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.

Dealing With Anxiety, In Creative Ways

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. A key component of our personal health is our mental health. A common condition many people grapple with is anxiety. The world isn’t over because you experience it though. The following contributed post is entitled, Dealing With Anxiety, In Creative Ways.

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Photo: Unsplash

The current situation can cause anxiety in any person, those who are already suffering from it may experience more severe attacks and those who have not suffered from anxiety in the past, the stressful situation can certainly spark something off. Anyone who has experienced anxiety in the past or suffers from it even today knows that when the symptoms appear it is very difficult to function. Poor mental health can affect physical health also. The disturbing thoughts and constant worries can take over our brain and the physical symptoms (like accelerated heartbeat, chest pain, unsettled feeling, headaches) can affect our body. So how do you get back in shape when all this is happening? There are several methods that psychologists recommend to get back to yourself when you are feeling anxious. These techniques can help you control your anxiety, but if you feel that they do not help, you should consult a psychologist to find the right treatment for you. There are also creative ways to feel better.

Smells alight many emotions!

Aromas can tantalise our emotions in many ways. To make us feel sad, to evoke old memories and also…to calm. Lavender is particularly useful and has been used for centuries to calm the body and mind. Who knew our sense of smell could also calm us down when we needed to? As well as lavender, you should also consider eucalyptus or mint oil. You can find essential oils in health food stores and the next time you feel stressed, just burn it in a diffuser or oil burner. Try it at night or spritz some on your pillow.

Visuals to relax

Watching something relaxing can stimulate the relaxation muscle, so to speak! Whether that is watching a traditional spinning top – you may want to look at the Longest Spinning Top for inspiration. Or perhaps a hand fidgeter. You could even become immersed in watching a lava lamp. These techniques offer the mind a distraction, which can help calm; almost as if you are being beckoned into a trance.

Breathing techniques to relieve stress

Many therapists encourage their patients to practice deep breathing techniques. Breathing is an automatic act of survival; and it is also controllable. When you notice that you are flooded with anxious thoughts, using your breathing as a tool for self-calming can be very effective. One expert tells us, “breathe in and count to five, hold your breath and count to 2 and then breathe out and count to 10. When you breathe more out, it gives a message to your nervous system to relax.”

Create a tune?!

Another way to bring yourself back to reality is to start singing! Music after all is the ultimate to calm the mind. When you feel the anxiety gripping your throat and stomach and spreading throughout your body, just start singing something. No matter what it is, just start making a tune. It is a proven method and can be beneficial for those wanting to assist their breathing techniques.

Finding The Best Ways For Your Team To Communicate

Three focuses of my blog are Business/Entrepreneurship, Organizational/Management Discussions and Workplace Discussions. No matter which sector you’re in, communication amongst your team is absolutely critical and can be the determining factor in achieving your mission. The following contributed post is entitled, Finding The Best Ways For Your Team To Communicate.

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Communication has always been a fundamental element of business. You need to be able to communicate effectively with your customers, and there are loads of tools that enable you to achieve this goal. Alongside this, though, you also need to consider communication within your business. Your team members need to be able to talk to one another with ease, but there are plenty of tools on the market that can make this possible. Let’s looks at some of the best methods that you can use to make sure that you and your team are achieving what you need from your internal communications.

The Devices

The vast majority of communication in modern businesses is handled via digital tools. With more people working from home than ever before, there has never been more of a need for devices that are capable of providing seamless communication within your business. Computers are a big part of this, but you also need to think about smartphones. It’s becoming increasingly common for businesses to provide their team members with phones so that they are able to communicate without having to use wired telephones or emails.

Email Systems

While emails are quite old compared to many digital communication methods, they are one of the most popular options used today. There are loads of ways to set something like this up, but you need the option you use to be robust and easy to manage. Tools like Office 365 and GSuite make this possible, offering powerful email capabilities without forcing you to invest in your own servers or other expensive tools. This is a great way to get yourself set up with email tools that will make your life easier.

Phone Calls

Alongside emails, phone calls are still very important for businesses, but you no longer need to worry about having landline phones for all of your team members. Smartphones offer a range of different ways to call and talk to people, ranging from traditional telephone services to internet-based options like WhatsApp. Providing your team with the right apps can enable them to talk to their colleagues wherever they are based, with options like WeChat being perfect for international services.

Instant Messenger

Instant messenger services have been around for a very long time, with this type of communication becoming incredibly important in the modern world. Tools like WhatsApp make it easy for your team to communicate without having to rely on talking to one another, but this is something you can expand to the whole team. Tools like Microsoft Teams make it possible for your employees to talk using channels that everyone can have access to. This is great when you have more than one department working on a single project.

Ticketing Systems

Ticketing systems have been used for a long time by customer support and other channels that have to deal with troubleshooting workloads. This sort of tool can be great for your employees too, though, with many companies finding that communication is much easier when tickets are used. Tools like Tikit.ai make it very easy for your teams to keep up with their work with one another, while also adding a layer of accountability to the whole process. This can solve the problem of missed or unreceived emails with ease.

Social Media

Social media is banned from many business environments, and this makes a lot of sense. Websites like this can be very distracting, but they can also provide an excellent communication tool for those working on projects together. Building your own social network within your business has never been easier. This can make it possible for communication to flow in a way that a lot of people are used to.

Employee Training

Finally, as the last area to consider, it’s time to think about employee training. Training people to communicate may seem like an unnecessary pursuit, but this can actually have a very big impact on your business. For example, many employees struggle with verbal communication, but this is something that can be solved with the right coaching. This process doesn’t have to cost much and it doesn’t take a huge amount of work, but it will be worth taking it seriously to make sure that your teams are able to talk to one another.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to increase the effectiveness of your internal communication systems. Many businesses struggle with work like this, finding it difficult to keep their team focused on the right work when they can’t communicate properly with one another.

Selling Real Estate? Here’s Why You’re Doing It Wrong!

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“There’s no denying that real estate is a lucrative market and one that will always remain profitable, even during times of economic woe.”

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Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. In the business of real estate, there is a large selling component and there’s an art to it. The following contributed post is entitled, Selling Real Estate? Here’s Why You’re Doing It Wrong!

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There’s no denying that real estate is a lucrative market and one that will always remain profitable, even during times of economic woe. You’re likely reading this because you sell properties, and you want to be at the top of your game.

Did you know that even the most experienced of real estate salespeople end up making common mistakes? Whether you work for a realtor or you have a property portfolio and buy and sell properties, you need to read and keep in mind the following points:

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You Aren’t Using the Right Technology

The first thing you need to do is make sure you’re using the right technology when selling properties. For example, are you taking aerial photographs of each property you sell? If not, now’s the time to get started.

Aerial photographs help sell properties, irrespective of whether they are houses, commercial buildings, or industrial factories. Such photos give potential buyers a greater perspective and understanding of a property’s external layout.

Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a lot to take aerial photographs. You could use an innovative device like the Sky Viper Nano Drone with a tiny camera attached or a larger drone such as the DJI Mavic Pro.

You Aren’t Pricing to Sell

Let’s face it: you want to make as much profit as possible on each property you sell. However, if you set your prices too high, you will most likely price your properties out of the market. The last thing you want to do is sit on real estate for a long time!

That’s why you should conduct thorough market research and price each property accordingly. Doing so will mean you have a relatively quick turnaround for each house, apartment, office block, or industrial premises that you offer for sale.

Properties Aren’t Ready to Use

Sometimes you might want to ‘flip’ properties – buy them at a low price and sell them on for a profit. However, the one thing that puts most potential buyers off properties is when they can’t use those properties immediately.

It’s worth investing some time and money in repairing essential issues. Doing so will mean you have a relatively quick turnaround for each house, apartment, office block, or industrial premises that you offer for sale. If you want to sell quickly, you also need to ensure you have the right documentation in order. One way to do this would be for you to hire conveyancing solicitors to handle your properties for you, so you can streamline the process.

The purpose of preparing properties for sale is that you want to give buyers a blank canvas, ready for them to make their mark. You don’t want to sell something that’s essentially a complete restoration project.

You Haven’t Put Effort Into Your Marketing

Lastly, you should always spend some time marketing your properties for maximum effect. You may have a property’s details on your website, for instance, but where else are you doing your marketing?

You are trying to do everything alone

Investing in real estate, such as by flipping high-end properties, is a great way to earn additional income. However, it can be difficult to do well if you do not have previous experience in the real estate world. This is because you’re more likely to get caught up in intricacies such as contract negotiation than a more experienced professional. However, this can easily be remedied by working with people who do know what they are doing.

For example, you could partner with companies such as The Goodrich Group, who can take care of these tasks on your behalf. This means that your only job is to get the property ready for the market, and they will take care of the rest.

There are many ways to advertise a residential, commercial, or industrial property for sale. Be sure to spend some time researching the most effective methods so that you’ll end up with plenty of interest and, hopefully, quick sales. Good luck!

Is It Time For Your Business To Relaunch

Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. There are times when you’re running a business that you many need to rebrand and relaunch it. The following contributed post is entitled, Is It Time For Your Business To Relaunch.

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Now is as good a time as any to relaunch your business. Every relaunch consists of two distinct phases. First, you need to rebrand. Why bother with a relaunch if it’s still just the same old you? No, you’re a newer, better version of yourself. Then the phase of implementation arrives, where all your blueprints of your new face and plan are put into action. However, each of these phases will have lots and lots of steps that need to be addressed one by one. If you go about them in a linear fashion, it won’t take long before you are successfully back on top of the pile. So, let’s begin, shall we?

Marketing strategy

The first thing you do is, audit your marketing strategy. This will let you know if you are targeting the right customers, whether the old strategy was actually working as intended, or if you could take what was working well, and implement it into your new marketing strategy.

● What is motivating your customers right now?
● Does your marketing approach merge with the culture of today?
● How can you improve customer communication?
● How easy is it currently to purchase your product? Are you on all the relevant online shopping websites?

Could you partner with another business, such as Amazon? This wholesaler could help you with the marketing strategy by giving you access to their own marketing reports. Their analysis tells you what kind of customers they have in the relevant retail categories that matter to your business. You will need to give them exclusive selling rights for a matter of time, however.

Rebudgeting your strategy

The next thing you need to do is to budget your relaunch. When you know what kind of marketing strategy you have, then you can figure out how much it will cost.

● The expenditure is perhaps the most important. This is money which you intend to spend on things which you won’t get back. This could be more staff, outsourcing your marketing ads and potentially, things that you will need to buy such as more equipment or raw materials to satisfy demand.
● Expenses are able to be reclaimed by your tax return. However, your expenses should also be within a certain amount. If employees need to travel to spread the word of your relaunch, such as business trips to clients, investors, B2B partners or just a new market in a foreign land, keep your expenses in check.
● Take the time to make a realistic budget, but make sure it also remains flexible. If you need to spend more suddenly, it should not put a hole in your budget.

Your new face

The heart of this relaunch project, may well be your website. Chances are that you will be relaunching with new but similar products. You can’t veer from what you know how to do best. But your website has to give off the brand new vibe. A company like BizcaBOOM offers high end website design services that have been used by many relaunch projects. This is because they have a unique approach, it’s sales-driven and incorporates a new branding mission. A 4-step process, it’s easy to make a brand new website with their strategy.

First: you need to do research. The digital experts will learn about your website, how it’s been designed, how it runs and who interacts with it. It will be mobile-friendly also.

Second: the design is struck into its first stages. They take small but crucial steps to slow build up each page, each feature and each unique way your website can stand apart.

Thirdly: the mockup design is then shown to you. This is when you can make some important changes that will really impact your website’s overall look. The colors, themes, fonts and layout will be discussed with you.

Fourthly: then comes the launch. They will monitor the SEO side of the website to see how many new customers are arriving.

Humanize your business

Humanizing your business is the number one key when it comes to a modern brand. But why?
Favoring one type of customer over another might be old news, as the new way for businesses to allow everyone on board, is to be neutral. Ask yourself the following.

● Does your brand only bend to one gender?
● This may be because you have historically been a one-gender brand. But this doesn’t have to be so anymore. Can you make products or market your products to the other gender?

● Does your audience have hobbies they would likely use your product for? Why not do something like hold an event in this regard?
● Do you favour one age bracket over another? Does it have to be so?

Finding new grass

Maybe you would prefer to relaunch your brand in another country. So far, everything that has been covered could fit into that. However you do need to take on a new line. Study the retail history of the country before you jump in.

Expanding your business abroad is something many brands do to test the waters of their relaunch strategy. You need to do a few things regarding this.

● Evaluate if you have the budget for the launch you are doing. Is it purely digital or brick and mortar?
● Are you expanding into a hotzone, i.e. a major city?
● You should research the kind of customers present in the market. Are they more prudent, or do they spend more than the average person in the country you are already operating in?
● Consider new ideas, totally out of the blue. This is your chance to try out all those ideas you have put onto the backburner.
● Hire expert advisors in this new country, so they can help you with your strategy. They know the lay of the land and the people in it, better than you.

Relaunching your business is a daunting task but it’s also fun and necessary. When you seem to hit a wall and cannot climb any higher, relaunching can be like changing your old beaten boots for brand new ones.

5 Reasons To Sell Your Business Now

Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. In some instances when you’re running a business, the need and opportunity to sell you business may arise. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Reasons To Sell Your Business Now.

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It’s a common preconception that selling your company is a sign of failure. In truth, while bankruptcy is an indication that the company has failed to survive, selling puts you, the business owner, in a unique position of power. Selling can support growth, whether it is monetary, personal, or professional. Here are 5 unique reasons that make selling compelling, meaningful, and POSITIVE for your future development.

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#1. Your mental health is suffering

Entrepreneurs are more vulnerable to depression and heightened stress levels as a result of their unique position. Being an entrepreneur is a lonely experience that puts a lot of pressure on your mental health. When you choose to run a business, you need to have a few mental health strings to your bow. Finding solutions can help you regain your peace of mind and relax at the end of the day. It’s not uncommon for entrepreneurs to value family time and technology detox to reduce stress levels. However, when nothing works, you need to be realistic. Your sanity is worth more than your business.

#2. You don’t have the skills fo funds to grow further

You have overstretched your skills and budget to drive the business further. However, you have failed to unlock enough funds to pursue the growth plans. It can be frustrating to give up when you’ve already done so much. But selling your business to a specialist such as Thrasio ensures that the company can continue to grow. Indeed, growth experts understand the unique skills, activities, and marketing hacks to move small businesses to the next levels. They are also dedicated to financing every step of the growth, proving impossible for solo entrepreneurs.

#3. You want to unlock capital

When you’ve run a business on a bootstrap budget, you’ve essentially built a professional presence using your personal finances. Bootstrapping is a minimalist approach that focuses on sparseness and simple, cost-effective choices. Yet, as Investopedia explains, successful bootstrapping companies can reach their zenith when they are sold. A small company such as GitHub, for instance, started as a weekend project before it develops into a full-time business that Microsoft finally bought it.

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#4. You want/need to relocate

The average American moves home over 11 times in their lifetime. So the fantastic small business you’ve started in rural Nebraska may need to change address when you move to a new state. Unfortunately, the cost of moving businesses can be surprisingly expensive. Indeed, business success often depends on your knowledge of the local market. When you change location, you could face expenses as you learn to adjust and adapt to your new market. It’s often easier to sell the business and start something fresh!

#5. You’ve got your eyes on new opportunities

Last but not least, everybody changes. As we experience more in life, we change our expectations, our dreams, and our plans. The fantastic business idea you launched a few years ago may not be relevant to your personality anymore. Selling a business to change career or start something different can be a liberating process.

Selling your business could be the best thing you do for your personal development. Whether you want to finance your next venture or regain mental clarity, selling is not about giving up. It’s all about embracing new opportunities.

You can achieve anything you put your mind to

Two focuses of my blog are Creating Ecosystems of Success and Business/Entrepreneurship. A key component of achieving any goal is personal belief. If you believe that you can do it, the likelihood of achieving that objective increases exponentially. The following contributed post is entitled, You can achieve anything you put your mind to.

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“We all have these challenges and stereotypes that exist, but you can’t let that hold you down” – Tamron Hall.

The pandemic has created new career obstacles for everyone, regardless of race or gender. But when coupled with the challenges that African Americans and minority groups often face, it can knock your confidence. Even in these difficult Covid times, though, you can achieve anything. As long as you have the right mindset.

Authoritative voices can now be found in all business sectors. Whether it’s Antonio Brown Councilman in Atlanta City or your favorite sports star doesn’t matter. The importance of having relatable figures in positions of influence provides a huge source of inspiration. Standing on the shoulders of giants will enable you to see further than ever before. Once you visualize and truly believe that the path ahead will lead to greatness, the chances of it happening are greatly improved.

Strength of character is one of the most important ingredients in the recipe for success. An equally crucial breakthrough is to realize that only you can make things happen. Taking the initiative by starting a degree or developing key business skills in other ways can unlock the door to a better future. Sometimes in life, short-term sacrifices are needed to accomplish long-term goals.

The pandemic has seen an evolution in the approach to education and business. When starting a business, you can look at home-based options and online strategies that require little capital. When focusing on education, distance learning is ideal. Aside from cutting the costs, it enables you to build a better future on your terms. Once you find an effective way to juggle your studies with a job and other life commitments, things will fall into place. Without balance, though, something will have to give.

Whether investing in a career or becoming an entrepreneur, there is another key lesson to learn. You are your greatest unique selling point.

Knowing how to market yourself is essential for breaking down barriers and getting your foot in the door. Whether it’s promoting your creative work in the fields of art and music or showcasing your skills as a lawyer isn’t important. The key is to understand your strengths as a candidate or business entity. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Still, nobody should ever feel embarrassed about knowing their worth or celebrating their triumphs.

Belief in yourself is one thing, but having others believe in you can be equally telling. The “it’s who you know” mantra is the oldest cliche in the business manual. Still, its relevance cannot be ignored. Networking can introduce you to suitable opportunities for employment or business partnerships. Meanwhile, the value of finding a mentor is commonly overlooked despite the clear benefits. Any experienced individual who can help you avoid pitfalls and remain on the straightest path to your goals is a great asset to possess.

The journey ahead may still be bumpy, but the satisfaction of hitting those goals and becoming the person you want to be cannot be beaten. With planning, preparation, and persistence on your side, nothing can stop you.

Why more people should consider Government Guaranteed Home Loans

A key focus of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money. Most people have to get a home loan to secure a primary residence. A potential tool is a government loan. The following guest post is entitled, Why more people should consider Government Guaranteed Home Loans.

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As the housing price increases every year, many people feel that purchasing a home is becoming increasingly challenging due to increasing demand and lower supply. Even in 2021, when the nation is at the tail end of the biggest pandemic in the last 100 years, the median home price has continued to increase.

Many millennials reaching the age where they want to become homeowners believe that buying a home is becoming more difficult every year. Even during a slowed down real estate market, when mortgage rates are low, there are several banks asking for higher credit scores to qualify for a home loan. Increasing the hurdles that new home buyers must navigate on their path toward homeownership.

Thankfully, Government guaranteed Home Loans are available, and they can make the possibility of becoming a homeowner a reality. These loans offer more lenient eligibility requirements and several other benefits, which are sure to make homeownership a real opportunity for new and returning home buyers.

These Government guaranteed home loans come in the form of Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Home Loans, Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Home Loans, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Home Loans.

FHA Home Loans

These types of loans are beneficial for anyone who wants to become a homeowner. However, it is beneficial for first-time homebuyers looking for a more affordable alternative to conventional loans.

FHA home loans have some of the more lenient requirements out of any home loan available. These include a steady employment history (at least two years), closing costs that can be covered by either the seller, lender, and the borrower’s employer. In addition to these, FHA home loans require a low 3.5% down payment, much lower than the conventional loan requirement of 20%.

Having these lower eligibility requirements is not the only advantage that borrowers could have through an FHA loan. There are also several other benefits to FHA home loans, like lower monthly payments, lower closing costs, and borrowers’ ability to borrow more than the property is worth to finance the repairs and upgrades to a property.

VA Home Loans

VA home loans are the perfect loans for Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, and eligible spouses who want to become homeowners. To qualify for these loans, the applicant must meet its property, income, credit, and military requirements put forward by the VA.

To be eligible for these loans, the applicant must have served for at least 90 consecutive days during wartime and 180 days during peacetime. Members of the National Guard and reservists must have served at least six years. In addition to these service requirements, VA home loan requirements include property, income, and credit score requirements.

After eligibility is determined, the applicant will enjoy some of the best benefits available in any home loan. The benefits include a no down payment requirement, lower monthly costs, no-prepayment penalties, no mortgage insurance premiums, and lower interest rates. By taking advantage of these benefits, the applicant might become a homeowner in an increasingly more expensive housing market.

USDA Home Loans

Both FHA and VA offer excellent alternatives, for people in the lower middle class, to the often expensive conventional home loans. However, the dream of homeownership is not exclusive to people in the middle class, and that is where USDA home loans come in. Loans administered by the USDA are meant for lower-income families that would otherwise not be able to qualify for FHA or VA home loans.

Being eligible for these loans requires that applicants live in a rural development community and that their income is low to moderate. Moreover, the property that is used for the USDA home loan must be a modest single-family home with no extra features like in-ground pools. The home should also not be used for any business purpose whatsoever.

Conclusion

It is no secret that homeownership is a dream for most Americans who work hard to achieve that dream. However, for many who might not be informed about Government-backed home loans, homeownership might seem to be just a dream. Mostly due to the high cost of conventional loans and often unforgiving eligibility requirements. However, by understanding Government loans, borrowers can now qualify for a mortgage on a home and save more money than they would have with regular home loans.

Phil Georgiades is the CLS for FedHome Loan Centers, a brokerage specializing in first-time home buyer loans. He has been practicing real estate for over 22 years. To learn more about programs available to you or apply for an FHA loan. Call us at (877) 432-5626.

Three Ways to Introduce Lifelong Learning in the Workplace

Two focuses of my blog are Career Discussions and Workplace Discussions. The reality of the working world is that your education is ongoing even after you have secured a position. As the persons running the organization, you may have to creatively introduce that concept to your staff. The following guest post is entitled, Three Ways to Introduce Lifelong Learning in the Workplace.

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Albert Einstein once said that “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” Although this old saying may seem extreme, it does have some truth to it because anyone who is made to one thing repeatedly over the course of their life can drive them insane.

When it comes to choosing a career, most people tend to flock to a field that interests them. If the working conditions are acceptable and the compensation is sufficient, these people can be encouraged to work for their company until the time they reach the retirement age.

However, not everyone is fortunate to be able to climb the corporate ladder after putting in the work. Some are forced to remain in a dead-end job for countless years; stuck to the same desks and doing the same tasks. Their days may feel insignificant because nothing new happens and every day is the same.

Employee growth in the workplace is necessary to keep their minds sharp and ready to face challenges, but the lack of opportunities to grow can make work monotonous. In addition to that, remaining in long-term stagnancy can make work feel unsatisfying, which can lead to unhappy employees.

To make your business a place where your employees can thrive and grow as individuals, introduce them to the path of lifelong learning. This is a form of self-initiated education that aims to not only focus on personal development but also acknowledge that there is something new to be learned every day.

Formal Training and Seminars

Many employees are always eager to learn how they can perform their jobs better. But between working full-time and only having two days to recuperate for the coming week, they may no longer have the time to chase after learning opportunities.

However, as an employer who is interested in having better employees, you can take it upon yourself to make learning opportunities within the workplace. For instance, you can schedule a seminar with a topic that is directly related to your line of work.

If you want to have more credible and adept managers, you can also start leadership coaching to allow them to work on their personal skills. Leaders aren’t born, they are made. Turning your best employees into good leaders through formal training can bring success to your business.

Online Courses

There are multitudes of basic learning materials on the internet that are accessible to everyone who wants to work on their skills. But unfortunately, not all the materials are free of charge. The courses with in-depth and valuable information usually come at a price that is outside most people’s budget.

Money shouldn’t be a hindrance to anyone that wants to pursue lifelong learning, especially not if you can do something about it. As the employer, it may be advantageous for you to invest in your employees’ growth by shouldering the costs of the online courses.

Your employees might be more inclined to devote time to learning when you offer the course for free, or at least, with subsidized fees. The courses don’t have to be the most expensive ones offered online, but they have to provide relevant information that your employees can benefit from.

Brown Bag Lunches

Not all lifelong learning opportunities are done formally. One of the most effective ways to introduce new information or brainstorm ideas for business is to hold brown bag lunches. These are casual learning environments that can cover anything from new trends in the industry to personal finance.

Brown bag lunches are perfect if you want to build a stronger work environment as well. You and your employees can exchange ideas, collaborate on potential projects, or learn new skills over food. It can be held in a restaurant where you buy your employees lunch or a simple get-together in your office pantry.

A great leader is someone who communicates with their team. You can’t be a good employer if you don’t create bonds with your employees because the relationship remains superficial. If you truly want to build a conducive working and learning environment, then you should bridge the gap between you and your employees.

Work shouldn’t just be about money; it should also serve a purpose that gives your employees’ lives meaning. If an employee’s sole motivation to work is to get their salary at the end of the month, then they would have no drive to perform well. But if they see work as an avenue to grow and excel as a people, it might do your business wonders or potentially lead you to success.

8 Ways To Improve Mental Health

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. Our personal health is something that must be monitored and maintained. It can be challenging at times depending on what’s going on in one’s life at that particular time. The following contributed post is entitled, 8 Ways To Improve Mental Health.

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In the modern business world, with rushed days, meetings, and lunches, you might need to find some time to relax. It’s an age where most entrepreneurial individuals invest as much time as reasonably possible into their future. Following the novel coronavirus pandemic, the strain on companies and small businesses was immense. It was overwhelming for many, thousands of businesses closed, and many more lost their only employment. It’s also been challenging for current business owners and operators trying their level best to keep their company afloat. Most entrepreneurs are used to the stress that comes with managing a business, but when stressful situations last as long as covid did, it changes just about everything. If you feel that your stress levels are causing an issue with your mental health, consider taking some time and working on it. In this article, we’ll discuss eight ways you can use to improve your mental health.

Photo by Maksim Goncharenok from Pexels

1 Track Your Achievements

Something you can undoubtedly consider is keeping track of every achievement you accomplish. These achievements can be big or small, expensive or cheap. It’s all about the satisfaction and pride you experience when you reflect on them. These achievements will accumulate, and sooner than later, you’ll understand your journey and enjoy the time you spend on it.

2 Smile More Often

It might just sound cliche, but try smiling a bit; if you’re struggling to get your thoughts and emotions together, constantly remind yourself to smile more and convince yourself that tomorrow holds a better ending. If you think that smiling can’t help your mental health, think again; according to scl health, when you smile, your brain releases small molecules referred to as neuropeptides, which assist with fighting off stress. Other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins come into consideration.

3 Spend Quality Time With Family

Spending quality time with loved ones is also a critical factor in most individuals’ mental health. This might be because their parents make them feel safe or bring up fond memories. Spending time with family is always a blast, and it’s something many people around the globe can’t experience.

4 Spend Time With Your Pet

Many people found it hard to cope with the loneliness the lockdown transpired to create. But at least for the lucky ones, something as cute as your little furry friend does exist. It’s been proven in various case studies that spending time with an animal pet does reduce stress levels in people rapidly. This is also because of your neurotransmitters, where serotonin and dopamine levels are elevated.

5 Technology Detox

There’s nothing like a tech cleanse for the ultimate relaxation time. Be honest while you’re relaxing and you receive an email for your next deal. Odds are you’ll open it and start working straight away. Take a break from technology and focus your mind elsewhere; you can also use this guide – https://backlightblog.com/how-to-delete-instagram-followers to give your social media detox from any pages or individuals posting negative content.

6 Play Sports

Getting your body active is another great way of reducing stress levels significantly, it’s also because it stimulates your brain’s production of endorphins, these chemicals in your brain are your body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers. If you start playing sports, it will also take your mind off business and work several times per week. What’s better than being fit and looking your best when you’re out on the beach, that’s right, playing sports will also keep your body in shape.

7 Sleep Well

It has been tested repeatedly; a well-rested mind is much more capable of processing stress, anxiety, anger, happiness, and all other emotions we regularly experience. Make sure you get enough rest between building an empire and remaining a fit, pleasant individual. It is bound to leave you feeling tons better, and in control of every day you take on.

8 Take Some Personal Time

Taking some time for yourself is also crucial on your road to fully taking control of your mental health. By taking time for yourself, you have an opportunity to reflect on everything positive in your life. You also understand what you’ve been through and how much you achieved much better. Allow yourself some rest, and your mind will recover much faster than you can imagine. There are many ways for you to take full advantage of your personal time. Because everyone is unique, not all of these ideas will fit every person. The secret is to find the best one that suits you and gives you the outcome you want – relaxing and recharging. Even if you have to try a few to get the one that clicks with you. If you are a more nature-loving person, going on a hike or bike trail will be right up your alley. If you’re more in the physical connection category, you can explore the many massage therapy programs available. Or even the good old retail therapy where you can still interact with others around you while indulging and rewarding yourself. The point is that you need to do something for yourself. Book out the time, an afternoon a month or even an hour a week. Make the commitment to yourself and stick to it.

Being in control of your mental health isn’t always as easy as it’s made out to be, yet, most individuals still suffer from it. It is a result of our modern rushed lives in business and personal life. You can easily follow these tips to start improving your mental health now.

Factors to Think About Before You Choose a STEM Degree

Two focuses of my blog are General Education and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The career you choose is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. While STEM degrees are very valuable these days, consideration should be taken before choosing a field of study. The following guest post is entitled, Factors to Think About Before You Choose a STEM Degree.

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STEM degrees cover the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The demand for jobs belonging to STEM has relatively heightened across industries for the past few years. Along with the high demand for STEM graduates, the salary offered in these jobs lives up to its expectations.

That is why several students consider taking up a STEM degree when they enroll in colleges or online programs like Online Education (OEd). Though students may find STEM degree majors intimidating and formidable, graduates will most likely benefit from a higher job prospect compared to other degrees. Other than these major advantages, there are multiple reasons why a STEM career is an ideal path to take in the future. Nonetheless, it is crucial to consider a good deal of different factors before deciding on taking up the challenge to study for a STEM degree.

Factors to consider

Passion/Interest

88% of college students choose their degree based on their passion. Some students will prioritize choosing a degree that they are interested in to maintain a strong drive and desire to complete their studies after a few years. A STEM degree will be challenging to complete for plenty of individuals.

That is why succeeding in this field can be difficult if a student has no interest and desire to learn about the field. Individuals who consider choosing a STEM degree based on their passion and interest will more likely experience contentment and satisfaction in their jobs in the future. In addition, job burnout and stress can also be avoided in the future as long as they love what they do and find joy in their careers.

Security

On the other hand, some students will prefer to be more realistic when choosing a degree in STEM. Getting a college degree is already an investment in itself as students pay money to study and master their chosen degrees. For this reason, most students prioritize the amount of security they can get in a specific career path.

Not all STEM degrees offer equal earning potential. Some STEM careers like chemists, psychologists, computer programmers, and geographers get paid quite less compared to high-paying careers like surgeons, petroleum engineers, and IT managers. Even so, STEM degrees still earn comparatively higher than careers in other disciplines.

Flexibility

A STEM major can specialize in different areas. As the unpredictability of the future can be a problem, having a flexible STEM degree can be beneficial at the end of the day. For example, A degree in computer science can open up endless opportunities career-wise.

As technology is apparent in society today, many areas in the industry use computer science graduates in different ways. It covers programming languages, software, algorithm design, and so much more. Moreover, a degree in math can also proceed to a variety of jobs and occupations. Expanding fields like forensic accounting and finance offer graduates an abundance of chances to gain all kinds of experiences in the industry.

The impact of STEM on society

Getting an education in STEM allows students to obtain skills and traits that can greatly impact the development of modern society today. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics have an immense contribution towards creating solutions for major challenges and issues present in the world. With the skill set acquired during STEM education, current labor demands can be met. The field of science can allow students to establish a deep understanding and relationship with the world and strengthen skills in research.

For technology, young adults have the opportunity to master and navigate today’s digital age and become exposed to technologically advanced ideas and inventions. Engineering heightens an individual’s problem-solving skills and develops the technical knowledge needed for future projects. Lastly, mathematics encourages students to have a critical mind and get used to analyzing information and formulas that can be applied to large-scale problems in the world.

Overall, the different areas and fields of STEM all have one thing in common. These disciplines have the power to shape and develop societies for generations to come. STEM education upheaves social and environmental awareness as it can convey global issues and possible solutions to society.

Students who have studied in areas like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are known to be outstanding innovators and critical thinkers. The knowledge, skills, and experiences they acquire during STEM education can sustain economies, eradicate world issues, promote globalization and developing economies. As the world continues to change and evolve, civilization must keep up with its changes, which can be achieved with the help of STEM careers and professions.