Category: Contributed Posts

Clever Ways You Can Manage Your Money During Covid-19

Two of the focuses of my blog are Current Events and Financial Literacy/Money. The Coronavirus/Covid-19 Crisis/Pandemic has created money-related challenges that have never been seen before by Baby Boomers, Generation-Xers and Millennials. As such, many of us need to be creative about how we handle our money. The following contributed post is entitled, Clever Ways You Can Manage Your Money During Covid-19.

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The majority of the country is facing the difficulties that have come with the enforced lockdown due to Covid-19. But, this time also gives us the opportunity to find ways to manage our finances a little better.

Try to make the best of this time to come out the other side more financially strong and enable yourself to have benefits that could last a lifetime.

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

Make the best of this short time to come out financially stronger and give you benefits that will last a lifetime.

Divide Up a Monthly Budget

It’s important now more than ever to live by a budget, it might seem easier to just plod along, but this is when you find yourself living payday to payday. A great way to divide up your monthly budget is to us the 50/30/20 rule.

50% – Use 50% of your salary for the things that you need, such as food, rent, education, travel, etc.
30%- Ise 30% on the things that you want, such as eating out, non-food shopping, and travel not for work.
20%- Then you should use 20% for safe investments and debts such as savings and any long-standing debts that could affect your credit rating.

You need to carefully analyze what you need and want, but you should also consider cutting down on the things you want if you have substantial debts to pay.

Have A Look At Any Income You May Be Missing Out On

If you’re struggling financially then now is a great time to be looking at any options you have to help increase your income. It might be that you are one of the many people who have lost their main income or have experienced a drop in income and now need some support. There are many government help schemes to help various people, whether you’ve become unemployed, lost self-employed wages, or are a business owner there is something for the majority of people. You could also use this time to look into any money you may be owed from things such as waiting for a payout from an accident claim, it may be possible to use settlement loans as a way to tie you over until the payout, or maybe you’re owed money from a refund of something you have purchased, it’s now time to chase any of these to ensure you’re financially stable.

Have A Look At Unused Memberships

Have a look at the monthly/annual memberships that you are paying for. It could the Gy, a social club or maybe even places like theme parks or zoos. The chances are you’re unable to use these at the moment and it could be a while before things are back to normal and you can utilize them again. This means you could be paying for something that you’re not going to use, which is a waste of valuable income. Cancelling these in the short term could help to top up your income in a much needed time.

You should remember that this difficult time will go away at some point in time. It’s a good idea to use this short time to try and come out financially stronger than you were before, this is going to benefit you in the long-term too, especially if you stick to it. Have you made financial changes due to Covid-19? Please share them in the comments below.

Advice On Borrowing Money Because Of Losses Due To COVID-19

Two of the focuses of my blog are Current Events and Financial Literacy/Money. The Coronavirus/COVID-19 Crisis/Pandemic has thrown many people’s personal finances into chaos. One avenue for managing this economic hardship is borrowing which can actually confound matters. The following contributed post is entitled, Advice On Borrowing Money Because Of Losses Due To COVID-19.

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https://www.pexels.com/photo/1-us-dollar-bill-163056

If you are thinking about borrowing money, you need to do so with a great amount of care. This is especially the case during the current pandemic. However, a lot of people have found themselves in a position where they need to borrow money. This is especially the case for those that are not eligible for government assistance. In this blog post, we will talk you through some options that are available, as well as providing some advice. It is important to be aware that there is no one singular borrowing solution that is great for everyone. You need to make sure you can always make the repayments, otherwise, you could find yourself in a much bigger cycle of debt.

Unfortunately, the need to borrow money is something most people experience. If you don’t have rich grandparents or generous friends, the only other option is to borrow money from a financial institution or a lending company. Nonetheless, there have been many horror stories of individuals who have taken out a payday loan for example, and then struggled to make the monumental repayments. If you are borrowing money you have to be extremely careful regarding the path you go down.

A credit union is the best place to start
The best place to begin when it comes to borrowing money because of losses you have incurred during COVID-19 is with a credit union. Joining a credit union means that you will essentially be part of a community whereby people are encouraged to save, and lenders lend to other members when they are in need.

There is no guarantee that joining a credit union is going to be an option for you. You will only be able to secure a loan if you are a member. There are a lot of credit unions that are going to require you to save first before you can opt to take out a loan. However, this is not always going to be the case, so it is certainly worth looking at the different credit unions that are out there and seeing whether you will be accepted into any of them.

If you can’t join a credit union, what about a loan secured against your vehicle?
There are many loans to choose from, however, car logbook loans are popular with a lot of people to help them through the COVID-19 financial strain. One of the best things about a logbook loan is the fact that almost everyone can apply. This does not mean everyone will be approved, however, it does mean that there is hope for those with a bad credit history. If you wish to take out a logbook loan you will need to be over the age of 18-years-old, the car must be in your name, and it must be paid for in full. In addition to this, you have to show that you are going to be able to make the repayments. Nonetheless, credit history checks are not always carried out, and therefore if you have a bad history you needn’t be fearful. There is every chance that you may be accepted if you meet the other criteria put in place.

In addition to this, if you take out this type of loan you will still have access to your vehicle. A lot of people worry that they have to hand over their car until they have paid the money back. This is definitely not the case. The only time the company can take your vehicle is if you fail to meet the terms that have been outlined in the contract. Otherwise, you can continue to live life as normal.

A lot of people like car logbook loans because of the easy application process. If you were to borrow money from a bank, for example, it is likely that you would experience an extremely segmented process. You would have to hand over one document, then come back and fill out several forms, then you will be asked for further documents, then you will need to wait for something to be checked, and so on and so forth. It seems to be never-ending. However, with a logbook loan you are usually only required to fill out an application form online and you will be informed of everything you need to provide prior to doing so.

Last but not least, this article would not be complete without mentioning the amount of money you can borrow and the repayment terms put in place. Flexibility is undoubtedly the name of the game when it comes to this type of lending. There are so many companies offering logbook loans and therefore you are assured to find a loan that fits in with your circumstances and your needs. In addition to this, you only borrow what you need. This lessens the risk of you experiencing any difficulty when paying back the cash.

What happens if you have a bad credit history?
Let’s clarify the fact that there are criteria in place you will need to meet when applying for any type of loan. A lot of people have a tendency to assume that anyone with bad credit will not be accepted, but this is not the case. Nevertheless, what makes some of the online loan companies different from traditional lenders is the fact that they do not consider your credit rating first and foremost. If you were to apply for a loan from a bank, for example, you would need a good credit rating to get past the first stage. However, some online lenders are more bothered about the current monetary situation you find yourself in, rather than any mistakes you have made in the past.

They want to know that you are going to have the ability to make the repayments every month, and this is why they want to see that you have a regular income coming in. This is their main priority. This does not mean that your credit rating won’t be considered; some direct lenders will conduct a credit check as well. Nonetheless, this does not necessarily mean that your bad credit rating is going to hold you back. There is every chance that you will be approved if you show the lender you are someone trustworthy to lend to.

5 Items That Every Serious Angler Should Add To Their Fishing Arsenal

Two key focuses of my blog are Athletics and Sports and Health/Wellness. A very popular sport that people participate in for both competition and for relaxation is fishing. If you’re going to go fishing, it’s critical to have the proper equipment. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Items That Every Serious Angler Should Add To Their Fishing Arsenal.

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Pixabay CC0 License

Fishing can be enjoyed by anybody of any experience level. When you are serious about your angling endeavors, though, you should go the extra mile to get better results and boost your enjoyment. A few simple purchases can make all the difference.

When done well, fishing is great for your health. Here’s how to ensure that your next adventure is the one you love most.

1| Quality Reels

All items within your fishing setup are important. Still, nothing matches the significance of your reel. A premium reel, such as a KastKing Royale Legend, prevents casting problems as well as tangles and snapped lines during battles. Conversely, a bad reel will leave you spending a large percentage of your time will be spent fixing faults and setting up new tackle. If there’s only one item where paying a little extra will serve you well for years to come, this is it.

2| A Suitable Watch

One of the great things about fishing is that you can switch off from the world of social media and emails. While the hours can pass you by in the blink of an eye, you don’t want to lose track of the time. This is especially true when entering timed competitions or you want to try out several bays during a session. A diving watch is the best option as they can withstand extreme weather, water, and low light conditions. Compared to checking a smartphone, it’s a far easier way to monitor the length of a battle.

3| Footwear

Whether you’re freshwater fishing or sea fishing, your feet will get wet. At least, they will if you are serious about getting the best haul. The right choice of waterproof waders will provide a solid platform. However, some moisture is likely to find its way into your footwear, even when combined with a fishing wetsuit. Therefore, thicker socks are ideal. Otherwise, the damp can cause a lot of discomfort and cause chills. Even with the right facilities, a towel and spare socks are priceless.

4| Fish Finder

Not all fishing trips can be as productive as others. Nonetheless, you do not want to limit your hopes of success before you’ve even started. A GPS fish finder gives you the chance to scout out the most densely populated areas of the lake, stream, or body of water. Aside from actually providing an edge, it gives you a motivational boost. After all, nothing cripples your enthusiasm like a slow start and doubts as to whether any fish are around. This simple device removes those concerns entirely.

5| Underwater Camera

Fishing is a great way to get away from the stresses of modern life. Still, you may wish to capture the moments either for personal or commercial reasons. An underwater camera that allows you to shoot film, as well as still images, enables you to gain a whole new perspective. Whether it’s to impress friends or share your adventures online isn’t overly important. It’s probably not a gadget that’s needed for casual anglers. But anyone that wants to record their experiences or study their skills should take note.

How To Help During Covid-19

A key focus of my blog is Current Events. During this Coronavirus/Covid-19 Crisis/Pandemic, people have found themselves in a myriad of positions. Some people are struggling while others are flourishing and there those in between. If you’re in position to help someone, it’s worth considering. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Help During Covid-19.

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The current global pandemic has made things very hard for a lot of people. People have lost jobs, may have lost loved ones, are struggling to manage to stay at home, or may just be finding the news cycle upsetting and stressful. If you’re lucky enough to be in a position to do so, you might be looking for ways to help others. Here are some ideas to offer help.

Image – free for commercial use

Raise Money

There are lots of charities who need help now. You could support a charity funding medical research, supporting those who have lost their income, or buying essential safety equipment for key workers. You could make a donation, buy a fund-raising item like COVID 19 bracelets, or fund-raise yourself. Get sponsored to walk laps of your garden, do a virtual marathon on your running machine, or if you’re crafty, make items to sell to raise money.

Help Your Neighbors

They say that charity begins at home, so if you’re looking for ways to help, start by looking at who might benefit from help on your street. You might have elderly or vulnerable neighbors who would appreciate someone dropping off some groceries to save them from having to go out and risk contact with someone who is ill. Does your neighbor have small children they’re struggling to entertain at home? If you have spare craft supplies or old toys your children don’t want anymore, you could make a gift of them to give them something new to do. Perhaps you have lots of books you won’t read again that someone would appreciate while they can’t go out much. Even just offering a listening ear (in a safe way) could help a lot. Set up a Facebook or WhatsApp group for your street where people can post offers of spare things or the time they have to donate, or can ask for any help they need. Put a note through people’s doors to offer your services if you’re able to help. Even if people don’t take you up on the offer, they’ll feel better knowing help is available if they need it.

Reach Out

A lot of people are finding this pandemic very stressful and upsetting. If you have friends who you think will be finding things hard, reach out to them. Perhaps you know they struggle with health anxiety, or you know they live alone and will be lonely while we shouldn’t be going out. Send messages, arrange online calls, phone them, send letters or any other communication method that appeals to you. Reaching out to someone will make you both feel better. You can both talk and get your worries off your chest, and you can both feel better for having some communication with another person. Why not set-up a virtual happy hour for you and your friends to meet online, share a drink, talk as you would normally, and just enjoy each other’s company. Keeping some semblance of normality in this way can make everyone feel better.

Top 5 Reasons Why Efficiency is Vital Within Your Business

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. No matter what kind of business you’re running, increasing its efficiencies will maximize its productivity and profits. The following contributed post is entitled, Top 5 Reasons Why Efficiency is Vital Within Your Business.

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Photo by fauxels from Pexels

No matter what industry you’re in, you should always ensure that you’re promoting efficiency within your workplace. A part of your business that you shouldn’t neglect, there are so many long term benefits that come with improving it.

Now, there are so many ways that you can do this, from investing in employee training to implementing new processes and utilizing updated software solutions (e.g if you’re within the oil industry, Petrobase.io’s services could prove to be invaluable).

But what are the benefits that you can take advantage of? To ensure that you’re in the know, here are 5 reasons why you should start boosting the efficiency within your business:

It Will Increase Profitability

One of the most prominent reasons why efficiency is essential within your business is that it brings with it the opportunity for higher ROI. When your workers start to become more efficient and you’ve changed your processes so that it’s less expensive to produce goods/services, you’ll start to see your profits increase – something that all businesses want to achieve.

Higher Productivity = Improved Customer Service

When productivity is improved, you’ll start to see your customer service ratings increasing by the minute. Recognizing that they are getting more time and attention, they will always opt for your business over others.

It’s simple, once the systems within your business run faster and smoother, they start to feel the benefit – something that will help your business to thrive in the long term.

It Will Improve Communication

Within any business, the employees are the most valuable assets. So it’s a good idea to invest in systems that make their roles as simple as possible. Once they have the materials and equipment, they will be happier in their jobs – an element that’s crucial to lowering employee turnover.

By promoting efficiency in all aspects of your business, you’ll start to notice that the communication flows effortlessly between all levels of the hierarchy. And one way that you can do this is by welcoming an open door policy. This will also help to boost morale and make the workplace far more productive.

It Helps to Save Time

Whether you run a small business or a large organization, you’ll often feel as though there aren’t enough hours in the day. And this is often felt across your business. However, a lot of this is taken up by time-wasting activities – such as unproductive meetings or out-of-date systems.

To ensure that this doesn’t continue, implement steps within your business to make it more efficient. You’ll then start to see that time is saved and that productivity increases.

It Creates a Healthy Work Environment

If your business is years behind your competitors, you’ll not only be limiting the amount of profit that you could receive, but the work environment could be taking a hit. To guarantee this doesn’t happen, you need to save time when you can, make processes straightforward, put morale as a priority, etc. From this, you’ll be able to create the best possible workplace for everyone.

Final Thoughts

So, those are 5 of the top reasons why efficiency is vital within your business. Something that you should continuously try to improve, it will ensure that your business is competitive, profitable and that your employees are proud to work for you.

7 Tips To Help You Become More Sustainable

Three focuses of my blog are Business/Entrepreneurship, Organizational and Management Discussions, and STEM. An important considerations for many individuals and business is sustainability. Our lives and activities can be done, while still maintaining the environment. The following contributed post is entitled, 7 Tips To Help You Become More Sustainable.

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Photo by Akil Mazumder from Pexels

Throughout the years there have been numerous reports stating how humans are damaging the environment. This has led to people wanting to discover the ways in which they can do their bit for the environment. However, despite many businesses starting to implement sustainable practices, many people still aren’t doing this at home.

A key way of improving poor air quality and pollution, as well as ensuring clean water is accessible to communities, it’s important to realize that sustainability really does start at home.

If you’re wanting to boost your sustainability, here are 7 simple tips that you could use:

1) Upgrade to Solar Energy

Although many newer properties might have solar panels already installed, older houses might still require regular electricity. However, there are so many benefits that come with upgrading to solar panels.

Not only will you see a reduction in your monthly energy bills, but solar panels require little maintenance. Not to mention the biggest pro of all – that it’s a renewable energy source and it’s a big step towards making your home more sustainable.

Although many people worry that solar panels are expensive, as there are now so many providers supplying them and they have been around for several years, the cost is probably lower than you think.

2) Ditch The Plastics

There are so many reasons why you should ditch plastic within your home. Not only is it really harmful to wildlife (the majority ends up in the ocean), but it’s bad for humans and is typically only single-use – meaning that it will end up in landfill after you throw it away.

To become more environmentally-friendly, sustainable flexible packaging is a great choice. With an aim to reduce waste, lower transportation costs (the smaller the truck/the fewer trucks, the less pollution that’s created) and align with sustainability practices, it’s easy to switch to.

3) Buy Locally

Although it might be tempting to always shop in a chain grocery store, it’s far more sustainable to switch to smaller, local stores. By doing this, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint as you won’t be contributing to congestion and pollution.

Also, many local products tend to be organic and pesticide-free, an extra bonus that leads the way to a more sustainable planet.

4) Recycle, Recycle, Recycle

One of the easiest ways to become more sustainable within your home is to recycle. However, you need to do it properly in order for it to be effective.

When done correctly (i.e. you put the plastics and other materials in the right boxes), then you’re helping to reduce the amount of landfill, reduce financial expenditure (products can be created out of recycled products instead of raw materials) and help to reduce the pollution that’s caused by waste.

5) Consider Different Ways to Travel

Although in the short term you could make travel alternatives such as ditching your car and opting for your bike, in the future, it might be time to consider cutting down on the number of flights you take.

Flying as a whole is a very carbon-intensive form of transport and causes incredible amounts of pollution. However, shorter flights tend to take the cake, emitting more carbon emissions than longer flights,

So instead of flying, why not opt for a more eco-friendly mode of transport such as a train. There are so many trains available that can take you far distances, without you having to step foot on a plane.

6) Try Not To Buy More Than You Need

This is an issue that if fixed, could help to reduce waste significantly. Many people buy way more than they need – whether this is grocery shopping or other items. But by buying more, it’s only causing damage to the planet. Therefore, try and only purchase the essentials.

7) Unplug The Electronics

Even when you’re not using every electronic device, those that are still plugged in will consume energy. And because of this not only is it costing you hundreds of dollars every year, but it’s not beneficial for the environment. Therefore, it’s a good idea to unplug them or turn off the switch on the wall when you stop using them.

Final Thoughts

So, there you go! Those are 7 simple tips that you can use to make your home more sustainable. No matter which changes out of the above you make, you’re one step closer to creating a sustainable environment, lowering your carbon footprint and helping the world to become healthier and a better place to live.

How To Get Your Employee Productivity Up!

Three key focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Organizational and Management Discussions. When you’re running a business or an organization, one of your challenges is getting and keeping your you employee’s productivity up. It’s an important consideration as employee productivity is the lifeblood of your business or organization. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Get Your Employee Productivity Up!

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If there is one thing that most employees of various businesses can agree on, it’s that they don’t feel motivated enough to give their all when they turn up for work. Everyone can sit at a desk and twiddle their thumbs while moving from task to task, but you want the people working for you to feel like they have some excitement – some reason to keep going!

Your people are going to create worth for your business, and you want to repay them for that. It’s their job to make money for you, and it’s your job to continue to make your staff feel inspired and like they want to be in your place of business. Of course, there is no true guarantee of being the best company in the eyes of your staff, but your ability to inspire hard work is important. So, let’s take a look at how you can get your productivity up in your employees!

Image Source: Pexels

● The very first thing that you can do is get to know your staff. Your employees are so much more than just a job title and a list of skills on a resume. You want people in your business that you can have fun with and build up an office camaraderie with; and you need to get to know them for that to happen. You do need to make sure that you keep your personal and professional lives separate, but it’s still important to get to know them on a personal level.
● Planning events with Mtievents.com can help you to offer your employees something real to aspire to. Fun has to be a part of the business mix, and you can inject it in so many more places if you have regular events planned. Incentivising your staff is vital for productivity, as is planning your next business party!
● One of the most important things that any business needs is open communication with their staff. Your people should feel like they can come to you with anything, and demonstrating an open door policy is so important for that to occur. Don’t forget that your staff will likely have problems outside your business, so if you’re showing that you can offer them support at work, you’re going to do well at motivating them.
● Training is one of the biggest tools that you have for success in your business. Education allows people to scale up their skills and progress and while that may mean they progress beyond your business, it’s a part of your job to ensure that they have the best possible future. From in-house training to e-learning, you have options to give your staff. Why not lay them out to them and offer help?

People who work for you should feel like they have something to work for. It’s up to you to motivate and inspire people and it’s up to you to ensure that you are offering something that they cannot say no to. Try the tips above and make it work!

3 Reasons Why It Pays to Reduce Stress in Your Life

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. Most people don’t proactively consider the effects of stress in their lives. Instead they live reactively and sometimes suffer from the effects of stress and the resulting negative health effects. The following contributed post is entitled, 3 Reasons Why It Pays to Reduce Stress in Your Life.

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Pixabay CC0 License

There’s no denying that life over the last hundred years has become infinitely better for the majority of people around the world, in all sorts of ways that are quite easy to track and measure – ranging from things like access to healthcare, to material well-being, and general safety.

Nonetheless, research continually finds that people are becoming increasingly more stressed as time goes on, and there seem to be a variety of colliding factors at the moment which serve to make modern life stressful and uptight in a way that can be difficult to properly get a handle on.

For all that, it can be extremely beneficial to look for ways to reduce stress in your life to the best of your ability – whether that means hiring intermediaries such as Process Servers to handle otherwise tricky and uncomfortable aspects of your work routine, or whether it simply means giving yourself more permission to take things easy at home from time to time without placing undue expectations on yourself.

Here are some reasons why it pays to reduce stress in your life.

Because you will be more empowered to make decisions and take action from a position of strength

When all is said and done, a state of chronic stress is essentially the same thing as feeling perpetually under threat and overwhelmed – which, in other words, means that you will tend to be dealing with life and its various challenges from a position of weakness.

There are various negative consequences to this, including the fact that operating from a position of perceived weakness will make you more paranoid and anxious, less likely to be proactive, and more cynical in general.

Whether you simply want to have a higher quality of life as a general thing, or whether you specifically want to perform better in a professional capacity, you will be better served by the ability to make decisions and take action from a position of strength.

Cultivating the ability to relax – and cultivating a relaxed demeanour in general – may therefore actually make you more effective and “in control” than you would otherwise be.

Because you will project a more positive and confident aura

In life and in business, there are real benefits to being able to interact with people in a generally positive and confident way – without, at the same time, falling into the trap of being arrogant or appearing overly domineering.

The more you’re able to relax in everyday life, the higher the likelihood is that you will naturally embody and exude a more positive and confident aura. This, in turn, will tend to make a better impression on the people you interact with, which will then tend to lead to a downstream cascade of other positive effects.

Because life will simply feel better across the board

Beyond the fact that it can impair your ability to work effectively, communicate effectively, and so on, being chronically stressed simply feels bad and will naturally detract from your overall quality of life and sense of well-being.

Although we all have an assortment of particular ambitions for our lives, it’s universal that people generally want to be happy, and want to be able to derive satisfaction and joy from their everyday experience of life.

Being relaxed and calm is a major component in being contented, and in being able to develop and maintain a sense of happiness, in general.

Getting Over Covid-19: Preparing Your Workplace For The End Of The Lockdown

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. With many businesses and workplaces looking to reopen, thought must be given to preparing those workplaces to protect against and minimize infection by Covid-19. The following contributed post is entitled, Getting Over Covid-19: Preparing Your Workplace For The End Of The Lockdown.

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(Image Source)

Most people are well aware of the outbreak which has shaken the world over the last few months. Governments across the globe have worked tirelessly to stem the tide of the Covid-19 virus, and the efforts have largely been met with success. As the lockdown eases, offices and other workplaces are going to be able to open again, but this will be under strict conditions which will ensure that there isn’t an additional outbreak. Preparing yourself for this is a good idea, as having everything you need for the big day will enable you to open as fast as possible. But what exactly are you going to need?

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

This first area is one of the trickier things to cover in this post. There have been world shortages of things like personal protective equipment, like face masks and gloves, but you will need these if your employees are going to be working close to one another. Thankfully, many factories across the world are focusing on producing these resources, and this means that you still have time to get your hands on them.

Deep-Cleaning

Covid-19 can be transmitted on surfaces, with door handles and computer keyboards being prime examples of ideal vectors for this virus. People have little choice but to share these tools when they work together, and this makes it worth using a Covid-19 decontamination service on a regular basis to make sure that your workplace is safe and clean. Of course, this will cost some money, but it will be worth it to keep your team healthy.

New Rules & Procedures

Social distancing rules are likely to have lasting impact on society, and many people are going to struggle to break away from these ideas, even when lockdowns are lifted completely. Maintaining this within your own office can be a great idea, but you also have to think about things like regular hand sanitization. Many companies are starting to provide this to their teams when they are working. Your new rules should also include wearing the PPE which you provide to your team members. Most people will be perfectly happy to do this, even if they work in a hot environment.

Essential Staff Only

The spread of a virus is always much slower when people aren’t spending their work days together. This makes remote working a great solution to workplace outbreaks, and this is something which offices should all be working to offer their non-essential team members. You may need to provide resources like computers to some of your team members, but this doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you ask those who already have their own resources to use them for their work.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to get started on preparing your team to get back to work after the lockdown is lifted. This whole issue has put a lot of strain on businesses, and getting back to work quickly is going to be essential for many to survive.

What Online Dating Teaches You About Brick & Mortar

Three of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Technology. While online dating was made possible by technology, it can teach lots of lessons about brick and mortar businesses. There are strategies the process of online dating can teach individuals who are looking to start brick and mortar businesses. The following contributed post is entitled, What Online Dating Teaches You About Brick & Mortar.

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At first, it can be odd to put online dating and brick and mortar businesses in the same article. They don’t seem like they could have anything in common. But you would be wrong to dismiss their connection. Both rely on alertness, creative thinking, and ruthless decision-making for success. Indeed, online dating encourages users to decide without having met face-to-face the object of their interest. More often than not, you can’t get to know someone after only a quick chat online. As for brick and mortar businesses, tenants need to be quick to secure a location. Many also have to decide on whether or not to accept an offer from a landlord without having even visited the place. It’s not uncommon for business owners to sign on a shop space via a real estate agent or during online interaction. In other words, the skills required for a successful online date are very similar to the skills needed by brick and mortar businesses to protect their shop presence.

Pexels – CC0 License

Is it safe to go with the first choice?
Just like on an online dating platform, you can’t go with your gut instincts without doing your research when it comes to brick and mortar safety. Are you safe from physical damage? It’s a question that both daters and business owners ask themselves. The process of coming to an answer is the same. Indeed, the first worry before accepting an online invitation to a date is to ensure the arranged location for the meeting is safe. Similarly, brick and mortar business owners should evaluate the potential threats around the shop location before accepting an offer. Flood risk or high crime rates are dangers you need to understand, as they could put your business at risk.

Appreciate that it takes time to build a symbiotic relationship
Meeting someone for the first time is tricky. There are very few stories of love at first sight. It takes time to build a trust relationship, which is why online daters often agree to go on multiple dates and develop their bond before making a decision. The same principle applies to brick and mortar business owners. Whether you’re a tenant or you own the commercial property, you can’t turn the place you’ve first visited into a success overnight. Structural work, interior decor, and professional landscaping take time, as experts from https://www.neumannsmith.com/ explain to their clients. However, committing to the project and dedicating your energy to enhancing the property and creating a meaningful connection with your audience is the key to success. As such, it’s important to see what something could be if you were to invest work in it rather than expect things to be perfect from Day One.

Don’t be afraid to say no
Brick and mortar tenants, especially, need to review all their options before signing up for a deal that might seem too good to be true. Just like with online dating, if the object of your interest is still free despite their assumed qualities, it’s because there might be something fishy about them. As this article on https://www.bluevine.com explains, one of the first things to clarify with your landlord is the lease agreement. A fantastic location with an unsuitable lease agreement could be a blow to your business.

In conclusion, in many ways, online dating and brick and mortar businesses follow a similar path to success. Balancing research, knowledge-gathering, and long-term improvements with the hectic pace of a fast-moving environment is a delicate art to master.