Published on: 31 August 2016
Last Updated on: 04 September 2024
Gorgeous atmosphere in a home is essential, and nowhere more so than in your bedroom. Seeing how this is a place where we go when we want to rest or be romantic, the setting needs to reflect the mood. Now, this can be done in several ways, mostly by using eye soothing colors and cozy furniture, but for the overall atmosphere, tending to the lighting the right way is a must. Here are a few secrets for a perfect bedroom light.
The first thing you need to consider when it comes to your bedroom is having a good natural light source. However, this is a slippery slope. If the bedroom faces your backyard, you could easily replace an entire wall with folding glass system and maximize the amount of natural light. On the other hand, if your bedroom is on the ground floor and facing the street, this is the last thing you want to do for both security and privacy reasons.
Finally, there is nothing more beautiful than being woken up by sunlight gleaming through your window. However, when this happens at 5 AM on a Sunday, you might want to consider getting quality blinders. For an extra touch, you can always add curtains that will match the rest of your interior.
Spice it Up:
Apart from being a place where you rest, the bedroom is also a romantic hotspot. This is why it needs to have a lighting system to match. Dimming your lights can do the trick, but truth be told, there are many, more interesting solutions you could resort to. Some of them are DIY, like homemade lanterns and lamps, while others are of more traditional.
Using candles to enhance the bedroom atmosphere is the oldest trick in the book. However, the choice of these candles matters as well. If you are planning a special evening, you might want to go with something more daring like a heart- or flower-shaped candles. Color-wise any shade of red will do, but you can also go with purple, white or even black. Candles also come in different scents so going with cherry, vanilla or strawberry may spice up the atmosphere.
Lighting System:
No matter how romantic or sexy it may feel, using candles and natural light won’t be enough on its own. You will need an artificial lighting system as well. There are several interesting solutions. While a lot of people go for luxurious chandeliers in their bedroom, others see this as a bit over the top. Some think that there is nothing more elegant, tasteful and efficient thanusing LED downlights. Apart from looking good, these fixtures also save energy, to a great extent, especially on the annual level, making them quite convenient, both visually and practically. A bedside nightlight for the nighttime reading sessions is also essential.
As you can see, the bedroom light is not to be taken lightly. In fact, if done correctly, it can bring numerous benefits to both your health and your love life. There are only a few principles you have to follow and few rules to abide by. The first one is that you should use natural light for as much as you can, not only to be frugality but for the soothing effects it has on one’s psyche. The second one, light bulbs are not the only artificial light source and they are definitely not the most romantic one. Finally, saving some more on your power bill by switching to LED is never a bad idea.
Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.
Networking is the process where you make connections and build productive relationships in your professional field.
It is an important factor if you want to grow professionally and seek new employment opportunities. A major aspect of networking is to get referrals. In this article, you will learn how to ask for a referral request.
Here, you will learn how to use your network to get referrals. As a result, you will have a better likelihood of getting access to new opportunities or cracking interview processes. Thereby, you can get better job offers and get professional growth. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.
What Is A Referral Request?
Having a professional network is essential for every employee or businessperson. This helps you get access to referrals faster. Basically, when you ask a member of your professional network to endorse or introduce you to a prospective employer, it is a referral request.
For example, it can be something like reaching out to a recruiter on LinkedIn or asking a previous employer to refer you.
In fact, if you have a referral in your arsenal, you give employers a chance to distinguish you from other job candidates. This will increase your chances of getting an interview or getting the job offer itself. Generally, employers go for candidates with referrals since it shows that the candidate has skills and experience.
Apart from that, if you have a referral with you, it shows that you can form and maintain good work relationships. Also, it shows that you can form and nurture networks. For instance, you can request a referral from a personal acquaintance. Moreover, your interview preparation gets easier if you have a referral.
Hence, you must ensure that you are choosing the right person for the referral. Moreover, you must approach them in the right manner.
How To Ask For A Referral? – Steps To Follow
The following are some steps you must follow if you want to ask for a referral from a professional you know:
1. Choose The Right Medium
While asking for a referral, you must consider your relationship with your referrer. Generally, the best medium to reach a referrer is through writing. For example, it can be a message, an email, a LinkedIn chat, etc.
Basically, the choice of medium depends on your relationship with the person. If the relationship with the person is formal, the best option is to use a written medium. However, if you have a causal relationship with the person, a face-to-face conversation can be handy.
2. Find The Right Person To Ask
Another important factor to consider is whom to ask for a referral. This can be anyone you know, a former employer, a friend, or anyone else. Moreover, you can also ask someone in your existing network.
However, the best person to ask for a referral is someone you already know. In fact, that person can attest to how you work and what your character is. Basically, the stronger the connection, the better the chance of getting a referral. Hence, the best option is to ask an ex-boss, colleague, former client, or even a college professor.
Additionally, make sure you are honest with the referrer and explain what you need. Also, explain to them how they can help you and how beneficial it will be for your career.
However, don’t ask for a referral from someone close to you, like a family member or a friend. In such cases, the referral request is obvious and does not help you during an interview.
3. Give The Referrer More Context And Reasons
It is important to provide your referrer with the context of the referral. In fact, tell them why you need the referral and what exactly you want to achieve with it.
For instance, if you apply for a job, be sure to attach a resume and the job listing to your request. Moreover, mention why you are asking them for a referral. For example, if you ask your previous employer for a referral, include a note that you have worked together.
Additionally, you can also include a portfolio of your other work if you want to provide extra context.
Here, you must make sure your request is not vague where your referrer is unsure about what you want. Also, ensure you give them an idea of how they can help you in the first place.
Actually, this extra information will make it easier for them to agree with you. Hence, they will be eager to give you a referral that will help you grow professionally.
4. Ensure The Process Is Easy And They Say “Yes”
When the referral process is easier, it will provide you with better results. Apart from providing them with a context, make sure they find it easy to refer you professionally. Additionally, you can also send your referrer with your career portfolio or your website. However, it needs to be relevant and must be an easy reference to consider.
On the other hand, you can face a situation where the referrer wants to provide you with a referral but does not have the time to do so. In such cases, you can offer a draft letter on your referrer’s behalf. This way, they can just add a signature to it or attest to it.
Hence, you make it easier for them to give you a referral. Moreover, they do not feel like they must push themselves to give a reference to you.
However, if you are an independent professional, you can make it easy for your clients to refer you. Here, you just need to create and provide marketing materials for them. For instance, you can use a business card, an email template, or just a website button. This way, they can quickly refer you to their network with minimal effort.
5. Give Them The Option To Opt Out
You can request someone to provide you with a referral. However, that does not mean that they will agree to provide you with that. On the other hand, you can feel that an ex-employer or a friend can help you. However, they might not feel comfortable referring you to their network.
Hence, you must accept the possibility of rejection and move on. Therefore, to prevent an awkward situation, you can provide an opt-out option in the referral request.
For instance, in your request, you can write, “It’s alright if you can’t provide a referral…” Hence, you are giving your referrers an option to exit. Also, you are not jeopardizing the relationship with them.
6. Ensure A Follow-Up And Express Gratitude
When you receive a referral, you need to express gratitude. In fact, it is not a good idea to take a referral for granted. For instance, if someone refers you to their network, make sure to send them a thank you note. This way, you are expressing appreciation.
Moreover, if a professional contact offers you a dream role, you must thank them for their time and support. Furthermore, even if you do not land the job, you must still express your gratitude.
How To Ask For A Referral? – Tips To Consider
Apart from conceptual skills, companies also look for networking and communication skills. You can prove your networking skills with the help of a referral. Hence, getting a referral is essential for business growth.
The following are some of the tips you must follow if you want to ask for a referral from a professional network:
1. How you ask for a referral depends on your relationship with the referrer. For instance, if you ask someone an authority figure, you must use a formal tone.
2. You can also personalize your request if you understand it will work. For instance, you can include a thoughtful message. Apart from that, even if you are asking different people, make sure to write each referrer differently.
3. By being specific and providing context behind your referral request, you increase your chances of getting a referral.
4. Timing is the most important aspect of your referral request. For instance, if you know that the potential referrer is currently busy or not in the right mood, you must hold your request. Basically, you can yield better results if you ask at the right time.
5. You must build your network and grow it with time. In fact, once you prioritize your networks, you will not need to ask for referrals, as they will start coming your way. For instance, you can use a mutual connection when you are looking for a job or building a business from scratch.
Referral For Professional Growth: The Way Forward
Now, you know how to ask for a referral from someone from your network. Understand that the best referral comes from people you already know. Basically, if you have built professional relationships in your network, always feel free to ask for referrals.
Do you have more suggestions to offer on how to ask for a referral? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.
Read Also:
Best LinkedIn Recommendation Example – How to Write a Great LinkedIn Recommendation
The Secret To Finding A Career That You’ll Actually Love
What Is a Remote Job? Everything You Need to Know
Did you know that there has been a rise in the number of people who are working as excavation contractors? In case you didn’t, here is the wake-up call!
These are the people who are recruited to work on sites so that projects can be built and certain utilities can be installed. But is that all?
What are the skills that you need? What are the benefits that you will get? And most important, what about the salary?
If these are some of the questions that you are curious to find out, then I have you covered!
Therefore, keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…
Who are Excavation Contractors?
Excavation contractors are the experts who prepare the site for new construction. They ensure everything is level, clean, and ready for the builders to arrive and start working.
Not the most dangerous job in the world, they use sizable gear to move the dirt, regulate the flow of water, and excavate where needed. Additionally, they must always be concerned about the environment and everyone's safety.
Excavation contractors are like the first players in a construction game. They step onto an empty land and prepare it for something new to be built.
Imagine a piece of land with uneven ground, rocks, and maybe even old buildings. The excavation contractor's job is to clear all this away and make the ground flat and strong enough to hold new structures.
These contractors are experts at managing the earth. These contractors are proficient in earth management. To move, dig, and shape the land, they employ large machinery.
Consider them to be artists who, rather than using paintbrushes, work with bulldozers and excavators. They dig trenches for pipes, provide room for basements, and make sure rainwater runs off buildings rather than into them.
Safety is a big part of their work, too. They must know how to handle their machines without hurting anyone or damaging anything.
They also need to understand the different types of soil and rocks they work with. This knowledge helps them decide the best way to dig and move the earth without causing problems like landslides.
Understanding the Role and Responsibility of Excavation Contractors
In the construction sector, excavation contractors are crucial. They are the skilled professionals who prepare sites for new buildings, roads, or any other type of development requiring the completion of earthmoving and foundation work.
It should go without saying that these experts are always important for any construction. They perform the preparatory work required to turn an empty plot of land into a livable, productive, or recreational area. It's a big job with lots of obligations.
Key Responsibilities of Excavation Contractors
Excavation contractors prepare the stage for all the construction magic to happen. They make sure that the ground is ready and safe for the next steps in building our homes, offices, and roads.
Excavation contractors have a list of important jobs to do before any building can start. Here's what they focus on:
Site preparation and grading: These are similar to painting a blank canvas. Contractors clear the area of trees, rocks, and other obstructions. They then check to see if the ground is level. This process, known as grading, is essential because it prevents buildings from sinking or tilting.
Trenching: Digging large, narrow ditches for utilities or foundations is known as trenching. These are necessary for installing pipes or wires underground and for laying the foundations or bases of buildings.
Ensuring Drainage and Erosion Control: Contractors are also heavily involved in water management. They sculpt the terrain to direct precipitation where it belongs, avoiding flooding and soil erosion.
Operating Heavy Machinery: Excavation contractors are trained to use big machines like bulldozers, which push dirt and rocks, and backhoes, which dig and lift. They must be very skilled to operate these safely and efficiently.
Following Environmental and Safety Guidelines: Rules govern how to protect nature and keep people safe on a construction site. Excavation contractors must know these rules well and always follow them.
How to Become an Excavation Contractor in 2024?
Now that you are aware of what an excavation contractor is and what they are responsible for, it is time to understand how to become one. Ad if that is something that you have been searching for, then I have you covered!
So here are the steps that you would need to take:
1. Education:
While you do not require a college degree to begin a job as an excavation contractor, completing high school is something mandatory. Having a strong foundation in math and science is beneficial since it will enable you to measure and solve difficulties on the job.
Some people also take special classes to learn how to use big machines safely. These classes can give you a head start and show employers that you're serious about this work.
So, education for excavation contractors is about having a solid high school foundation and learning the skills for the job.
2. Training:
Similar to several blue-collar jobs for women and men, this one, too, requires training. After finishing school, the next step is to learn the job by doing it. Many start as helpers, watching and learning from experienced workers.
Some might drive smaller machines at first, getting the feel of the controls. Over time, they get to handle bigger equipment. It's like being an apprentice, where you learn by working on real projects.
This hands-on training is key because it teaches you the tricks of the trade, like how to dig just right without making mistakes. It's all about practice and getting better each day.
3. Certification:
Obtaining a certification is similar to receiving a badge of knowledge. It can make you stand out, but it's not always necessary.
For excavation contractors, certification denotes completion of further coursework and passing exams demonstrating proficiency with large machinery and a thorough understanding of workplace safety.
It's how you declare to the world, "I'm a pro." Furthermore, it can provide access to greater employment opportunities and career advancement pathways. Consequently, becoming certified is a wise decision, even though it's not necessary.
4. Licensing:
Think of licensing as your official ticket to the world of excavation. In many places, you need a license to show you're allowed to do the job.
It's like a driver's license but for digging and moving earth. To get this license, you usually have to pass a test that checks if you know how to handle heavy equipment and understand the rules of construction safely.
Once you have it, you can officially call yourself an excavation contractor. It's a big step because it means you're trusted to take on big projects and do them right.
5. Starting Your Business:
Establishing your own excavation company is the best course of action when you're ready to work for yourself. It's comparable to sowing a seed for the future.
A solid business plan that outlines your financial requirements and customer acquisition strategy is essential first. After that, you get the money to purchase equipment and cover other expenses like insurance.
The laws pertaining to operating a business are also covered. It's a major step, but it's thrilling because you can take full control and build a company that has the potential to last for many years.
Skills Required Proficiency in operating heavy machineryKnowledge of construction principles and safety standards Ability to read and interpret blueprints and site plansStrong problem-solving and decision-making skillsGood physical condition and stamina
The Market in 2024 for Excavation Contractors
I know that this is something everything gets worried about.
There will be a plethora of new prospects in the excavation contractor industry in 2024. The demand for knowledgeable contractors with the ability to prepare the property is rising as more individuals wish to construct homes and businesses.
Excavation now involves more than just digging and shifting soil. Satellites and computers are used by contractors to ensure that they are excavating in the proper location and manner.
They need to consider the planet as well. Since it is everyone's goal to develop without harming the environment, contractors must learn how to operate with minimal waste and mess.
This entails employing low-pollution machinery and devising methods for repurposing the soil and stones they remove.
Being an excavation contractor also means being a lifelong learner. Contractors must stay up to date with the latest innovations in machinery and construction techniques. They must be eager to try new things and quick learners.
As a result, there will be plenty of opportunities in the market in 2024 for astute contractors who value the environment and are eager to learn new things.
Needless to say, many people became excavation contractors after getting laid off from big tech companies! After all, being involved in laying the foundation for the future is an exciting time to be in business.
Challenges and Opportunities for Excavation Contractors
When it comes to excavation contractors, let me tell you one thing: it is not an easy path!
The weather is one of the main obstacles. The task must be done regardless of the weather, which occasionally requires navigating dust storms or mudslides.
Apart from that, there is stress that comes with it. Tight deadlines can often result in lengthy days and a great deal of stress in order to do the task on time. Safe to say, being an excavation contractor is not a low-stress job that pays well without a degree!
Safety is still another important concern. When operating huge machinery, contractors need to use considerable caution.
This is because using such machinery puts oneself or others at risk for injury. They must thus keep an eye on the environment to make sure that their work does not have a detrimental effect on it.
However, these difficulties also present excellent chances. Learning how to operate the newest, safer, and more environmentally friendly machinery is just one of the many things one can learn.
Contractors with these skills are highly sought after. Additionally, there's the opportunity to specialize in tasks like working in extremely difficult environments like mountains or deserts or underwater excavation.
In 2024, being an excavation contractor means building the foundations of the future. It's hard work, but it's also exciting because every day is different, and there's always a chance to grow and improve.
Wrapping It Up!
The foundation of each building project is the excavator contractor. Those who want to work in this industry should concentrate on obtaining the required training, experience, and certifications as we go toward 2024.
An excavation contractor's profession can be lucrative and fulfilling with commitment and hard work. There are a number of difficulties that come with the profession, including inclement weather, pressed deadlines, and safety hazards.
It does, however, also present chances for advancement, specialization, and the fulfillment of creating the foundation for future advancements.
Learn More About:
What Are 10 Manufacturing Industries?
Commercial And Residential Construction: Key Difference
The Power Of Heavy Machinery In The Construction Industry
After A Construction Accident: Worker’s Rights, Compensation, And Legal Recourse
The remote work movement is here to stay. That’s something we can say with confidence at this point, following a rapid shift during the pandemic.
Even companies that at one point were very strictly against remote work now have hybrid options, or some are remote-first and remote-only.
As companies transitioned, perhaps not willingly, but because they were forced to during the pandemic, they saw real benefits. A lot of employers say that their employees were more productive than they thought they would be and happier in many cases too.
That doesn’t mean that it’s all smooth sailing, though.
Managers and leaders are still looking at ways to keep remote employees productive and engaged over the long-term with remote work, now that the newness has worn off and the reality of possible downsides has set in.
For leadership in 2022, the following are things to remember to keep your remote teams productive and thriving.
1. Give Them the Technology They Need to Succeed
You want your remote employees to feel like they can access everything they need to do their jobs quickly and easily. At the same time, in providing that access, you can’t sacrifice your cybersecurity.
Many bad actors have taken advantage of remote work over the past couple of years, wreaking havoc on businesses.
To keep remote employees productive but also to protect your data and assets, think about investing in an identity and access management (IAM) security strategy. IAM makes it easy for your employees to access everything required to do their jobs quickly and efficiently but simultaneously reduces the risk of an identity breach.
The more cumbersome your identity management or cybersecurity tools, the less productive and engaged your employees are going to be.
Similarly, ask your employees if there are other apps or resources they might require to be more productive. Using good project management software goes a long way in any organization.
Very little thought should be given to how they access the network and the resources they require day-to-day on their part—your focus should be on the provision of a seamless experience so this can happen.
2. Keep Your Employees in the Loop, No Matter Where They’re Working
There’s a term that you’re likely to hear more of in the coming months and years, which is remote-first. In a remote-first organization, there is still a physical office space, but it’s not a hub of communication or decision-making.
Instead, the online world is.
The office may exist as needed or when someone prefers to come in, but managers and leaders make an effort to ensure that everyone who works remotely is in the loop and the conversations are happening digitally first and foremost.
If there are any updates that need to be shared, or you need feedback or have company news, make sure remote employees have access to it. Even if you aren’t technically remote-first, keep employees connected through communication.
3. Rethink Your Onboarding Process
If you’re hiring new employees right now, how you onboard them is going to have a ripple effect on their productivity throughout the entirety of their time with your company.
Remote new hires tend to feel significantly less equipped to do their jobs. They need support, and your onboarding strategy should take into account the remote element.
Your employees need access to login credentials and documents, they need training and orientation, and they also need training on less apparent drivers of success. For example, your onboarding program should include things like how your organization members communicate with one another.
4. Recognize If You’re a Productivity Killer
Managers and leadership may be killing employee productivity, and they often have no idea they’re the problem.
If you’re constantly holding long-winded meetings on video chat, you are killing productivity.
Just like in the past few years there has been a big push away from pointless in-person meetings, make sure you’re not creating the same environment digitally.
If you don’t need everyone to attend a video meeting, then don’t have everyone participate.
Let your employees work in the ways that they think are going to help them meet goals and achieve, without trying to take up too much of their time or micromanage.
The real advantage of remote work is that you can think less about how employees get to a certain endpoint. Instead, it’s about results. You’re not monitoring everything they’re doing, so allow employees to thrive and be more productive by meeting objectives you set but doing so in the ways they think are best or most effective.
You’ll find if you set measurable, specific goals but then take a step back, it helps your remote employees thrive.
Read Also:
What No One Tells You About Working Remotely
Tips For Calling In Sick To Work
5 Of the Highest Paid Remote Jobs
