Friday, July 30, 2021

Don’t Let Broken Tech Bring Down Your Business

 

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Almost every modern business is reliant on some form of technology whether its industrial machinery, software or a functioning website. If this technology breaks, it could potentially bring your business to a standstill. Downtime can be very costly for businesses - any huge losses could be difficult to recover from. This is why it’s important to make sure that your tech is fully functional. 

There are several ways in which you can protect your business from technology failure. Below are just a few tips for preventing downtime from broken tech.

Do your research before investing in new tech

Before choosing a new machine or a new program, consider whether it’s likely to be reliable.

If you’re buying tech brand new, try to buy from reputable manufacturers. It could be worth looking into reviews left by fellow customers. When investing in custom tech, it could be important to check out the reputation of the developers. 

When buying used machinery, try to similarly buy from a trusted source. Avoid buying old heavily-used machinery - it may be cheaper, but there’s more risk that it will break.

Report small tech problems and schedule fixes

Don’t ignore minor bugs and hitches. In some cases, they could evolve into much bigger problems. 

Get you and your team into a habit of reporting problems and try to schedule fixes while software or machinery is still operational. If a computer keeps freezing or wi-fi keeps cutting out and the problem is getting worse, don’t allow it to progress into a fully-fledged breakdown.

Don’t rely on quick temporary fixes

When fixing broken tech, you should look for permanent solutions and not just quick temporary fixes. Such problems could return to haunt you if the fix is only temporary.

Temporary fixes are a common cause of technical debt - this is when bugs are allowed to build up. While it may take longer to find a permanent solution, you’ll save yourself time in the future by not having to continuously deal with the problem. If you’ve already made several temporary fixes, it could be worth returning to these problems in order to reduce your technical debt. This post offers information on how to measure technical debt. This can prevent future problems from building up and striking at once. 

Replace old tech before it crashes

The majority of technology doesn’t last forever. It’s important to consider the average life of technology you’re using and to consider a replacement once it gets to this stage.

Software lasts roughly 6 to 8 years, with larger programs lasting between 12 and 14 years. You should replace tech once it becomes unsupported - this is when the developer stops providing updates, at which point any future bugs will no longer be patches. Unsupported software is also dangerous as it could become vulnerable to new viruses and hacking methods.

The average life of hardware can vary. PCs generally last between 5 and 8 years, although it is recommended that computers are replaced every 3 to 4 years to ensure that machinery is performing at its best. Some industrial machinery can last much longer than this. In fact, tractors can last well over 20 years with the right amount of care.

Keep machinery clean and lubricated

You can extend the life of industrial machinery by keeping it clean and lubricated. This could include hosing dirt off of construction machinery and carrying out necessary oil changes to keep parts moving smoothly. 

When storing machinery, be careful of contaminants such as dirt and dust. Taking measures to purify the air can prevent dust levels building up and destroying machinery. Outdoor machinery should meanwhile be covered up or stored indoors so that it isn’t damaged by dirt and rain when not in use. 

Create backups where possible

You may be able to guard yourself against tech failure by putting in place backup measures. This could include keeping spares of certain vital machinery such as providing two printers in a busy office that does a lot of printing - if one printer breaks down, you can still use the other one in the meantime. 

A lot of companies also have backup power generators. If there is a power cut, this can allow you to continue generating your own power until you have mains electricity again. Such a generator could include a petrol generator or a solar generator. 




Fresh Content: Make Your Money Go Further With These Five Tips

 

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We all want to make the most of our money, whether it’s finding the best deals on increasing our savings. With the help of these five tips, you’ll soon make your money go further.


1 . Make Some Cut Backs


If you want to grow your money, you’ve got to make some cutbacks. Go through your monthly expenses, focus on the luxury items, or the areas that you are overspending. Attempt to improve your budget. To help you make a start, consider the following pointers:


  • Search for a new energy provider in an attempt to make savings.

  • Review your leisure activities, research free days out and make some changes.

  • Shop for second-hand items before you shop brand-new.


2 . Start Investing


Investing is the best way to make your money go further. Plenty of people invest in stocks and shares, and end up making some nice earnings. To get started take a look at Robomarkets, here you can find a range of useful info, including the current Google shares price.


Some people like to get started with investment apps and Robo advisors. These are great options for beginners, and people on a busy schedule. Apps like these can make small automated investments, helping you to make money.


3. Set Up Passive Income Streams


Passive income streams are a great way to earn money, without putting in too much of your free time. There are lots of options you can try, from affiliate marketing to P2P lending, real estate, or dropshipping. With so many possibilities out there, it’s easy to start earning money online.


One of the best options for beginners is to open a high interest savings account. All you have to do is pay in your money, and you can start earning a little of the interest. Before you commit to an account, research your options. You’ll want to find an account with the best rate possible.


4. Go Green & Get Saving


We all understand the importance of living a green lifestyle. Many green lifestyle practices can also help you to. If you’d like to lower your carbon footprint and save money, try these ideas: 


  • Learn how to grow your own vegetables, there are plenty of resources that can teach you how.

  • Cut back on your electricity and water usage, a smart metre can help you to do this.

  • Stop buying expensive items for the home and focus on simple decor, like plants.

  • Sell the belongings you don’t use, to reduce waste and save.


5. Get Professional Support


Working with a financial advisor can help you to make your money go further. A professional can help you to assess your outgoings, make a debt reduction plan, and create a roadmap for the future. When you’re confused about your finances, working with a financial advisor can really help.


Work your way through these steps and create a financial plan that works for you. When you pay attention to your spending you’ll save more and live a more mindful lifestyle.


Thursday, July 29, 2021

Entrepreneurs: Avoid These Financial Miscalculations

 


Crop payroll clerk counting money while sitting at table


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Do you know the number one reason why people start a business? The answer is simple: to make money. When you are beginning as an entrepreneur, it is not easy to anticipate just how much money your company will need to attain success and profitability. 


However, some common financial miscalculations can leave your company in dire straits if they go unchecked and left untreated. This blog post will explore some of these mistakes that many entrepreneurs make when first starting their business venture and what steps you should take to avoid them!


Not Using a Budget

Entrepreneurs must set a budget and adhere to it. It helps you manage your cash flow, which is the lifeblood of any business. Even if you're not a finance expert, it's essential to be aware of the finances in your industry.


Not Paying Bills on Time

When you're starting a business, it's sometimes challenging to keep up with everything on your plate. Unpaid bills can lead to collections and other issues that will be highly detrimental to your company's growth in the future. 


So, first, it would help if you weighed your options properly, for example, bankruptcy vs consumer proposal. Then, choose the right way to ensure your finances are in check.


Poor Tax Compliance

The last thing you want to do is create any issues with the IRS. Tax compliance should be a priority for your business. This means staying on top of paperwork-making sure that you fill forms when they're due, keeping track of deductions or tax credits--and ensuring that you make all payments.


Poor Bookkeeping and Reporting

Keeping accurate records is vital for any company, and entrepreneurs are no exception. If you neglect your bookkeeping duties, it could lead to financial troubles down the road that will be difficult to recover from.


Unpreparedness for Unforeseen Expenses

When you start a business, it's essential to prepare for unforeseen expenses. Unforeseen events could include anything from replacing equipment or machinery that breaks down unexpectedly to legal fees and fines related to how your company operates.


Inconsistent Cash Flow

Cash flow is significant for any business, and it's something that can be challenging to maintain when you don't have a steady income. So, entrepreneurs need to make sure they stay on top of this critical issue by always keeping an eye out for how much cash is coming in vs going out--and taking the appropriate measures if worries arise about cash flow.


Failing to Plan for Retirement

It's easy to sometimes forget about the future when you're just starting your business. Still, it's a mistake that can lead to disastrous consequences if left unaddressed. Especially as an entrepreneur who is self-employed and does not have access to a traditional pension plan through work or other benefits from government agencies. 


Instead, entrepreneurs should take the time to plan for a comfortable retirement, and they can do this by saving adequately throughout their careers or even with some clever investment strategies in place!


Failing to Diversify Sources of Income

Entrepreneurs need cash flow just like every other business owner-and that means it's crucial to have multiple streams of income. Failing to diversify sources of income could result in a lack of cash flow and the inability to cover costs for operations. This can lead to financial distress that may be difficult for your company to recover from.


Not Saving Enough Money

An entrepreneur might need some cash on hand if they encounter an emergency, like paying rent if they're leasing their space or if they need to cover a family medical expense. Saving money can help you get through these times of financial hardship and avoid more severe consequences down the road.


Not Investing in Skills Training

Entrepreneurs should always invest in themselves by taking time for professional development courses that could lead to new business opportunities or by learning how to manage cash flow.


Lack of Long-Term Planning

Start-ups often require significant personal investment, which can take the form of your time--and it may also include taking out loans. Therefore, entrepreneurs should plan for their long-term financial success by making appropriate investments now that will be worth it in the future.


Not Having Enough Money Saved Up for Emergencies

An entrepreneur must have savings set aside and ready to go when times get tough--and they will inevitably do so at some point! It can also help you avoid taking out a loan to cover unexpected expenses.


In conclusion, there are many things that entrepreneurs can do to ensure they're on the right track financially. However, they need to anticipate and avoid these financial miscalculations so as not to ruin their chances of business success!





Wednesday, July 28, 2021

6 Startup Ideas for Newbie Entrepreneurs to Try


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Coming up with creative startup ideas can be challenging for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially when it appears as everyone has already taken advantage of every good business idea.


However, you can’t fail at something you haven’t tried, and whether you want to make some additional money on the side or change your career path altogether, there’s something here for every taste and possibility. 


Whether you want to work remotely as a retailer or start your own physical shop, we’ve got you. 


Here are 6 great startup ideas for aspiring entrepreneurs. 





1. Car-wash Business


Car washing services will always be in demand since, unlike other potential businesses, carwashing can’t go completely digital or remote. As a result, you will always have people looking for assistance to clean their vehicles. 


The easiest way to start a car washing business is to talk with your local supermarket or gas station that can allow you to operate a car wash on their premises. 




2. Event Planning Company 

Create an event planning service in your area to connect with your local community. Of course, success will need thorough study and networking, but you can also start an event organizing firm from home for maximum flexibility.


3. Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business

This is effectively a retail operation, with local residents as repeat consumers. In addition, customers may be offered subscription services by this company, which can lead to increased earnings.


When it comes to serving a loyal consumer base, the dry cleaning business is quite profitable. 

The revenue per day easily exceeds $200, while the costs are less than half that. After paying all expenditures, a small shop can produce at least $30,000 in profit per year. 


Just make sure to have all the necessary tools and utilities in mind, such as good-quality rotary sliding vane compressors. Visit Cbeuptime.com for more information.

4. Plant-based Foods Provider

Now more than ever, many people are thinking of transition to plant-based and vegan foods. 

Frequently, people who want to go vegan face the problem of not having enough services in their living area to shop for plant-based food without having the hassle of traveling to supermarkets 30 minutes away from their homes. 


The plant-based business is booming, with sales of plant-based meals exceeding $3.7 billion in 2018. For aspiring entrepreneurs, opening a vegan grocery or creating meat-free versions of traditional cuisine could be the path to success.




 



5. Transcription Service

This service opts to take audio files from clients, listen, and then convert them into written words. 


You can find transcription jobs online on job-seeking websites or even start a company and then hire people with these services and offer your services to other various businesses in turn. 



6. Bed and Breakfast 

A great idea for those who don’t have kids or family living at home anymore is bed and breakfast services. 


Just ensure that you have the proper insurance, make it look presentable, and start listing your property on online platforms to get exposure. 


To decide how much to charge potential customers, it’s essential to look at similar properties and the bed and breakfast market in general. 


Bottom Line 

Whether you choose one of these starting company ideas or come up with your own, there are plenty of options for entrepreneurs looking to generate money and start their own business.



How to Ensure Working From Home Is A Success

 With the recent COVID-19 pandemic you may have been working from home quite a bit. This has been a benefit to some people as they have been able to spend more time with their family. However, trying to work from home and get everything done can prove a challenge especially if you are not used to it. Here is a handy guide to give you some tips on how to juggle work life and home life at the same time. 


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Productivity


We have better productivity in the mornings so take advantage of this and complete all your work tasks in the morning and save your meetings and conference calls for the afternoon once productivity has slowed down a bit. Although everybody is different, so if you find yourself more able to focus around the hours of 12 and 4 then do your work during the time and video chats in the morning. 


Prioritize your workload, so if you know you have something important that needs to be done on a tight deadline then start with that at the top of your list and slowly work down it in levels of importance or due dates. 


Distractions


Working from home you can come face to face with many distractions, this can include people knocking on your front door such as delivery men or postmen. It is so important to keep home life separate from work, if you have the kids or your partner at home with you try putting signs on your door in the area you are working to let them know there should be no disturbances.


If you are a single parent or if both you and your partner are working from home you could ask family members to help with childcare or hire a nanny to keep them occupied while you get your work finished. 


Put your phone down and put it on silent during the hours you are working so if it pings you won’t be tempted to pick it up and spend 10 minutes messaging or getting distracted by endless scrolling on websites. 


Work Environment


Think about where you are working. The right work environment is important for a number of reasons, the main one being productivity. Your workspace should be away from the main hustle and bustle of the house where you cannot be easily disturbed. A bedroom or spare room perhaps, where you can set up a desk and laptop or PC. 


You should think about using a room that has soundproofing. If you do not have a room with soundproofing and your home has space then why not think about moving your office into the garden. You could place a summer house and install soundproofing insulation so outside noises do not bother you. 


Regular breaks 


Finally, while you are working in a normal office you are entitled to regular breaks, either to get a drink, use the toilet or just stretch your legs a bit. While you are working from home it is still okay to take these breaks, don’t think just because you are in the comfort of your own home that the breaks have to end.










Monday, July 26, 2021

How to Know It's High Time for a Career Change

 Changing career paths is a completely normal thing to go through, this can happen during any age or walk of life. If you’re questioning whether or not you’re wanting a career change, don’t worry about it since it’s completely normal. As time passes, career goals and values will develop or completely change for some people. This can be caused by boredom within the industry, the work is too demanding, pay is sufficient, a dying industry, or maybe even wanting to find work that truly makes an impact on lives.

Any reason for a career change is justifiable and it can most likely be achievable too with a lot of hard work and determination. But before you go ahead and decide to just quit your current job, you need to look into your current work situation and think about how it makes you feel. Once you evaluate this, you can then determine your plan for a new career change.

Underperformance is a common occurrence

If you’re the type of person who always tries to perform greatly, you may have picked up on the fact that you’re not disconnected from your job. While you’re physically there, mentally, your head is in a different place. If all the love and passion you once had for your job has just been depleted and you’re just struggling to get work done, then it may be high time for a new job.

These things can happen from the work you do, how toxic your environment is, or even how management and co-workers treat you. Once you begin noticing these sorts of things, it can be very helpful to begin looking into head-hunter agencies that can help you for looking into new industries and a job.

The pay just doesn’t cut it

While many people switch jobs and careers because they’re just not making enough based on their worth, for some people even a good paycheck isn’t enough to keep a job. What’s the point of earning so much money if you can’t even get the time to enjoy it? If your job does provide enough financial stability, but you’re still not pleased, then you may feel as if your true potential is being wasted or maybe you just lack time thanks to your demanding job. If you have a good retirement savings plan, it never hurts to also look into  Accuplan Benefits Services, because a career change could also mean a retirement plan change too.


Constant daydreaming of a better life

A very clear indicator that you want a change in your life, especially in your career would be constantly imagining and even dreaming about making changes. Once this fills your head most of the day, it may be best to then begin forming a plan on what exactly you want and how you may make these changes. Just know that it’s never too late to change your career and you should follow your dream of a better, more stable life.

 

Dreading work

It’s completely normal to dread going to work, especially after having a nice relaxing weekend at home. If this dread becomes a daily occurrence to the point you’re becoming depressed, then changes need to begin happening soon. Also think about the work you do as well, not just the environment. If the sort of projects that you do just no longer excites you, or any sort of achievements or awards that you receive means nothing to you, then this sort of work may not align with what you truly want to do. 




12 Clever Ways to Save Money on Your Home Improvement Project

 

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If you’ve got plans for renovating your home this can be a great investment. The right home improvement project could really increase the value of your property and your curb appeal as well. Ideally, you want to save money where possible, however, as home renovations can be very costly. With a few tips and tricks you can find places to cut costs and remain with a realistic budget. Here are twelve clever ways to save money on your next home improvement project.


Stick to a realistic budget


One of the main things to consider when buying property is the long-term investment. Many people budget for renovations before buying and opt for a house that’s more of a fixer-upper. If you’re planning on selling you need to consider how much the home improvement work you do will add to the value of the property. Either way, it’s important to stick to a realistic budget. It’s not advisable to go over your original budget and eat into your savings or max out your credit card. Figure out what you can afford from the get-go and communicate this clearly to your contractors.


Choose the right contractor


You’re going to be in close contact with your contractor so it’s important to find one you can trust. Shop around and speak to a few, often you can base this on a gut feeling. As well building a rapport with them, however, you’ll need to get a few quotes and compare prices. You could also ask for recommendations and referrals from people in your neighborhood. If someone you know hired a home window contractor, for example, speak to them to find out about their experience.


Opt for standard shapes and sizes


One way to save money, whatever your home improvement project, is to opt for standard shapes and sizes if possible. Bespoke designs are much more expensive, so it’s better to avoid strangely shaped fittings where you can. If your windows or rooms are odd shapes there may not be much you can do but shop around and find the best designers that will cater to these. Try and go for standard sizes as well as these will be more widely available.


DIY what you can


Even if you’re not very experienced, what better opportunity to brush up your DIY skills? Certain tasks are easier than they look and if you manage to do them yourselves you’ll save a lot of money on labor costs. Watch a few YouTube tutorials to get an idea. Once you get a bit of practice doing this like painting, plastering, and even tiling, this will be very satisfying. You’ll learn useful new skills for life!


Borrow or rent tools


If you are going to do some DIY yourself but don’t have much equipment, it’s often cheaper to borrow or rent tools rather than buy them outright. You might not use the new tools you buy very often, especially if they’re for a specialist project. Here are some of the best tool rental services in 2021 for you to check out. Compare the prices of rented tools compared to new ones in the store and bear in mind how long you’ll need to use them for. Better yet, see if you have a friend, family member, or neighbor who might lend you some in exchange for a home-cooked meal.


Use tried and tested methods


Another good piece of advice if you’re planning on doing DIY is to use tried and tested methods. Don’t try to attempt something totally new or difficult. This goes the same for your contractors. Speak to them about your plans and ensure they have plenty of experience in the type of work you need. This way you can have peace of mind that there hopefully won’t be any errors leading to unforeseen costs. 


Look for second-hand items


If you’d like to save money on your home improvement project, you should consider going used. There are plenty of places to buy second-hand items such as furniture, building materials, decking, appliances, and more. Often these are as good as new but perhaps duplicates or spares. If you’re not experienced in looking for second-hand items, here are a few tips for finding furniture on Facebook Marketplace, for example. This is a great place where you can get just about anything and shopping here can end up turning into a fun hobby. You can find great deals and it’s more environmentally-friendly as well. 


Source recycled materials


You could also try to source low-cost building materials or recycled materials for your home improvement project. Research in your local area. This is a much more common option nowadays and it can save you money. It’s also a more sustainable choice. Building sites will get rid of surplus materials so find out if there are any available near you. You could also look into reupholstering furniture with recycled materials and other creative upcycling projects. This a more original way to decorate your home and your upcycled creations will make lovely conversation pieces.


Create a feature wall


If you’d like to save money on materials, one clever trick is to build a feature wall. For example, if you’re remodelling your kitchen or bathroom but can't afford to cover the entire room in expensive tiling, you could create a feature instead. Use bespoke tiling for one section of the wall and a cheaper tile for the rest. The same idea works for expensive wallpaper, or if you want to create a feature with exposed brick. Get creative, and you find a design that really enhances the space, but stay within budget.


Avoid moving certain fixtures


One other way to save on your next remodel, especially if you’re renovating your kitchen or bathroom, is to avoid moving certain fixtures. Changing the electrics or plumbing of a house can be complicated and costly, so leave things like appliances, showers, and faucets in the same place. You can then change the decor around them and still transform the space. Your contractor will be able to give you advice on this and provide the best solution for you.


Sell your surplus materials


If you have surplus materials when you finish your home improvement project, you can sell these online. You’d be surprised what people will be and you can make a little cash on the side to help pay for your project. Facebook Marketplace will even have groups dedicated to building materials, so it’s well worth checking this out. Alternatively, you could put an ad on a noticeboard in a community center in your local neighborhood. You can also sell your old furniture and other household items. Try out a couple of second-hand websites. People love a bargain so as long as what you’ve got in good condition you should be able to shift it.


Track your spending


Even though you’ve spent hours meticulously setting your budget, you need to keep track of your spending to ensure you don’t get carried away. You could try using one of the best spending tracker apps, for example. These monitor all your expenses and you can divide your overall budget up into different areas. This makes it easier to look for ways to cut costs as well. With home improvement projects, unforeseen costs are likely and unfortunately there’s not much you can do about this. If you plan ahead and control your spending, however, you should be able to keep to a realistic budget, and you’ll hopefully have emergency funds just in case.


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