Some folks are content working behind the scenes in Human Resources. Others, however, can become complacent and begin to wonder if they’ve got what it takes to become HR leaders.

Those in human resource leadership are never average employees. They have unique qualities that enable them to provide quality, professional services at all times.

Here are some HR leadership skills you need to have.

1. Lifelong Learners

The technological capabilities and laws for human resource professionals are always growing and expanding. If you want to be a leader, you’ll need to be on top of all the latest developments.

If you’re looking for a leadership position, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate an interest in staying abreast of all of the news in your field.

If you have several years of experience and some education, you may be eligible to begin SPHRI exam prep. Passing this test will validate your senior-level competency and mastery of HR principles. Questions will with aspects of policy development, strategy, and service delivery.

Your certification will be valid for three years. And it will ensure prospective employers of your high level of competency.

2. Strong Ethics

HR leaders are expected to set an example for everyone else in terms of their policies and treatment of other employees. They must be well versed in the law and strategy, and be careful to avoid any conflicts of interest.

You must always demonstrate trust, integrity, and respect. It’s important to have the ability to avoid letting any personal impressions of other employees get in the way of your professional handling of matters.

You’ll want to consider your core values and your vision, and consider each situation as it relates to these. At all times, you must exercise fairness, dignity, and compassion.

If you have high emotional intelligence (EI) and strong social and moral intelligence, you may be quite well suited to HR leadership.

3. A Good Listener

Good listeners listen in order to learn and acquire new information. They aren’t simply concerned with how they’re going to respond.

You can demonstrate that you’re listening by asking follow-up questions and repeating what you’ve learned. It’s also important to wait until someone is done talking before you comment.

HR leaders are good listeners who put employees’ interests above their own. They should be empathetic, understanding, and ready to help.

Good HR leaders will seek to maximize the strengths of everyone working in the company. They’ll also try to engage and retain every good worker.

4. Technical Skills

In today’s world, every HR leader needs a variety of technical skills in order to be considered competent. They will need to be able to create and/or manage the software that can help them efficiently manage a variety of tasks.

Technological skills are required for tracking holidays, sick days, and keeping good attendance records. They’ll also be required for recruiting and training new hires.

Handling the personal or professional issues of employees also requires some technical skills. Before you have the experience to become an HR leader, you’ll likely be at least familiar with many of the programs you’ll need to be proficient in.

5. Good Communicator

Good communicators have the ability to listen and be clear and concise in their responses. They use empathy but speak in a confident, self-assured way that inspires trust in others.

As an HR leader, an important part of your job is communicating regularly with employees and upper management. They’ll be responsible for giving sound support, advice, and guidance in each situation. It’s also important for HR leaders to facilitate good communication throughout their organization.

If you’re a strong communicator, a career in HR leadership could be a path you can aspire to.

6. Thinking Strategically

It’s often tempting for HR workers to focus on the needs of their department only. It’s important, however, for leaders to think about how their policies can help improve the business of their company as a whole.

HR leaders will need to be able to see the big picture in a variety of aspects.

They need to think about how they’re going to recruit and retain quality staff. They need to come up with ideas for supporting a productive work environment. And they need to consider boosting employee morale and developing strong employees into future leaders.

If you’re an expert at big-picture thinking, a career in HR leadership could be something you can look forward to.

7. Great Perspective

Being an HR leader means getting confronted with new challenges each day. It requires the ability to deal with complicated situations related to employee ethics and behavior.

Great HR leaders will be able to remain positive, relaxed, and professional even when a situation seems upsetting. They need to communicate hopefulness and a willingness to find solutions.

Good HR leaders can deal with the meltdowns and crises of others without losing their cool. They are able to maintain a sense of humor that keeps them in good spirits.

As in any other field, the ability to make mistakes and learn from them without becoming discouraged is an important quality of a leader. It shows others that you’re human and stable enough to continue growing without losing your sense of peace.

The Finest HR Leaders

HR leaders aren’t average employees. They have the personal, technical, and creative skills necessary to be the best in their field. And they continue learning each day along with the rest of their staff.

Don’t stop getting smart about your business now. For more great advice, read our blog today.

The post The Traits and Qualities of Successful HR Leaders appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Making an income on the internet offers the flexibility to earn and save more money, work while traveling or staying home, and many more incredible benefits.

The problem with getting started? As you start doing research, you’ll start hearing people talk about Clickbank. What is Clickbank?

It might be one of the best ways for beginners to start building a virtual career. It’s the foundation of affiliate marketing and has led to many, many people ditching their jobs for an online business that works.

So what is Clickbank all about? That’s what we cover below.

What Is Affiliate Marketing?

Before we start talking about ClickBank, you first need to understand what affiliate marketing is. Basically, affiliate marketing is selling other people’s products for them.

As you introduce new customers to a company, they will pay you a commission on their first purchase. Sometimes you make a commission on any purchase they make in their first 30 days or more.

With affiliate marketing, you can start earning money without creating products or having to ship them to customers. You don’t need to provide customer support or deal with returns or complaints.

All you do is make the referral. And it’s hands down one of the best ways to start making money online.

What Is Clickbank?

So what is Clickbank used for? It’s an affiliate marketing marketplace. Many times when you sell an affiliate product, you work directly with the company that has created the product.

With Clickbank, thousands of companies make their affiliate products accessible to you. So you can sign up and start referring thousands of different products in different niches. You aren’t limited to 1 product or company.

So what is a Clickbank affiliate? After you join the network, you are able to search their database of products, create your affiliate link, and start referring people and generating commissions right away.

What is a Clickbank product? Anything and everything. There are physical and digital products available in every industry you can think of.

Setting up Your Clickbank Account

What is a Clickbank account used for? It can be used both as an affiliate and as a vendor. So if you ever create your own products, you can add them to the network as well for others to sell on your behalf.

Joining Clickbank as an affiliate is an easy process. Anyone can join for free.

How to Make Money With Clickbank

After you setup your account, it’s time to start searching for products you want to sell. You can search for any niche that interests you, such as travel, sports, internet marketing, cooking, and more.

Once you’ve found a product you believe will sell that offers a decent commission, it’s time to promote it. You can create your own blog or website to do this or build an audience on YouTube, Instagram, or other platforms.

Create engaging content and share your affiliate link when helpful. Want to skip the learning curve and see how an expert makes millions of dollars with Clickbank? Check out moneyiq4u.info to learn his strategy.

Getting Started

The world of internet marketing is a beautiful and terrible place all at the same time. There is so much opportunity that everyone could find a way to make a living online and enjoy a more flexible life.

But the overwhelm of choosing is real. What is Clickbank and where does it fit? Clickbank is usually the perfect place to start. For those who are looking for additional marketing and business tips, head over to our blog today.

The post What is Clickbank? A Beginner’s Guide appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

That’s fine, but it doesn’t mean you should just run things willy-nilly. You need to establish a little order. You need to have an employee handbook available. 

Wondering why your business needs to have an employee handbook? Then read on. Here are the primary reasons. 

1. Helps New Employees to Understand What Your Business Is All About

Every business has a mission and yours is likely no exception. You’re probably in it for more than the money, and almost certainly get a sense of satisfaction from what your business achieves. 

The key is to transfer this sense of satisfaction to your employees. How can you do so? With the help of an employee handbook. 

Use your handbook to speak about your business’s mission. This will help ingratiate new employees to the operation, allowing for as smooth a transition as possible. 

2. Allows You to Lay Out Expectations for Your Employees

Every company is different. Some expect employees to strictly adhere to their work tasks. Others allow for a more laid-back atmosphere. 

In any case, expectations need to be set for the employees. The employees need to know what’s expected of them so that they can act accordingly. 

This is where the employee handbook comes in. A handbook enables you to explain expectations in plain English, ensuring that everyone is on the right page on a day-to-day basis. 

3. Informs Employees of Workplace Benefits and Services

Another reason to have an employee handbook is that it informs employees of their benefits and privileges. For instance, it may explain how their health insurance policies work or where they can turn if they encounter workplace harassment. 

This can be quite beneficial in facilitating communication on such matters. It can also help employees to feel more comfortable in the work environment. 

4. Helps Protect You in the Case of Lawsuits

Businesses get sued by employees all of the time. It’s just part of running a company. The important thing is that your business takes the right precautions in protecting itself. 

Having a detailed employee handbook is one of these precautions. By laying out the specifics of how your business operates and by detailing what’s expected of your employees, you can go a long way in protecting yourself in court. 

5. Fosters Communication

A business is essentially a team. In order for a team to work, there must be proper communication.

Yes, you’ll all speak with each other in person, but that’s not always the most efficient way of doing things. This is where an employee handbook can come in handy. The handbook can answer many of the commonly asked questions that come up in the midst of running your business, keeping communication flowing. 

For more information on the matter, consult this employee bonus guide. 

An Employee Handbook Is a Necessity 

When it comes to running a business, having an employee handbook is a necessity. A handbook will lay out certain expectations for your employees, ensuring that everyone stays on the same page. 

Need other business-related info? Look no further than our website. Check out some of our other articles right now! 

The post Why Your Business Needs to Have an Employee Handbook appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

The key? Finding something that suits your personality and makes you happy.

Choosing a cosmetology career can help make you a part of this awesome statistic! Read on to learn 7 amazing benefits of becoming a cosmetologist.

1. Fun and Creativity

A career in cosmetology offers you an outlet to express your creative self. You literally turn a person’s face into a canvas.

It offers you the option to create new looks and styles. Imagine designing a new popular eyeshadow look, hairdo, or nail craze!

This chance for daily creativity leads to a boosted sense of well-being! Plus, your work will feel more like play.

In many instances, a cosmetologist must stick to a script in a sense and create the look given to them by a client. Even though this might suppress your creative edge a bit, you will still get to have fun in your work environment!

2. Freedom

Do you want a future career that offers you freedom? Well, cosmetology is it!

First, you will never find yourself stuck at a quiet desk clicking away at the same computer keys every day. If you do work from one space, your area will look much more colorful and exciting. 

But, the nature of the business offers you the ability to branch out and work from different locations, like people’s homes, behind stages, and anywhere else you can imagine making people look beautiful. You might even travel to amazing destinations for work because the beauty industry covers the globe.

Your freedom also comes in the sense of what you wish to do for your future career choice with your degree. Maybe starting school you thought that you wanted to do hair, but realized you love skincare. This diploma covers so many areas that you can easily switch or take on more than one trade.

With this career, you will also love your ability to create your own schedule. The flexibility will make your life feel exciting and free.

3. Minimum Schooling

School is not for everybody. Some people get bad grades but flourish with a trade.

Entry-level jobs that take people out of high school require long hours with little pay. Often they also give people undesirable tasks.

Jobs that pay comparable to the lower end of cosmetology typically require an associate’s or even a bachelor’s degree. This puts their employees in school for 2-4 years, with papers to write and stressful tests.

Cosmetology only requires a high school diploma or GED. All of your additional education will come from hands-on learning that directly helps you with your career choice. Depending on the direction you take in this career, you can potentially make more money than your college counterparts in other positions. 

4. Demand and Growth Opportunity

You will walk out of beauty school with a career. The demand in this industry makes great jobs readily available.

If you dream to work for a specific company in a very specialized position, then you may not land it right away. But, you will get the opportunity for growth so you can reach that position.

Many 9-5 careers offer the opportunity to only grow so far and then you hit a ceiling. With this career, in each position you take, you will learn different aspects of beauty, truly stacking your tool belt. With the right mindset, skills, and competitive edge, you can outgrow your teachers, because beauty surpasses limits.

If you do not want to work for anybody else, then you can create your own career path as an entrepreneur. With a cosmetology license, you can open up your own studio or travel to your clients. You can develop a business that follows your dreams.

5. Networking

Working in cosmetology sets you up for building a solid network. People from all walks of life walk into salons for self-care, especially the best in their business.

If you love chatting and meeting new people, then this sounds like a win already. But, bigger networks also lead to greater successes.

You will meet people who know people who can help your career set sail for the life of your dreams. Networking is essential for every career, but especially in the beauty industry.

While the business itself will build you a network, you can help yourself build a more profitable network even faster. Ask friends in the industry to introduce you to others, attend trade shows and other big events, join professional organizations, and think outside of the box to stand out in your industry.

6. Helping Others

This career allows you to help others regularly. Applying makeup, cutting hair, and painting nails provide more than just superficial beauty.

These services help people feel beautiful. Feeling better about themselves in this way can improve their entire life by boosting their confidence and mood. It also improves their interactions with other people.

With a little extra training, a cosmetologist might also work as an esthetician, focusing on skincare itself. In this profession, you do not only paint the face, but you improve the overall health of the skin, which can do wonders for another human being.

7. Fame

If you work hard and think fashion-forward, you could make a name for yourself with this career. If you dream of fame and prestige, then this is a career path that can potentially bring you there.

While not everybody will get mentioned by stars like Madonna, you can find your own fame in other ways. You might become a local celebrity who everybody knows when you walk into a place, or you could develop your own youtube tutorials that gain a huge following.

Fame is not guaranteed. But it is possible.

Start Your Cosmetology Career

What are you waiting for? Start building your cosmetology career today, so you can create a life you enjoy.

On this lucrative career path, you will help others while loving what you do. Opportunities will always present themselves in this industry and you will feel free to create your own journey!

Once you begin a career, you may face several obstacles. Conquer them with tips from our website.

The post 7 Incredible Benefits of Pursuing a Cosmetology Career appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Exciting, right? No, actually. It’s richly rewarding.

In fact, most jobs in the medical field offer very attractive salaries. If you have a passion for helping people and want to pursue a career that makes your bank account healthy, look no further than the medical field.

And to make your search easier, we’re listing the highest paying medical jobs. Read on!

NOTE: All salaries are provided by the Bureau of Labor Statics, as of May 2017.

1. Physicians and Surgeons

Physicians and surgeons are the professionals who stand between you and a life-threatening disease. They diagnose, treat, prescribe medications, interpret medical reports, and counsel patients. Some highly experienced physicians and surgeons teach in medical and specialty schools, where they nurture the next generation of medics.

Obviously, you already know it takes almost a decade (or more), to become a physician, but the exact requirements are:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree (3-4 years)
• Pass Medical School Admission Test
• Complete medical school (4 years)
• Complete a specialty program i.e. cardiology, dermatology, radiology. (3-7 years)
• Obtain a license to practice in your state.

Average annual salary: $208,000

2. Dentists

Are you fascinated by how human teeth work? Perhaps you can pursue a medical career as a dentist.

Dentists work to improve the oral health of their patients. They diagnose and treat dental conditions such as gingivitis, gum disease, and oral cancer, and educate patients about dental hygiene.

To become a dentist, you need a bachelors degree (or complete a certain number of undergraduate courses), pass the Dental School Admission Test, and then complete dental school. You could specialize in community dental care, cosmetic dentistry or hospital dental care. You could even join the armed forces, providing dental care to soldiers.

A state occupational license is also mandatory.

Average annual salary: $158,120

3. Pharmacist

When you feel unwell and give your doctor a visit, he or she will diagnose your condition and prescribe medications. You take this prescription to a pharmacy, where a pharmacist sells you the drugs.

You certainly notice that the pharmacist will read and understand the prescription report with extreme ease.

If that fascinates you, then you can embark on a journey to become a pharmacist. Even if you won’t be diagnosing and treating diseases, you’ll still play a crucial role in the provision of healthcare.

So, what does it take to practice pharmacy and get paid for it? Just complete a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited school, and obtain a license to practice in your state.

Annual average salary: $124,170

4. Nurse Anesthetists

Even with all their professional knowledge, physicians and surgeons cannot effectively provide quality patient care on their own.

This is where nurse anesthetists step in.

These professionals, also known as advanced nursing practitioners, coordinate the provision of patient care services. Their tasks include taking patients through medical examinations, operating and monitoring media equipment, and creating and administering patient care plans.

Entry requirements? A bachelor’s degree in nursing (though a diploma or an associate degree in the same field can work), a Registered Nurse License, and at least 1 years’ experience working in clinical settings.

Upon qualifying, you can find employment in hospitals, nursing homes and even home care facilities.

Annual average salary: $110,930

5. Optometrist

With a Doctor of Optometry degree and a license to practice optometry, you can find employment as an optometrist.

Your primary task will be to improve the visual health of your patients. This includes diagnosing and treating eye problems and diseases, performing surgical procedures to correct problems, and educating patients on eye health.

To become a standout optometrist, it’s advisable to specialize in a certain field. For instance, you could specialize in correcting low-vision conditions, or focus on a certain demographic, such as kids or seniors.

After amassing several years of experience, you can move into the education sector. You’ll be reaching Doctor of Optometry students in colleges.

Annual average salary: $110,300

6. Physicians Assistant

Another of the highest paying jobs in the medical field is that of a physician’s assistant.

This job title is confusing to many people, because then, isn’t the role of nurses to assist physicians in treatment?

Well, that’s right, but the role of a physician’s assistant is highly specialized, as compared to nurses. PAs, for instance, can diagnose and treat patients, while the role of nurses is typically reduced to administering treatment programs to patients.

PAs can also prescribe medicine, manage patient records and counsel patients and their families.

To qualify for this job, complete 2-4 years of undergraduate, then complete a physician assistant education program. This job is ideal for people who are already practicing as registered nurses (regular nurses), as it presents an ideal career advancement opportunity. With nursing experience and having completed a physician assistant education program, you’ll become an irresistible candidate for employment as PA.

Annual average salary: $104,860

7. Veterinarian

Are you passionate about health but don’t fancy having humans as your clients?

Brace yourself for some pleasant news?

You can pursue a high paying medical career as a veterinarian and spend the rest of your life working with animals! Vets diagnose and treat diseases affects pets (usually cats and dogs), livestock and other animals.

The unpleasant part (if you really don’t like other humans that much) is you’ll spend some of our time with the owners of these animals, counseling them on best animal care practices. After all, animals got no money to pay you, so you have to be nice to their owners!

Annual average salary: $90,420

Have Your Pick of the Highest Paying Medical Jobs

We have fleshed the highest paying medical jobs and what it takes to pursue them, now your task is to choose the one that suits you, and begin working on obtaining those qualifications.

Need more occupational tips? Explore our education and work life pages.

The post The 7 Most Highly Paid Jobs In the Medical Field appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

In a world where social media is so active, sometimes planting a tangible seed in someone’s daily routine results in business. Whether it’s handing them a sticker or providing their new favorite water bottle, you don’t know what difference a product is going to make.

Items someone can use or place in front of them can mean so much more than a quick Instagram post. If you’ve run out of ways to advertise, we can hopefully help you out.

Below is a list of 10 creative promotional products you can use for your business. Keep reading to give your business the boost it needs.

1. Dad Caps

Whether it’s someone not wanting to deal with their bedhead or it’s a bright day that calls for some coverage, throwing your logo on a dad/baseball cap can take things the extra mile.

Caps are easy to throw on and can be styled with workout gear or a casual shirt and jeans. You want something that can be worn and seen in many different scenarios.

If you are feeling extra fashionable, design the cap with a distressed look. Everyone loves a broken-in cap to throw on.

Still need some extra ideas for this one? Look to the professionals.

2. Colored Lens Glasses

One of the hottest current trends are glasses with colored lenses. Whether it’s a bright yellow or blazing red, colored glasses make a statement.

Make a statement even bolder by taking your logo color and turning it into something consumers can wear. Print your logo on the side and you’re good to go!

This is a great product to hand out with business cards.

3. Lip Balm

The sun can burn, and the cold can make skin dry. No matter the time of year or location, people are in desperate need of lip balm.

Investing in lip balm as a promotional gift idea is smart because it is something people will use frequently. This means people will see your marketing frequently.

To make it even more fun, offer some tinted options. A fun pink color can lighten up any mood while bringing moisture to the lips. A red will add passion and attitude.

Practicality is important, and lip balm never goes out of style. There’s nothing worse than a pair of chapped lips.

4. Stress Balls

Everyone knows stress runs high. Between running back and forth between home, errands, and work, people are looking for something to bring them comfort.

One of our favorite cool promotional items is a stress ball. It’s something small and lightweight consumers can keep on their desk or in their purse.

Putting your customers in a better mood can bring you better business. A stress ball is one of the many ways to relieve stress and bring relief.

5. Dog Toys

If you’re a dog owner, you know many dog toys are expensive. Why not give dog owners a break?

Any good dog owner spends plenty of time with their pup so hopefully, they will be seeing plenty of the pup’s new favorite toy.

Make them fun with different colors and sizes for all breeds. And who knows, maybe the family cat will also end up liking it?

Give the dogs something to chew on while the owners can mentally chew on their decision to use your business. It’s a win for everyone around.

And come on, dogs always deserve toys. No matter what.

6. Shot Glasses

Especially if you are a restaurant or bar, investing in printed shot glasses can be a great investment. They are small enough for people to easily take home and provide fun for any gathering.

Throw a fun saying on them such as, “Take a shot with us!” This will make people giggle, but it also might sway them to use your business.

Whether it’s for a fun night at home or someone attempting to become the hottest mixologist in their apartment, give them a unique promotional item to use often.

7. Mugs

Many people love a cup of coffee or hot tea in the morning. Wake them up a little more with your logo.

Every morning they can shake off sleepiness with your brand right in front of their face. Branded mugs are one of the top ways to gain business and increase workplace productivity.

You could even go the extra mile and hand out branded tea packets or coffee stirrers with your logo. Give the people what they want and need!

8. Fanny Packs

Whether your customers are heading to the amusement park, going to a music festival, or going out on the town for the night, provide them with a fashionable fanny pack.

A fanny pack provides easy storage, decreases pickpocketing, and shows off your brand. Consumers will be walking advertisements, realizing it or not.

Fanny packs are making a come back so stay on top of the trend with this promotional gift idea.

9. Soap

There’s no way to back this one up other than saying everyone uses soap. Well, they should be using soap.

10. Pool Floats

A cute pool float is one of the most coveted items for the hottest Instagram post. Place your logo on a float and let others do the work for you.

By posting pictures with your float, people are showing your logo off to their followers. Make the floats bright colors or add cute designs like rainbows or watermelon seeds.

Creative Promotional Products to Boost Your Business

By making these creative promotional products for your future consumers, they won’t be able to stop thinking about you. These products are things consumers can use often and show off to all their friends and family.

Everyone loves something practical yet creative that can give their daily life and your income a boost.

If you need further ideas about business, workplace productivity, marketing, or just about anything business related, make sure you check out the rest of our site.

The post 10 Creative Promotional Products for Small Businesses appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

The name is probably as important as the company itself, which makes coming up with something harder than it should be. It may take days, weeks, or even months to decide on a new business name.

That’s why we’ve whipped up a guide on how to pick a company name. Remember these things when you’re trying to think of the perfect name.

What Do You Want the Name to Convey?

For this, you’ll have to ponder deep on your brand’s story and goals. Your name will reflect those, and it will appear on every medium. It should be meaningful but only to you but to your audience as well.

Ask yourself what do you want the customers to think when they read or hear your company name?

Some companies want to keep things fun by using wordplay, while some want to keep it classy by using words with a luxurious feel. Take Haagen-Dazs, for example. Its founder made up the Danish-sounding name because it exudes Scandinavian traditions.

Sometimes, though, it doesn’t have to be anything deep at all. It only has to make it easy for potential customers to recognize your company’s offerings. This is especially true for service-oriented companies, like accounting and legal businesses.

Don’t Be a Copycat

Often times, we see businesses riding on the successes of others by using similar names. When the frozen yogurt chain Pinkberry became popular, other frozen yogurt shops spurred with different variations of the name, all sporting that “berry” moniker that’s already familiar with their audience.

Doing this, you limit the name choices to the ones that sound similar to the one you’re copying. You also limit the success of your business. Even if you have great products, some will find you as a mere imitation of the more successful store.

In other words, you’re setting up your business to be behind the original one forever. You won’t make room for your company to surpass it.

Keep It Short and Simple

Short and simple names work better in that people can more easily remember them. Think of Apple, Chanel, Nike, Google, and such. They’re simple yet almost everyone recognizes them.

This is important because if you’re a startup, you would likely rely on word-of-mouth the most at the early life of your business. If your customers can’t remember or even spell your name, it becomes a barrier, making it more difficult to promote your product or service.

The downside to this is that you might have trouble finding a short name that fits your brand. More often than not, some company has already claimed that name. A squatter might even already have hold of it.

Think of the Future of Your Company

The name should also not limit any possible expansion of your company. You might be selling belts today, but who’s to say that you won’t be selling wallets in the future?

If you have a name that’s too literal, it becomes restrictive of your potential to grow. You may need to rebrand, which isn’t always a good idea if you’ve already established your brand on solid ground.

You have to think of the future of your business as well and make sure that the name will allow for expansions that you might not have even planned for yet.

Brainstorm and List Down Names

When you know what you want the name to convey, you can ask for ideas from your team. Set up some guidelines for the name, get your team in a quiet room, and start a brainstorming session.

Start with words that describe your products/services and your industry. Consider what your competitors use and think of how they came up with that name. Would you also use some abbreviations, like Inc. or LLC names?

You may also use other languages; Greek and Latin are popular choices for translations. Take some words and run them through Google translate (or a more reliable software) to get some ideas.

List down all the names you can think of, you can trim it down later to a few. To really let the creative juices flow, disregard the guidelines for a bit and see what you and your team can come up with.

Don’t Rush the Process

Choosing a company name isn’t a one-day process, wherein you simply get your team to choose from a list of possible names. While you can do that, we urge you otherwise.

Narrow it down to a few decent names and end the brainstorming session there. Do something else or even sleep on it.

Sometimes, the perfect name comes to us at a curious time, such as when we’re driving or taking a shower. Give your brains some time before deciding – remember that the one you’ll choose will appear on business cards, emails, signs, billboards, and such.

Make Sure no Other Company Uses the Name

Once you’ve decided, however, make sure that it’s available! You may do this even if you haven’t decided yet but you’re liking a name. Checking is easy, anyway through Opstart.

Search for trademarks also on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database, and enter the name on Google to see if any business pops up. Don’t forget your domain as well. Enter your target domain to see if it’s already up.

If it is, you may have to use abbreviations or some hyphens. You also have the option to use another domain (.net or such) instead of .com. Always consider the possibility that someone might confuse the taken address for your company, which isn’t necessarily bad but it could be if the website has questionable content.

Register the New Business Name

Now that you know how to choose a business name, all that’s left to do is come up with one. Then, don’t forget to register it so that no one else can take it.

Apart from your new business name, you might want to learn more about setting up a new business. Check out our blog for more business advice, or contact us if you have any questions.

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Some homes are brand new and sold at a higher price. Other homes are old, in bad quality or completely condemned. Rather than plow down the house, there are options to refurbish a house.

This is where refurbishment loans come in. You can use this loan if you do real estate investing. You can buy a cheap house, take out a loan and re-do the home.

You can also take out a loan and update the home you’re currently living in. This loan will help fix problems in your home, so you can live at home or sell off your house for a higher price.

Here’s how refurbishment finance loans work.

How Refurbishment Finance Loans Work

Refurbishment loans are also called renovation loans, but their professional title is the FHA 203k loan.

These loans differ from other loans. Rather than help pay off a loan, they help pay off renovation costs. In addition, these loans help increase a home’s value.

A lender will determine the loan amount by seeing how much work the house needs to have done.

They will calculate the cost and come up with a borrow amount. They also take the property’s value before the renovation and the predicted value after the renovation finishes.

Most people who take out refurbishment loans are house flippers. But plenty of homeowners and new homeowners use them to upgrade their home.

Before you start planning that renovation project or start looking at old homes, make sure you can qualify for a refurbishment loan.

How to Get a Refurbishment Loan

Regardless of your goals, everyone applying for a refurbishment loan will approach this loan like any other loan.

When you approach a lender, they will require documentation such as bank statements and proof of income.

The lender will want to know your current financial state to ensure you can afford the renovations and pay off the loan.

But refurbishment loans have their unique requirements. This includes the following:

• Renovation plans
• How long the renovation will last
• Supplies and labor cost
• The company or companies performing the renovation

If you’re performing any work DIY, the lender will need to see proof of expertise. This includes proof of construction and renovation and any licenses.

If you decide to hire a company or different companies, you’ll want to have a contract in place. Make sure you agree on a cost and the price is clearly stated in the contract. Give a copy to your lender.

For larger projects or condemned houses, insurance may be a requirement. Your renovation project may also have to meet gas, septic, or water standards. Always have proof of these facts.

Now You Know About Refurbishment Finance Loans

A renovation is a process. Whether you’re renovating your home or flipping a house, having finances ready for renovation is key. Refurbishment finance loans help ensure you meet your renovation financial obligations.

Gather all the required documents and permits, and get your refurbishment loan!

For more career and productivity tips, visit our resources.

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Refurbishment Finance Loans appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Although these restrictions mostly take place in healthcare professions like those at insurance companies and hospitals, it’s caused controversy in many industries. As a result, 29 states, including the District of Columbia have enforced smoker protection laws.

Banning smoking in the workplace can benefit everyone from the CEO of the company to the lowest paid employee. Want to know how? Just keep on reading.

Should There Really Be Smoking in the Workplace?

Studies show that workers who are exposed to secondhand smoke during their shifts have an increase of tobacco-related carcinogens (substance causing cancer in living tissues) in their bodies throughout the progression of their work days. With that said, it’s no surprise that secondhand smoke is responsible for 41,000 deaths each year. This includes the progression of health problems like asthma in children.

When you smoke, over 4,000 chemicals are exhaled. So, even if you choose to smoke outside to protect your co-workers and others, smoking contributes directly to pollution in the air, water, and land.

Also, the cigarette butts that are left on the ground end up in lakes and rivers. Fish and other animals accidentally consume them, resulting in their deaths.

The chemicals in leftover cigarette butts also seep into soil causing problems in the growth of plants, including crops used for food. The rest of the butts that are left on the ground can take up to 26 years to fully decompose.

People work to provide for their families and loved ones. Illnesses affect us all at many points in our lives. But cancer and possible death from secondhand smoke are easily avoidable.

If we’re all considerate of one another, smoking in the workplace can easily be eliminated. Here’s our list of reasons this toxic habit should be nixed.

It Costs the Company Less

Smokers cost their employers more money. In fact, the amount is roughly $6,000 more per year.

These costs come mainly from loss of production. Smokers take more breaks throughout the day than their non-smoking counterparts.

This means they’re getting less work done in a single shift than employees who don’t smoke. And because more and more employers are banning on-site smoking near and around workspaces, smoke breaks can take longer to complete than they had before.

Additionally, employees who smoke take more days off, leading to an even greater decline in productivity.

Lower Health Insurance Rates

In the realm of smokers costing their employers more money, because of productivity, it also costs more to supply their healthcare.

Most companies offer health insurance benefits to their workers. Even if an outside health insurance provider is being used, the employer typically foots most of the bill or the entire thing.

Health insurance coverage is significantly more expensive for people who smoke. The rates continue to increase as the smoking employees age.

Also, the number of employers who offer free programs to quit smoking is continuously increasing. The costs of financing the quitting programs can add up fast whether nicotine patches, gum, or therapy is involved.

It Boosts Morale

If you’ve ever worked closely with someone who had terrible body odor or wore too much perfume, you understand how unpleasant the experience can be.

People who don’t smoke tend to be disgusted or at least annoyed by people who smoke. Why? Because the smell of cigarette smoke grosses us out.

When you add other people’s sensitivities to smell or health concerns like allergies, pregnancy, and sinus issues to the equation, a smoking habit can make your coworkers not want to be around you.

This is especially true in small, closed in office spaces. If there is a mix of smokers and non-smokers on a team, morale might not be as high as it could be.

More importantly, most people who smoke are oblivious to the odor and discomfort of those around them.

Better Brand Image

Workspaces, where employees aren’t outside smoking on their breaks, have cleaner public images. Especially if it’s a location that children and families often frequent like grocery stores, schools, and malls.

Moreso, smokers can add to the costs of maintenance. Afterall, someone has to clean up the cigarette butts, matches, and packaging that are left behind.

Smokers Are Paid Smaller Salaries

It’s a little ironic that smoking is an extremely expensive habit, yet the people who smoke are paid less. But it’s true, smokers are paid 20% less every year.

Oddly enough, the pay gap isn’t a result of smokers being less productive because of their frequent breaks. It is because research shows people who smoke are often less educated and hadn’t pursued advanced degrees which of course, makes them less marketable to employers.

Regardless of the reason, smoking isn’t worth earning less money than everyone else in your department who does the same job.

If You’re Going to Smoke…

Although it isn’t completely harmless, vaping is less dangerous than smoking. The decrease in toxic chemicals makes vapors less likely to die prematurely or end up with cancer.

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You should be comfortable at work, no matter if you’re a smoker or not. Smoking in the workplace is a touchy subject for many. And while there probably won’t ever be a real solution, be mindful of the people around you, their needs, and risks.

Want more tips on creating a convivial and productive work environment? Follow our blog for the best advice on finding a great work-life balance. We want to help you become your happiest and most productive self yet.

The post Smoking in the Workplace: How Quitting Benefits Everybody appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

If you’ve ever seen the movie Anger Management, you might wonder if saying ‘Goosfraba’ will help lower your stress. Well, sad to say, it won’t.

But, we’ve compiled 8 great ways that you can reduce your stress from work. You’ll be feeling better in no time!

Read more below.

1. Start Your Morning Off Right

The truth of the matter is that many people show up to work already stressed. They snooze their alarm, wake up late, barely get the kids to school, and grab a quick coffee instead of eating something substantial.

When this happens, you’re showing up to work on the wrong foot. Instead, do everything you can to get yourself in the right mindset before you arrive at the office.

Plan ahead and give yourself enough time to really get ready in the morning. Consider doing some morning meditation to calm your thoughts.

Also leave for work early so you don’t have to rush while driving. This way, you won’t be weaving through traffic and feeling road rage.

Doing these things will help you feel calm as you begin your workday.

2. Eat Right

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is one of the best things you can do to combat the effects of stress in the workplace. The good news here is that self-care doesn’t mean a complete overhaul. You can make small changes in your diet that will have a big impact.

Eating right has a lot of benefits, including keeping your energy level up, maintaining a good blood sugar level, and helping you avoid mood swings.

In order to do this, try to follow these tips.

First, reduce foods that can affect your moods like caffeine, trans fats, and anything with lots of preservatives.

Also, decrease your intake of sugar and refined carbs. When someone is stressed, it’s common to crave sugary snacks or fries. But in the end, these will lead to an energy crash later on.

3. Avoid Conflict When Possible

Look, anyone who has worked with other people knows that conflicts sometimes arise between employees. But to reduce your work-related stress, try to avoid unnecessary conflict as much as you can.

To do this, don’t go around sharing your thoughts about politics or religion all the time. Also, don’t spread rumors or gossip about your co-workers.

If you can, try to avoid people at work who are tough to get along with. And maybe learn some conflict resolution strategies.

4. Get Your Sleep

You’ve heard it often, but sleep really is important and does affect your overall stress level. The better sleep you get, the better you’ll be at doing your job. It’s that simple!

One of the easiest ways to make this happen is by going to bed at a good time. In fact, try to train your body by going to sleep at the same time every night.

And it’s true–adults should try to get 8 hours of sleep. So depending on when you need to wake up, calculate when you need to hit the hay.

Also, try to turn off your screens an hour or so before you go to sleep. This is because the light from electronic devices like phones and TVs decreases your body’s melatonin levels.

5. Get Comfortable

Think about it. You’re sitting at your desk for 8 hours a day. So it’s a good idea to make your workspace as physically comfortable as possible.

If you sit in an uncomfortable chair for a few minutes, you might not notice any negative effects. But if you’re sitting in one day after day, your back is probably going to start hurting after a while.

And when you’re in physical pain, your ability to handle stress will decrease.

Also, pay attention to the noise around you. What can you do to make your workspace calmer? Maybe you can simply close your door or put in headphones and listen to soothing music.

6. Exercise to Reduce Stress from Work

We all have heard about the benefits of exercise. Well, guess what? It’s all true.

Working out is one of the best ways to increase your energy, relax your mind, and improve your mood. Aerobic activity like running or swimming is great for this.

Any type of exercise is good for you though. And try to get some good workouts in a few times a week.

This can even apply when you’re in the office. If you’re having a super stressful moment, get up from your desk and take a walk.

If you can, get outside to get some physical movement. This can reset your mind and get you back to focus.

7. Try to Find Satisfaction in Your Job

When you feel bored at work for long periods of time, this can lead to high stress levels. But the truth of the matter for most people is that work is work and there will be times of frustration and boredom.

So the trick here is learning how to still find satisfaction and meaning in your day to day work experience. Often all it takes is an attitude change.

Focus on the parts of your job that you like, even if that’s just the friendships you have with your coworkers. Also look at your job as a way to help people. you could even try to find ways to serve your coworkers more.

8. Don’t Be a Perfectionist

Last but not least, keep an eye on perfectionism. The truth is that no one is perfect at their job and it’s normal to make mistakes.

When this happens, don’t get too down on yourself. Instead, do you best and congratulate yourself when you succeed. When you mess up, simply get back on track and start again!

Closing Notes

Thanks for reading these ideas on how to cope with stress from work! Now that you’ve gone through them, pick the ones that will work best for you and implement them today.

Have questions? Feel free to contact us.

The post 8 Ways to Reduce Stress From Work That Doesn’t Include Goosfraba appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

A. Everyone is fully-engaged!

B. I could count the number of disengaged people.

C. I’m not sure.

If you answered A or B, we’re sorry, but you have too high expectations. If you answered C, don’t worry – you’re not alone.

The thing is, not a lot of business owners and employers are aware that the workforce consists of more than half (51%) of disengaged employees.

No need to panic yet. Because with the right strategies, including using the best office remodeling tips, you can bring your organization’s engagement up!

But how exactly do you go about using office design to increase productivity?

Don’t worry. We’ll guide you through every step of the way.

Keep reading to learn about these office improvement ideas that’ll make your workplace work for everyone!

Office Design, Employee Happiness, and Productivity

We’ll let you in on a secret:

Productivity and morale have a lot to do with the work environment. A workplace that works is one without employees contributing to the yearly $550 billion losses due to non-productivity.

That’s right.

This is how massive the effects of unhappiness in employees are. When a worker doesn’t have the ability to work to their full potential, it means your business is losing a lot of potential customers too. Customers who bring business to the table and can make your organization grow and prosper.

But that’s not all that’ll happen when you let your employees stay disengaged.

It’ll cost your business a lot more to find and hire new talents than to retain existing employees. You may just have to spend an amount equivalent to about six to nine months’ worth of an existing talent’s salary to get a replacement!

There’s also the simple fact that once you find the right talents, you want to keep them for as long as possible. While them wanting to stay still depends on them, as an employer, you have many ways to contribute to their favorable decision.

One way is to make them happy and satisfied with the surroundings they work in. This is where office design comes into play.

From the simplest pop of color green office plants give to having the right lighting systems, office and design layout can either make or break your employees. Of course, that includes their level of productivity.

That’s why as early as now, you should already rethink how to revamp your office space. And so, without further ado, let’s start this list of workspace design and productivity improvement tips!

1. Design for Floor Safety and Beauty

Did you know that falls cost the United States a whopping $70 billion every year in worker’s compensation and medical expenses? In the United Kingdom, falls also top the list of most common accidents in workplaces.

Sadly, many of these are preventable accidents. If only the workplace design and layout included additional safety and protection against slips and trips, which most often leads to falls.

The good news is, flooring systems have gone a long way from being simplistic and functional. Nowadays, you’ll find companies such as FLR Group offering commercial floors designed with specific industries in mind.

For instance, in retail stores that get a lot of foot traffic, you need to have anti-slip and -trip floors. The volume of traffic such establishments get also make ease of floor cleaning and maintenance a must. But don’t forget aesthetics too, since you also want your floors to complement the rest of the interior design.

The bottom line is, your floors should never compromise safety for beauty, or the other way around. Flooring systems designed for both keep not just your people safe from slips, trips, and falls, but also your potential customers.

Also, remember that negligence can land you in the world of legal troubles. Furthermore, slippery floors will give your employees that constant feeling they’re in some sort of danger zone. This can – and will – then lead to them losing focus.

The inevitable results? That lack of concentration brings down their productivity, while their constant worries can force them to quit their jobs and look for a “safer” workplace.

So, before any of these happen, update your office floors. It’s an initial expense worth the cost to raise employee productivity and morale.

2. Keeping Things Private

Workplace privacy is as important as collaboration. In fact, a study found that workers’ productivity drops as much as 50% due to lack of visual privacy. This means that when they don’t get the “seclusion” they need, they’d need twice as much time to get their job done!

Here are a few stats to put things in perspective:

On average, people spend roughly about two and a half hours dealing with emails every day. That includes reading and responding to them. That also means your employees most likely use up more than a quarter of their work day for emails alone.

If there’s lack of privacy in the workplace, this can lead to your people needing as much as five hours for email correspondence alone! That’s a lot of time that they could have otherwise spent on more income- and revenue-generating activities, such as honing their business presentation skills.

Always keep in mind that some people have excellent abilities to deal with office disruptions. But for many others, the inability to work alone or in isolation can hinder them from reaching their peak performance. In fact, it can even add to their already-stressful jobs.

This said you should delegate a space for your hardworking talents to enjoy some private working time. Whether it’s for video calls for clients or even for personal calls, give them a place where they can do so in private.

3. Set Aside a Space for the Sole Purpose of Relaxation

Stress is a major problem, whether it’s in the West or in the United Kingdom.

It’s such a big issue in workplaces that as many as 70% of Americans cite their job as the primary reason for their elevated stress levels! In the United Kingdom, surveys reveal that in every four Britons, three suffer from a great deal of stress.

Indeed, everyone will feel this unwanted, negative emotions throughout their lives. As natural an emotion as it is though, it’s something you can’t treat lightly in the office. For starters, because it has a huge impact on productivity.

But this isn’t the only reason you should set up a space for relaxation in the workplace. Stress is so damaging that it can reach the much more serious point of self-harm.

Even if it’s only a simple room with comfortable couches and a quiet, relaxing ambiance, it can already help keep the severe mental issues stress can deal. A few minutes of break in such a spot can help your employees unwind even for just a bit.

This relaxation also gives them the energy boost they need to get through the rest of the workday in a more productive and healthier way.

Giving your hardworking talents a place to escape their job stressors also shows them that you’re indeed a caring employer. Employees who feel that their bosses look after their health and safety are more likely to remain loyal to the company.

4. Get More Light In

What kind of light are we talking about? For starters, more sunlight.

Sunlight is the best type of office lighting, not only because it’s free and unlimited, but also because lack of natural lighting decreases alertness!

In fact, experts say that sunlight is the best medicine for common occupational eye health issues. Those instances of headaches and impaired vision (blurry eyesight and eyestrain)? Natural light can help keep these productivity-minimizers at bay!

Think about it. A dim, dreary work environment can make anyone sleepy. Now, you don’t want to find your people yawning, snoozing, even snoring by lunchtime, do you?

A great way to prevent this from happening is maximizing window use. If possible, have professionals fit your office with bigger windows that let more natural light in.

You can always put up window treatments, such as blinds, on them for more control over the amount of light that enters. Open them all the way up to get the most sunlight in or draw them close when the sun reaches its peak.

What’s important is to give your people access to natural light – it’s good for their productivity and their overall well-being.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late to Start Implementing these Office Remodeling Tips

There are many other office remodeling tips that you can follow, but the ones discussed above should be on top of your priority list. So, start implementing these workspace design and productivity strategies! You’ll soon see a huge difference in the satisfaction, happiness, and of course, output of your beloved employees.

Don’t forget to check out our blog’s productivity section too! We’ve got more tips and tricks waiting for you there to help create a healthier, safer, and better-performing workplace.

The post Office Remodeling Tips to Improve Productivity and Morale appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

The online retailer is one of the biggest in the world. They outstripped Wal-Mart in 2015, and they have been growing ever since. They have audiences all over the globe. With their two-day Prime shipping and broad collection of items, Amazon is the one to beat.

That’s why if you want to make some extra money online, you should do it through Amazon.

You could try to make your own sales by building a website and hoping that people will see it. Or you could learn to love the bomb and sign up with one of Amazon’s many seller opportunities.

But which opportunity is right for you? Check out our list of ways to make money on Amazon.

Sell Your Stuff with the “FBA” Program

Instead of selling your old books in a yard sale, see what you can do with Amazon’s online selling program.

The key to making money by selling products on Amazon is simple. Buy products at a low price, then sell them for more online. With the “Fulfillment by Amazon” program, each order is fulfilled by the website.

While that seems black and white, there’s a whole lot of grey area in selling on Amazon. We’ll break it down for you.

Selling Products as an Individual or as a Business

When you go to sell a product on Amazon, you’ll need to let them know if you’re selling as an individual or a business.

Amazon charges business accounts a non-refundable $39.99 monthly fee. But when you have a business account, you’ll have access to “Fulfillment by Amazon.”

With FBA, you ship your items to an Amazon warehouse. They store it there until someone buys it. When someone purchases your item, they send you the profits. You don’t have to worry about shipping it to the customer yourself, because Amazon does it for you.

Plus as a business account owner, you could be the seller in the “Buy Box.” The Buy Box is the “Add to Cart” button that customers select when they’re ready. If the product isn’t offered by Amazon.com, that Buy Box links to one of their third-party retailers, like you.

You can also use third-party apps and tools like Helium 10 to optimize your sales.

If you choose to set up your store as an Individual, there’s no monthly fee. But you’ll have to pay a $0.99 fee for the single items you sell. You won’t have the Buy Box option. You could sign up for FBA, but you could lose money by doing this.

If you aren’t sure you want to shell out $39.99 a month, go with individual sales. If you sell more than 40 items a month and want to work with FBA, then sign up a business.

Where to Find the Products to Make Money on Amazon

You can find stuff to sell on Amazon anywhere. You can sell the used products around your house. You can also buy discounted products at major retailers and sell them at a higher price.

You’ll have to do some research about what people are buying. Try to go for something common that most people need. Make sure that you’re not selling a restricted product. Over time you’ll start to get a good feeling for what will and won’t sell on Amazon.

Make Money with Amazon Affiliates

If you’ve started a blog or your own website, Amazon Affiliates is a great way to make money.

When you sign up for the program, Amazon will give you customized links to products on their site. Then you promote that link on your blog. For every sale Amazon makes through your link, you get a percentage of the money.

This is a good program if you’re working in a popular niche, like parenting, home improvement, or electronics. It’s a simple way to make money on Amazon by writing about your hobby.

Self-Publish a Book via Kindle Direct Publishing

When you’re looking for a way to make money that requires little overhead, self-publishing is the way to go.

By publishing your book on the Kindle Direct Publishing program, you can share your ideas with a huge audience. Plus you can earn a 35%-70% royalty fee for each sale. This is a huge jump from the typical 10% royalty fee you get with most publishers.

While there are some excellent perks with KDP, it’s not an easy thing to do. First, you need to research what books are selling well. You’ll need to write your book, edit it, and market it on your own dime.

If you’re a writer, self-publishing is a good way to generate some passive income. If you’re smart, you’ll use that book as a lead generator. You should also have a follow-up book prepared so you can keep interest going.

Sell Your Art with Merch by Amazon

If you’re always thinking of t-shirt designs, check out the Merch program on Amazon.

With Merch, you upload your t-shirt designs to Amazon. Then every time someone buys your design, Amazon will produce and ship the t-shirt to them.

Unfortunately, you can only become a part of the Merch program if you’re invited. You can submit a request for an invitation, but even if you’re accepted you might be on a waiting list for a few months.

This isn’t a “get rich quick” scheme, but it’s always good to make money from your art.

Want More Ideas to Make Some Extra Cash?

If you want to make money on Amazon or find other ways to make extra cash, check out our blog. We have blog posts about side-hustles, plus tips for thriving in your workplace.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Make Money on Amazon appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

In 2016, almost 3 million people were injured at work. 1/3 of these were serious enough to keep people from working the next day.

This article will walk you through what to do if you’re injured at work and the steps you can take to make sure you’re medically covered and paid.

Common Injuries

Since we spend so much of our time at work these days, it makes sense that more accidents may happen.

What types of accidents happen most often? This list is in order of the most common to least common.

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Muscle strains from heavy lifting
• Falling object injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis
• Machinery or vehicle crashes
• Cuts (especially in food service or kitchens)
• Toxic fumes
• Hearing loss from loud noises
• Walking into objects
• Fights

If you are injured in any of these ways, you need to follow these steps.

1. Medical Help

After anyone is injured at work, their first thought is and should be getting help. If you’re injured at work and it’s an emergency, call 911.

If your injury is not severe, you will have to go to a doctor approved by your state’s Board of Workers’ Compensation. Most employers can tell you what clinic or doctor employees should go to if they are injured at work.

Most employers have to carry workers compensation insurance. The only exception is if they have less than 3 employees. Because of the insurance rules, your employer might be a little picky about where you go for treatment.

Your workplace has to let you know if you have to go to specific clinics or doctors for exams and tests. Just to be safe, it’s a good idea to ask though, just to make sure there’s no confusion.

Your employer may tell you that you can go anywhere for an exam or specific tests (MRI, blood tests, CT scan, etc.) because their worker’s compensation insurance will pay for it. If you’re supposed to go to a specific place, but they don’t tell you, your employer will still be responsible for covering the bill.

If you ever run into a disagreement with your employer about this after you’ve gone to a doctor, you should contact a lawyer. You can view here for more information on attorneys.

When you go to the doctor, you may be required to sign a form. This form typically says that if the Board of Workers’ Compensation denies your claim, you will be responsible for paying the medical bills. It also says that if you do not follow up on your claim, you may be responsible for your medical bills.

This form is basically to prevent people from faking injuries and skipping out on doctor’s bills.

2. Inform Your Employer

Once you’ve gone to the doctor and are stable, make sure you notify your employer. Don’t just tell them either. You need to put it in writing.

There may be some cases where you think your injury is not severe enough to need a doctor. Even if that’s true, you must report it to your employer. Then if the injury gets worse, you’ll still be eligible for your workers’ compensation benefits and medical bill coverage.

If you don’t tell your employer within 30 days of the injury, you might lose your workers’ compensation benefits. Your private insurance may also refuse to pay your medical bills because it was a workplace accident.

Your workplace may also have rules about reporting accidents. Some employees are written up, suspended, or even fired for not reporting accidents!

For these reasons, you must tell your employer you were injured at work!

3. Get Better

Your next step after informing your boss is to complete a form and then focus on recovering.

Complete a worker’s compensation form and send it to the Board of Workers’ Compensation. This has to be done within two years of the accident.

If you are disabled over a period of time, you have to notify the board based on the date you knew you had a workplace injury. This might be a doctor’s diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

That means you have two years from the diagnosis, not two years from the first symptom of a long-term problem.

After you’ve sent in your paperwork, your goal is to get better. You may need to go to your own doctor to get a second opinion. The most important step for you is to follow a doctor’s orders and get well soon.

If you’re away from your job for more than 7 days, you’re usually eligible for 2/3 of your regular salary up to $575 per week.

As soon as you are able to, you will return to work. If you have long-term issues from your injury, you may have to do a different type of work, but you still have to return to your job.

Make sure you also attend any required hearings. You don’t want to lose your compensation because you missed a court date.

Help for Workplace Injuries

Being injured at work can be a rather complex process, so if at any point you are having trouble, don’t hesitate to call a lawyer. You don’t want your employer or the workers compensation insurance company to take advantage of you. Attorneys can make sure everything is fair and legal.

There are also many different kinds of disabilities that qualify for workers compensation like:

• Temporary Total Disability- You are unable to return to work at all.
• Temporary Partial Disability- You are able to return to work, but are doing a different job for less pay.
• Permanent Partial Disability- You are unable to ever return to your previous job but can still do some types of work.

Talking to a lawyer can help you understand what you qualify for.

Being Happy at Work

Now that you understand the process for if you are injured at work, you might want to look at other ways to improve the quality of your work life. Check out this article.

The post What Should You Do If You’re Injured At Work? appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Family caregivers put everyone else’s’ needs before their own. This is a perfect recipe for burnout. It is important to understand that caring for yourself is NOT being selfish!

You need to keep your self physically and mentally strong so you can be the reliable, resilient caregiver for those that need you.

We know caregivers don’t have a lot of time – and that what time they do have, they are unlikely to use on themselves. So we threw together 10 caregiver tips for work caregiving balance and put them here in a quick reference list for you right here.

For the best 10 tips on looking after yourself so you can continue to look after others, read on!

10 Caregiver Tips to Achieve a Work and Caregiving Balance

Caregivers provide care and support to a relative or friend who has care needs. The needs may be the result of disability, mental illness, old age, terminal illness, and other reasons. They can be any age and can be trained or untrained. Carers can provide care from a few hours a week up to 24-hours, 7 days a week as a live-in carer.

Most caregivers are female, and most combine paid employment with unpaid caregiving. It can be difficult work, physically, mentally and emotionally. That’s why it is so important our caregivers take care of themselves, too.

So without further delay, here are our self-care tips for family caregivers!

1. Positive Journalling

Find 5 minutes every night to write down three things you did well that day. As a caregiver, we always want to do more, give more. Those feelings of guilt can eat you away over time.

Take some time out each day to acknowledge what you did well by conscious, positive journaling. It has been shown to be an effective way to build self-esteem and increase feelings of optimism and positivity.

Empowerment author and LinkedIn COO Sheryl Sandberg uses this very trick daily trick to get over imposter syndrome!

2. Save for a Vacation

Open a savings account that is for treats and vacations only. Put away 5% – 10% every week that’s just for you. And make sure you clear it out every 6 months – but only spending on yourself, as intended!

A good way to keep yourself honest with it is to tell a trusted friend or family member about your savings plan. Have them check in on you to make sure you are saving – and spending it on yourself! You might inspire them into action, too!

3. Schedule Breaks and Respite

Schedule rest breaks throughout the day for coffee, tea, or just a breather. It is easy to drift from one job to the next in your caregiving and get to the end of the day without a rest.

Some family caregivers swear by reminder apps. You can download one onto your phone, and it will vibrate or sound at intervals you can set. Then it’s time for a minute of deep breathing, or whatever it is that relaxes you.

4. Get a Medical Check-up

We know you are in and out of medical clinics every other week. But that is for someone else. When is the last time you played patient?

Once you are in the appointment, talk to the doctor about any physical or mental health concerns you might have. It doesn’t matter how big or small the issue, let the doctor advise you on that. Use this time to prevent ill-health and care for yourself.

5. Book a Regular Massage

A body massage is a fabulous way to check in with your body. You can relax, breathe, and notice all the cricks or pains that you’ve been ignoring. Your body is the tool that supports someone else all day, you need to take care of it.

Time goes by so quickly it is easy to forget how long it has been since you last made a massage appointment. We recommend you have a recurring appointment scheduled each month.

If you feel uncomfortable getting a massage, facials, manicures, and pedicures will have the same effect.

You are investing in your health!

6. Let Technology Help

You’ve been doing this so long largely on your own – why not get some advice about medical devices and technologies that can make caregiving easier?

From webcam intercoms to electric bed hoists, vitals monitors, grip railings, lifts, there is no shortage of technology to help.

You might even find a government scheme or other way to fund the technology by talking to a nearby health and community center.

7. Link into an Occupational Therapist (OT)

If you were doing any other sort of formal work, we bet you’d have put more thought into Occupational Health and Safety. Perhaps it’s time to have an occupational therapist (OT) review your work conditions.

They can observe your day-to-day caregiving activities and make some recommendations on how to conduct the work putting less stress on your body. They may have some recommendations on simple installations to save you time, effort – or your lower-back!

An OT is also likely to be up-to-date on the best schemes to help you pay for such installations.

8. Join Caregiver Support Groups

Reach out to carer support groups – from outings and activities to group therapy, you’ll find the caregiver group that fits your life and interests. Find an organization in your area – or an online chat community if you prefer – and get connected!

Caregiving can be a lonely, thankless business at times. You’ll be amazed at just how many others are out there are there or have been there before.

You can share tips and advice, and just generally benefit from a sense of social connectedness and understanding.

9. Get Walking

Make sure every week you carve out some time for exercise. It needn’t be a CrossFit membership – you can walk to the shops, join an evening Pilates class, or take a jog around the block at lunch if that’s your style.

Ask someone to take on the caregiving responsibilities for just an hour or so a week – hardly a big ask when we are talking about your physical and mental health! Prioritize exercise and good health, because this is where you keep your body strong enough for the caregiving work you do day in, day out.

10. Be Assertive

It is vital you seek the help and support you need in caregiving, and for yourself, in a timely way. Don’t suffer in silence. Speak up to medical professionals about you and your loved one’s needs.

Ask for help clearly and assertively. Noone can read your mind. You are not asking for more than is appropriate.

Now: Go Get Self-Caring!

That’s the ten caregiver tips done: which ones will work best for your caregiving situation?

Why not make a list right now of the ones you know you can commit to – put them in the calendar to make it official.

If you want more financial and self-care tips, have a look here!

The post 10 Caregiver Tips: How to Achieve a Work and Caregiving Balance? appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Yet, the things that make motorcycles attractive, such as their speed and openness, also make them dangerous. Statistics bear this out. For example, per mile traveled in 2015, motorcyclists were 29 times more likely to be killed than car drivers.

If you ride a motorcycle, you know well its risks and rewards. Let’s hope you are never in an accident. But, what if you are? Then what?

Below you’ll learn the steps you need to take if you are involved in a motorcycle accident. We cover everything from taking care of your health to dealing with your insurance company. Let’s go!

Motorcycle Accident Information: Before We Begin

Please note: if you or someone else suffered serious injuries during the motorcycle accident, your first and only priority is getting the victim to the hospital.

Call 911 immediately, and wait for the ambulance to arrive. The other steps listed in this article do not apply when there are life-threatening injuries.

Otherwise, read on.

1. Stay Calm, Assess the Damage, and Make Sure Everyone is Safe

The first thing to do after a motorcycle accident is the hardest. That is, stay calm. Accidents are horrible experiences. But, getting upset won’t help you make sure everyone is okay or perform other necessary post-accident tasks.

Your first task is getting yourself and others out of harm’s way. At the very least, move off the roadway and out of traffic. In addition, if anything is on fire or looks like it might explode, move as far away from it as possible.

Next, check for any serious injuries. You should schedule a doctor’s appointment later whether you think you are hurt or not (more on that below). But for now, you are looking for any life-threatening injuries (see above). This includes the other driver and their passengers.

2. Exchange Personal and Insurance Information

Once you are sure everyone is okay, it’s time to get the other driver’s contact and insurance information. They might be reluctant to give it to you. And while it’s very tempting to just forget about the whole thing and move on, don’t do that.

Without an official accident record, your insurance company might not pay for motorcycle damage. What’s more, health problems often show up well after an accident occurred.

What if you wake up a few days later with serious whiplash? Lacking official documentation, your insurance company might not pay for your medical bills.

Finally, it’s likely the other driver won’t want to exchange personal information if they are doing or have done something illegal. Maybe they are driving without a license, or there’s a warrant out for their arrest.

Whatever the case, issues like these will help you if you need to undertake legal action. For all these reasons, you must get the other driver’s information whether they want to provide it or not.

Here is what you both need to exchange:

• Name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Email
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance company
• Policy number

3. Take a Lot of Pictures

Take as many pictures of the accident as you can from as many different angles as possible. Obviously, do not compromise anyone’s safety to get a good shot, but the more photos you have, the better.

Photos of the entire scene are useful, as are close-ups of damage to your motorcycle. If you can, also take pictures that provide location clues.

If your motorcycle hit the back of another car, take a picture of their damage as well. All this documentation helps insurance adjusters as they evaluate each party’s claims.

4. If There Were Any Witnesses, Get Their Contact Information Too

If anyone saw your motorcycle accident, ask them if they’d like to be a witness. If so, get their contact information, and if possible, their description of the accident.

Some people won’t want to be witnesses. That’s okay. Don’t force them.

5. Call the Police

Usually, you’re only required to call the police after an accident when:

• Someone has been hurt
• The accident is blocking traffic
• Damage exceeds a monetary threshold

But the police should be called anyway. First of all, let them decide if they need to attend to your motorcycle accident. If they say it’s not necessary, you can file a report later on at the police station.

But if they do come, they can calm everyone down and file an official report there. When assigning liability, this document is one of the most important pieces of evidence. Without an official report, you might have a hard time proving your case.

Make sure to get the officer’s name and badge number before they leave. Also, no matter what you do, don’t leave the scene of the accident before they arrive.

6. Make An Appointment With Your Doctor

Motorcycle accidents are more serious than ones involving only cars. Because of this, you may find yourself taken to a hospital immediately after your accident. But, let’s say you feel fine and go home.

Call your doctor’s office and make an appointment anyway. Injuries from accidents often show up hours or days later. You’re going to want a written record of any health-related problems caused by the accident.

This way, you will be compensated for all accident-related medical bills. If you don’t see your doctor, the insurance company might claim the injuries aren’t related to the accident and refuse to pay.

7. Call Your Insurance Company

Often, we are told to contact our insurance company as soon as possible after an accident occurs. Of course, you want to quickly get your side of the story on the official record, but, it’s better to wait until you have:

• An official police report
• Your medical report

You may even want to wait until you have a lawyer before calling them (see below). Remember, your insurance company doesn’t want to pay your claim. They will be looking for ways to get out of it.

When you are calm and have all of your information in order, you will be better prepared to deal with them. Also, the insurance company for the other driver is going to be doing the same thing.

Your insurance company might ask you to deal with them directly, but it’s better to let your insurance company handle that as well. Let the professionals fight it out!

8. Hire a Lawyer

Speaking of professionals, there are many lawyers who specialize in motorcycle accident cases. They understand the particular issues in these types of accidents and can help you argue your case.

In general, you should speak to a personal injury lawyer, but some situations absolutely demand one. For example, if you suffered severe injuries during the accident, you’ll want a lawyer. If your claim is denied you may also require professional help.

Check your local listings for lawyer recommendations.

Conclusion: What to Do if You Are Involved in a Motorcycle Accident

Let’s hope you aren’t ever involved in a motorcycle accident. But, now you have everything you need to know if it happens.

As shown above, your immediate concern right after the accident is assuring everyone’s safety. Then you assemble the proper documentation. This helps you get awarded the most compensation.

If you enjoyed this article, why not check out some of our other ones? We have travel ideas for long or short trips, as well as topics like work life and life outside of work. There’s something for everyone!

The post What to Do if You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

We all know that airlines often overbook their flights so that every seat is full. And sports venues and concert arenas are typically delighted to have a sold out event.

Believe it not, 100% occupancy isn’t necessarily the most profitable. Every industry is different, but for hospitals, it is not more profitable to have every bed full. Let’s take a closer look at why this is true.

What is the Ideal Hospital Occupancy Rate: How Beds Increase Profit

The size and amount of hospital beds in your hospital can actually determine your profitability among other factors to be considered. Keep reading to learn what the ideal rate is so that your hospital can rank at the top.

When Occupancy is Too Low or Too High

This should seem like a given, but when hospital bed occupancy is too low, you will have staff sitting around without any work to do, and this will cost you money.

On the other hand, if hospital bed occupancy is too high, the system won’t run as efficiently. Your staff will get overworked, often causing longer shifts, missed days off, and a lowering of morale.

Also, there is the potential for having to turn away patients, which can negatively impact the hospital’s reputation.

The Importance of the Time of Day

Hospitals generally base their occupancy rate on the number of beds occupied at midnight, often known as the “midnight census“.

But the midnight census is not terribly accurate as a marker for the number of beds occupied over a 24-hour period. This is because midnight is the time when the fewest number of patients actually occupy beds.

The Day of the Week

The day of the week also impacts the occupancy rate. Monday through Friday is the window of time during which elective surgeries occur, thus the number of post-op patients drops significantly during the weekend. Because of this, peak occupancy typically tends to occur on Wednesday.

Location in the Hospital

The final variable for determining hospital bed occupancy is the location of each bed within the hospital. The status of departments like ICU and the ER can have a dramatic impact on the rest of the hospital.

When occupancy is too high in any given area, this taxes the nursing staff and other resources, and the quality of care can decline in all areas.

The Occupancy Sweet Spot

So, what is the ideal occupancy rate? It depends.

If you have a midnight census rate of 85%, this gives you a 15% buffer. Though on Thursdays and Fridays, a midnight census of 80% would probably be preferable. On the weekends, 75% is better because surgical floors are lighter and thus nursing staff can be reduced.

Maximizing Profits

Managing hospital occupancy rate is no simple matter. While everyone wants to maximize profits, this does not always translate to more patients in beds. It requires a delicate balance of staff, resources, and patient care.

The inpatient bed occupancy rate has a huge impact on a hospital’s profits, and the better you’re able to manage the many variables to keep the midnight census higher enough but not too high, the better your bottom line will look.

Click here to see 10 tips every nurse should know.

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There’s your competition to get ahead of, which means developing marketing and advertising strategies to help spread the word about your roofing business. Since there are a lot of different strategies to choose from, we thought we’d help you out.

Here are five roofing advertisement ideas that are sure to get your company noticed.

1. A Roofing Advertisement Should Be Aimed at Your Niche Market

Roofing advertising won’t work everywhere. Those who rent certainly won’t care how talented your team is.

Make sure to spend some time focusing on exactly who your customers really are. Figure out where they live geographically. Determine the income range most of your customers are in.

Then find out where they spend their time. Whether your roofing advertising is featured offline or online, place ads where they are most likely to see it.

Make your roofing marketing dollars count by aiming your ads exactly where you know your largest customer base is sure to see it.

2. Ask for Testimonials and Reviews

If you’re looking for a surefire way for your roofing ads to pack a lot of punch without much effort, start asking for testimonials and reviews.

90% of your consumers are already searching for them before they decide to do business with you. You can easily set up a page on your website inviting your customers to leave their reviews.

It’s also easy to send out an e-mail asking them to leave a review on your site or even leaving one on sites like Yelp or Google.

3. Form Partnerships

Find businesses who share your customer base and form partnerships with them. There are several ways you can do that.

You can share your roofing advertising budget and customer list with another business and then place one ad together. You can feature them on your website as a recommended partner.

You can write a guest post on their website. Using a specific keyword such as “more about,” you can easily insert a link back to their site.

Partner up with a local real estate office and sponsor or throw an event together. Place your logos on their marketing and you can share their logo in your roofing ads.

4. Claim Your Online Google Listing

Whether you are starting a roofing business or have been around for awhile if you haven’t already claimed your Google listing, do so immediately.

Make sure to add as much information to your listing as you can. Add photos, share blog articles, and remember to make sure your business roofing name, address, and contact information are listed.

It’s a good idea to then claim your listing on as many search engines as you possibly can.

5. Shoot a Video

People love watching videos. The internet is responding to that demand and your roofing ads should reflect that as well.

You don’t have to do anything fancy. There are plenty of how-to video possibilities that would make great roofing ads.

You can do live videos to answer frequently asked questions. Videos are virtually limitless if you know to use them properly.

Keep Learning

The more you know the how, where, and who of roofing marketing, the easier it is to find success. Keep learning and don’t be afraid to fail.

You’ll find that with each new roofing advertisement you make, you’ll get a little better at it. Click here for a few more ideas that won’t break the bank as you get started.

The post 5 Roofing Advertisement Ideas That’ll Get Your Company Noticed appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

If you have the ability to speak another language, you are giving your company an advantage in many different ways. Managers will be a lot quicker to hire you over other applicants who can only speak English.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the amazing benefits of being bilingual in the workplace, so you can start helping out your company even more than you already do.

3 Benefits of Being Bilingual in the Workplace

No matter what job or career you have, it’s always great to provide added value to your team. Whether you work in legal translation services, at a restaurant, or in an office, there are many benefits of being bilingual in your workplace.

1. You Can Communicate With Foreign-Speaking Customers

If you work in the restaurant or retail industry, you’re bound to have plenty of customers who will speak little or no English. If no one at your company is able to effectively communicate with these customers, you may lose their business.

Foreign-speaking customers will be extremely grateful to be able to communicate with someone at your business. It will make the process much easier and they’ll be confident they’re getting what they need.

2. You Can Localize Your Website

If you work for a business that services different countries, you’ll be a huge help in changing the company website to the native language of the country it’s servicing.

This will allow your company to expand beyond English-speaking countries and will allow the business to grow exponentially. If you can offer this ability to your company, they will appreciate you and be even happier to have you work there.

3. You Can Make More Money

In addition to being much more likely to be hired when compared to people who only speak English, you are also likely to be paid more. And nothing is better than getting paid more to do your job.

You’ll get paid more because you’ll have a unique skill. You’ll be relied on to translate and communicate, in addition to whatever else your company may need regarding your second language.

4. Bilinguals Are Better Multitaskers

Many studies have shown that being bilingual not only changes your perspective on the world, but actually changes brain function. They have the ability to focus their attention on multiple tasks and complete them successfully.

They are also more efficient problem-solvers and are more productive when compared to people who can only speak one language.

For More Information

There are many benefits of being bilingual in the workplace in addition to the simple fact that companies will be more likely to hire you in the first place.

As a bilingual, you will be able to communicate with foreign customers, be able to help with international websites, make more money, and be a great multitasker.

For more information and advice, check out our work life blog for some useful tips.

The post 4 Benefits of Being Bilingual in the Workplace Your Boss Will Love appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Implementing green business ideas isn’t only for the honorable goal of saving the environment but it’s can boost sales and reduce costs!

It’s no surprise that many companies want to jump in and utilize environmentally friendly strategies. But how can you get started?

We’ve got you covered. If you want to improve your public image or deal with high energy bills, here are 10 great ways companies can go green:

1. Conducting Energy Audits

If you’re not sure how much money you’re wasting by not going green, hire an expert to run an energy audit.

This is a simple and quick survey to check on all the products, appliances, and activities you run in the company. The provider will then give you a rundown of all your expenses and how much you can save if you use eco-friendly alternatives.

2. Recycled Paper

Most businesses consume tons of paper per month. More paper consumption leads to more trees getting cut down. As a matter of fact, no less than 3.5 billion trees go down every year and a large percentage goes to paper manufacturing.

Your business can reduce this by using recycled paper. Not every paper product with a recycling label uses reused raw materials, however. Look for post-consumer waste (PCW) paper, which is 100% recycled.

Not only does using recycled paper boost the image of your business but it’s also considerably cheaper.

3. Eliminate Plastic

Take a moment to study how many consumable products in your office rely on plastic. How many plastic water bottles are in the lounge refrigerator or how often do you use plastic bags for customers?

Plastic is one of the biggest contributors ruining the environment. It’s non-biodegradable, meaning plastic waste in the soil or in the ocean will stay there for years, even centuries.

Fight this by using eco-friendly tote bags, brown bags that use recycled materials, and bring your own water mug.

4. Using Renewable Energy

Upon first glance, the cost of going green with solar panels or other renewable energy sources looks like too much. However, renewable energy sources pay for themselves over only a few years.

Sources like solar power significantly cut down the amount of energy you need from the grid. This helps reduce your business’ carbon emission rating and improves your company’s public image. Some companies go even further, to the point they can function free from the electric grid.

5. Green Cleaning Products

Ever wondered if the products your company buys to clean the windows, dust off desks, and sanitize the restrooms harm the environment? Take matters into your own hands and make sure all the cleaning products used by your company are eco-friendly.

If you don’t know what to look for, start by checking if the products have a USDA Organic seal or a Green Seal to certify they don’t carry harmful chemicals. You can also look at the product information and check if it uses only organic materials and no synthetic chemicals.

6. Power Down

One of the simplest green business ideas to save thousands of dollars is to power down each night. Turn off all the lights, power down the computers, and shut off the machinery before everyone goes home.

It might sound like a simple strategy but it can save you a lot of money in the long run. One machine could cost you a few bucks if left on throughout the night. Imagine how the costs stack up when you add everything else.

You can implement this in a simple but efficient manner too: make a checklist for the people working the final shift. Ensure that they can’t log out and go home until they finish turning everything off. Give a similar checklist to the employees in the first shift in the morning, assigning them to check what they left on.

7. CFL and LED Lights

Still using traditional light bulbs? Those raise your energy bill, they’re not environment-friendly, and they can break rather easily. Switch these out with compact fluorescent lights (CFL) or LED lights.

Like solar power, these lights are more expensive upfront than traditional ones. However, they consume only one-third or one-fifth of the energy incandescent bulbs use. This means over time, you’ll save money in energy consumption.

It’s best to start installing these in offices you frequently use. This ensures the rooms get the same amount of light but at much less the cost.

8. Energy Star Appliances

If your business keeps a refrigerator, coffee maker, or other appliances then you should replace them with ones that carry an Energy Star rating. You’ll know if your appliance is Energy Star compliant because they’ll bear a big sticker for you to see. It’s impossible to miss.

These appliances are energy efficient, again lowering your energy consumption. They also don’t emit any harmful chemicals into the air. Now you’re saving money and keeping the environment clean at the same time.

9. Electric Vehicles

Stop using gas-powered vehicles in the workplace. If you need a vehicle to help deliver items or get employees from one point to the other, use an electric utility cart instead.

Electric-powered vehicles are the future of transportation. They don’t emit carbon dioxide into the air, they don’t run on fossil fuel, and they often have more safety measures built into them than traditional utility vehicles.

They do cost more upfront but over time you’ll save money since they don’t require gas to run. Simply plug them in for a while to charge and they’re ready to go.

10. Eco-Friendly Web Hosting

Does your business rely heavily on online transactions? If so then you likely have a website. Another great way to save cash and promote a green public image is to turn to eco-friendly web hosting service.

Look for web hosting companies that are also environment-conscious. They might use energy-efficient power sources or renewable energy sources to keep their servers running. They might have a charity system to donate profits to tree-planting groups.

Discover More Green Business Ideas Today!

These 10 green business ideas will help you reduce expenses and promote an environment-friendly image. This not only helps you save more money but it also means you can attract more customers.

But why stop here? You can take these steps and implement them outside of work too.

If you want to discover more, visit us today! We can show you other ways of implementing green ideas, like this post that shows 15 tips to have an eco-friendly home.

The post 10 Green Business Practices to Help Your Company Save on Energy Costs appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

What’s more, experts forecast that this value will go up to $14.89 billion come 2021. That’s more than twice within just a span of 5 years!

This tells us that automating business processes is the next big thing. Especially when it comes to marketing, with 98% of buyers favoring automation software for this specific aspect of their business.

But what exactly does business automation software do? How can it help you and your business level up?

Don’t worry. That’s what we’re going to share with you today.

Keep reading to learn how this type of technology can help you grow your organization!

1. Accomplish Twice, Even Thrice in the Same Amount of Time

If we were to ask you how many emails you think an average employee receives every day, what would you answer?

A. 50

B. 100

C. 150

If you answered any of the above, then surprise, surprise. The answer isn’t there, because the correct one is a shocking 200 emails.

Reading and responding to these emails take about 2.5 hours every day. That’s time that workers could put to better use, such as creating insatiable content for online marketing campaigns.

And that’s only one way on how you can save time when automating a process, say for instance client emails and responses. Of course, you’d still want to format your email replies in a way that they appear customized. But for others, like acknowledgment receipts and the like, you and your people can save a lot of time with email automation.

With business automation software, you can respond to twice, even thrice the number of emails and still have a lot of time left for other more important tasks.

2. Never Forget about Client Schedules Again

How many times have you had to deal with irate customers because of missing schedules with them? While you always strive hard to meet client demands, your brain can only remember so much. Which is why you may have had to reschedule appointments with them in the past.

Remember, consumers have so many ways to let the world know of their experience. 13% of them will share details about their bad experience to at least 15 other people. If you missed appointments with say, three people today, that means you can lose the trust of 45 other potential clients.

Start automating, and you can avoid having to face the wrath of angry customers. Through automation software, you create, update, and manage schedules on the fly. You can set up alerts for these schedules a day or a few hours before the actual meeting.

3. Complete Tasks the Virtual Way

On average, people spend 25.4 minutes on the road to go to work.

Now, consider this:

Google processes more than 67 thousand searches every second. That’s roughly 100.5 million queries in the same time it takes an employee to get to work!

So why not take a page out of Google’s book and remain productive during this commute time? An automation software for your and your people’s mobile devices can help you achieve this goal. Imagine what everyone can complete within this time frame.

From starting the first few paragraphs of a marketing blog post by taking notes to drafting sales pitches on the go. That’s just a few of the many other tasks that your team can do with the use of an automation software.

4. Make Sure Everyone Is Doing their Job

Automation and restoration software for your business projects also help make sure everyone’s chipping into the success of your organization. How so?

For instance, a program can have task tracking features. This allows you to identify which jobs remain open and which ones already have someone working on them.

This “job report” monitoring also informs you of statuses. For example, an employee may be taking too much time to complete it. In this case, you can talk with the responsible party to find out why this is the case.

This feature also lets you know in real-time if projects are on schedule, or if their completion is ahead of time.

All these details then give you time to make changes or adjustments on certain aspects of a project. This also helps you relay news to clients and keep them in the loop of the project’s progress. It’s better to let them know beforehand if a project needs more time than just submitting it to them after the due date.

5. Key to Having Successful Remote Employees

Thanks to technology, businesses now have a wider reach to talents who can prove invaluable to their organization. Outsourcing remote workers can have a significant reduction in your business’ overhead expenses.

There’s also the great possibility that your next marketing star may live on the other side of the world.

The thing is, it can prove more difficult to manage remote workers since they don’t have a physical presence at the office. In fact, this may be the only reason you haven’t started hiring them yet.

In this case, know that automation software can help you expand your employee roster to cover talented remote workers.

With a robust business workflow automation, you can cut down the time needed for email correspondence with your remote team members. For instance, you can simply give them a link through email that provides them access to task details. Also, since you have real-time info on the status of their projects, you can immediately identify who’s working on which task.

Ready to Unlock the Potential of Business Automation?

Every business, regardless of size and niche, can benefit from business automation. After all, everyone looks for ways to improve productivity while keeping the same top output quality.

So, don’t wait for even more missed lead generation opportunities! Start automating some of your business’ usual processes ASAP.

And if you want more productivity-increasing tips and tricks like this for your organization, be sure to check our blog’s productivity section out! We have more strategies that can help you build an even longer clientele list!

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Moving your business can be an exciting but stressful time in the life of you and your employees.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 40 million Americans relocate annually. While it’s can be hard to move to a new house, packing up your business and moving to a new location can present challenges like packing up inventory and expensive office equipment.

Read on to learn how to plan for a big office move so that you can make your move a smooth one.

Stay Organized Before and During The Move

One way to reduce the stress involved with your move is to stay organized throughout the process.

You can do this by ensuring you are storing documents in a neat and orderly manner. To make the most of this approach, you should prioritize what is most important for your business.

Are there physical files that you use each day for a big customer? Whether these are kept in boxes or electronically on a hard drive, these files should be easily identifiable.

By packing boxes with care, you can help reduce the chance that equipment and other expensive machinery is damaged while it is being handled by your movers.

Teamwork Matters

Many businesses incorporate teamwork into their day-to-day operations but it shouldn’t stop there.

Utilizing your workforce can be a great way to help your company prepare for a move faster and reduce costs. That’s because by delegating certain tasks for your employees, this can help you avoid paying a company to pack up items.

But be careful with this approach. You should ensure that you are not asking your employees to lift heavy objects or otherwise risk physical injury.

Employees can help you with your move because they are familiar with your business and what is most important. This allows them to have an easier time putting together important documents or inventory.

Determine What You Need

Whether your business is online or brick and mortar, find out what you need when you are planning an office move.

This means making decisions about the supplies you need and any outside help you need to physically move your business.

If your office is in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, check out libertymoving.com for help with your move.

By deciding what you need before you start, you will have a better idea about the costs you will incur and you can stick to a budget.

Make lists of what you need and consider talking to other business owners in your industry that have made moves more recently. That way you know what works and what doesn’t. You can also receive valuable office moving tips like what moving company is a good one to hire.

Wrapping Up: Simplify Your Office Move

Office moves can present many obstacles for your business, but taking advantage of these tips can simplify the process.

At WhatYourBossThinks.com, we offer blog posts to help you grow your business and promote growth for you and your employees in and out of the office.

Are you looking for other unique ways to cut costs in the workplace?

Check out our blog post on 4 Great Cost Saving Ideas for Your Small Business!

The post How to Plan and Prepare for a Big Office Move appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

We’re here to tell you, you haven’t tried everything. You could be saving even more.

Below we’ve listed 10 often overlooked energy saving tips. Find out which ones you’re missing and use them at your business.

1. Get an Energy Audit

This is so easy and so effective! Have the professionals at you local utilities company swing by your business and check out precisely how your energy is being spent.

They will check for air leaks, inefficient lighting and appliances and all other common energy wasters. Then, they’ll tell you exactly where your energy is being wasted and what you can do to fix it.

You can trust what they say because they are energy professionals who specifically want you to conserve energy anyway. You’re actually helping them when you conserve energy. Because of this, most utility companies offer energy audits for free.

Based on what they say, try to conserve energy where you need to most, especially during peak demand. “Peak demand” means the times of day your business typically uses the most energy.

Find ways to conserve peak demand energy. And reorganize your work schedule to spread energy usage more evenly throughout the day.

If you haven’t gotten audited recently, do it now. This is your first and most beneficial step to saving more energy at your business.

2. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

Lighting is the biggest energy waster in your business, accounting for up to 35% of your total energy use. That makes office lighting your biggest opportunity to conserve energy.

Whenever you can, use sunlight. During daylight hours, open the windows and shades and turn most or all of the lights off. And use energy-efficient bulbs.

3. Practice Proper HVAC Maintenance

The average office building spends 15% of its energy on heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

First, if your HVAC system is old, replacing it with an ENERGY-STAR-certified system can reduce heating and cooling costs up to 20%. Replacing your old HVAC system will quickly pay for itself.

Next, use programmable thermostats. Program the thermostat to operate only when people are in the building, only in the rooms that are being used.

Also, use fans. Fans will help your HVAC system run more efficiently.

Other than that, conserve energy with proper HVAC maintenance. Changing the filters regularly is really easy and conserves a lot of energy.

Hire professionals to perform regular maintenance on your HVAC system. Find a local HVAC company that provides a regular maintenance service, like Cooper Heating & Cooling.

4. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

Use only official, ENERGY-STAR-certified appliances whenever you buy new equipment. Also, replace old, energy-wasting appliances with ENERGY-STAR-certified appliances.

5. Get Rid of Unnecessary Energy-Users

Take a detailed look at what goes on in a typical day in your business. Check out the way you’ve been running things. Reduce and reorganize your work practices to maximize energy-efficiency.

Get rid of equipment that doesn’t get used. Are you using equipment that is bigger or more complicated than your needs? Sell them and replace them with smaller, more energy efficient devices.

Some of your appliances may have been replaced by newer technology. Meanwhile, you may have old technology sitting around plugged in, wasting energy and heating up the room.

Or perhaps office setup or work practices are wasting unnecessary energy. Maybe you are lighting and heating more rooms than you need. Is it possible to condense your office to use fewer rooms?

6. Go as Paperless as Possible

Not only does going paperless save paper and ink, not using the printer will save energy as well. Do what you can to entirely eliminate paper usage throughout your business.

Offer really awesome discounts or other rewards as incentives for customers or business partners to go paperless. Have a “no paper” policy for employee communications at your office.

Take advantage of WhatsApp or other communication apps for workplace communications. Make it easier to not use paper than to use paper.

7. Stop Powering Empty Rooms

Shut off and unplug everything you can when the building’s empty. If you don’t need the computers running when the office is closed, power down and unplug them.

Unplug all breakroom appliances (not the fridge) and office equipment that doesn’t need to be on in the after hours.

If you own the building, you can more easily shut off entire sections of the building that don’t need to be used from the circuit breaker. But don’t attempt this unless you know your way around the circuit breaker. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you might shut off the security system, reset the thermostat or do some other horrible thing.

8. Save Energy Outside as Well

If you are in charge of the land outside your building, you have even more energy-saving opportunities.

If you have outside lighting you don’t need after hours, such as parking lot and entryway lights, turn them off. Turn off any PA systems or other outside electronics as well.

Also, try energy-efficient landscaping. You can plant trees in strategic places to provide shade an block wind. If done right, this can reduce heating and cooling costs for your building.

Talk to a professional landscaper about energy-efficient landscaping.

9. Employ Energy-Saving Policies At Your Workplace

You don’t have to enforce these energy-saving ideas all by yourself. You’re the boss, delegate.

Using whatever management strategy works best at your business, make these energy-saving tips a mandatory policy for your employees to follow. You can enforce it just like any other policy at your workplace. Perhaps you can offer rewards, like office parties, for reaching energy-conservation goals.

10. Don’t Use Your Office

A lot of businesses today don’t use offices anymore. They hire remote employees and rent a virtual office when they need to.

Hiring remote employees to work from home is an easy way to conserve energy and reduce pollution from commuting employees. You can find and hire them on your own or from a remote staffing company.

Even if you want to keep using your office, it will still help to hire remote employees. Every person working at home instead of the office saves one employee-shift-worth of energy.

Go Greener With These Energy Saving Tips

Saving energy at work means more money for your business and a healthier planet. And that’s something to be proud of. Use these energy saving tips at your business to go from green to greener!

Find more business advice in our Business Advice Archives.

The post 10 Energy Saving Tips for Small Businesses appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Since you spend a lot of time in your office, it only makes sense that you’d want to get your office feng shui in harmony. Feng means wind, and shui means water. Here’s how to get that wind and water flowing in your office.

10 Things You Can Do To Create Office Feng Shui

When you interact with a clean, well-organized environment, you’re influenced to feel more at ease as well. Maximize your productivity when you invite feng shui into your workplace.

Watch Your Back

The feng shui way of thinking says that we should place our desks so that we’re in charge of the room. Biologically, we feel safer when our backs aren’t facing a door or where a potential threat could lie.

Your coworkers bringing you some paperwork to do might be the biggest threat you face in your office, but it’s the best feng shui practice to position your desk so your back is against a solid wall. Literally and figuratively, then, it’s more difficult for something to happen behind your back.

Get Rid of Clutter

One of the simplest ways to create office feng shui is to declutter your working area. When you’re overwhelmed with clutter, you can’t have the flow that your productivity is counting on. This even includes the all the junk in your desk that you can’t see.

When you clean out your workspace and gid rid of everything but the essentials, you’ll notice that the physical clearing of space has also helped to clear your mind. Take it one step further and clean out all the old files on your computer that you don’t use anymore.

Light it Up

Office lighting can have a huge effect on your productivity. If the lighting in your office is yellow or fluorescent, it could be making people feel down.

The best lighting you can get is the sun, so if you’ve got a window, crack that open instead. If that’s not an option, LED lights are a nice alternative to fluorescent ones.

Add Some Color

In feng shui, there are five elements represented by several colors.

If you’ve got all white walls, you might want to consider adding a coat of paint to liven them up and work with a theme you’re going for. You can choose wood, fire, earth, metal, or water.

Work them into a better lighting scheme as well, and your productivity is guaranteed to increase.

Get Some Fresh Air

If you’re sitting in stale office air for extended periods of time, you’re not putting the feng in feng shui. A fan can work wonders to make the area seem more clear and less dull.

Adding plants to the office can also breathe life into the air. In feng shui, wealth-symbolic plants include bamboo, succulents, and jade. Consider adding them to your office to invite a healthier environment, and breathe more deeply.

Take a Little Break

You’ve probably got a break room – it’s important to use it to the fullness of its ability, as a place to go when you need to recharge. Maybe your break room could use some sprucing up. Don’t neglect it when it comes to creating a sense of feng shui.

Adding a beanbag or even a sofa can really help promote a sense of rest, and allow you to recharge for getting back to work.

Use Your Nose

If your coworkers don’t mind, using a diffuser to spread some essential oils in the air can help liven up your workspace.

Lavender essential oil helps promote a sense of calm, or orange essential oil gets the area feeling more vibrant. Aromatherapy goes a long way in changing the mood of the room, so be sure not to skip this seemingly small step.

Get Artistic

Surround yourself with art that helps keep you energized and inspired. Boring white walls won’t help you here – add art to your workspace that symbolizes what you want to get done. When your environment speaks artistically with what you want, it will align with what you actually produce.

Add Stress Relief

If music helps you relax, play it in your office. If you need a fidget spinner, set it on your desk. Add a fountain for relaxing ambient sounds, or get a white noise machine.

Essentially, whatever your way of removing stressors from the environment, adding those helps increase feng shui. Furniture with rounded corners instead of sharp edges can also be conducive to a more calm environment.

Balance Your Numinosity

Every item in your office influences you in one way or another. Carl Jung calls this principle numinosity.

That means that no matter what pieces you choose to adorn your office with, those pieces are having an effect on you. Take a moment to look at each thing that’s taking up space in your workplace.

If whatever item you’re considering doesn’t keep a positive vibe going, ditch it for something that adds more harmony to your environment. When everything works together, you’ll feel more balanced.

Feng Shui Everywhere

Now that you’ve got your office feng shui nailed down, it’s time to take it to other important environments in your life, too.

Having a clean and happy environment in your home is just as important, if not more important, than having it in your office.

You can click here for more information on how to start making your home as harmonious as possible. Mid-Atlantic works hand in hand with bathroom remodelers, kitchen remodelers, flooring designers – anyone that you would need to make sure that your room is doing everything you need to make it the most comfortable possible place for you.

You can work to design your space from the bottom up, whether it be a kitchen or a room or your whole house, to be the most feng shui friendly it can be.

The post 10 Essential Tips for Office Feng Shui appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

However, creative team building events are that are well-organized make for a fun and memorable day out with your coworkers.

At the end of the day, you have to spend 40 hours a week with your colleagues. Wouldn’t you prefer to do some activities and find common ground with your colleagues beyond what goes on in the office? And, you never know, it may lead to a few laughs and maybe even some new friendships.

Before you roll your eyes and sigh the next time your team has an afternoon of team building exercises planned, read on and learn about the many benefits of team building.

What Are Team Building Activities?

The key to successful team building workshops is that they are designed to be fun with an emphasis on teamwork.

WITS Team Building will put together a fun session of activities, games, and exercises together for you and your colleagues.

The Benefits of Team Building

As a business, the decision to lose out on a full or half day’s worth of work from your staff is a big one. The important thing to remember though is that the benefits of cohesiveness among colleagues far surpasses the cost of a few hours away from the office.

The benefits of team building are enjoyed but not just the company’s bottom line, but by the employees themselves as well.

1. It Encourages Creative Thinking

Often times, these activities pit teams against each other in a series of comical albeit strategic objectives. Whether the goal is building a device that keeps an egg from breaking when you drop it off or a table, or seeing who can build the tallest tower out of marshmallows, the teams need to get creative with their solutions.

2. Everyone Gets a Burst of Energy

Let’s face it, work can get a little boring at times. When you’ve been doing the same job and working with the same people every day for years, it’s easy to feel lethargic at the office.

Icebreaker games or silly competitions get people feeling energized and helps them break free of their daily rut.

3. They Bond As a Team

When you have fun with your colleagues, you’re more likely to see them as a friend, or at least ally. When this happens, you not only gain respect for the people you work with, you also want to see them succeed.

4. Employees Gain Confidence

The office can be a competitive and at times, a threatening place. While competition is an important driving factor in the business world, it’s important to remember that not everyone performs best in this environment.

By gaining confidence through team building tasks, your employees will have more confidence when they’re at work as well.

5. It Creates A Sense of Community

One of the first things we do when we meet new people in a social setting is to find out things we have in common. It’s one of the reasons television shows are a popular conversation topic!

People are less likely to have these conversations at work since they don’t want to appear like they’re wasting time. However, just like with group projects at school, during team building activities, they will start to chat about their other interests.

Start Planning Your Next Team Building Exercise Now!

Talk to your boss about the benefits of team building and start planning your next team outing.

Click here to learn about more ways to increase productivity in the office.

The post Positive Workplace Culture: 5 Incredible Benefits of Team Building appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

If you are here it means that you’re looking for a life insurance policy for yourself or a loved one but, you’re lost with all the technical mumbo-jumbo. You might’ve heard about whole vs term life insurance but, what is the best option?

Don’t know where to start? We’ve you covered.

Ready to learn more?

Life Insurance Basics

Preparing yourself and others for when the worse happens is one of the most difficult things we can do. Getting life insurance can work as a safety net for when we aren’t around anymore to take care of our loved ones.

When you buy a life insurance policy, you’re paying the insurance company to pay a benefit to your loved ones upon your death. Before getting this policy, you should analyze the standard of living your dependents and your financial situation. If you aren’t sure how to do this, we recommend you discuss it with your financial planner to get a clearer idea.

Your primary options when it comes to life insurance are whole life term insurance and term life insurance. Before we go into how to decide between these options, we’ll discuss both types of life insurance, so you get a clearer idea of what we’re talking about.

What Is Whole Life Insurance?

When you buy a whole life insurance policy, you’re paying an insurance company to pay a lump sum benefit to your loved ones upon death. This policy provides lifetime protection. This means that it will be valid during the policy owner’s life.

Many people prefer this type of policy because the premium remains the same during your lifetime and the added cash benefits. The premiums for these policies can be paid in a single payment or fixed monthly basis during the lifetime of the owner. What makes whole life insurance policies different is the cash savings with accruing earnings, known as cash value.

The good thing about this is that the policy owner can take loans on the cash value. Most of the time, these loans are at a minimum guaranteed rate of interest. Also, policy cash values are liquid, tax-free up to the total premiums paid and can be put as investment collateral.

Yet, you must be mindful that if you don’t repay the loans you take, you’ll reduce your death benefit. This type of insurance policy lets you surrender it for the cash but, remember that if you do this you’ll lose your coverage.

Some policies may earn you cash dividends. You can use these to repay your policy, deposit them to earn interest, repay policy loans, or take them in cash.

What Is Term Life Insurance?

If you buy term life insurance, you’re paying the insurance company for the death benefit to your loved ones during a specific term. This means that if the policy owner passes away during the set term, their beneficiaries will receive the payment from the insurance company.

These policies are also known as pure life insurance because it’s designed for premature death. To determine the cost of the term life insurance policy, the insurance company uses the age, health and life expectancy of the policy owner. If the policy expires before the owner’s death, the insurance company won’t issue a payout.

When the term expires, you can renew your policy, switch to a permanent coverage or allow the policy to lapse. The common terms for these policies are 10, 20 and 30 years.

In contrast with whole life insurance, these policies don’t have any other value. This means that when you get it, you’re paying only for the guaranteed death benefit.

You won’t be able to get loans or earn any accruing earnings. These insurance policy premiums are lower than whole life insurance policies because of its duration.

How to Decide Between Whole vs Term Life Insurance?

Deciding between whole or term life insurance is less complicated than it sounds. To make an informed decision, you must do your own research first. You must analyze your needs and your life insurance options before shopping for your insurance policy.

A financial planner or insurance agent may guide you through the process. But, you are the one who knows your needs and what safety net you want to leave your loved ones.

An example is if you’re a parent looking for a way to make sure your family has a home even if you die unexpectedly. In this case, a term life insurance might be a good option. Do you need to cover your income for a certain term?

Do you need a budget-friendly life insurance policy? Are you thinking of getting a permanent life insurance policy later? If you answered yes to these questions, term life insurance might be your best option.

If what worries you the most is your budget, a whole life insurance policy may not be the best option for you. But, remember this policy provides a long-term benefit.

So it may cost you a lot more than term life insurance, but it will provide a lifetime benefit for your loved ones. Another option you may consider is getting a term life insurance policy and later converting it to a permanent insurance policy. Click here for more information.

Can You Get The Right Life Insurance Policy?

Yes, you can get the right life insurance policy. Choosing between whole vs term life insurance should be less complex than it sounds if you stick to the basics. Remember to focus on your needs and do your own research.

If you aren’t sure where to start, we recommend that you contact an insurance agent. They can guide you through the process and tell you more about your options.

Getting life insurance isn’t an easy process because we’ve to consider the unthinkable happening. But, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. We always want our loved ones to have a safety net and, this insurance can give us that ease of mind.

Want to learn how to choose the right life insurance for you?

Check our blog post to learn more.

The post What’s the Difference Between Whole vs Term Life Insurance? appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Everyone has to have a worker’s compensation plan in place, but actually having a workman’s comp claim can really damage the bottom line of your business.

There are so many ways that a claim impacts your income and productivity. We’ll explore those in this post. Most of all, though, it’s essential to keep your employees safe on the job to avoid these claims!

A Workplace Accident Happened. Now What?

If there’s an incident at your company where someone is injured at work, it’s vital to respond quickly and appropriately. Someone should report it immediately to a supervisor or manager, and that leader should take action to remedy the situation.

If someone wasn’t seriously injured, there’s still a hazard that caused the occurrence. If your leaders address this hazard, you can avoid a future incident where someone is injured.

Also, even if an injury seems minor at the time, it can become something more significant over time. Your employees need to let someone know so they can receive proper care!

When you address known hazards and make sure that your employee receives proper care, you can minimize the cost of a workman’s comp claim.

How Does Workman’s Comp Affect Your Company

The most obvious impact that workman’s compensation has is that it’s a significant monthly premium. It may be the most expensive single expense in your business!

However, there are costs beyond that as well. Here are some things to expect if a workman’s compensation claim actually happens.

Direct Costs: Injury and Missed Time

While the insurance policy will cover many of the direct costs, you will still lose a lot of productivity and time up front. Work may have to stop while the supervisor assesses and reports the injury. Your management will have to spend time doing paperwork and arranging alternate workflows.

If a malfunctioning machine caused the injury, or there’s another hazard in the area, your company will lose significant time and money cleaning up and fixing the issue.

If the injury is significant, the employee will need to be sent for medical attention. This can cause a one day or more absence at their position, which affects productivity.

Finally, if the employee will be out for a long period, you will need to make arrangements regarding temporary replacement, or a temporary change in the workflow of the area. You may have to pay wages not covered by worker’s compensation or other leave.

Indirect Costs: Morale, Replacement, Liability or Fines

It can be very hard to focus on work after someone you know is injured, especially if the injury was serious. You can expect to lose some productivity on the day of the accident, and possibly going forward if significant time is missed.

The way your company responds to the incident will have a huge impact on morale as well. If your team is professional, caring, and efficient, there will be minimal effect. However, if things are handled badly or there’s a history of mishandling injury, you can expect a lot of gossip, bad attitudes, and poor performance.

If someone is unable to return to work long enough to need replacement, it will cost your company quite a bit of time and money to find a fill-in. Some replacement costs you can expect are:

• Hiring costs related to advertising the position, accepting applications, and interviewing
• Training costs to get the new employee ready to do the job of the injured team member
• Loss of productivity due to the learning curve and fitting a new member into the team
• Overtime costs as other employees need to cover the difference in production

Finally, if you were negligent or somehow at fault for the accident, you can expect liability payments and fines from OSHA, which can be very significant.

How to Prevent Accidents on the Job

While you can’t do much about the monthly premium associated with workman’s comp, you can take steps to avoid costly accidents. Here are some things to make part of the workplace routine.

Cleanliness

Making sure workspaces are clean and uncluttered is a big part of preventing accidents. Whether it’s slipping on grease in the kitchen of a restaurant or tripping over copy paper in an office, unclean environments are a hazard.

Ensure that there are processes in place so that work areas are regularly clean and uncluttered. Incentivize workers to follow through and make sure managers enforce the practices as well.

Signs and Notices

As an employer, it’s important to be aware of what signs and notices you’re required to display. Beyond that, you want to ensure that other safety notices are prominent as well.

Safety is often as much of a mindset and a habit as anything else. By regularly reminding employees of what’s expected, and celebrating safety success, you can build that habit.

To reinforce the message even more, consider giving your employees online SafetySkills training so they can help keep your workplace in order.

Keep Maintenance Up to Date

Whether you have office lighting or manufacturing equipment, regular maintenance will help prevent injuries. In fact, if you don’t keep your property functioning well, you could face fines or liability issues if an accident happens.

Make sure that all leaders and managers are aware of the maintenance schedule for your equipment, and encourage everyone to work together to make sure reminders are sent and fixes happen on time.

Save on Worker’s Compensation By Staying Safe

Workman’s comp can have a very significant impact on your bottom line if an accident happens. To avoid having problems, keep your workspace as safe as you can.

Interested in learning more about how to protect your business so you can thrive and succeed? Check out our business advice today!

The post How Does Workman’s Comp Hurt The Bottom Line appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Don’t worry. You’re not alone.

It can be tough to generate new leads for your practice. This is especially true in the chiropractic field, where visits are often not covered by insurance.

There are some things you can do though.

If you’re just starting out, or business has been a little slow, you may need to incorporate some chiropractic marketing tactics to help get things moving.

Find New Leads Through Better Chiropractic Marketing

There are a wealth of ways to draw in new clients and boost your business through marketing.

We’ll take a look at nine of them here:

1. Start with Content

Informative blog posts and articles – such as you’d find on this website – will boost you as a chiropractic authority. That’s why it’s so important that you have a blog.

For example, let’s say a guy does a Google search on “Upper Back Pain.” During his search, he lands upon your blog post on “The Five Top Ways for Treating Upper Back Pain.”

After reading your post, he then notices you’re offering a free downloadable ebook at the bottom of the blog post. (Ideally, you wrote the book, but anything free is going to grab attention.)

He downloads it in exchange for his name and email address.

Once you have that information, you can send him more helpful content in the form of videos, infographics and email newsletters.

Speaking of email newsletters…

2. Utilize Email Marketing

Email continues to be one of the most cost-effective ways to reach new leads. And with email marketing software and template designs, it’s also one of the easiest ways.

If you already have an extensive email list, keep on using it! Shoot off email newsletters, updates, offers and other useful information on a regular basis.

You can also recycle your email content into a paper newsletter to send to your existing clients via snail mail. It shows them you care, while reminding them that you’re still their chiropractor.

3. Embrace Video Advertising

Shifting from old school to new school – video is quickly becoming one of the best ways to advertise. This is particularly true in the healthcare industry.

Video allows you to:

• make a strong first impression
• show (and get) client testimonials
• introduce procedures
• display the value you offer
• emphasize a strong call to action

And with the advancements in technology, making a video is far easier than it once was. You may even be able to do it yourself.

Once you’ve produced your video, you’ll want to embed it on your website, share it on social media and optimize for search on YouTube.

4. Start a Referral Program

If you’re all about spreading the word organically, and with minimal investment, starting a referral program is a great way to get leads.

You could start with something as simple as a referral bonus, such as a free massage when your client refers a friend.

Or perhaps offer incentives or contests for clients who have the most social media page shares and likes for your practice. Using your customer base to help advertise is also a great way to get testimonials.

5. Use Demographics to Your Advantage

We’re not talking about the ancient methods for determining your demographic here.

With Google, Facebook and other online platforms, it’s now possible to target audiences with remarkable detail that goes beyond age, gender, location and financial status.

For example, if you’re looking to target middle-aged women living in homes with $80,000 or more in annual income who are interested in nutrition and physical fitness, you can do that. Or maybe you’d rather help roofers or other construction workers with purchase behavior that shows they buy a lot of pain killers.

Whatever the case, knowing your audience the key to smarter marketing.

6. Share Patient Testimonials on Social Media

Nothing speaks to your chiropractic skills like a real patient testimonial.

While you’re creating that video in step #3, you should also plan to produce a few patient testimonials. Listening to patients talking about their success with you is a great marketing tool.

When you go to share these on social media, post on as many platforms as possible, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Foursquare.

7. Respond to Reviews

You’ve made the investment to have an impressive website. But potential clients who come to your website are likely to be more interested in checking the reviews.

That’s because consumers trust each other more than they trust advertisers. So it’s important that you have some positive reviews.

Your first step is to claim a Yelp page. Then stay vigilant about checking those reviews for accuracy.

Thank those who give you positive reviews. And by all means, respond to the negative reviews. Reach out to rectify the situation. Very often, they’ll give you a second chance.

But even if they don’t, taking care of the situation demonstrates a level of professionalism.

8. Educate Your Community While Offering Something Free

Getting out into the community to do some offline marketing is a great way to make connections and establish a name for yourself. Especially if you’re giving something away.

As we mentioned above, people love to get something for free. So consider attending local events where you can offer free 10-minute massages.

You’ll educate members of your community on the benefits of getting regular adjustments while providing them with some relaxation.

9. Offer a “Reward” Program for Loyalty

Offering “frequent flyer” discounts or special memberships for loyal patients will help to ensure that they keep coming back.

The ‘reward’ could be a free massage or an introduction to another service or treatment. Also, consider offering package deals, such as 15% off ten treatments. That way, you know they’ll be back for the other nine treatments and you’ll have money in pocket to keep promoting your practice.

It works great for coffee shops!

Boost Your Chiropractic Practice

Show them what you’ve got!

Utilize any – or all – of the above chiropractic marketing tactics to start driving potential clients toward your practice.

And keep checking back with our productivity blog to get more inspiration on how to help your practice grow.

The post 9 Chiropractic Marketing Ideas That Work appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

The plethora of different styles of vacuum cleaners is one of the most surefire signs that we’re living in the future. But with so many options to choose from, you can get overwhelmed or, worse, choose a vacuum that doesn’t fit your purpose.

That’s why we’ve broken down our list of the best vacuum cleaners into categories. We’ve weeded out the good from the bad and the best from the good. What we present to you now is the very best vacuum cleaner for every type of cleaning there is to do.

Read on for a list that sucks in the best way possible.

The Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2018: A Vacuum for Every Function

Not all vacuum cleaning comes down to preference. Sometimes you have a specific job you need done, and there’s only one vacuum for the job.

But often, you can choose what you like. Bagless or bagged? Handheld or stick? What about a Roomba? There are few limits to your options for clearing away dirt and debris from your home and from your life.

We’ve thought of all those options here. Let’s dive in.

Best Budget Vacuum: Hoover UH70120

The Hoover UH70120 comes complete with Hoover’s WindTunnel Technology. This is Hoover’s guarantee of the strongest suction to remove the toughest dirt and debris.

The reason we’ve chosen it as the tops of our budget vacuum category is that it combines high-powered cleaning with a low-budget price. Not only does its price fit a variety of wallets but the Hoover UH70120 also cleans a multitude of flooring types thanks to its five positions of height adjustment.

The Hoover UH70120 has a retractable power cord and four attachments, an extension wand, a crevice tool, an upholstery brush, and a powered hand tool. It comes with a two-year limited warranty.

One downside of this vacuum is that it is slightly noisier than average, but that won’t matter if you’re rocking out to great tunes on your headphones the whole time you clean.

You can grab this vacuum for just under $100 on Amazon.

Best Heavy Duty Vacuum: Oreck XL2100RHS

This bad boy is marketed as a commercial grade vacuum. The folks at Oreck are not fooling around with its heavy-duty cleaning power. If you have a large home (or home office) with multiple different types of flooring, this is the vacuum for you.

It’s got the strongest suction power imaginable, and it packs 480 watts of power into a 12-inch cleaning path. The vacuum has a one-year commercial warranty and a one-year warranty on its belt.

As you might expect from a vacuum known for its high power, it doesn’t come with a lot of addition features. There are no attachments or hoses, not even a retractable cord. It’s also noisier than most vacuum cleaners, but that’s understandable considering the cleaning punch it packs.

You can find the Oreck XL2100RHS for under $175.

Best Multi-Purpose Upright Vacuum: Dyson Ball Multi-Floor 2

Whereas the Oreck XL2100RHS pairs its cleaning power with a bag, this Dyson vacuum has no bag required. You couldn’t use a bag if you tried.

This bagless upright moves like a dream between different floor surfaces. Whether you are cleaning carpet, vinyl, tile, or wood, the Dyson Ball Multi-Floor 2 can handle them all. Even its own bin is easy to clean, thanks to a button that removes the canister cleanly and simply.

The Dyson Ball Multi-Floor 2 comes with an instant-release wand. This makes it easy to clean shelves, sofas, and difficult to reach areas of the floor.

When you’re finally in the home you want, the Dyson Ball Multi-Floor 2 is our pick for the all-around vacuum to cover nearly any of your cleaning needs.

There’s a five-year warranty on parts and labor from Dyson, and you also get lifetime support when you buy this vacuum. It’s these little flourishes that the company relies on to justify the vacuum’s $400 price tag.

The Multi-Floor 2 does not have a retractable cord, but it is less noisy than the other vacuums so far on this list.

Best Roomba: iRobot Roomba 890

Who are we kidding? We had to create a category for the Roomba. This new kid on the block is too iconic in pop culture not to make our list in some form.

That said, there’s a reason for the Roomba’s ubiquity. Sure, it’s very convenient and quite the enabler of the lazy, but this robotic vacuum works.

The Roomba 890 has a three-stage cleaning system iRobot calls AeroForce. The convenience of this vacuum comes into play with its programmability. You can start the Roomba 890’s cleaning process manually, or you can program it to start cleaning at designated times of the day. All you’ll have to do is charge the battery!

890 featuring an AeroForce three-stage cleaning system. Homeowners can manually start the cleaning process or schedule it to begin at designated times of the day.

As a cordless vacuum, the Roomba 890 does not have a retractable cord. It’s also bagless, of course. Accessories to the vacuum come separately, and as we hinted at earlier, it comes with a rechargeable battery.

When bought from an authorized reseller, the Roomba 890 comes with a one-year warranty.

This model is five times more powerful than previous editions of the Roomba when it comes to suction. It’s also, like most robotic vacuum cleaners, particularly easy on the ears. It’s one of the quietest models anywhere on our list.

You can find an iRobot Roomba 890 for just under $500 on Amazon.

Best Canister Vacuum: Bissell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum 4122

As canister vacuum, one of the biggest benefits of the Bissell Zing is its portability. But if that were its only benefit, it wouldn’t be best in its class.

The Zing is adept at handling different surfaces, from carpeted stairs to oak wood floors. It has a mini attachments, and reviewers on Amazon rave about the vacuum’s ability to pick up pet hair.

The Bissell Zing is a bagged vacuum, and even with the bag and its extended wand and mini attachment, it’s lightweight and highly transportable. It also has automatic cord rewind.

There is plenty more info to know about the Zing, and you can find it on Amazon for around $50.

Best Stick Vacuum: Bissell Air Ram 1984

A stick vacuum features built-in flexibility. It’s high, off-the-ground, usually lightweight and therefore portable.

That describes the Bissell Air Ram 1984 perfectly. Pet hair is no match for this stick vacuum, and neither is dirt or debris on nearly any surface. Carpets and bare floors both respond well to this vacuum’s cleaning power.

Since this vacuum doesn’t come with a crevice tool, it does have limitations. But it’s perfect for small spills, and when it comes to storage, it’s a cinch.

The Air Ram 1984 has a run time of over 45 minutes, which should outlast just about any use you have for it. It’s also cordless.

You can find the Bissell Air Ram 1984 for just over $150.

Best Handheld Vacuum: Black + Decker CHV1410L 16V Cordless Lithium Hand Vac

It’s a long name to chew on for such a small vacuum, but the Black + Decker CHV1410L 16V Cordless Lithium Hand Vac makes the extra syllables worth your while.

This vacuum features strong battery life and easy cleaning thanks to how simple it is to take apart. The CHV1410L attacks heavy items of debris as well as it cleans softer and lighter items like pet hair.

This is a great starter vacuum for college students and people moving out on their own for the first time.

This vacuum comes with a brush head and a charging base that is easy to store. It’s also light and comes with an extendable locking nozzle.

The Black + Decker CHV1410L 16V Cordless Lithium Hand Vac is one of the most affordable vacuums on our list at around $45 on Amazon.

Choose Your Weapon

When it comes to relaxing after work, you’ve got options. But you can’t enjoy any of them without a clean place first.

When it comes to cleaning with a vacuum, you’ve also got plenty of options. We hope you’re better informed about some of the best vacuum cleaners on the market after reading. Whether you’re looking for something lightweight and portable or heavy-duty and complete with a traditional bag, you should be able to find what you’re looking for on this list.

If nothing else, think of it as a jumping off point. Now that you have the functions of a vacuum cleaner laid out before you, you can do your own exploring. Just make sure to clean up after yourself.

The post Life Outside of Work: What Are the Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2018? appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

You bet!

Just because your business has a small marketing budget doesn’t mean it can’t compete. In fact, your business may have an edge over the competition. An edge found in the agile nature of your small operations.

Your business hustles while the big businesses experience scope creep from corporate decision-making. This lets your biz roll-out campaigns, and create sales, well before the big competition gets ideas on the whiteboard.

So, want to know how to advertise your small business cheaply?

Small Budget, Big Impact: Cheap Ways to Advertise a Small Business

There are a number of reasons why you can’t afford a bigger ad budget. What matters is what you do with the funds you have. And, finding a balance between cheap advertising and quality promotions.

What fits between these two (cheap and worthwhile)?

1. Business Cards

Business cards work in your favor several ways:

• Brings brand awareness
• Directs people to your website
• Keeps you on a prospect’s mind
• Makes for a professional appearance

For about $5-$10, you can get a basic stack of business cards from providers like Moo.com or VistaPrint. These sites also hold frequent promotions giving away a stack of business cards on a first order.

Where would you share them?

• Conferences
• Business meetups
• One-on-ones
• Community boards

…and anywhere (and to anyone) where they’re well received.

2. Trinkets and Swag

If a business card works well then branded merchandise should be twice effective, right? These trinkets have a similar effect on building brand awareness for lead generation.

What trinket and swag types work?

• Branded office items (e.g. mouse pads)
• Utility items (e.g. pens or coffee mugs)
• Fun items (e.g. pins, buttons, or stickers)

Do buttons sound ideal? If so, then this service can handle all the design options for a low price. Want branded items? Try DIYing it with in-house designs and print batches through CafePress or 4Imprint.

3. Flyers & Pamphlets

Flyers & pamphlets are easy to create using these resources:

• Templates (InDesign or Microsoft Word)
• Freelance Design (UpWork or Fiverr)
• Marketplaces (CreativeMarket or Envato)

A flyer template costs a few bucks on the marketplace. And, are easy to format using design tools. A few tweaks to the text and a print job will give your business promo materials for local marketing.

Where could you distribute them?

• Local business window displays
• Handed out at local events
• Included in the shipment

In fact, the designs used with the flyers are reproduced in…

4. One-Page Websites

One-page websites are easily designed using drag-and-drop editors or templates. These properties convey the important information without the bloat of a full site.

One-page websites are perfect for small-scale campaigns like:

• Pay-per-click advertising
• Landing pages for outreach campaigns
• Microsites acting as valuable community resources

These website types are easy to create using:

• LeadPages
• InstaPage
• Unbounce

You’ll also find landing page tools built into many email marketing services. Or, easily developed using one-page website templates.

Using this format is cheaper (time and money) than developing a bloated site. And, benefits from faster load times and easier management.

5. Facebook Page + Promoted Posts

Does your business have a Facebook Business Page, yet? If not, this should become first on your list. Facebook is A) free, and B) has one of the cheapest forms of online advertising: promoted posts.

Creating promoted posts can’t get any easier:

1. Share a post on the business page
2. Click the ‘Boost Post’ on the post
3. Select your audience and budget
4. Confirm and let it run

You have unlimited audience selection with the boosted post:

• Fans of the page
• Friends of fans of the page
• Custom audiences via interests
• Imported lists from your business
• Lookalike audiences based on current lists

A $5 – $10 promoted post can reach hundreds of people within 24-hours. A great promoted post could then become the basis of a great Facebook ad!

Combine promoted posts with strong offers and landing pages. This will funnel prospects to your site to entice sales and email sign-ups.

From there, nurture leads using CRM tools to repeat business. Or, convert leads to customers through constant contact.

6. Guest Blogging/Outreach

Guest blogging and blogger outreach deliver many benefits:

• Expose your brand to a new audience
• Network with niche and market influencers
• Build valuable backlinks to increase organic traffic
• Gather feedback and support to improve operations

Costs of a guest blogging campaign are measured in time. Create several blog posts and distribute them to relevant sites. Or, use third-party writing services priced per piece.

Finding guest post opportunities is easy:

1. Search for “Your Industry” + “Submit a Post”
2. Cold email blog prospects and pitch ideas
3. Use placement services to distribute content

People finding these content pieces will visit your website and explore its offers.

7. YouTube Videos

A video is a cheap and effective avenue for spreading brand awareness. Video creation is easier than ever thanks to freely available tools and apps. Placing video on YouTube exposes your business to billions of daily viewers.

How can you create YouTube videos?

1. Create a list of video ideas (e.x. FAQs about your products)
2. Write a loose script explaining features and benefits
3. Set up a camera + tripod, lighting, and microphone
4. Record yourself reading the script
5. Edit the video using the YouTube editor or video editing suite
6. Publish the video and optimize the title and description

You’ll soon get the hang of video creation. Otherwise, create videos using employee insights or customer interviews. Use your best video on the YouTube advertising platform to reach targeted audiences.

Go Cheap, but Not Too Cheap

Many business owners are looking for ways to get free advertising and promotions. They’ll go the extra mile to save a few bucks but sacrifice quality.

What happens when you delegate ad/promo work to the lowest bidder?

Amateur work and off-putting efforts.

Worse, some advertising and promotional efforts can cause irreversible harm to your reputation. Or, harm your place in Google. Cheap services could test and break relationships built with ad platforms/managers, too!

Go cheap and find ways to advertise a small business on a budget. But, pay for quality work when need be. After all, this is what’s representing your business.

Want more advertising ideas? Have a look at our advertising archive!

The post 7 Ways to Advertise a Small Business That Won’t Break the Bank appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Fortunately, given the boom of digital technology, there are easy marketing methods law firms can leverage to assert their unique proposition statement in the legal marketplace and get discovered by consumers.

If you’re a law firm just beginning your foray into formally marketing your services, we’re here to help! Below, our team has put together a list of the best law firm marketing methods you can start utilizing today to start bolstering your client funnel.

1) SEO

Search engines process billions of user search queries every single day. Your SEO strategy dictates how likely your website will be to surface as a top result when those searches get processed.

SEO (search engine optimization) is basically the science of understanding the exact search queries people are inputting into engine search fields and tailoring your content to be exact matches for those search queries.

For example, if you’re a personal injury lawyer in Nebraska and all over your website you use the term “best injury attorney in NE” but thousands of people are searching with the phrase “excellent personal injury lawyer in Nebraska”, switching your web copy to match that phrase will give you access to those thousands of additional searchers.

To kick-start your SEO efforts, we recommend bringing on a digital marketing agency.

2) Make Sure your Website is Primed for Scheduling Clients

If you have a legal practice and don’t have a website, you need one. In today’s world, a website is the most important aspect of a successful marketing funnel.

Once you have a website that’s SEO optimized, make sure that every page on your site is driving visitors towards an intended result. If your intended result is to get people to schedule an appointment, make sure that every page has 2-3 call to action buttons telling people to book their appointment now (the Jacoby and Meyers website has some good examples of this).

Remember, your website is a medium that gives you the opportunity to attract clients 24/7. Make sure yours is optimized to achieve that end.

3) Get Social

Social media and legal practices may not seem like a great fit. With today’s internet users, however, social proof is everything when they choose to do business with an organization. That includes law firms.

To plus out your law firm marketing machine’s online presence, start with making sure you’ve claimed your Yelp page. Yelp is a website that many of your prospective clients will look at for your previous client’s testimonials.

A 4-5 star average review score is important on Yelp so stay engaged on the platform. Make sure you respond to both positive and negative reviews regularly to keep your score up.

After you’ve gotten comfortable with Yelp, branch out to platforms like Facebook or Twitter to expand your reach.

4) Add Forums to Your Website

Forum pages are basically where users can post questions and other members online can post answers. These responses are then expanded on and reviewed by a moderator which is usually somebody from your internal team.

Given the amount of user-generated content that appears on forums, forums are among the top performers when it comes to pages that rank high in search engines.

That means with a forum you’ll have a section of your site that basically produces content by itself and acts as a magnet to your law firm’s website.

5) Open Your Lines of Communication as Wide as Possible

How can prospective clients contact you? Do you have a phone number? What about an email form they can fill out?

The more ways prospective clients can engage you the more chances you have of converting them to a paying customer.

Our recommendation is to have as many contact mediums as possible available.

This can include phone, email, Facebook messenger and a website chat widget to name a few. Then, if possible, make sure that at least one of those mediums is fielding customer queries 24/7. You can accomplish this by using a call service center or outsourcing after-hours chat.

6) Always Ask For Testimonials

The more positive reviews you can get online, the more clients you’ll attract. To help make the process of getting testimonials go faster for you, always ask happy clients to leave you feedback once your business with them has concluded.

You can even offer them a discount or another incentive for doing this in a timely fashion.

7) Invest in Content Marketing

When people have legal questions the first thing they do is type those questions into Google. If you want your site to answer those legal question, consider starting a blog.

A legal blog can answer popular legal questions (which can be deduced via some SEO research) and can act as a very strong lead magnet for your services.

8) Take All of the above Tips and Develop a Solid Marketing Strategy

Many businesses both within and outside of the legal niche do their marketing piecemeal. This approach often ends up eating a company’s time and giving them no results.

Good marketing takes consistency to get traction. Because of that, it’s important to adopt the marketing methods you feel you can manage best and set aside time to work on each of them as a regular part of your week.

With some patience and consistency, after a few months, you’ll notice an immense difference in your firm’s client gaining success.

Wrapping Up Law Firm Marketing Ideas

Given the impaction of the legal space, it’s more important than ever for legal teams to start adopting solid law firm marketing ideas.

To get started, pick 2 or 3 of the law firm marketing strategies above and try them out. As you master a marketing method, expand to additional streams. The more marketing streams you incorporate into your consistent marketing efforts, the more opportunities you’ll have to consistently engage new, valuable clients!

Want to learn more about everything from marketing tips to productivity hacks and beyond? Our content as What Your Boss Thinks has you covered.

Get informed and start diving deeper into our content today!

The post 8 Law Firm Marketing Techniques That Will Lead You to Success appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Online marketing has completely revolutionized how businesses compete and reach their clients. However, in as much as internet marketing has been successful, it is critical to note that there are still various offline marketing techniques, which you can use to effectively put your business on the map.

With that being said, let’s delve in and have a look at five offline marketing techniques that you need to be using.

Use of Free Promotional Items

This is something many companies are still doing. If you are not, then you need to try because it works efficiently in advertising your business.

While many people rely solely on online marketing, mixing your digital marketing strategy with an offline technique such as free branded giveaways can help boost awareness of your business.

Examples of common items include hats, phone accessories, USB flash drives and pens among other things.

Networking Works

It is impossible to refute how much networking can do for a business. It allows you to put your business out there.

But networking enables you to do more than just that. You can also increase clients due to referrals, which means you get to make more cash.

Networking also allows you to get advice from business owners with more experience and it ultimately raises your Profile–giving you the positive influence you desire for your company.

Spruce up Your Packaging and Presentation

Looks and images matter to people. This is why some will choose a certain product on a shelf due to the psychological effect. It is also why competitors try to copy good packaging.

You can reevaluate how you present your product or service as a means of rebranding. An excellent way of doing this is by changing the sign at your store.

Dropping Business Cards

Business cards are still quite powerful. Although contacts and other details about a company can be shared via online platforms, a business card does not lose its touch.

Imagine you are in an elevator and you only have a couple of minutes to talk to a potential investor or client. Usually, you will not have enough time to pull out your phone and show them your website or what you do. With your business card, you get to leave a mark.

It also works well because most of the time you will end up getting a business card in exchange for the one you get meaning it enhances networking.

Speaking at Events

This is another great way of marketing your business. You may have been to an event where many of the speakers introduce themselves by saying what they do and the type of business they run.

After which, they usually give a call to action. This also helps you gain confidence. Nevertheless, if you cannot speak at events, even attending them can still be helpful.

Use a Combination of Online and Offline Marketing

It is excellent to keep up with trends in marketing. However, you should also consider using the traditional offline marketing techniques that have worked for many over time.

If you enjoyed reading this piece, you will love many of our other posts related to productivity in business.

The post 5 Genius Strategies to Boost Your Offline Marketing Efforts appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

If you are in this position, you’ll be happy to know that it’s not too hard to figure out which price scanner is best for your needs.

In fact, if you keep reading, you’ll learn exactly how to choose the best price scanner, even if you’ve never bought one before.

Let’s begin!

Which Kind of Price Scanner Do You Need?

There are many different kinds of price scanners you can choose from.

One kind of price scanner you can invest in is a handheld scanner.

These can be used to scan a lot of items quickly. If you are dealing with large items, these are quite useful. That is because they provide a lot of maneuverability.

This makes it easy to scan a barcode that is awkwardly located on a large item. This can really help improve productivity levels.

You will generally find that these scanners can be bought for under $100. There are more expensive models on offer, but that price point is normally what you will encounter.

You can also invest in ’embedded scanners.’

These scanners tend to cost more than the handheld scanners we’ve mentioned. They’re quite good at scanning a large number of items in a short period of time. You will generally find these scanners in grocery stores.

If you are opening a store where people generally buy a high volume of items, these scanners can come in handy.

There’s also the option of investing in ‘wand’ scanners.

These scanners need to be ‘run’ across the entire length of a barcode. It’s almost as if you are using a highlighter. These scanners are not designed to be used in situations where there are a lot of items that need to be scanned.

If you are not sure which model is right for you, try to find someone who already runs a retail store. They should be able to advise you on what is best for your needs.

Think About Durability

When you are buying scanners, you will want to put some thought into durability. There are some scanners on offer that have been specially designed so that they will last longer than usual.

Such scanners are designed so that they will not break if they are dropped. Some are also are also designed so that they have some level of water resistance.

If you are using your scanners outdoors or in a warehouse, you might want to think about investing in a scanner that is marketed as durable. You can often tell if a scanner is durable, by the ‘case’ that it has.

You will generally find that these scanners are more expensive than the normal scanners on offer. But it is worth thinking about the savings you will make, as a result of buying a durable scanner. After all, you will not have to invest in replacements as often.

Some scanners will come with a warranty. This warranty will ensure you are protected, just in case the scanner does not last as long as it was supposed to.

If you are adamant about buying something that has a warranty, think about buying from reputable companies. You can find such a company, by visiting this website.

Do You Need a Wired Scanner or a Wireless Scanner?

Earlier, we mentioned the different kinds of scanners you can invest in. It is worth mentioning that some of the versions described can be bought as wireless or wired.

The option you choose is going to depend on your needs. Wireless scanners can provide a lot in the way of flexibility. You are not going to be stuck in one position when you are using a wireless scanner. However, wired scanners are good, because they do not suffer from a loss in connection.

Wireless scanners are going to require batteries. Some will have rechargeable batteries built in.

But you will need to make sure that there are protocols in place to make sure the scanners are always charged. You might ask employees to charge the scanners overnight, for instance.

The problem, though, arises when someone has forgotten to charge the scanners. If this happens you will be in a situation where you are without scanners. Therefore, if you are using wireless scanners, think about having a backup option, just in case there is a problem with charging.

If you are using scanners in a situation where you can not afford any drops in connection, the wired option might be best.

If you are going to use a wired scanner, make sure you think about cable management. If something goes wrong with the scanner, the first thing you will want to check is the connection. But if you have poor cable management, it will be hard to find the right wire.

Time to Open up Shop?

Opening up a retail store can be really exciting, but also overwhelming. There’s a lot to think about and you need to make sure you pay attention to buying the right kinds of equipment. One thing you need to focus on purchasing is a price scanner.

In this post, we’ve taken a look at some of the considerations you need to make when investing in a price scanner. You need to think about whether you need something that is wired or wireless. You also need to think about if you are able to afford any sort of downtime with your scanners.

Durability is also something that matters a lot. If you are working in rough conditions, you might end up with a lot of broken scanners. Therefore, to prevent this from happening, invest in scanners that have been marketed as durable. In doing so, you will be able to save a lot of money in the long run.

Thinking about starting your own business? Check out our ‘start your own business’ section to see some of our latest posts on this topic!

The post Small Business Advice: How to Choose the Best Price Scanner appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

This is the place to eat your lunch, take a break from the daily grind, and grab a cup of coffee before the day starts. It’s likely that there are already unwritten rules in your office kitchen.

If there isn’t, you’ve found the right list.

Many bosses will tell you, “Make yourself at home” when it comes to the break room. Let’s be honest though–it isn’t your home. And you should always take your work family into consideration by using proper office kitchen etiquette.

Have you ever wondered who keeps the kitchen clean? Or if it’s not clean, why it isn’t?

Keep the peace by learning and sharing these break room rules. Read on!

Caffeine Rules

When going into the break room after a few grueling hours of work, you may be looking forward to a cup of hot coffee. Then you walk in and realize the coffee pot is completely empty.

Worse yet, you look in there and see the remnants of a pot boiling into sticky slime. Prety annoying, right? Well, someone drank the rest and tried to get out of making a new pot by leaving a few drops on the bottom.

Basically, if you empty the coffee pot, you should be the one to refill it. No matter if you take the last cup or leave a teaspoon, this is now your responsibility.

Hopefully, your co-workers follow suit. If it becomings a glaring problem, you could also suggest a single-serve coffee maker.

Refridgerator Real Estate

In an office with a lot of people, the fridge space is probably limited. Everyone wants to keep their lunch from going bad. That’s more than acceptable, so be reasonable and respectful.

What’s not acceptable is when you decide to bring lunch for the week and store it like you would in your own refrigerator. This can only be made worse by letting food spoil and then leaving some other person to clean it out. It’s gross and can get smelly.

Plenty of offices have implemented a system of labeling food with their initials and the date it’s put in there. After a week, it gets thrown out–no matter who it’s for.

Another benefit to labeling food is that there’s no question as to who it belongs to. If it doesn’t belong to you, don’t eat or drink it.

Also, if one of your coworkers tends to bring fragrant food, it might give yours a bad flavor. Use airtight containers to prevent smells from altering the taste. This also lessens the chance of leaks or spills.

Make Yourself at Home (The Right Way)

This might be what your boss meant by, “Make yourself at home.” At home, you replace what’s empty or low and wipe up spills.

Similar to the coffee rule, if you use the last of something, replace it. If there’s nothing to replace it with, let the office manager know.

No one likes washing their hands and having to air dry because there’s a cardboard tube where the towels should be. This can be applied to anything in the kitchen–if you notice supplies are low, speak up.

When using cutlery or plates, you should always wash and put them to dry. If there’s a dishwasher, place your dirty dish in there.

Finally, if something is broken, fix it yourself or let your supervisor know. Replace your garbage disposal if it’s leaking or leaving a stench. Let your boss know if the fridge isn’t cooling, etc.

Microwave Problems

Who cleans the microwave in your office? Hopefully, there’s a designated system for this duty. It’s not a difficult task and it doesn’t take long if done regularly.

When you microwave something that makes a mess, wipe the inside down. Without doing so, the next person is left to do it–and they may choose not to.

This means that food is repeatedly microwaved and becomes glued to it. Eventually, it begins to smell and can become a fire hazard.

This can be applied to any appliance. If you use it and make a mess, clean it.

Another rule for the microwave is to be considerate of WHAT you microwave. Foods with a strong smell, some ethnic foods, and even fish are better left at home.

Office Kitchen Etiquette: Behavior

When you go out to eat with your family, significant other, or boss, do you shovel food in your mouth? Do you chew with your mouth open?

Of course not. Why? Because it’s rude.

This is the type of basic etiquette that people notice and make them subconsciously like you less. So respect your co-workers by eating your lunch with some manners.

On the topic of behaviors, don’t gossip about your co-workers. The office kitchen is notorious for this high school behavior, and it only creates tension and problems.

The office kitchen is also considered a break room. As in, a break-from-work room. The implication is to not talk about work or office politics.

Instead, discuss weekend plans, your kids, or your hobbies.

Follow the Leader

You are the leader when it comes to office kitchen etiquette. If you see things amiss in your break room, you have to be the one to speak up.

You might be the low man on the totem pole, but you can gain respect and admiration from your co-workers by being mature and responsible. It might be challenging if they don’t cooperate at first, but don’t let it get you down.

It just takes a few people doing the right thing for people to follow suit. Things don’t always happen this way, but if it’s completely unbearable, speaking with your supervisor might be your next step.

If you recognize some other issues in your office, check out our post about conflict resolution.

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There are a lot of things you can’t control in the interview process. But one thing that you can is your look. And sometimes anxiety can make you go with choices that are a little more questionable.

As a woman in the workplace, there’s a fine line between looking underdone and completely over-doing it with your makeup. And nailing your job interview makeup can be a big part of making a great first impression.

Not sure what’s too much and what’s not enough? Don’t leave it until the morning of. Keep reading for our top 7 tips for the perfect job interview makeup to keep people focused on your smarts, not your looks.

1. Get The Perfect Match

Finding your perfect match for foundation and concealer can be really difficult. But it makes a big difference when you’re going for a natural look.

If you’re struggling with which shade is best for your skin tone, try going into your local beauty store. Most stores that sell foundation will give you a free consultation on which brand and shade works best for you.

You can decide how much coverage you need and what finish you like. As long as it looks like second skin, you’re moving in the right direction.

Set yourself up for success. Nailing your foundation will be huge for nailing your job interview makeup.

2. Keep It Natural

You may initially want to show off your incredible eyeshadow skills. But for your job interview, it’s best to stick to more natural shades.

Browns and nudes will be your best friends. They can even have a light sparkle to them. Make sure not to be too heavy-handed with your application and blend them well.

Just keep it simple so whomever you interview with sees you and not your eyeshadow.

3. Don’t Play Up Your Nervous Flush

Do you tend to blush when your nervous? Then stay away from that bright coral cheek tint.

But, blush is great for people who tend to look a little washed out. It adds a little life to your complexion.

If you know that you tend to get a little flushed when you’re nervous, don’t play it up any more. You may feel like you need blush for your interview makeup, but you’d be surprised at how much more natural you’ll look without it when you tend to go a little red.

Steering clear of the blush will help you with looking confident as you continue your new job hunt.

4. Take Care of Your Skin

One of the most important parts of a healthy glow is great skin.

This can be an investment, but it’s totally worth it. Take the time to start building your skincare routine. Have a moisturizer for day and one for night. Try different treatments like masks or even take a visit to a botox clinic for problem areas.

The most important thing is that you feel great. Your skin is your foundation. And keeping it healthy can only make you feel more confident no matter where you are.

5. Pencil It In

Keeping it natural is important. But don’t forget about creating definition, too.

Defining your eyes will make a key difference between a lounging look and your makeup for a job interview. But before you go crazy with your liquid liner, take a breath.

Try using a pencil liner in a neutral color like black or brown. A pencil liner is great for keeping a natural but done look because it creates definition but isn’t as harsh of a line.

You can even smudge it a little to keep your look soft.

6. Choose One Pop of Color

Feeling like super natural just isn’t you? Ok, we’ll throw you a bone.

You can get away with one pop of color in your job interview makeup. And the best place to put it is on your lips.

That’s right. You can have a bright lip. But remember to keep it on the classic side. Think of a bright red or pink. And steer clear of any super dark and intense colors.

Also keep in mind what kind of finish your go-to color has. Matte finishes are great for interviews because they stay put. A gloss has a beautiful look, but it can also end up on your teeth.

Try some different colors out and go with the one that makes you feel powerful and confident.

7. Define Your Brows

One of the best ways to frame your face is by having a strong and defined brow.

This doesn’t mean you need to completely draw them on. But keeping your brow hairs in place and defining the arch can accomplish a lot for your interview makeup.

If you’re feeling uneasy about how to keep your brows coifed and defined, there are plenty of resources out there for how to make a natural and strong brow.

Take the time to play with it before the day of your interview so you get it done like clockwork when it comes time.

Job Interview Makeup That Shows You

Your job interview makeup makes a big impression. But the most important part is that you feel strong and confident. Don’t let a crazy eyeshadow be what stands between you and your dream job.

Stay true to who you are, follow these 7 steps, and your hard work and smarts will be what shine.

For more resources on everything to do with business, check out our site. We can help you get the inside scoop on what your boss thinks and smart moves to make for your career.

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Unfortunately, that massive market potential has inspired waves of competing companies in the B2B space across a variety of niches. The resulting market impaction has made it difficult for B2B companies to get noticed and generate a profit without having an excellent marketing strategy in place.

According to a 2018 study, only 39% of B2B organizations take their marketing efforts seriously.

That means, if you’re willing to invest time and effort into marketing, you can get ahead of the competition fast!

To help, our team has compiled this list of B2B marketing ideas you should consider.

1) Build an Excellent Website

This may seem like a no-brainer given that the vast majority of small businesses, B2B or otherwise, have a website already.

Just having a website isn’t enough to leave a positive impression on your audience though. You’ll want to make sure that your website exudes an aura of quality and professionalism that will leave a good taste in visitor’s mouths.

To get started moving in that direction, make sure your website’s interface is streamlined. Be sure all of you’re site’s components function across multiple platforms without errors and finally, ensure your contact information is prominently displayed.

2) Create Different Types of Valuable Content

A lot of B2B companies have a website that meticulously describes what they’re about and believe that’s all they need to net business. Newsflash, today’s online audience wants more than a description of your services before doing business with you. They want you to provide them with a taste of your value.

Providing free value to people online in order to win their business is a proven way to drive conversions. Examples of ways to provide value to prospective clients are by producing YouTube videos teaching skills related to your services, posting guides as blog posts, creating podcasts and more.

Bottom line, showcasing what you do through providing value and providing that value through multiple mediums will lead to more business.

3) Take SEO Seriously

Search engines like Google process over 3 billion searches every single day. Priming your content so Google can match searchers to your B2B web pages is essential to succeeding in today’s digital marketplace.

For the uninitiated, SEO means search engine optimization. That’s a fancy term that describes the act of tailoring your content to search queries people pop into Google.

To know what those search queries are, you’ll need to invoke help from keyword research tools. You can also work with an awesome digital marketing agency like the one you can view here.

However you choose to get into SEO, know that to succeed in the B2B space, you have to have some sort of SEO strategy in place.

4) Get Social

Being active on social media is a low-cost B2B marketing idea that could get you big time results. To be successful in the social space, you need to be both consistent and authentic.

Consistency comes in the way of selecting as many platforms that are relevant to your industry niche and posting regularly on those channels. Authenticity comes in the way of not just using social media channels to spam marketing messages. Instead of blatantly marketing, focus on providing consistent value to followers in formats unique to the platform you’re on.

5) Repurpose Your Content

Once you’ve created a piece of lead generating content for your B2B business, that content’s life cycle shouldn’t end with your initial posting. You should find ways to up-cycle that content to get more value out of it with minimal effort!

As an example, if you’ve created an awesome blog post, you could take that information and turn it into a great YouTube video or visa versa.

After all, creating content for your B2B marketing ideas takes time. To get the most out of that time, be sure to re-purpose your content in as many ways you can think of. The only rule is that your repurposed content should provide value to your audience.

6) Take Email Seriously

Perhaps the most important aspect of any marketing funnel is one’s mailing list. Your mailing list enables you to instantly have a targeted audience at your fingertips to share new content with and market new products to.

To build out your B2B mailing list, be sure that all content you publish has a call to action in it that requests that audiences opt-in. You can even offer a piece of content as a reward for joining your email list to further entice opt-ins.

7) Buy Ads

Ad buys are a surefire way to get traffic to your products and services. The downside of this traffic gaining method is that it can get costly with prices usually tallied per lead/per click.

Popular places to buy ads with are via Google’s Pay Per Click ads. You can also buy through social media channels like Facebook. These social media ads allow you to access highly targeted leads via their wealth of information on users.

Buying ads may not be among particularly original B2B marketing ideas, but it is one of the most effective in your marketing toolbox.

Wrapping Up B2B Marketing Ideas

There is tremendous opportunity in the B2B business space with trillions of dollars worth of revenue up for grabs every year. In order to cut through the clutter of your competitors, you’ll need to have a comprehensive marketing plan made up of excellent B2B marketing ideas in place.

Our recommendation is to start with the B2B marketing tips outlined above. Doing things like investing in ads, diversifying your organic marketing methods, and recycling your content can create consistent client funnels that will net you reliable B2B sales for years to come!

Want to learn additional business tips, productivity hacks and more? If so, dig deeper into the What Your Boss Thinks content bin. We craft expert content aimed at answering all of your biggest money making questions.

Get informed and read more today!

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Add these 5 things to your work environment in order to get the ultimate high tech office.

1. Key Card Entry

Security is important to a modern workplace. No matter what industry you’re in, it’s a competitive world and you don’t need your company secrets getting out. While firewalls and two-factor authentication setups can keep you from getting hacked, all the cybersecurity in the world can’t help a breach of your office. With just two minutes and a USB drive, someone could wreck millions of dollars of havoc on your company.

A key card entry system allows you to control who has access to your spaces. You can set up different levels of access so that you can keep access limited to an as-needed basis. Rather than have your employees try to troubleshoot servers or anything they are troubled by, you can keep anyone from touching what they shouldn’t.

Key card entry also lets you control your space in a serious way. In the unfortunate case you have an employee who betrays your company secrets or should no longer have access, updates are immediate. Once you rescind access from one card, it’s no longer able to open any of the same doors it used to.

2. Standing Desks

Standing desks aren’t just another fad in office furniture. They actually serve a useful purpose.

They keep people moving. Having unhealthy employees not only puts a burden on your company’s insurance policy, but it puts a burden on your employees. Employees who don’t get enough exercise can have high blood pressure and be more irritable.

They increase productivity. When people are up and standing around while they’re working, they’re more apt to be up for walking across the room to talk to a colleague. This increases the amount of interaction your employees have and can help maintain a positive rapport between workers.

They’re also great for back issues. Most people will experience some kind of pain or discomfort in their back at some point in their life. Rather than keeping employees slouching in chairs ore sitting incorrectly in the most ergonomic chairs you can find, standing is the best thing for their backs.

Standing desks will keep your staff on alert, keep them treating each other with respect, and make everyone feel healthier in general.

3. Electronic White Boards

One of the most frustrating things about using a whiteboard is the process of transcribing everything to notes, then to turn everything into a digital message. You miss out on any quick and clever diagrams anyone creates or the way that information is organized. Electronic whiteboards eliminate that problem and speed up the process of spreading ideas.

Electronic whiteboard technology is improving constantly. There are white boards now that can print out the notes you’ve just taken so that everyone leaves the room with their own copy of their work. There are boards that use special pens so there’s no more need for cleaning supplies anymore.

Electronic whiteboards make things cleaner and more efficient than ever. You can have meetings without the cleanup, pick up from previous meetings, and even pass along your ideas to people who couldn’t make the meeting. Make every presentation count with an electronic whiteboard.

4. Air Purifier

Keeping people out of the office when there’s a cold going around is a double edge sword. While you need your staff to be around to work on your latest projects, they could get other staff sick and hit your ranks even harder. You need to have policies to keep people out of work when they’re sick and also have ways to keep the workplace germ free.

A virus eliminating air purifier won’t bring your employees back into the office but it can surely keep them from getting each other sick. If an employee comes in at the beginning or end of an illness, they might still be contagious. An air purifier could take the edge off of those contagious employees and help to maintain a healthy workforce.

Keeping one near your entrance means that any germs that blow in through the door can be taken care of quickly. If a delivery person or a visitor comes in with contagions, the entryway to your office will be kept free and clear of viruses.

5. Encrypted Hard Drives

As people pass around data, move files from one machine to another, or just set up backups, you could be dealing with viruses. If your regularly backed-up machine gets hacked and needs to be wiped, you need to make sure your backup isn’t as vulnerable as your machine.

With an encrypted hard drive, you can ensure that all the data you backup is private and unhackable. Encrypted hard drives keep your company’s data private while allowing you access as a user.

A High Tech Office Is a State of Mind

Having a high tech office isn’t just about having a desk with a touchscreen attached to it. It’s more about having tools and gadgets that make life easier. Listen to your employees and they’ll tell you what they think will work for your business.

If you’re still not convinced that technology can improve productivity at your office, check out our guide of 3 reasons why.

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Here are 3 features that it’s got to have.

1. Make Sure There’s Family Coverage

When you provide for the families of your employees, you show them that you care about their life outside of work and the health of their families. Someone who is at work but distracted about the well being of their family won’t be very productive. An employer who doesn’t extend benefits to spouses and children just isn’t thinking about how to be competitive.

Many good employees would gladly work for less if they could get benefits for their loved ones. Providing basic care for them tells your employees that their families matter and that you’re a cut above other employers. You’ll win their loyalty and be rewarded by years of dedicated service.

If you have older employees, compare Medicare supplement plans before you come to a final decision.

2. Offer Dental and Vision

One of the most overlooked aspects of health care plans is whether or not they offer dental and vision plans. Since dental health is intimately tied to other elements of physical health, it’s essential that you offer dental care. Healthy teeth can mean a healthy heart and overall a healthy lifestyle.

Vision is also important to offer employees. Even a basic plan will ensure that every employee and their children get regular checkups. Rather than worrying about the cost of glasses while they’re at work, they can rest assured knowing that they won’t have to pay out of pocket for these things.

Some plans are now including comprehensive prescription plans that cover everything from viagra to CBD supplements.

3. Take on Incentives

Some plans will allow you to lower your overall costs if you also offer certain features to your employees. Offering everyone a step counter that attaches to their keychain could encourage more activity and competition among your employees.

If you offer healthy or activity related prizes at the end of each cycle, you could prompt more employee participation.

Offering flu shots to your employees one week out of the year and a basic health fair can also lower your costs. Even if your insurance company doesn’t have a write off for this, even offering these services might get your employees to live healthily.

Give discounts and coupons for healthy lunch options in your area.

Your Employee Health Insurance Plan Should Be Affordable

When you choose an employee health insurance structure, there needs to be some flexibility. It can’t be mandatory, because if one person’s spouse offers better benefits, they should be able to opt out. However, you need a high volume of people involved just to ensure that the price stays low.

Along with your health insurance plan, make sure you share comprehensive guides for lowering stress and relaxing your employees throughout tough projects.

The post How to Select the Best Employee Health Insurance Plan For Your Small Business appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

It’s time to get rid of this unhealthy mentality. Anxiety disorder is a mental illness that affects 42 million Americans every day, yet you would hardly notice it because of the stigma society has attached to it.

Without treatment, many people with anxiety disorders carry their anxiety into work, which leads to serious consequences for their job performance and mental health. As a result, some might begin to rely on drugs, medication, or alcohol as a coping mechanism.

If you are someone suffering from workplace anxiety, we want you to know you don’t have to deal with it alone. Hypnotherapy is a safe and healthy way to deal with anxiety without drugs. Read on to find out more about how can hypnosis help with anxiety.

What Does Workplace Anxiety Look Like?

Everyone deals with work-related stress from time to time but for people with anxiety disorders, it can feel like every day. Anxiety can make every aspect of a person’s job feel like a struggle. They might have trouble getting up for work in the morning, wake up with knots in the stomach, and go to sleep thinking about work all the time.

They might call out sick to avoid certain deadlines or projects. And when they are at work, they might have a hard time focusing and may even deliberately give up opportunities to avoid feeling anxious.

Over time, these symptoms can build up to bigger health issues such as drug abuse, insomnia, chronic fatigue, or panic attacks, all of which affect the person’s job and their relationship with others.

Anxiety Is Not Just in the Mind

One of the biggest misconceptions about anxiety disorder is that it only affects the mind. This is simply not true. People with anxiety disorders will tell you anxiety attacks feel very real and that’s because they are. They feel it not just in their minds but their bodies as well. Some physical symptoms of an anxiety disorder at work are:

• Heart racing
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Excessive fidgeting
• Restlessness
• Irritability (snapping at people)
• Insomnia
• Trouble focusing or concentrating
• Easily and frequently tired (fatigue)
• Muscle pains (especially in neck and shoulders)

Anxiety affects the brain and the body which is what makes hypnotherapy such an effective treatment because it aims to treat both.

What Is Hypnotherapy Exactly?

By definition, hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that helps people change old patterns of thinking. By putting people in hypnosis (a highly relaxed state) therapists can instill new patterns of thinking into a person’s subconscious to create healthier actions and thoughts.

Every person has a conscious and subconscious side of their mind. The conscious side rationalizes and tells us what to do. For example, if someone says something hurtful to you, your conscious mind might tell you to just shrug it off.

The subconscious mind, however, is the side that will feel hurt even though your conscious side just wants to move on. This can create internal conflict for our bodies and mind, and hypnosis aims to change the subconscious so we can create new ways of thinking.

What Hypnotherapy Is Not

Since hypnotherapy remains much of a mystery to the public, there is a lot of misinformation about the practice. It also doesn’t help that Hollywood likes to portray this branch of therapy as a brainwashing, pocket-watch-swinging-pseudoscience.

A real hypnotherapist cannot freeze you or make you do things against your will. They also cannot erase your memories, they actually do the opposite, they help you remember things.

All licensed hypnotherapists must also obtain a masters degree first in psychology or a related major. Some even hold doctoral or medical degrees. After their studies, one must get an NBCCH certification from the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists, which requires the practitioner to get clinical experience and a certain number of hours in supervised practice.

How Does Hypnotherapy Work?

In your first hypnosis session, your hypnotherapist will ask you what you hope to achieve through your sessions, get a sense of what will help you relax during hypnosis, and explain to you how it all works.

Contrary to popular beliefs, your hypnotherapist does not control you during hypnosis. You do. You are always in the driver’s seat and your hypnotherapist is simply in the passenger seat guiding you.

Professional hypnotherapists will safely guide you through your subconscious mind and help you create new patterns of thinking through speech. Sometimes this means exploring suppressed memories and teaching you new ways to react to them.

If you sense extreme discomfort or trauma at any given point, you can tell your hypnotherapist to stop and they will safely and gently guide you out of hypnosis. Remember, you are always in full control of where your mind goes.

What Happens in A Hypnotherapy Session?

In a typical session, the following three steps will take place:

1. Induce Hypnosis

The first thing your hypnotherapist does is induction. This is the process where they’ll try to quiet your mind, relax your muscles, and put you in a calm and tranquil state. You won’t be sleeping, it’ll feel more like you’re meditating or daydreaming.

Depending on the person, the hypnotherapist will try to use different language and words to achieve this step. Being in a relaxed state is crucial in hypnotherapy because the mind is much more open to new ideas when it is calm.

2. Instill Therapy

Once your mind is in the highly calm state or “hypnosis”, your therapist will then ask you to explore memories that are related to the issue that you’d like to work on. They will try to get to the root of the problem. This process is sometimes called “age regression.”

Once a specific event is identified, your hypnotherapist will gently guide you through it and deal with it in a way that is positive for you. During this time, they might also start to instill messages into your subconscious mind to replace negative thoughts or limiting beliefs.

Depending on the severity of your anxiety or issues, this process might take several sessions. Negative thoughts in our subconscious mind might be the result of years of negative thinking and it can take time for us to unlearn them.

3. Waking Up

Once hypnosis and therapy are done, you’ll be led out of your trance state gently and carefully. Once awake, you should feel more energized and refreshed.

Can Hypnosis Help With Anxiety?

In terms of anxiety, hypnosis can do wonders. Unlike oral medication for anxiety, which usually just numbs the mind and doesn’t deal with the root of the problem, hypnosis deals with the problems directly.

Another thing that makes this form of therapy different from other treatments is that it addresses how anxiety affects the body and mind. It can help the person relieve tension immediately in specific parts of the body. For example, if the person usually finds their heart racing during an anxiety episode, they can learn to alter their breathing to slow it down. Hypnotherapy gives the person techniques to perform self-hypnosis for anxiety.

In addition, because the practice involves regressing into specific memories of a person’s life, it has the power to help a person change the way they feel about unpleasant memories. They can go through these events again in their mind and change the outcome of the situation.

Lastly, hypnosis can address very specific problems for the person. If the person struggles with extreme stage fright, they can work on that specifically. If the person has a fear of flying, they can work on that instead. Whatever the issue is, hypnosis can target that specific problem and help the person gain workplace confidence.

Things to Keep In Mind

When carried out properly, hypnosis is a powerful and effective way to treat anxiety but you should also know that it has limits. It cannot magically change the way you feel about something overnight. It takes time and persistence to produce results. Furthermore, the effectiveness of hypnosis for anxiety depends highly on each person.

Hypnotherapy is a practice that requires work from you. You cannot expect to just show up in your session and let your hypnotherapist do all the work. It’s a two-way street. Your therapist is there to guide you but you must be willing to trust their guidance.

Due to the triggering nature of the practice, it is generally not recommended for people with dissociative disorders or psychotic episodes. If a hypnotherapist identifies issues that are beyond what their practice can do, they will refer you to another specialist.

Lastly, keep in mind that certifications for hypnotherapists vary from state to state, so be sure to check with your state on who can practice this form of therapy.

Ready to Try Out Hypnosis For Anxiety?

If you’re still wondering can hypnosis help with anxiety, yes! Don’t be afraid to try something new and don’t be ashamed to ask for help. There are many resources to help you deal with your anxiety and you don’t have to suffer alone.

Proper treatment for anxiety will not only change the way you feel about work but it’ll lead to a more confident you. You’ll learn how to control your anxiety and be more productive at work. If you would like to get started on hypnosis for anxiety soon, find out more today.

Enjoyed this article? Visit our blog for more tips and advice to increase confidence and productivity at work and in life.

The post Can Hypnosis Help With Anxiety At Work? appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Are you on the fence over whether real estate or stocks are the better investment? If you’re looking for passive income, real estate may be the better option.

Read here for a breakdown of passive real estate investing and how to make it work for you.

What is Real Estate Investing?

First, let’s talk about the basics of real estate investing.

When most people buy a house, they intend to live in it and use it as a primary residence. They also might buy it as a vacation home they’ll use for certain times of the year.

Real estate investing, on the other hand, involves purchasing a property with the goal of earning an income.

While there are many types of real estate investing, the most basic form is when someone purchases a property which they then rent to a tenant.

The landlord is responsible for the mortgage, taxes, and other upkeep costs associated with the property. They pay these costs by charging rent of an equal amount. Once the owner pays off the mortgage, the rental income becomes pure profit.

Why Invest in Real Estate?

You may be wondering why investing in real estate is a good idea, given that real estate value can fluctuate.

While it is risky to invest in a property based on speculation of future value, property appreciation is a realistic expectation. Furthermore, if you leverage your capital and make use of mortgage interest deductions, the income you earn from real estate can be tax-free.

Plus, the tax write-offs you get from your property can lower your bill when tax day rolls around.

What is Passive Investing?

Now that you know a little about real estate investment, let’s talk about passive investment.

Passive investing is a strategy that aims to maximize future profits by minimizing buying and selling.

Rather than spending your time learning the ins and outs of your investment niche to make a profit, passive investment involves buying across a range of assets so that you benefit regardless of how the market fluctuates.

Passive investing is a long-game strategy designed to build wealth over an extended period of time.

What is Passive Real Estate Investing?

With all that in mind, what is passive real estate investing?

Essentially, it’s a way of diversifying your investment portfolio through real estate with an eye towards the long-term. It also involves little time commitment on your part, which can be a good thing for inexperienced investors.

Let’s say you decide to work with a company like High Return Real Estate. You’re putting your money into a few key investments and allowing it to grow over time. Your assets appreciate in value.

So you can keep living your life while your money grows. Sounds like a pretty good deal, right?

How to Earn Passive Real Estate Income

Of course, there’s an art to earning a passive income via real estate and rental properties.

Passive investing might be hands-off, but it helps to know what pies to have your fingers in. You don’t want to waste your time and money on a property that won’t earn back what you paid for it.

Create a Realistic Financial Model

It all starts with a realistic financial model.

This will tell you a number of important details about your potential investment. For example, it allows you to forecast the projected cash flow of the project (and thus what you’re likely to make on your investment).

The easiest way to do this is to itemize. You should account for income and expenses.

For example, most people think of rent as income. Income, however, also includes space for delinquencies, vacancies, and concessions. Expenses include all property management expenses and real estate taxes, repairs, utilities, insurance, maintenance, landscaping, and other related costs.

Determine Projected Cash Flow per Investment

Once you’ve broken down your income and expenses for an individual property, you need to determine your cash flow for each property. This is especially true if you have more than one or are planning to have more than one.

Don’t jump into the deep end yet–you need to do some research. Talk to other landlords and real estate brokers to get a sense of what their expenses and rental income look like.

If you’re investing in a condo or apartment, spend a lot of time looking at the marketing materials. It will give you a pretty good picture of the potential cash flow.

The goal here is to collect as much data as you can for a broad financial picture. Use as many houses and apartment buildings as you can get your hands on. From there, use that data to get one financial model representing an average.

This will give you an idea of what you can expect to earn, on average, from a single property.

Calculate How Many Units You Need

Once you know what you can earn on average from a single property, the final step is actually pretty simple.

If you know how much income you’d like to earn in a month or a year, divide that number by the cash flow per unit. Keep this formula in mind:

# of Units Needed = Desired Income / Predicted Cash Flow of One Unit

With this, you’ll know how many units you need to buy in order to have the income you desire. This will also give you an idea of how long it may take to invest in the desired number of properties, based on how much you can afford at the moment.

A Few Tips

Of course, passive real estate income doesn’t end with a bit of number crunching.

Here are four tips to make sure you maximize your investment.

Stay Out of the Slums

While it’s tempting to snatch properties for dirt cheap, buying properties in rough neighborhoods will only come back to bite you.

For starters, if the neighborhood isn’t good, you aren’t going to attract business, and you won’t attract the kind of quality tenants you want.

No matter how well you dress up a property, low-income housing will attract low-income tenants. These tenants statistically are more likely to cause you problems.

The neighborhood sets the standard for your property. If the rest of the neighborhood looks dingy, don’t count on tenants treating your property like Buckingham Palace. You also have to account for how often the property will be vacant–and in a rough neighborhood, that’s a good chunk of the year.

Side note: if you have some starry-eyed, charitable notions about investing in low-income housing, disabuse yourself of them. People will view you as a slumlord, and that’s not a valuable use of your time as a real estate investor.

Screen Your Tenants

On a related note, on a scale of one to Pentagon, screen the living daylights out of your tenants.

Yes, there are a lot of good people in the world with rough pasts. That said, the best tenants are the ones who pay their rent on time every month, and these tend to be the ones who have lived on the straight-and-narrow.

The best way to find these tenants is to get extreme in your screening process.

A credit check and a criminal background check are the bare minimum, but don’t stop here (even if you don’t see any red flags). You should run eviction history reports, ask for employment information, and call their supervisor to review the information provided and talk about what kind of employee they are.

Then talk to HR to confirm the income your potential tenant reported to you. If the number they gave and their actual number doesn’t match, don’t lease to them.

It may sound aggressive, but the truth is, if they’re willing to lie to you at the start of the process, they’ll be willing to lie as your tenant.

Stick to Long-Term Leases

Short term leases are an option, but can lead to problems long-term. If you’re in the game for passive income, your goal should be to avoid the expenses related to changing tenants as much as possible.

For that, you need to stick to long-term leases.

At a minimum, you should be leasing for a year. Two to three years is even better if you can swing it. The simplest way to convince tenants of this is to tell them that you raise rent by X amount each year. Let them know you’re willing to lock the rate for them if they agree to a longer lease.

Leave the short-term rentals to Airbnb.

Retention, Retention, Retention

Finally, if you want to keep your rental income passive, you should always aim to retain good tenants for as long as possible.

Think of your tenants as an investment as much as the property. Good tenants who don’t cause trouble, pay their rent on time, and take care of your property are exactly the kind of tenants you want to stay for several years.

Part of this is giving them a good experience by taking good care of the property, but it also means the little things. Make a note of their birthday and send a card, or ask about their kids, jobs, hobbies, or pets now and then.

It’s small, but it’s a message that you think of your tenants as people, and they’ll appreciate the extra effort.

More Ways to Work Your Money

There are so many ways to make your money do more for you beyond passive real estate investing. We want to help you reach your money goals.

Check out our blog for more tips on investing and money outside of work, like these ten tips on how to build wealth fast.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Passive Real Estate Investing appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

In fact, studies have shown that sitting at a desk for more than 30 minutes at a time could actually trim years off your life. Even if you get a lot of exercise outside of your office, the simple act of sitting could have long-term ramifications on your overall well-being.

One way for employers to combat this is by setting each of their employees up with a stand up workstation desk. It will allow employees to stand more often and keep the blood circulating through their bodies when they’re working.

There are so many health benefits your employees will be able to enjoy when you set them up with a stand up workstation desk. Take a look at 7 of those benefits below.

1. It Will Help Them Burn Calories and Lose Weight

Do you want to lose weight? One of the easiest ways to do it is by choosing to stand rather than sit.

While it might not feel like you’re putting in much effort by standing, you can burn more than 100 calories an hour when you stand. Even if you’re standing still in one place, you will burn calories at a relatively rapid pace.

When you install a stand up workstation desk for each of your employees and encourage them to stand more often, you will be helping them to lose weight.

If they stand for just one hour every day, they will burn upwards of 500 calories a week, which will make a real difference.

It won’t be long before your employees are becoming healthier people right before your very eyes.

2. It Will Keep Blood Sugar Levels Lower

After you eat a meal, your blood sugar levels will typically spike. That spike can cause issues in some people, especially those dealing with a disease like diabetes.

Studies have suggested that, by standing after a meal, you can actually keep your blood sugar levels low and stop a spike from coming on.

Those who stand for longer periods of time at a stand up workstation desk seem to benefit from taking this approach the most. But even those who only stand for a few minutes after lunch can seemingly benefit from it in a big way.

If nothing else, standing will help burn off those calories you consumed at lunch and help you avoid a blood sugar crash later that can leave you feeling lethargic.

3. It Will Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

Way back in the 1950s, researchers conducted a study on a group of bus conductors. They found that those conductors who stood regularly were less likely to deal with heart disease later in life than those who sat all day.

That same belief still holds true today. The thought is that, by standing, you will reduce the risk of heart disease exponentially.

So if you’re an employer trying to keep your employees healthy in both the long and short term, you can do it by installing a stand up workstation desk for each person who works for you.

4. It Will Cut Down on Back Pain

One of the worst parts about sitting down at a desk all day is that it can really take a toll on your back.

You can run out and buy your employees the best office chairs in the world. They can offer all the back support a person could possibly want.

But if an employee spends eight hours or more sitting in the chair, they’re still likely to experience some level of back pain.

With an affordable standing desk, that back pain will usually disappear over time. While standing too much can also hurt a person’s back, standing for a little bit at a time can help the back muscles stretch out and relax.

5. It Will Bring Their Energy Levels Up

Is there a serious lack of energy in your office?

It could be because everyone is sitting around rather than working at a stand up workstation desk.

A study done in 2011 revealed that almost 90 percent of people experienced a jump in energy levels when working at standing desks as opposed to regular ones.

They also reported feeling less tired throughout the day and saw a reduction in their overall stress levels.

You might think that having your employees stand rather than sit would zap them of some of their energy. But in reality, it appears as though the opposite is true.

6. It Will Cause Them to Become More Productive

Standing at a desk instead of sitting at one does take some time to get used to.

Performing simple tasks like typing and jotting down notes is different when you’re standing.

But once your employees get the hang of it, they’re more likely to be more productive overall. They will constantly be in motion and, as their energy levels go up, they’ll get more work done in a shorter period of time.

There are other ways to increase productivity, too. For example, you can install new lighting in your office. You could also strategically place plants throughout your office space.

But ordering each employee a stand up workstation desk will offer the most bang for your buck. You’ll love all the work your employees finish at their new desks.

7. It Will Encourage Them to Work Closely With Others

When you work in an office space, getting up to go speak with someone can feel like a real chore. The simple act of standing and walking across the office can take a lot out of you.

But when you work at a standing desk, you’ll already be up out of your chair. So there won’t be anything stopping you from taking a quick walk across the office.

Employers will love how closely their employees start working together once standing desks are installed.

Buy All of Your Employees a Stand Up Workstation Desk Today

You can find all kinds of ways to motivate your employees and keep them sharp.

But giving each of your employees a stand up workstation desk is, hands down, one of the most effective ways to do it. Your employees will enjoy working at their new desks, and you will get to reap the benefits of it.

Read our blog for more tips on making your office a more productive place.

The post 7 Benefits of Providing Employees With a Stand Up Workstation Desk appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Naturally, cash flow is an issue for all businesses, especially ones that are just starting out. However, by making economies here and there, you could save yourselves hundreds if not thousands of dollars!

So, with all that in mind, let’s dive in.

1. Stop Making Hard Copies

In this day and age, there’s no excuse for keeping hard copies. One, because it costs valuable time and money, and two, because it’s terrible for the environment.

Instead, you should consider using an online backup system to keep your copies safe. There are plenty of cloud-based options; just do your homework and find one that suits you.

Plus, by storing all your documents online, you can access them on the move. This is far more practical than lugging around a filing cabinet with you!

Top Tip: Obviously, there are a few things all businesses need to print out. However, instead of buying new ink cartridges, we suggest refilling them yourself. You could save up to 75% doing this!

2. Get a Water Softener

Did you know that a purchasing a water softener could save you a ton of money? Namely in the following three areas:

• Plumbing
• Heating
• Dish soap

When you add all these savings up, you could be saving hundreds of dollars each year. That to us makes it a worthy investment. For more information on this check out Hard Water Solutions

3. Switch Things Off

Try and switch appliances off where you can, this is one of the easiest ways of saving money, and no, sleep mode isn’t off!

Here are a few things that don’t typically need to be plugged in for the entirety of the day:

• Printers
• Fax machines
• Coffee machines
• Floor heaters
• Air conditioners.

You get the idea! Perhaps you could write a comprehensive list of all the office electronics; this is a surefire way of helping you remember to switch them all off.

Then, make this initiative known to your employees to help increase savings further.

4. Don’t Pay for Unnecessary Insurance

Insurance providers have a sneaky way of encouraging small businesses to take out a ton of add-on services they neither need nor use.

What you need to do is read your insurance policy carefully and work out what you require. Call up your provider and find out more information, and see if there’s any genuine wriggle room.

Were These Cost Saving Ideas Useful?

If you found these cost saving ideas useful then we’re confident you’ll love the other features published on our business advice blog.

Over there we discuss everything from free marketing ideas to how to find an office to rent. Enjoy!

Alternatively, if you have any questions about this blog post, please feel free to reach out and contact us. We’ll always aim to get back to you as quickly as possible. Speak soon!

The post 4 Great Cost Saving Ideas for Your Small Business appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

While it would be great if they did, these essential appliances don’t last forever.

Wondering what is the right choice for your beloved icebox? Keep reading below to find out all the information you need in order to decide whether to repair or replace a refrigerator!

Type of Refrigerator

There are various types of refrigerators that you may have in your kitchen. Some will cost you more to repair than others. One example is side-by-side units. These can be expensive to repair, so consider just replacing these.

Before deciding on your plan of attack, it can be helpful to know what you are dealing with. For example, this company can come to your home and take a look to assess your issue.

They will be able to give you a professional opinion on if your appliance type makes more sense (financially and time-wise) to try to repair or replace.

Age

A second large factor that will help you decide when to buy a new refrigerator is the age of the unit. Fridges do have expected lifespans. On average, this is between ten and twenty years.

If you have a hard time remembering when you purchased the appliance, that may signal a replacement is a good idea. However, if it is less than eight or ten years old, definitely seek out a repair service.

Energy Efficiency Concerns

You might not initially think about it, but your refrigerator could be costing you tons of money even if you initially save by repairing instead of replacing.

Older units use excess power and will constantly drive up your electric bills. If you have an older unit it could be cost-effective down the road to replace it with a model designed to save energy.

Be sure to check out our other tips for lowering your monthly energy costs.

Current Condition Impacts the Choice to Repair or Replace a Refrigerator

One final factor you need to consider when deciding how to handle a broken fridge is the general condition. Do you have a couple issues and broken parts? Lots of dings and other cosmetic damage?

Check if you have extended warranties or coverage for service, but if you don’t, it is probably time to get a new unit.

If you are unsure what would make the most financial sense, speak with a repair business. They will be able to advise you on how much repairs would cost and how long the unit would last afterward.

Make the Right Choice for You

Hopefully, this guide helped you decide whether or not to repair or replace a refrigerator.

If you do decide to purchase a new appliance, be sure to research what features you want. Preparing and shopping around will ensure you are happy with your new refrigerator for years to come!

Ready to remodel your entire kitchen or another room after getting a new fridge? Be sure to check out our guide to saving money during the remodeling process!

The post Should You Repair or Replace a Refrigerator: A Complete Guide appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

But, you can’t forget to file small business taxes! Taxes can really do a number on your first year of revenue if you don’t account for them. This is especially true if you haven’t kept track of the things you’re able to deduct or if you end up being late on filing your taxes altogether.

While the former is specific to the kind of business you run and the things you spend money on, there is a simple solution to the latter: file business taxes online.

To help you figure out all the ins and outs of filing online, use the tips below!

1. Pay Attention to Your Spending

No matter how you choose to file business taxes, you need to keep track of your spending. When the end of the fiscal year rolls around, every little penny counts. This goes for every expense from the coffee you invited an associate to, to the new pieces of equipment you bought and how you plan to depreciate them.

Also, keep in mind that spending is categorized. You don’t just submit one large sum of all your expenses, the government takes a percentage of each kind of spending to calculate what you owe.

2. Keep Receipts

Sometimes, tax officials will ask you for proof of certain payments or expenses that you’ve claimed. This is why it’s imperative that you keep receipts.

Receipts are the only way you’re able to showcase that you did, in fact, purchase a certain item at a certain time. When it comes to a business tax return, think of receipts kind of like insurance on your claim. You know you’re good for your claims because you have the proof to back it up.

3. Make Earnings Projections

It’s one thing to track your spending and keep your receipts, and another to anticipate how much you’re going to earn this year. This number is about more than breaking even and planning next year’s budget – it’s what the government uses to calculate how much money you owe.

What you owe is then reduced depending on the deductibles you claim. Still, it’s better to estimate high than to guess low when calculating how much you think you’re going to need. This allows you to include tax payments into your budget so that everything goes to plan as closely as possible.

4. Figure out Your Deadlines and Forms

Another thing you should be aware of is when your taxes are actually due. Some small businesses opt to pay their taxes in installments throughout the year while others just pay everything in full before the annual due date.

Make sure you and your partners are clear about which option you want to do. If you’re a freelancer and you like the thought of installments, plan ahead and pay upfront. Otherwise, you’re going to have to sign up for a payment plan on money that’s already due, which you don’t have the option to do every year.

While you’re figuring out which deadlines apply to your business, also figure out which forms to use. Not all businesses file their taxes the same way. The forms you use will depend on how much money you made that year, the kind of business you have, and the number of employees working for your company if any.

5. Submit 1099s

If you don’t have employees working for you, chances are, you’ve hired a contractor. This may be a web designer who got your site up and running or a marketing team that handles all of your digital content and print campaigns, to give a few examples.

Contractors also include any HVAC work you had done on your office building or the builders and designers that got the building ready in the first place. Whatever is applicable to you, if it’s over $600, you have to file this form.

The sooner you do this, the better. The contractors will need it for their taxes, and you’re going to need a copy of it on file to send into the IRS.

6. Account for State Tax

Just when you think you have the tax filing process all figured out, check to see if you owe any state tax. This is applicable in some states, but not in others. If you operate a business in multiple states (or multiple countries) check and double check what your financial responsibilities are.

The last thing you want to do is pay only some of your taxes instead of paying them in full. This can result in a fine that’s larger than the amount that’s unaccounted for, which is more stress than you need to deal with.

7. Consult a Professional

Are you just feeling stressed about filing taxes in general? Whether you’re confused about which forms apply to you or you’re just not sure how to claim everything you’ve spent money on this year, you need a professional tax preparation software with bank products.

This makes the process as seamless as possible. Such a software makes it easy to identify where all your money went and can also help you project what you’re going to make, as well as how much you owe. If you’re still having trouble understanding everything, contact a real-life tax professional to walk you through it all.

How to File Business Taxes Online Made Simple: Plan Ahead!

Understanding tax preparations and payments is one of the most complex, and outright intimidating parts of being a business owner. This is why most people choose to hire a professional to take care of it. But, you can learn how to file business taxes online with a bit of patience and a lot of practice.

At the end of the day, though, you have to make sure it gets done! No matter what you choose to do, always be sure to plan ahead. Set up a meeting with an accountant well before taxes are due, or a day to deep-dive into all your expenses and form preparations.

For other financial tips and tricks as a business owner, click here.

The post 7 Smart Tips to File Business Taxes Online appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Without them, you don’t have teams carrying out the various functions of your business. You depend on them to keep this well-oiled machine running; they bring in the revenue, and therefore, your paycheck.

Are your employees happy to work for you? Do they feel empowered to work hard? Are they loyal?

If you said no, or even if you don’t know the answer to those questions, you need business training for your employees. Keep reading to find out the five main ways this investment will benefit your business.

1. It Attracts the Right Employees

Are you having trouble hiring new staff because they seem to quit within the first year?

You likely aren’t attracting the right people to apply for your jobs.

If you can advertise business training for all employees you will attract people who want to build upon their skills. These are the type of people that want to grow within a company and prove their worth.

People who are just coming for the paycheck won’t want to put in the extra time and effort to do staff training and development programs. There are tons of employees who will see this as a huge perk- and those are the ones you want.

2. It Creates Promotable Employees

When it comes to filling managerial positions, there’s no better place to hire than from your existing staff. They know the business, understand the mission, and likely have a relationship with your customers.

Promoting from within is one of the smartest business choices you can make.

It’s never too early to start grooming these potential promotees by training them in new skills. One of the biggest benefits of training programs is that they prepare current employees for promotions in the future.

3. It Improves Employee Engagement

Employees that feel bored or unempowered aren’t going to put the care and energy into their job that your business deserves. But, who can blame them?

If they don’t feel valuable, they won’t add value.

Business training shows your employees that you care about their skill development and want them to succeed in your company. Brickstone offers a compelling and efficient training program.

This vote of confidence will motivate them to work harder, smarter, and even boost office morale.

4. It Saves You Money

In the long run, having loyal and dedicated employees will save you time and money.

Since they’ll have various skills from business training, you can diversify their role by adding new responsibilities. No need to hire a new person to do a job an existing employee knows how to do.

And, say goodbye to constant hiring and training of newbies. When your employees want to stick around, you don’t have to waste your time and energy training new ones.

5. It Encourages You to Achieve Goals

With your newly trained employees working harder than ever, you can start to see the potential for growth.

Where do you want your business to go next? What are your goals?

Business training gives your employees the skills and motivation to show up every single day. With that kind of productivity, you’re bound to see an increase in sales and happier clients.

Interested in Investing in Business Training for Your Employees?

If empowering your staff to become stellar employees sounds good to you, now’s the time to look into business training. Your staff will thank you, and so will your bank account.

For more tips and tricks for improving your workplace, employees’ productivity, and business strategies check out our blog.

The post Top 5 Reasons You Should Invest in Business Training for Your Employees appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

A clean workspace leaves a good impression, but they correlate a dirty workspace with being a slob. This negatively affects your professional relationship with other employees and clients.

Avoid this by keeping a clean office. That’s quite easy to say, but the implementation is rather hard. As long as you have the will, though, you’ll be able to do it especially with these tips for doing an office clean-up and maintaining it.

Read on to learn the 9 steps to keep your office clean.

1. Purge Papers and Other Items

First, remove the clutter. That points to papers, trash, personal effects, and others that make a mess in your office. Go through the drawers and shelves as well and take out the items that don’t belong in that space.

To help you organize later, get a trash can and some boxes where you’ll put every stuff that you pick up. Trash goes into the trash can, of course, while every paper goes together into the same box, for example.

To minimize the clutter, get a “take home” box as well. Put the items that you don’t really need for your office in that box, while those that don’t have a place to go can go to another box.

2. Clear Your Desk

It’s also the time to learn how to clean your desk and keep it that way. Do you need all those pens on top of your desk or can you put away those that you don’t need every day in an easily reachable drawer? Do you need all of those toys on your desk as well?

A clean workspace boosts your productivity and it allows you to have more space for actual work. You may leave photos, a trophy, or some other things that make you feel at home, but remember to not overdo it.

A cluttered desk may work better for some, especially for the creative types. Do what works for you. If a clear area clears your mind, maintain its cleanliness by following the next tip.

3. Give Every Item a Home

Now it’s time to put those items in the boxes in their home. Don’t have anywhere to put them? Rethink if you can take them home instead or find a new home for them.

Upgrade your desk to include more drawers or get a storage cabinet to make space for more items. Put your paper clips, pens, and other stationery items in a drawer nearest to where you normally do your paperwork. Store papers in a filing cabinet.

After assigning everything a place to go to, make sure you put away those items in their assigned home.

4. Use Organizers For a Clean Office

Using organizers is a great way to further minimize clutter. For example, clutter can also happen inside a drawer. Even if there are minimal items on your desk as well, it can still look messy if there’s no system in place.

A tray is good for papers, while a cup or something to that effect can hold all the pens you use. Drawer organizers are great for keeping different items separate and there are wall solutions if you don’t have any more space to spare.

5. Develop a Filing System You Can Stick to

Papers are one of the biggest culprits of messes in an office setting, as employees often stash them somewhere if they don’t know what to do with them. From now on, force yourself to either file it or shred it when you don’t have a use for it anymore.

Sorting papers is easier if you already have a filing system. Start with the papers in your office and arrange them by importance, by type, by the subject matter, by date or however you want. Keep them in separate folders or compartments, whichever your office space allows you.

Doing this, you’ll also minimize the time you’ll spend looking for that important document, boosting your productivity as well.

6. Relocate Furniture and Equipment

You always need that printer but it’s across the room? Move it closer to your desk or if possible, put it next to you so you don’t have to stand up every time you need to print a document.

Place everything you need many times a day within reach. On the other hand, you can place filing and storage cabinets the farthest from you.

7. Clear Your Pathways

When relocating furniture and equipment, take note of the pathways as well. The path from your desk to your filing cabinet, for example, should have no obstructions. Make sure that you don’t have to contort your body like an acrobat only to get to another corner of your office.

Although this can also boost your productivity, it also minimizes the risk of getting injuries in the workplace. Your pinky toe will be safe and you won’t make it harder for yourself to file those documents.

8. Set a Purging and Cleaning Schedule

Cleaning is a never-ending job. Every day, you have the duty to maintain the cleanliness of your office that you worked hard for. You don’t need to purge or do a deep cleaning every day, though.

At the least, clear and clean your stuff once a week. This should also give you an idea if your organizing solutions are not working. Don’t be afraid to re-organize to suit your habits and needs better.

9. Outsource the Job to a Cleaning Company

For other cleaning tasks, such as window cleaning and sanitation, it’s better to leave those at the hands of professionals that specializes in keeping windows clean. Outsourcing to a cleaning company is a great idea as they already have guidelines on how to clean an office and sanitize the items within.

Outsourcing the office clean-up also gives you time to focus on your core activities instead of worrying about the cobwebs accumulating on the light fixtures.

Learn More Tips

Maintaining a clean office keeps it healthy and motivates you and others to stay productive. With the tips above, you can achieve this with as little effort as possible.

For more tips on how to keep a clean office or other work stuff, visit our blog and learn more about the corporate life. Have an inquiry? Send us a message now and let’s talk.

The post Keeping a Clean Office is Easy With These 9 Helpful Tips appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

The takeaway here?

The numbers are simply too high to run the risk of being without a proper alarm and security system to keep you and your loved ones safe.

But while many people own basic alarm systems and motion detectors, far fewer own security cameras.

Believe it or not, surveillance cameras in public places and in the home can help to prevent crimes before they even have the chance to start.

But how do surveillance cameras help prevent crime?

That’s what this post is all about.

Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about how security cameras can stop criminals in their tracks.

1. They’ll Scare Away Intruders

To properly answer the question, “How do surveillance cameras help prevent crime?” you first need to put yourself in the mindset of a criminal.

If you’re planning on robbing a home or raiding an office for electronics after hours, you’re going to look for places that you know you’re the least likely to get caught stealing from.

If you spot the red light of a security camera or even the camera itself on a front porch, chances are, you’re not going to select that home to break into.

Instead, you’ll look for a home that doesn’t have any sort of monitoring or alarm system.

This is why so many home and business owners install dummy cameras as a part of their security measures. They know that even the mere sight of a camera — whether it’s actually recording or not — is enough to drive away most thieves.

2. They Help Cities Pinpoint Criminals and High-Crime Areas

Surveillance cameras in public places are just as effective as those in private residences or businesses.

Why?

Because they help those in charge — both security workers and even government officials — to stop crimes and terror attacks before they have a chance to get off the ground.

Professionals can install security cameras in dangerous parts of town, or even in the meeting spots of known gang activity or organized crime. They can easily keep a watch on who is coming and going, and get to know the major players in big criminal operations.

In some cases, they may even be able to pick up on audio, so that professionals can learn even more about potential crimes.

These cameras are especially crucial in helping to prevent larger-scale terrorist attacks.

When security experts can quickly identify suspicious behavior or activities, thousands of lives can be saved. When potentially dangerous activity is spotted, they can quickly send officers in on the scene to make an arrest.

3. You Can Access Cameras Remotely

It’s no secret that recent technological advances have helped us to get help faster than ever in the event of a security violation.

Things like motion-sensor lights, alarm systems that automatically dial the police, or even physical security guards and entry access screening are all essential.

Still, we know that you’re likely continuing to ask the question, “Do security cameras prevent crime?”

The answer is still a resounding yes. And, it’s actually this rise in “smart technology” that can help so much.

In recent years, security cameras and alarm systems have new software that allows homeowners to access them remotely. First of all, these means that if you accidentally forgot to set your alarm before a long vacation, you can do so with a simple click on your phone.

But even if you’re actually inside your home when a stranger knocks, these systems are still valuable. Many can connect you with a livestream of who is standing at your front door.

If you suspect it’s an intruder, then you can call the police from the complete safety of your own home.

Getting the Right Equipment

Now that you know the answer to the question, “Do surveillance cameras reduce crime?” let’s take a look at the equipment you’ll need to protect yourself and your family.

These days, there are far more options than simple alarm systems or complicated door locks.

Get on the Alarm Liquidators website to discover more about the many security choices that are available to you.

These include key fobs, custom security add-ons, touch sensors and other wireless security options, and much more.

We’re especially a fan of the personal panic button that you can wear around your neck or simply carry in your pocket. This way, if you feel unsafe, you can simply press the button to call for help. It can also help you to create a disturbance so that you can quickly make an escape.

In addition to standard security cameras, you should also look into fire detection equipment and carbon monoxide detectors.

It’s essential that you don’t forget that criminals aren’t the only things that can put your safety in jeopardy. You also need to protect yourself against the elements and the things that aren’t always such obvious threats to your safety.

How Do Surveillance Cameras Help Prevent Crime: Wrapping Up

We hope that this post has helped to answer the question, “how do surveillance cameras prevent crime?”

Remember, even when it comes to crime, prevention is the best cure.

Looking for more advice on how to improve security in both your home and your business?

We’ve got you covered.

Whether you want to guard against hackers, protect your data, or just keep your employees safe while at work, our website has the information and tools you need to do just that.

Don’t put the safety of the people you care about at risk. Instead, get proactive and install a security camera today.

The post How do Surveillance Cameras Help Prevent Crime? appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Whether you are moving to a new office or just hoping to liven up an existing space, there are many small office ideas to consider. And you can do a lot to enhance a small workspace without spending much money.

If you are on the hunt for ideas for your small office, check out this blog post. It’s full of inspiration.

Trust us, you’ll have a gorgeous looking workspace in no time. Click here for more information!

Add a Bit of Color

Changing the paint color of a small space can make a big impact. There’s a psychological element to color.

Color can affect mood and reflect a certain image of your particular business. Think about the image you want to portray to your visitors.

It’s true that neutral colors are best for some businesses such as banks or law offices. But if your business is different or creative in some way, the colors you choose should reflect it.

In this case, bold, vibrant colors may be best. If the idea of bold color scares you, think about painting just one wall a vibrant color and the others a more neutral shade.

Don’t just settle for whatever paint colors are already there. Make space your own with a fresh coat of paint.

Alternatives to Traditional Office Furniture

Before you buy a set of matching office furniture, think about your needs and the size of your workspace. You don’t want your office stuffed with furniture leaving you no room to move around.

For a small space, buy only what you need. A smaller desk or table may be a good choice for small office design.

Look for interesting pieces rather than traditional office furniture. Hanging some shelves or a display cabinet for storage makes sense in a small space too. Check some out on this website.

Try buying pieces one at a time to make sure you have the space you need. And your furniture doesn’t need to match.

Just choose pieces with similar or complementing colors and style.

Clear Out the Clutter

If you’ve been in the same office for a while, you have probably accumulated plenty of clutter. Stacks of papers, files, and other office clutter can overwhelm a small space.

Get rid of everything you do not need and organize the rest. If it’s hard to find the time to go through it all, try to do a little each day.

A clean workspace can do wonders for your mood and productivity. First impressions matter and you want those who visit you to see an organized and professional office.

A Little Feng Shui Goes a Long Way

You don’t have to be a design expert to appreciate some basic concepts of Feng Shui. The arrangement of your office can make a big impact.

Think carefully about how you should arrange your furniture and equipment. Position your desk so you are able to greet those who enter your office.

Make good use of any natural light that flows into your office. Avoid harsh overhead fluorescent lighting and use lamps instead.

It only makes sense that a comfortable and practical atmosphere helps your productivity.

Display Some Art

Steer clear of traditional office art and be a little more creative with what you choose to hang on the wall. Art can be motivational and add to the atmosphere of a small space.

Choosing art by local artists in your area is always a good idea and a great conversation starter. Consider hanging pieces of art that you would hang in your home.

Make sure the art you choose is appropriate for your particular profession. Displaying art is a great way to add a little bit of your taste and personality to your workspace.

Consider Ergonomic Needs

You can’t be productive with back pain, eye strain, or carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s great to save money where you can but not at the expense of your health.

Make sure your office chair provides the support you need. Your office equipment like keyboards and monitors should be placed properly for comfort.

Other ergonomic office items such as track-ball pointers and keyboard trays can be helpful as well. You are worth it.

Create Functional Spaces

The saying “A place for everything and everything in its place” makes sense for a properly functioning office. If you waste a lot of time looking for items or supplies you need, it’s probably time to create organized storage areas.

A small space can become cluttered quickly if it’s not well organized. Keep your files in a specific place and your computer, printer, and fax machine in another.

Organize your desk so you have easy access to the items you use most. Making an effort to organize your desk at the end of each day will make you feel less stressed when you arrive the next morning.

Add Some Plants

Adding a plant or two to a small office space can make it appear more natural and homey. If your space seems a bit plain or boring, plants add a bit of freshness and color.

If space is limited, add a plant to the windowsill or shelf. Make sure there is some natural light, and don’t forget to water it as needed.

If you don’t have a green thumb, get a hardy indoor plant that requires little care.

Small Office Ideas Enhance Your Productivity

As you can see, there are lots of small office ideas you can use to make your workspace more attractive and productive. Considering most of us spend a great deal of time at the office, it makes sense to have a workspace you love.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out some other fun, informative blogs on our website.

The post 8 Small Office Ideas You Need to See appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

But the truth is, most millennials don’t have a whole lot of spending money. In fact, they’re expected to experience the largest wealth gap yet, with many struggling to afford basic necessities like shelter and healthcare.

While you only have so much influence, how you spend and save can influence your future.

Here is some of the best financial advice for millennials to help set you down the right path.

Save as Much as Possible

It’s almost impossible to experience financial health without some sort of savings. Of course, that’s a lot easier said than done, especially since the average millennial income is 20 percent less than their predecessors.

Still, make an effort to set aside a small amount of each paycheck. Even 10 percent of a $300 paycheck will make a difference if you’re consistent about saving.

And don’t forget about interest. Most savings accounts accrue interest over time, so adding money to your savings account is more or less a way to make passive income.

Pay Off Debts

Baby boomers and Gen X-ers pay attention, as this is one of the personal finance tips that applies to every age group. Pay off any debt as soon as you can.

Credit cards aren’t the boogeyman they’re made out to be, but mismanagement can cause a whole mess of problems.

Pay close attention to any credit card statements you receive each month and come up with a payment plan that works for your income level.

The same applies to your student debt, which may be the largest issue facing millennials.

Most lenders are more than willing to work with you if you can’t afford to make a payment. Still, keep in mind that your loans will collect interest, adding to your overall debt. Pay as much off as you can each month.

Invest

If you don’t have much money, it can seem like investing is impossible. But on the contrary, it’s easier than ever to make smart investments with your money.

In fact, you can invest without paying any management fees.

Apps like Personal Capital and Acorns are great resources for those looking to better understand the world of investing.

And not only is Personal Capital safe, it offers an automated investment option. You can be as hands-on or hands-off with your investments as you’d like.

Evaluate Spending Habits

Sometimes, the best way to take back control of your money is through tough love.
Sit down and spend a few hours going through your accounts.

Are there any expenditures you can cut back on? Organize a list of your monthly expenses, including any money you spend on eating out, entertainment, and hobbies.

Now, break down your list into two categories, one titled ‘Want’ and one titled ‘Need’.

If something is vital to your everyday life, such as shelter, food, or transportation, you’d put it in the latter category. If it’s something you can do without like a daily Starbucks run or a shopping spree, it belongs in the ‘Want’ category.

Not everything in the ‘Want’ category needs to go. It’s okay to treat yourself every now and then. But taking the bulk of that money and saving or investing is a much smarter option.

The Best Financial Advice From a Practical Standpoint

Implementing some of these changes can feel intimidating. Still, they’re important to your current and future financial well-being and can have a massive influence on your quality of life.

If you take nothing else away from this article, remember this: Be smart with your money. Balance your budget and start being more proactive with your purchases.

Looking for more of the best financial advice? Then be sure to check out our money section for more great tips on how to make your money work for you.

The post The Best Financial Advice for Millennials appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

It sounds like something from the movies, but it’s the real deal. It’s cannabidiol.

But, how does CDB make you feel? Keep reading to learn about the effects, dosages, and benefits of using CBD products.

The Truth About CBD

Most people know that CBD is associated with marijuana and therefore it has a taboo tied to it. However, effects from marijuana versus CBD are entirely different. You see, it doesn’t get you high like regular weed does.

Here’s why. The marijuana plant contains two different main compounds, THC, and cannabinoids. Both act differently on the brain.

It’s the THC that has psychoactive effects, causing euphoria, lack of motivation, the munchies, and all that. CBD, on the other hand, is the counteractive part of the high.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one form, out of over 100 cannabinoids, in cannabis. Yet, it accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. Its job is to balance out the high that THC gives, but it doesn’t make a person feel high on its own.

Sativa Cannabis vs. Hemp

CBD comes from both the sativa cannabis plant (marijuana) and the hemp plant. When it comes to the form available to the general public, it’s usually from the hemp plant.

What’s the difference? The hemp plant is in its natural form, like ancestral plants of old. Marijuana plants, on the other hand, have been bred over the years to produce altered levels of THC to CBD.

They are no longer in their native form, but hybrids. The higher levels of THC are what make marijuana plants illegal in most states. On the contrary, CBD oil from hemp plants with less than 0.3 percent THC is legal in all 50 states.

How Does CBD Make You Feel?

The feeling you get from a dose of the oil is subtle, kind of like drinking a fantastic cup of coffee with a shot or two of espresso. It seems to make things more tolerable and the user more pleasant.

Little body aches that you usually deal with, disappear. You know, like that headache you get from staring at the computer screen for hours. Your uncomfortable chair suddenly feels comfier.

Using CBD oil at work makes time pass by faster too, much like listening to music does. Who wouldn’t love to get through the mundane and tedious parts of the day with ease?

Another universal benefit reported by users is that they are more alert and productive, and have less anxiety at work. Handy for those who have to present at a company meeting.

How Does CBD Work on Your Brain?

Humans have cannabinoid receptors in our body and brains that accept CBD called CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mostly in the brain, while CB2 receptors are part of our immune system.

Our bodies produce CBD (cannabinoids) naturally, and they are always present, attaching to the CB receptors. In the past, the belief was that exogenous CBD acted on the CB2 receptors directly. Nowadays, we know that exogenous forms, such as oils, influence our body to use more of its natural cannabinoids instead.

CBD is also neuroprotective. This means it protects brain neurons against degeneration.

Forms and Dosages of Cannabidiol

CBD comes in a variety of forms for use. These include:

• Edible Foods: Gummies, chocolates, caramels, cookies, etc.
• Oils
• Capsules
• Massage Paste
• Isolate Powders
• Vape Pens
• Bath Bombs

To learn more about which kind fits your lifestyle and tastes best, do some experimenting. Most places that sell CBD products also offer free or low-cost samples to try.

How Much to Take

Wondering how much CBD to take? Dosages will vary depending on the type you purchase and its intended use. For example, oil taken orally for pain ranges from 2.5 to 20 mg. The same for schizophrenia is between 40 and 1280 mg.

For general use at work, start with a lower dosage until you know how it will affect you personally. You can always increase it from there.

You will gradually build up a tolerance for CBD, needing higher doses to get the same effects. It’s recommended to take a break every 4-6 weeks to reset your tolerance level back to its starting point.

Other Uses for Cannabidiol

In case you’re curious, CBD has many other medical and practical uses too. If you suffer from any of these conditions or know anyone who does, consider seeing how it can help.

• Epilepsy
• Drug Withdrawals
• To Quit Smoking
• Headaches and Migraines
• Schizophrenia
• Alzheimer’s
  A recent study found that CBD could potentially prevent the loss of facial recognition in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
• Type 1 Diabetes
  CBD helps reduce inflammation in the pancreas, which is the primary cause of type 1 diabetes.
• Acne Vulgaris
  Acne is mostly caused by inflammation and an increase in the production of sebum. CBD helps lower sebum production because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Anxiety obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic attacks
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety
  Although THC can make paranoia and anxiety worse by acting as a trigger, CBD helps reduce anxiety. It does so without the side-effects and detrimental symptoms that medications can cause.
• Cancer
  CBD helps to blocks cancer cells from spreading. It suppresses their growth and promotes the death of the cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, CBD has a low toxicity level too.

Final Thoughts

It’s pretty common knowledge that things like lighting and surroundings can increase productivity and mood on the job. CBD products can do it too, even if your working environment isn’t the best. In fact, that’s one of the main reasons people use drugs at work in the first place.

Whether it’s for being more productive and getting through a workday, or for some ailment, cannabidiol may be your answer.

Have you ever used CBD at work or for a health condition? How does CBD make you feel? Let us know in the comments.

The post How Does CBD Make You Feel? Why You Can Take it at Work appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

There are, however, a few things you should pay attention to when traveling for work. We’ve gathered 5 quick tips for smarter travel that are especially helpful for corporate travel but can also be applied for leisure.

Keep reading to find out more!

Pack Light, Pack Smart

This might be obvious to someone well-traveled, but to many, it’s not. If you are going for a short trip, use a carry-on. If it doesn’t fit in the space above, the airline will let you check it at the front of the plane.

Aside from avoiding baggage fees, a smaller bag forces you to pack only what you need. This means less weight to drag around.

You also won’t lose your bag in transit, nor have to wait to pick it up.

Pick Your Brand(s)

Hotels and airlines alike offer rewards or loyalty programs. These programs are free to enroll in and offer a few perks to make traveling for work a bit more enjoyable.

The major hotel brands offer rewards like free or deeply discounted nights, points on your account (which can be applied to ANY trip,) free upgrades when available, water or snacks at check-in.

Airlines have similar programs where the use of their elite lounge is a perk. These lounges come with showers, food, beverages, and almost always wi-fi.

Pick a brand and stick with it to see rewards down the road.

Make a Memory

When headed to a beautiful city for business, it should always be your goal to make a fun memory. It doesn’t have to be overly expensive, or time-consuming.

If you find yourself with a little time on your hands and want to see something cool, find a tour service that allows you to skip the line. The Paris Guy offers this service so that you can get back to whatever needs to be done without wasting your day in line.

Learn to be Upgraded

We mentioned earlier to become a rewards member with your favorite hotel brand. While these programs do offer upgrades, some hotels can be a pain.

All it takes is being friendly to the front desk, not telling lame jokes, and politely asking if an upgrade is available when the agent is NOT busy.

On airlines, the process is much the same. Let the gate agent know you’d like an upgrade and respect their decision.

Pay attention to your booking code on airlines. Discounted fares aren’t often upgraded and are typically stricter on baggage.

Plan for the Unexpected

Pack some snacks. It could be a bag of trail mix or protein bars. Bring an empty water bottle with you for the fountain. Airports can, do, and have run out of food.

Charge your electronics the night before and bring a battery pack. It’ll save you from boredom and keep you up-to-date with work.

Being prepared will make a huge difference in your comfort.

Making the Best of Corporate Travel

No one said corporate travel was easy or fun. These tips may help you, or your travel buddy who can’t seem to pack everything he needs.

Lucky for you, you don’t have a mundane job behind a desk. This might not be your favorite part of the job, but it’s a part that many people wish they had.

If you’d like more relating to business, check out our business advice category!

The post 5 Smart Corporate Travel Tips Every Executive Should Know About appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

If you’re looking into starting an online pharmacy, that’s a potentially lucrative move!

But, starting and running a successful online pharmacy is no joke. Many online pharmacies have a bad reputation for selling counterfeit drugs to unsuspecting customers, so building your rep as a credible e-pharmacy can be tough.

Worry not, though, because in this article we’re sharing the best tips on how to start a pharmacy that will succeed. Read on.

Assemble the Necessary Professional Credentials

It’s a legal requirement for pharmacies to have a dispensing pharmacist on-site to, among other tasks, ensure qualify of drugs.

Inevitably, this means you need to either be a pharmacist yourself or hire a qualified and properly-licensed pharmacist to work full-time in the drug store.

If you’re already a licensed pharmacist, proceed to the next step. If you’re not, it’s never too late to become one! You need to complete at least two years of undergraduate school, pass the Pharmacy College Admission test, then pursue a pharmacy degree. Finally, obtain a pharmacist license from your state board of pharmacy.

Not ready to waste any time? Sure, 6 years is quite some time, and in business, no one has the luxury of time. Get down to hiring an on-site pharmacist.

Use pharmacy job-boards to advertise the position. Be as specific as possible to entice potential applicants. Ensure their credentials and license are valid and that they don’t have any criminal or professional malpractice record.

Incorporate Your Online Pharmacy Business

Starting an online pharmacy isn’t as simple as setting up a website and having a decent stock of on-demand medicines. It has to be a properly-registered business.

If you have no prior experience setting up a business, consult an attorney. He or she will advise you on the best structure for the business. In most cases, however, you’ll need to set up a limited liability company, so that the pharmacy becomes a legal person. This way, you won’t be held liable for the debts or actions of the pharmacy.

After incorporation, head over to your state’s board of pharmacy and obtain a license for the business. Requirements vary from state to state, and depending on the type of facility you want to establish.

In Texas, for instance, the license requirements will vary depending on whether your facility is a:

• Community pharmacy
• Community pharmacy engaged in compounding sterile preparations
• Nuclear pharmacy
• Institutional pharmacy -like hospital pharmacy
• Non-resident (out of state pharmacy). A pharmacy registered in another state, but dispensing drugs to residents of Texas. Many online pharmacies need this, unless you plan to only sell to people in your state.

The regulations around the licensing of pharmacy facilities are typically complex, at least to a newbie. To enhance your chances of getting licensed without a back and forth, hire a pharmacy business consultant to help you understand the requirements and fill out the paperwork.

Secure the Right Insurance

Online pharmacies face fewer risks than traditional, brick and mortar pharmacies, but that’s no reason to avoid purchasing the right insurance. A number of things could still go wrong;

• The pharmacist can dispense the wrong drugs or mislabel the drugs
• An employee making a delivery can be involved in an accident.

First, you need professional liability insurance, so that if you or the on-site pharmacist are involved in a professional malpractice, the policy will cover regulatory fines and lawsuit costs you’ll face.

Second, you need adequate workers’ compensation insurance. When an employee is hurt on the job, the insurer will pay for medical costs and any loss of compensation.

Third, you need product liability insurance. If a supplier sells your pharmacy faulty medicines, which ultimately cause harm to an end user, the insurer will provide coverage for any liability suits the facility will face.

Fourth, cyber liability insurance crucial. Health care is the most attacked industry. As an online pharmacy, you’ll certainly store client’s personal health records. If a cyber attack comprises these records, you could face multiple lawsuits. This insurance will take care of the costs.

Additional insurance includes building and contents insurance.

Build a Network of Drug Suppliers

The success of any pharmacy store depends on its reputation, as well as the reliability of its supply chain. You don’t want to run out of fast-moving medicines, only for a supplier to deliver a new stock in 2 days.

To avoid such inefficiencies, work to build a reliable network of supplier before launching your online pharmacy, and purchase your first stock.

Set Up a Secure, Friendly Website

A website is not only the face of an online pharmacy, but also the shop from which customers browse medicines and make purchases.

Invest in building a secure, responsive website.

If you have no web development expertise, don’t attempt to DIY. Hire an expert to do the job.

Market Your Online Pharmacy Business

With the stock ready and website set up, it’s all systems go!

Because there are thousands of other online stores, standing out and position your store as the go-to e-provider can be difficult. To solve this, deploy digital marketing, but be sure to adhere to the relevant pharmacy regulations and best practices.

Run pay per click ads, build a presence on social media, and claim your business on Google listings.

How to Start a Pharmacy: Just Follow the Regulations

Given the fierce competition among internet pharmacies and the fact that established brands have a tight grip on much of the market, starting your own successful pharmacy can seem impossible.

But we are here to tell you it’s doable. As long as you follow these tips on how to start a pharmacy, success won’t be too far off on the horizon.

Need more business advice? We’ve got you!

The post How to Start a Pharmacy: Rules and Regulations for an Online Pharmacy appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Every year thousands of business owners just like you get thousands of dollars back in tax deductions because they used debt financing to expand or improve their business.

If you’re unsure about whether or not it could help your business, read on to find out the key advantages.

1. Keep What’s Yours

When you borrow a loan to finance your business you are obligated to pay back what you owe at the appropriate time for the duration of the loan. However, the bank or the lender which you borrowed the loan from cannot take control of your business.

If you decide to use other methods to finance your business you may have to give up equity. This is usually in the form of stocks.

Debt finance helps you to avoid these pitfalls so you can keep full ownership of your business while getting the capital you need.

2. Uncle Sam Is Your Friend

One of the best things about debt financing is that it allows you to get tax deductions. This is because the financing you receive is considered a business expense, so you are free to deduct the interest payments as a tax deduction.

Needless to say, the ability to do this will give you some much needed cash and make the loan less of a burden on your finances. In order to ensure that you are doing right by your business you should hire a tax professional to ensure you don’t miss any of your benefits.

It is also a good idea to see how other companies are using the tax deductions gained from debt financing to move their business forward. You can get insight by joining professional organizations that are geared towards helping business owners grow their business.

3. Get Low-Interest Rates

There are many types of debt financing loans available. However, many of them have very high-interest rates. When it comes to debt financing loans the lower the interest rates the better it will be for you.

A Small Business Administration Loan (SBA) is a good option if you want to get low-interest rates. However, if you ask your lender for an SBA and you do not qualify for it, just remember to ask about other low-interest options.

It can be easy to get trapped in a vicious cycle of borrowing if you are having to pay out high-interest rates over the long term. If you have to pay out a loan more than one time for the month or if the way the payment is calculated is not transparent and uncomplicated then you should move on to another lender.

4. Payout High-Interest Loans

If you have been relying on more expensive forms of loans such as credit cards, line of credit or cash advances then you know the frustration of using such high-interest forms of financing.

With low-interest debt financing such as an SBA loan you can pay off those high-interest rate loans and save yourself a lot of cash. You can then use all this extra money to pour more capital into your business, so that you see more growth in a shorter period of time.

Always remember that cash advances can be detrimental to your business’ stability especially if you find yourself taking out one after another to finance your projects.

Cash advances are often the first types of loans presented to you when you go to some lenders. This is a bad sign and if this happens find another lender or resist the temptation and ask about your other options because there are many.

5. Building Your Small Business Credit Is One of The Advantages Of Debt Financing

One of the major reasons that many small businesses fold is due to a lack of capital. However, If you have good business credit then it is easy to secure debt financing when you need it.

Good business credit is one of the perks of borrowing and paying back on time. Lenders begin to trust you and become eager to give you money. In other words you become a preferred customer.

Building your business credit means that you will no longer have to depend on your own personal credit score to secure a loan. This allows you to separate your personal finances from your business finances and this is always a good thing.

6. Debt Financing To Drive Business Growth

If you know how to make your debt work for you the chances are high that your business will be booming at the end of the loan payout.

Debt financing can be used to add more inventory to your business and even to get equipment that you need. Once you start expanding your business then profit will rise and the loan will pay for itself.

Debt finance is a good way to prevent your business from getting cash strapped and stagnant. However, before you even borrow a business loan you should have a business meeting with an in house team or a financial adviser and devise a plan for using the money.

Outline your short-term goals and your long-term goals for your capital. Strategize in detail how you will go about spending every penny and set targets. Assign different persons on your staff or in your accounts department to monitor your targets, so that all the money will be accounted for at every stage of your spending.

Final Thoughts

If you are seeking ways to finance your business then debt financing is one of the best choices you can make. Debt financing allows you to expand your business quickly and easily.

Once you have expanded your business the money that you have borrowed will be easy to pay back. One of the advantages of debt financing is that the loan is tax deductible so you also get a chance to get cash back.

If you would like to learn more about how to grow your business then you should check out our website where we have lots of great content that is sure to leave you inspired.

The post What are the Advantages of Debt Financing for Your Business? appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Business cards have been a staple of marketing your business since the Chinese used them in the 15th century. In the 17th Century, Europeans used them as advertisements.

They’re still used in the digital age. Today, companies that hand out business cards see a 2.5% increase in sales.

A properly designed business card can make a long-lasting impression. It can also remind someone of a great conversation they had with you and make them want to follow up with an email or phone call.

Ready to learn the top 10 design tips for your business cards?

Let’s get started!

1. Know Your Value Proposition

About 88% of business cards get thrown out in a week.

That seems like a harsh statistic, but remember, no one keeps a Rolodex on their desk anymore. The contact information gets scanned and uploaded to a CRM.

Another reason why cards get tossed is that the person doesn’t need your services right away. You can avoid the garbage can by knowing and communicating why someone would need your services now.

It’s a simple statement that says what you do, who you do it for, and what makes your company different.

A good value proposition will attract the right buyers and is more effective to have on a business card than a list of services you provide.

2. Know Your Company’s Brand

The next thing to think about before you start designing is your brand. If you’ve taken the time to develop your brand, you should know what kind of message you want to make.

You should already have a color scheme and logo in place to make sure that your brand is consistent across marketing platforms.

Knowing your brand is a huge part of the design process. You want to know what you want people to think about or feel when they see your card.

Do you want them to think that your company is fun and memorable? Do you want them to think that your company is professional and reliable?

No matter what you decide, you need to make sure that the card reflects that.

3. What Shape & Size Will You Use?

Most business cards are 3.5 x 2 inches. That’s the standard size in the U.S. Elsewhere around the world, they’re larger.

You’ll also have to decide if you want rounded corners, regular corners or use something completely different.

Remember that because the card is 3.5 x 2 inches, it doesn’t mean that you have all that space for your design.

You have to accommodate about a quarter of an inch from the border for bleed and trim lines.

4. Keep it Simple!

A business card is a small space to work with.

The key to a great business card is simplicity. You want to be sure to include the relevant information such as your name, phone number, email, logo, and unique selling proposition.

You might want to include social media handles, too.

You have to be careful to only stick to the most important information, and not clutter up space like your office desk.

5. Use a Font That’s Easy to Read

The font that you use should match your brand. It should also be very easy to read at a quick glance.

You have a very short window to make a lasting impression. Using multiple fonts can be confusing and hard to understand.

Ideally, you should stick with 1 or 2 related fonts. You also want your type to be 8pts large or larger.

6. Use Whitespace Wisely

Whitespace, or negative space, can provide balance to your design. It’s not just an empty area on your card, but a tool used to draw the eye to the most important elements of your card.

Whitespace can also prevent you from cluttering up your card with too many images.

7. Try Creative Materials

If you want to stand out, make your business card out of something other than a standard stock of thick paper.

Remember that you want your card to stand out from all the others, and a different material is a good approach.

Silk covered cards, recycled materials, plastic, and metals are being used as business card material.

8. Make Your Business Card Practical

If you want to take your business card to the next level, make it useful. You can have a business card that turns into a plant or even a cheese grater.

If you’re looking for a business card that’s impossible to throw away, try a business card that’s a bottle opener. This company can make them.

9. Proofread Before You Go to Print

There’s nothing worse than having 1000 business cards printed out and finding a typo in them.

Make sure that you proofread your work before you send the final draft to the printer. Check everything, especially the contact information.

Have someone else look at it to be positive that the information is correct.

10. Test a Few Copies

Once you’ve proofread your design, you should test it out.

Print out a couple of copies and take them with you to show friends or colleagues. Pretend that you’re handing over your business card and get feedback.

You’ll want to know what kind of impression the card makes. Does it communicate what you intended? Is it easy to read?

Take the feedback and make final adjustments.

You’re now ready to go to print.

The Best Business Card Design Tips

Business cards have a history that goes back hundreds of years. They’ve proven over time to be an effective marketing tool.

These business card design tips will help you stand out from the crowd and be a part of the 12% of cards that people hang on to.

If you want more great marketing tips, check out our Business Advice blog today.

The post 10 Business Card Design Tips That’ll Help You Leave a Great Impression appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

So, how can you give yourself a competitive advantage over others vying for the best jobs available on the market?

For many, they’ve turned to Agile certification.

Certification in Agile gives you a unique perspective on how to tackle problems and manage projects. This means you’re able to deliver better results, faster for your employers.

But is getting certified worth the expense?

Below, our team breaks down some of the advantages of certification with Agile and some critiques to help you decide.

1) You’ll Be a Top Pick for Companies Adopting Agile Practice

Many companies are progressively turning towards Agile practices to improve their results. With an agile certification in your back pocket, you’ll be more fluent than other candidates in methodologies like scrum. Others will see you as somebody who can forward a company’s momentum into Agile.

2) You’ll Expand Your Network

The kinds of people you meet through Agile and scrum master training are valuable. These people are smart and result oriented. Most importantly, they may be well connected in rearguard to work opportunities.

Because of that, learning Agile skills through certification may be worth the cost of admission for exposure purposes alone.

3) You’re More Marketable on Paper

Companies are always looking to bring unique perspectives to their team. Even if a company isn’t aware of what Agile is or can do for them, when they see your certification on paper, it will make them curious.

This may be enough to get you called in for an interview. It may also give you more leverage during salary negotiations.

Cons of Agile Certification

Agile certification is not without critics. Below are a couple of common shortcomings naysayers say about Agile.

1) Certification Doesn’t Ensure Knowledge of Principals

Many people say that organizations that teach Agile want to certify as many people as possible for their personal monetary gain. They feel tests are too relaxed, vetting is non-existent, and real-world training is rare.

In other words, they believe that certification means being able to pass tests. It does not mean you can effectively utilize principals in a real business environment.

2) Certifications Are Not as Valuable as Programs Claim

Opponents of Agile say that getting certified does not mean a boom for your marketability. They feel many employers are not aware or don’t care about particular project management methodologies.

They are more concerned with hands-on experience. Because of that, some may find the money they put into getting certified does not constitute a positive investment.

Wrapping Up Agile Training and If Certification Is Worth It

Opting to get Agile certification and learn about scrum could give you an advantage in today’s job marketplace. There’s a chance it may not though.

Weighing that risk against the time and money you spend getting certified will help you determine if pursuing Agile is right for you.

Want to know more about education and productivity tips for business? Dive deeper into the What Your Boss Thinks content pool today!

The post Should You Get an Agile Certification? appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

It’s a common problem faced by many small businesses, but you can’t let it keep you from spending your time on some free marketing ideas.

Thankfully, we’ve gathered a few ideas for you.

Keep reading to get 5 ideas that you can use to market your business without spending a dime.

1. Get Published

There are several reasons to get something published online, and marketing is just one of them. Having your name attached to an article or blog post that demonstrates your expertise in the electrical industry is a great way to show potential customers that you know your stuff.

The other reason getting published will help you grow your business is that it will provide links back to your website which can help improve your rankings. The higher you rank in searches, the more people will find your business when looking for an electrician.

2. Provide Advice

This is another free business marketing strategy that only requires your time. By providing advice in online forums and local Facebook groups, you will display your knowledge and improve your local reputation.

Be sure to focus on providing answers to relevant questions, and avoid only promoting your business as this is generally seen as negative. If someone asks specifically about services, that’s when you can offer them.

3. Donate Your Services

Whether it’s for a charity fundraising event or you offer to help a local non-profit, donating your electrical services can help your business in the long run. For one thing, you’ll be able to meet potential customers at the event and while working.

Additionally, these types of stories where a business steps in and helps out a non-profit or person in need are great human interest stories. A quick call to your local paper or TV news station can help you get some additional free advertising.

4. Give a Class

Do you have 10 tips on lowering your electric bill or a list of signs it’s time to call in an electrician? Then why not offer a free class to the community? You can advertise through local media and community centers and once you’ve taught people what you know, you may find yourself with some new business.

This is especially beneficial for companies who specialize in a certain niche of electrical work, such as Tess Electrical, with its focus on electrical work within the yacht industry. If you’re a thought leader in your field, people want to hear what you have to say and learn from it.

5. Get Referrals

There are two ways to get referrals from your current customers: ask them or create a referral program. The exact type of services that you provide may determine which is best for you.

If your services tend to be one-time visits, then you’ll want to ask for referrals. Ask the satisfied customer if they know anyone else that may be in need of your services, then give them a few of your business cards to hand out for you.

If you have ongoing relationships with your customers, then set up a referral program. Offer an incentive for every new customer they send your way, whether it’s 10% or $10 off their next service.

Want More Free Marketing Ideas?

None of these ideas float your boat? Then be sure to check out some of our other articles, including a list of 10 creative free marketing ideas. There’s sure to be something that will help you grow your electrical business without breaking the bank!

The post 5 Free Marketing Ideas For Your Electrical Business appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Before you start taking on clients, follows these 3 steps.

1. Find Your Niche

When you’re thinking about starting an appliance repair business, you’ll need to land on a specialty. While you might be able to fix just about anything, you’ll need to take up a particular space in the local economic ecosystem.

If there are already a ton of people available who can fix smart devices, phones, and tablets, put that on the back burner. If there’s no one around who can fix refrigerators, air conditioners, and toasters, you could be the one to do it. You can always advertise your ability to do everything but you need to focus on a niche.

Once you take over that little bit of space in the local repair industry, you can start expanding into another territory. If you can prove that you can do one thing exceptionally well, you’ll start winning over business from people who need you to do the other kinds of work.

2. Get Your Equipment In Order

Once you know what kind of work you want to focus on, you can start getting everything you need for your appliance repair business. You’ll need a workspace, a proper workbench that’s large and sturdy, and all the requisite tools for working on the appliances you’re specializing in.

If you’re working on small digital appliances, you’ll need more delicate tools and a controlled work environment. For larger appliances, your workspace will look more like an auto body shop.

Make sure you’ve got a good hookup for spare parts that you’ll need when you’re replacing broken elements in appliances. Contact Allstar Appliance Parts to become a regular client and to start building a relationship with them.

3. Start Advertising

Once you’ve got all the key elements in place and a name picked out, it’s time to start advertising. While you might find that your local market is partial to print marketing, you should start with a website and a social media profile.

Let everyone know what you’re about by showing off images of things you’ve repaired. Take some “before and after” videos and post them to Instagram. People will be very impressed with the work that you can do when they can see it plainly.

Make sure you have a strong and clear brand voice and take lots of high-quality photos.

An Appliance Repair Business Could Last Forever

The one thing that won’t break down is your appliance repair business. So long as you adapt to the latest technological innovations and learn new tricks, you’ll be able to repair anything that manufacturers can make.

To make sure your business thrives without any hiccups, make sure you’re following safety regulations when working with appliances.

The post How to Start an Appliance Repair Business appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Ready to create an amazing office that employees will love?

These days, there are all kinds of different office designs out there. These designs aren’t used only to look great but can also serve to boost productivity, help your business stand out, and make sure that employees enjoy coming into the office every day.

Below we’ll look at the best and most unconventional design tips that can make your office stand apart from the crowd.

1. Make Use of Break-Out Spaces

Creating some “break-out spaces” is one of the best ways to have an interesting and unconventional office space. A few small spaces throughout your office that have comfortable seating and tables can be great for employees for many reasons.

These spaces can help your employees throughout each work day to feel better and can help refresh their mind when needed. They can also serve as great areas for them to communicate and collaborate with other employees, breaking down barriers and leading to more productivity and creativity.

Comfortable spaces and meeting areas where employees can talk or rest for a few moments can serve your business well.

2. Find Ways to Bring in More Light

Great office lighting is your friend when it comes to boosting productivity in your office. Great lighting can make even the most dreary office into a much brighter and comfortable space.

You should look for as many ways as possible to bring in clean, natural light to an office or work area. Often, this means having some great windows which let in natural sunlight, so opt for a contemporary office space with a lot of windows when possible.

If your office has limited windows and letting sunlight inside your office isn’t possible at the moment, some good natural lighting and lamps can also have a similar effect.

3. Add Some Plants to Your Office

In addition to natural lighting, other natural design choices can make all of the difference in helping employees feel more comfortable and productive. Try adding some office plants or other types of greenery around your office to create a great atmosphere and make your office a better place to be.

Plants can look great and have a comforting effect on your team. However, they also have the added benefit of improving the air quality in an office. With a few plants around the office, your employees will breathe easier and be much healthier as a result.

4. Brand Your Space

One way to add a bit of excitement and more appreciation for your office space is to simply paint it in the right light by working on your branding.

Make sure to tie your company’s brand identity in with the office space. Put branding materials and your company logo around your office. Place your company name prominently where everyone can see it and find other ways to change your office to align more with your brand.

You may even consider coming up with a branded name for the office space itself or for different areas of the office. This can help these spaces to feel more like home and feel more comfortable for employees.

5. Think Outside of the Desk

While traditionally there is often one person for one desk, there are many other ways to set up work areas in your office. Other arrangements can also work well and lead to great productivity and more collaboration in your office.

You may choose to opt for larger communal work areas and desks instead. You also may look into options for having several workers share desks.

Sharing desks can especially work well if you have employees who aren’t in the office every day. If you have mobile workers who only work in the office from time to time, it can be a waste to have a lot of empty desks around that aren’t being used at any given time.

6. Allow More Employee Personalization

While there has been some debate over what amount of personal belongings someone should have in the office, the truth is that desk personalization can be a good idea.

Employees often feel more comfortable and productive when they’re able to create a space that feels like their own. By having some personal items or photos at their desk or workstation, an employee can personalize their space and become more productive as a result.

There may be other ways to let employees personalize the office as well. Ask your employees what changes they want to see in the office and consider their suggestions.

7. Invest In Comfortable Furniture

The right furniture can also make a lot of difference in the design of your office. Some modern offices have bean bag chairs or even swinging seats to make sure their employees are relaxed.

At the very least, however, it’s a good idea to invest in comfortable furniture for employees that looks stylish and feels great. This company, for example, offers great high-quality furniture that can help any office space become more elegant and comfortable.

It may cost a bit more money up front to get really good desks and chairs in your office. However, think of it as an investment and realize that your employees will probably do better work as a result.

8. Incorporate More Open Space

One of the most important tips for having a fun office space is to make sure that your office remains tidy and clean at all times. Your office should always be organized and should have a clean design with plenty of open space.

Look for ways to make your space more organized and less uncluttered. Adding more open space to your office design can be a big help in creating a more comfortable atmosphere.

You really can’t have too much space and room in your office. Try to strike a good balance between having the desks and workspaces you need to get work done while also having plenty of open areas that will ensure your employees don’t get claustrophobic.

Using These Tips For Creative Office Spaces

With a little bit of effort, you can create an office that changes your business for the better. By designing and implementing some creative office spaces, you can make your employees more comfortable and will ensure they’re as productive as possible.

By considering the steps above you’ll be able to create a great work environment that pays dividends for your business in the long run.

Looking for more business tips? Check out our business advice blog now for more great articles.

The post 8 Unconventional Design Tips for Creative Office Spaces appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Or, maybe your business is too big to run out of your house anymore. That’s a good sign!

Whatever your reason, you find yourself needing an office. Today, we’re walking you through finding the perfect office for rent.

Step 1: Decide What You Need

Think about where you’re working now. If you could strip everything away, what are the bare essentials you couldn’t live without?

A coffee station? Your desk? Natural lighting? Write down a list of must-haves. For this business owner that would be:

• A coworking space
• Quiet private offices
• Accessibility to food and other deliveries
• Skylights or a nice view

Your list could be completely different and that’s fine, but you won’t know until you make it!

Step 2: Start Looking

Once you know what you want, you can start looking. For some people that means hiring a corporate realtor, or searching online.

Online tools count as help too! Once you find three places you like, tour them as soon as possible. Good office space doesn’t last long.

When you’re there, imagine yourself working in that environment.

Is there a noisy road outside that would distract you? Is there a nearby restaurant you can eat at when you need a break? What about outdoor space? Sometimes it’s nice to bring your work outside.

After considering the more abstract things, think about how you and your team can work together in this space. Will people have to yell down long hallways?

Is there a meeting room or at least a central gathering space?

If you need certain machinery for your business, is there enough operating power or bandwidth to run it? Are pets allowed by the landlord?

More and more workplaces are letting employees bring their pets. It’s surprisingly beneficial.

Step 3: Make Sure It’s Affordable

If you did your research well or hired the right realtor, you should have only been looking at things in your price range. But things happen.

First off, can you afford this place? Not “I can afford it if A, B, and C.” Can you afford it at this current rate of business?

If the answer is “yes,” then it’s a good fit. You can move on to your final step.

Step 4: Let the Pros Handle It

Nothing is complicated like real estate law or conveyancing. There are plot numbers to look up, titles, and all sorts of paperwork you’d never think of.

It’s best to let a professional like Bliss Conveyancing handle the details to make sure the lease or bill of sale is in working order.

Unpacking Your Office for Rent

Congratulations, you’ve officially found an office for rent. Once the papers are signed and the keys are in your hand, you can start this exciting leg of your business venture.

Your entrepreneurial journey’s just begun. Let us guide you on the rest of it with our sought-after business advice.

Good luck!

The post Starting Out on Your Own? How to Find an Office for Rent appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

But, while many people travel for work, planning a business trip can be a project in itself. You have to remember to pack all your essentials while planning for meetings and presentations.

That said, there are some ways you can plan your trip to reduce stress.

Check out these 6 business travel tips to help you pack and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

1. Check Your Passport Before You Book Your Flight

There are thousands of people every day who can’t board their flight because they didn’t realize their passport had expired.

While it may seem obvious, you should check that all your documents are in order before you book your business trip.

Other documents you should check and keep with you at all times include:

• Your flight details
• Your boarding pass
• Any visas
• Your driving license

If you are missing any of these, you may have to cancel your trip altogether.

2. Get Travel Insurance

There is nothing worse than getting sick while on holiday. But, if you’re traveling for work and you fall ill, you may have to cancel important meetings.

Good travel insurance can help you get back on your feet in no time.

We also recommend you keep a small pharmacy with you when you travel.

3. Join Frequent Flyer Programs

If you join a frequent flyer program, you’ll get miles. Once you gather enough miles you can swap them for low fare or free flights.

By joining a website such as ViaCompara.com, you can make the most of their “vuelos baratos” offers. These include offers from some of the most famous providers in the world.

4. Choose Accommodation With Good Wifi

With the right technology, you can stay productive even when you’re halfway across the world. Also, if you’re not connected to your office, you could miss out on key pieces of information relevant to your meetings and presentations.

When you travel for business, you should book a hotel with high-speed wifi.

To solve this problem, carry a portable wireless device with you. With one of these, you won’t have to get a sim card abroad. You can also connect more than one device at a time.

5. Pack Leisure Items

While it’s important to know how to travel for business, you shouldn’t forget about leisure clothing too.

Always pack a comfortable pair of shoes and trousers. When you’re not in meetings, you may want to visit the area you’re staying in.

6. Travel Light

Always take advantage of your carry on allowance. If you’re only going for a weekend, you could skip all the queues if you don’t check in a bag.

To pack light, only take what is necessary. Take what you need for your meetings and then one or two outfits you can wear sightseeing.

Also, make sure your bag is checkpoint friendly. If someone checks you at security, the process will be quick and painless.

Find Out More Business Travel Tips With What Your Boss Thinks

Knowing how to travel for business is a must if you have a lot of meetings and presentations at work.

By following the business travel tips above, you’ll save time and energy. Best of all, you’ll be able to relax and have a little fun in your spare time.

To get more helpful business advice, take a look at our business category today!

The post 6 Business Travel Tips You Need to Know About appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Creating an eco-friendly home can reduce your carbon footprint while also saving you money on your utility bills.

Keep reading for 15 ways you can make your home eco-friendly, including things you can do today and things to work for in the future.

How to Create An Eco-Friendly Home

Making your home more eco-friendly doesn’t have to break the bank or even be very time-consuming. There are large scale changes you can make, but there are also plenty of small ways you can go green at home.

In the Living Room

These suggestions are for the living room, but can definitely apply in other rooms of your home as well.

1. Replace Light Bulbs

Replacing incandescent light bulbs in lamps and other lighting fixtures with Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 400 pounds per light bulb. Not only that, CFL bulbs last much longer, saving you money by not having to replace them often.

2. Open the Blinds In Winter, Close Them in the Summer

Open the blinds to let in the sun when it is cold out. You are heating your home and reducing energy costs by allowing the sun to warm your home. When it’s hot out and you’re running the air conditioner, close the blinds to keep it cool.

3. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can adjust the temperature based on the time of day and whether you and your family are home. When everyone is off to work or school, program the thermostat to lower the temperature in the winter or increase the temperature in the summer. You can set it to heat or cool the house shortly before everyone arrives home in the evening.

You can also program it to adjust once everyone goes to bed. By doing this, you can save yourself some money. Studies have found that programmable thermostats can save you anywhere between 10 and 20% on your energy bills!

4. Use Rugs on Hardwood Floors

Using rugs on hardwood or other non-carpeted floors can also save you money on your energy bills, as they can help keep your home warm.

In the Kitchen

Many people think of the kitchen when talking about how to become eco-friendly. There are lots of small changes that you can make in your kitchen to create a green home.

5. Unplug Appliances

Obviously, you can’t unplug your refrigerator and freezer. You might not be able to unplug your oven either, but you can unplug things like your coffee pot, toaster, or other counter top appliances. Plug them in when you need them and unplug them when you’re done.

You should also make sure any appliances you purchase are Energy Star Qualified. Small changes like this add up to big saving on your energy bills.

6. Compost Kitchen Scraps

Composting sounds like a lot of work and if you’re squeamish, it might not be for you. It’s actually pretty easy, once you get the hang of it.

Composting is important because it adds nutrients and organic matter back into the soil. This improves growing and allows us to rely less on fertilizers. Composting also improves the water retention capacity of soil so you don’t have to water as often.

To get started with composting, set up an area or get a composting bin for your compost. Add things like coffee grounds, fruits and vegetables, nutshells, teabags, leaves, wood chips, and even small pieces of cardboard. Once the compost is complete, usually after a few weeks, spread it in your garden, use it in houseplants or outdoor potted plants, or use it on your lawn.

7. Be Smarter About Your Dishwasher

Contrary to what most people believe, you don’t need to (and shouldn’t) pre-rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. They won’t get any cleaner if you pre-rinse them. You are also wasting water by rinsing them at the sink before they get washed.

Make sure you always run a full load and let the dishes air dry rather than using the heated dry feature on your dishwasher.

In the Bedroom

Use some of the above suggestions in the bedroom too. Open and close the blinds or curtains, change the light bulbs, and use rugs if you have wood floors. A couple of other unique suggestions for being more eco friendly in the bedroom include:

8. Buy No- or Low-VOC Products

Smells from new products aren’t a good thing. Rather, those smells are the chemicals that are being off-gassed from your products.

Buying no- or low-VOC items, like paint, furniture, carpet, building materials, and cleaning products reduce your exposure volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs can irritate your eyes and respiratory system and also impact your central nervous system.

These products do cost a little more, but will help to reduce air pollution in your home and keep you healthy.

9. Sleep on Organic Sheets

One-quarter of the world’s cotton pesticide use is on linens. If you switch to organic cotton sheets or sustainable bamboo sheets, you are reducing your exposure to these pesticides.

10. Buy Organic and Non-Toxic Mattresses

Buying a new mattress that is organic and un-treated with synthetic chemicals and toxic materials prevents off-gassing in your bedroom. Organic mattresses can also help allergy sufferers.

In the Bathroom

Most of the water we use in the course of our day is in the bathroom. Use these tricks to cut back on some of that, saving you money and conserving water.

11. Install a Low-Flow Toilet

Low flow toilets use less water than traditional toilets when they flush. This can save a tremendous amount of water. You can also install a flusher that allows you to choose how much water you need based on the type of waste flushed.

12. Turn Off The Water

Turn off the water when you brush your teeth. You can also save money and water by rinsing your razor in a cup of warm water while you shave, rather than leaving the tap running to rinse it.

13. Use Vinegar or Green Products to Clean

Using vinegar or other green products to clean your home isn’t limited to the bathroom. There are countless recipes for all natural cleaning products made with items you likely have in your pantry already.

Or, you can hire an eco-friendly cleaning company to do your dirty work. Green Maids is a member of the Green Business Bureau and uses green and sustainable practices while cleaning your home.

In the Laundry Room

Like the bathroom, you use a lot of water in the laundry room to wash your clothes. Many newer washers have load sensing technology, which detects the size of the load and adjusts the amount of water used. A few other ways to go green in the laundry room include:

14. Wash in Cold Water

Washing in cold water saves energy because you are not using your hot water heater to heat the water. Many fabrics also hold up better when washed in cold water, so the benefits are two-fold.

15. Use Dryer Balls

Dryer balls are often made of wool and can help clothes dry quicker and can also help soften clothes in the dryer.

Dryer balls (you can buy sets of different sizes) bounce around the dryer, getting between the layers of fabric so that the air can circulate.

They can also soften clothes, reducing your need to purchase fabric softener. If you love the smell of fabric softener, you can even throw some essential oils on the dryer balls to give your clothes a fresh clean scent if your choice.

And here is one last bonus suggestion for making your laundry room eco-friendly:

16. Hang Dry Your Clothes

Whether you get a drying rack for inside your laundry room or go old school with a clothesline, hang drying your clothes saves energy. It also saves you money and helps extend the life of the clothing and reduces shrinking.

The Bottom Line

We only have one planet and it’s on us to do what we can to become more sustainable and eco-friendly. Most of these suggestions require little effort and cost nothing (or very little).

What will you commit to in an effort to create a more eco-friendly home? Remember that small changes make a big impact, so choose a starting point today and work towards creating a sustainable and green home. If you want some help making your office eco-friendly, check out our work life blog for more info!

The post 15 Tips for Having a More Eco-Friendly Home appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

If that’s the case, keep reading.

Because in this post, we’re going to take a look at the benefits of listening to music while working. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll be ready to convince everyone else that playing music at work is a great idea.

Let’s begin!

Helps Block out Distractions

Unusually, one of the great things about listening to music while working is it helps block out distractions.

If you work in a particularly busy location, then there’s a good chance there will be a lot of noise in your office environment. But with the help of music, you will be able to block a lot of this noise out.

Helps You Focus

This is similar to the point we’ve just mentioned, but it is slightly different too. Just because you have blocked out distractions, doesn’t mean that you are going to be focused.

But the right kind of music can put you in a place of focus. Just like motivational music can help you feel motivated, there are certain kinds of music that put you in a place of focus.

It Keeps You Calm

Another benefit of listening to music while working is that it helps you remain calm.

After all, if you are not being distracted, you will not feel frustrated as a result of being interrupted. This can be especially helpful if you need to work on something that is difficult and stressful in and of itself.

The Importance of Investing in the Right Headphones

If you are going to listen to music when you are working then it is important that you invest in the right set of headphones.

Headphones are often a better choice because they help keep noise to a minimum. But if you are going to buy headphones, you should still try to buy some that are noise-canceling. This means that you will be able to hear the music clearly, without having to put the volume loud.

This is helpful because it protects your ears. After all, there is no point in listening to music at work, if you have to listen to it really loud, and even to the point, it could do damage.

You will find that most noise-canceling headphones will have an aspect to them that requires electrical power. If you do not want to keep on spending money on batteries, try to find a set of headphones that is rechargeable.

Finding the right set of headphones can be tricky. Try to visit your local electronics store, if you are struggling to find the right pair for you. In such a store you will be able to try on the headphones. This will give you the chance to see how they feel as well as how they sound.

You can also use reviews to help you figure out which headphones are worth investing in. You can use something like this website, to help you choose the right headphones for your needs.

Creating a Playlist That Will Help You Focus

If you are going to listen to music while working, you need to consider a few things. Firstly, listening to new music can sometimes be distracting. That is because you might end up actively listening to the music because it is new to you.

You don’t want to be in a place where you are actively listening to music. Therefore, think about creating a playlist of songs that you listen to over and over again. You can change this playlist every week.

The songs you have on that playlist are up to you. If you find that music with lyrics is too distracting, you might want to think about listening to classical or even electronic music.

If you use a streaming service like Spotify, you will find that there are many playlists, designed for people who want to listen to such music.

In some cases, you might even want to listen to music that is in a language you don’t understand. Such music can often be quite upbeat. But, because you are unable to understand what is being said in the lyrics, it is a lot less distracting.

Should You Avoid Music?

In some cases, people do not get on well when listening to music at work. However, that doesn’t mean that they need to go without.

For some people, sounds tend to work much better. Such sounds might include ocean or even rainfall noises. There are plenty of people who tend to enjoy ‘white noise’ as it helps to block out a lot of distractions.

If you want to find the right option for you, it is important you experiment. Over time, you will soon be able to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t.

Thinking About Others

If you are going to play music at work, make sure you do not disturb the people who are in the surrounding area. Always check if your volume might be too loud. You should also make it easy for people to communicate with you if they need to.

Read to Start Listening to Music While Working?

Listening to music while working is something you might not have done a lot before reading this post. But, now that you’ve learned some of the benefits of listening to music while working, you might want to change your approach.

It is important you decide on a playlist that is not going to be too distracting. You also want to make sure you are using the right headphones so that your music is not going to be too loud.

It’s also a good idea to experiment, with what you listen too. You may find you do better with sounds as opposed to actual music.

Want to learn more about how you can be productive at work? Check out our productivity section to see some of our latest content!

The post The Benefits of Listening to Music While Working appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help you find a supplier you can depend on.

In fact, if you keep reading, you’ll learn how to find wholesale clothing suppliers that will help your ecommerce store be successful.

Let’s begin!

What Kind of Clothing Supplier Do You Need?

It’s important you put some time into thinking about the kind of clothing supplier you should seek out. After all, there is a wide range of clothing suppliers to choose from. You want to make sure you pick one that is going to be best suited to your needs.

Do you want help sourcing t-shirts? Do you need help with hoodies? Keep in mind that some clothing suppliers might be able to provide multiple clothing items. But you should not assume that this is going to be the rule.

It’s worth mentioning that gaining clarity now, will also make it easier for you to think about what you actually want from the clothing supplier. The more specific you can be now, the easier it will be to send a brief to the clothing supplier regarding what you know.

Each clothing supplier is going to be able to fulfill a different set of needs. If you would like a special kind of embroidering, make sure you mention this to a prospective clothing supplier. If you don’t you may find yourself working with someone who is unable to complete your order as you would like it done.

Be Careful If You’re Going International

If you are going to source your items internationally, you will need to practice some caution.

That is because some international suppliers might have issues regarding quality control. If you are going to work with an international supplier, check the standards they stick to when producing items.

For example, do they follow the right regulations? If you need to create an item that requires fireproofing, make sure the supplier can stick to these regulations. You also want to make sure that the materials being used to produce the items are good quality.

As a result, there can sometimes be benefits to working with domestic suppliers. Sure, this can often drive some of your prices up. But a lot of the time it can ensure your items are produced to a high standard, by people who are highly skilled.

If you are working with a local supplier, you will also find that it might be easier to get things done.

You will both speak the same language and you can also hold ‘face to face’ meetings. This means that it is easy to communicate your needs. You will, therefore, be able to increase the odds that you end up with a product you’re happy with.

If you want to see an example of a US-based wholesale supplier, click here.

Finding Wholesale Clothing Suppliers

You should be able to find good clothing suppliers, with the help of Google. All you need to do is input the kind of item you need help with, the word ‘suppliers’ and the location. For example, if you want t-shirts produced in Miami, you would search ‘t-shirt suppliers Miami.’

This can be a fast way to find suppliers, but it might not reveal all the suppliers that are available. You may also want to consider finding directories that list the suppliers within your region. You may even want to reach out to people who run clothing companies and ask them who their suppliers are.

You might even want to consider going to a tradeshow. There are specialist tradeshows where clothing suppliers will try to market themselves. These tradeshows provide the perfect chance to speak to people who might be able to help you with your needs.

The good thing about tradeshows is that everyone is going to be under one roof. So if one supplier doesn’t seem promising, you can always move onto another one who will be a few booths down.

The Importance of Samples

Before you work with a supplier, make it a point to request some samples.

Some suppliers will be happy to provide these samples to you. If you are unable to retrieve these samples yourself, you might have to pay a postage fee. But, other suppliers might charge you to produce the sample.

Do not use the fact that someone is going to charge you for a sample, an excuse not to get a sample. You want to be sure that you and the supplier are on the same page, regarding what you want and how you want it. The only way to do this properly is by requesting a sample.

If you find that there is something wrong with the sample, make sure you mention it to the supplier. Do not stop until the supplier gets the end product right. If you find that they are struggling you might want to think about working with another supplier.

Ready to Take Your E-commerce Store to the Next Level?

If you run an e-commerce store that sells clothes, you need to make sure you are working with a reliable clothing supplier. Otherwise, you might end up with poor quality products and unhappy customers.

In this post, we’ve taken a look at some of the things you can do to find reliable wholesale clothing suppliers. You need to think about whether you want to work with local people or not. You also need to think about visiting a tradeshow.

When you find a clothing supplier that looks promising, make sure you obtain samples. This will help you discover if the supplier is able to help you create the kind of product you want to create.

Want to learn how you can start your own business? Check out our ‘start your own business‘ section to see some of our latest content!

The post eCommerce Store Guide: How to Find Wholesale Clothing Suppliers appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

What’s your company’s name? What kind of business are you founding? Should you do your own bookkeeping or farm it out?

And that’s not even getting to more basic things like the look of your office. Do you want popcorn ceilings? How about exposed brick?

One of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business is the various insurance plans required for operation. It can get more complicated than choosing your own health insurance plan. You’ll need insurance for your employees as well as several aspects of your operations.

There are nearly as many insurance options as there are textures of ceiling. We can help you wade through them in this handy guide to the types of insurance and when you need them.

Let us do the heavy lifting for you when it comes to informing yourself on how to choose an insurance plan.

The Basics: What Are the Types of Insurance Every Business Requires?

If you’re starting a business with more employees than just you, there are several types of insurance you can’t get around having.

The federal government requires you have all of the following types of insurance, even if you own a very small business.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

You don’t plan for them, but accidents happen in every kind of workplace. Workers’ compensation insurance protects your peace of mind as a business owner. You’ll be taking care of your employees with minimal risk to yourself and your livelihood.

Employees injured during their employment with you can rely on workers’ compensation to provide them medical benefits and wage replacement. In exchange, they relinquish their rights to sue you for negligence.

Unemployment Insurance

Just like you’d prefer to avoid on-the-job accidents, we’re sure you want to retain all of your employees. You don’t spend the time and money you do on hiring and training if you want to flush that all away.

That said, layoffs are a fact of life. With unemployment insurance, you can partner with the government to compensate laid-off employees.

Unemployed workers can take advantage of unemployment, as long as they’re not responsible for their release from work. They get cash benefits that come from a partnership between the federal and state governments.

Like many of these insurance policies, unemployment insurance gives you the confidence of having taken good care of your employees and not just your own bottom line.

Disability Insurance

Disability is another unfortunate reality that sidelines some workers. By purchasing and maintaining your disability insurance plan, you can look out for the health of your employees and help them get back to work for you as quickly as they are able.

How to Choose an Insurance Plan That’s Right for Your Business: Types of Insurance Available

Once you get past the requirements, the options for insurance really spread out before your eyes. Before you get blinded, let us help you examine each type of insurance to tell if it’s right for the type of business you have and your needs as a company.

General Liability Insurance

The benefits of general liability insurance share many commonalities with disability, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance.

In addition to those things, general liability policies protect a business against financial losses that can come from property damage, libel, slander, any defending of itself a business needs to do in court, and settling bonds or judgments.

It’s a type of broad umbrella policy that most businesses can benefit from.

Product Liability Insurance

These types of plans are particularly useful to businesses that supply a physical product to the public. Any company that manufactures, wholesales, distributes, or retails an item will benefit from product liability insurance.

But what exactly is this type of insurance? It covers a business against financial losses that come from defective products.

If a product a company makes causes injury or bodily harm, a business can get in real trouble. Product recalls may only help so much. Product liability insurance offers a business owner the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’ll be covered in case they’re sued for a dysfunctional product.

Professional Liability Insurance

These plans are similar to product liability policies, except they cover services rather than products. This is also known as errors and omissions insurance.

Policies provide businesses with defense and protect against damages that come from failing to or improperly providing professional services. General liability insurance does not cover this.

The types of businesses that can benefit from professional liability insurance include law firms, barber shops, accountants, consultants, and real estate agents.

Commercial Property Insurance

Most businesses exist in the physical world. This means they need physical properties for offices and operations. These offices usually have equipment that pertains to the work the business is doing.

Commercial property insurance protects this equipment. If company property is damaged due to natural weather events such as hail, wind, fire, or smoke, commercial property insurance is a helpful thing to have.

Home-Based Business Insurance

This is a specialized type of insurance that’s most helpful to businesses run out of their owners’ homes. It’s a subset of homeowner’s insurance that can cover some equipment within the home office and some liability for third-party injuries.

Business Owner’s Policy

Home-based business owners also find a BOP especially helpful. This is a package of insurance that includes all the coverage a company needs rolled into one: liability insurance, property insurance, and more.

A good business owner’s policy can save you quite a bit of time and money compared to shopping for and buying all of these plans separately.

Life Insurance

This is where we start getting to the good stuff. Future employees will be looking at this type of insurance closely when they evaluate whether or not they want to work for your company.

Life insurance provides peace of mind to your employees. They know their families will be taken care of in the event of their death while working for you.

Many employers don’t offer this kind of insurance. Offering it at all can make you stand out from the pack during a prospective employee’s application process.

LifeNet Insurance Solutions is one resource. Get more info on life insurance options.

Health Insurance

We’ve saved the mother of all types of insurance for last. Every employer worth their salt offers health insurance to full-time employees. It’s one of, if not the most important part of a benefits package.

There are several types of health insurance plans to sort through. The major types are as follows:

• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans are among the more expensive options, but they offer policyholders more freedom in choosing their care.
• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans are fairly restrictive in their options but run on the more economical end of the spectrum.
• Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans split the difference between HMOs and PPOs in cost and freedom of provider choice.
• Point-of-Service (POS) plans combine the benefits of HMOs and PPOs into plans that involve choosing a primary doctor but include options for coverage out-of-network.
• Catastrophic Plans are low-premium plans designed to cover only the most catastrophic medical events, hence the name.
• High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) are also typically low-cost to you because they require policyholders to spend a fair amount out-of-pocket before they reach their deductibles. Technically, these plans can also fall under the PPO, HMO, EPO, or POS umbrellas as well. You may offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) to help your employees deduct the cost of their healthcare from their taxes.

Deciding on exactly which type of plan to offer your employees requires their input. What are the things they value in their health insurance? Do they prefer greater freedom or lower cost?

No matter which plan you choose, you’ll want to make sure your employees know about it ahead of time so they can plan to opt in or out. They’ll also get to know in advance how much you’ll be deducting from their paychecks each pay period.

Moving Forward: Weigh Your Options and Choose Wisely

The nature of your business will determine the types of insurance you need. Hopefully, our advice on how to choose an insurance plan helps you clarify your priorities and understand the insurance marketplace. A qualified and experienced agent can be quite useful as well.

Once you’ve got your insurance plan approach in place, check out our ideas on marketing your small business. That way, you can grow to a point where you can offer even better employee benefits.

The post How to Choose an Insurance Plan For Your Company appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Regardless of the reason, you might be wondering how to get a business loan. Obtaining a business loan is one of the best ways to get your hands on the money you need quickly.

Before you apply for a business loan, you should take the time to learn about the steps you’ll need to go through in order to successfully land a loan. It will help you get a better understanding of the entire loan process.

Here is a step-by-step guide that will show you how to get a business loan.

Step 1: Figure Out How Much Money You Need to Borrow

The first thing you want to figure out when applying for a business loan is how much money you need to borrow. You also want to give some thought to what you’re going to use the money for once you have it.

Are you going to use the money to:

• Get your business up and running?
• Create more inventory?
• Take care of unexpected legal fees?
• Hire more employees?
• Pay for day-to-day expenses?

Lenders are going to want to see that you have a clear plan in place as far as how you’re going to use their money. They want to know that you’re going to use it to grow your business in some way so that they get their money back.

You should figure out your reason for borrowing money and then come up with an amount that you want to borrow. Make sure the number you produce is realistic and, more importantly, make sure you’re going to be able to pay it back over time.

Step 2: Consider Which Type of Loan Would Be Best

There are so many different types of loans that businesses can apply for.

For example, there are startup business loans that are specifically designed for companies that are just getting started. These loans aren’t usually available through banks, but there are many microlenders out there that are willing to take chances on new businesses.

There are also small cash loans that you can take out if you experience a sudden financial problem that you need to take care of right away. These loans can help you pay a bill before it’s too late or allow you to make a repair that just can’t wait.

Read more about small cash loans to see how they might benefit you and your business.

Step 3: Find Lenders That Are Willing to Loan You Money

When you’re trying to figure out how to get a business loan, you will find that there are lenders from all walks of life willing to lend you money.

Some examples of business loan lenders include:

• Banks
• Nonprofit microlenders
• Online lenders

Each type of lender comes with its own pros and cons.

Banks are great for those businesses that have already established themselves. You usually need to have some kind of collateral that you can offer up in case you can’t pay back a loan, and you also need to have good credit.

Additionally, banks take time to make a decision on a loan, so they’re not great options for those who need cash fast.

Microlenders, on the other hand, are more willing to work with small businesses and those businesses that haven’t yet established themselves. However, they often offer customers higher APRs and won’t always give businesses large loans.

Online lenders are perfect for those who need to get their hands on money as quickly as possible. They can also provide loans without collateral. But you will usually pay more for loans obtained through online lenders due to higher interest rates.

You should consider applying for business loans through each type of lender. It’ll give you and your business plenty of options.

Step 4: See If Your Business Will Qualify for a Loan

At this point, you should know how much money you want to borrow, what kind of loan would benefit you most, and what type of lender would be best for your business.

It’ll now be time to see if you actually qualify for a loan.

You should take a look at your credit score and make sure it’s strong enough (680 or higher is always best!). You should also make sure your business has been around long enough for lenders to consider giving you a loan.

You should even take a look at your annual revenue to see if it’s going to be high enough for lenders. They’ll want to know that you can afford to pay them back.

During this step, you should essentially take stock of where your business is at and how likely it’ll be for you to get approved for a loan.

Step 5: Apply for a Business Loan

If you get to this point and feel as though you stand a good chance to get approved for a business loan, you should go ahead and apply for one.

You will likely need to include these things in your business loan application:

• Personal and business tax returns
• Personal and business bank statements
• Financial statements pertaining to your business
• Legal documents pertaining to your business

You should make sure that you fill out your application completely and that you don’t forget to include any of the necessary paperwork.

You don’t want to give a loan officer the impression that you’re not prepared or that you didn’t do your homework before applying for a loan. It might hurt your chances of being approved for it.

Now That You Know How to Get a Business Loan, Go Apply for One

Knowing how to get a business loan and actually getting one are two different things.

You need to make sure you’re as thorough as possible when applying for a business loan and include all applicable information. It will ensure that you get a fair shake from lenders, and ideally, it will lead to you getting the loan you need.

Read our blog for more practical business advice that you can use to steer your company in the right direction.

The post A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Get a Business Loan appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

If you are in this position, don’t worry.

Keep reading and you’ll learn 9 unique marketing ideas you can use right now. If you put these ideas into action, there’s no telling what might be possible for your brand.

Let’s begin!

1. Infographics

You’ve probably come across infographics at some point or another.

When done the right way, infographics can be a great way to bring your brand exposure. If you are in a ‘boring’ industry, infographics can work especially well. That is because there are generally fewer people using them.

2. Create a Competition

Competitions work extremely well in a world of social media. If you want your competitions to gain traction make sure you provide people with a great prize.

You should also make it fun for people to enter the competition. You might think about having people submit a certain kind of content, for example.

3. Video Ads

You might have come across video ads when browsing the internet. But there’s a good chance your competitors are not using video ads. That is because video ads are quite hard to create.

As a result, many people simply do not put in the time to create videos. If you put some time aside to create some video ads of your own, you might be able to do quite well with them.

4. Sponsoring Content

There are a lot of content creators out there. A lot of them aren’t making a lot of money, as a result of creating their content. You can help them out by sponsoring their content. If you are going to do this, find people with similar audiences to your own.

5. Create an App

Apps work exceptionally well as marketing tools. If you are going to take this route, make sure your app is fun to use. Consider making a game that includes some of your branding. Don’t try to sell anything within your app.

6. Host a Podcast

Podcasts are rising in popularity. You can use the growing trend of Podcasting to help push your brand out into the world. If you are going to host a Podcast, try to find guests your audience will want to hear from.

You may even want to ask them who you should have on the Podcast This will help you boost the number of listeners.

7. Give out Freebies

Giving out freebies at large events is another way you can market yourself. Consider handing out bottles of water with your own branding on them. You can hire companies to help you develop your custom bottle labels if you can’t create them yourself.

8. Purchase Car Advertising

There are certain companies that will allow you to advertise on cars. Your ability to succeed with this method will depend on the kind of product you sell. But it’s worth investing in if you want to generate some buzz.

9. Pay People to Wear T-Shirts with Your Brand

You can also pay people to wear t-shirts that have your branding on them. If you are going to go with this approach, make sure you pay people that will spend time with your target audience.

Full of Unique Marketing Ideas?

Marketing isn’t easy. But in this post, we’ve taken a look at some unique marketing ideas you can use to help you get results.

Whilst these ideas work well, you’ll find the best results if you can be truly creative. If you can do something nobody had done before, your results can often be amazing.

Want to read more marketing related content? Check out our business advice section to see some of our latest content!

The post 9 Unique Marketing Ideas That Produce Extraordinary Results 2018 appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to improve your odds of finding reliable asphalt contractors.

Keep reading, and you’ll learn tips you can use to find asphalt contractors that’ll be able to modernize your driveway and so that it looks incredible.

Let’s begin!

Review the Past Projects of Asphalt Contractors

If you come across some asphalt contractors, ask them if they can supply you with examples of the past projects they have worked on. Some contractor websites might have an asphalt paving section, wherein you can see pictures of past asphalt projects.

Examples of past work are a good way to judge the quality of a contractor’s work. If the work was done locally, the contractor might even be willing to show you the project in person.

If you are going to take a look at examples of past work, try to find examples that resemble the kind of project you want help with. This will make it easier to judge how good of a job the contractors will do for your particular kind of project.

Look for Reviews

In some cases, you might be able to read online reviews that detail how past clients felt about working with a particular contractor.

You can normally find these reviews, by searching the name of a contractors company online. Pay close attention to how a contractor has responded to any negative reviews.

In doing so, you can identify whether they value the opinion of their customers. You will also be able to get the facts on a negative review. After all, sometimes people leave negative reviews that are creative with the truth and aren’t completely fair.

Consider How You Feel During the Initial Meeting

When you are first talking to a contractor, you should pay close attention to how you feel. If you feel like the contractor is hiding something or that they are withholding information, you might want to work with someone else.

You may even want to do the same if the contractor is trying to aggressively sell you on items you do not need. Remember this person (and their team) will be working on your home. You want to make sure you can trust this person. If you can’t, you may end up with a nightmare project.

Delightful Driveway?

If you want to update your driveway with asphalt, you are going to need to speak to some asphalt contractors. But finding asphalt contractors you can rely on is not always easy.

In this post, we’ve taken a look at some of the ways you can find the best asphalt contractors. You can use online reviews to help you. You can also look at examples of past work.

It is important you feel comfortable when talking to contractors you are thinking about hiring. If you do not, you might find it hard to deal with the contractors when the project is underway.

Want to read more content about improving your home? Check out our ‘life outside of work’ section to see similar content.

The post Modernize Your Home’s Driveway – Tips to Find the Best Asphalt Contractors appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Workers may have different preferences on the ideal working temperature– and disagreements can often ring out loud and clear in working environments. This is a debate that has raged long and hard, and we’re here to put an end to it.

Read on to find out once and for all what definitively is the ideal office temperature for a productive workplace.

Does Temperature Affect Work Ethic?

The first thing to confirm when talking about this subject is the relationship between temperature and productivity in the workplace. Does one definitely exist?

It does! It’s been scientifically proven that indoor temperatures can affect the way we approach tasks. Improper temperatures, whether too warm or too cold, can drastically hinder productivity. Employees are forced to stop working to find ways to better regulate their body temperature in these settings.

While different individuals are affected by temperature in unique ways, an overall study has shown that most people are unable to work in temperatures above 90 and below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The closer the office temperature gets to these numbers, the more productivity is likely to decrease.

What Is The Ideal Office Temperature, Then?

Cornell University closely observed office productivity as it related to indoor temperatures over a month-long study back in 2004. Through the study, the University came to the conclusion that productivity was at its highest, and errors at their lowest when office temperature hovered around 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

At this temperature, workers were seen keyboarding 100 percent of the time, with a very low error ratio of only ten percent. This compared to a much paltrier sum at 68 degrees, where workers were at their keyboard only 54% of the time. They also had a higher rate of error at the cooler temperature, a staggering 25%.

Other university studies from around the country have backed up these findings.

Why Is Warmer Better?

Many workers are surprised to learn that 77 degrees is the ideal temperature for productivity. Why is warmer better?

The answer is simple. When our body temperature drops, we are forced to expend more energy keeping ourselves warm and less energy focusing on our work.

A warmer environment (but not too warm!) is the best to keep workers happy and focused. You should ensure your office has proper heating and AC so that you can consistently create a proper working environment. Utilizing a well-respected service is highly recommended.

The benefits of a warm office can stretch even beyond the realm of productivity– it has also been shown to foster better interpersonal connections between workers. If you’re looking to improve the quality of your office, the answer seems obvious. You should aim for that ideal indoor temperature of 77 degrees.

The Case Is Finally Closed

Though personal preference may still vary and be taken into account in your office, the official word is now set in stone. Science has proven that a warmer work environment is better for office productivity, and 77 degrees is the ideal office temperature.

Check out our blog for more ways to increase productivity in your workplace.

The post What is the Ideal Office Temperature For Maximum Productivity? appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

Did you find a house you like but can’t secure a mortgage loan until after you sell your old one?

Real estate bridge loans could be the solutions you’re looking for.

This is the type of loan to reach for when you’re hoping to sell your home and you’re looking in the market for the new property. But is this the right choice? What are the pros and cons of bridge loans?

First off, it’s important to understand what a bridge loan is and how it works:

Defining Bridge Loan Financing

Bridge loans, as the name suggests, are short-term loans to help you secure a new property investment before you get approved for a full mortgage loan.

For example, say you applied for a mortgage loan to purchase a house worth $300,000. The bank tells you it’ll take four or five weeks for approval and then there are another two weeks to secure the funds and complete the transaction with the realtors. The only problem is, the house is going back to the market if you can’t give the initial down payment within a week or two.

A good way to settle the down payment before you get the mortgage loan is to get a bridge loan. Use the money to complete the down payment, secure the new property, and then pay the bridge loan once you get the full mortgage loan.

The Pros and Cons of Bridge Loans

Before getting a bridge loan, it is important to consider the ups and downs of sort of transaction. Discover more about bridge loans before blindly applying for one. It always helps to be extra careful, after all.

Without further ado, here is a look at the different pros and cons of a bridge loan:

Pros of a Bridge Loan

One of the biggest benefits of a bridge loan is that it offers you more freedom to proceed with property investment. You don’t have to wait for the mortgage loan approval and you don’t have to wait until you sell your old house to pay for the new one.

You also get more repayment options when it comes to bridge loans. Some lenders allow you to pay the loan before you get the mortgage loan or after. Others allow you to offer a collateral, which makes them secured bridge loans. In these cases, you can let them keep the collateral if you can’t pay the bridge loan back.

Another benefit is that bridge loans use short lending terms. They don’t last for months or years. You can settle a bridge loan in a few payments.

This is a major benefit because you don’t have to worry about maintaining finances for a long period. You won’t have to worry about paying the bridge loan while paying the mortgage loan and a third loan all at the same time.

One final benefit is the flexible nature of bridge loans. As mentioned, some lenders offer the chance to pay the loan before or after securing a mortgage. Others are secured loans so you can offer a collateral if you want to make sure you can pay it off in case you don’t have enough cash later on.

Cons of a Bridge Loan

There are only three major downsides in getting a bridge loan.

The first issue you will have to deal with is the higher interest rate. Because these only serve as a contingency plan while waiting for a bigger loan, lenders tend to raise the interest rate. You may not feel it at first but if you start missing payments, the extra charges you’ll pay will stack and easily get out of control.

Bridge loans also present a higher financial risk on your end.

Keep in mind that the total mortgage debt for one-to-four families in the US now amounts to over $10.62 trillion, meaning hundreds of families sink into debt after getting a mortgage loan or supporting loan they can’t pay.

If you don’t get approved for the mortgage loan but you already took a bridge loan, you’ll end up in short-term debt. This means you now have to secure another means of paying it off, like getting a secured personal loan.

The third downside is that you need outstanding credit and significant equity to qualify for bridge loans. They do need to check if you can pay it off and if you would qualify for the mortgage you applied for. If they see your financial standing isn’t in order, it means you likely won’t get approved for the mortgage loan and you won’t be able to pay the bridge loan either.

Bonus Advantages

The benefits of getting a bridge loan clearly outweigh the disadvantages but there are a few other reasons why you should get a bridge loan.

One additional reason is the fact they have a higher approval rating compared to traditional loans. Most lenders will approve you for a bridge loan if they see you already applied for a mortgage, meaning there is a plan laid out ahead. You’re not borrowing quick cash for the sake of it.

Another benefit is that some lenders offer refinancing plans. If you can’t repay the bridge loan on time or if you need an extension because the mortgage is taking a little longer than expected, you can expect the lender to work some adjustments in your favor.

Discover More Financing Solutions Today

If you’re aiming to buy a home and you need to settle the transaction quickly, bridge loans can be the answer.

Understanding the pros and cons of bridge loans can help you decide whether or not you can take the next step forward and apply for one. Always keep in mind that these are short-term loans meant only to secure the property before you get the full mortgage loan. They’re not an additional loan on top of your full mortgage.

Looking for more financial tips and tricks? Visit us today and read up some of our other guides, such as this one that discusses how you can get the best mortgage rates.

The post The Pros and Cons of Bridge Loans appeared first on What Your Boss Thinks.

At the end of the day, people want to do business with people. People spend more time looking at photos than reading text on websites.

The quality of your headshot speaks wonders about your professional appearance. Learn how to take a great headshot to have a quality and professional representation of yourself for your clients and employers.

1. What You Wear

Even though you will only see a portion of what you wear, it sets the tone for the photo.

Avoid any graphic logos or t-shirts with any images. These images will likely get cut off in the shot and look weird.

Patterns and thin stripes do not look good in photos and also look strange on computer screens.

Remember that portraits often are converted to black and white, so think about the tones and contrast of the colors you choose. Light colors that look good together may appear to be the same color in a black and white image.

2. Your Hair

Take a brush with you to the photo shoot. You want neat hair.

If you have your hair back, make sure you don’t have strays sticking up. Plan on taking a few minutes to touch up your hair before the photo shoot.

3. Glasses

If people are used to you wearing glasses, you should wear them.

If you wear glasses occasionally, make sure you take your glasses off way before your photo shoot to avoid any odd red lines on the side of your face or on your nose. It can take awhile for those marks to disappear.

For those wearing glasses, make sure they stay at the top. Sometimes they slip down blocking your eyes.

4. Know Your Best Side

You probably already know what side of your face you prefer on camera. Tell your photographer right away so he or she can plan the shot accordingly.

Tell your headshot photographer if there is something on your face you don’t want to show in the photo like a scar or dark spot. It’s so much easier if your photographer knows anything that makes you self-conscious.

5. Your Smile

Your smile should be natural. Think about something funny or someone to get a more relaxed photo.

You want a genuine smile. Ask your photographer to take a couple test shots to see which smile you like best.

6. Skin

Studio lighting can make your skin look shiny. Women should wear foundation or concealer to eliminate some of the shine. Men should do a quick wash with water in the restroom or a baby wipe.

Women should be careful with make-up. Use the same amount that you would typically wear to the office.

7. How to Take a Great Headshot – Look in the Mirror First

Look in the mirror. Practice a few smiles and see what makes you feel best.

Give yourself plenty of time before the photoshoot time to freshen up.

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Sometimes, though, these meetings can seem boring or unnecessary. That doesn’t have to be anyone’s fault – it happens, and it’s crucial to stop it when it does. If you start to see your fellow meeting attendees figuratively, or even literally, nodding off, it might be time to reconsider how these important meetings are handled.

Having effective meetings every time you guys sit down can make or break a company’s productivity. It is important to stay up to date on all of the latest meeting management practices.

The good news is that you have come to the right place by reading this article. Listed below are the top six meeting tips to make sure every meeting you conduct runs smoothly and efficiently.

Plan and Prepare To Make Sure the Entire Meeting Is Useful

A successful meeting starts with the preparations ahead of time. Everything about a meeting needs to be intentional and necessary.

For example, you need to consider what the ultimate goal of every meeting should be. Is there a decision that needs to be made? Is there a marketing strategy that needs to be delegated?

Don’t hold a meeting at all if you don’t find a real purpose behind it. Note that over 70% of senior managers around the United States consider regular meetings to be unproductive or inefficient. Clearly, it can be easy to fall into the trap of only holding meetings for the sake of routine.

You can break such habits by ensuring that only the attendees necessary to reach the ultimate goal are invited to the meeting. The next step is to make the agenda.

Perfect the Art of Making, and Sticking To, Meeting Agendas

An agenda can either be a tool or a hindrance to the company’s overall productivity. Consider what your upcoming meeting’s ultimate goal is, and break down the discussion topics that will help reach that goal. If you can, send out the agenda beforehand so that attendees know what they should prepare for.

Once the meeting has started, do your utmost best to stick to the agenda. The agenda should have clear points, with each point having a clear purpose to reach the meeting’s ultimate goal. In fact, the agenda should label that specific goal at the top.

Meeting Tips Are Ineffective If the Attendees Are Not Motivated

You can prepare and plan as much as you want, but if the people at your meeting are not invested, you won’t get anything done anyway. Attendees need to stay motivated and ready for action.

There are all kinds of factors that lead to workplace productivity for employees. It starts with the interior design of the office space (even the office lighting can affect productivity).

It also includes things like vacation time, the trust of the superiors and management, and even having the best tools to complete their tasks. Whatever it takes to keep your employees productive, do what it takes to keep morale and motivation up and running.

Don’t Lecture Throughout the Meeting – Instead, Facilitate

When conducting a meeting, it can be tempting to talk the whole time. You made the agenda, the responsibility of meeting the goal is on your shoulders, and, let’s be honest, you take each meeting seriously.

It can be a mistake, though, to never encourage thorough discussion within a meeting. You have other people there for a reason, so make sure you use them. The more participants are engaged in the meeting process, the more likely they are to make the meeting more productive and an efficient process.

Save Off-Topic Discussions for the End

As mentioned above, sticking to the agenda is crucial to accomplishing the meeting’s ultimate goal. Nevertheless, distractions tend to happen. It’s important to be prepared for them, no matter what they look like.

Sometimes a joke will be thrown in, and that’s great because it can lighten the mood and keep the meeting lively. Other times, though, topics of discussion are raised that should be discussed, but they do not relate to the ultimate goal of the meeting.

These topics should be clearly saved for the end of the meeting. If someone brings up outdated office equipment during a meeting about the budget, for example, there is a way to handle that.

Let that person know that the topic will be discussed at the end or at another meeting. Write these off-topic points down, and be sure to followup either at the end of this meeting or at another specified meeting. That way, attendees will feel as though their concerns are noted, but the meeting itself can stay on track.

Keep Technology Interruptions To a Minimum

Speaking of distractions, there is one kind of distraction that is often an issue in the modern day and age. That distraction is one of technology – in particular, of our personal devices. It seems as though there is always a notification to take care of, but that does not mean each notification is a priority.

It’s great that employees stay organized and up-to-date on everything they need to accomplish. Encourage them to set up text reminders or to-do lists on their mobile devices, but make sure those devices are silent during your meeting.

Take the lead, and make an example out of how you handle your own personal device. At the beginning of each meeting, take out your phone, put it on silent, put it away, then ask others to do the same. These devices are great tools, but they are only distractions during a meeting that has a clear purpose.

Maintain Business Productivity Even After the Meeting

The above six meeting tips should help you get started on the most effective business meetings your company has seen. It takes practice and skill to make sure each one is productive and efficient. Take the time to learn how to handle these in the best way for yourself and for the company.

We encourage business productivity on a lot of fronts. For more guidance on overall productivity, check out our article archives devoted entirely to just that.

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