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.

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.

Beyond the Surface: How Your Environment Shapes Your Well-being

My blog focuses on Health/Wellness. They say that things are not always what they seem, and that’s especially true for human beings. The outside is not always reflective of what’s happening on the inside. The following guest post is entitled, Beyond the Surface: How Your Environment Shapes Your Well-being.

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You’ve probably noticed that there are times a specific environment has played a role in how your mind and body feel. The effects of the environment fade out once you leave the space, but it leaves a mark on your sense of well-being, whether you realize it or not. Influences that range from crabby co-workers to a peaceful spot in the park affect your thinking and physical state to the point that it becomes a part of your psyche.

Taking the time to recognize the pressures and pleasures you derive from different environments helps you take control of how you feel. You can improve your sense of well-being by setting boundaries against negatives and finding places that deliver positive experiences. Here’s a look at how you can control how you perceive your environment.

Become More Self-Aware in Your Workplace

It’s normal to move from one setting to the next without really being aware of the overall atmosphere. For example, you may notice there’s an overall feeling of tension at work, but you brush it off as being normal and don’t look into it further. This feeling seems to go away once you settle in and get your day started. What you don’t realize is that you didn’t get used to the feeling. Instead, you absorbed and normalized the atmosphere throughout your mind and body.

The result is that your mood becomes worse, and you find that you can’t maintain your equilibrium as the day goes on. This feeling goes home with you, keeping you in a bad mood even though you’re not at work any longer. Over time, this level of stress affects your health and mental state to the point where your well-being suffers.

Catching the change in your mood, whether it’s at work or elsewhere, helps you counter the effects of a stressful environment. You’ll feel better over time, and experience less in the way of stress-related health issues.

Organize Your Habitat to Create Flow

A cluttered environment overwhelms your sense of well-being, even if you don’t consciously recognize this fact. Clutter doesn’t happen overnight, but if you don’t stop and organize now and again, it’s going to close in on you. Negative feelings such as depression and anxiety are made worse by the lack of open space and flow. When you live in a disorganized state, you bring yourself down mentally and physically.

First, don’t beat yourself up for how you live. Make plans to reduce clutter at a pace you’re comfortable with, and ask for help with getting rid of unwanted items. Find a way of organizing your belongings in a way that works best for you, and don’t put pressure on yourself by trying to imitate the latest organizing trend. The cleaning work you do helps you feel better, brightens up your home, and reduces the effort needed to move around.

Make it a Point to Clean Your Home Regularly

Keeping a cleaning schedule helps you prepare for getting the work done, but it also makes your home feel less oppressive when there’s less dirt and dust to deal with. Also, consider using a humidifier if you live in a dry environment or experience dry seasons. Static electricity can build more easily in dry air, giving a shock when you least expect it. The dry air also makes your home more uncomfortable, adding to feelings of discomfort.

Evaluate the Environment Around Your Home

The external environment that surrounds your home also plays a role in your mental health. Ask yourself if you feel safe where you live, or if the neighborhood looks presentable or not. Is there a lot of pollution from vehicles traveling nearby that leaves an unwanted smell? Maybe the average income in your area is low, something that brings down its overall feeling. Any one of these elements in your home environment serves to bring your mood down and also affects your health negatively.

It’s not always possible to move out of a poor environment, but you can do things to improve how you feel about where you live. Keep an eye out for signs of crime, attend community meetings, and pick up trash when you find it. Caring about your surroundings will lift your spirits, and create a feeling of living in a healthy neighborhood.

Physical Effects of Your Environment: Swelling and Discomfort

Your environment can affect your physical health in ways you might not expect. For example, prolonged stress, poor air quality, or staying in cramped positions can lead to swelling in your hands, feet, or joints. This swelling can cause discomfort and is a sign that your body is reacting negatively to your surroundings. Being aware of these symptoms and making simple changes—like improving air circulation, taking breaks to move, or managing stress—can help reduce swelling and improve your overall well-being.

Examine Your Perception of Your Environment

How you feel about your surroundings plays a direct role in your overall well-being. In other words, your perception of a given environment affects how you feel about the space. You may think that you’re in a high-stress environment, but others think it’s quiet and mellow. It may be that you’re more sensitive to stress than others, you’ve had a couple of bad experiences at a location that’s left their mark on your mind, or your subconscious is triggered by something in the environment.

Having a negative perception of your environment will reinforce your conscious thinking about how you feel. This can be at home, work, or the grocery store, and the feelings don’t have a rational basis. Stepping back from your perception can help you figure out why you feel that way, and if it’s valid or not.

It’s easier to relax and not feel the effects of stress when you understand why you feel a certain way about a space. It’s worth noting that you may not be able to eliminate your feelings, but you can make them manageable and experience less stress.

Identify Places That Make You Feel Good

Certain environments can make you feel better simply by being in them for a while. You’ll have to identify the ideal environment, but you’ll know it’s the right space based on how you feel. Some people find the chaos of a mall to be enjoyable, while others prefer to sit in the quiet of the library. If you enjoy spending time with animals, consider volunteering at a shelter and helping the staff with socializing, grooming, and administering medications to improve pet health.

These places are also called third spaces because they do not work, and they’re not home, but they provide you with a comfortable environment to enjoy. They’re also easy to access and usually encourage you to return time and again, making it a place you look forward to visiting.

The Benefits That Come From Recognizing How Your Wellbeing Is Influenced by Your Environment

Figuring out how your current environment affects your state of well-being takes work, but it’s worth putting in the effort. You learn how to push back against the unwanted emotional states and forces that threaten your sense of peace and make your life more difficult. It’s not always possible to get away from places that cause a lot of stress, but you can take control of how much it affects you.

Megan Isola

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.

How To Get Stated With Estate Planning

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money. One of the keys to wealth accumulation is passing it on. Some people have plans for this while many do not. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Get Stated With Estate Planning.

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What comes to mind when you think of estate planning? Is it something only the wealthy do, or perhaps something you believe is unnecessary to consider?

According to Financial Sense, a staggering 56% of Americans recognize the importance of estate planning, yet only 33% have taken the crucial step of documenting their end-of-life plans. Even more concerning, as revealed by a Trust & Will survey, only 31% have a basic will in place. This underlines the critical need for understanding and implementing estate planning.

Whether you don’t think you need to have a plan for your estate in the event of your death or you’ve simply not gotten around to it, these basic tips can help you get started to get something solid and legally binding in place.

Create A Will

A will is the cornerstone of a comprehensive estate plan. It lets you specify who will inherit your assets, ensuring your wishes are fulfilled. Without a will, your assets may not be distributed as you would have wanted. By having a will, you can rest assured that your loved ones will be taken care of according to your wishes.

You need to be of sound mind to write a will, so it’s best to have it witnessed and notarized to give it additional legality and not left too late, especially in the face of a life-altering health diagnosis.

Power of Attorney

Designated power of attorney gives another person legal authority to manage your finances or make decisions for you. The person you give power of attorney to needs to be someone you trust, and it is an irrevocable directive that enables them to make decisions if you become incapacitated for any reason.

There are different types of powers of attorney, with financial or health care being the most common. Appointing a person as soon as possible can ward off confusion or court intervention in emergency situations.

Set up a healthcare directive

A healthcare directive, also known as a living will, allows you to outline your medical preferences if you cannot communicate for yourself. Your healthcare directive can include instructions about life support, resuscitation, organ donations, and more. This allows you to share your wishes so that those in charge of making healthcare decisions on your behalf know your wishes and what you want.

A living trust

If you have significant assets, a revocable living trust can be a smart addition to your will. A trust like this can help avoid probate, offer privacy, and ensure a smoother transition of property to beneficiaries. Trusts can also provide for children or individuals with special needs over time, and they should be something everybody considers if this is applicable to their lives.

Explore alternative options

Traditional estate planning isn’t the only route available to people today. Suppose you’re looking for a more personal or purpose-driven estate planning approach. In that case, there are organizations such as Karmic Legacies that offer unique options for you to consider. Companies like Karmic Legacies offer you an option to have your legacy live on once you have passed. You can leave property that can help others and help you create a lasting effect longer after your death, or for past life healing for others to help them move forward, or for those who are unsure of who to leave property to, or don’t have anyone to leave it to.

You can preserve your property as a way that helps others at a time in their lives when they need it most, meaning that you can continue to give and have an impact on the world around you.

Mastering the Art of Negotiation with CPG Suppliers

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship.
In business, negotiation is critical no matter what you’re transacting. Mastering this art can prove to be quite lucrative. The following contributed post is entitled, Mastering the Art of Negotiation with CPG Suppliers.

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Negotiation between Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) suppliers is a heady mix of artful tact and science. Businesses that are reliant on a super smooth flow of goods depend on having strong supplier relationships for efficiency, sustainability, and profit. Creating deals that work in favor of all parties often takes a lot of strategic thinking, preparation and expert negotiating skills. In this blog, we will go through some tips that may help make sure that you have successful negotiations when working with your CPG suppliers.

Photo by Amina Atar on Unsplash

Understand the Supplier’s Perspective

Being really good at negotiation requires having a firm grasp on all of the challenges and priorities facing suppliers. They face pressures like rising raw material costs, logistical obstacles, and managing multiple clients simultaneously. And when you understand these constraints more fully, it allows you to create proposals which can address both parties’ needs rather than simply one party’s demands. Empathy between parties creates stronger partnerships leading to mutually beneficial agreements.

Do Your Research on Pricing and Market Trends

Heading into negotiations without first having a complete picture of the current market conditions can be like trying to paddle upstream, blindfolded. Knowledge is power, so arming yourself with data on industry pricing standards, material costs, and emerging trends will give any proposal you create more credence. Conducting market research will give you invaluable information on what other buyers are paying for similar goods which allows for way better price discussions with an air of authority too. These research materials can also help identify areas of flexibility while making it easier to set firm boundaries.

Build a Relationship Before You Bargain

Before hitting them with hard numbers, focus on developing professional and cordial relationships with your suppliers. People tend to cooperate more easily when they like and trust someone. Cultivating your own rapport through consistent, respectful communication or showing appreciation of the supplier value. Soft skills can help reduce unnecessary tension while setting an amiable atmosphere. Building reliable relations may even result in you getting priority orders, better payment terms or faster deliveries. These are things that hard numbers cannot get you by themselves.

Be Clear About Your Goals and Priorities

Approach every negotiation with a clear strategy in mind. Know exactly what the important goals of this negotiation are. Is it lower prices, faster delivery schedules or maybe better service quality? You should also be more understanding where there may be compromise and where flexibility ends. Communication is very important with suppliers. Any ambiguity causes confusion that can deter good negotiation, while an organised and systematic approach shows both professionalism as well as confidence. This is why it’s so important to achieve fair deals.

Use Data and Metrics to Strengthen Your Position

Data doesn’t lie, so using it during negotiations can give compelling justification for requests. From past purchasing volumes, order consistency or sales performance metrics to supplier preferences. You will need well-documented reasoning over vague assertions as factual information gives everything credibility. You should always use data and metrics in your negotiations as this instantly elevates your negotiating position.

Focus on Creating a Win-Win Agreement

Negotiation should never be about “winning” at the expense of suppliers. A one-sided deal might bring you short-term gains, but in the long run it can lead to unfavorable relations or unsustainable agreements. Rather try and aim to create value for both sides by looking for opportunities for collaboration. Perhaps placing larger orders would allow you to get better pricing while giving predictable sales volumes for your supplier. Only when everyone leaves the table satisfied will the partnerships flourish and flourish further.

Be Willing to Walk Away (But Don’t Use It as a Bluff)

Being ready and willing to walk away can be a risky negotiating strategy, but only use this tactic when truly prepared to follow through. Empty threats can damage the long-term trust with suppliers and their services. If the negotiations stall, make sure to express that current conditions no longer align with your business requirements while looking into other possibilities. However, being professional even during critical moments can often open doors to future collaboration opportunities.

Have an Open Mind Towards Alternative Solutions

There might be some creative and mutually-beneficial solutions that are lying beyond what initially appears obvious. Experienced negotiators know to listen actively when listening to supplier proposals before looking into potential avenues of negotiation that offer better options for both parties involved. For example, proposing extended payment terms in exchange for a discount or bundling products to create lower unit pricing can lead to mutually beneficial results. Not only does this strategy help build collaboration but it also demonstrates you are willing to negotiate to get resolution to problems within the possible partnership. Such flexibility wins over supplier relationships and also strengthens business ties. When you are keeping an open mind and balancing strategic goals with innovation, negotiators can discover opportunities that meet both parties’ interests.

Avoid Common Pitfalls in Negotiation

It is also very important to try and avoid common pitfalls during negotiations. Approaching conversations with excessive aggression, overplaying your hand or showing a lack of preparation can quickly break the trust between suppliers and lead to unfavorable results. Instead, focus on having an informed and respectful discussion. Remember that suppliers possess extensive expertise regarding their own products and services. Underestimating this may damage the relationships and slow the progress. When you are cultivating mutual respect and collaboration, you create an environment more apt for positive outcomes. When asserting yourself assertively, however, make sure it comes with listening skills and flexibility as hard-nosed tactics may create resistance rather than cooperation. Maintaining professionalism and an open mindset throughout the negotiation process is the surest way to cultivate good will and reach successful agreements. Avoiding these potential pitfalls will help you with having smoother negotiations and establish long-term productive business partnerships.

Partner With Natural Food Brokers To Do It For You

Or you can bypass this whole process when you partner with natural food brokers. Natural food brokers can make the supply chain management and negotiation processes much more manageable, helping your business find suppliers who fit with your business goals and standards. They have access to market insights, industry relationships and know exactly how to streamline negotiations. Partnering with natural food brokers will make your company a leading competitor in the CPG landscape.

Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash

Conclusion

Negotiating with CPG suppliers requires you to have a solid strategy and also build strong partnerships. So careful preparation, clear communication and long-term collaboration are critical components for getting any positive outcomes. Stay professional while remaining flexible during negotiations, and soon you will become a master at the art of negotiation.

How Your Hotel Can Stand Out Among The Competition

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. The hospitality business is very much about appearances and impressions. You really what your hotel to pop relative to the competition. The following contributed post is entitled, How Your Hotel Can Stand Out Among The Competition.

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Pexels

Running a hotel and being a business owner is not an easy job. However, working in hospitality and showing others a nice time can be quite rewarding.

The reality is that guests have choices when it comes to where to stay when they’re out of town for personal reasons or for business. If you’re going to thrive long-term, then you want to make sure that your hotel is booked and customers are satisfied. Here you can learn more about how your hotel can stand out among the crowd.

Clean & Comfortable Sleeping Room

Your guests are essentially at your hotel because they need somewhere to sleep at night. Therefore, one of the most important aspects is to focus on achieving a clean and comfortable sleeping room. If you want guests to speak highly of your hotel and get a good night’s sleep then be sure to invest in high-quality and cozy hotel bedding. You not only want it to look presentable and attractive but also offer a sense of luxury. Make sure there are fresh towels available and no crumbs or dirt left behind.

Customer Service & A Trained Staff

If you want to run a successful hospitality business, then you must offer exceptional customer service. This will require that you train your staff and confirm that each person you hire knows how to be personable and professional in every interaction. You want each guest that enters through your doors to feel valued and appreciated. It would be wise to remember guests’ preferences when they stay with you in the future. Be proactive in offering assistance to them with their bags or helping them find a local place to eat.

Unique Offerings & Amenities

If your hotel is going to stand out among the competition, then you should have unique offerings and amenities. You may want to work with the local community to set up the option of taking a cooking class, doing an art tour, or going to a wine tasting. As far as amenities go, consider having a spa in your hotel where guests can get massages or get their nails done. You might also want to offer a swimming pool and hot tub, a workout facility, and a few different dining choices. Stand out by having a rooftop garden or themed common spaces that fit with your brand.

Attractive & User-Friendly Website

Many customers go online first to see what a hotel is all about before booking a reservation. Therefore, it’s important to have an attractive and user-friendly hotel website in place. Brand your website, implement SEO best practices, and highlight any special offers or promotions. What’s most critical is that the booking process is painless and seamless. Be sure to include your cancellation policy on your website so guests know what to expect.

Conclusion

These are some top ways your hotel can stand out among the competition. It’s worth the effort to go the extra mile and do what you can to fill hotel rooms. Keep in mind that the better job you do overall, the more positive reviews you’ll receive and the more likely it is that you’ll find success in the hospitality industry.