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Startup Funding

7 Foolproof Ways to Increase Your Chances of Finding Startup Funding

Are you an entrepreneur hoping to build a thriving business backed by investor funding? Do you have an awesome business idea with product/market fit, but need angel investor funding to help your business scale? If so, you've come to the right place. There are a number of ways you can increase your chances of finding startup funding if you are strategic in your approach to making valuable connections. Gabriel Patterson, a Toronto based chairman at Bethmann Lombard Bancorp, is a dynamic businessman and certified Islamic finance specialist who has over 26 years of investment banking experience. 7 Foolproof Ways to Increase Your Chances of Finding Startup Funding Below, he shares and encourages you to incorporate the following seven tips into your fundraising efforts to improve your chances of scaling your company. Confidence is Essential: Be confident when attempting to raise funds for your startup. Investors will often back an entrepreneur they believe in even if the entrepreneur's startup idea isn't strong. Investors know the entrepreneur can always pivot their startup to a more profitable business idea, but they want to be among the first investors to bet on an entrepreneur who exudes confidence and drive. Always be Networking: Make time for networking with potential investors regardless of how busy you are building your startup. Something as simple as schmoozing with angel investors and VCs (venture capitalists) on Twitter can help get your startup on their radar. Add valuable insights on Twitter conversations, don't overtly promote your startup, and continually tweet helpful content to build the startup ecosystem. Your efforts won't go unnoticed, especially if your business idea is appealing. Know Your Ask: Know what you want when pitching potential angel investors and VCs. An entrepreneur with a lukewarm pitch with no firm ask isn't going to survive long with seasoned investors. Know what you're asking for, be firm in your presentation, and be prepared to negotiate to keep the entrepreneur/investor relationship moving forward. Consider Smaller Rounds: Be prepared to accept a smaller round of funding than what you initially ask for from investors. You may have grandiose plans and think you need a major round of seed funding or Series A funding. This is a common trap many entrepreneurs fall prey to when raising funds for their startup. Even smaller amounts of funding can be quite helpful in moving your company ahead. If you learn to reduce your burn rate and spend your funding wisely, you'll be amazed at how far a smaller amount of funding can take you and your startup. Investigate Investors: Don't assume it's only big-name investors who can help grow your startup. Too many entrepreneurs think they're only successful if they raise funding from famous VCs and investors in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, or New York City. Nothing could be further from the truth. You can raise funds for your startup from investors anywhere, but you need to approach them with respect and understand their investment thesis. The more you investigate potential investors for your startup, the more likely it is you will find reputable financial backers for your business. Ethical Behavior Matters: Be careful how you portray yourself when in public. You never know who you might be chatting with at a networking event or who they might know. One slip-up in behavior or egotistical boasting could potentially cost you the financial funding you so desperately long for. Be an entrepreneur with ethics and a strong moral code and you'll increase your long-term odds of startup success. Appeal to Investor Emotions: Don't forget to appeal to investor emotions when seeking funding for your startup. You must know your numbers and offer a pitch deck that investors can believe in, but it never hurts to appeal to their emotional side too. You don't want to overplay this card, but a touch of emotion in your investor outreach efforts can go a long way. Remember these seven foolproof ways of increasing your chances of finding startup funding and you'll improve your entrepreneurial future. Raising funds for your startup is hard work, but the rewards can definitely be worth all the sacrifice and long hours. Read Also: 5 Steps To Accelerate The Growth Of Your Startup How To Attract The Best Talents For Your Startup 7 Reasons To Be An Entrepreneur In The Best Area: IT

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Runner

Gait Analysis: What It Is, And Why Every Runner Needs One

As a marathon runner, you’re willing to do almost anything to give yourself an edge. You’ll wake up at the crack of dawn every morning, just to squeeze in some training before work. You’ll get the best gear that wicks away sweat and keeps you warm in the bitter cold. You’ll take vitamin and protein supplements to boost your energy, so you can push yourself past that brick wall and make it to the finish line. If you really want to improve your capabilities as a runner, you should add one more step to your to-do list: go for a gait analysis. Gait analysis is a study of how you walk and run. It can be completed at a professional foot clinic. A chiropodist will start by recording a video of you walking and jogging on a treadmill. They will make a note of your physicality — aspects like your height, your weight, and the arches of your feet will come into play. Then they will watch the recorded footage to observe the biomechanical patterns. The first thing you will get out of this analysis is an in-depth look into your body’s composition and your stride. These are qualities that the average person would not be able to identify with the naked eye. Seeing the evidence in slow-motion footage makes it much easier to make an assessment. For instance, gait analysis will be able to tell you if you deal with overpronation, under pronation, or neutral pronation: Type: Definition: Overpronation The foot rolls inward too much, putting weight on the foot’s inner edge. Underpronation (Supination) The outside of the foot impacts the ground at a steep angle. Neutral Pronation The foot lands on the outer edge and rolls inward for even-weight distribution.   You can improve your running ability with gait analysis because all of the findings could help you make the right adjustments to your technique and avoid serious injuries down the line. If you’re someone who deals with overpronation, you could deal with problems like Plantar Fasciitis, bunions, or heel spurs if you don’t make any changes. If you’re someone who deals with supination, you could deal with complications like shin splints, hammertoes, or IT band syndrome if it’s not treated. The easiest way to solve these problems is to get custom orthotic inserts for your running shoes or to get brand new orthopedic shoes. These will modify your weight distribution, ankle stability, and arch support. After making the suggested adjustments to your stride and using the right shoes for the job, you can go back to a foot clinic for a follow-up. You'll have definitive proof that the changes have enhanced your biomechanics or that further adjustments need to be made. Running and walking are instinctive activities. You won’t be thinking about how your heel hits the pavement or where the outer edge of your foot distributes your body weight. You’re just focused on putting one foot in front of the other and making your running time. Having a professional perform a gait analysis will help pinpoint your problem areas and make your training even better. Read Also: Safe Running During Hunting Season Durable Running Shoes For Women How To Lace Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis? Opt For Comfortable Pair Of Cross Training Shoes For Men

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Home Renovation

Top 3 Home Renovation Considerations for this Spring

Finding the lowest priced home in the best location possible, while ideal, is like finding a diamond in the rough. Home buyers will search high and low, near and far to find the perfect new living space. This presents a terrific opportunity for you as a potential home seller to make the look of your home your selling point. Home Renovation projects can make things more effective for you. It can help your home to look more beautiful and organized than before. Different Ways Home Renovation Projects Can Help You In Future    There are multiple ways home renovation projects can help you in future. In this article, you will get the complete details of it from your end. If you are serious about this flipping, and renovation of real estate, you can take help from the experts at A&A in Singapore. 1. Home Improvements Will Help You Sell: Upgrading the look of your home — both the outside curb appeal and the indoor aesthetics will help make a solid first impression. It’s likely you’ll find that people are willing to go the extra mile — and spend the extra dollar — in exchange for a certain standard of living. It’s human nature to want to make the most of your nest. Unless you’re selling to an investor in the business of flipping houses, you’d be hard-pressed to find a buyer that will overlook issues with design and layout – and if you do, they’re going to expect a lower price tag to account for the money they’ll have to put into renovating themselves. That also means, more often than not, they’re willing to a spend a little extra for the extras: the bay windows, the awnings, the solarium, the heated floors — you get the idea. A good first step in deciding what features you’d like to invest in is to create an inspiration board and establish some creative direction. That way, you have some idea of where you want to go with woods, moldings, and carpeting. It’s a good exercise in design to reconcile different design picks to complement what you already have. 2. Budgeting is Key: Just like your mother always told you, budget, pre-budget, and then budget again. It’s best practice to inflate your numbers so that you’re accounting for any unexpected expenses that may arise. During the hustle and bustle of prepping your home for sale, costs can inflate, and so you’re going to want to anticipate any potential problems. If you’re making any window or door replacements, make sure you find a reputable installation company that you can trust with making the most of your home improvement budget. The right company that brings transparency and customer service to the fore can help you say goodbye to ugly old doors and windows without going over your budget. 3. A Reputable Installation Company Should Be a Top Concern: Doing your homework before making your choice is key, and you would do well to find a company that is known for the quality of its product, the integrity of its service, and the innovation of its design. Find a company that offers end-to-end solutions for replacement windows and doors, one that sells, manufactures, installs, and services a line of award-winning and energy-efficient windows and doors. The best company will offer in-home consultations to make certain they are in tune with your creative vision. The right company will also pride themselves on their commitment to accountability and transparency. Not only can finding the right installer help to set your home apart from a cosmetic standpoint, but it also promises to make your home energy efficient. That way, you can add low energy consumption to your list of perks. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to the perfect home sale. Read Also: 7 Tips To Increase The Value Of Your Home 7 Ways To Add Character And Style To Your Home A Quick Guide To The Legal Steps Of Buying A House 10 Points To Remember If You Are Building A Residential House

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birthday gift

The Whos Whats And Hows Of Espadrilles

Last month I got a pair of sandals as a gift for my birthday. Everyone keeps asking me where they can find a pair, but I don’t even know what they’re called. You may be here because someone told you they were wearing espadrilles and you got curious or just want to keep up with this hot summer trend. Either way, let’s talk about espadrilles. Most likely you’ve seen them somewhere or even own a pair. These shoes come in a variety of style with that characteristic woven rustic exterior. It’s a bit confusing, but please bear with me as I explain. Espadrilles can be in any design ranging from sandals, flatforms, mules, closed shoes or even wedges. Generally, you get them in a beige color, but if you are lucky, you may get them in a partially or all black set. They are a great way to diversify your casual look. Fun facts about espadrilles Typically, espadrilles have a fabric top and a bottom covered with a braided rope. Some may have lambskin tops, giving you all sorts of options for a trendy look. Everyone’s included They’re made for men and women but in different designs. Men espadrilles are great for going to the beach or for picnics. Basically, they are ideal relaxation shoes. They go well with everything You can wear them with a variety of outfits. With all their shapes and forms, your outfit choices with espadrilles are almost endless. You might want to pair espadrille wedges with that bohemian maxi dress, go for it! Try out the sandals with that leather mini skirt. The options are endless. Built for comfort Espadrilles have a rustic charm about them. The fact that they are made from natural products like rope and in some cases cotton fabric add to that natural look you’re going for. Don’t be scared to try out the wedge. They are not only trendy but also super comfortable. Espadrille tip: if you can’t manage the high wedges, why not try the midi wedge? Or better yet the flatforms that still give you that laid back stylish finish. How to choose the right the pair for you Whether you want wedges, flatform or flat espadrilles, choosing the right pair to suit you can be tricky. First thing you should think about is location. Where do you plan to go with these shoes? The top can be plain black or patterned. This makes them a different piece to add to your closet. Grab yourself this trendy summer shoe option. Going shopping If you don’t own a pair, it may be time to go shoe shopping. Finding the right pair to suit your style might be a little tricky. When the options available at your shoe store don’t impress you or are too single toned, try shopping online. Lily lulu Fashion is a great place to start. You can check out different varieties that are sure to catch your eye. Boys and espadrilles You heard me! This item is not exclusive to women. You can grab yourself a pair if you’re looking to give off that chilled out cool dude vibe. Maybe you want something different to wear with your shorts, why not get a nice flashy pair of espadrille flats? They are a great way for guys to diversify their look. Espadrilles have a combined loafer-sneaker effect for guys. You get that semi-formality with maximum comfort. Don't be scared to add a little espadrille spice to your style; they could be the item that gives you the ultimate wow factor you've been looking for. The weird thing about closed espadrilles WHY DO THEY FEEL SO SNUG? Don't be so alarmed. That's how they feel the first time you put them on. Its not that they aren't your size; they need to be broken in. There's a right way and a wrong way to wear closed espadrilles. Here’s a little trick to help you out: stretch them out with a shoe stretcher or paper. Wear them with thin low cut socks for an easy slip on. If this tight fit is a no, try getting yourself the open toe flat or flatform kind. Making the day to night transition with espadrilles Don’t know how you can make that change and still stay stylish? How about trying the semi-casual look for the daytime; then slap on those high wedges for that bonfire beach party. Flats and flatforms are quite comfortable and flexible. You can wear them with your semi-casual outfits and run your errands in comfort and style. Wear these with pants, skirts, dresses, literally everything. Stylish wedge Whether you choose the closed or open toe espadrille wedge, they are a great feminine addition to your look. It is only logical to match them with similar feminine pieces. Try wearing natural fabrics that give you that chic bohemian look. These wedges combine with all those cute pieces in your wardrobe to give you a simple yet elegant look. Number one vacay item If you’re planning to go on a vibrant summer vacation, don’t forget to carry your espadrilles! They are a great vacation accessory. You can travel to new places in stylish comfort. Choose espadrilles as a good option for an effortless vacation look. Espadrille No-no’s Like with most fashion, a little print goes a long way. When wearing the print espadrilles, be careful not to choose items with clashy patterns. Instead of boosting your look, you might end up taking away from it. Try them on with those unusual items in your closet and see how well these two complement each other. Final thought These are like the holy grail of summer shoes. They are a fabulous mash-up of comfort and style. While ideal for relaxing, espadrilles can be a great way to spice up your office look. The fact that they pair well with many pieces makes them an ideal item forever wardrobe. Espadrilles are a shoe staple for every wardrobe. Read Also: How To Plan Your Holiday Shopping To Actually Enjoy It The Clever Consumer’s Guide To Shopping Online How To Save Money When Shopping Online

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House siding

Best options of House siding and its characteristics

Siding option is the best idea to modernize the home exteriors. Consider the important things of durability, affordability, style, and maintenance included in the requirements of siding material. With the unique climate of rainy, humid winter, a sunny temperature in Vancouver knows the quality and the different siding characteristic to fit in the roof of residential. There are different sidings products are available in the market to hold up against the appropriate weather conditions. The factors of the siding will make a difference in front planning and long-run. Here the tips to choose the best siding among the different materials are explained below. What are the types of siding is available and it is suitable for? The following types of siding offer a vast array of visual styles to roof with different impacts. Make research before choosing the upfront siding material and installation requirement. A strong base of siding material and understanding their differences will affordable to protect home along with the beautiful look. Fiber-Cement Siding: Fiber siding method includes the material of cellulose fiber, fiber-cement, cement and sand for exterior siding provides the result of strong durability and comparatively affordable than other siding materials. There is lap, shingle, vertical and panel siding methods are available in the good range of colors with styles in the fiber siding. Vinyl Siding: Choosing vinyl siding for home is the ideal choice to get a great balance and affordability in the roof. Its durability provides leading to share roofs by the method of vinyl service, gutters, and roofing characteristic. There is some tip to choose the ideal vinyl siding as listed below Doesn’t need to Scrapping and repainting Improved Exterior insulation Free maintenance of color from fading Durability Vitality Metal Siding: A moderate upgrade from vinyl siding that gives enhanced durability with low maintenance in stylistic choices. It’s eco-friendly material and easy to recyclable than vinyl.  Metal siding is made up by the combination of an aluminum material comeback and brings it with the several steel styles. The process of appealing the metal siding takes less time than wood siding. Wood Siding: Wood siding types are the most common siding types used as an Ideal siding Vancouver, which consist of pine, Western Red cedar, and Douglas fir. Cedar Siding – Instantly connotes timeless for a warm house with the natural look. Wood siding needs commitments on maintenance. Stone Siding: Stone siding is made by the constant style it never seems to go out from the manufactured veneer. Installing this siding takes a long time but it gives the absolute look of rustic articulate. The polyurethane molded stone siding is advanced by the technology and competitive for real stone siding. Stucco and faux siding: Stucco is a plaster mater for siding made-up with cement, limestone, and sand. It restricts the damages caused by insects and fire. Faux stones are blocks of cement blends with iron oxide pigments to provide the thing as cultured stone. Mortar-less stack stone options are available in the faux stone siding, durability and half the weight from stone siding makes to work easier in installation. Read Also: 7 Unexpected Ways To Use Glass And Wood For Your Home Top 5 Motorhome Tips 7 Tips To Increase The Value Of Your Home Home Decor Is An Art Itself – Things To Know

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Eating Good Quality Foods For Diet

Eating Good Quality Foods For Diet

If you are someone that routinely follows the health and wellness industry, chances are that you have heard about Keto and Paleo diets. There are many proponents for both kinds of diets. In this article, we look at some of the elements associated with both and the effect that they have on weight control. Eating Good quality foods for  diet can help you to maintain your diet in the right order. Eating Good Quality Foods For Diet Is Essential For Everyone  There are several good quality foods for a diet you can maintain for every one to improve your business  in the right direction. Paleo Diet- What does it mean? Fundamentally, the Paleo diet has been referred to as a cave dweller’s diet. Individuals eat food articles similar to the way as ancient human beings did. Their belief stems from the fact that this is a healthy way to sustain life. Eating good quality foods for your diet can make things more comfortable for your diet. This hypothesis asserts that cutting edge nourishment handling is the essential driver of human medical issues. The proponents argue that in order to check and reduce weight, people need to "return" to the manner in which it was amid the mountain man period. They think straightening out your dietary pattern to the ancient human beings, or to the Paleolithic era plan empowers the normal organic capacity of the human body to process food better thereby assisting in wellbeing. Paleo Menu- What does it stand for? Changing a human being’s dietary habit, according to a paleo diet means that an individual should stay away from and resist processed sources of food like grains, fruits, meats, and others. Now, you might be wondering as to what should be then eaten instead. The food items that a Paleo diet entails consists of natural products and ingredients as are found in nature. In other words, food that has not been processed artificially. Items like eggs, seeds, nuts, meat, fish, and vegetables. Individuals are permitted to add a certain amount of oils and fats to their meals. Again, these should be natural, and not artificial. Ghee, avocado oil, natural fats are allowed. To certain individuals, paleo is in excess of an eating routine. It centers on affecting the earth emphatically with the nourishment decisions we make. It is considered as a way of life, as a model choice of living that helps improve both the human body, as well as the environment around man. Keto diet, then again, is an alternate eating routine with its very own reasoning. Keto diet- What does it mean? A Keto diet comprises of a type of diet, which is moderated by a high-fat quotient. The high fat is complemented by average protein intake, along with severely reducing the carbohydrate intake. It centers on controlling the body to revitalizing itself by putting away fats rather than starches. With a keto diet, the human body is supposed to be in a state, which is called ketosis! This is also the principle distinction between the two diets-keto and paleo. The distinction between the two comes forward through the changes in the consumption of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in food. Fundamentally, a ketogenic diet should comprise of: 5% carbohydrates 25% protein 70% fat The motivation behind fine-tuning the human body towards a keto diet is remarkable. The keto diet forces the body to burn fat, whenever energy is required by the body, thereby making the body perform optimally at high levels of energy at all times. This burns the fat, thereby reducing or keeping the weight in check for most who follow a keto diet. Nonetheless, it is fundamental you carefully monitor the consumption of macronutrients. If you are unable to do so, it might unbalance your body’s digestion levels. Another noteworthy advantage of a keto based diet plan is adjusting the glucose levels and the human body’s weight reduction. Differences between Keto and Paleo: While keto limits the admission of carbohydrates, paleo permits a few entire nourishment wellsprings of sugars as long as it is in the adequate sustenance classes. A Ketodiet wants you to remain inside a predefined measure of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. However, paleo puts no limitations on macronutrients, but it permits exercises outside the accompanying the eating routine like care, and activities. A Paleo diet does not allow processed sources of food items like soy, or dairy products. However, a keto diet permits consumption of dairy fat as well as soy; as long as they fall inside the predefined macronutrient go. Eating good quality foods for a diet is essential for you to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In any case, the two weight control plans offer a sound way of life, yet a few people may think that its hard to keep up the keto diet, which includes computation of macronutrients, not at all like paleo that is fundamentally straight forward and offers a wide assortment of nutritious alternatives. Likewise, a great many people lean toward the paleo diet in light of its adaptability with nourishment decisions. All in all, the two eating regimens are astonishing in their own right; the keto diet is successful for weight reduction and glucose control, while the paleo diet urges individuals to eat entire nourishments that are accessible to people amid the Paleolithic time. Read Also: 5 Tips To Kick Start Your Fitness Routine 9 Magical Benefits Of A Vegetarian Diet Why Have A Diet Chart For Weight Loss? 5 Ways You Can Be Inhibiting Your Fitness Easy Diet Tips To Summer Six Pack Abs Choosing A Diet Based On Your Personality Type 11 Foods You Must Incorporate Into Your Diet For Great Skin

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Business Succession

7 Ways to Plan a Smooth Business Succession

Business Succession planning is one of the important levels of strategic planning that gives you an opportunity to formulate a plan on how your business is expected to perform after your tenure in leadership. Business Succession can make things more effective and wise in all aspects. Effective succession planning is highly advantageous as it gives you an opportunity to set in place mechanisms that ensure operational efficiency and transfer of leadership where necessary. When undertaking succession planning, emphasis should be put on ensuring that every aspect of business leadership is handled as comprehensively as possible. Whereas business owners understand the importance of performing succession planning, few put in place the necessary measures. Here are 7 key tips to consider when planning for smooth business succession. Initiate the planning process early: To be thorough and comprehensive in your succession planning, you need to ensure that you start planning as early as possible. Whereas experts do not have a recommendation on the definite duration of time by when you should start succession planning before implementation, it is generally agreed upon that early planning gives you sufficient time to come up with a comprehensive plan. Starting as early as 10 years before effecting the plan gives you sufficient time to ensure that everyone who is involved is sufficiently prepared to take over. This also eliminates the rush that may set in in the event of a delayed succession planning process. Such delays may lead to unprecedented and unwanted hurried succession which puts the business’s future in jeopardy. Nurture the prospected leaders: When undertaking succession planning, especially in a family business, emphasis should be made on nurturing continuity in leadership. This ensures that once you leave as the top manager, your junior takes your place and steers the company forward. When performing succession planning, you should have that in mind and therefore focus on nurturing and developing the prospective leaders. Leader development and nurturing should focus on, among other things, bringing the best out of the qualities you desire to see in them. This may be done in a gradual process such as delegating responsibilities and evaluating the prospected leader's ability to perform with the integrity and precision demanded for in a top business manager. Have an open-minded approach: To be thorough and effective in succession planning, you need to avoid bias as much as possible. In a family business or a business where leadership succession is hierarchical, maintaining an open mind can be quite hard, especially since the second in command is the most likely person to inherit your leadership. To avoid such bias, you should have an open mind in regards to potential candidates who can take over from you after you leave office. When looking for an appropriate leader to take after you, you may want to give a thought of every potential candidate available within the business. This gives you an opportunity to extend your options as wide as possible. It also ensures that you don't miss potential employees whose skills, competencies, and experiences may come in handy in taking over from you. Exposed potential candidates to training: Training is quite crucial as it ensures that prospecting leaders within your business get an opportunity to advance their skills. In this regard, leaders that you think are capable of leading your organization in one way or another should be appropriately identified and marked for progressive training and development. Such training should be focused on anticipated areas within your business that are of importance for the employees to take over once you leave. Succession training is also crucial and should be exposed to all workers who show an outstanding level of managerial skills. The well-trained workers get to be prepared for advanced leadership positions that may be created after you leave office. In some cases, promoting your immediate deputy in the hierarchy leads to vacant positions down the business administration structure. The well-trained candidates, once promoted, would be able to fill those positions effectively. Dry-run your plan: When planning for a smooth succession in your business, it is highly advisable to ensure that you, on several occasions, do a dry run of your succession plan. Dry running a succession plan gives you an opportunity to evaluate how potent your plan is in terms of meeting certain expectations. The dry running process does not have to be official and should be preferably done without informing the employees involved. This can be done by momentarily leaving your office for official vacation or even other official duties for a considerable amount of time such as between a few weeks to a month. The duration of absence gives you an opportunity to test how suited your prospected leaders are in terms of filling the void created by your absence. Do your final plan in writing: After concluding and making adjustments on your succession plan for your business, you should endeavor to put the final plan in writing. To be effective and thorough, you should consider engaging qualified, experienced, and reputable succession planning legal professionals such as Boss Lawyers in Australia. The lawyers, in such a case, help you to prepare the necessary documents including succession policies, how the current generation of employees will hand over to future generations, as well as how to resolve any arising disputes thereof. The exit strategy created from a legal perspective ensures that everyone within the business is bound while also creating a viable atmosphere for business continuity and harmony among the workers. Make your wishes known: Lastly, after every element of business succession planning has been conducted, it is crucial to bring everyone on board the plan to ensure that they are well aware of the strategic direction that the business is taking. You should, preferably, convene a meeting with everyone in the business as well as your business’s key customers. In the business meeting, you should outline what your wish is and reveal any other pertinent information that was not captured within the succession legal framework. You may also use the platform to ensure that any questions or concerns that your workers may have are appropriately handled in a plenary session. Read Also: Six Pointers To Starting A Successful Business How Does Modern Technology Propel The Success Of Your Business? Information Technology And Business Success: The Things That Connect Them Joel Devidal, CEO Of SMEJapan.Com Weighs In On Building An Online Business: 7 Steps To Success

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Office Organization

5 Office Organization Tips Every New Business Owners Must Know

Office organization is very important particularly if you are a new business owner. It requires conscious effort but it helps you to reach on top of the game. You must remember that staying organized is not a one-size-fits-all thing, what works for one may not work for you. However, one thing is for certain – organization requires consistency. Clean Out: Too much clutter, mess, and dirt in your office will distract you and can add up to your stress every day. Clutter happens because you are too afraid of throwing anything out, thinking that everything is important for your day to day life. Cleaning out your office from any unnecessary and outdated things is your best foot forward when starting out with your business. Of course, there will always be pictures, your favorite vacation memorabilia, and the likes. However, it is not always healthy for the eyes to see stacks and stacks of obsolete documents on your desk. It is outright distracting and while others are fascinated by chaos, a successful business will always be organized and free from office distraction. Search for new decoration and organization ideas which are available via Simply Maid to keep your office in tip-top condition. Only keep the important things on your desk like notepads, calendar organizer, computer, and some pens or pencils then set everything else you don’t need aside or organize them in a box and stash them in your storage room if you don’t feel comfortable throwing them out. Sort out Documents: According to research, an average person wastes at least four hours in a week searching for the document, they need from their filing cabinets or stacks on the table. If you are a new business owner, make sure your filing cabinets do not have any documents that are not relevant to your current operation. Anything that’s more than a year old will no longer currently apply – most especially if the notes are hand-me-down notes from the previous owner of the business. Throw them out if you think these outdated files will not help your current business. Paper receipts aren’t really necessary in the digital era. Throw all paper receipts within the first months of your operation especially when you’ve audited them already. Alternatively, you can also scan these receipts for documentation purposes or take a picture of them on your smartphone. Take Advantage of the Cloud System: A cloud is an online storage system where you can keep your digital files. This means you don’t have to keep hard copies – soft copies nowadays will suffice. For instance, there are free cloud drives which you can use such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box. If you upload your soft copies of important documents on the drive, you are protecting these files from getting lost and at the same time be able to access them anywhere, anytime. Take Care of Legal Issues: It is a must that you have trusted tax advisor, bookkeeper, and even attorney. When you’re a new business owner, taking charge of your own operation is a requisite but you won’t be able to handle this on your own. You need the help of others – advisors or otherwise. Any legal issues that will arise in the future can become your worst nightmare if you did not tie these loose ends ahead of time. Finally, give yourself a lot of space where you can think with utmost clarity with your mind. It is only then that you are truly organized that will pave your way to success. Read Also: 5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Lawyer Necessary Spaces To Include In Building Your Office 9 Cool Things Every Marketer Should Have In Their Office Staying Safe In The Office: 8 Workplace Safety Tips Everyone Should Know Resolutions To Help The Small Business Owners To Avoid Being Bankrupt

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Team's Productivity

John Gizowski, of La Grange, IL, Skilled Engineer and Leader,Talks About How to Boost Your Team’s Productivity

If you run or manage a business, you know that the road to success has many setbacks and roadblocks that will harm your progress. Since they play a vital role in your bottom line, your team's productivity is an essential factor that you can't afford to ignore. Team's Productivity can increase when you make your choices in the right direction. Learning to develop the leadership skills that will help you motivate and inspire your team is an investment that will offer breathtaking results. Your business will run at its best when you understand how to correctly manage those who work for you. Starting from leading and supervising engineers and other members in teams to expediently completing engineering projects at the correct time and under budget, John Gizowski of La Grange, IL possesses an astonishing track record for getting the job done. Below, Mr. Gizowski shares his advice on how you can take steps to combat that problem by learning to get the most from your team. Different Ways You Can Apply For Boosting Your Team's Productivity    There are multiple ways you can increase your team's productivity in this article you will get the complete details of it at your end. Clear Communication: When you want to enhance your management skills and to inspire your team to put in their best effort, encouraging open and honest feedback is a good place from which to start. Your team needs to know that they can come to you when they have questions or run into problems. So, you must do your best to be understanding and to let them know that you want to help. Also, invite your team to come to you with any ideas that could improve your daily operations. Inability to communicate what you want your team to do will harm their productivity more than you might think. Assuming that others know what you are thinking is easy, but it can cause misunderstandings. When you speak with a member of your team, provide as many details as possible, but you can also ask your team questions to ensure that they are paying attention. This step might seem small at first, but it can work wonders when it comes to the performance of your team. Show Your Appreciation: Letting the people who work for you know that you care about them and appreciate their effort is the number 1 thing that will take your productivity to the next level. People want to feel important and as though what they do matters, and overlooking this fact can have negative results that will hurt your bottom line. Offering verbal praise will let your team know that you notice their contributions, but you can also provide them with incentives for going the extra mile. Once your team sees that you value them, they will be much more willing to work hard and to get each project done by the deadline. “The impact on your bottom line will amaze you, and you will know that you are moving in the right direction,” stated John Gizowski of La Grange. Conclusion: When the performance of your team is the difference between success and failure, building your leadership skills is a critical factor that you can't overlook. When you treat your team well and let them know that you care about them, they will not want to let you down. No matter the situation, they will strive to exceed your expectations at every turn, and you will be pleased with the outcome. Giving clear instructions and making people feel comfortable coming to you will help, but showing gratitude will complete the picture. Read Also: 6 Tips For Effective Crisis Management 7 Ways To Boost Employee Productivity And Create A Positive Culture How To Successfully Turn Around Struggling Companies Self-Employed Health Insurance: Best Types For Every Freelancer

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famous alcoholics

Famous Alcoholics and the Symptoms of Their Addiction

One in eight adults in the United States suffers from alcoholism. Alcoholism is a form of substance abuse that affects people from all walks of life—even people on the walk of fame. It's no secret that many celebrities have their fair share of drug and alcohol abuse problems, which just goes to show that alcoholism doesn't discriminate. It can affect anyone. Many celebrities who have overcome their addiction have spoken out and shared their experience in hopes of helping others. Here are some famous alcoholics and the signs of their alcoholism. Famous Alcoholics and the Symptoms of Their Addiction: 1. Bradley Cooper: source Bradley Cooper recently directed and starred in the Oscar-nominated and critically acclaimed film A Star Is Born. This film portrays Cooper playing an artist suffering from alcoholism and mental health issues. This is a subject that hits close to home for Cooper, who had his own real-life struggles with alcoholism years ago. He said he began taking his addiction seriously when it was affecting his work and personal life. Since committing to sobriety over a decade ago, Bradley Cooper's career has taken off and he's been involved in several Oscar-nominated films, including Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle.  2. Daniel Radcliffe: source Danielle Radcliffe became famous for his role as Harry Potter in the eight films that were massive, worldwide hits. But many people don't know he was struggling with alcoholism during this time period, particularly during the filming of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Radcliffe has stated that he was actually drunk while filming Half-Blood Prince. He started to take his addiction seriously when it began affecting his physical health and social life. 3. Stephen King: source Stephen King is one of the most successful writers of all-time, but he was actually struggling with drug and alcohol addiction while writing some of his most famous novels in the '80s. After his family staged an intervention for him in the late '80s, King began an alcohol detox and sobered up by the end of the decade. Sometimes, it can be difficult to see the signs of alcoholism in yourself. In King's case, he needed his loved ones to hold an intervention and share how his addiction is affecting everyone. 4. Robert Downey Jr. source Before Robert Downy Jr. became world-renowned as Iron Man, he was one of Hollywood's most legendary alcoholic and drug addicts. He was drinking every single day, which is a major sign of alcoholism. He also began using drugs such as cocaine and heroin in addition to drinking alcohol. In fact, Downey Jr. actually spent a year in prison after missing court-ordered drug tests in 1999. But after he hit rock-bottom in the early 2000s, Downy Jr. finally committed to his sobriety. He participated in the 12-step program, adopted the habits of yoga and meditation, and has been sober over since. Do You Share Signs with These Famous Alcoholics? One difference between famous alcoholics and regular alcoholics is that the struggles of celebrities are on display for everyone to see. If you recognize any of these alcoholism signs in yourself or a loved one, it's important to seek help. Check out our health blog for more info on living a healthier and happier life, free of alcohol and drug abuse. Read Also: Am I Drinking Too Much? 5 Subtle Signs You Are (Even If You Don’t Think So) Is Someone You Know Suffering From A Benzodiazepine Addiction? Here’s How To Know

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