Danielle

Top 4 Tips to Become a Successful Small Business Owner

July 31, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

It’s not a big secret that finding success in business is not an easy feat, especially for smaller companies. After all, unlike well-established corporations and large enterprises, a small business can ill-afford to spend more than it needs to. After all, these types of companies generally have to work with limited resources. And any investments made can have a considerable impact on the financial state of the company. As such, it makes sense to plan everything out to the last detail before committing to any decision. To this end, here are just a few top tips that all small business owners should consider.

Never be without a contingency plan

In business, it’s not uncommon for eager and inexperienced entrepreneurs to focus too much on the rewards that their business decisions can potentially yield and overlook the negative impact that it could have. And no matter how well-planned a project or investment is, it’s impossible to eliminate the financial risks involved entirely. As such, it’s crucial to have a contingency plan in place. In this way, you will be much more prepared to deal with any problems that may arise and, as a result, lessen the blow of negative repercussions in the process.

Make sure the numbers are good

Business success isn’t solely about offering a unique product or providing high-quality services. It’s also about maintaining high-profit margins consistently too. And one way this can be achieved is to ensure that the numbers are good through regular auditing and accounting. Whether you choose to keep the tasks in-house or acquire the services of accountants in Central London, ensuring that the numbers are good is essential for a business to succeed.

Take advantage of collaborative opportunities

It’s not uncommon for small businesses to collaborate with each other for joint ventures. After all, it presents a unique opportunity to reap the rewards of a large-scale project without committing a substantial amount of resources in the process. And by doing the same, not only will you increase the chances of getting the desired results, but you’ll also reduce the financial risks involved as well.

Explore all avenues before making any commitments

From the equipment and tools that the business requires to any potentially lucrative investments and partnerships, it’s a general rule of thumb to explore all avenues first before making any commitments. And while this may require more time and work on your part, considering all your options will not only help you find better deals and reduce company costs, but it also keeps the risks to a minimum too.

Many of us aspire to run businesses of our own, but very few realise the challenges that it presents. But despite all of the difficulties involved, having a successful small business is not impossible to achieve. And by keeping these top tips in mind, not only will you minimise the financial risks that you take but you’re also far more likely to get the desired outcome too.

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/thumbs-up-okay-good-well-done-2056022/

Coworking Composure – 4 Etiquette Tips For Shared Office Space Success

July 22, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

With today’s modern technology, and the dawn of the digital era, people can work remotely from home, a cafe or even on the beach – well near the beach, sand and technology don’t mix well – on their laptops with more ease than ever before. Because of this, coworking spaces and shared office setups are popping up in cities, and even towns, all over the US. A simple internet search for ‘shared office space near me’ will give you a rather impressive number of results.

While these shared workspaces may be a new concept for some, they have been around for a while now and their increasing popularity shows that they aren’t going away any time soon. With these kinds of workspaces being more relaxed in nature than a traditional office space, you might wonder how to behave in such a work environment.

Let’s take a closer look at a couple of etiquette tips so you can be prepared for getting down to work in a shared office space.

Respect The Boundaries

In most shared office spaces, there is an option to choose to use either a hot desk or a dedicated desk. A hot desk is simply a desk that you choose when you arrive on a first-come-first-serve basis, while a dedicated desk is one that is dedicated for your exclusive use. It is wise to respect the boundaries and allow others ample room in the communal hot desk spaces and cross the boundaries by venturing to a dedicated desk to borrow a book or a pen.

Keep Noise To A Minimum

A shared office space doesn’t need to be treated like a library but you should be mindful of keeping noise to a minimum. After all, you and others using the space are trying to concentrate and get important work done. If you can, try to take business phone calls in the communal spaces or reserve a private meeting room if you need to take an extensive or lengthy call. If you must take an important call in a shared work area, use headphones to keep the distraction for fellow coworkers to a minimum. The same goes for those of you who like to listen to music while you work.

Clean Up After Yourself

As in most workspaces, you need to keep your area clean and tidy so as not to upset and distract others. This is especially true if you are using a hot desk, you should leave it as you found it and always tidy up after yourself. If there is a kitchen facility with tea and coffee making amenities, be sure to wash them your utensils and cups, and return them to their rightful place as well as putting any rubbish into the bin.

Be Mindful Of Others

Shared office space is, as the name suggests, shared with others, so it is a good idea to be mindful and respectful of your coworking colleagues. If a colleague is wearing headphones and looks very busy, it’s a good idea to let them get on with their work without interruption. Reserve your networking efforts for the communal areas. By being open, honest and respectful of your fellow workmates you are sure to make some great business connections when the opportunity presents itself.

Coworking With Common Sense

As you can see, most of the etiquette for shared office space is the same as it would be in a traditional office space. By following these tips, tweaking your behaviour with a little common sense and respecting your coworking colleagues, you’ll be well on your way to shared workspace success.

New to the Sport of Figure Skating – Five Invaluable Tips for Beginners

June 16, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

When it comes to classic winter sports, figure skating tends to sit high above the list in popularity. Not only can this sport be enjoyed all winter long – both indoors and outdoors – but you can also continue it throughout the summer months as long as you’ve got a nearby indoor ice rink complex. It tends to be a rather cost-effective sport to break into since not much is required in terms of equipment, and it’s one you can enjoy on your own or with friends and family.

Royalty Free Photo

If you’re new to the sport of figure skating and feeling a little apprehensive as to how to get started, and if this sport is truly for you, here are five invaluable tips meant for beginners such as yourself.

Ensure Your Skates are Fitted Properly

One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a beginner is to go ahead and purchase your own figure skates without taking proper care where fit is concerned. Ill-fitting skates are not only uncomfortable but they can cause blisters, and make it difficult to skate in. Riedell Skates covers all the steps to fitting ice skates in its blog “Five Steps for Skate Fitting”. The blog takes a look at how to fit the ankle, heel, width, length, and much more.

Invest in a Helmet

Whether your particular state has helmet laws or not, protecting your head is something you’ll want to do. As a beginner, there is no doubt you’re in for some falls, so why not be proactive in protecting your health and wear a helmet? Again, a helmet should be fitted properly, so it provides maximum protection and support. It’s best to shop in-person at a sports equipment store where a sales associate can fit you.

Allow Yourself a Warmup Before Hitting the Ice

Just as you would warm up before a workout, it’s wise to do the same before skating. Skating is, after all, a workout, so doing a few light stretches can help you with flexibility and mobility on the ice. It will also help to lessen any stiffness you may feel afterward.

Keep Your Head Up

Figure skating is all about balance, which means you need to keep your body aligned to allow for proper balance. At first, it’s bound to be difficult and beginners are tempted to spend a lot of time looking down at their feet. The problem with doing this is that you also tend to bend forward, which throws off your balance.

Plus there’s the fact that if you’re looking down, you’re not looking at what is in front of you. In other words, keep your head pointed straight ahead so that you don’t end up taking a spill.

Practice Stopping

One of the best moves you’ll learn is how to stop, and this is something you’ll want to master fast. Knowing how to stop properly and quickly can help you to avoid a fall or run-in with another skater or object.

Get Comfortable in No Time

With these tips, you’ll be able to get comfortable on the ice in no time and build up your confidence.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

What To Do During a Day in Macau

May 6, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Spending one day in Macau is a must when visiting Hong Kong. At the same time, how to ignore this unique goal, anchored in our imagination: “Macau, hell of a game”, colonial pockets in central China, incompatibility of small Portuguese cultures at 2h30 from Canton?

If I have to give only one suggestion, remember to take your passport! You change your administrative area by leaving Hong Kong, and if you don’t need a visa, your passport is still important for immigration services. Macau is famous because it is a gambling center in Asia. The city even inspired the emergence of onlinecasinodeutschland.com.de and other famous gambling sites.

Take the ferry to Macau from Hong Kong

The Macau ferry departs from Sheung Wuan Port, which is located right next to the subway of the same name. Most go to the main port of Macau, which is located on land; others leave for Cotai on Taipa island, with casinos and beaches.

How long do you expect? The trip takes about one hour. If there is a departure every half hour (every 15 minutes during rush hour, every 45 minutes for Cotai), we can make you wait if the ship that arrived is complete. Arriving at 9:20, I was offered a departure at 10:15 … Be sure to be at the terminal about 30 minutes before the scheduled time of your trip: the flight begins a quarter of an hour before departure, and plans for 15/20 minutes to pass the immigration side Hong Kong; in Macao, it runs very fast for me in both directions.

If you only spend one day there, remember to buy your return ticket to the port when you get off at Macau! This can save you time at night, especially on Fridays or weekends, when many Macau people go to Hong Kong. And take a small sweater, the air conditioner is set to the “pole” level on the ferry.

Travel in Macau

To reach the old city, a good plan is to borrow one of the free shuttles provided by the casino between the ferry and the game room! Right at the terminal exit, the Grand Lisboa bus will take you to the city center. They leave every 15 minutes.

There, I experienced a major episode of failure. I want to go to Taipa island by bus from the casino, then take a taxi or public bus to reach the south. In short, I could never go any further than the casino district, and when time passed, I gave up and returned to where I started.

Inside old Macao, the distances are ridiculously small. Everything is very easy to walk.

Finally, to return to the port at the end of the day, take the bus! Ask the map of Macau at the tourist office of the ferry terminal, bus stops are all indicated. You have to have some change, but the trip between the city center and the ferry cost me only 3.20 MOP (0.35 €). The Largo Senado is generally the entry point of this part of the city: it is beautiful, with its beautiful Portuguese facades well restored and its black and white pavers shaped wave. At the end is the Baroque church of São Domingos. Um, are you sure we’re still in China?

Macau offers a blend of Chinese and European culture. Don’t you want to go there?

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

Office Improvement Ideas that Can Increase Productivity of Employees

March 14, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

The work environment can significantly affect the overall mood of workers in an office. For example, while a gloomy and dark colour may look posh and classy, it might cause a dip in the productivity levels of your staff. Aside from the colour of the room, an excessively low temperature can also negatively affect productivity, which may result in missed deadlines or low output.

If you’re planning on increasing your production or improving how your department works, it’s high time for you to revamp the area and make a few adjustments. Below are the best ways you can improve your office:

Opt for a brighter and more energising colour scheme

Green, blue, red, yellow and white are seen to be effective in improving mood and increasing work productivity in offices. If you currently use dull and dark colours on the wall, consider repainting them with any of the five colours enumerated above. Try incorporating different shades of such colours through the furnishings and decor you add to the room.

Adjust the thermostat

Cold temperatures can deflate your staff’s productivity level because instead of focusing on their assigned tasks, they try to find ways to keep warm or end up feeling sluggish. To keep everyone alert and extra productive, you should keep the thermostat set at 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Install a party wall

If you have a spacious office, you should consider building a party wall to create separate rooms. This will allow you to designate a specific area for your meetings and work space. Once you have a specific design in mind, you can start comparing party wall surveyor cost estimates in your area. By doing so, you can efficiently set the budget needed for the add-on structure.

Try adding indoor plants

Indoor plants are not only used to add colour to a dull-looking room. They also help improve the mood of workers. There’s a long list of indoor plants you can choose from. A few examples include aloe, lemon balm, bamboo palm, snake plants, African violet, English ivy, and spider plants. Be sure to water these plants regularly to keep them evergreen all through the year.

Change the lighting fixtures

Lighting has a huge effect on the overall wellbeing of individuals. If your staff seem irritable while they work, it may be caused by the dim lights installed in the office. Help them work better by using brighter and more energy efficient lights.

You can choose from a wide array of lighting products such as pendant lights and wall mounted lights. If you’re willing to spend a bit more money on your revamp project, try installing a new window to let in more natural light into the room.

While making a few changes to your office may cost you money, it can help you improve the working conditions of your staff and encourage them to produce better output. The office improvement ideas listed above are just a few examples that you can implement in your own office. Use the tips shared above when you start planning your office revamp project.

Why Use SIPs in Building a New Home

March 2, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

The process of designing and building a new house entails many considerations. During the planning stage, you need to consider what materials to use and ensure that you stay within budget while at the same time consider the performance of these materials.

In light of the recent trend of eco-friendly building, there are many building materials worth considering if you are building a new home. One such building material is structural insulated panels or SIPs. A SIP is like a cookie sandwich where the filling represents a built-in insulation core pressure-sealed into two oriented strand boards for strength and durability.

Outstanding characteristics of SIPs

One of the most notable features of SIPs is the superior thermal performance and its ability to minimise or eliminate thermal bridging. SIP construction results in an airtight envelope which prevents outdoor air infiltration. This will not only improve the insulation properties of the building but also improve indoor air quality.

Energy-efficient homes built using SIP panels use less energy for heating and cooling; therefore, they are capable of retaining warm air or cold air longer. SIPs also have an excellent load-bearing capacity and are compatible with almost any type of exterior and interior finishing.

Benefits of using SIPs to build a home

SIPs not only provide outstanding insulation for homes but also have an advantage over other building materials because of the following reasons:

SIPs reduce construction time, thus saving money on labour costs
SIPs are strong and durable and proven to last decades without replacement
SIPs are versatile and can be used for walls, floors, and roofs
Using SIPs for roof construction eliminates ceiling trusses; hence, creating an extra room for a loft
SIPs look aesthetically pleasing. You can leave the boards bare or cover with drywall for more conventional decorative appeal

SIPs typically come in standard sizes, but manufacturers may customise the insulation thickness depending on what the builder requires.

Challenges in building with SIPs

Constructing with SIPs is not without problems. In designing a SIP building, architects need to consider the exact dimensions required for the construction because cutting the panels to size may compromise their structural integrity.

SIPs are also not inherently fireproof or termite proof. The boards are also sensitive to moisture infiltration which is why a weather barrier is needed during construction. Boards need to be above-ground before installation and arranged according to the right sequence to avoid problems and delays when it is time to erect and join the panels.

Another common concern when working with SIPs is finding an experienced builder. Only a small percentage of homes are built with SIPs each year, which is why it is not always easy to find a SIP UK contractor with extensive know-how in building with SIPs. Nonetheless, it is still relatively easy to get references by asking the manufacturer for their preferred or recommended builder within your area. Overall, the benefits of using SIPs outweigh these challenges which are why there is an increased demand in using them for new builds.

What To See in London, If You Like Luxury

March 2, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

London is one of the favourite destinations for tourists from all over the world. It also makes sense, because the place has a long tradition combined with a modern lifestyle, making it a tourist attraction for the thousands of people who strive to visit the city every year.

A luxury hotel in London with a view of Thames is the answer to all your woes, and the tourism all around with the local markets is sure to soothe your soul. Since the place boasts some of the biggest Michelin starred restaurants in the world so that you can experience the best of the world in one place. Here’s our short itinerary to get you started on experiencing London.

1. Tea and fish and chips

You can’t travel to Great Britain and leave without sampling food from one of their famous cafes. A London trip without the smell of Darjeeling tea and crisps is a waste of time. From the famous Claridge’s to the old school The Goring, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to English cuisine. Also, one of the sacred London traditions is high tea; an evening snack had along with tea in a traditional setting.
Check out the following list if you are wondering where to have five o’clock tea. Also remember to sample the English classics of muffins, shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips to understand the local London spirit.

2. The Big Ben

Have you seen the horizon of London City lately? Big Ben has seeped into all of our childhood memories as one of the most large clocks and architectural marvels in history and rightly so. You can visit around Big Ben and also learn about the inner workings from an officially appointed guide. Be sure to book your visit from ahead to get a head start from the crowd, and enjoy the mechanical and architectural marvel up close.

3. Shakespeare’s Globe

We’ve all agonized over a Shakespeare play or two over the school. However, for theatre and opera lovers, the Globe is one of the most sacred altars to the genius of one of the greatest playwrights of all time. You can check out the reconstructed monument that’s near the original site (the original memorial was destroyed in the fire).
You can watch a play here and relive some of the oldest days of modern theatre. The idea is to stand on the ground and get close to the performers, a time-honored tradition, this is one of the attractions, you don’t want to miss.

4. Columbia Street Flower Market

One of the old institutions of London, the Columbia Street Flower Market has survived through decades. Filled with the fresh smell of flowers since, morning this is one o0f those places that should figure in the itinerary of any budding couple.

Bargain your way into a bouquet of carnation, or buy some exotic roses to please the wife at the hotel, this is one of those places where romance takes hold.

Financial Tips for Young People Moving Out for the First Time

February 21, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Finally moving out of your parents’ house could be both scary and exciting. You feel excited because you are finally free. You do not need to follow all the strict house rules. You are also living in a different place for the first time in your life. You will have exciting opportunities ahead. At the same time, you worry that things will not end well. You also need to work hard to survive. These are some of the financial tips you need to remember as you plan to be independent for the first time.

List all possible expenses

You can learn from your parents how they budget their money each month. Since you are not paying them, you might not have any idea how expensive the bills could be. The recurring fees include water, gas, cable, electricity, phone, internet and many others. You need to know the rough estimate to prepare for them each month.

Create a realistic budget

Apart from the recurring bills, you also need to pay for food and transportation. If you took out a mortgage, you need to be responsible for the payments. Determine how much you are making each month (minus the taxes) and create a budget around it. Do not forget that you have to pay for insurance and have enough to set aside for savings. Make the necessary adjustments if your income is not sufficient.

Build an emergency fund

You need to save money for rainy days. You need at least 10% of your monthly income set aside for emergency purposes. You need to have these funds in case you lose your job, or you face a medical emergency. You might also have other unexpected financial burdens.

Start paying off debts

Now that you are living independently and making money out of hard work, you need to be responsible for paying off your debts. Start with your student loans. Some people take decades to finish paying their student loans. If you owe your parents a lot of money because they helped you settle down, you need to repay them even if they did not ask for the payment.

Change your lifestyle

You cannot live the same way now that you are surviving off your wages. You cannot keep running to mommy anymore because you ran out of money. It means that you need to stop having endless parties. Do not be an impulsive buyer anymore. Think twice before you purchase anything that you did not include in the budget. Learn to cook, so you do not eat out all the time.

You might feel worried about the idea that you are becoming independent, but it needs to happen at some point. To start the process, you can contact removal companies Cheltenham offers, to help you move out right away. You might try to drag your heels since you do not want to move out. With the help of a moving company, you will be out of your parents’ place to start a new life in no time.

Image: Unsplash.com

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Benefits of Hiring an Event Planner

February 20, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Sometimes, we want to do everything on our own because it’s in our nature. Although it’s commendable, you are better off leaving certain tasks to professionals if you want to save both time and money. For that reason, you should seriously consider hiring an event planner to help you create the perfect ceremony. The mistake that most people make is assuming that an event planner is an unnecessary expense. Interestingly, hiring an event planner can help you cut down on planning costs. Here are a few other reasons why hiring an event planner is a good idea.

1. Experience

The first advantage of bringing in an event planner is that they know the field well and can help you to finish preparing the event on time. They know where to get a public address system, good caterers, suppliers, perfect spot to host your event, and other things that you may need. That way, you can complete the site preparations on time and focus on the people supposed to attend that event.

2. Budget

Before you plan an event, you set up a budget of the amount you are willing to spend. However, there are some few things that could go wrong here and there, forcing you to use more cash than you had intended. An event planner that has been in the business for a while knows about these mishaps, and they can advise you on safe alternatives to help you stay within your budget.

3. Suppliers

If you decide to plan an event by yourself, be prepared to pay more or the standard price for items. The vendors are likely to charge you more because you are not familiar to them. However, when you use an event planner, you can get discounts from suppliers. Most planners have personal contacts of suppliers and vendors that they use on a regular basis. Working with an event planner also helps you save time and energy that you could have used to call multiple suppliers.

4. Negotiations

Another reason why you should hire an event planner is great negotiation skills. Most planners understand the ins and outs of the business. It means that they know the price of basic commodities. Knowledge is a powerful tool in negotiation. They are more likely to get you a good price from a vendor or supplier of your choosing.

5. Increases your Chances of Success

If you want to host an event that most people won’t forget, you should seriously consider hiring an event planner. This is because perfection requires patience, experience, and attention to detail. If you are an expert in your field, you know about these qualities. An event planner checks everything, from the guest list to the sitting arrangement to the menu because they want everything to be perfect. After all, that is what they are good at.

6. Peace of Mind

Planning an event can take years off you due to the stress involved. You have to make sure that everything is where it’s supposed to be, and the supplies are delivered on time. You won’t sleep as you think about contingency plans that you can take in case something goes wrong. Hiring an event planner saves you from this stress and gives you peace of mind.

Getting a Corporate Event Planner in New York

In case you are looking for a good event planning company in NYC, you should consider Twenty Three Layers. The firm was founded by Jessica Boskoff who has more than 12 years of experience in event planning. Twenty Three Layers creates events unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The team uses its imagination and innovation to come up with unique events.

If you visit their website, you’ll notice that they have worked with some of the biggest firms in New York and the world. Unlike other corporate event planners in NYC, Twenty Three Layers lives by 4 principles: creativity, innovation, collaboration, and communication. The employees work together as a team to think and do new things that can communicate your message to those that will be attending your event.

Conclusion

If you want your event to be successful and affordable, consider hiring an event planner. They are experienced in the field and can save you from all the hassle of getting things in order.

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Travel Tips for The Tech-Savvy Woman

February 17, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

If you love gadgets, you should be able to use them to the fullest. It doesn’t matter where you are and what you intend to do. If you love your phones, your tablets, and your laptops, you should be able to avoid all the worst-case scenarios with just a push of a button. This is what they are made for after all. If you plan to travel, you’ve probably booked a flight or a Silverstone taxi through your smartphone, to avoid all the hassle of buying tickets, hailing a taxi, and getting trapped in traffic.

But you can do more, lots more. And if you’re a globe-trotting career lady, your smartphone is a better friend than diamonds. So here are a few tips to maximise what you can do with your phone:

1. There are more things you can reserve online

You can reserve places to stay or where to dine online. Planning where you’ll eat on your first day somewhere is essential when travelling. If you’re not the type who is picky about what you eat you can even look for 24/7 convenience stores using an online map. As for places to sleep, of course, you rarely show up at an inn or hotel without a reservation. You can do this on your tablet or laptop. But if you don’t have either, you can also use your phone.

2. Online banking can be done on your phone

The most beautiful thing about technology these days is how your mobile phone or tablet can now double as a pocket PC. Mobile banking is far safer than ever with banks releasing their own apps through the Apps Store or Google Play. Be careful only to get apps from official distributors, as some apps might be fake and can easily steal your sensitive information.

3. Use your phone as a wallet

Some places, like the US or Japan, allow purchases through Bitcoin and other electronic currency forms. If you want to travel safer, why not try travelling with less physical cash on you? The only downside is if you somehow lose both your phone and other gadgets that you use to reach the internet. Having your phone with you at all times is an excellent way to prevent losing it.

4. Remember that you can track your devices

But, say, you lost your bag where you kept your tablet, and you have your phone with you. If you set up your tablet so that you can track it with your phone, that wouldn’t pose too much of a problem.

Another thing you can keep track of your phone is your home’s security. If you’re single and travel a lot, your house may be left vulnerable for a long time. Thankfully, there are security services that offer 24/7 monitoring via a camera system that you can monitor by using your phone.

There’s a lot of things you can do with your gadgets, so if you own one, you should make full use of it.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.