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Dana R
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"You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want."
It’s been a taxing time for global geopolitics. Eastern countries sense that the West is in crisis, with its rising debts and aging populations. And the West, like a cornered bear protecting it’s young, is growling and showing its teeth.
But underneath this structural change in the balance of power, lies a few more unsettling trends. One is the fact that the Middle East hasn’t become a new American Midwest with palm trees. In fact, by many accounts, it’s now far more unstable than it was before the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Back then, Western countries were riding high on the success of their intervention in Kosovo. The removal of dictators on the edge of Europe was a massive and resounding success. Allied powers, emboldened, turned their attention to the Middle East, expecting a similar result. All they needed to do was depose the dictators, install a democratic government. Iraq and the others would become as peaceful and as benign as Serbia and Montenegro are in today’s Europe.
Well, we all know how that turned out. The Middle East has become a very unstable place. In fact, thanks to the action of NATO countries, the risks to national security appear to be higher than ever before. Countries in the Middle East have become a hotbed for terrorism. It’s clear now that there aren’t any so-called “good guys” in these regions. The people the West supports tend to end up being more radical and more violent than the people the West deposes.
This is where Donald Trump comes in. He’s said on many occasions that he actually favors the despots in the Middle East. At least, he says, they were “good at killing terrorists.”
And this brings us to our second, unsettling trend – the proliferation of terrorism itself. The Washington Forum, organized by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, will meet later this year. They will ask the question of whether or not Jihadism can be defeated.
It’s an important question to ask. This isn’t your average pitched battle between nation states where a victory is well-defined. This is a battle with a set of ideas – ideas that can be communicated instantly over Twitter and other, less well known messenger services. Controlling terrorism, therefore, is like trying to stop the flow of a river. You might block one channel, but it will just reroute itself, and find a new direction in which to flow.
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Right now, terrorism is a significant threat. But the problem is it’s potential to grow as a threat. The terrorist of today have access to makeshift bombs, able to kills hundreds, maybe thousands of people. The terrorists of tomorrow will have access to biological weapons, able to kill far more.
It’s this sobering reality that is forcing the subject of national security to the top of the agenda. And it’s this trend that will drive its importance well into the future. So long as Jihadism remains an idea, the West will have to be vigilant.
When it comes to completing assignments, many students struggle. The problem is that a lot of assignment topics can be hard to understand, despite attending all your classes and doing the required reading. Professors like to test students, which is why essay topics are often difficult. Seeing a topic that you don’t know how to conquer can cause a lot of stress and anxiety about what grade you’ll get for the piece. However, it doesn’t have to, as regardless of the topic, there are plenty of ways you ensure your assignment returns a good grade.
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Re-read your notes from the class
The first thing you should do after getting an essay topic you’re unsure about is re-read your notes from the class. This is important as this will refresh your mind about what you’ve learnt so far. And should also make working out how to fit the information into your essay, easier. Any parts of your notes that you think will be helpful, mark with a sticky note. That way, you can flick back to them later on and use them as your supporting evidence.
Research similar essays
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Whatever essay topic your professor has given you, there’s sure to have been similar ones before. Google your essay title and see what comes up – make sure to check the news section as well as the regular search. Anything that comes up, download and read through. This may give you an idea of what you should be focusing on. If nothing comes up, type the main parts of the title into the search bar and see if anything relevant pops up.
It may also be worth searching in the campus library for essays that have been stored there for reference as you might find a similar one. If you are friendly with older students on the same course as you, ask them what they wrote for their essay on the same topic. Once you’ve got a little inspiration, you’ll find your assignment much easier to complete.
Read up on the essay style
There are various types of essays; narrative, expository, critical, and persuasive. Each of these essay types needs to be written in a different way, which can be a little confusing. If for example, you’ve been set a critical essay to complete, take the time to research what it should include. Have a look online for guidance and examples of critical essays. Doing this will help to make sure that your article is structured in the right way and you get the best grade possible. If an essay isn’t structured properly, even if the information is correct, you’ll end up with a lower grade.
Break the topic down
Even the most difficult of assignments can be made easier if you take the time to break the topic down. Use the marking sheet to work out what your professor is expecting and then break the essay into sections. By doing this, you can help to increase your chances of achieving a high grade. Once you’ve broken the topic down, you can then work out what should go into each section.
Come up with an essay plan
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On that note, it’s time to talk about creating an essay plan. After breaking the topic down, it’s a good idea to create an essay plan. This is important as it will allow you to plan out what’s going in each section of your assignment. As well as whether you have the necessary evidence that you need for each part.
Draft your assignment plan out by hand, add notes, and write the addresses of any websites you intend to use as evidence. If you’re unsure whether you’ve missed anything, ask to swap essay plans with a friend. You can mark theirs and get them to mark yours – that way you can both help each other to improve your grades. If you need help with essay writing or editing, you can use a custom essay writing service, to get the best results for your paper.
Talk to your professor
Last but not least, if you’re struggling with an assignment, talk to your professor. Show them your essay plan and ask for their constructive criticism – this will give you an idea of if you’re on the right tracks. While your lecturers want you to work independently, they are there to help. So if you’re stuck on something, don’t be afraid to ask them. They may not be able to tell you what your assignment should contain but they will be able to point you in the right direction.
In conclusion, ensuring that your assignment grades are high, doesn’t have to be hard. It’s just a case of going about your work in the right way, and taking the time to get help if you need it.
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Be honest – have you ever thought about going on a trip to the Sahara Desert? It might be on the bucket list of a few adventurous souls, but hardly in the minds of your average holidaymaker. But, you miss out at your risk. The sprawling desert is an incredible place, and there is a lot more to it than endless sand dunes and mirages. And, it is so big it is spread across twelve countries – each with their unique personality. Here are five essential experiences that you should check out if you get the chance.
The Nile
Egypt’s River Nile is pretty much the lifeline for the many towns and cities that inhabit the Sahara. And, of course, it goes close to the Sahara’s most ancient buildings – the temples of Luxor and Karnak. But, don’t stop there. Moving out, you will hit the world famous Timbuktu, and even follow the river down to the Red Sea. In Africa, the Nile is known as the giver of life – and it’s easy to see why.
The wildlife
When you think of a desert, you don’t think of somewhere teeming with life. But, the Sahara has some incredible creatures that call it home. They are tough little things, too, capable of surviving some of the harshest conditions on the planet. It’s well worth taking a wildlife trip one night with an expert to see if you can catch a glimpse of the locals. You might see a monitor lizard or the cute looking Fennec Fox. There are plenty of other, too. Conservationinstitute.org have a good insight on what to expect.
The bustling cities
Cities in the Sahara are a lot more advanced and comfortable than you might think. El Aaiun, for example, is a beautiful place with plenty of luxury to retreat from the harsh, dry, atmosphere of the desert surrounding it. The likes of tripadvisor.com have rundowns of the fantastic hotels available – and they might just surprise you.
The amazing oasis towns
The Sahara is so big; it shouldn’t be surprising there are so many amazing little towns there. Of course, you can’t go there expecting a raging nightlife and all mod cons, but they are well worth a visit. They are the perfect place to stay when you are planning trips out to the dunes, too. Oasis towns tend to be in the major countries, such as Morocco and Egypt. Some are quaint little places full of a sleepy atmosphere while others are far more colorful affairs. Check out Ksar Ghilane in Tunisia or Tamanrasset in Algeria.
The sand
It’s easy to write off the sheer volume of sand in the Sahara – but it needs to be seen to be believed. The size of the dunes can be mountainous, and many of them will look completely different the next day. If you get the chance, head out with an experienced guide and see it for yourself. It is a little eerie seeing a landscape change before your eyes – and it’s very much alive. You may even find yourself a meteorite if you are lucky.
Have you been to the Sahara? Let us know about your experiences in the comments section below!
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Hair loss can happen at any age, and it’s something you should still be watching out for in your twenties. Although it’s more likely to occur in men, you will be surprised to know a high proportion of women can also suffer from hair loss. In fact, 40% of people who are suffering from hair loss are ladies. Here are some reasons for hair loss in women while they are young.
Alopecia areata
The top reason for hair loss in women is down to alopecia areata. It’s a condition which can cause bald patches on your head. The condition stops your hair from growing and can often be passed down via generations. If you are worrying you may have this, the doctors can send you off for a biopsy to confirm whether it is this condition. Often, it can grow back on its own, or they may need to give you a steroid injection or some cream to help treat it. It mostly occurs in young people, and it can happen in people who are healthy otherwise.
Pregnancy
As your body is going through many changes during pregnancy, your hair can be affected too. You may start to notice you are losing your hair. And surprisingly, it tends to occur after having the baby as your body has been through a lot of stress! As this article reveals, you should go to the doctor if you keep noticing hair loss, but don’t worry too much, it will grow back after a while.
Stress
One of the reasons why women lose their hair in their younger years is down to stress. When we get stressed out with work, we can notice that our hair begins to thin out. As your body is under pressure, it can mean your hair is under stress too. Find ways to keep calm such as exercise and removing yourself from stressful situations to combat the hair loss.
PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (aka PCOS) is a condition which can affect your ovaries and hormone level. You may experience irregular periods, acne and hair loss. It affects many young women in their late teens and twenties. As this article explains, your hair can thin out, and this can be one of the first signs that you have the syndrome. Talk to your doctor if you notice hair loss and they will send you to tests to confirm if you have PCOS. Unfortunately, you may experience extra hair on your face and arms while your hair on your head thins out!
Washing hair too much
Another reason for hair loss in young women is because they are washing their hair too much. By washing it too much, you are putting extra pressure on your scalp, meaning your hair might begin falling out. Try and stick to washing your hair every other day rather than doing it every single day. Make sure you are using a decent shampoo which is right for your hair.
A lot of the above is reversible, so if you do notice any hair loss, it’s best to speak to your doctor about your concerns.
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Sleep is one activity that many people find is hard to get enough of on a regular basis. Although experts recommend for the average person to aim for eight to 10 hours of sleep each night, many people who are able to achieve that still find themselves struggling to stay awake during the daytime. Others can’t seem to incorporate that much sleep into their schedules. No matter which side of the equation you fall on, here are eight actions you can take to wake up feeling more refreshed and rejuvenated.
1. Get in Shape
People who are overweight and out of shape often have trouble sleeping. The more a person weighs, the harder their body has to work to perform its normal functions. People who are sleep deprived are also more likely to gain weight. Get active and in shape so that it’s easier for you to tone your body and get down to a normal weight. Maintaining a healthy weight increases the chances of you sleeping better and longer at night.
2. Improve Your Mental Health
Sometimes it can be a challenge to wind down after a really busy or stressful day because your mind is simply too active. It doesn’t matter if your bed time is early in the evening or late at night, meditating and listening to soothing music can help to slow down the gears in your mind and make it easier for you to drift off to sleep when you are ready to and stay sleep.
3. Change Your Schedule
Although there are many reasons why you may have the work schedule you do, sometimes it is necessary for you to make adjustments to it so you can better manage your sleep schedule and health. If you work nights and have trouble getting to sleep, talk to your boss about switching to the daytime shift. No work schedule is worth sacrificing your sleep habits and health.
4. Get Off the Couch and Get Active
If you tend to live a sedimentary lifestyle and struggle to get eight to ten hours of sleep at night, it may be time for you to get busy. Get some hobbies, join some clubs, and go out more. Keep yourself mentally and physically engaged in activity so you can burn off excess energy and regulate your body’s function.
5. Just Lounge Around
When you find yourself tired and unable to shut your mind off after a long day, don’t get up. Just lay there. Sometimes resting can be just as restorative as sleeping. Turn on the radio, dim the lights, and simply breathe in a meditative manner while you clear your mind as you lie in bed. As your body adjusts to this new method of relaxation, it will become much easier for you to drift off to sleep at night.
6. Add a Nap Time or Two Into Your Day
Sometimes no matter how hard you try, it may not be possible for you to modify your schedule the way you want. Setting aside as little as 15 to 20 minutes each day so you can stop what you are doing to take a nap can be very beneficial for your health. You’ll feel more rested and rejuvenated throughout the day.
7. Eat Better Foods
The foods you eat can really do a number on your body and interfere with the way it functions. Foods that are high in fats and unhealthy substances can slow down digestion and nutrient absorption making it uncomfortable and harder for you rest and sleep. Before bedtime, eat lighter meals and avoid alcoholic beverages. Incorporate more unprocessed and plant-based Hampton foods into your diet like their eggless mayonnaise.
8. See Your Physician
Sometimes, even with your best efforts, sleep may still be elusive. It may be necessary for you to seek out medical attention. Your sleep cycle may be off and you may need a little medical intervention in the form of supplements or medication. Before starting any medication and supplements for sleep disorders or regulation don’t forget to inform your physician about any other medicines you are taking to prevent complications.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to combine several of the above suggestions so you can get the sleep you need. There may also be other ways you can improve your sleeping habits. By adding more sleep into your life, you can improve your moods, overall health, and well-being.
The fact is that road traffic accidents are on the rise these days. There might be many reasons for this increase, but it’s important to look at a few of the most likely ones. If we can understand the reasons, we can work on preventing and reducing accidents from happening.
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Drinking Culture
One of the other problems we have these days is the issue of a drinking culture. As a society, weekday drinking has increased, and social drinking has become more prevalent. And, as such, the number of people who drive under the influence has also increased. This has led to an increase in road accidents. It’s a shame because this is so dangerous and yet it seems to be an epidemic at the moment. We can only hope that the penalties dished out for drink driving are severe enough to deter people.
Tech Obsession
It’s pretty clear that as a planet we are obsessed with technology these days. There is so much technology around these days that our lives have become dependent upon it. It’s gotten to the point where people can’t go five minutes without checking their Facebook for something. This has led to an increase in the number of people using technology behind the wheel. This is a very stupid and irresponsible thing to do, but unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to stop people. This is a very real problem in our society and one that looks set to cause many more accidents in the future.
Busy Lives
These days we have done so much to try to make our lives easier, but we seem to be busier than ever. There never seems to be enough time to do all the things that need to be done and everyone is in a rush. This impatience could also be a defining factor in the rise of traffic accidents these days. No one wants to slow down and go at a safe speed, and they all just want to get to where they’re going as quickly as possible.
People Aren’t Careful
It might not be something we like to admit, but these days people are not as careful as they should be. This is true when it comes to driving on the roads, but they also aren’t careful with their cars either. It’s easy to overlook the fact that a car is a machine and machines develop problems. This means we have to be sure we take our cars in regularly to get them looked over. But, a lot of people don’t bother to do this. The consequence is that many cars are becoming less safe, and this is leading to a greater number of accidents on the roads.
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It’s quite alarming to hear that road traffic accidents seem to be on the rise. There is more awareness than ever before about it, but this doesn’t seem to be helping. There are plenty of reasons that could be attributed to this rise. And it’s up to all of us to try to fight back against this and works on making the roads a safer place to be again.
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A lot of people try and live a healthy lifestyle, but it can be hard when illnesses can occur at any time. The stresses of work and family mean we can end up eating too much food and not exercising enough. We also forget to go to appointments where we can find out earlier if something is up. Staying healthy is the ultimate way of prolonging your life. Here are the best 12 ways to keep your mind and body healthy.
Eat breakfast
It’s hard to fit everything in before going to work in the morning. By the time you get up early and have had a shower, there is often no time to enjoy a healthy breakfast. But having breakfast can help you keep to a healthy weight. If you don’t have breakfast, you can end up snacking all morning meaning you will be consuming a higher calorie intake. Breakfast is also perfect for helping you feel motivated till lunch. If you don’t eat anything, you can end up feeling distracted and losing concentration on the work you are meant to be doing. Have a bowl of cereal or enjoy some toast; both of these don’t take long to make. An egg is also a popular choice for breakfast and will keep you full until lunch.
Join an exercise class
Another way to stay healthy is to join an exercise class in your local area. Consider what kind of exercise you fancy trying. By choosing something that interests you, you will be more likely to get involved and make the effort to go. An exercise class is always good for helping you to maintain your weight. It’s a set time you can go and exercise every week. Arrange to go to a class with a friend; this will encourage you to go every time. Otherwise, you will let your friend down. Remember if you don’t like the class you attend, try a different one.
Healthy weight
The best way to stay healthy is to keep to a healthy weight. Once you become overweight, you may end up with health problems such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and heart problems. You can find out if you are a healthy weight by checking your Body Mass Index (BMI). You can work out your BMI by checking your height against your weight. You might be surprised to know that over 9% of Americans over 20 were classed as either overweight or obese when checking their BMI. Once you know yours, you can make movements to try and lose weight by eating healthier and exercising regularly.
Attend check-ups
If you want to stay healthy, you should be ensuring that you go for check-ups at your doctor when necessary. As we get older, there are several checks that you should go for including getting your cholesterol checked every five years. Your blood sugar level and blood pressure should be tested every three years. Read about more check-ups you should go for here. Don’t delay in going to the doctors if you are worrying about a mole or a lump you have found. Who knows what it could be, and it’s a good idea to get it checked sooner rather than later. It’s probably nothing, but it will help ease your worry if it isn’t anything to stress about.
Go to the dentist
Just as it’s so important to go to the doctor regularly, you should be ensuring that you go to the dentist at least once a year to ensure you stay healthy. They can check your teeth to make sure that there are no cavities that have developed. If you don’t go to the dentist, you will end up having to get teeth removed and could end up with gum disease. Remember to take your kids once they start developing teeth.
Visit opticians
It’s so easy in our busy lives to forget to attend eye appointments. But your eyes are so important, and you need to ensure that you are looking after them properly by attending appointments. You should go every couple of years to the opticians. They will be able to tell you how your eyes are doing and will inform you if you need glasses or contact lenses. You will be surprised to know that the opticians can also tell if you have a brain tumor. If they spot unusual symptoms, they will refer you on to your doctor for further investigation.
Meditate
You need to look after your mind, as well as your body, and a good way to do this is to meditate. Meditation is a fantastic way to clear your thoughts so that you can feel happier in your life. It’s also great for calming you down after having a stressful day. You can meditate in your own home, or you can look into attending a class where you can do it. It can be easier as you will follow the instructor. You can listen here at The Alternative Daily for info on how to add meditation into your life.
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Wash your hands
A lot of people pick up illnesses because they are not washing their hands after touching food. After preparing food, you should be ensuring that you wash your hands. You can’t touch raw meat and then pick up something else as any bacteria would have passed onto that food. And then once cooked, you could end up causing food poisoning. You should also ensure you wash your hands after you have been to the toilet. Although we have limited time at work to meet that important deadline, it’s essential that we wash our hands before leaving the bathroom. Remember to get your kids to do it too. Otherwise, they will be passing on germs as well.
Don’t take too many pills
In life when we get a bad belly or have a headache, we decide to take a tablet to ease the pain. But you may be surprised to know that too many pills are not good for you and your body. As we talked about previously, too many painkillers can damage your liver and the function of your kidneys. Your body can also be desensitized to the tablets, meaning the next time you take them, it won’t be effective. Make sure you limit yourself to how many you take, and if the problems keep happening, it might be wise to go to the doctor to find out why. Remember to stick to the amount they suggest to take, as it can be easy to become addicted to painkillers.
Cut out stress
If you want to live a healthy life, you need to make sure that you don’t get too stressed out. The more stressed you get, the more of a chance you could develop anxiety and depression. As this article explains, you need to try and cut down on the stressful factors in your life. Consider what is making you so unhappy. If you and your partner are always fighting, it might be time to separate. Or your job might be making you miserable, which means you should look for a new one. Try and eliminate the stress in your life so you can stay happy. You should smile more so that your whole body will be happier. Spend time with people that make you feel healthier and happier.
Control your eating
To ensure you stay healthy, you need to make sure you are controlling your eating habits. The best way to do this is to figure out why you are eating so much. It might be that you are eating when you are unhappy to combat those feelings. Or you might have associated eating with a hobby such as watching a movie or television. Also, when you are going shopping, you need to ensure you go when you have a full stomach. If you don’t, you will end up buying extra food that you fancy as you are hungry. Try and buy more food which you can freeze as well. If you buy fresh food that needs eating, you could end up consuming way too many calories in one day! Once you know why you are overeating, it becomes much easier to control.
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Stop smoking
To stay healthier for longer, you should try and stop smoking. The tobacco in smoking can lead to chest and lung problems. Talk to your doctor about the fact that you want to cut it out of your lifestyle, and they can recommend what you can do to cut it out. Going cold turkey is a bad decision because most people will end up craving it and giving in. Try nicotine patches or chewing gum to help you cut back on smoking. A lot of people are also trying e-cigarettes which help you feel like you are smoking but cuts out the tobacco element.
Remember the most important thing is to enjoy your life. It’s so short that you need to enjoy every moment, but live a healthy life too.
In recent years, we’ve gotten to a point where our day-to-day business operations would be a mess without technology. We’d be lost without smartphones, constant email access, and Microsoft Office. Most of our daily tasks are completed with pieces of software on PC’s and laptops. We’ve got to a point where we are so reliant on them; we couldn’t actually operate without them! If you’ve just started a new business, or you need a technological refresher, here are five types of software packages to consider.
Accounting
I don’t know of any businesses that don’t use accounting software to manage those all-important finances. The most popular piece of software used for this task is SAGE. Most businesses use it as a means of managing their accounts, although there are plenty of alternatives on the market as well. Don’t be scared to spend big money on important software like this; it’s crucial to the well-being of your business.
Backup
You need a good backup procedure in place to ensure those all-important files don’t get erased accidentally. While you don’t necessarily need software to get this done, it can make the job so much easier. You’ll find automated services that will ensure your files are backed up on a daily basis. You don’t have to do anything, so the risk of losing those files should never become an issue.
Office Suite
We’ve already mentioned about Microsoft Office, and the truth is; you’ll struggle to find a business that doesn’t use it in some form. Still, there are alternatives out there if you aren’t so keen on lining Microsoft’s pockets. The most popular alternative office suite is OpenOffice, which is entirely free and sports many of the same features. It isn’t identical, though, so you might find that documents don’t look quite the same when opened with Microsoft’s suite.
Sales
Any company that is involved in sales will need software to ensure those sales go smoothly. This is an area where custom software is often built for the needs of the company. Software escrow is important to consider when it comes to custom software of any kind. You need to ensure that your company will continue to operate effectively even if something goes wrong with that software. You don’t want to be in a position where you can’t process any sales because the software company has gone out of business and shut everything down.
Security
In order to protect all that valuable confidential data, you need to make sure you’ve got adequate security in place. Software packages like AVG and Avast offer free ways to keep your devices secure. When it comes to business, however, you’re ideally going to want to invest in paid security software. Some of the added extras are just novelty features, but you’ll also get increased protection, which is always worth it. The last thing you want is to deal with viruses and corrupted data.
There are more types of software that can benefit your company. All you need to do is look around, and you’ll find something that can help your business to thrive.
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You have an idea, and that’s where it will all start. One single idea can blossom into a successful business. It may be a simple vision of a product or service that makes someone’s life easier. And your ambition is to turn that into a profitable venture. Dreams of fame and fortune, accolade and adoration all creep into the mind when you know you have something special. But that doesn’t mean your startup will be plain sailing. Many entrepreneurs of note have tried and failed to get their startups off the ground. So what are the hazards and highs of following your dreams into entrepreneurship?
Money
Some would say ploughing money into a new business idea is a lot like gambling. There is certainly a degree of risk involved. Others would say that it is a calculated risk. After all, why would you throw your hard earned cash at something you didn’t truly believe in? Anyone with good business sense knows to research their investments thoroughly to be sure of a good return or profit. However, without that initial investment, it’s nearly impossible to get your startup off the ground.
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Every business needs an initial investment. It may be in the form of raw materials, or simply business stationery. You may need formal premises so there is rent, rates, and utilities to consider. It takes money to make money. And this investment can appear in many guises. You may feel it is necessary to gain further qualifications to help boost your confidence and skill set for your business. Or you may just need a little bit of cash behind you while to feed your family while you’re getting things started.
Family
Your family will miss you when you leap into the world of the entrepreneur. There will be many occasions when you need to travel for meetings. This could involve a lot of overnight stays in strange cities away from your family. You’ll miss mealtimes because you’re busy calculating a profit projection. And attending soccer games and recitals could become a thing of the past. It’s easy to feel guilt when you need to prioritize your business over your family life. But you know that you’re doing this now to secure your family’s future.
If you have a partner, chances are they are incredibly understanding and supportive of your new role. They know this business is important to you, and they will do what it takes to make your home life worry-free. Of course, you want to spend time with your family. And if this start-up goes well, you may have a lot of time when you can retire early! But right now, your family may have to take a back seat. This can be incredibly challenging for all of you to cope with.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle will also change as you work harder and harder to get your business off the ground. Social engagements may be put off for weeks or even months. Those lazy Sunday mornings could become a thing of the past as you leap out of bed to prepare the next contract. You know that your time is money. So many other things in your life, like hobbies and interests, have to be put aside for now. Life has become fast-paced and focused. And it’s all on you to keep up with it.
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You may find you are living out of a suitcase more and more as you travel for work. Strange beds and strange cities become the norm very quickly as you try to secure more clients. Eating in restaurants or rest stops may also leave you missing the taste of a home-cooked meal. And you may not remember the last time you went for a leisurely walk.
Health
All this hard work, convenient meals, and lack of exercise will quickly take its toll. You may feel you don’t have enough time to sleep. But a lack of sleep will impair your cognitive function. This can lead to poor decision making and mistakes. Stress will also quickly take its toll on your health. High stress levels can lead to high blood pressure. This can be incredibly hazardous for your heart.
Hard working people who don’t give themselves the breaks they need can appear older too. Deep lines and wrinkles may start to appear. You may even start to gain weight now you can’t make it to the gym as frequently. Of course, health problems may motivate you to work harder. You want to provide for your family, so you’ll work hard while you can to make sure life is easier for them. You can look here for info about how one entrepreneur uses his own mortality as a motivator to push for success.
Economy
No matter how hard you work, the economy is going to affect your business. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the startup phase or you have a multinational, billion-dollar enterprise. A good entrepreneur is aware of the potential for crash and boom. Staying up to date with business and economy issues is easy. There are plenty of websites, online publications, and newspapers to detail the trends and movements.
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A tough economy needn’t be one that beats you, though. Preparation for the tougher times will help prevent disaster for your business. We can’t all run businesses that are recession-proof. But we can tailor our companies to the needs of the customers as their spend needs to fluctuate. Cheaper versions of the products we sell or providing products to a new market that is less influenced by the economy could be a way to manage tough times.
Competitors
Your competitors will also be working just as hard as you to make sure you don’t steal their market share. One way to overcome this is to create a new market. Of course, everybody would love to have the ability to do this! Finding a completely new product that has zero competitors is almost impossible these days. Instead, we have to settle for a share of what may already be a pretty crowded marketplace.
Drawing a competitor’s customer toward you to increase your market share is the secret of success. It can feel a little cut-throat, but healthy competition is considered best for the consumer. The choice is important for the consumer. If you can provide the service, product, and access they desire then why wouldn’t they come to you?
Marketing
It all comes down to marketing. You may have the most incredible product idea in the world. You may even have found investors to mass produce it. But the stock will sit in the warehouse forever if you don’t let the paying consumer know they can have it. Product and brand awareness are enormously important if you want to sell anything. You need to carefully craft your marketing strategy to reach the maximum number of people that will want what you have.
Many entrepreneurs have a clear idea of the channels they wish to exploit. You may need to hire an agency to manage the creation and placement of your marketing messages. This can be incredibly expensive. It’s no wonder that the bulk of startup investment funds goes on marketing. However, no customers mean no sales. That will quickly translate into another failed business.
Hiring
As well as contracting outside agencies, you will undoubtedly need some staff working for you to build the business up. Sales, production and administration, are the most common areas that startups struggle to cover. You may need skilled machinists. Or perhaps you need a good closer to secure those big corporate clients. Don’t believe for a second you can go from zero to global without some help. Hiring can be expensive. You might prefer to use temps or freelancers in the beginning. Be wary of taking on staff if you are not well versed in the legal implications of doing so.
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Contracts And Deals
Your business relies on the goodwill of suppliers, business partners, and customers. And your customer relies on your assurances about the product quality and service you provide. Contracts between your business and others will define the expectations. They also give you legal backing should disagreements arise. Some suppliers will expect payments in a timely fashion. And you should make sure your contracts bring in the cash flow you need to honor them.
Making a deal with another business could be the boost your business needs to go from startup to successful corporation. Always use legal representation to ensure good deals don’t go bad. If all of your income is derived from just one or two key clients, you could be setting yourself up to fail.
Your Future
Some may say that the success of a business relies on hard work and luck. In reality, this may have an element of truth. But it is down to the entrepreneur to carefully navigate all the hazards and highs of running their startup. Without you and your good health, your company could fail. And without your due diligence, your business could fall foul of any number of hazards. Take care of you and your business to better your chance of success.
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Each day, hundreds of thousands of workers head into factories for their nine to five shifts. They work long and hard, producing items that will be in every home and business across the country. And every day, it seems that these workers are risking their lives. A recent report has revealed that manufacturing has one of the highest mortality rates compared to any other industry. Over one hundred deaths were reported and recorded last year. You might be wondering how this could be. These workers aren’t walking into a war-torn country. They spend their day in a controlled environment that should have a high level of safety. But it seems things are slipping through the cracks. So what are the dangers of working in a factory like this?
Environmental Issues
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It’s likely that the high mortality rate is at least partially caused by environmental conditions. It shouldn’t be the case but in some factories, owners aren’t doing enough to keep the shop floor, safe. When you’re chopping wood or cutting metal, dust floods the air. If this occurs, it can get into your lungs and even stick to your clothes. You can take it home with you and then it affects your family’s health as well. There’s a simple solution and that’s to install dust collection pipes. But it seems factory owners are still rolling the dice with their employee’s health and cutting corners. Due to this, it’s not uncommon for factory workers to enter the hospital with breathing difficulties.
Heavy Items And Human Error
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We imagine that mortality rate is also caused by what’s expected from these workers. Workers in manufacturing plants are often lifting heavy materials. One slip or trip and it could very well be game over. In this example, it’s human error more than anything else playing its part. We underestimate just how dangerous these jobs are. These factories aren’t quite as safe as you might have been led to believe.
Bending Rules And Regulations
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A factory should be the place where health and safety regulations are at their highest point. But again, this isn’t always true. In fact, businesses would rather reduce health and safety levels if it means work is completely more rapidly. Manufacturers are being pushed to cut costs where they can. Part of these cost cutting schemes could be endangering the lives of their workers.
Malfunctioning Machinery
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Lastly, there’s the issue of malfunctioning machinery and poor equipment. It’s not uncommon for businesses to cut corners in manufacturing by using, older, cheaper equipment. This isn’t as reliable and may be nearing the point where it’s dangerous to use. But rather than replace it, business owners keep this equipment on the shop floor. It will only be replaced if there is an accident, at which point it’s too late. The damage has already been done. Manufacturers should be getting their equipment checked regularly to make sure it’s still in good working order.
It seems clear that more needs to be done to protect the workers in our factories. Unfortunately, that responsibility largely falls on the shoulders of the business owner.
Family is what keeps us happy and healthy, the most important part of our lives. Being close to our family is one of the first things we learn ever since we are born. Our parents raise us, and teach us so that we know how to overcome every challenge that life has for us. One of the main things that our parents also teach us is how to communicate.
Communication is vital for the society we live in. We need to communicate with people around us in order to fulfill many tasks and achieve the goals we set. We also need to communicate so that we don’t feel lonely and keep our spirits up. For that reason, communication is one of the headstones that keep a family together. We need to communicate with our family, not only to keep in touch, but also to maintain a healthy relationship with them and this makes us feel happy, too. We never know what the future holds; sometimes we are meant to live miles away from our loved ones. We might have to travel for work, or simply decide to live in another city or country.
How VoIP and the Internet replaced letters
We live in a society where everything is based on fast communication and internet. Not many people take the time to write letters, they simply choose to send a text message instead. The Internet allows us to communicate in real time with people all over the world. A few centuries ago, no one would have thought that something like this would be possible.
Mobile phones are really handy and easy to use. Nowadays, everyone has a mobile phone, regardless of their age. Children and teenagers are born in the era of technology, on the other hand, adults and seniors get access to a wide range of communication devices. No matter how far we are from our parents and family, we feel close to them thanks to mobile phones. We could even say that we are only a phone call away. The technology comes in handy especially with our busy schedules, which do not allow us to visit the ones we love as often as we would like to. Even 10 minutes a day of speaking with our family can give us a boost of energy and good mood. If your family lives abroad, you can use international prepaid cards like Enjoy Prepaid to communicate with them at the lowest prices possible. This service allows you to talk to your beloved ones either from your phone or the computer. It is extremely easy to use and cheap, bringing the ones you love closer in no time at all.
Use communication to your advantage
The absence of communication of the kids with their parents can affect their future life, their behaviour and even their character. Once they get at a certain age, children can experience communication problems and become introverts, they might also suffer from trust issues. A few minutes a day children spend talking with their parents will ensure the healthy and happy development of the child. Often communication maintains a healthy relationship and a healthy mind, too!
There are many reasons why you get insurance for things. It might be for a beloved pet that you want to be able to take care of, should they need it. It might even be for something like your smartphone or tablet, just incase anything happens to them. The idea of insurance is that we spend a little over time, to help us avoid spending a lot. In the worst case scenario, vet bills, hospital bills or even a new tablet, can cost a lot of money.
When you are a homeowner, there is nothing more important than getting home insurance. The cost of a new phone or a vet bill will be nothing compared to the cost of fire damage restoration if your home catches on fire. There are other things that could happen too, that you can’t plan for. What if a neighbor’s tree falls on your house? What if the lake near where you live floods, and your first floor gets soaked? There are a lot of possibilities, and you want to be covered in case of emergency. This is one of the best reasons why you should get home insurance.
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If you have home insurance, you will also have your possessions covered. Can you imagine having someone rob your home and then you have to pay again, for everything that was taken? Another laptop, expensive watch, TV. All would need to be bought again at your expense. It is so handy to have insurance to cover the cost of these things. You get the actual cash value of the items or a replacement in most cases too. So if your TV was quite old, you might get a replacement that is even better. Another winning reason to have home insurance!
Buying a home is a big investment. It can cost a lot of money. A lot of people want to make sure that if, and when they sell, they get a lot of money back from their investment. One way that they choose to do this is by making changes to the home. It might be a loft conversion or a new kitchen or bathroom. Can you imagine having a floor fall through as you are having a new bathroom installed? An accident like that is covered using home insurance. Can you imagine if you had a child that spilled paint all over your brand new carpet? In most cases, home insurance would cover accidental damage like this too. So having home insurance helps to protect your investment. You would just be losing money if you were paying out for damages all the time.
If nothing else, having home insurance helps to provide you with peace of mind. Fingers crossed that you will never be someone that has a home in the path of a tornado. But just in case you ever were, home insurance is the best thing to have. Have you ever had any experiences of this? It would be interesting to hear your thoughts.
The key for successful business owners is making sure they run their business well. You need to make sure you do important things like looking after your staff and their interests. If you can run an ethically sound business people are going to notice and you will thrive as a result. So, you need to make sure you do what you can to be a success and keep everything above board. Here are a few of the best things you can do to achieve that.
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Don’t Cut Corners
It’s important to make sure everything is done properly and above board. And the way to do this is to ensure you don’t cut corners. You have to carry out all your business practices properly. Cutting corners can lead to problems and difficulties further down the line. And, it also raises questions about how you run the company. Never cut corners, and always make sure you follow the right way of doing things. It’s important to have morals and good ethics when you’re trying to run a business.
Protect Yourself Legally
You also have to take steps to ensure that you protect yourself and the company legally. There are so many ways in which the business might be at risk. You are vulnerable from legal action on all sides. So it’s vital to ensure that everyone and everything is protected in a legal sense. In order to achieve this, you need to make sure you get in touch with law firms. You need to hire business attorneys so you always have legal advice to help your company. This is a sensible and practical step to take in the process.
Be Fair and Ethical
It’s crucial that you make sure you are fair and ethical as an employer. That means you have to consider your staff in all the decisions you make. Try to do what is best for them, and figure out how you can improve their working lives. The basic way of doing this is to try to make sure you are a fair and sound boss. You need to adhere to employment law regulations as well as making sure everyone is treated fairly. Try to be as compassionate and understanding towards your employees as you can.
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Equal Opportunities
If you really want your business to stand out in the modern world you should make yourself an equal opportunities employer. This means you give opportunities for employment to people from all different backgrounds. You need to try to make sure you have a diverse and varied staff base. This means giving everybody a chance irrespective of their background, orientation, religion or gender. It might also be good to try to have a diverse pool of international employees in the company. This will also help when you are trying to look for ways to take your business global.
As a small business owner, you have to make sure your company is well run. That means you need to iron out creases and make sure everything is above board. Running a sound and successful company is the best way to cement your legacy as a great business owner. So, you need to do what you can to ensure this happens.
In this day and age, competition for jobs is fierce. It’s never been more important to stand out from the crowd. If you’re looking for a new job, or you’re hoping to secure a promotion, here are some tips to set you apart.
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Creating a resume
Your CV, or resume, is incredibly important. This short summary is often the first opportunity you get to impress a potential employer. It could make the difference between getting an interview or having your application thrown on the ‘no’ pile. When creating your resume, it’s essential to sell yourself to the best of your ability. List your achievements. Include all the information, which may distinguish you from other candidates. In the employment section, mention only relevant roles. You don’t need to note down every job you’ve ever had. Try and be original, but don’t stray too far from tried and tested formulas. For ideas of how to format your resume, check out http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mkl45eejl/tips-for-creating-the-best-possible-resume/.
Selling yourself
Often, when you apply for a job, you’ll be competing against people with the same qualifications, so it’s vital to show off other skills. Encourage your employer to invest in your potential and show off your passion. Use your experience and training to demonstrate your capability and your ability to learn. In the modern age, it’s beneficial to look to the future and keep ahead of the crowd. Tailor your application to suit the role. If you’re looking for a job in business development, for example, showcase your talents in this field. Training in areas such as digital marketing and cloud computing may be particularly appealing. Are you interested in expanding your skill set to make your application more enticing to prospective recruiters? If so, check out sites like http://www.simplilearn.com/virtualization-and-cloud-computing/exin-cloud-computing-certification-training.
Interview tips
An interview is a fantastic opportunity to show off your personality. This is your chance to try and convince potential employers that you are the best candidate for the job. Always make sure you prepare for an interview. Read up on the company, and learn about the role. Note down some questions to ask the panel and try and predict what they may ask you. If you’re doing a presentation, rehearse it several times, and make sure you have all the facts and figures nailed down. Speak clearly and confidently, and maintain eye contact.
It is essential to create a positive first impression when you go for an interview. Dress smartly, and ensure you feel comfortable. Make an effort to wash and style your hair, and pay attention to detail. Polish your shoes, and iron your outfit the night before. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time to give you chance to go through your presentation, and get yourself mentally prepared. Most of us feel nervous before an interview or an important meeting. Try and stay as calm as possible, and take deep breaths. Take your time when you are speaking, and think about your answers before you respond to questions.
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In 2016, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. If you’re applying for jobs, take these tips on board. Hopefully, you’ll catch an employer’s attention and ensure that they remember you for all the right reasons.
Just this week, broker Core Spreads launched a new affiliate program, letting partners earn a capped commission rate. Besides indicating that Core Spreads is doing fine, this shows us how popular and successful CFD trading has become in recent years.
Trading is still a gray area to many, and the benefits are even more so. Just as people are afraid of the unknown, many will be reluctant to place any cash in a declining market, or a market they know nothing about. CFD trading makes both these issues much easier to handle, and as such, could be right for a brand new investor, or learning trader.
So, if you’re considering joining the game, here are some of the main reasons why CFD trading is so utterly popular.
Make profit in any market
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Gone are the days when you absolutely needed a rising market to make a decent profit. With CFD trading, you can make profit in a declining market by selling short that particular CFD. This kind of trading rewards strategy, critical thinking and a keen eye. It’s not potluck. It’s careful thought and planning.
The same goes for a booming market, too. You can make hefty sums of cash by buying that CFD. Of course, making profit in a rising market will always be easier than a declining one. But in CFD trading, it’s irrelevant. You can thrive in any scenario. Other forms of trading usually rely on a successful market, and only money can make money. You can now dispel that notion!
It’s convenient, and simple
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And that’s an understatement. If you’re already trading forex, it will be quite simple for you to trade a range of commodity CFDs on the same platform. The tools and software are largely the same and have similar functions. It’s not like CFD trading will feel absolutely alien to people who have traded in the past. It’s still an easy process.
Plus, it’s never been quicker and easier to get started with your trades. Most platforms are designed with this idea in mind, in order to aid usability. Many thoughts in the Plus500 review, for example, encompass this notion about that platform. Of course, if you’re new to trading, you still have a long way to go, but once you’ve learned it will be easy to jump between commodities.
Less ownership and commitment
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There’s no fixed lot size when trading CFDs, so you have more options in terms of scale. Also, to begin a trade, you must only put down a small amount of the value of that total trade. You won’t need to account for the total cost. You’ll have more flexibility with your trades, and can be frugal where necessary.
Additionally, you aren’t required to own the commodity being traded. CFD traders aren’t at risk by taking ownership of any form of physical instrument. CFD is the representation of the commodity, if you will.
So, in short, CFD trading is a much more flexible option for those that desire it. It’s more secure, and carries less risk. Does that mean there’s less chance for greater profits? Maybe. But where certain trades can result in a heavy drop, CFD allows you to be more frugal, and more protected.
We live in turbulent times, not least due to extreme weather conditions. And, the consequences of natural disasters can be severe for small businesses. In today’s guide, we’re going to take a look at how you should react if your small business suffers from a natural disaster. Read on to find out more.
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Preparation is essential
Do you have insurance protecting you from natural disasters? In some states, it is a necessity, but if you aren’t located in one of those areas, it’s not something you should avoid. Insurance means you get the cover and protection you need in the result of an extreme weather event. Nobody – not even meteorologists – can give you a 100% assurance nothing will happen where you work. Get the protection in place, and you will not have to shoulder the burden of clearing up alone.
Contact all employees
First of all, you will need to contact all your employees. Their safety is your responsibility, and you have to find out if there are any injuries in your workplace due to the event. You should also start to take names and contact details of everyone that is still available to work so that you can plan your business in the days ahead. Don’t forget that many employees will have family and friends suffering from the disaster, so may not be able to focus on their work activities. It’s important to weigh up each employee on an individual basis. Some might need to stay away while others can feel undervalued if they aren’t working.
Cleaning up
When the dust settles, there’s the matter of cleaning up after the event. Of course, how you approach this depends largely on the event itself. In an earthquake scenario, things can be changed forever – and you might be looking at a move elsewhere. However, some disasters, such as floods, are recoverable. Get hold of a disaster cleanup company to help you get everything back in order.
Identify critical activities
The next step is to start getting your business back on track. Make sure you outline all the business critical activities that need doing. The idea here is to keep your business running as normally as possible. You may need to find temporary accommodation – but if you have insurance, this might be already in place. In a worst-case scenario, you can ask your employees to work from home if suitable.
Find funding
Even with insurance, you might struggle to afford to recover your business. The good news is that there are funds available. Contact the Small Business Administration, who can provide loans for natural disasters of up to $2 million. Interest rates tend to be competitive, so it’s best you start your search for funding there.
IT recovery
Another important aspect of your business lies in your data. It is essential that you contact a disaster data recovery firm who will – hopefully – be able to save your vital information. One good way of preparing for the worst is to start using cloud-based services such as Dropbox and Google Drive.
We hope this has helped. The main thing to remember is that your business can survive the biggest natural disaster. We wish you all the best.
The eyes are the window to the soul – or some people say. At the very least, they can make a huge difference to your look. Some people don’t know how to enhance their eyes. If you’re one of those people, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some tips to tell you how to make your eyes look awesome!
Keep Them Healthy
Keeping your eyes healthy is important if you want them to look great. Many people don’t realise the things they do affect their eyes! You can keep your eyes healthy by making sure you drink plenty of water, and eat lots of vegetables. Healthy fats are especially good for eye health. You should also wear sunglasses to protect them from the sun and UV rays, as they can become damaged easily. Also, don’t forget to do eye exercises if you work on a computer all day. Take a break and practice focusing on things at different distances to keep them sharp.
Have Them Checked
Having your eyes checked is important too. Make sure you go to your opticians if you notice any changes so you can get a prescription if you need one. You may need to get glasses, or there are less expensive options, like contacts.
Try Makeup For Your Eye Shape
Everybody has a different eye shape, so next time you go to do your makeup, try makeup suited to your own eye shape. You can find all kinds of YouTube tutorials and things that will give you brilliant tips. If you have smaller eyes, for instance, then you want to make them appear bigger using techniques such as the cut crease. If you have large eyes, you can really go all out with cool eyeshadow and winged liner. Have fun with your eye makeup!
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Experiment With Accessories
Accessories like glasses and coloured contacts can look great on you and enhance your eyes. Just make sure you only ever get them from reputable places. Wearing prescription glasses when you don’t need a prescription is a quick way to ruin your eyesight. Contacts can be dangerous unless you buy them from a reputable seller too!
Enhance Your Eyelashes
Enhancing your eyelashes will make you look amazing whether you’re wearing makeup or not. You can do this by having them permed, tinted, or both. There are even treatments that will give you a lash lift and tint, making them appear longer, fuller, and darker for up to 8 weeks. If you aren’t blessed in the lash department, you can also have lash extensions to make your eyes stand out!
If you really want to play up your eyes and make them stand out, these tips could really help you. Try them out to see what works for you. You might even come up with some tips and techniques of your own! Make sure you don’t pile the makeup on too heavily. The key is to blend when experimenting with shadows. Blend, blend, and blend some more! Have fun!
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For many people, opening a restaurant is their ultimate business dream. Perhaps they just want to open one for themselves. Or perhaps they want to start a family business that will be passed down through generations. Whatever the reason, you need to be prepared for a lot of hard work. And you need to remember that that hard work can pay off in big, big ways.
Do you have an inkling that you might want to start a restaurant? Many do, but haven’t turned the idea around in their heads enough to get a solid plan going. Here are some tips that will help your brain get into gear and you into action.
Decide what food you will specialise in
This should be the first thing you think of. For many people, they have a litany of great recipes that they want to share with the world. If those recipes already largely fall under a common food category, then this step will be much easier. If you have recipes from several different cuisine “genres”, then you might have to narrow it down to better target to certain customers.
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So what will it be? Do you want to specialise in a specific ethnic cuisine? Examples of this would include Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Chinese or Indian. There are obviously many kinds, but these tend to be the most popular. Perhaps you want to open a seafood place or a steakhouse. Or maybe you want something simpler, like a coffee shop or a bakery. Why not a mix of both? Whatever it is, ensure you have a strong food concept in mind.
What kind of property will you acquire?
There are a few ways you can go about this. Perhaps you’ve got your eye on a place available for rent that’s already a restaurant. But what if it’s not in the location you want? Maybe you’d prefer it to be in a busier part of the city. But maybe the only available property there would require a complete conversion into a restaurant.
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You will have to do a lot of research for this. The ideal solution, of course, would be to find a property that has already been established as a restaurant. If you can find this in the area you desire, then that’s the kind of place you want. But even though it’s more difficult, you shouldn’t be scared away from the idea of converting a property into a restaurant. After all, location is ultimately the most important factor, here. The biggest challenge is building a suitable kitchen from scratch. But as long as you’re in touch with the best building contractors and stud welding services, it’s achievable.
Find out how much it will cost you
This is the scary bit! You can’t really put off cost estimates for too long. But how do you go about getting the most accurate cost estimate?
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The truth is that you’re probably only going to get a ballpark figure this early in the process. If possible, see if you can speak to local business owners – especially restaurant owners. They will be able to inform you about the costs of rent, insurance, permits and utilities. Remember that you probably won’t be doing things the same way that they do, though, so the cost will just be a rough estimate. You’ll also need to find out how much it will cost to acquire a property in the area you want. You can then find out what financial arrangements you need to make to get started.
If you can free up money in different areas of your business you’ll be more secure. You will have money in the coffers in case the company requires it. So, it’s important to think about the different places you can save money. Take a look at some of these suggestions, and use them as inspiration to help you save yourself cash.
Outsource
The classic and most popular way to free up money within a business is through outsourcing. It’s something that plenty of your business rivals will be doing so you need to follow suit. In fact, you have to think about the fact that you are probably already outsourcing some things without realising. There are so many areas of the business that you can outsource so you need to make a decision about them.
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Virtual Assistants
Going virtual these days is always a good way to improve the business at a low cost. You have to consider how you can use this to your advantage. So, you might think about researching virtual receptionist for physicians and other medical professionals. Have a look at you how a virtual receptionist would fit into your business. You also need to think about switching to virtual offices as well. Taking these kinds of approaches works out much cheaper for the company, as well as making you more efficient too.
Downsize
You hear a lot of people talk about downsizing with regards to moving house. You may not have thought about it much in a business sense. But, you can save a lot of cash by downsizing your business. This sounds like a negative, but it really isn’t. The bottom line is you’re going to be spending a lot of money on areas you don’t need to be. With a bit of thought and application you can free up a lot of money by downsizing in particular areas. You can reduce your workforce significantly by outsourcing. You might also wish to move the business to a smaller office to help you save on costs.
Work From Home
If you are really conscious about saving pennies you should think about working from home. One of the biggest costs you’ll face as an entrepreneur is the cost of renting a commercial space. Offices are very useful, but they can also set you back a lot of money. By working from home, you free up having to spend this cash as much as possible. It’s going to mount up to be a lot of money, and you can spend this cash on other things. If you can possibly run your business from home this needs to be something you do.
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There are so many techniques and hints you can employ to try to help your business free up cash. That should be one of the things you strive for as a business owner. You have to understand how important it is to ensure you are financially comfortable. This can have a huge bearing on the way your company progresses in the future.
Celebrity ambassadors have always been a great way for brands to appeal to larger audiences or enhance their image, but in the social media age, big stars bring far more to the table than just their recognisable faces. Celebrities can have millions of followers on Twitter, huge Facebook fan bases, and all kinds of other useful outreach through things like Instagram. While brands themselves also often have big followings of their own on social media, people tend to be less excited about hearing what businesses have to tweet about than their favourite stars, so by connecting themselves with their celebrity ambassadors they not only get more views, but those views mean more to the people who see them.
This could be one of several reasons why financial trading company XTrade.com has recently announced a strategic partnership with Real Madrid and Portugal football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo Is the New Face of XTrade
XTrade is a company with a global online CFD trading (contract for difference) platform, which can be used to make CFD trades on a huge range of markets, including the international stock exchanges, Forex pairs, and commodities. XTrade already has the biggest market share of mobile app users for CFD trading, and has global scope, with 38 languages supported by the platform and round the clock customer support. XTrade recently announced that they had partnered up with Cristiano Ronaldo as their new brand ambassador, with a press release quoting their head of operations Mike Leigh as saying:
“We are very excited to have Cristiano Ronaldo as our partner. We recognise strong similarities between us, as we both strive to be the number one performers in our fields. This partnership signifies an opportunity to support one of the world’s most exciting talents while promoting our market-leading and innovative online CFD trading products globally, increasing our international presence.”
What Ronaldo Can Bring To The XTrade Brand
Ronaldo’s social media outreach is huge even by celebrity standards. Footballers tend to have high social media performance as fans look for exclusive insight into the sport and the glamorous lives of the players, and Ronaldo appeals to football fans and general celeb spotters alike as he is also something of a sex symbol and male fashion icon. His outreach across his social media accounts is estimated to be over 200 million people all over the world, and this makes him a very tantalising prospect for XTrade’s brand to work with.
Ronaldo’s Comments on the New Partnership
It is still early in the partnership, but Ronaldo is already appearing in images for XTrade and has commented on the relationship between himself and the trading company:
“To be the best, you need the best. That is why I have chosen to partner with XTrade, one of the world’s leading digital trading platforms. And there is no easy way to become the world’s best. The only way is through perseverance, practice, and more practice – until perfection.”
We are looking forward to seeing how XTrade will leverage Ronaldo’s following to gain bigger brand awareness in the coming months.
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Drunk driving is the cause of many accidents in the US, and indeed around the world. Many see it as a despicable crime, and efforts to reduce its occurrence are everywhere. Even alcohol manufacturers are playing their part. For example, Budweiser aired an anti-drink driving ad during the Super Bowl. In the US, several states are attempting to tighten the laws. Maryland and New Jersey are just two of the states with campaigns to strengthen the laws on the books. Many people think there need to be tougher consequences for anyone convicted of a DUI.
In Maryland, legislators have been fighting to push through a bill nicknamed Noah’s Law. It’s named after a Montgomery County police officer, Noah Leotta, who was killed by a suspected drunk driver. The bill would mean that convicted drunk drivers must have ignition interlock devices fitted. These devices mean that the driver has to pass a breathalyzer before they are able to start their car. While these are already used in Maryland, they are only given to repeat offenders or excessively drunk drivers.
Image by stevepb
On Sunday 10th April 2016, supporters of the bill became worried. At the last minute, the House added a punitive damages clause to the bill. It is intended to increase penalties for death or injuries from drunk driving. It was receiving little support, making proponents of the bill worried that it wouldn’t pass. Some believe that the bill has been changed due to pressure from the liquor lobby.
In New Jersey, many believe that the drunk driving laws aren’t effective. The state has strict consequences for DUI convictions, including fines and license suspensions. However, these methods are seen as ineffective by many people. People often don’t ever pay their fines or get their licenses back. It is expensive to have a valid driver’s license returned. Soo many drivers simply drive on a suspended license instead. As in Maryland, there are calls for New Jersey to use ignition interlock devices. However, a bill aiming to increase their use last year was vetoed by Governor Christie. The governor thought the bill was too lenient. It would mean first-time offenders could use an interlock device. This would be instead of having their license suspended for a full three months. However, advocacy groups for victims of drunk driving disagree.
Image from Pixabay
Suspending drivers’ licenses doesn’t stop people driving their cars. One of the reasons for this is that people need to drive to get around. Without their vehicle, they may be unable to go to work, take their kids to school, and do other essential daily tasks. The laws allow for some leniency for drug users, but not for drinkers. However, an ignition interlock device allows someone to drive but only if they first pass a breathalyzer. Currently, not even the best DUI lawyer could argue for an ignition interlock device. The state found that more than 40% of drivers who have their license suspended then lose their job.
Although drunk drivers should be punished, they also need help with rehabilitation. For many, the answer lies in ignition interlock devices to improve safety on the roads.
Moving home is an incredibly stressful thing to do. However, that doesn’t mean it have to be daunting. It is about being organized! Think about the things that you need, such as looking into storage Arlington VA facilities if you need them, getting your boxes ready, throwing things away and more.
Moving home costs money and takes a lot of time. That is what you would expect. However, being properly organized can make a huge difference. You may think lists are a bit retentive, but they do really work. Consider that you need at least six weeks for a move to go by comfortably, so why not make a list for each week, so that you are sure you won’t forget anything. Remember that there is packing to do, administrative things to complete and more. And leave some time for the unexpected things as well.
When you start packing, see it as a chance to spring clean. Do you really need those things that have been in your basement for years? And do also enjoy reminiscing while you are packing, by the way. Physically moving things is also something that you have to consider. There are certain things that will definitely be too bulky for you to carry on your own. Plus, if you have any concerns, don’t engage in heavy lifting at all. Something to put on your checklist: find some friends to help with the lifting!
Naturally, you can also choose to work together with a removal company. If so, make sure that you book the well in advance. There are some very busy moving times during the year, and moving companies can be booked up months before already. At the same time, you have to properly research the different companies. A few things to put on your checklist are the things to look for in a removals company (do they provide boxes, are they insured, are they registered with a professional body, what kind of experiences have other people had?). Similarly, if you will use a storage facility, you also have to do some research in terms of where to go. Perhaps you already use a storage facility, in which case you don’t really have to add this one to your checklist.
Then, there is your administration. You have to change addresses with all your standard affairs, such as your banks and insurance companies. Take the time to compare the market in terms of your home utilities (gas, water, electricity, internet, telephone, television) and things such as home insurance. You also need to think about your medical registrations, such as your family physician, dentist, and pharmacy. Depending on where you are moving to, you may have to change them. The same is true for your children’s schools and yours and their hobbies and pursuits. Think about things such as the gym, swimming pools, libraries, clubs and so on.
These things should really help you to make the move at least a little bit easier.
Trillions of dollars are being traded everyday in the Forex currency exchange market. In order to become successful as a trader in the long run, you will need to analyze the future market patterns and price trends. There are many available indicators and analysis tools for conducting technical analysis, before a placing the trade.
Importance of technical analysis for success:
Some traders use different types of economic reports to predict the trending of prices. The problem with such reports is that the latest updates are not available on a real time basis. When it comes to trading, timing is everything, which is why referring to economic reports might just be not sufficient, although it is helpful to some extent.
Trading indicators like the Bollinger Bands and the Moving Averages are the most commonly used technical analysis tools, for trading in the currency exchange market. By using these tools, the traders can identify the opportunities for placing their trades. For example, the reversal of trends can be predicted during the crossover of moving average.
All successful traders are able to identify the changing of trends. Therefore, you will need all hone your technical analysis skills, if you wish to succeed as a trader in the long run. Some of the commonly used indicators are stochastic oscillators, moving averages, and the relative strength index.
By adopting technical analysis, it becomes easier for you to evaluate the historical and current prices, in addition to understanding the volumes of trade activities. These indicators do not give you any trade signals, or tell you when to place your trades or not.
The tools work purely based on the mathematical calculations, which is by considering both historical and current data. The information can be used by traders to predict the future movements of the prices. These indicators provide real time visual display of calculation results.
Using too many indicators:
Well, you can use different indicators on a single price charts to confirm the calculations. However, traders can get confused if they use too many indicators. Their signals might not be that reliable.
If you are looking at Forex trading for the long run, then you must make it a point to do your homework and learn as much as possible. There are thousands of online resources like articles, blogs, books, videos, etc. that you can use to understand how these indicators work.
Choose your tools carefully:
Some of these indicators use complex and advanced mathematics to display the results. You can use them to determine the volume, volatility, trends, and momentum of the currency exchange prices.
Of course, you need not get into the complex mathematics that is programmed in these indicators, but you will at least need to try to understand the logic of their working. That will help you in determining if that particular tool can help you in understanding and measuring the market better.
When you register for an online trading account, you will need to have the mindset of learning the process of technical analysis. That will be the mantra for your success down the line.
We’re all supposed to be grown-up, responsible adults, right? We shouldn’t be finding any aspect of a healthy, responsible lifestyle unappealing anymore. It’s not like back when we were kids and we’d cry at the idea of having to eat our greens. We’ve got more sense than that now… right?
Well, I don’t know about you, but in my experience, there are still plenty of things we still avoid doing. We know we should do them, but we avoid them because they sound uncomfortable and unfun. Here are some examples.
Going to the dentist
It was much easier going to the dentist when I was a kid. Of course, that’s only because my mother made me go to the dentist at least twice a year. I didn’t have a say in the matter. As soon as I was all grown up and got my own place, I started shirking this responsibility somewhat. My dentist visits declined quite dramatically.
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This is a pretty common thing amongst adults. Sometimes, adults even skip out on taking their kids to the dentist! We don’t want to be told to stop eating candy and to floss more. We’re even more scared of being told we need dental work like braces. But the fact is that avoiding the dentist is an incredibly silly thing. There is a strong link between oral health and heart health, so it’s not always about trying to perfect a nice smile! If you’re really worried, try finding a dentist that specialises in good customer service and comfort. Research it online. You can get dentures, dental implants and Invisalign clear braces at PaulCorcoranDDS.com.
Writing a will
Who wants to write a will? I’m guessing I didn’t just get a big show of hands. It’s the last thing we want to do because it relates to the last thing we’re going to do. It involves sitting down and speaking practically and business-like about what will happen after you die.
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But we shouldn’t be avoiding this responsibility. Just because it’s not required by law, it doesn’t mean it’s something that isn’t important! If you pass on without a will in place, the state will determine the distribution of your assets. If you know that you want certain things to go to certain people after your death, you need to make one. You can get help finding a will attorney at Lawyers.FindLaw.com.
Exercising
This is the ultimate one. It’s found on a million new year’s resolution lists across the country. We buy gym memberships to try forcing our future selves to exercise so as not to waste money. And yet so many of us still don’t exercise enough. Why? Maybe we’re not clear enough on how important daily exercise is. Maybe we don’t know just how dangerous the modern sedentary lifestyle is to our hearts. It could also have a lot to do with thinking that exercise requires a large time commitment. We’re all pretty busy, right? Who has time for exercise?
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Did you know that you can get started on exercising and healthier living on just half an hour a day? You have forty-eight half-hours in your day. Reckon you could give up one of them a few times a week, make sure you get your heart rate elevated for at least half an hour. You’ll want to do more in the long run, but this is a great start! LiveStrong.com provides a great list of the risks of not exercising.
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Many of us feel that we could look and feel much better if we were healthier. But it can seem like a lot of work and self-deprivation. Social media emphasises gruelling workouts, marathons and green smoothies. As a result, getting healthy can seem unappealing. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Making healthier choices can be fun, empowering and encourage us to try new things. Healthier food can actually taste better. Healthy activities can sometimes be more fun and relaxing than just lying on the couch. And ditching unhealthy habits can be the change we need to make to feel more motivated and positive on a daily basis. If you’re hoping to get healthy, pick changes and habits that you can sustain and enjoy. Browse these suggestions for how to make getting healthy fun.
Get Your Friends Involved
Things are usually much more fun with friends or family involved. What could be an average walk around the block can become a great way to catch up and unwind if you take a friend with you. Going to an exercise class or walking a new route to work can seem daunting or a hassle, but add a pal and it can become a great new routine. Involving others can be an important way to make the changes that we can actually sustain. Things become fun and sociable rather than a daunting chore. The next time you’re thinking of doing something fun, take a friend!
Going Out
We can easily slip into unhealthy habits when we go out. We want to feel carefree, spontaneous, and like we can let our hair down. So it makes sense why our healthy habits can go out of the window! But with fun substitutions, we can stay on track and still have a great night. Alcohol-free cocktails can still have the amazing flavours and sweetness of their alcoholic versions. But they are lower on calories and a great choice if we are limiting alcohol intake. No-one other than us needs to know we’re not drinking if we feel we might be under pressure! Social smoking can also be difficult to resist so why not try vaping for a fun (and healthier) alternative? Amazing flavours like space jam e liquid can still feel like a treat without the guilt.
Learn To Cook
Developing a new skill can be an excellent, fun way to take control. More than ever before, we have access to recipes and instructions that can make anyone feel like a real chef. Cooking our own meals needn’t be expensive and time consuming, but can help us to be aware of exactly what we’re eating. A vegetarian day a week has been praised by many health professionals, and there are some fabulous recipes to ensure you won’t miss the meat. We can avoid a lot of harmful fats, preservatives and additives simply by starting from scratch. We can save money and calories by preparing homemade lunches in advance, and will feel fuller for longer if we have a fresh breakfast. Having a few extra skills in the kitchen can help us make healthier choices on a daily basis. You never know, you might discover a genuine talent!
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