Photo by Vlada Karpovich: 

Use technology to make your apartment more energy-efficient.

One of the best ways to incorporate technology into your apartment living is to use it to make your home more energy-efficient. You can do this in several ways, from using smart thermostats to controlling your lights and appliances with your phone or voice assistant. By making your home more energy-efficient, you’ll save money on your utilities and do your part to help the environment. If you want to take things a step further, you can install solar panels on your roof or balcony. This will make your home more energy-efficient and help you generate some of your electricity!

Use technology to stay connected with your neighbors.

Another great way to incorporate technology into your apartment living is to use it to stay connected with your neighbors. If you live in a large apartment complex, chances are there’s an app for that! Many complexes now have an app that residents can use to communicate and stay up-to-date on events and happenings. If your complex doesn’t have an app, there are still plenty of ways to stay connected using technology. Several social media groups and forums are dedicated to apartment living, and you can even star a blog or vlog about your experiences!

Use technology to make your apartment more secure.

One of the most important ways to incorporate technology into your apartment living is to use it to make your home more secure. You can do this in many ways, from installing a security system to using apartment key fobs on your door. You can even get creative and use technology to deter burglars by setting up motion-sensor lights or a fake TV that turns on when someone enters your home. By making your apartment more secure, you’ll not only deter burglars but also give yourself peace of mind knowing that your home is safe.

Smart home solutions.

Incorporating technology doesn’t just stop at making your apartment more energy-efficient or secure. You can also use technology to make your life easier and more convenient with smart home solutions. For example, you can use a voice assistant to control your lights, music, and appliances. You can also use smart home devices to automate tasks like turning off the lights when you leave the house or setting the temperature of your thermostat. There are endless possibilities when it comes to smart home solutions, and chances are there’s a solution out there that can make your life easier!

Use technology to make your apartment more comfortable.

Last but not least, you can use technology to make your apartment more comfortable. This can be anything from using a smart thermostat to control your home’s temperature to using a noise-canceling device to reduce outside noise. You can even use technology to create a more relaxing environment by installing an aromatherapy diffuser or setting up a salt lamp in your living space. By making your apartment more comfortable, you’ll not only improve your quality of life, but you’ll also be able to relax and unwind after a long day.

Wi-fi enabled lightbulbs.

You can get LED bulbs that you connect to your home’s Wi-Fi. Then, you can use an app on your phone to control the lightbulbs. This is a great way to save energy and money.

You can also get Wi-Fi-enabled outlets. You can plug your devices into these outlets and then control them with an app on your phone. So, for example, you could plug in a lamp and then turn it off and on with your phone. Again, this is a great way to save energy and money.

Wi-Fi enabled thermostats are another great way to save energy and money. You can program them so that they only heat or cool your apartment when you need them. So, for example, you could set it so that it only turns on when you’re home.

There are many ways that you can start incorporating technology into your apartment living. Wi-Fi enabled lightbulbs, outlets, and thermostats are just a few ways to save energy and money. So, start integrating technology into your apartment living today!

The post Here’s How to Start Incorporating Technology Into Your Apartment Living appeared first on Grit Daily News.

But, as much as this scenario brings about a particular problem all of its own with capital outflows out of the United States reaching worrying heights, there are also an increasing number of companies moving back to the United States. Now, whether you’re based in America or you’re reading this post from outside of the States, if you’re serious about business you have to be serious about America. The vastness of the American economy and the reaches of Americana influence are matched only by the far-reaching power of the US Dollar – the Republic of Zimbabwe can attest to that, they no longer even use their own currency anymore. Different discussion for sure, but still of interest.

So what is driving American businesses back home, and is this a sign of things to come – how do these businesses survive abroad at all and what drove them there in the first place?

Let’s discover more.

Image By GDJ

WHAT MAKES A COMPANY LEAVE AMERICA?

The most obvious reason we have to explore here is the complex, never-satiated, and permanently demanding debacle that is the United States system of taxation. Depending on the city and state you conduct your business in, how many employees you have, and the industry you’re operating in, you’ll experience a very different taxation system. There is that and then actual monetary policy. Not just the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve, but how it translates to corporations themselves. We could all get better at managing our money, specifically cash reserves.

With States like Texas on an aggressive drive to bring in investment from tech companies leading to something like a “nouveau’ silicon valley in the State, they have achieved this only because they have installed a highly attractive tax deduction system. Companies setting up shop in the State will enjoy little to no State taxation and some of the most favorable Federal taxes in the country, with a generous deductible program for new startups that create jobs, and the rule is simple: the more Texans you employ, the more generous your taxation becomes. Just ask Elon Musk.

The problem is that taxation, simply in words, is sufficient in and of itself to cause stress to investors and the money-people.

But, we also know that that is not entirely true. New York City has some of the highest tax rates in the country – for individuals that are. For all the skyscrapers in New York, there are ten times that amount of companies based there who have taxation domiciled somewhere other than New York, and in most cases – not in America at all.

The Caribbean has been particularly successful in luring company HQs to their shores. With promises of highly lucrative taxation systems and, in many cases, little regulation, it’s no wonder that the “Yanks” are on the move.

SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF AMERICAN TAX

You may be surprised to learn that some of America’s biggest and most loved brands are no longer…well, “American”.

Burger King is Canadian after they acquired Tim Hortons, Budweiser of all companies now calls Belgium home, and Purina is now Swiss after their merger with Swiss giant Nestle.

What is more than just a little interesting is that many companies have left the USA for the United Kingdom – not exactly known for its liberal tax regime. Many American families have followed and now call London home. Sparking something of a “little America” in England’s capital, they bring that highly attractive Greenback with them. Relocation and migration it’s big businesses not just logistically but also in terms of consumption.  New migrants from America tend to come from backgrounds higher up on the social strata and need services that range from banking to Building Surveyors when they get there.

But it’s not exactly an easy process, so how bad is the tax in America that so many are prepared to navigate the complex migration system practiced in countries like the UK?

Let’s see how America compares.

Firstly, America is only just behind the UK in the Group of 7 nations that between them represent the world’s most industrialized nations, in terms of tax collection. So what’s the attraction? The UK is expensive, the weather takes some getting used to, and post-Brexit is not nearly as competitive as before.

Well, it turns out that they’re moving there precisely. Nearly 40% of American businesses in Britain pre-Brexit had to consider moving to other countries in the European Union. Still, many decided against it – and returned to the United States instead.

Photo By Stux

So if that’s true, and it is – why is it happening?

Well, the plot thickens, and it turns out that the problem that sent American companies packing for shores abroad is the reason they’re returning – American businesses set up company HQs abroad knowing full well that they won’t turn a profit, thereby creating a massive tax write-off opportunity.

And therein lies the problem, and it’s a multi-billion dollar problem.

These companies are not breaking any law unless it can be proved that they are deliberately devaluing or mismanaging their companies to gain this advantage, and the short answer to that is this: Good luck with that.

This sort of blatant abuse of the laws of the United States is providing tax campaigners with limitless fodder. It is costing the US economy hundreds of billions of dollars and, in recent times, even more.

The overall issue is way more complex to explain here thoroughly, but certainly, it is skewed to the advantage of CEOs and holding companies.

It is precisely the liberal business environment of the United States that makes it so competitive. Still, it is not necessarily an environment that is shared equitably, at least not yet. Speaking to whether or not you should take advantage of those laws? Only you can decide if that will work for you or not, but what is somewhat unfair is the lack of access to those benefits that the “average Joe” would experience.

The post When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough…Go Abroad (And Then Come Back Home) appeared first on Grit Daily News.

Cryptocurrency is the current buzzword in the realm of economics these days. But for those who haven’t dipped their toes into this lucrative market, the world of crypto remains a questionable investment, especially in light of today’s months-long crypto winter.

But there is a good reason to believe that crypto will become bullish, especially due to the increased use of blockchain technology and the crypto market in different industries. Crypto’s value has seen exponential growth in the past year, with the market cornerstone Bitcoin reaching an all-time high of $68,000 in 2021. And although crypto has declined this year, Bitcoin is still projected to be worth $100,000 in two years.

This growth is especially reasonable considering the growing use-cases of cryptocurrencies. While numerous establishments are starting to accept crypto, its applications have spread beyond conventional transactions and into more unexpected and exciting areas.

Here are some novel applications for crypto and digital assets.

Gaming

Gaming is one of the most popular uses of cryptocurrencies, as they benefit from streamlined and decentralized payments. Online casino games, for instance, have started using cryptocurrencies in their operations, accepting crypto payments for cash-ins and handing them out as rewards. There are also play-to-earn games like Axie Infinity and Pegaxy, whose mechanics award players with cryptocurrencies once they complete certain goals within the game.

Yes, incorporating crypto-based rewards allows you to accrue assets that have value in fiat. But more importantly, it allows you to monetize gaming for leisure.

Fan Support for Sports

Crypto assets can now allow you to support your favorite sports teams by purchasing fan tokens officially. Although not exactly a cryptocurrency, fan tokens operate similarly as a public ledger authenticates them. Elite sports teams worldwide, including top soccer clubs PSG and FC Barcelona, are embracing fan tokens. Fan tokens can be bought using a proof-of-authority blockchain called CHZ, giving the owner access to voting and membership rights ownership. These tokens allow you to participate in official team polls to help your team make fan-related decisions in notable sports clubs. They are also interchangeable for merchandise, rewards, exclusive promotions, and VIP experiences.

Nonprofit Security

Charities and nonprofit organizations, such as UNICEF and the Rainforest Foundation, are largely benefiting from the secure transactions they can afford from cryptocurrency donations. Because the blockchain enables a transparent flow of information, donations based on crypto assets allow for a more cost-effective, convenient, and secure receipt of donations. For the same reasons, they also facilitate anonymous donations without donors entrusting their anonymity to the organization’s discretion.

Most significantly, perhaps, are the low processing fees that come with donating in crypto. Because of this, more money goes to the organizations’ projects and initiatives and allows administrators to declare these assets as non-cash gifts.

Travel

Because of the numerous use-cases of cryptocurrencies, travelers can now rely on their digital assets to travel more conveniently. Notable travel agencies like Expedia now accept Bitcoin as payment for logistical travel expenses like flights, car rentals, and hotels. Some even offer discounts if you choose to pay with Bitcoin. Moreover, Bitcoin ATMs, available in select countries, make it much more convenient for you to convert your digital assets into the local currency in many major cities.

Cryptocurrencies are here to stay. As the world opens up to cryptocurrencies, these assets’ applications become more and more relevant in the real world. Ultimately, widespread implementation of these uses will pave the way for optimal convenience.

The post The Applications for Crypto Are Growing—Here Are a Couple of Notable Ones appeared first on Grit Daily News.

In business, you have to make sure you have longevity. If you don’t stick around for at least a while, then you’re never going to be successful. There are lots of different ways of achieving this kind of longevity, but we’re going to be focusing on doing everything possible to possess an amazing reputation. How people view you matters an awful lot – you could have amazing efficiency in the workplace and all of the best attributes, but it doesn’t matter if nobody is there to see it all. 

Building a solid reputation as a business is a lot of doing so in your personal life. You have to make sure you do things, directly and indirectly, to improve relationships and improve your business as a whole. Here are just a few ways you can ensure people will look at your business in a positive light and will want to work with you: 

Possess The Right Morals And Values A Business Should Have 

Everyone has a different viewpoint, but we can all typically agree on a few points. There are some things that are just objectively ethical. If you want to be on the right side of people’s opinions, then you’ll have to make sure that you’re a business with a heart in the right place. Make sure you also have values that are linked to your field and what you wish to achieve. 

Always Listen To Feedback And Constructive Criticism 

A business that doesn’t listen to the people that they’re trying to win over will never get to where they want to be. Of course, you shouldn’t bend over backward all of the time, but listening to feedback is so important. You are going to make mistakes from time to time, and constructive advice will help out a lot in the grand scheme. A business owner with a stubborn attitude and big ego will never understand the importance of feedback and will never learn. 

Ensure You Have A Marvelous Workplace And Working Area

You will be judged on pretty much every aspect of your business. Whether you like it or not, this is absolutely the case. You have to make sure that the likes of first impressions and the way you conduct yourself are both on point. Your workplace – be it a store, an office, or a factory – will need to be looking good and operating well. This kind of thing will say a lot about you in the eyes of onlookers. 

Don’t Become A Clickbait Business Or Something Else Similarly Cheap

Clickbait seems to work a lot of the time and a lot of people have just sort of accepted that it’s a form of marketing. The majority of people become majorly put off by this kind of strategy, though. The idea of looking for quick and cheap clicks or false promises isn’t a good look. Make sure you’re not doing this kind of thing regularly – or at all. 

Know All Of The Right People And Have Contacts Who Will Improve Everything

A lot of success in this world comes from knowing the right people. Whether you like it or not, that absolutely is the case. It’s the case in your life as an individual, and it’s the same for business life. You have to know people who can get you what you need. It’s also wise to be able to strike up partnerships with reputable groups so that your name can soar, too.  

Possess Amazing Imagery 

People become impressed by the images they see in front of them. When advertising your business or your product, you’ll have to make sure you have a sexy look. Obviously, you don’t want to set out to deceive anyone with exaggerated or edited images, but enhancing things should be something you look out for. Working with photographers or graphic designers should be something you think about because the chances are that you’re not going to be able to do this kind of thing yourselves. Amateurish photos will knock the reputation of a business quite easily. Using things like DJI drones to get the right angles and other modern techniques should do the trick. Think about it from the outside looking in – how do you want to be perceived by those upon first glance?

Possess An Amazing Online Presence 

Everything is online in this day and age – everything. If people want to know more about you, then they’ll head onto a search engine or a social media page. They’ll want to instantly know about you and then make a decision. We’ve become very spoiled in that regard. So, make sure that your website and social channels are looking good because you will be judged in this way. 

Get Contingency Plans And Business Continuity Ideas For When Things Go South 

Things will go wrong over the course of your tenure in business – that’s just how things happen. You will never have a flawless run. So many different issues can occur, so you’ll likely run into stalls or a little downtime. You have to make sure that you have plans to deal with these kinds of things. Ensure that little problems won’t halt or derail the company. 

Keep Professional In Every Single Facet Of The Business

Nobody likes dealing with amateurs. Sure, you’re allowed to make mistakes, but if someone is parting with their money, then you have to make sure you’re a professional outfit who can do things properly. Ensure you’re looking good and behaving in the right way at all times. 

Hire The Best Lawyers That Will Help With Any Legal Aspects 

You never know when you might run into trouble as a company. You might make mistakes or you might end up needing to go on the offensive. In this case, you should have the best lawyers available in order to help you out. They’ll also be able to help you to start up the business without hitches in the first place. 

Work Hard And Develop A Habit Of Putting In Effort 

If people know that you’re a group that will go the extra mile for customers and clients, then you’re only going to look good. If you gather a reputation of being lazy and not doing your best, people will look elsewhere. There will always be people and groups around that will work hard, so you have to make sure that you’re matching that kind of habit. If you’re motivated to work, then you’re going to have a lot more success in all kinds of different departments. 

Hire Good People Who Are Passionate About This Field

This is an important point to make because a business can only be as good as those working in it. If you have passionate employees that really want to do well in this field, then you’re going to have a much better time. When it comes to customer-facing tasks, they’ll be able to speak with enthusiasm and they’ll genuinely care about what they’re doing for them. This can go a very long way in terms of getting people to fall in love with what you’re doing. 

Always Look To Improve On Whatever You’re Doing 

A company that always wants to improve will always be seen as an attractive one. If you’re okay with how things are and you show no ambition, then people are going to be put off pretty quickly. Just like in your personal life with friends and admirers, you’re going to look more attractive if you have lots of things going for you. If you’re boring and not looking for greater things, then a lot of people will become a little disinterested. Always look to grow and evolve. This will benefit you directly as well as the way you’re perceived. 

Stay Consistent With Your Brand And Fundamental Ideas 

People do not like wishy-washy behavior of any kind. This goes for your personal life and also your professional life. Consistency is key and you have to make sure that you’re not changing too much up too quickly. Whether we’re talking about the way you work, new product ideas, or your fundamental views on things. People choose you because they like what you do but also because they align with the way you do things. If you change your stance or your activity too much, they might not see you in the same light anymore. 

Be Genuine With Customers And With What You’re Trying To Achieve 

As you probably know by now, people are not stupid. We all make mistakes in life, but we’re able to see right through a person when they have an obvious ulterior motive. If they are being disingenuous with their behavior or they don’t seem genuine at all, it’s not going to make them a very attractive proposition. As a business, you have to be honest and genuine with what you’re looking to achieve. You also have to be straight-up with the people who are doing business with you. If they see that you have only your best interests at heart, then they’ll likely lose a little bit of affection they once had for you and look elsewhere for their needs. 

The post 15 Sure-Fire Methods Of Improving The Reputation Of Your Company Even More appeared first on Grit Daily News.

While there are many things that a typical LMS can do apart from internal learning and drafting developmental programs, the following are some key points that make it more customer-centric:

•  Regular posting of educational videos
• Quick learnings through quizzes, assessments, and exams 
• Offering a wide variety of learning courses which covers topics from different ambits.
• Analyze the customer’s performance and give them proper feedback
• Awarding them credits and certifications at the end of the completion stage.

LMS platforms are used globally, across various industries, and for different learning purposes. Hence, the primary motive is to keep the customers engaged and satisfied. For that, some attributes can be of help.

 Let’s look at some important features in LMS which can be helpful in customer training-

Saves time, money, and efforts

A good LMS saves a lot of time. If we have to do the onboarding according to traditional methods, we would be burying our heads under piles of paperwork. Also, the customers can come from any part of the world. Hence the training is not restricted to any geographical setting. Customers should be able to learn from the content at their own pace.

 Information is made available anytime anywhere.

All the information stored in an LMS can be assessed from anywhere and at any time. It can be viewed from a laptop, tablet, or a smartphone, for that matter. You can have access to calendars, various courses, etc. Also, it provides the flexibility to update the content and to delete and add files as and when needed. 

Customers are not our employees, so we cannot schedule training sessions for them, nor can we assign a particular time for them to learn from the information given. It has to be truly self-paced so that they can refer and learn through it in their time of need.

Award them certificates at course completion

The customers can come from any part of the world, so it becomes impossible to conduct a single workshop and sharpen their skills; hence training is done with the help of e-learning platforms and through e-learning courses. At the completion stage of the course, digital certificates are issued, which hold equivalent value to physical certificates. Awarding them certificates makes them feel good value; also, who doesn’t like a little appreciation, right?

Evaluate the success of your customer training programs 

An important feature of customer-friendly LMS is that it provides feedback and insights on the learning performance. How much growth can be expected from the customers in the stipulated time frame? What can be done to fill in the gap if there is some lag between the expectation and performance? Answers to these features improve the learning programs drastically and ensure customer success in a short period.

Globalization 

The learning doesn’t end the day you step out of the county; hence a good LMS should not be geographically restricted. It should support global language localization, payment getaways, and a universal time frame. The knowledge should be accessible anywhere for all the learners, in the country or outside.

Social Learning 

Humans prefer learning through social media channels, it has changed the way we receive and share information. No doubt, learning through social channels can make it easy, but there is a fear of consuming misinformation. Social chat boards, online forums, or discussion panels should be available to the customers. They can be monitored, and any false information can be deleted and taken off the platform.

Conclusion

As the pandemic hit us, the value of the digital world has come floating on top. Customer-friendly LMS has become important, as when it comes to delivering content, no one can match a customer-friendly learning management system. 

Making multiple reports, sharing spreadsheets, or having the learning material ready at all times not only saves a lot of time but also enhances productivity and knowledge. 

The post How can LMS be of help in customer training? appeared first on Grit Daily News.

Photo by Alexander Mils

1) Have A Yard Sale

One easy way to make extra money is by having a yard sale. You can clear out your clutter and earn some cash at the same time! Be sure to advertise your sale in advance so that people in your community know when and where to find you. You can also post signs around your neighborhood or advertise in the local paper. If you have many items to sell, you may even want to consider renting a space at a flea market or setting up a booth at a local event.

Yard sales are a great way to declutter your home and earn extra cash! Just be sure to advertise in advance so people know when and where to find you. If you have many items to sell, you may want to consider renting a space at a flea market or setting up a booth at a local event. Don’t forget – you can also use online classifieds and auction sites to sell your items!

Here are some tips for holding a successful yard sale:

– Advertise in advance so people know when and where to find you. For example, you can post signs around your neighborhood or advertise in the local paper.

– Sort through your belongings and decide what you want to part with. Be sure to price everything ahead of time.

– Set up your yard sale in an easily accessible area with plenty of parking. Consider renting a space at a flea market or setting up a booth at a local event if you have many items to sell.

– Be prepared to haggle with customers. Yard sales are all about negotiating!

– Have fun! Meet your neighbors and enjoy the process of decluttering your home.

2) Start A Side Hustle

There are endless opportunities when it comes to starting a side hustle. You could create a blog, an Etsy shop, do odd jobs for people in your community, or even walk dogs! If you have a unique skill set or talent, there are plenty of ways to monetize that. The best part about starting a side hustle is that it can be anything you want if you’re willing to do the work.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some ideas:

–Start a blog: This is a great way to share your passion with the world and make some extra money. You can monetize your blog through ads, affiliate marketing, or selling products and services.

-Start an Etsy shop: If you’re crafty or have a knack for making cool things, starting an Etsy shop is a great way to make some extra money. You can sell anything from handmade jewelry to vintage finds.

-Do odd jobs for people in your community: This could be anything from mowing lawns to walking dogs. If you’re handy, you could even offer your services for painting or minor home repairs.

-Start a pet sitting business: This is a great way to make extra money if you love animals. You can offer your services to pet owners in your community who need someone to watch their pets while they’re away.

No matter what you decide to do, starting a side hustle is a great way to make some extra money. Just be sure to pick something you’re passionate about so it doesn’t feel like work!

3) Start A Business

One of the most exciting ideas to make some extra money is to start your own business like Swiftdrain. This could be anything from a small home-based business to a larger company. Of course, starting a business takes time, effort, and money, but it can be very rewarding both financially and personally. Many resources are available to help you get started, so research and see what might work for you.

Starting your own business is a great way to control your financial future and make as much money as possible. It can be challenging at first, but if you are passionate about your product or service and are willing to work hard, it can be an enriching experience. There are many online resources and books available to help you get started, so do some research and see what might work for you.

If you have a unique skill or talent, you can also start your business offering services to others. This is a great way to make some extra money while doing something you love. Many online platforms allow you to offer services, so do some research and see what might work for you.

Whatever you decide to do, remember that starting your own business takes time, effort, and money. But if you are passionate about your product or service and are willing to work hard, it can be an enriching experience.

Photo by PhotoMIX Company

4) Invest In Real Estate

If you’re looking for a more long-term investment, then you might want to consider investing in real estate. This can be a great way to make some extra money, and it’s also something that can offer you a lot of stability down the line. There are a few different ways that you can go about investing in real estate, so be sure to do your research before making any decisions.

One thing to keep in mind is that investing in real estate is not always a quick process. It can take months or even years to see any return on your investment, so it’s essential to be patient. However, investing in real estate can be a great way to make some extra money if you’re willing to do the work.

If you’re interested in learning more about investing in real estate, several resources are available online. There are also plenty of books and articles that can offer you some guidance. Be sure to research before making any decisions, and always consult with a financial advisor if you have any questions.

5) Make Money From Your Hobbies

One of the exciting ideas to make some extra money is by monetizing your hobbies. If you are good at something, there is a chance that you can make money out of it. For instance, if you are good at painting, you can sell your paintings online or offline. Or, if you are good at playing a musical instrument, you can give music lessons to people who want to learn how to play that instrument. There are many ways to monetize your hobbies, so if you have a hobby that you enjoy doing, think about ways that you can make money from it.

Another way to make some extra money is by becoming a freelance writer. If you enjoy writing and have good grammar and spelling skills, this could be a great way to make some extra money. You can find writing gigs on many different websites, and you can set your rates. So if you want to make some extra money by writing, then this is definitely something to consider.

6) Participate In Online Surveys

Many websites pay you for taking surveys. You can easily make extra money by sharing your opinions on products, services, and current events. Most surveys only take a few minutes to complete, so this is an easy way to make some extra cash without putting in a lot of effort.

One downside of online surveys is that you usually won’t qualify for every survey. This means that you may have to take a few minutes to fill out a questionnaire only to be told that you don’t qualify for the study. However, if you don’t mind spending a bit of time on something with no guarantee of compensation, online surveys could be a good option.

There are many reputable survey companies to choose from. However, be sure to do your research before signing up for any survey company to make sure they are legitimate and that you will be paid for your time.

In conclusion, there are many exciting ideas to make extra money. Whether you want to start your own business, invest in real estate, or simply monetize your hobbies, there are several options available. Be sure to do your research and consult with a financial advisor before making any decisions. With a little effort, you can easily put some extra money in your pocket.

The post Interesting Ideas To Put Some Extra Money In Your Pocket appeared first on Grit Daily News.

Changes in the workforce

One of the most significant changes since the pandemic’s start is the increased incidence of remote work. The crisis prompted a sudden exodus from communal workplaces and offices, with millions of employees swapping their desks at work for their dining room tables or spare bedrooms. Some employers have encouraged employees to return to work, but others have embraced more flexible working models, including working from home and hybrid models. 

Changes in the workforce can offer opportunities for businesses, but they can also present challenges. There are chances to save money, reduce expenses and boost team morale through enhanced flexibility, but it can also be difficult to manage teams in different places. One of the most important factors for employers is the impact on individuals. Studies suggest that up to 80% of employees wanted to continue working from home after restrictions were lifted. For some employees, however, returning to the office presented opportunities to boost productivity and enjoy the social side of work. 

Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-white-crew-neck-t-shirt-using-silver-laptop-computer-5318976/

Financial challenges

The pandemic was costly for organizations across multiple sectors. Businesses lost money through falling sales and venue closures, and since the pandemic, inflation has risen, and the cost of utilities, materials, and supplies has increased. A record number of corporate giants lost money in 2020, and small businesses were lost across all industries. For companies already struggling to stay afloat, balancing the books is one of the toughest tasks. 

Tackling financial issues involves two key elements. To boost profits, businesses need to be able to increase their income and keep expenses as low as possible. Running a successful business often relies on being flexible and adaptable. The Covid pandemic highlighted the benefits of agility, with forward-thinking companies and individuals able to capitalize on new trends and an increase in the demand for certain products and services. Being adaptable can help businesses to generate sales and expand their client base, but crucially, it can also open doors in terms of cutting costs. Switching to remote work, for example, reduces staff expenses and could lead to significant savings on office rental fees. 

One of the silver linings of the pandemic is the realization that businesses can operate more efficiently by streamlining operations and exploring new ways of working. Hiring financial planners and consultants is beneficial for company directors and team leaders who want to achieve more for less, keep their finances in check, facilitate growth and explore opportunities in terms of restructuring or investing. There is no quick fix for financial pressures in the aftermath of the pandemic, but there are ways to recover and prosper. 

Supply issues

The pandemic caused widespread disruption and delays for businesses and their customers. Covid restrictions, facility closures, reduced capacities, and travel bans meant that it was increasingly difficult to move goods around and deliver products from A to B. Studies suggest that around a third of businesses in retail and manufacturing experienced disruption as a result of global supply chain issues in 2020/2021. There have been improvements since restrictions were lifted, and it has become easier to travel around and transport goods. Still, it could take time to achieve pre-pandemic levels of performance and efficiency. There may still be shortages of some products and materials, especially as Covid backlogs have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 

Staff shortages

The pandemic resulted in many employees losing their jobs or switching careers. In the hospitality industry, for example, employees left their jobs because cafes, restaurants and bars, and entertainment venues closed, meaning businesses didn’t need staff. The travel sector was also heavily impacted, with airports running very low capacity and planes grounded. Now, the demand for services is increasing, and organizations don’t have the employees they need to deliver to their customers. The challenge is to find staff as quickly as possible, provide training and offer services to customers before they lose interest and the demand falls. Solutions include recruitment drives, fast-tracked hiring and training processes, and offering flexible working arrangements and higher salaries, which make jobs more appealing to prospective employees. 

Image from https://pixabay.com/photos/hiring-recruitment-career-business-2575036/

The post-pandemic world is rife with challenges for businesses. There are obstacles to overcome, but there are also opportunities to capitalize on new trends and embrace new ways of working. 

The post What Can Businesses Do To Tackle Post-Pandemic Challenges? appeared first on Grit Daily News.

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If you’re an entrepreneur or own a business, then you should know the importance of having good money habits. It’s vital that you not only do so in your professional life but in your personal life. It doesn’t matter what your situation is now, these tips can be applied and help you improve your finances and feel less worried about money.

These suggestions can be easily transferred into every aspect of your life and are worth considering as you try to grow your business and achieve more stability at home. Here’s how you can manage your money better for a brighter future. These are actions you won’t regret taking and will only help your situation to improve over time.

Set Goals & Change Your Mindset

Get started managing your money better for a brighter future by setting goals for what you want to accomplish financially. It may be that you want to buy a home or new car, or maybe you wish to save up to go back to school and invest in yourself. Goals keep you on track and focused when you feel like spending or veering off course. Let your goals motivate you to want to change and improve for a brighter future.

Also, take the time to educate yourself on the jargon and best practices to change your mindset and get in the right frame of mind for taking control of your finances. Doing so will also help you avoid taking bad advice from others.

Establish A Budget

Another way to manage your money is by establishing and following a budget. Write out your expenses and income and know how much you need monthly to cover bills and other costs. A budget is a great way to guide you in making wiser financial decisions and not overspending. You can simply follow this roadmap instead of thinking daily about how you use your money. In addition to mapping out what money you need and are spending, look to see if there is any extra left over. In this case, you may want to use it toward a trip you’ve wanted to take or to start an investment strategy.

Shop Deals & Online

It’s also important that you avoid always paying full price for everything. Instead, get in the habit of shopping for deals and seeing ways in which you can save yourself some money by shopping online. For example, NetVoucherCodes.co.uk is the perfect place to shop around for today’s latest deals and discounts in various categories and a large selection of items. You can save money online when you choose the right sites and are diligent about seeking out and using discount codes that allow you to save more money.

Save up for Emergencies

Get started managing your money better for a brighter future by saving up for emergencies now. Life is unpredictable, and you never know when you’ll get hit with an unexpected bill that you’ll need to cover quickly. Instead of racking up your credit card bill, you can dip into your emergency fund and get the expense paid immediately. It’s better to be prepared than to be caught off guard and scrambling at the last minute to come up with the money you need in a hurry. Generally speaking, aim to have three to six months of living expenses saved up and think about creating separate savings for things like travel and house repairs.

Make A Plan for Paying Off Debt

Debt can be frustrating to think about and deal with, no matter who you are. Therefore, you can get started managing your money better for a brighter future by making a plan for paying off debt. Establish goals and make paying down debt a priority so you can progress forward. It’ll take a lot of burden off of you, and you’ll have a better chance of gaining financial freedom and independence when you’re living within your means and can avoid increasing your debt as the year’s pass.

When you pay off your debt, you’ll not only feel better about your finances, but you can also reduce the amount of interest you pay over time. It will free up your time and money to allow you to concentrate on other financial goals and save up your money.

Track Your Spending

Also, track your spending and pay close attention to where your money is going and how you use it. Get started managing your money better by pinpointing what’s necessary spending and areas where you may be overindulging. For instance, you may be able to choose a more affordable gym to work out at or make coffee at home instead of stopping at your favorite coffee shop each day. Find ways to cut your spending so you can live more comfortably instead of paycheck to paycheck. Tracking your spending is an essential task since you can more quickly identify wasteful spending habits and get yourself in the habit of saving and investing instead.

Pay Your Bills on Time

If there’s one action you should commit to regularly doing, it’s to pay your bills and to pay them on time. Manage your money better by referring to your budget and setting up automatic payments so that you don’t always have to think about bills. Create a brighter and more financially secure future for yourself by making bill-paying a priority. Otherwise, you risk hefty fees, an increase in interest rate, and even damage to your credit score. Paying your bills on time becomes even more important when you are responsible for paying your mortgage. Therefore, get in the habit now so that it’s something you naturally do in your life.  

Put Money toward Retirement

Although retirement may be far off for you, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be thinking about it now. It should be the main focus for you even from a young age. You want to ensure you’re planning and acting now to live the lifestyle you want once you’re done working. Manage your money better for a brighter future by putting money toward a retirement account as soon as possible. You’ll be glad you did once it comes time to retire and you have the money you need already saved up to live how you want and pay your bills without having to go back to work.

Think Before You Spend

Always think before you spend as another tip for better managing your money. You may change your mind overnight and realize you don’t truly need the item. You might also discover that you can get a better deal elsewhere or online. Be patient and wait for sales and items to come down in price so that you’re buying stuff you can afford. It’ll also be beneficial to save up cash for big purchases and instances when you’ll need a large sum of money instead of putting these costs on your credit card.

Ask yourself a few questions such as do you need the item and is it an impulse buy, and can you get it for less elsewhere. You should feel confident and comfortable spending money and know that the purchase you make won’t set you back too much. You’ll have fewer regrets, and it’ll force you to determine needs versus wants to find greater financial stability.

Keep Score & Celebrate Your Successes

Managing your money doesn’t have to be a punishment or a task that makes you feel frustrated. Instead, you should view it as a way to create a better life for yourself and that you’re doing something positive for yourself. What will help is to keep score so that you know how you’re doing and can see what’s working over time. Get in the habit of celebrating your successes so that you stay motivated to want to continue down the path you’re on and achieve even more. Consider celebrating your successes by treating yourself to a nice home-cooked meal or sitting down to watch a movie you enjoy instead of going out and spending money.

Conclusion

You now have some useful advice about how you can get started managing your money better so that you can have a brighter future. These suggestions will require you to change your habits and mindset a bit so be patient with yourself as you begin. Start slow, set goals, and check-in with yourself and how you’re frequently doing. Soon enough, you’ll notice that you can improve your finances and build a better life for yourself where you don’t feel as stressed out about money. Avoid putting it off for another day and commit to taking charge now and getting yourself on the right track immediately before you make the situation worse. With these tips, you’ll not only be able to live a more comfortable lifestyle, but you’ll also be protecting yourself from financial hardship.

The post Get Started Managing Your Money Better For A Brighter Future appeared first on Grit Daily News.

Victoria Kennedy is the master of all of her trades: CEO of award-winning Victorious PR, top-charting classical singer, and networker extraordinaire. As a leader in an industry built on who one knows, Kennedy correspondingly understands and cultivates perfect networking qualities that even her equal peers covet.

Kennedy, Rolling Stone Culture Council and Forbes Agency Council member, was personally invited to sponsor and perform at the momentous Million Dollar Mastermind event (hosted by Ryan Stewman) in July. She sang the United States National Anthem in operatic and graced the stage once more during the three-day event to eloquently explain the power of quality PR to a captivated audience.

We sat down with Miss Kennedy to hearken to her wisdom in how to network naturally, gracefully, and successfully. Here is what she had to say.

Take Your Time

“Networking isn’t an overnight achievement like applying for a job or pitching to a publication,” Kennedy said. “It is almost as if it happens without you realizing. Like the common idiom, ‘Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans,’ so it is with networking. One day you look back, and see the fruits of your labor by way of all the amazing people you now call colleagues.”

Kennedy explained that networking, especially in the entrepreneurial space, is more about having your radar always on, and your lighthouse always shining. You want to attract the right people while taking note that they are around you. If you push too hard or come off desperate, you lose the game. Networking is about nurturing, not about getting phone numbers and checking names off your list.

Manage Your Expectations

To continue that thread, Kennedy shared that managing expectations is paramount.

“If you expect everyone you meet to be your golden goose, you will become unrightfully disillusioned fast,” she said. “Imagine going to a free networking event, hosted in a restaurant. Everyone there, because the event is free, is hoping that some magic wizard will walk in the door and invest in their company or teach them the skills they’ve been wanting to learn for free. But at a paid event, everyone there has something to offer — before asking for things in return.”

Give What You Want to Get

A perfect segway into Kennedy’s next point, is to lead with value.

“The golden rule applies to everything in life, including entrepreneurial networking!” she went on. “Treat others how you want to be treated. Have healthy boundaries, of course, don’t get taken advantage, but do provide value to those around you.

“Whether it’s a mentoring conversation, some free savvy tips that perhaps clients usually pay for, or even a listening ear, we all have things to share that others need. I recommend outlining, on paper, what you are willing to give with no expectation of payback so that you don’t let your excitement run away with you. You don’t see me giving out free PR very often!”

Be Yourself

In the entrepreneurial space, you will always be surrounded by people who are a step, or many, ahead of you. This can cause intimidation and lack of confidence, which stamps out any hope of genuine networking results.

“At all times, be you,” Kennedy said. “People in my circles sometimes playfully poke fun at my vintage style of dressing, for example, but if I went home and changed into all-black power suits, I would lose their respect. Just because something is different, even if people point it out, doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Being yourself is crucial — if you can’t be you, why are you doing this? Never sacrifice who you are for the sake of a feigned friendship. You started your business to be your own leader. That includes your interpersonal life.”

Know Your Strengths

Being yourself includes knowing your strengths and playing them up. If you know you are good at something, don’t be afraid to share that skill with others. Having basic self-awareness is key to making sure you bring something to the table.

“By playing to your strengths, you bring out the best in others,” Kennedy explained. “I’m not just talking about your resume skills either. I mean if you have hilarious jokes, tell them. If you are a hugger, give hugs. If you are great at toasts, making eye contact, singing, multi-tasking, or small talk, do it. Mingling can be exhausting, but knowing which parts you are good at makes all the difference. And if you don’t know, ask your close friends. The ones you made by being yourself and leading with value, even if you didn’t realize that’s what you were doing.”

About Victoria Kennedy

Victoria Kennedy is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and well-respected authority in public relations. She is the CEO of Victorious PR, an award-winning, multi-million dollar PR agency that has helped dozens of entrepreneurs become the #1 Authority in their niche by getting them featured in top podcasts and press. To gain more credibility and authority in your market, please visit https://victoriouspr.com 

The post Walk, Don’t Run: CEO and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Victoria Kennedy’s Expert Tips for Entrepreneurial Networking appeared first on Grit Daily News.

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1. The Impact On The Business World

The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a sharp increase in entrepreneurship. In addition, the pandemic has forced many people to reevaluate their careers and start their own businesses.

There are several reasons for this uptick in entrepreneurship. First, the pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty in the job market. Many people have lost their jobs or are at risk of losing their jobs due to the economic downturn. This has led many people to start their own businesses so they can be in control of their own careers.

Second, the pandemic has made it difficult for people to advance in their careers. With so many businesses shutting down or reducing operations, getting promoted or moving up in a company has become harder. This has led many talented individuals to start their own businesses where they can be their own bosses and control their own success.

Third, the pandemic has forced many people to reevaluate their priorities. With so much uncertainty in the world, many people realize that they need to focus on what is truly important to them. For many people, this means starting their own businesses to have flexibility and freedom to do the things most important to them.

Fourth, the pandemic has opened the eyes of many. Business owners are no longer able to force employees to work long hours in the office. With so many people working from home, they realize they can have a successful career without sacrificing their personal lives. This is leading to a new wave of employees demanding to work from home and have a better work-life balance.

Finally, the pandemic has made it clear that the traditional business model is no longer sustainable. With so many businesses struggling to survive, it is clear that a new approach is needed. This is leading to a surge in innovation as people look for new and creative ways to do business.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the business world and has led to a sharp increase in entrepreneurship. This is a positive development as it will lead to more innovation and creativity in the business world. In addition, it will create new opportunities for talented individuals to pursue their dreams and start a business.

2. The Impact On Entrepreneurship

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on entrepreneurship. The number of new businesses has increased dramatically as people look for ways to control their careers and pursue their passions.

This is a positive development as it will lead to more innovation and creativity in the business world. It will also create more opportunities for people to achieve their goals and dreams.

The pandemic has also harmed entrepreneurship. Many businesses have been forced to close due to the economic downturn. This has created a lot of uncertainty for people who are thinking about starting their own businesses.

However, the overall effect of the pandemic on entrepreneurship is positive. The increased number of new businesses being started will offset the losses caused by the closure of some existing businesses.

The pandemic has also created a need for new products and services that did not exist before. This provides a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to start businesses that can fill this need. If you want to start your passion project, there’s no better time than now. To get started, you need to ensure that you do your research and speak to naming companies, marketers, suppliers, and other professionals you may need to make your business dreams a reality.

There are many challenges that entrepreneurs will face in the coming years, but the pandemic has created a unique opportunity for them to grow and thrive.

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3. The Future Of The Business World

The pandemic has forced businesses to change the way they operate. Some of these changes will be temporary, while others will likely become permanent.

One of the most significant changes in the move towards digitalization. Many businesses have been forced to digitize their operations in order to survive. This trend is likely to continue after the pandemic ends.

Another change that is likely to occur is the rise of remote work. Many people have been forced to work from home during the pandemic. This has led to an increase in the popularity of remote work. As a result, it is likely that more businesses will allow their employees to work remotely in the future.

The pandemic has also had an impact on the way businesses are funded. Before the pandemic, most businesses were funded by traditional means such as bank loans and venture capital. However, the pandemic has led to a decrease in the availability of these funds. As a result, many businesses have turned to alternative funding sources such as crowdfunding and government loans.

It is clear that the pandemic has had a profound impact on the business world. Moreover, the changes that have occurred are likely to shape the future of business.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how companies do business and employees see their careers. A work-life balance has never been more of a priority than it is now, and employers who want to succeed need to change their policies to accommodate this new reality. The rise in entrepreneurship is a positive development that will lead to more variety, larger opportunities, and creativity in the business world. However, there are many challenges that entrepreneurs will face in the coming years. The future of business is uncertain, but the pandemic has created a unique opportunity for businesses to grow and thrive.

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