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Mistakes To Avoid When Starting A Business From Home

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Embarking on a home business venture can provide tremendous flexibility and the kind of work-life balance that we all crave. But at the same time a home based business brings its own set of challenges. For example, all the new ideas, new concepts, and all the decisions are up to you. It can be quite demanding. The advantages that come when we work from home bring their own set of pitfalls that we need to be on guard against in order to manage ourselves as well as our home business effectively. Loneliness is the number one complaint from people who work at home. Many people are used to the almost constant social interaction of a regular work environment and are not prepared for the isolated working environment. While it may seem easier to do everything virtually, that isn’t always the best approach. Instead, take some time away from your home office for face-to-face meetings that will help build your business. Plan lunch dates, attend networking groups or even spend some time working from a coffee shop to maintain some human interaction.

When you work from home it’s all too easy to spend every waking minute doing exactly that – working from home. This is a recipe for physical and mental burnout. You feel guilty if you’re not working, and you don’t switch off. It’s the home business version of taking your work home with you. You need to know when to walk away and turn off for the day and take care of your personal time and family. It’s easy to take personal phone calls or emails when you work from home. There is nothing wrong with that of course but you need to ensure it doesn’t interrupt your working day too much. You need time to focus on your business so one strategy is to set aside blocks of quiet time throughout the day when you don’t allow phone calls or email alerts. You also need to be careful about getting distracted by home chores like shopping, laundry or childcare. Again, there is nothing wrong with taking advantage of the flexibility that comes with a home-based business, but be vigilant to ensure it is not your home business that suffers.

Don’t try to be the master of everything. Be prepared to look to others either for advice or for outsourcing tasks that are not an efficient use of your time. You have to manage the business and yourself. Try to connect with others in your field, maybe building a network or mastermind group. It is all too easy to get distracted by some tasks, only to find the day has slipped by and you haven’t completed your most important goal for the day. A regular work environment is usually quite structured and we have tasks that we are accountable for getting done. In a home business, we have to take charge and prioritize and stick to our work schedule. Set not only a plan but include deadlines to work too. Discipline is important and it is up to us to impose this on ourselves. Working from home can be a wonderful, liberating and empowering experience. A home-based business brings many advantages to our personal and professional lives. Equally, for the unprepared or unwary, there are pitfalls lurking that can derail the process. Being aware of these pitfalls and being prepared to avoid or manage them will give your home business the greatest chance to provide a fulfilling and profitable experience if needed by taking Forth Worth title loans if you are in Forth Worth to rent and outsource people to get your home-based job completed and your clients satisfied.

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Is there any reason to use a VPN at home?

Technology

VPN

If you want to improve your security and privacy while on the internet, make use of a VPN. In this time and age, everyone should be using a VPN. The reason is that in a world whereby everyone is on the internet, security is paramount. Nowadays most people are always on their phones or their computers. Here is why you should use a VPN at home:

1. You can be able to download torrents.

People use torrents to download pirated movies. Some other people use it for legal reasons. Internet providers have a hard time knowing who is doing the right thing. As a result, they end up restricting all users from downloading torrents. If you use a VPN, it becomes tough for your internet service provider to discover you are the one downloading torrents.

2. You will be able to bypass your government’s internet censorship.

Some countries do not offer free internet to their citizens. A good example is China’s Great Firewall. Such nations limit internet access and block specific websites. In most cases, the sites that are restricted are harmless. Therefore, if you want to break this barrier, get yourself a stable VPN.

3. Your voice chats will be private and secure.

Voice-over-IP (VOIP) applications do not allow encryption of chats. As a result, your online chats may be overheard. Since you do not want that, a VPN can deal with that. If you are using Skype, the moment you enable your VPN, your conversation will be between you and the other party.

4. You will get full access to Netflix.

The main reason why people pirate content is that they do not get access to streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. Such websites have copyright agreements that deny people access. If you love watching movies, a VPN can solve this issue. Since a VPN can change the IP address of your computer, you are free to access all the content available on Netflix.

5. Google will not be able to track you.

People love Google because it is free and easily accessible. What people do not know is that Google knows everything them. Google stores all your information when you browse. To avoid any form of embarrassment, get a VPN and hide your IP address.

6. Your privacy is a right.

Nowadays, using a VPN is becoming a basic internet practice. Even if you are an ordinary citizen and think that you have nothing to hide, a VPN can be helpful. In case you are looking for a stable VPN, consider visiting VPNs R Us. You will be able to review a variety of VPNs, and select the best one for you.

Conclusion

A VPN is not all about video streaming and downloads; it is more than that. Take your time and research all the available VPNs online. Make privacy your priority when you are online.

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Tech Trends For Small Businesses That Dominated In 2017

Technology

Image of eyeglasses, pen, two touchpads and financial documents at workplace with businessmen handshaking on background

Technology continues to have a dramatic impact on the way that small businesses operate. The internet and mobile devices have had a particularly significant effect, as they are changing how business market their products and interact with customers. If you want your business to remain as competitive as possible, it’s important stay up-to-date with the latest technological trends. In this guide, we’ll share the biggest tech trends for small businesses in 2017. Understanding these trends will give you a head start for 2018 and will help ensure your business remains successful.

  1. Social media became even more influential

The growth of social media over the past decade has been nothing short of spectacular. There are now more than 2 billion monthly active users on Facebook, 300 million on Twitter, and 800 million on Instagram. In 2017, many small businesses began using social media to achieve new goals including:

  • Improving brand awareness and advertising new products
  • Promoting sales and special offers
  • Providing customer support
  • Increasing web traffic
  • Promoting content marketing campaigns

This tech trend is expected to continue in 2018, with more small businesses using social media daily.

  1. More small businesses used crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a fundraising method where you obtain many small amounts from many different people. In 2017, many small businesses began using crowdfunding to fund new products or business ventures. Crowdfunding works very well if your business has a loyal customer base and allows you to try new things with less risk. Using crowdfunding is also easier thanks to new crowdfunding platforms like Fundable, IndieGoGo, and GoFundMe.

  1. More small business allowed workers to work remotely

Allowing some employees to work from home on a part-time or full-time basis can be very advantageous to a small businesses. There are cost savings associated with having less staff in the office, including lower utilities costs and equipment costs. Employees who have the option to work from home also tend to be more productive and effective. Many workers have better job satisfaction if they can spend a little more time at home as well.

In 2017, more small businesses became aware of these advantages and began allowing some employees to work remotely, often via the Internet. With excellent productivity gains and cost savings available, remote offices are sure to remain popular in 2018.

  1. Online subscriptions boomed in popularity

In 2017, more small businesses started using online subscriptions. Consumers pay a small recurring fee and in return, they are provided with a service or product on a regular basis.  Online subscriptions are now being used for everything from razor blades through to wine and vegetables. Websites like PayPal make it simple for businesses to sign customers up to a subscription service.

  1. Small businesses are using more payment methods

Most small businesses have already integrated electronic payment methods like PayPal into their day-to-day operations. In 2017, more small businesses began integrating new payment methods like Square, Android Pay, and Apple Pay. Some small businesses are even starting to accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Adding more payment options gives consumers more flexibility and increases the likelihood that they will follow through on a purchase.

  1. Small businesses began outsourcing additional technologies

Traditionally, small businesses would provide support over the phone or face-to-face. The advent of the internet allowed business owners to also provide support via email. In 2017, more small business owners began providing support via other channels including like social media, video chat, and text chat. These technologies allow for immediate interaction with a customer, which the customer finds very satisfying. They can also be performed remotely and at a very low cost. Small businesses also started using other remote technologies like hiring a small business accountant in Melbourne, Miami, or London, which can help businesses around the world. This trend helps minimize in-house costs and allows companies to focus more on their mission, so it shows no sign of slowing in 2018.

  1. Small businesses jumped into content marketing

Content marketing is one of the most effective forms of marketing right no.  It involves the creation of high-quality content that is shared both online and offline. Creating valuable content for others to enjoy can establish your business as an industry leader, attract more visitors to your website, and improve brand awareness. The best part is that content marketing is very affordable. Many small business really increased their content marketing initiatives in 2017.

  1. Data security is being taken more seriously

We saw many large security breaches in 2017, which resulted in the loss of millions of customer records. Many of these breaches involved large companies like Bell Canada, Yahoo, LinkedIn, MySpace, and Target. These attacks severely tarnished the reputations of these companies and in some cases, led to lawsuits.

Governments around the world introduced legislation that would force companies to be more careful with user data.  In the EU, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is set to come into force in 2018, which compels businesses to be more transparent in the way they collect, process, and secure data. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to data security breaches. Many small business owners began to take cybersecurity much more seriously in 2017 — a trend that will continue in 2018.

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Storage hacks for a less chaotic home

Fine Living

With a few storage hacks, your home will look more ordered and less chaotic ... photo by CC user Wjablow on wikimedia commons

Organisation lies at the heart of a tidy, relaxing home. Having a regular clear out and clean up puts fresh energy into the atmosphere and has a calming psychological effect on the mind.

With a less chaotic home, you’ll feel more creative. You’ll have more time, be more inclined to indulge in hobbies or other leisure pursuits if you don’t have to clear space to work, or hunt down sports equipment every time you want it.

But how do you reach that calming state of home and mind? Here are a few tips to help you reclaim (and stay in control of) your living space, whether it’s a bachelor apartment or a family home.

Choose Your Furniture Wisely

Furniture can be both decorative and functional. You don’t have to choose one or the other.

Divans or ottoman beds with storage beneath the mattress provide convenient, hidden storage for spare bedding (freeing up wardrobe space) or out of season sports gear. Practical coffee tables with drawers offer accessible storage for TV remotes or charging cables, tablets or gaming controllers.

Use Overhead Space

Use shelving to reclaim floor space and enjoy a more open living area. We clutter up floor space and create unintentional obstacle courses, leaving wall space bare bar a few pictures. Fitted open shelving creates a fashionable display area for books, ornaments or knick-knacks that would otherwise be on mantelpieces, bookcases or sideboards.

As well as the vertical spaces in rooms, consider shelving in hidden spaces such as the airing cupboard, the awkward space under the stairs, or within existing kitchen cabinets. Maximising storage areas like these helps you organise and categorise storage, making it easier to find items as well as providing additional space. For instance, in kitchen cabinets, tinned foods take up little space, and an extra shelf in the cupboard would create room for more tins within the same area. Look for purpose made wire racks if you don’t want the trouble of actually fitting interior shelves.

Reduce the Amount of Furniture at Home

Over time, furniture items seem to multiply. Maybe through inheritance, buying new and not getting rid of the old, or through the changing needs of a growing family.

When you no longer use an item but can’t bear to permanently part with it, consider off site self storage. It’s not terribly expensive, there’s a wide range of space sizes, and storage companies tend to be located in easily reached town locations with good road access and plenty of parking for unloading. Another advantage to this solution is the short term nature of the contracts, so you can hire a space a week at a time if you’re unsure about whether you want to hang onto unused items or sell them on. It can buy you breathing space while you get used to a new living arrangement.

Create Dedicated Spaces with Zoning

Zoning can be easier to achieve than you might imagine. Even the smallest spaces can have areas cordoned off for specific activities. Ideas include slightly extending a kitchen worktop to make a breakfast/snack area, or turning out a bookcase so it stands perpendicular to the wall, creating a small barrier to a desk area in the living room.

If you try the bookcase idea, have business books turned toward the desk and novels or entertainment matter turned towards the living space. If you’re up for a bit of DIY adaptation, you could fashion bespoke enclosed bookcase shelves (alternating the open sides) with sections of wood or MDF cut to size and pinned into place. Use the blocked off sections to display small artworks or photos.

With open spaces, clear surfaces and everything in its place, life becomes much more productive and invigorating. It’s almost like having a few extra hours in the day.

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5 – Tips on Making Some Extra Cash This Month Via The Web

Mens Perception

With Christmas just on the horizon November is the perfect month to get your hustle on and try to make some side cash to boost your monthly wages. The traditional approach to this would be to spend less and try to pick up some overtime in your job, both methods can of course work well, but there are better ways which you can find online. If you expect to become an online millionaire in a month then we are sorry to let you know that this just ain’t going to happen, you can however secure some extra cash this month with these online tips. 

Online Gambling 

If you visit an online casino then you may just be able to make yourself a little bit of extra money this month, as long as you are careful and smart in your approach. There are of course no guarantees that you will make money, but it is certainly worth chancing your arm. Most online casinos offer a welcome bonus which will match your first deposit or give you free money to play with, which is how you may be able to make some extra bank this month. Check out some strategies online, pick the casino with the best offer, and then try to turn that into some cold, hard cash by the end of the month. Choose a game that you are comfortable, like online poker in New Jersey, which has a lot of fans making some serious money out of it.

Freelance Writing 

There are a number of freelance sites online which can put you in touch with clients who are looking to have content written for them. As long as you are able to write articles which are pertinent, informative and grammatically correct, you may be able to turn this into a nice way to boost your monthly income. Put together some samples of your writing work and apply for as many jobs as you possibly can.

Online Surveys 

Filling out online surveys is another way in which you can make some additional cash online, and you can do so whenever you have some time to yourself. There are many websites which offer these surveys on behalf of their clients, each will earn you a different sum of money which can be between $0.25 and $5. The more surveys you are able to fill out, the more money that you can make. This of course won’t make you rich, but it will provide you with the chance to make at least an extra $100 this month. 

Flipping 

A highly successful way of making some extra bank is to hit the yard and garage sales around where you live, armed with your smartphone. When you see toys, games or items which you think may be worth something, check on eBay to see what they sell for, if the price is higher than what is being asked, grab it, list it and sell it on for a profit. Sometimes you’ll find that the product has sold before you even get home! 

These are just 4 very simple examples of how you can use the internet to spin yourself some extra income this month, why not give them a try?

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Borussia Dortmund Scores Season’s First Regional Marketing Partnership

Entertainment

The season’s first new marketing partnership of the Bundesliga season has been inked by eight–time champion Borussia Dortmund. The deal which covers the whole of Europe outside of Germany is with fast growing GMO Trading, a global investment firm that markets a cutting edge online CFDs trading platform.

The two have joined in a marketing partnership for the upcoming 2018-19 season to market the platform to territories throughout Europe. GMO Trading currently has a large list of clients concentrated in Poland, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. The company seeks to both grow their list of clients in these markets and take on new ones in other European countries.

The trading platform is a trader favourite primarily because of its ease of use, speed and high level of security features. Traders can find training tools and an ability to access research data quickly in order to help determine the best trades. The platform can be accessed from any location, at any time and can be used from a variety of devices and of course desktop computers.

Borussia Dortmund was approached by GMO Trading because of its large base of passionate fans scattered across the continent. The Germen giant has one of the biggest fan bases in Europe and proves annually that it is a top tier team deserving of the attention.

The marketing partnership will include initiatives that involve the club logo and players and will run through the 2018-19 season. Marketing has begun currently on the GMO Trading website located at www.gmotrading.com.  You can also access their social media feeds on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We are delighted to be a regional sponsor of Borussia Dortmund, one of the Bundesliga’s finest football teams. As home to the ninth largest stock exchange in the world, Germany is an important trading market and presents a key growth area for GMO Trading. This partnership will help raise awareness of our offering among European business leaders.”

There will also be offers to GMO Trading clients throughout the new season including a chance to get branded Borussia Dortmund attire and special VIP tickets.

For more information, please email Rebecca Wharmby – Rebecca.Wharmby@Threepipe.co.uk.

About GMO Trading

GMO Trading is the brand name of Royal Forex a Cyprus Investment Firm, regulated by Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission

Offering one of the fastest and most secure online CFDs platforms in the marketplace, GMO Trading is dedicated to providing traders with all of the tools they need to increase their odds of trading success. The platform provides access to over 10,000 markets and traders can trade currency pairs indices and commodities easily and at their leisure.

For more information, visit the GMO Trading website at www.gmotrading.com or visit its Facebook at www.facebook.com/gmotrading/.

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Repairing Your Electrical System After a Flood

Fine Living

Flooding causes a lot of damage to thousands of homes. After the disaster, everyone hurries to get things back to how they used to be. It is, however, crucial that you pay more attention when comes to your electrical system. You should carefully evaluate your electricity with the help of a utility worker, firefighter or a professional electrician before you start to rebuild or move things around. Electrical repairs are often dangerous, and the addition of water increases the risk significantly. Here are a few valuable safety guidelines you need to consider when repairing your electrical system after a flood;

Pay Attention to Bonding and Grounding

Grounding and bonding are among the vital components of a home’s electrical system. You should pay complete attention to these two.They carry current to your house during normal operation, and in case something goes wrong; they carry current to the ground. These parts can get damaged during floods. It is important to have an equipped electrician to assess the damage. Ignoring your grounding and bonding system may cost you your safety when electrical accidents occur.

Do Not Assume It’s Safe

It is quite obvious that electricity and water do not go well. Unfortunately, not everyone has all information about electricity safety. You should take careful measures when stepping into flooded areas. Electrical cords and submerged outlets could energize the water. It is for this reason that you should have your flooded home inspected by an electrician, firefighter utility worker. Turning off the main switch to shut off the power to your house does not guarantee safety entirely. Energy can flow back from your neighbors who use backup generators making the risk of electrocution even higher.

Replace Everything

It is essential that you replace any electronics or appliances that were affected by the water. Very few can survive being submerged, even for a short time. Appliances like tank water heaters, ovens, freezers, and refrigerators are mostly destroyed since their insulation cannot be replaced. Well, some appliances survive but can be exceedingly dangerous to operate. You should also replace all the metal components of your electrical system as they might rust and prevent connection to your home’s grounding system. You should not assume that your water-damaged electrical appliances can be simply cleaned, dried and reused. Flood waters contain contaminants, including chemicals which might corrode or damage your electrical equipment. These compounds could also cause fires, shock or electrocution.

Once your home has been cleared by qualified personnel, then it is safe to begin cleanup tasks. It is vital to consider all these because your priority is safety. Remember that all electrical repairs in your home have to be performed by a licensed electrician. Even after it has been cleared to be safe, you need to be extra careful during cleaning. Having an early safety check after a flooding event is essential. In case of any emergency electrical services of any kind; you could contact Gordon Powers. They are professionals who will guarantee any repairs, maintenance, and electrical installations.

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