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.

Your Business Needs To Stand Out In Order To Succeed

Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. When you’re in business, you don’t want your operations to simply blend in with the crowd. You have to think of ways for to stand out. The following contributed post is entitled, Your Business Needs To Stand Out In Order To Succeed.

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Your business needs to stand out from all the others if you want to succeed on the market. There is no way around this as there are so many companies right now that it is always a difficult choice for potential customers. They have to look at a number of different factors to help them decide which route they should go down, and which business they should take a chance on. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the ways that you can make your business stand out and attract more customers. Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

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Fantastic Customer Service

First, you are going to need fantastic customer service. There are so many different ways to improve your customer service, starting with the way that your employees talk to your customers. They are people, not inconveniences, and if they have a problem, it is the job of your employees to fix it. We know that sometimes you get people complaining about things that are not your fault, and we know that some people can be rude and aggressive, but your staff need to maintain a professional tone throughout. Having said this, they do not have to deal with abuse, and it is okay to hang up and refuse to help someone who is behaving this way.

To elevate your customer service, you can do things like adding a live chat to your list of contact options, and having a number of languages available. For some people, English isn’t their first language, so they might find it easier to type their query where they can take their time, or speak in their own language.

Excellent Website

A second point that we would like to make is that you need an excellent website. If you notice, a lot of company websites are cookie cutters, meaning that they all look extremely similar. You don’t want this as it makes your business unmemorable which is the very last thing that you want to be. If you need some inspiration, you can look at some beautiful website designs that have been done fantastically and helped to bring in more conversions.

Of course, unless you have experience with website design, then you are going to need to hire a professional to help you. Choose someone who has experience in the field, and who can show you a track record of their work so that you can check they are right for you.

Up To Date Social Media

Have you even thought about social media? Living in the age of technology makes social media an absolute must. You aren’t going to be able to get through business life without utilizing social media for your business. To do this, you need to ensure that it is being updated regularly with enticing, engaging and informative content. This can include using polls to get answers and drive engagement on posts, or it can include using videos, photos and so much more in order to avoid it being boring blocks of text all the time.

Someone should be running the social media accounts, and that should be their job. This is a big job to manage as it has got to be done well, so it might even be wise to hire two people to manage this.

Traditional Marketing

Just because we live in the age of technology, does not mean that traditional marketing is dead, because it absolutely isn’t. There are still plenty of opportunities for this, and it’s still widely practiced because while it might be hard to believe, not everyone is on social media. This can include things like handing out leaflets, using billboards, looking at TV advertisements and so much more.

Speak to your marketing team about traditional marketing methods and which they think will benefit your business the most. Then, get to work implementing them to hopefully bring some more customers to your business! It might seem super simple and too good to be true, but we’re sure that you will see results.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that your business needs to do in order to stand out. This is going to be necessary if you want your business to be a success on the market like we know you do. As such, take the advice above, and we’re sure that you will be able to give your business the boost it needs to stick out sooner rather than later.

Running A Tight Ship Will Get You Everywhere In Business

Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Despite what many think, running a business is not all fun and games. There are aspects of it that have to be closely watched. The following contributed post is entitled, Running A Tight Ship Will Get You Everywhere In Business.

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Have you ever heard of the expression ‘running a tight ship’? We’re sure that you have as it is a very common saying, and what it means is that you are managing it well. Things get done when they are supposed to be done, people don’t question you when you tell them to do something and so much more. Running a tight ship will get you everywhere in business, rather than letting everyone loose to do their own thing. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you can do to run a tight ship, so keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

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Always Know What’s Going On

You should always know what is going on in every area of your business. You should have your fingers in all of the pies so to speak, because if something goes wrong, you need to know where and why. You can only do this if you have an understanding of what has been happening up until this point in some capacity. Who knows, you may even be able to shut down a disaster in the making before it gets this far if you know what’s going on.

This is especially important if you are a fleet owner. You need to know where your vehicles are, what they are doing, and all other important information pertaining to the success of the job.

Random Performance Reviews

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If you want to run a tight ship and ensure that everyone is always going what they should be, you should announce random performance reviews. If nobody knows when they are going to be called in for a review, then they should always be working hard. Studies have shown in the past that if someone feel as though they are constantly being watched, whether they are or not, they are always going to behave as if they are. In this case, it means they will perform better and provide the business results that you need.

Sticking To Your Budget

When you set a budget, you didn’t do this for fun. You did it because your business needs to stick to some kind of budget in order to continue to be viable on the market. As such, your department heads need to be submitting you with what the money has been spent on, and any overspending has to be approved by you prior to ordering. This will help to keep the budget firmly in place.

Hopefully, you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you should be doing to run a tight ship when it comes to your business. It’s important that you know what is going on in your business at all times, and that you are aware of all the things you need to be in order for your business to be a success. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you end up seeing success in your business.

Side Hustle Ideas For Creative People

Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Many of us ponder starting side hustles that become income generators for us. What are some go ones though? The following contributed post is entitled, Side Hustle Ideas For Creative People.

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Nowadays, everyone has a side hustle they are working on in their spare time. If you have noticed that lots of your friends have extra cash to splash and have developed an entrepreneurial mindset, the chances are they have a side hustle. Using your spare time to earn extra money is a great way to boost your finances. Whether you are trying to pay off debt or saving for a down payment on a house, a side hustle could help you to reach your goal.

While there is no doubt side hustles are an extra way to generate an additional income stream, for many people, a side hustle provides more than just money. Working on a separate project away from a nine-to-five job enables people to focus on their interests and do something that gives them a sense of pride and satisfaction. Creative people can find it particularly hard to work a routine job and need an outlet for their artistry. Creating a side hustle provides the perfect creative outlet and also enables them to earn money at the same time. If you have a strong need to be creative, these side hustle ideas could be perfect for you:

Photographer

If you love to take photographs, taking this a step further could be an ideal side hustle. Working as a photographer could involve several different options. You may decide to take your own photos and then sell them at photography exhibitions. Alternatively, you may want to transform your photographs into artwork for products such as greetings cards, gift wrap, and stationery. Working as a wedding photographer is another option if you have the skills needed to produce professional-standard photographs.

Tattoo Artist

If you are a talented artist and love body art, training to become a tattoo artist could be your dream side hustle. Working as a tattoo artist is something you could fit into your evenings and weekends, as these are the times most people will likely want to book in to get their tattoos. Getting started as a tattoo artist does not happen overnight, so it is essential to be aware of the preparations you need to make before starting this side hustle. You will need to be trained in tattooing techniques, and you will need some equipment to get you started. Your basic kit will need to include items such as ink, needles, tattoo transfer paper, tips, grips, and tubes.

Jewelry Maker

Do you enjoy hands-on crafts and creating beautiful items for friends and family. If so, turning this passion into a side hustle could be a great idea. Jewelry making is an ideal side hustle for anyone passionate about accessories. The great thing about making jewelry is there are so many different styles and materials to work with and plenty of outlets where you can sell your makes.

Balancing a regular job with work in your spare time can be challenging, but who knows, what starts as a side hustle can transform itself into a lucrative full-time career.

5 Exercises To Help You Be More Peaceful

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. In today’s digital and face paced world, an important key is being maintaining your mental health and being peaceful. There are exercises that can help with that. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Exercises To Help You Be More Peaceful.

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Do you feel like you’re constantly on edge? Do you find yourself getting irritated or angry easily? If so, you may want to try some exercises that can help you be more peaceful. There are many different exercises that can help improve your peace of mind, and this blog post will discuss a few of them. You’ll also find some tips on how to get started. So if you’re looking for a way to reduce stress and anxiety, read on!

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#1 Yoga

There’s a reason yoga is so popular – it’s an amazing way to increase peace and relaxation. Yoga combines gentle stretching with deep breathing, and the combination of these two activities can be really beneficial for your mind and body.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of yoga classes available online or in your area. Just make sure to choose a class that is appropriate for your level of experience. Also, don’t feel like you have to do a full hour-long class. You can also try doing a few simple yoga poses at home to get started. Here are a few beginner poses to try:

● Child’s pose
● Downward facing dog
● Bridge pose
● Seated forward fold

#2 Meditation

Meditation is another excellent way to improve your peace of mind. In fact, research has shown that meditation can be helpful in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. There are many different types of meditation, so find one that works best for you. If you’re new to meditation, it may be helpful to find a class or workshop in your area.

Or, you can check out some of the many meditation apps available online. Once you’ve learned the basics, try meditating for a few minutes each day. You may want to start with shorter sessions and work your way up to longer ones.

#3 Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a practice that can be helpful in improving your peace of mind. It involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This can be a difficult practice to master, but with time and patience, it can be really beneficial. There are many different ways to learn mindfulness, and you may want to explore a few different options before settling on one.

#4 Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a martial art that combines deep breathing with slow movement. This combination can be really beneficial for your mental and physical health. TCHI has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and improve flexibility. If you’re interested in learning this art, there are many classes available in your area.

#5 Gardening

Although not really considered an exercise, gardening can be a great way to improve your peace of mind. Not only does it provide you with a sense of accomplishment, but it can also be a relaxing activity. Gardening requires patience and focus, and it can be really helpful in reducing stress. If you don’t have a garden of your own, why not try volunteering at a local community garden?

In conclusion, there are many different exercises that can help you be more peaceful. These five are just a few of the options available to you. So if you’re looking for a way to reduce stress and anxiety, give them a try.

Is Your Lifestyle Unhealthy? It Might Not Be Your Fault

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. Our lifestyles have a direct impact on our personal health. There are many circumstances that in our control, while there are others that are not. The following contributed post is entitled, Is Your Lifestyle Unhealthy? It Might Not Be Your Fault.

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We live in a society that assumes that people have perfect control over the healthiness of their lifestyles. It’s up to individuals how much exercise they do and what they put in their mouths.

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Unfortunately, in many cases, that assumption is wrong. People don’t actually have a great deal of control over their health, or their lifestyles.

Consider diesel fume emissions, for instance. Today, there are millions of diesel cars on the roads, belching out filthy fumes that attack the airways and can lead to a variety of conditions, including cancer.

Sure, you could say that people should move to cleaner areas of the country. But is that possible? What would happen if everyone decided to do that? Apart from society collapsing, it would push up the price of rural properties significantly. What’s more, many people wouldn’t be able to do their jobs or find work, and would eventually have to return to the city anyway.

Psychological Warfare

We also live in a society that is engaged in psychological warfare against the individual. So many of the things that major corporations tell us to consume are actually bad for our health. Soft drinks, liquor, fast food, and cigarettes are just the obvious ones, but there are many other potentially hazardous brands on the list. Car companies, for instance, encourage us to be sedentary, allowing us to drive to work while essentially sitting on something that feels like a couch. Cleaning products contain all sorts of untested chemicals which are having untold effects on our bodies.

However, we’re stuck in a culture that tells us that we need all these things if we want to live a normal life. To keep up with the Joneses, we must live like them, too. Not doing so is a form of missing out.

Health Inequality

Of course, there are people in any society who have greater means than others to fight the temptations and put their lives on solid grounds. Individuals and families with more money, for instance, can move to healthier parts of the country with less pollution and more access to fruit and vegetables. Those with more knowledge can educate themselves about the environmental risks that they face and then take steps to mitigate them. And people with health insurance have incentives to live better to keep their premiums low.

Poor individuals, on the other hand, often don’t have the means to adopt behaviors that could improve their health outcomes. As philanthropist and physician, Michael Rashid, points out, less fortunate people often can’t improve their circumstances, even if they try.

The Bottom Line

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Therefore, in summary, your unhealthy lifestyle might not actually be your fault. While you can tinker around at the edges, it is hard to completely change your environment, unless you’re flush with cash. For that reason, most people’s health doesn’t suddenly change unless their environment changes.

The relationship is two-way: both affect the other. While people can take small steps to make themselves healthier, they also need the cooperation of the environment to succeed long-term.

3 Genius Ways To Lower Your Office Energy Costs

Three focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Workplace Discussions. If you’re running a business with a designated office space, you have to be mindful of your energy costs and usage. The following contributed post is entitled, 3 Genius Ways To Lower Your Office Energy Costs.

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Typically, your office will have some pretty high energy demands. You use a lot of electricity every single day to do your jobs, not to mention the energy spent on your heating and cooling system. As such, you end up with extortionate energy bills. While you might be able to claim these as a tax expense, it doesn’t stop the fact that you’re spending a lot of money every month, disrupting the cash flow for your business.

Luckily, there are three easy ways you can lower your office energy costs:

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Switch to more energy-efficient appliances

What equipment do you use in your office? Mainly, you will have computers, printers, and other things like this. Well, you can save energy by switching to more energy-efficient versions of these things. Instead of powering up big computers and monitors every single day, use laptops. They won’t need to be plugged into a power source the whole time, reducing the amount of electricity that you use. Instead of a standard coffee machine that’s plugged into the wall, get something like a filter coffee maker that doesn’t have such high energy demands. Little changes like this will make a massive difference.

Upgrade the roof

A lot of heat gets lost through the roof of your office, meaning winter energy bills can go through the roof (no pun intended). Therefore, you can fix the situation with a roofing upgrade. Install a better quality roof with better insulative properties. If your roof is already pretty good, you may only need a little bit of commercial roof repair to ensure that it retains as much heat as possible. For a more extravagant idea, adding solar panels to your roof will help you subsidize your electricity bill with free energy.

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Spend less time in the office

This is the best tip as it can drastically reduce your office energy demands. Since March 2020, we’ve all become aware that working from home really isn’t that bad. As a result, your business may want to consider implementing a day or two per week where people can work from home. This is a genius idea as it actually provides two advantages. Let’s say people work from home on Friday or Monday, it makes them feel like they’re having an extra day off work every week. Yes, they are still working hard, but they don’t have to get up as early, they can feel more relaxed, and there’s no afternoon commute through traffic to get home. Obviously, from an energy-saving perspective, if your office is empty for a day or two every week, you are using way less energy throughout the month. This translates to a lower energy bill that’s easier for your business to manage.

There you have it; three genius ways to lower your office energy bills without making major sacrifices. All of these ideas are super simple for a business to implement. You can choose to implement only one idea, but combining them together will give you the best results.

What Are The Common Causes Of Equipment Failure?

Two focuses of my blog are Technology and Workplace Discussions. If you’re running a business or workplace that utilizes equipment of any kind, the upkeep of that equipment should be of your utmost concern. The following contributed post is entitled, What Are The Common Causes Of Equipment Failure?

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Machine or equipment failures are very common. However, high repair costs, health and safety concerns, and poor service delivery can harm your business. The world’s biggest manufacturing firms lose almost $1 trillion annually due to machine failures! As a business owner, you should expect your equipment to break down from time to time. But you can prevent the frequency by understanding the factors that cause your machines to reduce their efficiency. Here are three common causes of equipment failure you should know.

1. Lack of technical know-how

Several people come around your equipment regularly whose actions could have a huge impact on its performance. Machine operators are usually the ones to operate machines the most. When they are properly trained, these operators can understand operation procedures, conduct basic trouble to solve any minor malfunction, and know the health and safety practices to adopt when operating machines.

On the other hand, an operator that has not been rigorously trained and doesn’t fully understand why or how a machine works is likely to cause significant damage to it. You must organize regular training sessions for operators to always prepare for unexpected or new issues. At the very least, they would be able to identify issues that are beyond their skills and report them. As a business owner, you must never permit an operator to use a machine they are not qualified to run.

2. Poor maintenance

Poor maintenance is one of the leading causes of equipment failure. Most machines need regular maintenance to ensure that it performs at their optimum. However, most businesses fail to conduct regular maintenance checks, especially when things seem to be running fine, and they assume that operators would bring up any potential issues. Unfortunately, that’s not the way to go. It isn’t easy to spot early signs of dwindling performance and efficiency. Regular maintenance helps you track your machine’s performance making it easier to identify subtle changes.

As a business owner, preventative maintenance is your best approach to ensuring that your machines don’t fail. It reduces your downtown by up to 75%. Regular tune-ups will extend your machine’s lifespan. You must also train your operators to identify the standard components for mechanical parts that need replacements.

3. Overworking your machines

When you purchase your equipment, you want to get the most out of its functions. That means you have to run them at their peak performance level. However, overworking your machines can cause them to break down much earlier than they should. Setting its performance at the highest all the time can put a massive strain on its components. Instead, ensure that you and the other machine operators understand how your machine works and how to set its performance based on the type of job it has to do.

Although extremely useful, machines can be very unpredictable. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with some of the potential causes of their breakdown and identify ways to reduce such occurrences, so that your business doesn’t suffer.

How To Maintain Your Office Building

Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. If you’re running a business that involves an office setting, one of your considerations should be maintaining your office building. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Maintain Your Office Building.

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As a business owner, one of the most important things that you can do for both yourself and your employees is to maintain your office building. Even if you only rent the space and you don’t own the space outright, you need to make sure that it’s safe, comfortable, and a worthy environment in which to work. Would you want to see a broken, rundown office with no outdoor space to go to? Of course, you wouldn’t! A poorly maintained commercial building doesn’t offer much in the way of confidence about your business. This is especially true if you own the building itself. You want to be able to invest your time and efforts in your business, but you can only do that if you feel comfortable in the first place. You can’t expect your employees to feel comfortable if you don’t, either!

We are not just going to talk about how to maintain the actual office building in this article. We are going to talk about how you can maintain the grounds, too. Companies like McConnell and Associates are there to help you when it comes to ground surfacing and the ground work outside, and if you are looking to create an outdoor eating area or an outdoor social space, this is one of the best things that you could do for the morale of your employees. You want to make sure that they feel comfortable in every area of the office. Below, we’ve got some of the best tips that you need to maintain your office building and the surrounding area so customers, clients, employees and yourself want to be there.

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● Don’t wait around on office repairs. If you care about maintenance in your office building, then you should care about making sure that property damage is not a long-term thing. Even the smallest damaged area in your building can cause a range of problems, and your employees will never feel at ease inside a building that looks unsafe. Clients would also judge you on face value, and if you want to make a good impression, fix it up now.
● Keep an eye out for leaks. One of the best ways to maintain your office building is to ensure that there are no leaks in your plumbing. If you notice any leaking going on, you have to get it fixed as soon as you notice it. If everybody who works with you is trying to look out for these kinds of things, there are lots of issues that could be nipped in the bud before they become too big. Sure, you would call a plumber to come and actually fix things for you, but you should make sure that you are on top of these issues that happen as they occur.
● Hire the right people. When it comes to office maintenance, you don’t have to do it yourself. It is perfectly reasonable to outsource the maintenance and cleaning and care of your office. The building on the inside needs security, a janitor to maintain the flooring, a cleaner to maintain all the fixtures and fittings – there are many people that make up the team that will help you to maintain your office building. On the outside, you’ll need the right contractors and plumbers, electricians and carpenters on speed dial to come and make any changes or repairs as they are needed. Proper building maintenance ensures that your building doesn’t feel old and rundown too quickly. Let’s not forget this will be quite a lot of footfall traffic in and out of the building, so you want to make sure that the building looks great.
● Keep on top of upgrades. An office building that was bought 10 years ago, will need some upgrades to keep it looking as good as it did at the start. A dollar earned is a dollar saved or so they say, but it doesn’t hold true when it comes to property maintenance. You don’t want to cut too many corners here – your property relies on you to keep it going. Any foundation issues, cracks in the plaster of the walls, cracks in the car park outside because the ground has been used so much by different cars – all of these need to be looked into. Keep on top of the upgrades, and you create a comfortable working environment for all.

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● Make sure that you hire a good security team. A big part of maintaining your office building is going to be keeping it secure. From the security you’re going to need at the perimeter, to the security that you need at the front desk, you need to make sure that the access points to the building are secure. If you have a lot of employees, or clients going in and out of the building, it makes sense to have the right measures in place to keep intruders or people without an appointment away. It may feel like you’re going overboard from time to time, but knowing who is going in and out of the building is a safety issue. What if you have guests in the building and the fire alarm goes off? What if there are clients coming up the stairs, but there has been a security breach inside? Safety is important, and maintaining your office building is much easier when you know you have eyes on the ground while you’re busy running your business.
● Perform regular HVAC and boiler maintenance. Whether you have a boiler, an air conditioning system, a heating system or integrated elevators of your building, all of these things need to be maintained to keep your office building working well. It stands to reason that when you have a lot of people in the building you need that elevator working, and you need to make sure that people are at the right temperature. When you perform regular maintenance on these items, you can ensure optimal working conditions at all times. Nobody wants to work somewhere where the management of the building doesn’t care about comfort and safety. Not only will you make sure that there are no issues with your elevators or your HVAC, you’re not going to have to worry about your employees being disgruntled at the way you’re handling things.
● Get some good reviews on cleaners. Maintaining your office building includes the internal cleaning of the building. This means that you need to hear about the cleaning companies local to you and about their reputations. The people occupying the building don’t extend just to your employees. You have visitors and clients coming in and out, too. People leave rubbish behind and that’s unavoidable but it does mean that you need to address this every single day. The only appropriate and correct solution for this is to hire a good cleaning company who will be able to maintain a clean working environment for your building and given that we’ve just come through a pandemic – and are still going through it – you want to know that the building itself is somewhere clean and hygienic for people to work. An uncluttered and organized office space is somewhere that people will want to spend time, and while you can definitely offer a hybrid working environment, a good cleaning company will help.

Maintaining your office building helps you to maintain your reputation as a provider and business that cares about employees. Have a little pride – make sure that your workspace reflects your brand values!

Advice To Live By If You Want To Be Happy & Healthy

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. Being happy and healthy is not a given. You have be deliberate and know the keys to live this way in our increasingly fast paced and stressful world. The following contributed post is entitled, Advice To Live By If You Want To Be Happy & Healthy.

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Feeling out of sorts and overwhelmed all the time isn’t a way to live. In this case, you may not be reaching your full potential or letting others see the best side of you.

If you’re ready for a change in a positive direction then you’ve come to the right place to learn more. Review some advice to live by if you want to be happy and healthy and not let external events and obstacles you’re facing get you down for too long. There are steps you can take to improve your situation, mood, and wellbeing so that you can begin living each day to the fullest.

Get Regular Exercise

Exercise is a great way to stay fit and will boost your mental health. There are so many benefits to working out that you should make it a part of your daily routine if possible. If you want to be happy and healthy then commit to getting regular exercise and your heart rate up by challenging yourself physically.

Limit Your Alcohol & Sugar Intake

Drinking a lot of alcohol and consuming sweets and sugar will leave you feeling sluggish and unmotivated. Ideally, you should focus on limiting your alcohol and sugar intake if you want to look and feel great. If you’re struggling to cut back on your drinking then you may want to look into getting help. There are many different causes of addiction to be aware of and reasons why you may be drinking or finding it hard to stop. You’ll be much happier and healthier when you’re in control of these substances.

Make Time for Yourself

Another piece of advice to live by if you want to be happy and healthy is to take more time for yourself. Rearrange your schedule and learn to say no to others so you can do more of what you love. Make yourself a priority and indulge in self-care activities that make you feel good and that put a smile on your face.

Get Enough Sleep

Not getting enough sleep may be leaving you feeling moody and depleting your energy levels. If you want to be happy and healthy then make it a point to get enough sleep each night. Create a relaxing and soothing bedroom to sleep in and find a calming bedtime routine that will set you up for falling asleep quickly and staying asleep. You can try marijuana or gummies to aid relaxation and sleep if that’s something you’ve been struggling with. The best delta 9 gummies can help you get better sleep each night.

Avoid News & Technology Overdose

Too much news and always being connected to your devices may be making you feel anxious. Avoid news and technology overdose if you want to be happy and healthy and free up some time in your schedule to do other activities. For example, maybe you can spend time in nature or meet up with a friend instead of scrolling through your social media feed.

Manage Your Stress

Stress can lead to many health issues both mental and physical. It’s in your best interest to manage your stress proactively if you want to be happy and healthy. This is one piece of advice you should take to heart and work on if you want to feel more relaxed and be able to concentrate better.

Does Your Storefront Need Updating?

Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. If you’re running a brick and mortar store, you always need to be conscious if your store’s appearance. The following contributed post is entitled, Does Your Storefront Need Updating?

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Storefronts need to be regularly maintained and updated to keep them looking attractive. Fail to update your storefront and you could find that you lose customers. Below are just some of the signs that your storefront needs updating.

Non-inclusive entrance

Can wheelchair users or people with mobility issues easily use your entrance? If not, this could be the first thing to consider rectifying. An inclusive entrance should not have stairs unless there is also a ramp or a lift. The door should also not be too heavy to push open (alternatively you could place a button that allows people to open the door or call for assistance).

Cheap/damaged signage

Your signage needs to be high quality and kept in good condition. Consider how old your sign is and whether it needs to be updated. Some old signs may just need cleaning or repainting to rejuvenate them. Others may benefit from being completely replaced. Explore different types of signage including plastic signage and illuminated signage to find the best option for your store.

Faded paintwork

Exterior paint can start to peel and fade after time. This could result in your store looking worn and tired. Consider hiring an exterior painter to add a new coat of paint so that your storefront looks brand new again. You could even consider taking the opportunity to change your storefront’s color – a change in color is certain to make people notice your store.

Poor lighting

Exterior lighting can help to make your store look more attractive early in the morning or in the evening (especially in the winter months when daylight hours are shorter). It can also be a useful security feature – burglars are less likely to target a store that is illuminated at night as they’re more likely to be seen while doing it. Consider comparing different forms of exterior lighting. If you don’t want to pay for permanent lighting, consider motion sensing lighting.

An uninviting window display

Your window display needs to grab people’s attention. If it doesn’t, you could lose out on customers (particularly during busy shopping periods such as the leadup to xmas when people are looking for inspiration). There are a few different ways in which you can create an inviting window display. First, consider what are your most eye-catching products. These could be your most popular products or your most unusual ones. Second, make sure to advertise your best deals with large window signage. Incredible discounts and prices can help to lure customers in. Thirdly, make sure that you’re constantly changing things up every season. After a few months, people will get used to seeing the same window display, so make sure to regularly change it in order to hold people’s attention.