4 Team-Building Activities Your Employees Will Love

Many companies have embraced the team-building methods for the sole purpose of increasing the productivity and efficiency of their teams. Looking at this activity as a mere investment is what makes it, right from the start, a complete fail and something all employees understand just like any other work-related obligation.

Yes, the purpose of team building is to raise morale, improve collaboration, build a team spirit and in the end increase productivity and efficiency, but if you want to get it right you really need to drop the legacy team building mindset and change it for one that is more open to new opportunities and experimentation.

People are constantly changing and what used to be fun 10 years ago is not necessarily fun today. This is why I’ve put together this list of activities your employees will adore.

Go on a Concert

Concerts present an excellent opportunity for your team members to unwind and raise their spirits after a busy week. It can boost all the positive emotions and shed a new light on how your employees perceive one another. Also when you compare this team building activity with traditional ones it is quite cost-effective. Look for the cheap concert tickets online and you might stumble upon a perfect deal.

All that excitement of preparing for the show, meeting with colleagues and traveling to a concert provide numerous opportunities for your employees to chat and to exchange something personal that was otherwise impossible to do. Sharing this new and positive experience will bring the team members close to each other.

Go Camping

Corporate and team building retreats are usually planned so that employees participate in team building activities somewhere else then their hometown or workplace. But why not make the whole trip a team building activity, right from the start and all the way to end. This type of team building endeavor will be happily embraced by employees with a more adventurous spirit.

Camping, for instance, is a great opportunity to involve all team members into all steps of organizing an activity, from planning to execution. This is a unique chance to put team collaboration to test and identify any hidden issues. You can provide them with a budget and several locations and let them do all the work.

Experience the Thrills of Whitewater Rafting

This is also an excellent opportunity for team building. Spending time in nature is a good way to disconnect from the city life and to forget about everyday obligations. On top of that, rafting has several health benefits. The fun and adrenaline will make this activity a memory everyone will talk about days after it is finished. You can choose to go standard rafting or decide to spice things up a bit.

For instance, the team can be briefed that they have to build their own raft and use it to get across the water. This type of activity develops teamwork, improves co-ordination and co-operation and above all, foster communication skills.

Volunteer Together

Volunteering is a unique way for your team to work together on something they really care about and it is an opportunity for them to form deeper and stronger bonds. Ask your employees what local non-profit organizations they like so you can plan these activities that usually take place around the holidays. Doing something meaningful for others will provide your employees a much needed break from their typical work routine.

Another idea you might consider when you plan volunteering activities for your team is helping the animal shelters in your vicinity. Your team members get a sense of satisfaction for helping others. Volunteering lowers stress, makes participants feel needed and appreciated and increases happiness. After your team members find out how helping makes them feel they will be ready to be more helpful back at work whenever a colleague is in distress.

As you can see, these activities are not that uncommon, generally speaking. What makes them unique is the complete change of your employees’ everyday setting, which provides them with an opportunity to see each other under a completely different light. If all this sparked up your interest, feel free to go online and expand your knowledge about other “unusual” activities that can be used as a form of team building.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/vladzivanovic/4-team-building-activities-your-employees-will-love/

4 Things to do to Successfully Launch a Business

Starting a new enterprise can be very complicated for anyone who doesn’t have any experience in the field. Harsh competition and exponential saturation of markets around the globe certainly don’t make things easier. These factors are making things even harder when you want to identify a target market that will have an interest of buying your products or services.

Fortunately there are many more factors that determine your success and that are under your control. Having a plan and knowing how to position yourself become things of utmost importance, especially at the beginning, when the business is still fragile. This is why I have compiled this list of steps for you to undergo to ensure your business gets up on steady legs.

Make a Pristine Business Plan

Another major mistake that young entrepreneurs have a tendency to make is starting the business without having a detailed business plan. Let me bring this closer to you. Without a pristine business plan it would be like walking through an endless maze in complete darkness.

A good business plan should provide answers to any question that may arise during the first stages of starting your business. For instance, how many people will you have to hire and what is your budget for salaries and projects, and what are the details of your marketing strategy? What will happen if your business starts to grow? Will you invest in sustaining further business growth or will you make a safe move and invest into real estate? All these are important questions that you will have to find answers to before you start any legal processes.

Monetize Your Idea

In most cases,  small businesses start with so little capital that they barely manage to survive after the first product or service launch and are forced to drive on the fumes until the money starts to “arrive”. Also, you are entering a world where leaders in the industry you want to position yourself in have way bigger capital ready for investments in marketing campaigns and business processes.

This is why it is a good idea to consider your options. Especially if you are starting an IT business. There are many investors, including individuals, institutions, high-net-worth investors etc., looking for the opportunities to invest their money. If your idea is worth investing in, there is a great chance that you can start a business with capital that will provide you the much-needed advantage.

Do as Much Research as You Can

The leading startup killer is failure to offer people what they want to buy instead of what you want to sell. There are already many products and services that have a market. If you try to build your business around something only you think will be successful, there is a great chance that it won’t actually attain success.

Gather as much information as you possibly can about the industry you are interested in. Read the news and blogs of your competitors. If you manage to bring a specific audience to something that already has a market, you have successfully paved your way to success.

Keep your Eyes on Marketing

Good marketing will help you get seen and recognized in the products and services jungle that is out there. You know that nothing happens until the sale is made. That’s when money starts to flow and when your creativity and motivation can spark up like never before. This is why you should always keep your focus on getting leads, converting those into sales and making sure to provide excellent customer experience that will help you get repeat sales.

At this stage it is important for you to be aware of the fact that your brand is not something that’s carved in stone. Invest in making customers happy. Talk to them. See what motivated them to make purchase in your establishment. You can build your brand around this information and use it to shape your future marketing strategy.

These are just some of the steps you shouldn’t skip if you plan on entering the big game. Keep in mind that starting a business will require a lot of time, effort and energy. Make sure you know your dos and don’ts before it is too late.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/ivandseo/4-things-to-do-to-successfully-launch-a-business/

Buying a House: 6 Steps You Need to Take

Buying a house can be quite a difficult process, especially if you have no idea where to start and what you actually need to do. It takes a lot of time, effort and knowing how huge of an investment it is can put even more pressure on you. Well, you can say goodbye to stress and confusion, as the following steps will introduce you to everything you need to do regarding your home buying process.

Get Your Finances in Order

 

First of all, you should research particular houses to get an insight into how long they remained on the market, as well as learn about potential pricing changes. When you get a sense of the housing trends, you need to determine how much you can actually afford to pay for a house.

Experts recommend that anyone buying a house should choose one that costs no more than 3 to 5 times their annual income, if they are to make a 20% down payment. However, you should make your decision based on your own financial situation and your needs.

What’s important is to pull your credit report, since it can say a lot about your financial history and it is crucial for approving your mortgage application, as well as for determining the interest rate. Getting your credit report will also help you make sure that you are not being penalized for certain old and paid debts, since mistakes are common.

Find a Real Estate Agent

 

Real estate agents can guide you through your home buying process, as they can provide you with valuable information on the housing market. That is why it is crucial that you find just the right one to help you choose a house according to your needs and the best part about it is that it wouldn’t cost you anything, since real estate agents are compensated from the commission that the house seller pays.

Begin Your House Hunt

 

When you start shopping for a house, you need to check the details of each and every house you go to in order to make sure everything is working as it should, from the electrical system and the plumbing to all the other details, including whether the doors and windows are closing properly – everything is important and it will affect the price.

When you find your perfect house, your real estate agent will make an offer and, after you reach an agreement with the seller, the house will go into escrow, which represents the time necessary for the completion of all the other steps in the home buying process.

Get a Home Inspection

 

Home inspection is very important, as it will help you check for potential structural damage or anything else that may need to be fixed. It protects you in that you can renegotiate or withdraw your offer if there is certain material damage to the house.

Once you and the seller get a home inspector’s report, you can ask for any potential damage to be fixed before closing the sale, after which you can visit the house again to ensure everything works smoothly.

Get a Mortgage

 

There are a lot of different loans you can choose from, but you need to find one that will meet your personal needs. The same goes for lenders, so make sure you research them thoroughly and determine which one is the best for you.

When choosing a mortgage plan, knowing only the basics is definitely not enough, so make sure you learn everything there is to know about mortgages. Knowing exactly how to get a mortgage will help you make the best decision and apply for the best loan.

Close the Sale

 

As you might have guessed, buying a house comes with a lot of paperwork, but you don’t need to worry about that, since your lender will make sure that a particular title company handles all of it. The most important part is that they will make sure that the house seller is the rightful owner of the house you’re buying, so that you can proceed to the settlement quickly and without any hassle.

At the settlement, or closing, you will sign all the paperwork, including all the documents regarding your loan, which can take several days to be funded. After that process is complete, the seller will receive a check and you can move into your new dream house.

Final Words

Don’t take the process of buying a house lightly, since you are making a long-term commitment, not to mention that you are spending a lot of money. Therefore, make sure you gather all the necessary information and understand every step you need to take along the way. Happy house hunting!

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/alexf/buying-a-house-6-steps-you-need-to-take/

4 Things You Need to Take Care of Before Buying a Used Car

The number of consumers looking for used cars is on a constant rise. The reasons behind this may be mass production of new models and the high price tag of new cars.

One thing is certain, everyone wants to go home and park a trouble-free vehicle, but getting one of those has nothing to do with random luck. Getting a reliable used car requires extensive research and the mindset of a detective.

This is why I have compiled this list of things you need to know before making a purchase. By following these tips, you will minimize the chances of having to pay for extra expenses down the road.

Research Like a Pro

Research is basically the one thing that could set you off in the right direction. You should start with a broad approach and then narrow it down to inspecting the few remaining options.

To successfully reduce the risk of ending up with a car that will drain your pockets, you have to start by identifying the models with a great reliability record. This is the moment when search engines should become your best friend. Search for “used car reliability”, “best used cars” and “worst used cars”.

If you are interested in a specific car, search for common troubles related to that model. This will help you determine which car component to inspect when you get the chance to test-drive and inspect a car. In some models it can be the suspension system in others you will have to check for safety features.

Locating the Used Cars for Sale

After you have narrowed down your options you should start locating used cars for sale in your area. There are many websites built for this purpose that allow users to search through cars by using many different factors. Such as, the mileage on the car’s odometer, price and features. After you write down the locations and price range you are ready to go and inspect the cars.

Inspect the Car

This is the critical stage of entire process and it should govern your purchasing decision. Buying a car from a close friend or family member is one thing, but getting it from a complete stranger is something completely different. There are two red flags that should raise an alarm:

• The odometer being rolled back
• The car you are looking at has a salvage title put there by the insurance company (declared total loss)

In case there are no red flags, you may proceed with having it inspected by a mechanic. In most cases you won’t have any problems with a dealership or a private-party seller to have this done. If you are dealing with a private-party seller, ask him/her why he/she decided to sell it. In case they already have a recent mechanic report, insist on taking the car to an independent one of your own choosing.

If you don’t have the time or the money to spend on an independent mechanic, make sure to get familiar with the official DMV’s Used Car Work Sheet and cover the bases as much as you can.

Give it a Test-Drive

If you haven’t already gotten a chance to drive that car model, this is the best chance for you to find out if that model is the one that suits you best. Also, a test-drive is the only way to check out the condition the car is in.

Besides having a look at the car’s service records, here are some other things you can check while you are at it:

• Is it comfortable to seat in the front seat/back seat? Is the position of the seats adjustable? Are all the handles and buttons working? Don’t forget to check the front passenger seat.
• Check the dashboard for any lit lights. If there are any, make sure to have that checked before you purchase the car.
• How does it feel when you have a seat? Is it comfy? Do you smell any gas, or burning oil?
• Check out the brakes. Is there a squeaky noise when you hit the brakes?
• How does the engine sound in idle mode? Are there any weird noises?

As you can see it’s not that hard to pick the right used car for yourself. Spend a bit of time examining the car before you buy it as an investment. The more things you cross of the list, the greater the chances are that you won’t end up with a vehicle that keeps causing you trouble and breaking down.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/nmanojlovic/4-things-you-need-to-take-care-of-before-buying-a-used-car/

4 Benefits of Real Estate Crowdfunding You Need to Know

Trends are constantly changing, but it seems like crowdfunding has made its way into every real estate investor’s dictionary. But not everyone is so eager to embrace it, because this trend is here to stay, or it is just temporary? Even though crowdfunding is still something new, it is rapidly reshaping the way real estate investors can invest in properties. To have a better understanding of how it works, we have prepared a quick guide and some of the benefits that come with real estate crowdfunding.

So, real estate crowdfunding is a method of real estate investing that involves the pooling of funds by several investors when dealing with a certain investment project. You can choose from two main types of investments:

• Equity Investments – Where investors make investments in residential or commercial properties and, in exchange, they hold an equity stake in the property. Every investor will be sharing a portion of the rental income the property will generate.
• Debt Investments – This means that you will be investing in a mortgage loan that is associated with a particular property, and as the loan is repaid, the investor will receive a share of the interest.

Between these two, equity investments have the potential for bigger returns because the profitability of debt investments is limited by the interest rate of the loan. But, equity investments are riskier and in many cases require a longer holding period.

There is no doubt that real estate crowdfunding has a lot of benefits for investors who are seeking access to private real estate investments. When compared to investing in a REIT or purchasing an investment property in a traditional way, crowdfunding has several benefits, so continue reading to find out what those are.

Increased Transparency

One of the major benefits of real estate crowdfunding platforms is that no other type of real estate investment offers this amount of transparency. For instance, with REIT, investors only have a limited amount of information about the access shared with them and they also have limited knowledge of where their investment dollars are really going.

But, when it comes to real estate crowdfunding, crowdfunding platforms allow to carefully vet each deal and at the exact moment when they are available, the investors have the opportunity to see some finer details before they commit to their final investment decision.

Flexibility

Investors have a ton of options when it comes to real estate crowdfunding, mainly because the investors are not restricted to a single project or a real estate company. They can spread a couple of smaller investments across several projects or companies, and this way, reduce any underlying risks. This is great because, if one real estate investment project fails and does not meet your expectations, you will still have other investments that have the potential to be successful.

Diversity

For real estate investors who are looking to increase the diversity of their portfolio, real estate crowdfunding is one of the best ways to achieve this. This is because they have the luxury of gaining more exposure to a broader range of property types and opportunities, and they can enter an entirely new asset class.

Deal Flow

The company that operates the real estate crowdfunding platform will be doing all the dirty work for you. For instance, scouting out all of the hottest properties that are on the market and deals that will otherwise be unseen by an individual. These crowdfunding platforms have operators that are bringing the deals to them, and the company running them underwrites to ensure that only quality deals are being brought to the table.

Real estate crowdfunding also allows the investors to benefit from certain tax deductions, like depreciation, which normally applies to owning an investment property. Every real estate crowdfunding platform is different and some are a better fit than others. Research and check for marketplace reviews to identify the weaknesses and strengths, because this is an important first step for every real estate investor.

All in all, real estate crowdfunding represents a perfect opportunity for investors to get otherwise unknown deals and still expect reduced risk and increased benefits.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/aleksandarilic/4-benefits-of-real-estate-crowdfunding-you-need-to-know/

Millennial Workforce: the Wind of Change Shifting the Workplace Design

Baby boomers are no longer the largest segment of the working population. Now, they are making way to another group determined to change the face of the business world – the millennials. They move into leadership positions, flock to innovative startups, and endorse a different work philosophy.

You could say that they possess a distinctive outlook of what they expect from the career and have distinctive priorities in life. In fact, they seek meaningful employment experience, not just a satisfying paycheck at the end of the month.

The powers that be

Image 2 source: pixabay.com (free to use and share)

The rules that used to be set in stone are now perceived as something that stands in the way of collaboration and transparency. Office design of today reflects the aspiration for dismantling old corporate hierarchies and assembling a horizontally-aligned workspace. Millennials endorse a democratic approach and crave to immerse in a work environment which offers a flat organizational structure.

Larger, more rigid companies have more trouble adapting to these developments or are simply unwilling to “delayer” their business framework. Thus, it comes as a no surprise that the millennials lean towards dynamic start-ups and small businesses.

Success by design

Image 3 source: pixabay.com (free to use and share)

The aforementioned principles serve as centerpieces of the corporate culture and ethics. Hence, office design is right at the core of new engagement and retention policies. It encompasses everything from ergonomic chairs and customizable desks to architectural features and photovoltaic windows. Personalized, multi-purpose, and flexible design solutions are gaining traction.

Also, an open-office plan is millennials’ darling, a way to bring down the obstacles to interaction and promote visibility. These young professionals are more partial to working in teams, not isolated in cubicles. In order to bring vigor to the workplace, they must be treated with an uplifting environment.

Free flow

Millennials want their bosses to encourage free access to meetings and information. What is more, autonomy and freedom in handling day-to-day obligations are in the spotlight. Instead of walls, they rather see dividers and floor-to-ceiling glass installations as an appropriate separating feature. They advocate closeness, information sharing, and accountability across the board.

Hence, companies should try to make the entirety of space available to workers. Some of them might like to carry out meeting in a lounge area, and others prefer to work in a reception room. In general, when they are presented with different methods of accomplishing assignments, and allowed to multitask, millennials are at their best.

Digital trends

Furthermore, millennials can be considered to be digital natives born with a gadget in hand. Even those who are not particularly tech-savvy are certainly tech-dependant. They want to be empowered by technology, a force which is expected to cut through bureaucratic levels. So, the company aspiring to harness the potential of a millennial workforce must invest in top-of-the-line computers.

Image 4 source: pixabay.com (free to use and share)

Apart from that, it should mount lightning-fast internet capacity, employ digital communication tools, and integrate cutting-edge tech in other amenities.  Another item high on the list of priorities is comfort, a quality which can be summoned with high-quality office furniture and versatile workstations. Such well-designed spaces also offer them a chance to rewind and keep up the good work.

Environmental concerns

A state-of-the-art office does wonders for worker’s motivation and productivity, and it also helps companies attract and retain top talent. When an office becomes more than just a place for performing tedious tasks, employees are inclined to display peak performance and unleash their creativity. Now, millennials do care for the company’s bottom line, but this is not something that preoccupies them, unlike community and environmental concerns.

Namely, apart from the tech-fueled teamwork, millennials desire environment-friendly policies and practical solutions. That is why forward-thinking enterprises take advantage of energy-saving office appliances, renewable energy sources, long-lasting LED lighting, and other means of lowering the carbon footprint.

Millennial revolution

Image 5 source: pexels.com (free to use and share)

Millennials do not derive their strength from numbers, but the power of belief. The profit is no longer the sole lodestar of the business world because people and the natural habitat come into focus. This authentic group brought a striking change in the corporate world, and already poses an invaluable asset.

The traditional top-down corporate structure is dead, and this shows in office design, as well as engagement and retention policies. As a result, companies with traditional hierarchy heavily ingrained in their office layout struggle to hire millennials and stay ahead of the curve.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/marcusjensen/millennial-workforce-the-wind-of-change-shifting-the-workplace-design/

7‭ ‬Steps For Servicing And Maintaining Your Car‭

When it comes to cars,for the most part people focus too much on acquiring the perfect vehicle and not enough on maintaining it once the purchase has been completed.That can partly be explained by the complexity of modern cars,which can have as many as75,000different parts.But many people also lack the knowledge to perform even the most basic maintenance tasks,which can leave the car vulnerable to costly and possibly even dangerous malfunctions.So take the time to familiarize yourself with the following seven steps,all of which are instrumental forkeeping your car in good shape over the long run:

1.Tires

Begin your car check-up by inspecting its tires using a regular tire gauge.All four of them should be inflated to the manufacturer’s specified pressure.What’s more,they shouldn’t have any indicators of tread wear.Tires that feature such indicators are much more likely to break,so take steps to replace them when they become worn beyond acceptable limits.In cases when such an accident does happen,make sure you have a spare tire in the trunk of your car at all times.

2.Oil

Oil is the lifeblood of your car,so you’ll definitely need to keep an eye on it on a regular basis.A mechanic can show you how to check your oil properly,but as a rule of thumb it generally needs to be replaced every5000kilometres or so.Some manufacturers may claim thresholds way higher than that,but it’s always better to prioritize your engine’s reliability and efficiency above all and have your oil changed before it starts getting all black and gritty.

3.Fluids

Aside from oil,there are plenty of other fluids that need to be in good condition in order for the car to be considered fully operational.Things like transmission fluid,brake fluid and coolant all have to be verified from time to time.Ask a professional how to check these things and then proceed to do so at least once per week.

4.Brakes

There is perhaps no single more important car part than your vehicle’s brakes,which is why they should to be checked as often as possible.Modern cars are equipped with braking systems that need to be replaced from time to time in order to maintain maximum efficiency,so make sure you take your vehicle to the car service for this most important check-up.

5.Lights

Despite their apparent simplicity,car lights are essential for safe driving.Ask a friend to assist you in making sure that all lights function correctly,including taillights,headlights,brake lights and turn signals.Pay special attention to their tilt,as lights should always be pointing high enough to allow you to see the road,but not too high so as to distract oncoming vehicles.

6.Windows and windshield wipers

More than just a cosmetic adornment,windows can be instrumental in keeping you safe while on the road.To give just one example,a poorly placed windshield crack can make it that much more difficult to see the cars in your immediate vicinity,which can obviously hamper your decision-making process while driving.Additionally,worn windshield wipers do a much poorer job of wiping out water or snow,and should be replaced once a year before the start of the rainy season.

7.The interior

Finally,no car check-up would be complete without a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s interior.Everything from the car’s dashboard to its seats should be kept as spotless as possible,especially if you intend on selling the vehicle at a later date.All the buttons on the dashboard should be operational,while the air conditioning system needs to be checked on a regular basis to ensure that it is working properly.

In conclusion,checking all the aforementioned items on a regular basis will do much to protect your car against the wear and tear that inevitably comes with the passage of time.Of course,it also helps to take your vehicle to a licensed auto-mechanic at least once per year,someone who can perform more advanced tests to see if your car is running smoothly.Keep in mind that most freshly purchased cars have warranties that cover repairs for a certain amount of time,and that reputable providers such as Zooper Carsoffer great deals on servicing even after your warranty expires.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/twitter-epicninjadaboss/7%e2%80%ad-%e2%80%acsteps-for-servicing-and-maintaining-your-car%e2%80%ad/

How to Improve Your Team’s Collaboration

A vast majority of businesses are based on teamwork, i.e. people working together towards achieving the same goal. A number of team members simply engaging in the same task isn’t enough, however. Successful teamwork includes planning, as well as cooperation. Optimizing each person’s skills is the proper way to engage in this group effort, but businesses often overlook it, which leads to a decreased efficiency. Here are some ideas on how to improve your team’s collaboration.

Expectations

Setting expectations at the very beginning is essential for a fruitful collaboration with your team. Everyone needs to be familiarized with their exact role, as well as the deadlines. Additionally, they need to know the exact part of a particular project they are in charge of and where to find the support and resources. Delivering all this to employees is the leader’s job – connecting with team’s goals and devising a strategic plan, as it is the backbone of every company. Individual expectations should be aligned with the shared expectations of the team. Program metrics and timelines should also be established, and progress updates are to be shared in order to make everyone included in the project know when things are accomplished, and of the progress in general.

Inspire

The best way for a team to achieve the highest level of efficiency is by being motivated. Motivation comes from actually loving what you do and caring about the ongoing project. A team leader needs to inspire and bring in energy into a conference room or conversation, thus making every team member feel valued and respected. A job well done should be sincerely appreciated and the entire team notified of each individual success. This will encourage everyone to focus on achieving their goals, which will boost collaboration and, hence result in a successful project completion.

Use Technology

Modern ways of doing business have forever been changed by numerous technological advancements. Using a cloud-based platform goes without saying, but what are the reasons behind this? Well, apart from providing an easy-to-use virtual environment for sharing files, utilizing cloud services means exercising as much efficiency in a long-distance team communication as possible. For example, instead of delivering files via email to every team member individually, uploading them to a cloud platform makes everything perpetually available in one secure place. Additionally, using project management software shouldn’t be overlooked, as these applications help boost cooperation.

Keep an Open Mind

Brilliant ideas often come from the unexpected, and you never know what they might bring to the table – every great team leader knows this. In addition to this, however, open-mindedness helps create an atmosphere of trust in a team – everyone gets their say and each idea is treated equally; there should be no place for favoritism, since you are working with a team, not towards grooming a single employee. Nevertheless, this practice works both ways – in terms of ideas and in terms of critique. In a comfortable working environment, employees will have no problem voicing concerns and making suggestions. Therefore, prepare yourself for new ideas, as well as thoughtful critique. You are bound to empower your entire team and contribute to faster problem-solving, greater trust, healthier teamwork and improved performance, in general.

Improving your team’s collaboration is essential for making things work within a business. Each team member will have an idea and picking the good ones isn’t entirely on you, as a leader. Each team member should be comfortable with giving their suggestions and delivering critique to the existing ones. Your entire team is responsible for your project’s success.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/marcusjensen/how-to-improve-your-teams-collaboration/

The trickle-down effect: how politics influence small businesses

Owning a small business in this day and age requires a certain amount of courage, as political landscapes grow ever more unpredictable. Politics, it should be noted, affect all businesses, regardless of size, but the smaller ones are most susceptible to being swept by the tide of trends and restrictions. To that end, let’s try and identify the main ways in which politics interact with the interests of small business owners worldwide:

1. Direct policies

Governments tend to enact a variety of laws in their attempts to boost the economy. Everything from small business grants to tax breaks and various other programs are destined to incentivize entrepreneurs and lead to the creation of prosperous businesses that can increase the country’s bottom line. Nevertheless, certain policies can be rather misguided, while others have unforeseen consequences that can actually lead to financial failure for small operations. For instance, raising the minimum wage may lead to happier workers, but it can cripple companies that are barely getting by as it is.

2. Indirect policies

Not all the measures enacted by a government are intended to have an influence on small businesses, but many of them still do by sheer virtue of their impact. To give just one example, stricter regulations in the field of banking can lead to increased security in the financial sector, an idea that’s generally regarded as a good after the crisis of the late 2000s. But these kinds of regulations may also lead to things like higher interest rates and an increased difficulty in securing small business loans, two things that can have an adverse effect on economic growth if left unchecked.

3. Macropolitical factors

With isolationist policies for the most part being a thing of the past in today’s globalized world, countries seem to have realized that they cannot make it on their own. Every nation across the planet has to rely on trade agreements and various types of cooperative arrangements in order to get by. That’s why the economic ecosystem of any nation is strongly tied to the conditions of the world at large. A period of political tension can easily translate into economic turbulence, as investors will be more reluctant to funnel their money when faced with insecure circumstances. Likewise, a strong bond between two or more countries can result in greater economic prosperity for all involved. One only needs to take a look at the UK, which developed exponentially as a member of the European Union, only to face its prospects for further growth threatened under the weight of a possible exit from the union.

In conclusion, it’s clear to see how small businesses are influenced by various political factors and trends. While it may be impossible to accurately predict all the changes that shape the world in this regard, small business owners can take steps towards consolidating their businesses by engaging in solid practices and having a fallback plan for several scenarios. Life is full of surprises, both good and bad, but when it comes to business it’s always wise to prepare for the worst but hope for the best.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/michaelsanduso/the-trickle-down-effect-how-politics-influence-small-businesses/

“Accidents Can Happen”. Now Who Should Pay for Your Troubles?

An accident happened involving you or someone you care about. Yes, it’s true, accidents do happen, and sorry to hear that you’ve been a victim of one. You may probably feel helpless, but don’t despair, you can put things to action and make a negligent person or institution compensate you for your troubles. So the question now is, when could you seek legal assistance after an accident? And where could you get the best legal assistance? Read on below to find out…

Personal Injury

Personal Injury covers a wide spectrum of injuries that affect a human being. But it’s basically a result of negligence by a person, institution or company. If you were shopping at a mall or grocery store and slipped on the floor due to the lack of precautionary measures such as a “wet floor sign” or proper non-slip matting, then the mall or grocery store could be held responsible for your injury. Another example of personal injury is when a person’s misdemeanor or irresponsibility is to blame for an accident on which you were involved.

Vehicular Accident

Although vehicular accidents still fall under the Personal Injury category, the fact that it’s the most common type of Physical Injury, makes it one important subject to highlight. Around 40,000 deaths in United States are caused by auto accidents and over millions yearly are injured due to irresponsible and reckless driving.

                                                                                                            Medical Malpractice

There are a lot of cases of Medical Malpractice that had been brought to court in which hospitals and medical practitioners had been held liable for a number of reasons. Wrong diagnosis and treatment could be grounds for Medical Malpractice. Wrongful death could also be another reason to file a case against a doctor, nurse or hospital administration. If you believe that you have not been treated by a medical practitioner right which may have caused either complications or worsening of your condition, seek legal advice right away to see your options in filing a case against the person or hospital.

Work-related Accidents

Yes, you may be harmed even in the workplace. And it is your employer’s duty to ensure that your work environment is safe for all employees. This is especially the utmost consideration should you have a job that already puts you at risk on the get-go such as in construction. But even while you hold a job working in a hazardous work environment doesn’t make it acceptable for you to obtain injuries or get into an accident. If you believe that the company you work for should have taken counter measures to lessen or even eliminated the odds of you or anyone you work with from getting hurt, then you can definitely take them to court.

Environmental Accidents

Catastrophes and tragedy could strike any one of us unknowingly. Fifteen years after 9/11 and people could still feel the horror and effects of what happened that day.  Even the direst of tragedies that could have never been helped should be controlled or acted upon accordingly to avoid further damage to society. Explosions, chemical leaks and collapsed buildings could all cause danger to your health, with dire health effects that may manifest itself immediately or over a period of time. If you work or live in an area that might be contaminated with harmful chemicals, seek medical and legal help right away.

Civil Rights

The United States Constitution protects the equal rights among Americans through the Civil Rights. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of people who fall victim to civil rights violations on a daily basis and have probably shrugged off the idea of acting upon it. The problem is, people who simply give in to being treated unjustly only makes matters worse. So if an employer or a uniformed officer of the law has treated you unjustly, do not hesitate to seek the justice you deserve.

Now who should pay for your troubles?

If you are a victim of an accident not listed above and believe that you deserve to receive necessary compensation. Or just want someone take responsibility for the injury you’ve obtained, do not let those responsible off the hook. If you are holding back due to the expenses you could incur or the thought of yet another distress; remember this: if it could happen to you, it could happen to anyone else. And for another person, it could mean life and death. Your action could save lives that otherwise may fall unto the same trap, maybe even worse. So decide to act upon it not just for you but for the rest of society. Seek legal assistance right away to discuss your options in filing charges or obtaining restitution.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/leurypichardo/accidents-can-happen-now-who-should-pay-for-your-troubles/

3 Infuriating Issues You’ll Have to Face as a Remote Worker

Being a remote worker definitely has its ups and downs. There are a number of benefits of working remotely, such as being able to schedule your tasks throughout the day without anyone asking you why you are leaving the office early, as well as not being exposed to the stress of a long commute, for instance. You can pack your things and go on a three-month vacation, since all you need for work is your laptop.

However, working remotely is far from perfect. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies, because there are some challenges that both you and the business organization you work for have to face, and those challenges can sometimes be tough to handle on both sides.

Nevertheless, if you are a remote worker, you need to learn how to overcome every obstacle coming your way in order to be as productive and efficient as possible. Managing to do that will help you become an important asset to the company you work for, and contribute to its lasting success. Take a look at the common issues every remote worker has to face and learn how to address them in order to be a successful employee.

The Feeling of Isolation

 

When you’re working in an office, you can feel great even if you are drowning in work, because you are surrounded with people. You have your colleagues with whom you spend a lot of your time, especially when you are working together on some big team projects, and you need to collaborate with them in order to get the job done.

When you’re working from home, loneliness sets in after a while and you can feel frustrated and isolated. There is an obvious lack of social interaction and you don’t have the luxury of building relationships and creating a social life around your work friends.

More often than not, this problem can reflect on your work and make you a bit disengaged, but it’s nothing that cannot be fixed. Make a habit of collaborating and communicating with your colleagues as much as possible via email or IMs and you will feel as if you’re actually sitting next to each other at the office. It can really be a game changer.

Of course, make sure you meet up with your local friends whenever you have free time, as that is certain to recharge your batteries and help you effectively complete every new work project.

Completing Your Projects in a World Full of Distractions

 

Staying focused and productive when working from home can be pretty tough. It can be really stressful sometimes, since there is always something that needs to be done around the house; from your laundry and everyday house chores to your car’s oil changing and a number of other distractions that prevent you from getting your work done on time, which can be especially challenging if you have a family and little kids running around.

How to get your work done effectively and manage to keep your sanity along the way? You need to let your family and friends know that you are unavailable during your work hours. This means no running errands, no never-ending phone calls or any other type of distraction that can make you put your work aside.

Create a schedule and stick to it as if you were in an actual office. If music doesn’t distract you, the best solution to your problem would be to put on your headphones, unplug from the world around you and focus only on the work in front of you. That will certainly help you relax and complete all of your assignments without missing any deadline.

Collaborating and Communicating Gets Hard

There is instant messaging and there are emails, but the best possible solution would be the adoption of videoconferencing. Implementing videoconferencing can lead to much better communication and each and every team member can collaborate on various projects more easily.

The most efficient system to implement would be to schedule every video conference call, so that every employee within the company can be available for the virtual meeting. That way, everyone can be updated on every project and no one will have troubles keeping up. If your company has not yet harnessed the power of videoconferencing, you should definitely bring it up at your next meeting, since it will certainly improve the entire organization.

Final Words

One is definitely the loneliest number but, if you manage to stay on the same page with your team and develop an effective communication with them, you can be sure no work mission will be impossible and you will become a dream team that will accomplish its every task with flying colors.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/vladzivanovic/3-infuriating-issues-youll-have-to-face-as-a-remote-worker/

Top Tips for Students to Stand Out in Lecture Classes

You walk up to that auditorium on the first day of classes and look around the room — 200 students are filing in and grabbing the many seats available. Everyone around you likely has the same thought, “How am I ever going to stand out among all of these other students?”

It’s no secret that lectures can be extremely daunting. Whether the class has 50, 100, or 400 students, standing out and being known by your professors is very beneficial. You never know when you may need that extra bit of help or even a few extra points at the end of the semester to turn that A- into an A. Follow this advice to help ensure you stand out from the crowd:

Introduce yourself
Taking time to introduce yourself and have a genuine conversation with your professor is a great way to stand out from the sea of potentially hundreds of students your teacher sees. But even if you have a smaller class of 30 students, for example, this tip still applies. Your professor will notice that extra effort you made along the way, as easy as simply introducing yourself may seem. It pays off to have had even that very small personal interaction.

Arrive early
It’s not shocking to hear that getting to class on time is essential in school. But if your class begins at 2:00 p.m., you may want to aim closer to 1:50 p.m. as your arrival time, as it’s recommended to show up at least a few minutes early to make sure you can get seated and prepared for the lecture. Flinging open the doors 10 minutes into a lecture is a great way to get some attention — but not in a good way! By being timely, your professor will likely take note and be appreciative. Moreover, you can always take advantage of those extra few minutes to say hello to your professor and even ask any thoughtful questions you may have about the class material.

Act professional
Put down your phone and leave excessive side chats at the front door. School is a time to learn and you should treat it as such. Approach your lecture class as you would a job — be respectful, do not get distracted, and follow the deadlines and policies set by your teacher. If you take this approach in school, and particularly go that extra mile, you are more likely to stand out from the crowd and may even land yourself future job or internship opportunities because of your rapport with that professor. After all, instructors tend to have important connections!

Answer questions
If your professor is one to pose questions or encourage open discussion in the lecture, always make the effort to put your hand in the air and contribute something valuable to the discussion. Not only will this allow your professor to get to know and understand your thought process, but it will also aid in making your lecture experience so much better. Interacting with others and the class material are great ways to learn and make sure the topics stick in your brain for the long term. It can also help break down any nerves or barriers you have about speaking in front of large groups!

Attend office hours
Many professors offer office hours outside the classroom for students to come in and ask questions, discuss the coursework, and even just chat with the professor. Unfortunately, many students overlook this valuable time to connect with their professor; do not be that student! Instead, take advantage of the opportunity to get to know the person who is in charge of your class, the tests, and ultimately, your final grade. Do not be that student who only shows up to the final office hour of the year, pleading for extra points because you fell short of that solid B.
Jenny Modlisz is a contributing writer for Varsity Tutors, a live learning platform that connects students with personalized instruction to accelerate academic achievement.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/varsitytutors/top-tips-for-students-to-stand-out-in-lecture-classes/

10 Best Mountain Climbing Destinations in the World

Mountain climbing is one of the fastest growing activities, sports or whatever you want to call it. In the past decade or so, there are a lot of people who have started taking these adventurous trips having fun and keeping both their physical and mental health to a positive level. Not only is this a fun, exciting, and healthy activity, but people also have the chance to see some of the most beautiful places on the entire planet.

The fact that a person gets the chance to sit at some of the tallest peaks in the world is simply amazing, as you can witness the miracles nature has brought us. It’s a rewarding experience, as you have to put in a lot of energy to come to the top and when you’ve reached your goal you will feel connected with the amazing landscape surrounding you. Here are some of the most exciting mountains you should look to climb at least once during your lifetime.

1. K2

Its locals call it Chhogori and this is a 28,251 feet tall mountain, the second tallest in the world. K2 is not a mountain novices should climb and sometimes even experienced climbers have a hard time conquering this giant. This mountain is located in Asia in the Karakoram Range, between Pakistan and China. Many experienced climbers say that it is harder to climb K2 than Mount Everest, which is the highest peak in the world.

2. Hekla

Hekla is not technically a mountain, but it’s one of the best climbing experiences you can possibly have. Hekla is an active volcano located in Iceland. The last eruption that happened at Hekla was in 2000, and this volcano dates back to prehistory. Still, this doesn’t stop hikers from climbing this volcano. The trail to Hekla’s top goes through snow fields and it’s quite easy to cross it, as even an inexperienced hiker might need around four hours to reach the top. Still, it’s advised to carry some glacier gear with you.

3. Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. It has a flat top and it’s located in Tanzania on its northern border. It has three non-active volcanos, which can be viewed during the climb. The road to the mountain is quite exciting. By taking one of the routes called the Machame Route you will be able to see the unique birds and other animals that are characteristic to this region.

4. Khuiten

Mount Khuiten is located in the center of Mongolia. It’s not easy to reach it as it is located in a remote part of the country. Just reaching the mountain is quite exciting and not to mention climbing it. The whole track to the top is not very steep but the journey can be long and fairly difficult for inexperienced hikers. This is why it’s recommended to travel light and carry with you the absolute necessities.

5. Huang

Mount Huang is located in eastern China. The whole area around the mountain is quite well-known for its beautiful scenery, granite peaks, memorable sunsets and cloud views you can get from above the mountain. This mountain has been frequently painted in traditional Chinese art, and photographers can also capture amazing images here. If you are into photography as well as hiking, this might be your number one choice, as you will have a lot of inspiration while climbing mount Huang.

6. The Matterhorn

This peak is located in the Swiss Alps and it is one of the most popular climbs in the whole world. The amazing thing about this mountain is that there are different routes to choose from, depending on your level of hiking experience. If you are a beginner, take the Lion or Hornli Ridge routes, as they have a lot of supportive tools that can help you climb easier. On the other hand, if you are up for the full challenge go with North Face, Furggen Ridges or Zmutt routes.

7. Mount Everest

As you probably already know this is the tallest mountain in the world. This giant is located between Tibet and Nepal. Due to its reputation, this mountain is visited by climbers of different experience levels. Some of them are used to climbing similar routes, while others have slim hiking knowledge. Nevertheless, there are a lot of verified professional climbers who can help inexperienced climbers get to the top, for a certain fee of course. Still, it’s quite a dangerous mountain to climb due to its wind, cold weather and excessive height.

8. Mount McKinley

This is the tallest peak in whole North America. This mountain has the greatest elevation gain of all other mountains. It’s surrounded by many icefalls and five large glaciers. This is one of the toughest peaks to climb and it requires a full-blown expedition that has to be well-planned. The route to the top is not difficult, but the weather is so severe that people can have major issues climbing. This is why many suggest that you should climb it in the spring, although it’s not easy even then.

9. Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is located in Tibet and this mountain is considered a sacred place of five different religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Ayyavazhi, Bon faith and Jainism. Thousands of different people make a pilgrimage to this mountain each year and it’s believed that this tradition has been going on for thousands of years. It’s a very spiritual place where you can meet a lot of good-willed people, all of whom believe that setting foot on this sacred place brings luck. However, you cannot climb this peak as it is forbidden, you may only set foot around it.

10. Fitzroy and Cerro Torre

Stretching across Chile and Argentina, the mountains of Patagonia have amazing heights that can be climbed. Both Cerro Torre and Fitzroy are peaks that surpass 10,000 feet and they give breathtaking views of scattered granite peaks that disappear into the sky and the large mountain that stretches as far as your eyes can see. Given the fact that the terrain is pretty rough, it is good to have some rock climbing knowledge before hiking over the mountains of Patagonia.

All of these mountains are a thing of beauty and climbing them would be an amazing experience. Make sure that you have enough experience and knowledge before climbing those difficult ones to make sure that you are completely ready. Safety first!

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/nmanojlovic/10-best-mountain-climbing-destinations-in-the-world/

4 Tips to Take Your Email Marketing to the Next Level

Email marketing is here to stay. During the last three years, email opens have grown an amazing 180%, so there’s nowhere to go but up. This is a fact you should use to your advantage.

However, the average consumer is more than capable of detecting a regular marketing trick such as a limited edition or a time-expiring offer, so you need to put in some more effort into your packaging.

According to DMA (Designated Market Area) data from 2015, every dollar you invest into your email marketing campaign comes back multiplied by 44, which is a very high ROI number, but every single cent should be spent wisely – and here’s how.

Enable Interaction

I think it’s safe to say that average consumers are very bored with the classical picture plus link recipe for emails – chances are that they won’t give it more than a glance, and you should be called crazy if you believe your investment will pay off, not optimistic. So – make your emails interactive.

Animation is the future of emails and Gmail has even added animated emoticons to their list of options. So, your email campaign team should count at least one graphic designer, because something needs to be moving.

However, this is fairly easy to exaggerate, so you shouldn’t be surprised if you end up with everything moving that even you won’t know where to click – you should try to keep it moderate and tasteful and thus use animations only to accent and emphasize innovations in services or offers.

Make It Friendly and Personal

It’s people you’re trying to communicate with, not machines. A lack of a personal approach is the sole reason that dragged the popularity of email marketing down, and this isn’t something we should allow to happen again – this type of marketing is cheap and effective, which is why all our efforts should be focused on keeping it up and functioning properly.

That’s why it’s quite important to make them as personalized as possible, but without crossing that thin line and using jargon as a way to make new customers. So – it’s not like talking to a potential business partner and it’s not like talking to an acquaintance you met on the street – it’s somewhere in between these two.

The increment in automation is expected but parts that should be accelerated are mechanical – you should give enough time for creative bits to boil for a while, until you are completely satisfied with the final result.

Mobile, Head to Toe

Did you know that 75% of Gmail users access their accounts via smartphone, and that there are still websites that aren’t mobile friendly? This is a waste of everyone’s time, really – if a potential customer actually clicks on your links and ends up reloading your page, you can be certain that they won’t try to access your website ever again.

Those twenty something percent of websites should make this transition as soon as possible, because it may be a determining factor of their future success – using email marketing and not allowing it to function properly is quite senseless and a real misuse of any budget.

Style Support

This isn’t only about the style of your email, but it’s also about platform you plan on using for sending them out. The whole email community is putting a lot of pressure on Google to improve their app, because a lot of marketing traffic is going exactly through them and they promise that it’s a “work in progress”, so we can only hope that 2017 will come with some good news about this.

And, when it comes to your style support, I’d like to once again mention that graphic designer, because you will desperately need him or her if you’d like to conduct a successful email advertising campaign. We’re all familiar with how aesthetics are a significant advertising method, which is why you shouldn’t underestimate their powers, nor let them be created by amateurs.
One last piece of advice (even though I’m sure you heard it at least a million times by now) – try to come up with a fresh approach to what you’re trying to sell, because sticking to already familiar methods won’t get you over the average numbers. Take your time, develop it slowly and don’t be afraid to use controversy to your advantage.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/aleksandarilic/4-tips-to-take-your-email-marketing-to-the-next-level/

5 Ways to Help You Combat Workplace Stress

With the longer working hours, stress may have reached an all-time high despite the fact that technology is supposed to make work, social and home life easier. The stress most people are feeling and dealing with comes from many sources, like problems at work, concern over deadlines and job security, issues with co-workers and even includes people that are close to them, like friends and family.

The impact of workplace stress goes way beyond just the effects it causes at work; almost all aspects of life can be impacted by the stress you feel on your job. It can impact your performance, relationships with colleagues and your work quality.

To combat the effects of stress, many people turn to prescription medication to manage their stress and its related symptoms like insomnia, emotional problems and nervousness. Some people even turn to metal function enhancing medications like Adderall, which is known for improving working memory, enhancing focus and increasing motivation.

It is much better to turn to some of the natural alternatives to Adderall when you want to ease the symptoms of stress from your workplace. Besides natural medication, we have gathered several other ways to help you combat workplace stress.

Counseling or Group Therapy

Having an experienced professional you can talk to or someone else who also experiences stress can really help you. You can share your thoughts and get advice from others; even just listening to similar stories will provide you relief, because you will know you are not alone. This verbal and emotional support can really help you deal with stress, and in some cases just the fact that someone else understands exactly how you feel, the frustration and everything that comes with that, can be just the thing you needed to cope with stress.

Creative Outlets

You can also try to seek out some creative outlets that will help you to channel and express your feelings. For instance, writing, drawing, coloring, painting or some other creative activity can help you get those feelings out that may be bothering you from the inside and lead to stress. The act of creation will help your cognitive abilities focus on other things and diminish the power of the things that are behind your workplace stress.

Breathing Deeply and Meditating

Often, when you are stressed, your breaths become very fast and shallow and further the physical manifestation of stress. If you take time to breathe slowly and deeply, the natural response of your body will be to calm down. This will push out the stress from you muscles, whereas meditation will help you remove it from the mind. Even if it only lasts one moment, this is a very healthy and helpful benefit to both your body and your mind.

Learn To Relax

Shower, take a bath or nap, these are just some ways to relax your body and your mind, and let all that anxiety that it is time to leave. Even crying and laughing is a stress reliever that will take away the tension and will result in a more relaxed perspective.

Unplug From Electronics

Even though technology is helping us in many ways, it can also be stressful, especially because of the easy access to work emails or messages from your colleagues. You need to try to turn off all of your devices during a certain part of the day. If you are going on vacation, take the opportunity to leave your computer and phone in your room and go out and enjoy yourself.

This does not mean you have to keep them turned off during the entire vacation, because this can stress you out even more. You can start with something like a 2 to 3 hour break from your devices each day and while you are on vacation.

Whether you decide to practice these habits before, during or after working hours, these coping mechanisms can provide you with physical, emotional and mental outlets for the problems and situations at work that are causing you to stress out.

Stress does not have to ruin your work performance, health or personal or professional relationships, so take care of yourself, because this is your responsibility and with some careful planning, you can fight that stress out of your life.

from Feedster http://www.feedster.com/blog/nmanojlovic/5-ways-to-help-you-combat-workplace-stress/