Contributed Posts – Page 139 – The Big Words Blog Site

Inspiring Loyalty In Your Customers: 3 Clever Tactics

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. A key to your business being successful is winning the loyalty of your customer base. Doing so will assure a continuous flow of profits and an assured furthered health of your business. The following contributed post is entitled, Inspiring Loyalty In Your Customers: 3 Clever Tactics.

* * *

Why does your business need loyal customers? Well, the first reason is that it is much easier to sell to someone that has previously bought from you than a cold lead. Also, particularly loyal customers will help you spread brand awareness and act as ambassadors online too. Something that can also help you boost your sales. The good news is that you can find out exactly how you inspire customer loyalty in the post below. Keep reading to find out more.

Provide the best possible experience.

One way that you can ensure your customers are as loyal as possible is to pay attention to the experience that you provide them when they interact with you. In fact, this applies not only IRL in places like stores, restaurants, and other businesses but online as well.

In fact, there are some specific strategies you can use to ensure that your customer’s experience is as positive online. The first is to make sure that any website you operate is customized with the visitor in mind. After all, if you can’t get your website to work, customers are very unlikely to trust you with anything else.

Additionally, some businesses also go for innovative applications to complement their websites. These being intuitive to use when designed well. Thus, they can help to build up that trust relationship with your customer that is such a valuable foundation for long term loyalty.

Really listen to what they want.

People love to be listened too, customers doubly so. Of course, there are some serious advantages to actively hearing what the people that are responsible for your income have to say.

The reason for this is that listening to feedback and changing the way you do things in line with this will ensure that your customers are much happier. Both because they have been heard, and as things have been changed to better suit their needs.

Of course, happier customers are much more likely to remain loyal to your brand. Something that can ensure you have an effective sales funnel at all times, and your business is as successful as possible.

Be transparent, and keep promises.

A big part of gaining the loyalty of your customers is trust. In fact, if your customers trust you, then they are much more likely to be loyal. Of course, for a business to be trusted by its customers requires several things.

The first is that you keep any promises, you make no matter how small. Something that means deliveries need to arrive on time calls returned and problems solved.

Additionally, being transparent about your business’s ethos and practices is also essential if you want your customers to trust you. Something that means you need to both have a policy regarding company and supplier ethics and that you make sure you operate in line with this.

Of course, the work involved in establishing such trust will often be well rewarded. With customers coming back time and again for repeat business. Some may even become superfans or ambassadors for your brand organically, spreading the good word about you online and IRL!

What to Do When You Find Yourself in Need of Legal Help

Buffer

“There are many times in life when you may require legal advice. Some of these occasions might be when you just have a simple question that you want to know the answer too.”

Buffer

The first principle of my blog is Creating Ecosystems of Success and a key focus is Health/Wellness. In certain instances in our lives, legal assistance is necessary. Many individuals are caught off guard when they need it, and it’s important to be prepared. The following contributed post is entitled, What to Do When You Find Yourself in Need of Legal Help.

* * *

There are many times in life when you may require legal advice. Some of these occasions might be when you just have a simple question that you want to know the answer too. Perhaps on these occasions, it can seem unnecessary to pay a lawyer for their time. However, there are also times when you might need some trustworthy advice about an important matter. This is when you will probably want to speak to a lawyer or legal expert. You can discover various ways to find the legal advice that you need so that you can make sure you do the right thing, and find the best possible lawyers for your situation.

Ask Online

The internet has a broad range of resources, which can help you when you need legal advice. Some options may be more trustworthy than others, and some are static resources, while others allow you to ask questions. For example, you can find some forums and communities where people can ask for legal advice. Some people may claim to be lawyers or admit that they are not lawyers but share their knowledge anyway. These types of resources can be useful if you’re simply curious about something or even sometimes if you’re looking for initial guidance on what you should do.

Image from Pexels – Pexels License

Blogs and other online resources from legal experts can also be useful. It can also be a little easier to confirm that the information is coming from a reliable source. Some resources that might be helpful to read include blog posts and articles on legal websites. For example, NOLO provides information on a broad range of legal topics and also has a tool for finding a lawyer. If you’re looking for information about a specific topic, you might also find useful advice on websites concerning those topics. For example, the AARP may help you to learn about important topics concerning older adults.

If you have a specific question that you need an answer to, you can find reputable “ask a lawyer” websites, which you may find helpful. When looking for these websites, you can check who runs them and whether they have the credentials to give advice. They’re usually better than random forums and internet communities because not just anyone can offer advice. Some options include LawGuru and Avvo.com, which are both run by lawyers. These sites are a good way to get free advice, although it will only get you so far before you might need to hire a lawyer.

Seek Out Charities and Nonprofits Offering Advice

Another way to seek legal advice, often for free or at a low cost, is to look for charities and nonprofits that offer advice. Some of them may be general legal advice groups, while others might focus on helping with a particular topic or area of law. For example, some might be interested in helping with issues related to disability, others might provide maternity advice, support for workers or information about medical treatment. These resources can be a good option whether you are looking for general legal advice or you want to find information and advice from a group that specializes in a particular topic.

Get Advice Over the Phone

As well as finding legal advice online, you might also find it helpful to see if you can find any resources that you can access over the phone. There are some legal hotlines that can provide the advice that you need, especially if you are looking for information about a specific issue. For example, some hotlines are set up for victims of domestic abuse. You can find relevant hotlines to call by searching for one in your state. It’s important to find advice that is relevant to your location because the law can differ from one place to another.

Find the Right Attorney

Sometimes finding a lawyer for your situation is the best thing to do. Many lawyers can begin with a free consultation so that you can decide if they are the right option for your specific needs. Finding an attorney can take some careful consideration, so don’t rush into choosing the first person that you speak to. Firstly, consider looking for a lawyer who specializes in the area of law that you need help with. When you choose an attorney like Alex Hernandez Lawyer, you will have an expert on personal injury law who can help with cases such as car accidents, wrongful deaths, and more. Other attorneys can help you with employment law issues, criminal law, business law and many other areas.

Image from Pexels – CC0 License

When deciding which lawyer to choose, you should check out their qualifications and credentials, as well as membership of professional organizations. You can ask lawyers questions about their knowledge and experience, and how they can help you with your case. Whether you’re looking for advice or you need someone to represent you, finding a lawyer who you’re happy with can ensure you get the right advice.

Look for Free Legal Clinics

There are various types of legal clinics that you can access if you’re looking for free or cheap legal advice. These include self-help legal aid clinics, which are designed to help pro se litigants, which is people who choose to represent themselves in court. These clinics, which are often provided by the state or local communities, may take questions in person or online. They can be useful resources for getting your questions answered by legal professionals without having to hire a lawyer.

Explore Legal Aid Funding Programs

Federally funded legal aid programs are another option for accessing legal advice and support. They provide help from lawyers and paralegals to eligible people, and they can offer help for a range of issues. They may be able to help you with divorce issues, employment issues, landlord and tenant problems and other common issues. You often need to have an income that is below the federal poverty line to qualify for this type of legal aid.

Consult a bond agency

If you or a loved one have been arrested, it can come as a shock. Not only can it be distressing dealing with an arrest, but you may also find it comes with a significant financial impact. If you’re struggling to afford bail, you may need to consult a bond agency to help you out. Kenneth Burton Holmes offers advice about the various types of bonds available to help you find the most relevant one for your situation. A bond can give you peace of mind and secure yours or your loved one’s release, allowing you to prepare for your court date at home.

When you need legal advice and help, you can get it from a variety of different sources. There are both free and paid options available for different types of advice.

3 Ways To Attract People To Your Business Event

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Business events can be critical to getting the word out about your products and services. It’s important to get the word out about your event. The following contributed post is entitled, 3 Ways To Attract People To Your Business Event.

* * *

(Pixabay CC0)

There are all kinds of reasons as to why you might put on a business event.

As examples, you might want to…

● Introduce people to your new product or service.
● Offer training to other local business owners.
● Celebrate an anniversary with your customers and investors.

Of course, no matter what the surface reason is for holding a business event, the underlying reason is this: you want to increase your local visibility. It’s a perfect marketing ploy! Still, your event will fall flat if people don’t show up, so it’s important to find ways to attract attendees. You can do this in the following ways.

#1: Raise awareness on social media

The earlier you create a buzz about your event, the better, and social media is the natural place to do it. After all, how many people don’t have a Facebook or a Twitter account these days? So, create a Facebook page for your event and invite your customers and other relevant people to take a look at it. Get people excited with well-crafted Facebook posts or tweets on Twitter. And generate interest on YouTube too, perhaps with a promo for the event detailing what will be happening on the day, or a funny video that somehow connects to the event and that has a chance of going viral. Be sure to use all of those other social media channels that your target audience uses too, such as Instagram and LinkedIn, and be creative in your postings.

#2: Send out personal invites by mail

Okay, so we know snail mail has become less popular these days thanks to the rise of digital marketing, but people still enjoy finding a piece of mail that isn’t a household bill in their letterboxes! So, send out personalized invites using an invitation maker, and be as creative as you can with the design. Let people know what to expect on the day, perhaps by including an itinerary with your invite. And give them an incentive to come, perhaps by offering them a free drink at the bar or a free raffle ticket if they show their invite at the door.

#3: Be charitable

If the people you invite suspect the event is all about your business and nothing else, then they might have less incentive to come, even with the free drink idea that we suggested above. However, if you can show your charitable side, then you may give them an extra reason to attend. So, you might give half of the proceeds you make from ticket sales to a popular local charity. If you hold a raffle, this could also be in aid of a good cause. And you might also hold a charity auction, where your attendees can both give and acquire prizes at the event, with proceeds going to an established charity.

These are just a few suggestions, so consider them if you’re holding a business event any time soon. And think about your own ideas too, but be creative, as a generic email or text message may not be enough to sway people away from their televisions on the night of your event.

Let us know your thoughts and ideas by leaving a reply below.

How to Reach Your Full Potential as a Business Owner

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Not everyone is the best business owner they can be when they first get started. There several aspects one can focus on to improve their performance. The following contributed post is entitled, How to Reach Your Full Potential as a Business Owner.

* * *

There’s no getting around the fact that running a business can be difficult. There’s plenty of competition to think about, and some of these competitors can be giants, which makes it extra difficult. While there are some things that are outside of your control, some of them are very much within your control, such as ensuring that you’re giving your business your all. As such, it’s important that you reach your potential, and leave nothing on the table. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at a few tried and tested ways you can push yourself and maximize your output.

Pexels – CC0 Licence

Find Your Strengths

It’s important that you have confidence if you’re going to start a business, but there is such a thing as overconfidence. If you think you can do every task in your business to a high standard, then not only will you be spreading yourself too thin, but you’ll also overlook improving yourself and your business. As such, it’s recommended that you perform a little self-analysis and figure out your strengths and weaknesses. This will tell you what you’re good at, where you need to improve, and where you’ll need to rope in help.

Look After Yourself

One of the more important factors that contribute towards reaching your full potential is whether you have the energy to do so or not. If you’re forever feeling tired, or your lifestyle means that you can’t think or function as well as you could do, then it’s time to make some changes. We all think that our personal and professional lives are separate, but this isn’t really the case; you’re only one person, so of course, they feed into one another. Take steps to get your personal life in check, so that you’re eating healthy, getting enough exercise, and resting well. You’ll find that you can perform better at work.

Self-Improvement

As we mentioned above, you’re going to have some skills that allow you to succeed in business. But it’s not as if you’re the finished article; how could you be, since you’re so relatively new to the game? You’re going to make mistakes, but even if you don’t, it’s still recommended to take steps to improve yourself. If you’re willing to continue your education, read the best blogs and books from successful entrepreneurs, and avoid becoming too comfortable, then you’ll have the right mindset required to push things forward.

Free Up Your Time

You will, of course, need to work hard if you’re going to build a successful business. But it’s important to look at just how you’re spending your time. Are you wasting too much of your energy on time-consuming tasks, for instance? If this is the case, then take a look at freeing up your time by outsourcing some tasks. If you’re spending too much time answering your phone, then work with a company like www.rubyreceptionist.com.au, and get your calls answered by a professional. Other time-consuming tasks, such as taking care of admin duties, accounting, legal matters, and tax, can also be outsourced.

Trust Your Staff

You’ll want to outsource some jobs, but there could also come a point when you need to hire staff. Bringing employees on board can help you in any number of ways, including helping to lighten your load and challenge you to become a better leader. However, if you’re going to hire staff members, then you’ll need to trust them to get on with their job. There’s little value in hiring team members, only to watch over their shoulder every step of the way — that approach isn’t going to save you time. Learn how to avoid micromanaging your team, and you and your company will flourish.

Taking Breaks

You might think that in order to do your best, then you need to work as many hours as possible. It’s a noble idea, but an incorrect approach. This isn’t going to help you; it’ll hurt you. You’re not a machine. There is an upper limit to how well you’re able to work. Part of your self-care will involve taking regular breaks, both on a small scale throughout the day, and on a larger scale throughout the year. You’ll be able to work much better once you’re fully rested and full of energy!

Trust Yourself

Finally, be sure to trust yourself. You won’t be able to reach the heights you’re capable of reaching if you don’t take risks every now and again, and to do that, you’ll need to have faith that you’ll sink, not swim.

Slip, Trip And Fall Stats That Will Boggle Your Mind

key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. Depending upon the industry or workplace you work in everyday, there could be the potential for slip and trip injuries. Unfortunately, these injuries are common. The following contributed post discusses some statistics regarding these injuries and is entitled, Slip, Trip And Fall Stats That Will Boggle Your Mind.

* * *

If you work at a reputable business, your hiring manager probably included slip, trip, and fall training as part of your onboarding. The goal was twofold: first to make sure that the company did everything it could to prevent you from injuring yourself, and second to improve your overall wellbeing in the workplace.

While slip, trip and fall injuries might seem basic, they’re still one of the biggest sources of injury and disability in the US. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, more than 17,000 people die every year from trip-related accidents.

The most dangerous falls in this category are so-called “elevated falls” in which a person falls from a higher level onto a lower one. These types of falls comprise more than 15 percent of the total according to the data.

Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a slip, trip or fall can also be a challenge. When you’re in pain, it is difficult to think straight or know what you need to do next.

The following infographic is designed to help. Not only does it provide you with statistics on slip, trip, and fall accidents in the US, but it also gives helpful information on what to do if you become a victim. If you want to maximize your chances of getting the compensation you deserve, you need to be careful about how you respond to the incident. Read on to find out more.

Infographic by Shiner Law Group

So, do you feel more prepared to respond to a slip, trip or fall in the future?

Five Issues That Will Put Your Finances Through The Wringer

A key focus of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money. There are a couple of keys to properly managing your personal finances. There are also things you can do to destroy your personal finances. The following contributed post is entitled, Five Issues That Will Put Your Finances Through The Wringer.

* * *

Are you worried about your finances? It doesn’t matter how much you earn, financial trouble is something that keeps a lot of people up at night. Here are some of the biggest issues that you need to be prepared for.

Unemployment

Credit Pexels CCO License

If you’re looking for one of the worst issues that can hit your finances harder than you would like, turn your attention to the possibility of unemployment. The danger can be catastrophic. If you are made redundant you will typically struggle to be able to afford even basic costs let alone things like rent or your mortgage. So, you will need to work to find a replacement job as quickly as possible. But that’s not easy and if you have been off the job market for a while it can be difficult to find your footing. That’s why you need to make sure that you are keeping your CV up to date. Even if you think your job is safe, keep that ear on the ground and make sure you are aware of new opportunities.

Lawsuit

You would probably like to believe that a lawsuit isn’t going to be that expensive. Well, it depends what legal issue you are facing and whether you the defendant or the claimant. When you look for a criminal defense law firm to represent you, you should always think about your budget and what you can afford. Even then though, most people are going to find they need to take out a loan to pay the costs. That’s just a fact of life. Hopefully, you will at least get a positive outcome. Don’t forget though even if you are the claimant some of the damages will go towards your lawyer. The good news is that you can use some of your winnings to pay the cost of the lawsuit. However, this is why many people will avoid a lawsuit completely unless they have a lot to gain.

Divorce

You also need to consider the issue of divorce. The Oscar-nominated film Marriage Story actually provided a brilliant example of how tricky a divorce can be and how hard it can hit your finances. At one point Adam Driver’s character states it doesn’t matter whether his wife seeks profits from a new business venture because there’s going to be nothing left of it. When it comes to divorce you also tend to get what you pay for. Driver’s character initially seeks a high paid lawyer and then decides to save money. However, when the divorce proceedings begin he’s gone back to the high paid lawyer to get the best chances of winning the case. If you want to keep the cost of divorce under control. The best option is to make sure that you try and keep the proceeding as clean as possible. Make sure that it is amicable and then there will be no need for high-cost lawyers.

Theft, Fire And Other Damage

If your home or business is impacted by fire, theft or any damage like this, then it’s always going to hit your finances quite hard. That’s why it’s useful to ensure that you have the right insurance plan in place. When you choose an insurance plan make sure you are fully aware of what is and isn’t covered. You don’t want any surprises to creep up on you here. You should also think about putting the right measures to protect your home. If you’re thinking about theft, you should make sure that you are exploring various options. For instance, CCTV cameras will make it far less likely that your home is chosen for a break-in. Remember, these crimes aren’t typically planned in advance so the right deterrents can save you the trouble here.

Bad Investment

Pexels Source

Finally, do consider the issue of poor investments. Bad investments will knock you down and make it struggle to get back on your feet. If you face a bad investment, then you need to think about whether you can take action to reduce the loss. Selling even when you are at a low point can be the right choice rather than letting the value drain away completely. To avoid the risk of bad investments, never invest more than you can afford to lose. In this way, investing is very similar to gambling. But you should be taking calculated risks rather than throwing it all on black.

We hope this helps you understand some of the biggest issues that you can experience with your finances and how to handle them the right way. Take this advice you don’t have to let these issues cripple your bank account.

9 Employee Benefits That Can Make Up For A Non-Competitive Salary

A key focus of my blog is Career Discussions. While we often weight our salary as the most important part of our jobs, there are many other things to consider. In some instances, there are other benefits to the position that can offset a non-competitive salary. The following contributed post is entitled, 9 Employee Benefits That Can Make Up For A Non-Competitive Salary.

* * *

Image Credit: Pexels, Free to Use Licence.

As a start-up or small business, it can be hard to afford the talent you need to grow your team leaving you with gaps in your skill set that can set you back. Fortunately, there is an alternative incentive – an employee benefits package – enabling you to attract the talent you need without breaking your budget. Here are 9 employee benefits to consider:

Health Insurance
One of the biggest benefits any company can offer its employees is health insurance, helping them to cover the cost of their medical bills if they are sick or in an accident. Many Americans live in fear of a trip to the hospital knowing that it can wipe out their entire life savings, leaving them in crippling debt.
Unlimited holiday
This may seem a little extreme but offering an unlimited holiday allowance is seen as a huge advantage for prospective employees and shows a large degree of trust. Contrary to what you may be thinking companies who offer unlimited holiday as a benefit to their employees have actually found that they take less holiday than if they are rationed.
A laundry service
If your employees wear a uniform or work very long hours then an inclusive laundry service from a company such as Crown Uniform and Linen Service can help to save them time whilst ensuring they always look their best.
Flexible working hours
The days of nine to five working are numbered with more and more companies offering their employees flexible hours to allow them to fit their work around their personal life. Whether it be picking the kids up from school or getting a workout in early, flexible hours are seen as a huge benefit and can have a big impact on employee morale.
Working from home
As with flexible hours, remote working is another popular incentive enabling employees to achieve a better work-life balance, cut down the cost of childcare and feel a sense of freedom. Working from home isn’t just a great benefit for employees but it can save businesses money too.
Personal development days
For the career-minded, there’s nothing better than being given a paid opportunity to get back to their books, further their studies or progress their careers. A few personal development days a year can help your employees to stay at the top of their game benefiting not only their future but yours as a business too.
Student loan reimbursements
For recent graduates, student loan reimbursements can help them to escape their student debt. Offering this benefit will definitely ensure that you receive the best graduate talent.
Fully paid extended leave for new parents
For those looking to start a family the prospect of fully paid extended leave is very appealing giving new parents the chance to spend valuable time with the newest addition to their family.
Pet-friendly workspaces
Allowing employees to bring their pets to work can not only increase productivity but employee happiness too. Other pet-related benefits include providing pet insurance or allowing employees to work remotely to spend more time with their four-legged friends.

Improving Your Memory

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. A key aspect of a quality life is our memory, both short-term and long-term. The older we get, our memories can slip. There are things we can do to keep our memories sharp. The following contributed post is entitled, Improving Your Memory.

* * *

Memory is important. It aids us in our day to day life, as well as helping with more important things such as tests and exams. But, in day to day life, we tend not to give it much thought until we start to notice that it perhaps isn’t as sharp as it used to be. Forgetting things is quite common, especially in periods of stress, illness, or fatigue. Forgetting where you put your keys, or a phone number occasionally is entirely normal, and usually nothing to worry about.

But, as we get older, these slips can start to become more frequent. They can go from an annoyance to something that makes your life significantly more difficult. However, your memory, like any other part of your body, can improve with a little care and training. Here are some of the things that you can do to improve your memory, helping you to avoid both those little slips as well as greater memory issues in later life.

Practice Puzzles

Pixabay – CC0 Licence

Puzzles, such as word searches, crosswords and number puzzles such as sudoku, are all easy and effective ways to improve your memory, as well as keeping other areas of your mind young. Creating your own puzzles with WordMint can also be an effective way of enhancing your knowledge retention if you are struggling to learn and remember something new.

Read

Reading is perhaps one of the easiest things that you can do to exercise your brain. Try to read a variety of different topics, including fiction and non-fiction, and give things that you wouldn’t normally consider a go. Try to read a little every day.

Listen to Music

Have you ever noticed that you can remember song lyrics much easier than you’d remember anything else? This is because while we only remember about 10% of what we read, we remember far more of things that we hear. You can pick up song lyrics without even realising that you are listening to them, as the radio plays in the background. So, listening to music and singing along can give your memory a fantastic workout.

Talk to People

Another great way to boost your memory is with talking. Read something, and you might forget it. Read something and then talk about it, and you are much more likely to remember it. Have conversations with different people, about varying topics. Talk about what you’ve seen in the news, your past, things that you are interested in and other topics. Take an interest in the world around you.

Challenge Your Memory

The best way to improve any skill is to use it, and your memory is no different. Spend a few minutes every day pushing yourself to remember events in your past, going into as much detail as you can. Try to remember who you sat next to every year of school, or the names of all of your teachers. Think of all the places you’ve visited or jobs that you might have had.

Make Changes to Your Diet

Pixabay – CC0 Licence

Believe it or not, your diet can have a big impact on your memory. Feed your brain well with fatty fish, dark chocolate, broccoli, nuts, blueberry and turmeric.

How to Manage Your Relationship With Stuff

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. A key aspect to our lives is our living space. Sometimes our living space becomes unhealthy to our attachment to items and things. There’s a healthy balance to managing your belongings and your living space. The following contributed post is entitled, How to Manage Your Relationship With Stuff.

* * *

Image Credit: Pexels CC0 Licence

‘Stuff’ was a big topic in 2019 and it’s no surprise that 2020 is set to continue the conversation. As we watch the planet change due to our activities, it is natural to question the wisdom that has gone before. Challenging how we live and what we accumulate along the way is a sensible start but it isn’t as simple as throwing everything away and starting again. In fact, that would be a disaster!

Learning to manage your relationship with stuff is about more than being tidy. You need to learn the difference between needs and wants, better understand terms like quality and value for money and only then begin to live with a little less.

How Much Stuff Do I Already Have?

There are some incredible statistics out there that really show how we relate to stuff. For example, the average American home has doubled in size over the last 50 years and now contains around 300,000 items. Just trying to imagine that is quite difficult but if you consider the number of pens, pots, pans and pairs of pants you own, you can see how quickly the numbers add up – and we’ve not even considered the rest of the alphabet yet!

Another interesting statistic claims that 10% of Americans also rent off-site storage. This is madness when you consider that you could get a simple residential shed from twin city sheds for your garden but even crazier when you ask how often these people actually use those belongings (almost never). So why do people continue to pay to store things they don’t need? Because they don’t have a healthy relationship with stuff or really know what they need.

Having stuff makes us feel successful and safe. Knowing that you have a thing – even if you never use it – is reassuring because it might come in useful in the future. But that way lies hoarding and an unhealthy obsession with gathering and holding onto stuff. The classic item is a pair of trousers you are going to slim into at some point in the future. You keep hold of them because they cement the idea that a “better you” is possible and you need to be prepared for that eventuality. But, of course, the future never comes.

How Much Stuff Do I Actually Need?

The amount of stuff you personally need depends entirely on who you are and what you want to achieve. If you are an artist, for example, you might have a lot of stuff so that you can pursue your work. If you are a parent, you will probably have more toys than you think you need but your kids will insist otherwise! If you are a determined and radical minimalist, you might have just a few important things and little else.

There are a few ways to realize that you have more stuff than you need but perhaps the most obvious is that there is stuff everywhere. When you literally can’t put things away because there is no storage left, you need to reconsider what you need and what can go.

Imagine for a second that your home is completely empty – what do you need? When you start writing your list, you will quickly find that the number of items racks up. But, when you then go around your house, you will see how many items didn’t make the list but are still there. These are the items that you should now think about more ruthlessly. You don’t need them, so do you really want them?

Learning to Live With Less

Buying less is a great way to save money, space and sanity. When you stop bringing more and more unnecessary stuff into your house, the space you have will feel a lot bigger and calmer. But how do you curb the tide of stuff?

One good idea is to start focusing on experiences instead of things. This is really popular with younger people who value experience far more than things. There are a few interesting suggestions as to why but perhaps the most interesting is that millennials were watching in 2008 when the markets crashed and suddenly people didn’t own their stuff anymore. It seems like a natural response to choose experiences, where the memory will last a lifetime, when you can’t rely on keeping your stuff forever. This generation has also grown up with a sharing economy, endless pressure to update social media showing off an incredible lifestyle and genuinely can’t afford to accumulate stuff anyway!

By focusing on experience, you can also add value to your life. Investing in travel or education or a particular passion will bring you far more joy than buying more and more stuff to fill up your house. Of course, as your interests change, you might find yourself purchasing items to explore a particular passion or hobby. But what is important is that you recognize when your interest is spent and it’s time to get rid and move on.

Selecting the Right Stuff

When you are comfortable living with less, it’s important that you then learn to select the right stuff. Instead of buying a variety of things in the interim, making do with what you have and then investing on the things you really want is far smarter. A little of something perfect is often preferable to a lot of something imperfect.

Quality and value for money are the key phrases here. Buying something of a high quality is often more expensive but if it lasts longer than comparable products, it is a good investment. This is one of the reasons smart spending is so important. Saving up and spending more can actually save you money in the long term.

When you are less dependent on stuff for your happiness, you own less clutter and value experience more, you are likely to be happier, healthier and calmer. But don’t try to change your lifestyle completely overnight. Like any relationship, your relationship with stuff takes time to build and will always include a bit of negotiation!

How To Stand Our From The Crowd At Events

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. When you’re in business, it’s important to understand how to set your self apart from your competition and peers. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Stand Our From The Crowd At Events.

* * *

Whenever you take your business to an event, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. There’s likely to be many other companies showcasing on their own stands, and so you need to be able to do things that will draw the crowds to you. Here are a few ways to stand out from the crowd at events.

Image Source

Think About Your Display

Your display is crucial because it’s what’s going to help you be spotted. There are lots of companies that make, and design exhibition and display stands, and this might be something that you need. The bigger and bolder it can be, the more you’re going to get of people coming over to see what your stand is all about. So work with the right company that will be able to take your vision of what you need and to transform it into a reality that really does your company proud. Branding is what it’s all about when it comes to an event, no matter how big or small it may be. It’s important to get your area on the map for people who may be attending, whether it’s a public or industry event.

Always Have A Welcoming Atmosphere

If you’re standing there with a scowl on your face, then chances are, you’re not going to get anyone. You want to be approachable and have a welcoming atmosphere. That’s not going to happen if you have your arms crossed or you are too busy chatting to colleagues. That can often feel quite off-putting for anyone who might want to approach you. Try to engage eye contact with people as they pass by, even giving them a little greeting like ‘hello’ or ‘How are you?’ They are small gestures, but it might influence that person to stop, come over and chat to you, and that’s all you need to happen initially.

Don’t Look Bored

It can be very easy to get bored when doing long days at events and so it’s good to switch it up between you and your colleagues so that you always have that positive attitude. Try not to look bored when it comes to showcasing and always have a smile on your face, even if it’s late in the afternoon and you’ve been there since the early morning. Give yourself a break every so often to walk around and to help reset the batteries so you can come across better to those walking by your stand.

Offer Freebies

And finally, who doesn’t love a good freebie? Even simple things such as a pencil or shopping bag can be a great freebie to give out to those walking by, especially if they have your brand emblazoned along the front. It can be good advertising, especially in venues where there’s a lot of other businesses showcasing. If you’re doing shopping bags, make them big, so all the other stuff goes inside, and your brand is the one showing off.

Standing out from the crowd at events can be easy when you use these tips.