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.

5 Financial Consequences People Forget About After a Driving Offence

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Legal Affairs. Driving offences can be costly in many ways if you’re not careful. As such, it’s critical to be mindful of how many you commit and the severity of them. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Financial Consequences People Forget About After a Driving Offence.

* * *

Most of us don’t really think about driving offences. When you spend a vast amount of time in your car and have rarely received a fine, you get a bit comfy letting the small things slide. Taking your chance on an illegal parking, driving a tad bit over the speed limit, driving after “just” 2 beers or ignoring the seatbelt alarm to the neighbourhood grocery store. One thing most of us don’t think about, being a little too comfortable as a relatively “safe driver,” is the financial fallout of a traffic fine, a fender bender, or a DUI. Getting too comfortable as a driver can cause you to overlook these common financial fallouts of taking chances on the road.

Via Unsplash

1. Employment Setbacks That Hit Your Paycheck

Many jobs now require a clean driving record, even if driving isn’t part of the role. Employers use driving records during background checks as a proxy for judgment, responsibility, and risk. If you’re applying for a job in healthcare, education, government, or finance, a single driving offence can quietly shrink your chances.

Worse yet, if your current job involves company vehicles or transportation of goods or people, you may be reassigned or even let go. That’s not just a loss of income. It could mean starting over at a lower wage or in a different field altogether.

2. License Suspension’s Hidden Costs

Losing your license temporarily isn’t just an inconvenience but also an economic anchor. Rideshares, lost workdays, paying others to chauffeur your kids, or even relocating closer to public transport. In rural or suburban areas, these costs multiply fast.

And then there’s the reinstatement process: administrative fees, required courses, evaluations. None of it’s free. In some cases, especially for repeat offences, installing an ignition interlock device (IID) is mandatory, at your own expense. Those devices come with monthly calibration fees that can quietly eat into your budget.

3. Loan and Credit Score Complications

This one surprises many people. A serious traffic offence, particularly a DUI, can lead to court judgments or unpaid fines being sent to collections. Once that happens, your credit score takes a hit.

That lower score can mean higher interest rates on everything, from your car loans to mortgages. Even a few points’ difference in your credit rating can translate to thousands in added interest over the life of a loan. It’s the kind of damage that lingers for years, long after you’ve put the incident behind you.

4. A Permanent Spike in Insurance That Outlasts the Offence

You expect your insurance to go up, but many forget just how long that increase can last. It’s not a one-year bump. Insurance companies can keep that premium inflated for three to five years after the offence, depending on its severity.

Add in any accident-related claims, and some drivers end up labelled “high-risk,” forcing them into specialised insurance pools. That’s not just more expensive, it can be five to ten times your previous rate. Consulting the best traffic lawyers early can sometimes reduce charges or help you qualify for diversion programs that keep your record cleaner and your premiums lower.

5. Lost Time Is Lost Money

It might sound intangible, but the time spent dealing with a driving offence adds up. Time off work to attend court hearings, mandatory traffic school, or DMV appointments is often unpaid. If you freelance or work hourly, every hour lost is income lost.

Then there’s the mental toll. Missed deadlines, stress-induced burnout, and juggling logistics all bleed into productivity. And in a world where time is currency, those lost hours can compound into something much larger than expected.

The Bottom Line

Driving offences can have ripple effects that go far beyond what’s printed on the citation. The smartest move? Understand the full picture and act quickly. Whether it’s contesting a charge or minimising long-term fallout, knowing where to turn and what’s at stake makes all the difference.

A single moment on the road shouldn’t rewrite your financial future. Stay informed. Stay prepared. And when in doubt, get guidance from professionals who understand the legal and financial nuances better than anyone else.

How To Address Vandalism To Your Business Premises

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. If you have a brick and mortar business, you may have to deal with some level of vandalism. If you deal with an incident, you have to have a plan for dealing with it. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Address Vandalism To Your Business Premises.

* * *

Photo by Anastasiia Lopushynska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/couple-looking-at-vinyl-records-12070229/

There can be many nasty surprises in business planning, that’s the nature of competition. But finding your business has been hit by vandals is perhaps one of the worst gut punch moments that can ruin your whole week. It can take many forms, like spray paint across your front window or broken glass scattered on the pavement nearby. The immediate reaction is usually anger mixed with a sinking feeling of knowing you’ve got a mess to deal with and money to spend fixing something that was perfectly fine yesterday.

Vandalism can also feel personal even when it probably isn’t. Most of the time these incidents are random, kids being stupid or someone taking out their frustrations on whatever target happens to be convenient. That doesn’t make it any less frustrating to deal with, but understanding that it’s likely not some targeted attack on you specifically can help you approach the cleanup with a clearer head. If you have protections in place, odds are you have a fair amount of recourse too.

Of course, you’ll want to document everything thoroughly before you start cleaning up because insurance companies and police reports require evidence. That includes photos and any footage you can find. We’ll also believe the following advice can help you:

Catalog Everything

Don’t start sweeping up glass or scrubbing paint off walls, because you need to create a record of what happened. Take photos of all the damage from different angles, including wide shots that show the context and close-ups that give details. Write down exactly when you discovered the vandalism, what time you last saw everything intact, and any witnesses who might have seen something. It’ll help you avoid the frustration that comes otherwise.

You’ll also want to check if your security cameras caught anything useful, and if you don’t have cameras, this might be the realization that you need to install some. Then look around for any evidence the vandals might have left behind like spray paint cans, broken tools, or anything else that could help identify the culprit. Don’t clean up this evidence until after you’ve called the police and they’ve had a chance to look at the scene.

Get Professional Help For Glass And Structural Damage

Broken windows and damaged doors need immediate care, both for security reasons and to limit further damage from weather. You can’t leave your business exposed overnight or over a weekend, so finding reliable commercial window repair and replacement services is a priority. Professional repair companies can absolutely provide emergency boarding services to secure your property while they order the right materials for permanent repairs, should you have larger windows or extensive damage that needs caring for..

Don’t try to handle major glass replacement yourself because commercial windows often have specific requirements for thickness, safety standards, and installation methods that won’t be the same as residential work. Such services also understand how to work with insurance companies and can provide the detailed documentation your claim will require. Most will also have a heart and give you a decent quote.

Implement Security

It’s not nice to think about what you should have done, but we do have time to think about preventing this from happening again. Security cameras are the most obvious deterrent, but proper lighting can be just as effective at keeping vandals away, especially if they’re motion sensor lights that illuminate your entire storefront, making it much harder for someone to damage your property without being seen, and they’re usually cheaper than a full camera system.

You may also consider adding protective films to your windows that make them much harder to break or scratch, and think about landscaping to prevent any of the hiding spots around your building.Work with other businesses nearby so you can be more proactive about protecting your placements, too. It’ll help.

With this advice, we hope you can more easily address any and all vandalism to your business premises!.

What You Need To Know About Writing Your Will

My blog focuses on Legal Affairs. Writing wills is a critical point one’s financial plan. Correctly writing one can make the difference in those who stand to benefit from it. The following contributed post is entitled, What You Need To Know About Writing Your Will.

* * *

Source – CCO License

When it comes to preparing for the future, and especially on behalf of your family, a will is a non-negotiable that you really need to make sure you are doing right. There are many aspects to writing a will that you will need to know about and to make sure that you are focused on, and as long as you can do this effectively you are going to find that it really helps you financially and your family too. Here are some of the things you’ll need to know about writing your will when you go to do it.

Why It Matters

It’s important to have a real appreciation of just why it’s important to have a will in the first place. It’s a legal document that says who gets your property, money, and possessions after your death, and as such it’s hugely important for those close to you. If you don’t have a will, the state decides who inherits your assets, and very often that means the state itself does. Having a will helps to give you much greater peace of mind on the whole, so it’s definitely something you will want to think about.

Key Elements

There are a number of elements that a good will should normally include. That includes an executor, the person you have chosen to carry out the wishes in the will. It will also list beneficiaries, the people or organizations who will inherit your property, and guardianship – if you have kids, who will care for them, along with any other dependents such as pets. It will also talk about your debts and taxes, and how you want them paid from your estate. And it should have a section on asset distribution as well. If it’s got all those parts, it’s going to be an effective will.

Legal Requirements

Don’t forget – a will is a legal document, and there are certain things that it is going to need to have. To help ensure this you will find that it is necessary to get in touch with some trusted will solicitors, who should be able to help you to put your will together easily and seamlessly. They will know everything that needs to be included and how to make sure the document is exactly as it should be. That’s the kind of thing that is going to help a lot with making sure that it works as intended.

When To Update Your Will

Things can change, and you might need to make changes to your will when that happens. You should review and update it after certain big life changes, such as getting married or getting divorced, if you have a child or adopt one, or if there are significant changes in your assets. You should also reflect on the change if you move to a new country. Keeping it currency ensures that your wishes still make sense, which is what it’s all about at the end of the day.

Looking After Your Health As A Single Dad

My blog focuses on Health/Wellness. Single dads are not talked about often in western societies, but they exist. They also need to be mindful of their health. The following contributed post is entitled, Looking After Your Health As A Single Dad.

* * *

If you are a single dad then you need to be thinking about how well you look after your health. The last thing you want or need is to constantly be getting struck down with a cold or the flu, that season is fast approaching. If you aren’t sure how to look after your health then it is probably best to take it back to basics. Check out the article below to find out more.

Pexels CCO License

Diet

One of the most important parts of staying healthy is your diet. If you have children then you want to be showing them what eating healthy looks like. Of course, you can all enjoy some junk food every so often but not constantly. Having children means you might need to learn to cook a few healthy meals, check out online recipes to see what you can try. Don’t be afraid to get the kids in the kitchen as well, cooking is a life skill that they will have to learn at some point.

Exercise

Exercise is key and goes hand in hand with eating the right foods. If you love exercise and attend the gym regularly then you already know what you are doing, this is great. However, if you aren’t too keen on exercise then you may be struggling to find something you enjoy. Try to incorporate at least 45 minutes of exercise into your daily routine each day. This may sound like a lot but it is very achievable, it could be going for a swim or a run during your lunch break or in the evenings.

Sleep

Another vitally important part of looking after your health is getting enough sleep. As a single parent, you may be up regularly through the night. This all depends on how old your children are, perhaps they sleep through the whole night. If this is the case then you should be aiming for around six to eight hours of solid sleep each night. Failure to get this can result in you feeling exhausted and lacking the energy you need to function. If you continuously miss out on vital hours of sleep then it may be time to visit your doctor to see if there is a solution you could try.

Look After Your Mental Health

Finally, it isn’t just your physical health that you need to be thinking about. Your mental health is equally as important as one won’t function well without the other. If you begin to notice signs of stress or other mental health conditions then you need to address this right away. Stress is known as the silent killer and with good reason, it can strike when you least expect it.

If you want to meet other dads in your position then you could look into single dad support groups. Here, you can make new friends who will support you through life. Your kids could even be the same age so perfect for playdates and meets at the local park.

We hope you found this helpful and it gave you some ideas on how to look after your health as a single dad.

Three Questions You Should Always Ask Your Immigration Lawyer

My blog focuses on Legal Discussions. Immigration is a hotbed issue in my western countries. If you are dealing with immigration issues personally, good legal can be an asset to you. The following contributed post is entitled, Three Questions You Should Always Ask Your Immigration Lawyer.

* * *

US immigration laws have changed exponentially in recent years, with the latest shifts including stricter ICE enforcement and new registration rules. Green card holders also find themselves at risk from increased monitoring and background checks.

This is obviously worrying, and, if you fear that your legal immigration status is at risk, then quickly seeking an immigration lawyer is essential. Unfortunately, not all immigration lawyers are created equal. To ensure that you have the best possible person in your corner, always take the time to ask these key questions before you sign up to a service that’s either ill-suited to your situation or liable to leave you in more trouble down the line.

Pexels Image: CC0 License

1 – What Services Do You Offer?

The fact that a lawyer offers immigration services doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re right for your case. This is why it’s always essential to ask about the services you’ll have access to before committing. Ideally, you should seek a lawyer who specializes in immigration cases and offers a full spectrum of services, from deportation defense to VISAs and citizenship. This ensures that you have access to a vast array of expertise and options, any of which could end up being relevant to, or ultimately saving your case. If a lawyer offers only the bare minimum of relevant services, it’s a red flag that they might not be suitable for dealing with increasingly complex and layered immigration cases right now.

2 – How Much Will My Case Cost?

While cost can seem like a small consideration when you’re fighting to protect your rights and your family, it is something you’ll want to consider. Obviously, not every lawyer will be able to give an exact price, as cases vary so broadly. But, you should still ask for a rough estimate, as well as ensuring that there are no hidden or additional fees to pay. If you’re worried about affording legal fees, it’s also worth asking whether the lawyer in question provides the option of paying with loans like the BYDCash Immigration Loan, which can be invaluable, as it provides loans of up to $15,000, even if you have no credit history or social security number.

3 – Do you Have Experience With Cases Similar to Mine?

It’s also vital to understand your lawyer’s experience with immigration cases long before attending court with them by your side. This is especially vital considering the complexity of immigration law. If a lawyer has never fought for a client facing deportation despite a green card, for example, they simply won’t be the right person for your case. Instead, you should seek someone with a wealth of experience, especially within the current immigration climate. Ask about their most recent cases and outcomes, as this will give you the best possible idea of whether or not they’re likely to succeed in defending your current situation.

Seeking an immigration lawyer might just be the most important decision of your life. Get it right by asking these key questions as early as possible in the process.

The Numbers Don’t Lie, But They Don’t Tell the Whole Truth Either

My blog focuses on Creating Ecosystems of Success. In many instances we have to make life decisions based upon numbers and data. Those often have to be considered against experience and intuition. The following contributed post is entitled, The Numbers Don’t Lie, But They Don’t Tell the Whole Truth Either.

* * *

We count everything now. Steps, likes, sales, hours “well spent.” The dashboards glow, and we feel safe, because numbers look tidy, and tidy feels true. But life isn’t tidy. It hesitates, doubles back, changes its mind at 2 a.m. A chart can tell you what moved; it can’t tell you why you cared. So yes, the numbers matter, how else do we learn, compare, improve? Still, there’s always a missing page in the report: the part about meaning, timing, luck, fear, courage. The stuff you felt in your gut but couldn’t fit into a cell on a spreadsheet. That’s the gap this piece is about, the bright light of metrics, and the shadows they leave behind.

Via Pexels

Why Chasing Metrics Can Miss the Point

Take a business leader tracking performance. Revenue is up, but does that automatically mean employees are thriving? Maybe people are burned out, quietly searching for jobs that value their humanity over their productivity. The metric says “success,” but the lived experience whispers otherwise.

The same is true in everyday life. If you measure your days only by hours worked or boxes ticked, you might look productive on paper but feel hollow when you pause to breathe. Metrics are snapshots, not portraits. They freeze at one angle, but life is multi-dimensional. When we chase numbers without asking what they really mean, we risk mistaking movement for meaning.

Seeing the Story Behind the Data

Behind every percentage point, there’s context. Behind every graph, there’s a human story. Numbers can open the door to insight, but only if we’re willing to step beyond them.

Think of something like prop firm trading. On the surface, it looks like an endless chase for profit percentages, win rates, and account growth. But what sets skilled traders apart isn’t just their spreadsheets, it’s their ability to interpret what those numbers represent. A streak of wins might highlight discipline and consistency. A string of losses might reveal not failure, but a lesson in resilience. The numbers matter, of course, but the story behind them matters more.

The same holds for data in our personal lives. A scale may tell you your weight, but never your strength, joy, or determination. A bank balance can’t capture generosity or the peace of a debt-free night’s sleep. When you zoom out, you start to see how numbers point to patterns, but meaning lives in the spaces between.

Primary Choice: The Quiet Metrics That Matter

Sometimes it helps to remember that not everything worth measuring can be counted. Think about the quiet victories in a day, the moment you chose patience over anger, the deep breath before a tough conversation, the laugh you shared with a friend when life felt heavy. None of these show up in a spreadsheet, but they carry weight. They shape who you are becoming. When you only chase what you can tally, you risk overlooking the invisible progress that’s slowly but surely changing your life.

Balancing Intuition With Analysis in Real-Life Decisions

Numbers are excellent navigators but lousy authors. They can chart the route, flag detours, and estimate arrival times, but they can’t tell you why the journey matters. Keep the dashboard, yes. Read the gauges. Then lift your eyes to the horizon and choose your direction with a whole mind, not just a tidy spreadsheet.

Conclusion

Let the data speak, but don’t let it have the last word. When you pair measured facts with lived context, curiosity, and a bit of courage, decisions become more than efficient; they become true. That’s the work: to count what counts, and still leave room for what can’t be counted.

Luxury Home Renovation: 5 Key Questions To Guide Your Project

My blog focuses on Home/Living and Home/Property Discussions. A key to owning a luxury home is the renovations. Renovations help add and maintain value. The following contributed post is entitled, Luxury Home Renovation: 5 Key Questions To Guide Your Project.

* * *

Source : Pixabay CC0

Every homeowner wants to add a little luxury to their property. Whether you’re taking on a minor upgrade or overhauling the home, strategic planning is vital. And the best way to find the right answers is to start by asking the right questions.

Use the following questions for guidance, and you won’t go far wrong.

Q1. Will the project add value?

There is no escaping the fact that luxury is strongly tied to finance and wealth. With this in mind, any home upgrade that aims to build luxurious vibes cannot ignore money. Adding value to the property will create a more striking atmosphere. They also become great future investments.

Creating a luxury lifestyle is often about status as much as it is about enjoyment. Your property can be the clearest statement of wealth that you possess. Make a list of projects that deliver high ROIs and be sure to select the materials and methods to maximise the rewards.

Q2. Does it feature unique elements?

Luxury also relies on standing out from the crowd. It’s not enough to simply follow the latest high-status trends. Opting for handmade bricks within architectural and constructional gives the home an epic look. This is especially true if neighbouring properties look the same.

Extending the property or converting loft spaces can be another good way to create unique features. It creates a one-of-a-kind floorplan that’s tailored to you. Support this further with commissioned artwork or homewares to truly elevate the exclusivity.

Q3. Does the project make the home aligned with my lifestyle?

Building a luxury property is one thing, but you must not forget that your goal is to create a luxury home. With this in mind, you must not overlook the importance of lifestyle alignment. If you work from home, a luxury office should be at the top of your agenda. Embrace it.

Alternatively, fitness enthusiasts who also love outdoor living may focus on the garden. A customised swimming pool screams luxury, not least when the outdoor dining areas are also under control. BBWS, garden buildings, and privacy features all work wonders.

Q4. Will the home feel open?

When focusing on luxury, size matters. And the perception of space certainly does too. Intelligent made-to-measure storage features are essential. Aside from avoiding claustrophobic tones, it gives the home a more finished and personalised look. It will increase the style.

Storage is a key component, but you could also look at open-plan living. Skylights to increase natural lighting and the introduction of houseplants can also aid your cause. Those connections to nature bring a peaceful touch that also feeds into the luxury setting.

Q5. Is it built for the future?

Finally, luxury should be lasting. Timeless interior designs created with iconic and durable materials are a great starting point. In today’s climate, you also need to ensure that the best eco-friendly features are in place too. Otherwise, the property will feel outdated.

On a similar note, using Smart tech and intelligent home systems are vital. From entertainment to automated convenience and security, those features make all the difference. Incorporating them today and the luxury can last a lifetime.

How to Grow Your Pest Control Business Through Smart Strategies

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and STEM. A business that will never go away a pest control business. As with any business, there are strategies you need to implement to be successful. The following contributed post is entitled, How to Grow Your Pest Control Business Through Smart Strategies.

* * *

The pest control industry continues to flourish as property owners search for effective ways to manage infestations and protect their homes or businesses from unwanted guests. But standing out in a competitive market requires more than good pest control skills alone. To grow your business in this industry climate, it requires strategic planning, innovative marketing campaigns and outstanding customer service.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Building a Strong Brand Presence

Brand recognition is important for the success of any pest control business, but creating one shouldn’t stop at an eye-catching logo, it should extend to customers as well. Develop an identity that demonstrates professionalism, trustworthiness, and expertise across your website, uniforms, vehicles and marketing materials. Make sure it stands out. Invest in user-friendly websites with clear information about services provided, customer testimonials from satisfied clients as well as easy contact options so as to generate customer interest online. This will help build your credibility while simultaneously attracting customers searching for pest control services online.

Partnership With Marketing Experts

Joining forces with marketing specialists like Dagmar pest control marketing agency can greatly accelerate the expansion of any pest control business. These professionals understand the industry nuances, using data-driven strategies to increase online visibility, attract more customers, and boost lead generation. From running targeted ads campaigns to optimizing websites for local search, marketing specialists will make sure that your business stays competitive in an increasingly digital market.

Focus on Exceptional Customer Service

Service excellence is at the basis of every pest control business. In addition to solving customers’ pest problems, aim for an exceptional experience that keeps them coming back and recommends your business to others. This could involve quick response times, friendly technicians and follow-up services for long-term results. Going the extra mile with small touches such as leaving helpful prevention tips behind can leave an amazing mark. Loyal customers become brand ambassadors who spread word-of-mouth referrals that expand your customer base exponentially.

Expand Your Service Offerings

Diversifying the services you offer can open the doors to new customers and markets. Consider diversifying into eco-friendly pest control, wildlife removal or commercial pest management. Also bundled service packages can help increase sales. For instance offering seasonal prevention packages or property inspection services combined with your current services can give your clients value-driven options at reduced rates.

Staying Up with Industry Trends

The pest control industry changes quickly, so keeping on top of current technologies is very important for your long-term growth. From innovative monitoring tools to eco-friendly extermination strategies, staying ahead of trends will set your business apart from competitors. Attend trade shows, subscribe to industry publications, and take part in professional workshops regularly in order to stay informed of upcoming innovations that could have big payoffs for your business. Sometimes even seemingly minor innovations can yield great benefits.

Conclusion

Expanding your pest control business takes hard work, time, and strategic thinking. Focus on building a recognizable brand while offering exceptional services and adapting quickly to market changes. Expanding a pest control business goes beyond simply eliminating stubborn insects or rodents. Rather it means building trusting relationships in the community and becoming part of local organizations through deliberate planning and innovation, giving any business the competitive edge needed to grow in competitive markets.

The Everyday Details That Shape Workplace Culture

My blog focuses on Organizational/Management and Workplace Discussions. When you are managing a workplace, keeping everything running smoothly isn’t a forgone conclusion, and there are many aspects that need to be optimized. The following contributed post is entitled, The Everyday Details That Shape Workplace Culture.

* * *

What comes to mind when you think of workplace culture? There’s usually loads of different things people think of when it comes to workplace cultures – company values leadership styles. Office layout etc. and these big-ticket points are all valuable and important aspects of any workplace. And they do indeed help to form the workplace culture.

But workplace culture doesn’t just live in the boardroom it lives in the small stuff. The details that are often overlooked, the tiny rituals, the shared habits, the bits that never show up in the glossy recruitment ads showing people why they need to come and work with you.

Image credit

Coffee Pots and Snack Runs

In most offices across the country, the coffee pot is less of an appliance and more of a ritual. From who brews it to who always leaves it on empty, and who cleans and changes the filters, and we won’t even talk about who keeps drinking all the milk! And these days they’re less about that caffeine hit and more about the social side of things. The shared coffee runs and moaning about people’s habits or lack of consideration are what make people feel a part of something and help them bond and boost the workplace culture and environment.

Water Cooler Gathering Points

A classic staple in most workplaces. Water coolers are the gathering point and where you get all the gossip. While it might look like a place where people just go to grab a drink of water, the humble water cooler is a social hub where people stand, chat, connect, stretch and get some much-needed movement in their day. And for those who spend a lot of time working alone, it can be the only point of socialisation they get in their working day and removing it can be massively detrimental to the workplace culture.

Birthdays and Celebrations

Those collections people hold for birthdays or other celebrations help make people feel valued by their colleagues hold importance in relation to the employee culture in your workplace.

The thought that someone remembered their birthday or was kind enough to celebrate a momentous occasion in their lives cannot be underestimated. And if these types of collections occur in your office, it means relationships are building, healthy ones that help people feel less alone and more connected to each other. While they’re not necessarily about productivity, they are about the human aspect of your workforce, and it’s definitely a positive thing to embrace.

Shared Lunches and Food Traditions

Food has an uncanny way of pulling people together. Whether they’re catching up over their lunches brought in from home or they’re nipping out for a bite to eat together or even doing the lunch run, food can play a huge part in your employee culture.

Things like pizza Fridays or monthly team meals together outside of work allow people to engage and build a sense of belonging away from work. These are moments that create bonds, spark creativity and encourage collaboration and teamwork. And if you’re looking for understated ways to boost your workplace culture, you can’t go wrong with food. Because even if the food is bad, people will still bond over how awful it is.

Key Essentials For Opening And Running A Successful Business

My blog focuses on Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. If you’re starting a business, there are some key elements that you need to know be mindful of for your enterprise to have a hope of surviving and thriving. The following contributed post is entitled, Key Essentials For Opening And Running A Successful Business.

* * *

If you have decided that now is the time to open and run your own business then congratulations. You may just be realizing how tricky this field is to navigate, with all the legal worries and whether you can keep your business going. If you are unsure of anything related to opening a new business then take a look at the article for some much needed inspiration.

Pexels CCO License

Budget

One of the most important parts of opening a business is your budget. While you may have heard that you can open a business without any money at all, this tends to be companies that have been handed down the generations. To open a brand new business, unfortunately, isn’t free. You need to work out just how much you will need to get everything off the ground.

Once you have worked this out, give yourself some extra wiggle room for emergencies. It can take up to three years sometimes for profits to start rolling in. If you don’t want your company to shut down during this time, then the key is money and budgeting. If you don’t have the money you need to hand right away then consider applying for a business loan or use investors.

Website

Another essential that your business won’t be able to survive without is a website. Before you launch your new company, you will need to build a strong website. When your main doors are closed this is where your customers and clients will place their orders. Typically online shopping happens between the hours of 7pm and 10pm so ensure your website is never down during these hours.

When it comes to designing your website, you need to remember that not everyone who is accessing it will be tech savvy. They could be elderly people who are wanting to buy or browse for a special occasion. Try and include a search bar on your site so there is no need for endless scrolling and clicking.

Marketing

Finally, consider which marketing techniques and strategies you are going to use to boost your business to success. There are plenty out there, it is just a case of choosing which one is most suitable for you and your business. It needs to cater to the wants and needs of your business, for instance, if you are based online then social media and video marketing will be your main go tos. If you have a physical location then you could go for something more old school like leafleting in the local area.

If you need extra help and support with your marketing campaigns then you could work with a marketing agency, hire an in-house marketing team, or even use an SEO expert like Jason McDonald. They know exactly what they are doing and will give you the right marketing ideas to excel your business.

We hope you found this article helpful and that it gave you some ideas on the essentials needed to open and run a successful business.