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Build Your Business Up! What Is Branding and Why Is It Important?

With hundreds of thousands of new businesses starting up each year, you have to figure out a way to stand out. One of those ways is through branding your business.

What is branding and how does branding help you gain more business?

You might not understand why branding is important right now, but we’re here to help you learn more about how to create your brand to increase business success.

Continue reading this article to learn some top tips for branding success.

Brand Identity

Maybe you’ve heard of brand identity and thought it sounded like a strange term. It’s not really that complicated. It simply states what your company is and what you can do to help people.

You know you’ve found your brand identity when it’s easy for you to sum up what you do and how you help people. It should only be a sentence, and it should be easy for people to understand right off the bat.

Why Your Company Needs Branding

Branding might seem like an elusive creature that you’ve been trying to catch, but once you understand it and it’s importance, it won’t take you long to capture it.

Branding is important, and your company needs branding because it attracts customers and potential investors. When you focus on branding your company, you’re telling a story that people can get behind.

You’re not just a company anymore. Your business is a living and breathing personality that people can get excited about.

Authenticity Is Key

The worst thing you can do when you’re setting up your branding is to try to manufacture something you think people want to see. People can smell fake a mile away.

Customers would rather do business with someone they don’t like than to do business with someone that is faking it.

You’ve likely heard the phrase about faking it until you make it. That isn’t the best way to do things when you’re building a brand. If you say you stand for one thing and it turns out to be false people are going to be turned off.

You might not be sure what is authentic for your business. When you’re trying to figure it out, ask yourself things like where you want to take your company in the next five or ten years, what your values are, and what sets your company apart from the many other businesses that do what you do?

Your Brand Tells People What You Promise to Provide

When you clearly define your brand, it’s like you’re creating a public contract with your customers. You’re promising them that this is who you are, and they’re telling you that they like it and they want to do business with you.

Your brand can also help keep you on track as you’re making decisions. When it comes down to whether you should take path A or B, you can easily look at it and tell which one is the right way for you, depending on which one aligns with your brand.

Helps You Hone Your Focus

When you’re constantly looking at your brand, it will help you hone in and focus on the things that are most important to your company. Instead of running off and chasing unattainable goals, you’ll be able to focus on the things that matter most because you’ll never lose sight of it.

It’s not just you that is going to benefit from the branding. Your business partners, investors, and employees will also benefit from branding and how it can help you focus on what matters to your mission.

Stand Out

When you create your premium brand, you’ll be able to stand out from the crowd. As you find out how to create your premium brand, you’ll start realizing just how important it is to your company’s success.

Whether you’re selling your products in stores, online or you’re making B2B sales which is very different than B2C, you need to stand out from the other people in your space.

With so much noise around, you need to understand what’s most important, and part of that is conveying your brand to the potential customers that matter most to you.

Emotions Are Powerful

Branding is powerful because branding is about working with people’s emotions. When you can get people to feel an emotion, it’s much easier for you to get them to purchase from you.

Depending on what your product or service is, the emotion might be very different. You don’t have to get people to feel happy when they see your ads. If your company is there to help people that have cancer, your brand might make people feel hopeful.

No matter what you’re selling, getting emotion involved is important. If you don’t get emotion involved, then your business is dead in the water.

Branding your business makes it so much easier for you to bring the emotion into the equation. Without a brand, you have to build the emotion every time you talk to someone one-on-one. If you have a brand, you’re building on that emotion with every interaction.

What Is Branding? Now You Know

What is branding? Now you know the answer you can get started on boosting your business. Knowing how to brand your business properly means you’ll be able to get much-needed attention and more sales.

Do you want to learn more about branding, marketing, and other important topics? Continue through our blog articles to find more great reads.

How to Start a Medical Practice: A Simple Guide

Some doctors don’t think of themselves as business owners, and that’s fine.

They might think it’s too risky to start a medical practice when they’re quite happy working as a hospital employee. However, there are some physicians who think otherwise. Even if they’re aware of the challenges, they still want to go ahead and launch their practice.

Does that sound like you? If yes, then reading this guide would be a good starting point. Read on to learn about what you need to prepare for when launching your own practice.

How to Start a Medical Practice: 4 Things to Remember

In some ways, a medical practice is like any other business. You need money to put it up, choose a legal business structure, and obtain licenses to operate it. Unlike other businesses, however, you have to undergo “credentialing,” which allows you to accept health insurance from patients.

Here’s a closer look at those 4 requirements.

1. Money

There are different ways to finance your practice. You can get loans, use some of your savings, look for investors, etc.

Just remember that aside from renting office space, there are also equipment and other expenses like medical records software to consider. Your startup costs will also include fees for an accountant and a business attorney. In most cases, it’s also recommended that you hire a consultant before opening a medical business.

Of course, these will all add up, which is why it’s advisable to work with a consultant who can help you plan accordingly.

2. Legal Business Structure

This is where hiring a business attorney helps a lot. He or she can advise you on which legal structure (e.g. S-corp, LLC, C-corp, or general partnership) suits your medical practice best.

This is because each legal structure or entity comes with certain tax benefits, which your attorney will discuss with you in detail. Your lawyer will also help you prepare the documents needed for the structure you’ve chosen.

3. Licenses

When you start your own medical practice, it has to follow the regulations set by your state and the federal government. These include being licensed by your state’s medical board, obtaining a national provider identifier number, and so on.

There are also extra rules to take note of depending on the type of medicine you practice. For example, you have to have the right certification before you can offer laboratory services.

Do your homework before offering such services so you remain in compliance with all legal regulations.

4. Credentialing

Before getting credentialed, insurers will want to make sure you have the proper licenses and that you have malpractice insurance. Now, this process doesn’t only involve Medicare and Medicaid. It also applies to private insurance providers.

For private insurers, you don’t have to contract with all of them. You can choose those whose terms are reasonable (and hopefully favorable) to your practice.

Other Things to Consider When Starting Your Own Practice

Aside from financing, credentialing, etc., you also have to think about staffing and marketing.

There are tons of online resources to help you hire the best people for your practice. For the latter, you can check out these tips for online healthcare marketing.

Ready to Start Your Own Practice?

Now that you know the basics of how to start a medical practice, don’t stop here.

The more you know about the requirements for launching your medical business, the better. For more business tips and advice, feel free to check out our other articles.

How to Ask a Girl Out on a Date: A Guide for Introverts

As an introvert, being socially outgoing is probably not your idea of a good time. Chances are, this is even more true when it comes to approaching beautiful women. No matter how badly you might want to ask out that pretty girl at the bar, nerves can get the best of you. But, the good news is, this is something you can work on improving. Even as an introvert, you too can ask out the girl of your dreams and get the dating life of your dreams with these tips.

Build Your Confidence

As you work up the courage to ask her out, you’ll find that working on your confidence will be a gamechanger. One great way to do this is to learn from the experts, like those at PUATraining. Their resources will help you with tips and advice on sex, dating, and even ways to reduce your anxiety around beautiful women. With these tools and advice in mind, you’ll be prepared and ready for that all-important “setting the date” conversation—and for when things get more serious.

Get to Know Her

I know, I know, you’re nervous about talking to her in the first place. That’s okay. But easing your way into the conversation more gradually can help you feel more comfortable talking to the girl you’re interested in and even set the stage for a relationship. After all, there are lots of similarities between starting a friendship and the early stages of a relationship. By getting to know her at least a bit before asking her out, which will give you a leg up with conversation topics and inside jokes to develop over time. If you discover she’s an introvert too, for example, it might be less pressure on both of you to chat predominantly over text initially.

Practice with Lower Stakes

You aren’t already dating your Dream Girl, so who’s to say you can’t have some fun? Sign up for a dating app (or a few) to get in some extra practice and put some of what you’ve learned to good use. If your heart is set on ultimately asking out that one ideal woman in your life, consider opting for a site focused more on hookups than lifelong matches. Read through some adult dating reviews to find the service that best fits your needs. Be safe and have fun—and be sure to remember what works well for you along the way.

Plan an Appropriate Activity

For your first date especially, it will help if you arrange something that won’t add any undue pressure to an already stressful situation. Do some research into introvert-friendly first dates, like hitting up a local bookshop/café or stargazing. Suggest a place you’ve been to (or, even better, that you’re both familiar with) so that you’ll be somewhere that’s familiar and comforting. They’ll be touched that you came up with something so thoughtful, and you’ll be more relaxed.

Go for It

No matter how much research you do or practice dates you go on, you’ll eventually need to actually do the asking her out bit. Is it possible that you could prepare extensively and still be turned down? Sure. If that happens, know that she just wasn’t the right girl for you. There are plenty more out there and you’ll find them—and you’ll be more prepared than ever before to chat them up along the way. Better yet, though, you might hit the jackpot: she could very well say yes!

With these tips, you can be sure that no matter what the outcome, you’ll always be confident and ready to ask out a girl you’re interested in, even as an introvert.

5 Landscaping Tips to Get a Beautiful Lawn

When it comes to curb appeal, having a green lawn is key to turning heads. In fact, 91 percent of Americans think it’s important to live near trees, grass, or landscaping, and nearly 85 percent feel it’s important that their lawn is well-maintained.

So, how do you get a beautiful lawn? Here are five tips for creating and maintaining an eye-catching yard.

1. Planting New Grass? Test Your Soil

If your landscaping plans include starting from scratch, then testing your soil is the place to start. A soil test can reveal any nutrient deficiencies that may prevent grass from growing. It can also tell you the pH level of the soil.

For a healthy lawn, you’ll want the pH level to be neutral, or fall between 6.2 and 7.2. Having this information before planting new grass can set you up for success and help you get that beautiful lawn.

2. Use the Right Grass

Being aware of your environment is crucial to having a healthy lawn. If you live somewhere with a lot of direct sunlight and higher temperatures, then you should find a grass seed that thrives in that environment.

For warmer climates, try options like Bermuda grass and zoysia grass. But if your home is located somewhere with colder weather, then bentgrass and ryegrass can be better options.

3. Adjust Your Sprinklers

The way you water your grass can affect whether or not you have green grass and a healthy lawn. The trick? Deep watering. You want the water to soak six inches into the ground. To reach that depth, your lawn will need about one inch of water per week.

The time of day can also influence how effective watering is. To get a green lawn and enviable landscaping, remember to water in the morning. Cooler temperatures will lessen the amount of evaporation.

4. Mowing Correctly Is the Trick to a Beautiful Lawn

When it comes to mowing, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. The first is to make sure you’re using a sharp blade. This ensures your grass is cut cleanly and consistently each time.

It’s also important to adjust your mower height based on the time of year. In the summer, let your grass grow taller. In the fall and winter, it’s better to lower the cutting deck.

5. Watch Out for Weeds

Nothing can ruin the appearance of a beautiful lawn like weeds, and it’s important to control them as they appear. Anytime you see a weed in your lawn, spot-treat them. This can keep them from running rampant in your landscaping.

You can also take steps to prevent weeds from growing in the first place. Mulching is one of the easiest ways to keep them from taking root.

Have a Healthy Lawn in No Time

If you’re unhappy with your landscaping, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of simple adjustments you can make to get a beautiful lawn, from mowing differently to treating weeds.

To learn more about landscaping, check out the rest of our site.

The Essential Gardening Tools You’ll Need to This Summer

Did you know that 77% of American households were gardening in 2018?

Gardening is a great hobby that many people worldwide enjoy, it can also help you become self-sufficient when you grow your own fruit and vegetables.

Keep reading if you’re just starting out with gardening or if you’re an experienced gardener looking for tips on the essential gardening tools that you’ll need this summer.

6 Gardening Tools You Need to Have

There are many tools that you can purchase to help your garden function and look great. However, it can be confusing for beginners to know what essential garden tools they need. Have a look at our essential gardening tools list and make sure you have all of these handy tools in your shed.

1. Gardening Gloves

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you need to make sure you have a good pair of gloves. Gloves can help protect your hands from getting dirty and from sharp thorns.

Find a pair that fit your hands well, as you want to avoid them falling off or causing blisters. You also need to find a pair of gloves that aren’t too bulky because you’ll want to use them for working with seeds as well as cleaning your gardening.

Other features to look for in a good pair of gloves include durability, breathability, and ones that are waterproof.

2. Watering Can

Up next in the gardening tools list, is the watering can. This essential item comes in a variety of styles, colors, sizes, materials, and nozzle options. You can easily use a watering can to ensure your plants get the water they need to grow.

Watering cans can either be made from metal or plastic. Plastic watering cans are lighter but might not last as long. Whereas metal watering cans can be a lot heavier but will be more durable over the years, providing that you protect it from rusting.

Another key thing to consider when looking at purchasing a watering can is the nozzle type. A larger nozzle will provide more water for a larger surface area, so is better for larger plants and those plants that are outside. While a smaller nozzle is better for smaller plants and indoor plants because it provides a more precise water outlet.

3. Secateurs/Hand Pruners

Secateurs (or hand pruners) are one of the none negotiable garden hand tools that you need. You can use your secateurs to control plants that are growing everywhere and need a little trim. You can also use them to de-head flowers to ensure the plant keeps on flowering.

You can get bypass secateurs, which cut with a sharp blade that passes a sharp-edged flat surface (similar to a pair of scissors). Bypass pruners are best for live plants and green wood.

Or you can get anvil secateurs, which cut with a sharp blade that meets a flat surface (similar to a knife on a board). Anvil pruners work better on dead wood, as they can cause damage to green stems and branches.

It is important to keep your secateurs, or pruners, sharp to ensure cleaner cuts and reduce damage to your plants, so make sure you sharpen them regularly.

4. Loppers

Loppers are similar to pruners, but they provide a longer handle which is handy for those hard to reach places. Loppers are also good for cutting thicker branches, that pruners might have problems cutting.

You can get various sized loppers, ranging from a handle length of 16 to 36 inches. There are also two types of loppers, known as bypass and anvil loppers. Bypass loppers provide a more precise cut than anvil ones.

If you get a good pair of loppers, they should be able to last several years. You’ll need to sharpen them regularly though, to ensure they stay in good condition.

For thicker branches and trees, you might want to consider getting an axe, such as the pulaski axe. Have a look at the uses of pulaski axes to see whether this is the right choice for you. Alternatively, if you have large trees in your garden, you might want to get a professional tree surgeon to help cut your trees.

5. Spade

Digging is a common task you can expect to do in your garden, so you need to have a good spade to hand. Spades are ideal for digging holes for plants, moving dirt around so your plants have the best ground to grow in, and edging your borders.

Some spades can be expensive, however, the initial upfront cost of a high-quality stainless steel spade is worth it because they can last a lifetime. Remember to maintain the spade and prevent it from rusting, otherwise, it might need replacing sooner rather than later.

The best type of spade is one that comes with a longer handle because it provides more leverage when you’re digging. However, these can be heavier than shorter handled spades.

6. Wheelbarrow

The wheelbarrow is every gardener’s friend as these handy tools make it easier to transport heavy items around the garden. For example, you can use a wheelbarrow to carry soil and compost and to carry plants from one spot to another. You can also carry heavy garden items, such as chopped tree branches.

Remember to store your wheelbarrow in a dry location, such as a shed. This will help to prevent it from rusting. Another maintenance tip is to keep the wheels inflated and regularly check that they’re okay.

Stock up on These Essential Gardening Tools and Transform Your Garden

The changes of the seasons are incredible to see in your garden, so make use of your space by planting seasonal flowers and shrubs. But before you do that, prepare your garden for its beautiful transformation by ensuring you have these essential gardening tools.

Remember to always maintain your tools and look after them because this will save you a lot of money in the long run. Well looked after gardening tools can provide a lifetime of use.

Check out some of our other articles to find out more about how to make your garden look prim and pretty this summer.

Subscription Billing Software: The Features to Look For

Thinking of adding subscription billing to your business website but aren’t sure how?

Recurring billing software usage is rising, with firms like Netflix bringing it mainstream. Sixty-nine percent of households now subscribe to online streaming services. Even the automotive industry is set to see subscriptions grow to 71% by 2022.

Every business type now incorporates some sort of subscription service but what software do they use?

This article looks at the main things you need to consider before paying for a subscription app. We look at their essential features as well as those that will save you money and time in the long run.

Read on to discover what every billing software for small business needs to have.

What Is Subscription Billing Software?

Recurring billing software lets businesses accept payments on an ongoing basis.

The best systems handle the process automatically. Instead of employees manually entering data, these apps do all the hard work. They generate invoices, take payments, send notifications, and update service status.

The subscription cycle can incorporate multiple pricing models and payment methods. Subscribers can choose from different terms and see exactly when their next payment is due.

Upper-tier apps integrate directly into your website to give you the most control. They’re styled to match your brand and even integrate with your existing customer relationship tools.

We’ve gathered together 5 of the main features to look for when choosing the best recurring billing software.

1. Flexible Pricing Models

Companies often hire developers to create software unique to their needs. They have a particular way they want to charge so assume they need a specialized app.

But business models change meaning bespoke software needs to be updated. Not to mention maintained.

The best recurring invoicing software offers multiple pricing models to suit any requirement. They match any scenario thrown at them.

The keyword is flexibility.

Apps that provide flexible pricing let you edit subscription models on the fly. They allow for a range of options including:

Flat Fee

The basic, flat price charged to everyone who subscribes to your service. For example, $15 per month.

You should be able to choose the time cycles to bill on like monthly or annually. Customers receive a notification in advance and are able to opt-out if they desire.

Per Unit

Your customer chooses how many of your subscription units they purchase up-front. For example, $25 per fitness session for x10 sessions.

Like the flat fee model, a customer can switch billing cycles when they wish. The pro-rata or prorated system will calculate and charge the difference automatically.

Volume

Price is determined by how many units subscribed to. The more they buy the less they pay per unit. For example, $25 per session for x10 or $20 per session for x20.

This discount scheme encourages longer billing cycles. Which in turn provides a higher monthly turnover.

Tiered

Tiered or quantity-based discounting lets you vary the price based on subscribed units. For example, $6 per unit for x1-2 then $5 for 3+.

This model is great for weight-based items as you can add as many tiers as you want.

Ranged

A combination of flat-fee and tiered.

Ranged pricing charges a standard price depending on the range of units matched. For example, $12 for up to x3 users and $15 for x4-6.

2. Different Payment Methods

All online vendors accept credit and debit card payments and so should the billing app. But it shouldn’t end there.

Mobile payments from apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay don’t require customers to open their wallets. Stalwart services like PayPal now integrate with subscription apps. The less a customer needs to interact the better.

The subscription billing service should work with several payment gateways. It needs to follow all legal guidelines relating to customer data storage and safety like PCI-DSS. And it should be ready for new technologies like Secure Card Authentication or SCA.

3. Products, Plans, and Cycles

Many old-style billing solutions focused on a single plan for subscriptions. The result was a limited system offering few options and no flexibility.

The best invoicing software provides a combination of plans and billing cycles. And it accounts for the differences in your products and services.

The rule is the product comes first followed by the plan then the cycle. This allows you to focus on what you’re selling and not be tied to how you sell it.

The software should also adapt to unlimited variations.

A Bronze/Silver/Gold service with quarterly, monthly, or annual cycles produces 18 choices. Add a Platinum range and it goes up again.

This billing software solution should include any new service and offer it to your customers in the next billing cycle. And it should take minutes to set-up, not days or weeks.

4. Customized Branding

Monthly recurring revenue or MRR is revenue your business can count on receiving every 30 days. That’s the goal of subscription billing and the software should make this as easy as possible.

It should match your brand so customers feel safe entering their details.

Your logo, color schemes, font style, etc. should reflect in the software itself. Any paperwork like invoices should be identical to those in your office. If it sends emails, the text needs to match the tone from your site and brochures.

Preferably, it should work on your website domain and not redirect to a third-party. And all content needs to be customizable e.g. using the word seats rather than units.

5. Advanced Features

What sets the best software apart are the extra features like:

  • Free Trials
  • Setup Fees
  • Minimum Terms
  • API Integration

Free trials are a great way to hook customers into a monthly recurring revenue cycle. Payments only begin when the free trial ends. And customers can cancel at any time.

Setup fees like an initial consultation are separate from monthly invoicing and should be collected at the beginning. Billing applications need to do both.

Customers need to know exactly what they’re paying for and when. You should be able to apply these conditions and set minimum terms. Also, you need to set the rules for early cancellation. The software will handle the rest.

Modern apps offer API integration. This means your website or apps can hook into their service with very little code.

The system runs as a SaaS or software as a service meaning you access it when you want.

API-based apps provide a powerful way to bill your customers. They’re flexible, offer unlimited invoicing scenarios, and can change to suit your needs.

Billing Software and More at WowGold-It

Now you know about subscription billing software for small businesses why not learn something else?

We have articles on SEO tips, web hosting sites, and useful information for all company sizes. Share your views by leaving a comment. And let the world know what recurring invoicing software your business uses.

How to Make Money and Stay Productive at Home

 

It is a common misconception that working from home is a much easier prospect than working in an office setting, likely due to the flexible schedule and freedom that comes with the former. However, freedom also comes at a price. There are plenty of distractions, which can make things extremely challenging when trying to earn money at home. It requires plenty of discipline, and it can be tricky to keep stress levels low.

Fortunately, there are plenty of extra opportunities to earn money and stay productive at home – even when present circumstances make things difficult. It does not have to be a miserable process of trial and error. Here are just a few easy ways to keep productive and make money from your humble abode!

On the topic of selling unused possessions

One of the best ways to make money without having to go through too much effort would be to take stock of what you no longer use and see what you can do about selling those items. Of the things you can sell, perhaps the most convenient would be electronics. After all, there is always a market for electronics, and you never know if an old smartphone has increased in value over the years.

To make the most out of your situation, make sure to research the prices of items you no longer use. With a bit of luck and effort, you can make a profit while barely putting in any work.

Find quick ways to make some money on the side

There are plenty of opportunities to make extra cash if you know where to look. For example, if you have an old vehicle lying around that can be classified more as junk than as a car, you can profit by having a junk cars Boca Raton company deal with the problem. You can also make a quick buck online if you happen to have a passion for writing or the arts. Making some money through freelance work is just one of many opportunities you can find online!

Make sure that you limit distractions when working

It can be surprising how many things can distract you when you try to work from home. Ensure that you limit the distractions by cleaning up the clutter in the room where you work to boost productivity. If it happens to be too much work when you consider everything else you have to do on any given day, you can save the job of decluttering for fifteen to thirty minutes before bed. Fostering the habit of decluttering your room – even if it happens to be fifteen minutes a day – will help make a difference when given enough time.

Without a doubt, there are plenty of ways to stay productive and make extra cash when working from home. Following the tips above will help you boost productivity while keeping stress levels low, ensuring that you have enough energy to get the job done.

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/work-desk-smart-phone-laptop-phone-1205159/

 

How to Create Healthy Environment at Your Workplace

What does a healthy work environment look like? What do employees really value when it comes to working?

These are questions that employers rarely ask, but they should be. In any case, the environment at your workplace is crucial to the success of the enterprise, so let’s figure out how to improve.

In this article, we will cover the process behind creating a healthy environment.

Keep reading to learn more.

Start With Wellness

The first step to all health is the encouragement of wellness. What does that entail? In simple words, you create a routine program for the movement, exercise, and mobilizing aspects of the human. This can be a weekly yoga session before work or pilates after work.

Through this process, not only do you encourage your employees to look beyond their immediate boundaries, but to experience new things that can extend beneficially into other aspects of their life.

Not to mention, the bonding part of it all.

Feed to Health

Healthy eating is healthy living. And no, it’s not about strict dietary restriction. It is not deprivation from what you love. It’s about making what you eat result in you feeling great, being full of energy, and improving your general outlook on your entire life.

A healthy environment cannot last without healthy eating. If your environment is great, but your employees are groggy and tired from eating junk snacks in your lobby, then you’re doing something wrong.

Don’t let them skip meals because they have to work. Pay for their lunch, make them go out. Cater to their needs, provide them with healthy meals all throughout the day.

Breaks of Need

Encouraging your employees to overwork themselves is a bad idea. Why not do the opposite? Encourage them to work less, but better.

If they can take breaks without letting you know, that’s a start. They are not your kid who is going out for a sleepover, they work because they are responsible. So let them be responsible.

If they need to take a break to alleviate muscle fatigue, eyestrain, and gain their focus back – just let them do it. How about installing apps on their desktops that remind them to take breaks, because some are just not eager to.

Environment Itself

Covering those ephemeral aspects of the environment haven’t touched on the environment itself. Working in a comfortable and clean office has a tremendous impact on the success of your enterprise.

The office should get direct sunlight, all throughout the workday. The furniture should comfort your employees when they are on break or discussing the scope of the projects at hand.

If you can’t have sun, use bright lights. There’s a direct correlation between work performance and lighting. Create an atmosphere that you want your work to represent.

Fulfillment

All employees want their work to feel like it matters. And for this to happen, the organization has to know the purpose behind its existence. Why do you exist? What purpose do you serve? Who do you help?

Once there is a direct initiative for these questions, then the individuals can map out their own contributions to serve the greater purpose. Write it down, elaborate on each position, and let them know what they are for.

Even a commoditized industry has the capacity for purpose. Even if you’re selling clothing, your purpose could be to deliver satisfaction. All of your new employees could be funneled through a directed route of training, where they all do customer satisfaction for example. This will ensure that everybody sees the value of the work and understand the process behind satisfaction.

Perk It Up

If you think that paying more to your employees will increase their happiness in the workplace, think again. Perks are more valuable to employees, so research the most important ones, and provide just that.

Compensation is nothing but a threshold, it’s not the scorecard for accomplishment. Any perk that improves the quality of life in and out of the workplace is of higher value and shows that the company cares about the employees.

Unlimited vacation, child care, paid leave, health and wellness memberships, etc. All of these are a given, and should not be overlooked.

Invest In Growth

Personal development is practically a basic human need, so treat it as such. If you’re in a position to provide the means for it, why not? Employees need to grow to feel fulfilled.

When an employee feels stuck, they will be the first to look for other jobs. They want to be lead, and told that they can grow, and here’s how you can do it.

You can subsidize education for team members, so that they can take classes online, purchase online courses, attend conferences, etc.

You can host learning sessions where team members present something they are passionate about to the rest. A book club can work as well.

Encourage employees to share their professionals and personal goals for the year, make this public. Help them achieve it, break down the goals, set benchmarks. Provide them with the means to achieve these goals realistically.

Check out this BE Offices article for the socially distanced office.

Healthy Environment At Your Workplace Achieved

Now that you know how to achieve a healthy environment at your workplace, you are well on your way to ensuring that your customers are satisfied, happy, and healthy.

After all, that’s what matters because the backbone of your enterprise is the employees themselves. Without them, the company does not run. So take responsibility for their wellbeing, and they will take responsibility for yours.

If you’re interested in similar articles, check out the rest of our blogs.

3 Ways To Stay Cool If Your Air Conditioner Breaks

When you’re in the middle of summer or a particular hot string of summer days, one of the worst things that can happen to you is having your air conditioner break or stop working efficiently. If this happens at your home, you may not be able to use your a/c to get to the ideal temperature in your house, which can not only be uncomfortable, but could also be unsafe.

To help you make it through those hot moments while you wait for your air conditioner to get fixed, here are three ways to stay cool if your air conditioner breaks.

Cuddle With Something Cold

If you get cold in the winter, sleeping with a hot water bottle is one way to heat yourself up. And in the summer, the same principles can apply.

According to Sophia Breene, a contributor to Greatist.com, a hot water bottle can also be filled with water and then stuck in your freezer in order to get nice and cold. Once it’s set, or even just cooler than the air temperature in your home, you can hold it to your body to help yourself cool off and get much more comfortable. Some other options for using something cold to cuddle with and cool your body off include things like wet towels or even bags of ice or other frozen foods.

Know Which Body Parts To Keep Cool

When trying to cool yourself off by putting something cold on your body, it can be helpful to know which body parts to initially focus on in order to drop your body temperature as quickly as possible and get yourself more comfortable.

The best areas to start with this, according to Alan Henry, a contributor to LifeHacker.com, are your neck and wrists. Additionally, you should move onto your groin, armpits, and feet before trying to cool off other areas of your body. So even if you think that a cold washcloth on your forehead feels good, that’s not going to help keep you as cool as putting that washcloth on other areas.

Blast All Your Fans

Oftentimes, it’s not necessarily cold air that you need in order to cool off your home. Usually, just having some air movement can help you to feel cooler and keep your house at a lower temperature as well. This works because, as your body gets hot and starts sweating, having air moving across your skin can help to cool that sweat and make your body colder as well.

If you’re going to be using your fans, Katie Bandurski, a contributor to Better Homes and Gardens, recommends that you turn them all on so that you can get the maximum effect. And if you’re needing the air to be colder than it is, you can always try putting a bowl of ice in front of the fan.

If you have issues with your air conditioner this summer, consider using the tips mentioned above to help keep yourself and your home cool still.

 

Comparison between Debt Collection Agency and Collection Law Firm

Although it is always better to use your own money for running your business or manage your expenses. Yet invariably you need to arrange extra amount to meet extra expenses due to expansion of business or venturing into a new business etc. Generally, people take extra amount as a loan from bank or some other financial institution putting you under debt.

The forms of debts can be your personal debts, corporate or government debts. Usually, personal debts are categorized as Secured debt, Unsecured Debt, Revolving Debt as well as Mortgages.

Debts may be stressful but are almost integral part of running businesses. As such there is no harm in taking loan till you keep on paying your re-payment installments on time. Failure in clearing your debt as committed by you can put you in trouble. This narrative driven blog explores the creditors option for debt collection.

For the collection of debt, the creditors have options like:

  • Using creditor’s internal collector

This is precisely done by deputing an employee from creditor’s office staff who directly deals with the debtors. They do not involve anyone else i.e. a middleman for the collection

  • Collection through debt recovery agency

When lender finds it difficult to collect the debt, a third party is hired by the lender i.e. debt recovery agency which is assigned to collect recovering the debt. In lieu of debt recovery, lender pays commission to the agency as fees or some decided percentage of collection.

All through the process the ownership of debt remains with the creditor. In many cases, the debt is sold to the debt collection agency after writing off the debt by original creditors and finishing their involvement.

  • By appointing a law firm

In many unmanageable old and delinquent dent accounts, the creditors are constrained to seek legal support in recovering their debts and accordingly appoint a law firm for collection of debt.

Sending a communication through a law firm has been found to be better and more successful as it leaves a greater impression on mind of debtor and results in the increased possibility of recovery of debt.

However, debt collectors are permitted to contact or communicate with debtors through all available means such as phone, letters, and email or text message but without violating the norms laid by Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

Which one to choose; Debt Collection agency or Collection Law Firm?

By and large, both debt collection agency and debt collection law firms are hired to pursue the recovery of delayed or unpaid debts. Both are regulated by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and are required to perform within framework of rules set in under the act.

However, their processes and manners employed for the collection of debt may differ for collecting or recovering debts.

When it comes to choosing between Debt Collection agency and Collection Law Firm, you must ponder over few important factors that include:

  • Size of Debt

Usually, the specially trained agents of debt collection agencies can collect even smaller balances and pursue larger sums as well. Whereas, debt collection law firms employ specifically qualified law specialists for pursuing the collection of mostly old and unmanageable debt accounts involving larger sum.

  • Charges for collection

Debt collection agencies usually charge fees in the form of commission based on the response to their recovery. The Debt collection law firms often charge a set fee usually based on the size of the debt. The fees charged for collection of debt is also influenced by the age of the debt account and the debt balance.

  • Speed for clearing the debt

Debt collection agency may continue making efforts for collection of debt accounts for months or even years. Their efforts for recovery of debts often yield low and unsatisfactory results.

On the other hand, debt collection law firms can quickly sue the debtors for the unpaid debt which often results in faster collection of debt than a debt collection agency.

  • Complexity of debt

For more complex cases where debt collector or debt collection agency that has purchased the debt from the original creditor and other personal loans are not easy to recover are usually turned toward debt collection law firms. These debt collection law firms can be more effective in collecting the debt from delinquent borrowers.

Why prefer Debt Collection Law Firms for debt collection?

Both, debt collection agency and debt collection law firms are governed by Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and accordingly, both are legal entities.

Yet often people have shown preference for debt collection law firms as they are:

  • Better equipped with legal knowledge
  • Able to resolve dispute while maintain good relations with debtors
  • Better option of suing the client
  • Capable of Navigating you through lawsuit process
  • Taken more seriously by debt defaulters
  • In position to improve your cash flow

Above all, Debt collection law firms are trained attorneys who can beat debtors at their own game and without issuing threats or using harsh language they can force errant debtor to pay the balance to clear the debt.

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