do than Google “how to remove mildew smell from everything I own.”

4. Triage Your Belongings (With Grit and Grace)

Floodwater doesn’t play favorites. Go room by room and sort your stuff into three piles: salvageable, questionable, and ugh, toss it. Porous materials like mattresses, upholstered furniture, and rugs may have to go. It’s tough, but hanging on to mold magnets is a recipe for trouble.

Pro tip: Sentimental items like photos or documents might be saved with careful drying and cleaning – just don’t shove them in the microwave. (Yes, people try that.)

5. Dry Everything Like It’s Your Job

Once you’ve cleared the water and trashed the worst, it’s time to dry out every surface, crevice, and suspicious crack. Open windows, run dehumidifiers, and get air circulating like your home is auditioning for a wind tunnel.

And keep your eyes peeled – musty smells, stains, or bubbling paint are red flags for lingering water and future mold.

Final Thought: Recovery Takes Time (and Coffee)

Fixing up your home after a flood is messy, emotional, and straight-up exhausting. But with the right support, be it from trusted pros like United Response Restoration or your local caffeine dealer, you will rebuild.

Take it one step at a time. Hydrate. Vent (your feelings and your house). And remember: even the soggiest of chapters can end in a fresh, dry start.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Real Estate

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Investing in real estate can be a very rewarding, but also very perilous if you don’t know what you’re doing. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Real Estate.

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Investing in real estate can be a fantastic way to spend your money, especially when the comparison to keeping it in a bank, is not always going to be the best outcome.

With that in mind, there are great opportunities within property investment, but it’s also important to be aware of what common mistakes can occur. Here are five common mistakes to avoid when investing in real estate this year.

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1. Underestimating costs involved

When you’re a newcomer to investing in real estate, you might not always consider what hidden costs can come from buying property. There’s hidden expenses like repairs and permits, or vacancy periods if you’re renting it out.

Not to mention legal costs to process the sale of the property, whether you intend to hold onto it or do it up and flip it. It’s always important to be aware of the costs that come with investing into property that lie beyond just the property price itself. It’s also worth budgeting for phantom costs that might occur in the process too.

2. Skipping on research and due-dilligence

Skipping out on research can also be a problem if you’re not careful, that’s why you’ll want to look at everything that comes with real estate investment so that you’re well clued up. A panic bid on a property without verifying anything could be what turns into an expensive nightmare.

Always research the property you’re looking to buy and everything around it. Check out the rentals in the area, what’s around it when it comes to local amenities and schools etc. What’s the crime levels like in the area? Not doing your due-diligence could leave you with a very nasty investment.

3. Falling in love with a property and getting emotionally involved

While it’s nice to find a property you love and that you end up falling in love with, it’s important to remember that you don’t want to get too emotionally attached to a property. By getting too emotionally attached, you’re more likely to make mistakes and allow your emotions to spend more money or lose more of it.

Set some strict rules when it comes to investing and be aware of the potential fallouts that might come as a result of investing. Be sure to work with the best realtor in order to get a property that ticks all your boxes.

4. DIY overconfidence

While you might be a dab hand when it comes to DIY, you don’t want to take on too much DIY that you realistically can’t do with your other commitments in life.

Overconfidence in DIY can also result in you making an offer on a property in which you might then not be able to follow through with. Always get professionals in to do this work that can’t do and make sure it’s affordable in regards to the investment.

5. No exit strategy

An exit strategy is important when it comes to investing because whether you’re on the up with your investment or you’re losing money fast, you want an exit strategy for it. Life happens and there are some situations where you might need to sell the property or switch up your intentions for it to make some money through rental for example.

Trust your instincts when it comes to investing in real estate and know that while this is a solid investment opportunity, it’s still a risky one.

5 Ways to Plan Your Retirement Finances

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money. Some people are conscientious about their retirement savings and actively prepare for it. If you’re one of those people, there are some important keys to keep in mind. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Ways to Plan Your Retirement Finances.

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Retirement is the time to enjoy the life you’ve worked hard to build, but without proper financial planning, it can be stressful and uncertain. Whether you’re 10 years away or already easing into retirement, now is the time to take control of your finances and make some solid plans for the future.

One often overlooked part of retirement planning is legal preparation, especially around your estate. Consulting a probate lawyer early on can help you to ensure that your acids are distributed the way you want and can ease the burden on your loved ones later. But estate planning is just one piece of the retirement puzzle. Let’s take a look at five other ways that you can get your retirement finances in order.

Image source: Pexels

● Estimate what you need for your retirement. Most people underestimate how much they’ll need in retirement, but a good rule of thumb is to aim for about 70 to 80% of your pre retirement income every year. That includes everyday living expenses, healthcare, travel and unexpected emergencies. Start by creating a retirement budget. List your expenses, adjust for any lifestyle changes, and include long term costs like medical care or assisted living.
● Maximise your retirement account contributions. If you’re still working, take advantage of any retirement savings plans like IRIS or 401ks. Not only do these accounts offer tax benefits, but they also grow with compounding interest over time. If you’re over 50, you may be eligible for catch up contributions, allowing you to save even more as you near your retirement age. Review your investment portfolio regularly and adjust based on your risk tolerance and time horizon.
● Plan for healthcare costs. Medical expenses tend to increase with age, and Medicare doesn’t cover everything. Look into supplemental insurance plans or healthy savings accounts if you qualify. Planning for Healthcare is essential to avoid dipping into your savings unexpectedly. You should also consider long term care insurance that might help to cover costs that aren’t included in traditional health coverage, such as in home care or assisted living.
● Get your documents in order. This is where working with a probate lawyer becomes critical. A qualified legal professional can help you to draft a will, establish a power of attorney, and create health care directives. They also help you to set up trusts if needed and ensure your state avoids unnecessary delays and expenses during probate. By taking these steps now, you can protect your assets and your family’s Peace of Mind later on.
● Create a withdrawal strategy. Once you retire, you’ll need a smart strategy for how and when to withdraw from your savings account. Consider the order in which you’ll tap into those accounts, such as taxable, tax deferred and tax free accounts, to minimise the liabilities over time.

Planning retirement is more than just saving money. It’s all about creating a strategy that ensures financial security and peace. From budgeting and investing to working with a probate lawyer, a proactive approach can help you to retire with confidence.

The Ultimate Guide to Monetizing Your Passion Projects

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Having a passion is certainly a gift, but being able to monetize your gift is an even greater gift that only some are blessed to have. The following contributed post is entitled, The Ultimate Guide to Monetizing Your Passion Projects.

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There’s something truly wonderful about being able to take what would otherwise be a passion of yours or an activity you do on the side and turn it into a thing that makes money.

A lot of people, though, have been able to do just that. What may have started out as a passion project or something to do on the side can become a money-maker and, for the few, a chance to change their lives for the better.

Whether you’ve had an idea for a side hustle for some time or you’re looking to expand something that could be a profitable niche on the market, this guide will share with you everything you need to know about monetizing your passion projects.

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1. Define your passion or niche

First and foremost, you want to define what the passion or niche is that you’re trying to make more from. Identifying a profitable niche or passion is different from just taking anything that you currently enjoy and trying to monetize it just as it is.

While anything nowadays can be transformed into something profitable, some will be more successful than others. That’s why it’s important to define what it is you’re looking to achieve so that you can maximize its success and maximize the amount of money you make from it, too.

Some niches are going to be better than others, which is why you want to do your research. Define what your passion or niche is, then look to see if there’s a market there through the research. After that, you can build upon that niche and create something that hopefully will turn into something financially fruitful.

2. Start building a website

Building the website is the next step when it comes to monetizing a passion project. In order to exist in a world that’s dominated by the digital domain, you want to have a website so that people know you exist.

If you’ve not thought about a website or have one currently, then you’ll want to change that attitude fast. Be proactive when it comes to creating a website and look into what’s required in order to make sure your website stands out from the crowd.

This is the point at which you’ll want to start investing a little bit of money here and there. It’ll make a big difference to how it performs when live, and it’s that professionalism that you need to be aware of when it comes to presenting your passion project as a possible business venture.

3. Take advantage of social media platforms

Social media is a wonderful place to advertise your passion project and to build some traction when it comes to the popularity of your products or services. Therefore, you want to explore which social media platforms would prove the best when it comes to your productivity online.

Some platforms are going to be better when it comes to the audience they attract in general. Some passion projects or niches that you’ve decided to go into might be more effective when it comes to appealing to the masses. Others may be more suited for the smaller groups of people you’re trying to reach.

The more you can exist on social media, the better, so it’s something you want to take advantage of, even if that means outsourcing these needs to begin with.

4. Explore monetization methods

Monetization is an important step in building your passion project. After all, if it’s something you want to transform into a profitable business, then you’re going to need to find the avenues that’ll pay you that money.

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Selling products, whether it’s a digital product or a physical one, is the first step in creating profit for the business. E-books, online courses, or handcrafted items will all make up the products you sell to your customers.

However, selling products might not be the only thing you offer. You may want to look at affiliate marketing, which is where you partner with companies to promote their products and services in exchange for commissions.

A lot of the social media platforms can now be monetized for your advantage and to make more money, too. Turn your side hustle into your main shop with Jirle, as well as other tools that can help you make more money.

5. Be consistent with quality and what you’re offering

Quality and consistency are two focal points to work on when it comes to keeping your passion project one that attracts attention and hopefully more customers as time goes by.

With that being said, look at what you’re offering when it comes to that quality of service. For your online socials, look at what you could give in the form of valuable, informative, and entertaining content for your target audience.

Be authentic with everything you do because often enough, the fakery can be seen through very quickly. Make sure ot be consistent and to post regularly so your audience is always going to receive or expect something from you.

6. Build your brand by talking about it constantly

Building a brand is an important part when it comes to monetizing your passion projects. It’s good to look at how you’re building your passion project into its own brand because that’s half the job of getting recognized.

Think about your branding as it is currently. It might be non-existent, or you may have started but not yet grown it to where it needs to be. Always be willing to work on your brand as it’s a big part of the business.

7. Celebrate your wins and assess feedback

Finally, celebrate your wins. Don’t forget that every effort you’re making is likely paying off in some small way. Assess the feedback that you’re getting from others, both your customers and close friends or family, as this will help you to determine what you’ll need to do next to take it from strength to strength.

Monetizing a passion project is definitely something that can help you build your success. Who knows where this small side hustle or passion might take you in a few years?

Why Your Prototype Just Keeps Failing

My blog focuses on Technology. All great innovations and inventions start with prototypes. An issue though is creating that prototype that get set up the next phase for your invention. The following contributed post is entitled, Why Your Prototype Just Keeps Failing.

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There’s nothing worse than watching a prototype fall apart right in front of you after months of effort. It’s extremely disheartening, right? Just think about it for just a moment; you tweak the design, re-run the specs, double-check every drawing, maybe you even negotiated with some suppliers, and it still doesn’t work the way it should. It gets frustrating fast. Now, it’s not to put the blame on you, but sometimes, the issue itself might not actually be the design. Sometimes, it could very well be something else.

It’s Probably Not the Concept Itself

Well, that should be a relief, right? A lot of inventors and startup teams assume their idea is flawed when a prototype misbehaves. But more often than not, it’s the materials, assembly, or fabrication methods that are tripping things up. But yeah, precision matters more than people think (especially nowadays with so many businesses intentionally trying to cut corners wherever possible), especially when the components are supposed to move, support weight, or fit together like puzzle pieces.

But it really can’t be stressed out enough that cutting corners with general materials or cheap manufacturing options can mess up tolerances. And when tolerances are even slightly off, you get weak joins, warped parts, or motion that doesn’t quite work. It can make a genius design look like a total flop. That’s usually why people try to flock to artisans rather than anything mass-produced, mostly due to the expectation that it’s going to flop.

What You Need Is Better Execution

Go ahead and think of your prototype like a gourmet recipe. The instructions could be flawless, but if you’re using the wrong tools or stale ingredients, it’s going to taste off. Like, it’s going to taste way off. So, you need execution that meets the quality of the idea itself, and yes, the suppliers you look into are hands down going to matter. It goes back to above, where it’s not always the concept itself.

For example, you might need custom tube fabrication, and you might need the best of the best when it comes to suppliers (and ideally they’re committed to customer service and quality). You absolutely need that stability, and it has to stay consistent. Seriously, that kind of reliability is what gives a prototype the chance to shine.

You have to Look Beyond the Cheap Fixes

Sure, in the rush to get a product out there, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “fast and cheap.” And while speed and budget matter, those quick solutions can come back to bite you. Yeah, that always will, like the sloppy welds, imprecise bends, or using the wrong material grade can all turn a decent build into a disaster.

So, instead, the smart move is to zoom out. Look at the process holistically. Does the fabrication method match your design’s requirements? Are you compromising too much on material to shave off a bit of the cost? Does the manufacturer you’re working with specialize in precision builds or just mass production?

Your Prototype Deserves Better

Overall, a solid design doesn’t need to be reimagined. It needs to be respected. That means giving it the kind of build quality that brings it to life the way you envisioned it. Just like what’s been stated all throughout this article, you absolutely need to think about quality; you can’t cut corners like every other brand and product is trying to do out there.

5 Things You Need To Know When Running Your Own Construction Business

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. As with any business, there are several important aspects to understand when you own a construction business. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Things You Need To Know When Running Your Own Construction Business.

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Think you’ve got what it takes to run your own construction business? Well, there is plenty that you need to know beforehand, including the points you will find below.

Where will you get your equipment from

The first thing you will need to know when running your own construction business is where you will get the specialist equipment you will need. Some construction firms will buy this equipment so they have sole use. Others may lease it, especially if it’s an item that will not be in constant use, but is required to complete a project.

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The type of supplies you will need

Another thing you will need to have when running your own construction business is good knowledge of all the different types of supplies you will need for different tasks. For example, you will need to understand the different uses for sand in construction. Otherwise, you could end up ordering beach sand when what you need is concrete sand, which could endanger the success of your project, create safety issues and incur additional costs.

What qualifications and certificates will your employees have

Knowing what qualifications you need your employees to have for them to work safely and legally on a construction site is also crucial to your business. One instance of this is that the site manager in the UK will need to have an SMSTS card to be able to take on this role. Those working with mobile access towers will need a PASMA card. Still others using heavy machinery will need the right CPCS card for the equipment they are using.

The tax specifics for your location

Tax can be confusing for anyone running their own business, but it’s another thing that you will need to get to grips with if your construction company is to be a success. In particular, you will need to know the tax rate for your specific location, as well as whether any additional value-added tax or discounts apply to various parts of your operations. The best way to approach this is often to get a tax professional to help you, as this will ensure things are as accurate as possible.

How will you market your business?

Every business needs to be properly marketed, even construction firms. Good marketing is all about getting your offerings in front of the people most likely to use them. Success in construction marketing begins with good branding, as you will need to create a level of trust with potential customers from the very beginning. You will also need to make sure you have a fast and easy-to-use website where potential customers can find out more about what you offer and how to contact you.

Next SEO should be a very important part of any marketing effort for a construction firm. This is because it will help you get found online when someone searches for the services you offer. Remember to include local SEO techniques for the areas in which you operate.

Lastly, industry events like conferences can be a good way of connecting with other construction businesses that may be able to use your services and so provide you with a more steady stream of income.

It’s the Little Things That Help Us Recharge After a Long Day

My blog focuses on Health/Wellness. There are many long days in the adult world, and having ways to recharge oneself is a must. The following contributed post is entitled, It’s the Little Things That Help Us Recharge After a Long Day.

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After a packed day of meetings, errands, or managing everything at home, recharging doesn’t always come from something big. Sometimes, it’s the smallest comforts like a quiet moment, a soft light, or a scent you love that can bring your mind and body back to a calmer place.

Having simple, go-to rituals at the end of the day can make a real difference, even if they only take a few minutes. Creating that feeling of comfort and routine helps bring a bit of balance when everything else has been go-go-go.

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Unplugging doesn’t have to be complicated

When the day’s been non-stop, the best thing someone can do might just be taking a few minutes to breathe, slow down, and do something they enjoy. That could be stretching in the living room, flipping through a book, or just stepping outside for a change of pace.

Everyone has their own way of unwinding after work, and it doesn’t need to look perfect or follow a plan. What matters is that it offers a mental reset and gives the body a chance to shift gears.

Comfort looks different for everyone

For some people, it’s a soft robe and herbal tea. For others, it’s dim lighting, music, or even a favorite flavor to help mark the transition between the workday and downtime. Something as simple as your favorite vape juice can become a small way to pause and center yourself.

That daily routine becomes a kind of signal that says, “the hard part of the day is over,” which can be surprisingly helpful when life doesn’t slow down on its own.

Create a calm space at home

It’s easier to unwind when your environment feels peaceful, even if that just means one room. A few touches like soft towels, a diffuser, and warm lighting can make a regular bathroom feel like a little retreat.

Turning your space into something that feels good doesn’t need to be a big project. Even a small upgrade can make a bathroom feel like a spa-like bathroom, giving you something to look forward to after a long day.

Keep your habits flexible and realistic

The goal isn’t to build a strict self-care routine that ends up adding more pressure. Instead, it’s about building small, comforting moments into your evening that feel good and don’t demand too much.

Even just five or ten minutes of quiet, be it sipping a warm cup of tea or relaxing in silence, can change how the rest of your night feels. It’s less about time and more about the feeling that comes with stepping away and doing something for yourself.

The reset helps more than people think

Little comforts and quiet pauses don’t fix everything, but they help clear mental clutter and soften the edges of a stressful day. That reset often leads to better sleep, clearer thinking, and just feeling a bit more like yourself the next morning.

The more often you make space for that reset, the easier it becomes to carry that calm into the next day.

Recharging doesn’t need to be fancy or time-consuming–it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Whether it’s a quiet space, a familiar scent, or five uninterrupted minutes, these small rituals help create balance and comfort in the middle of everyday life.

How To Make Your CRM Work For You

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Customer Relationship Management teams are critical depending on the type of business that you are in. The can make or brake your collaborations which are critical for business. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Make Your CRM Work For You.

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CRMs are all the rage in businesses today. But actually extracting value from them is notoriously challenging. It’s not always clear how you should leverage them.

That’s where this post comes in handy. It explores the various ways you can make your CRM work for you so you can get the best value from it.

Decide What You Want Your CRM To Do

Your top priority is to decide what it is that you want your CRM to do for you. For most companies, this will be maximizing conversions, but it could also be other things, like retaining customers (and preventing them from getting annoyed with you and your services).

Think about what you want to target with your team and hold this up as your North Star. Then, build your CRM strategy around it.

Customize The CRM To Fit Your Workflow

The next part of the process is to set up your CRM to facilitate your workflow, just the way you want it. For example, you could hire a Pipedrive consultant to help you with a comprehensive implementation plan and setup.

Most businesses don’t take this shortcut, but it is highly worthwhile. For example, if you run a service-based business, you could add new fields depending on customer milestones or project requirements.

Little touches like these can make all the difference. They make life so much easier for your staff and allow you to get on top of issues quickly, without them snowing you under.

Train Your Team Properly

Another tip is to train your team properly on your CRM. After all, if you’re investing in it, they need to know how to use it.

Training will involve various hands-on sessions. It will also require going through the motions a few times to understand how it really works.

Many vendors provide online instructions at discounted prices if you sign up for their services, which is helpful. These guide your team through what they need to do. They can also help you reduce annoyingly high error rates.

Keep Your Data Clean

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To get the most out of your CRM, it also pays to invest a little time in keeping your data clean. Doing what you can to remove duplicates or incorrect information is helpful.

Modern software is getting better at doing this itself. However, you may need to get someone to go through it by hand for you as well, depending on the situation,

Team members should be going into the CRM and looking for bad data on a weekly or monthly basis. If you do it less frequently, you can wind up with serious customer service issues and general all-around confusion.

Get Rid Of Repetitive Tasks

One of the main benefits of CRMs is how they allow you to automate repetitive tasks. They can do things like send follow up emails or update task statuses without your input.

The list of automations is also growing because of the role of AI. It’s having a profound effect on what’s possible and how much work you can offload to these systems.

For example, setting up automated workflows is usually easier than you think these days. Staff are only really required to monitor them and ensure that they make sense for the underlying customer.

Leverage Analytics For Insights

Another thing you want to do with your CRM is to leverage its analytics capabilities for insights. You want to figure out what’s working, what isn’t, and how you can better use the software to improve your KPIs.

The best way to do this is with custom reports built around your concerns. These let you drill into what matters and see if you can identify areas for improvement.

You can also go into the data and see which types of leads are generating the most conversions for you.

Integrate With Other Software

Finally, you can increase the potency of your CRM by integrating it with other software. Connecting it to marketing tools or accounting software can reduce the number of office processes you need to perform.

For example, suppose you integrated your CRM with your email marketing tool. You could use the CRM’s lead management features to determine when you should send out emails to prospects, and what they should say. You can also use your CRM for personalized campaign tracking, cutting down dramatically on the amount of work your team has to do.

Using these CRM processes can transform how you do business quickly. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes to your bottom line.

Investment Tips that will Help you in 2025

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money. The economy is ever changing as are investment opportunities. There are potential gold mines out there in 2025. The following contributed post is entitled, Investment Tips that will Help you in 2025.

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Do you want to make more investments in 2025? If so, then you have come to the right place. This guide will show you what steps you can take to try and rocket your investment potential, so you can not only get the result you want out of your finances, but also give yourself the chance to make a profit. If you want to find out more, then take a look below.

High-Yield Savings Account

A savings account is certainly an investment you should be focusing on. Savings accounts are ideal for short-term savings, and they are ideal for those who need access to money on a regular basis. If you want to open a high-yield savings account, then you can do this at an online bank, or you can do it at a traditional branch if you want. Of course, some brokerage firms will pay you very good rates on uninvested cash as well, with rates being similar to what you would expect at a physical branch. Some brokerage firms will pay you for different things, so make sure that you explore all of the options available to you and also give some thought to how things are going to come together.

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Look into Certificates of Deposits

A certificate of deposit is usually federally insured, and it means you can get fixed interest rates for a set period. Now may be a good time for you to try and lock things like this in place because, unlike a savings account, CD rates will not fluctuate if the interest rate goes down. A CD is ideal for money that you know you are going to need at a later date. It also allows you to grow your money for a specific purpose, as it means you can usually get the result you need without too much effort.

Government Bonds

Bonds can offer investors a perfect form of fixed income. A government bond is a loan to a government entity, and it means you can get interest over time. Government bonds are usually risk-free, and they allow you to be backed by the full credit of the U.S. government. There are some drawbacks, and this usually comes down to the fact that you might not see as much of a return when you hit retirement age.

Cryptocurrency is Always Good

You can also look into cryptocurrency if you feel as though you could benefit from it. You don’t have to stop there either. You can look into things like Axie SLP price if you want to get a good overview of things, so you can explore different ways of earning crypto. Things like this are always good to explore, so make sure that you look into them so you can find a lot of different ways to build on your currency over time. This is also a good way to diversify your investment, so make sure that in mind as it will make a big difference to you and your financial stability.