To make your business or company a brand, you need to have a unique identity. In this process, using a vanity number can be very helpful.
For those who do not know about vanity numbers, these are premium telephone numbers that are easy to remember with just a single glance. The company prefers to use a vanity number due to many reasons.
However, the main reason why vanity numbers are popular is because of the brand value they provide. Vanity phone numbers are very different from regular phone numbers and created with numbers or a combination of numbers and words.
For example, a company or shop that deal with flowers can choose to keep the vanity number as 1800-Flowers. This phone number is highly accurate and represents the business.
The next time anyone thinks of getting flowers delivered, 1800-Flowers will be the first thing that will cross their minds.
It’s how one can achieve an upper hand on the competitors. Whenever a person needs a service, a vanity number is the first thing that he or she will remember as they can be easily memorized.
It’s why having a vanity number for a brand is very important. It’s not just words, but vanity numbers can also be just a combination of numbers. A name like 1800-111-1234 is also a vanity number and very easy to remember for anyone.
These phone numbers are unique and help create a brand identity with them. In the case of an advertising hoarding where people only spend a second or more on advertising while driving, having a vanity number can be very useful.
With just a quick look, a person will quickly memorize the number, and when he requires similar services, it will be the first thing he or she remembers.
The relevance of vanity numbers in promoting business or marketing strategies is very high. We all know that everyone has a smartphone, and the best option for a person to contact a store or a company is through a smartphone.
With more and more smartphones and internet users, people prefer to search for service immediately on the smartphone when needed. In the listing, when the consumer checks a service with premium vanity numbers, it brings out more confidence and makes the company look better than others.
When people look at your services through a digital advertisement or banner, they might or might not remember your company or product name, but will remember the premium vanity number.
It’s what they will remember when they would need a service similar to yours. In that scenario, the first thing they will remember is your phone number, and you will be the primary contact when the consumer needs your service.
Getting your vanity number is relatively easy as there is a company providing these vanity numbers at a great price globally. Depending on the country your business is in and the type of number you opt for, the prices will differ.
So in case you have missed getting a vanity number for your business then this is the right time. Getting a vanity number will not only increase your status as a brand but will also increase the incoming call ratio where the chances of converting visitors to clients increase.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/business/what-is-a-vanity-number-and-how-relevant-is-it-for-your-business/
Are you looking to make changes within your organisation? It may be worth being aware of these major hurdles prior to making such changes, so that you could make a plan to get around, or over them, if they crop up.
1. Resistance
It’s a sobering thought to read that 75% of organisational change programs are unsuccessful especially when change is vital for companies to grow. Nothing stays static and even companies who have prided themselves on doing things a certain way for many years have to update at least some of their procedures to stay relevant and in the game.
So if change is both a natural and imperative fact of life – why does it often go so wrong?
The answer to this question is that resistance is also a natural fact of life. Change can be for good or bad and if employees interpret it as bad then it is naturally seen as a threat. Resistance is natural; especially if leadership quality is poor and a great deal of the failure of organizational change programs is thought to be down to poor leadership.
Change management consultants are very aware that any changes poorly executed will result in resentment, low morale and loss of focus and productivity. Done positively however and the company can move onwards and upwards even if some employees are initially negatively affected by issues such as redundancy. After all – it is those at the helm that are usually imitating the change and responsible for driving it forward. Excellent leadership will respect and support staff wherever possible; even if they are no longer going to be part of the ship!
2. Confusion
If uncertainty prevails, whether it’s connected to resistance or uncertainty regarding new systems and procedures then this presents another major hurdle that can quickly result in a downward spiral of mistrust, gossip and lack of motivation.
It is imperative that clear communication (initiated by leadership) presides over any period of change so that every member of staff knows what is happening, what to expect and how to execute new tasks. If employees are not given a framework in which to operate, then things can quickly go awry with staff left floundering and the organizational change deemed a failure when it could have so easily been a success.
3. Habit
Tied to resistance and confusion is force of habit. When old procedures and systems have been followed they start to feel “comfortable” even if they are no longer as effective as new ones. When it’s out with the old and in with the new; it may not be a conscious decision to resist change because habits could be described as actual things that are hard to break – they literally become “wired” into our brains through repetition that may have been carried out for months if not years.
This is where, again, the quality of leadership is so important – something that would be emphasized in a facilitation skills training course. Encouraging management to recognise that new habits take time to form, easing employees’ fears and confusion and implementing changes in stages rather than “overnight”, will go a long way to overcoming any hurdles and ensure that organizational change is a success.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/business/3-major-hurdles-to-organisational-change/
Starting a business takes money. One way or another, you’re going to have to raise capital, and there are several ways to do it:
Relying on personal savings (which take time to build and will almost never be enough);
Raising capital through investors;
Taking out a small business loan.
Each method has its own advantages and pitfalls, and while debt is often pilloried by celebrity investors, it can actually make a lot more sense for entrepreneurs than other financing avenues.
The Dangers of Starting a Business with Debt
First, the bad news. One of the big dangers about starting a small business with debt is that the founder’s personal finances are often not separated from the business. Even if the business is incorporated, banks tend to require a personal guarantee or even collateral for a small business loan. When your personal finances get involved, bankruptcy can be on the table.
Running a Business on Debt
Starting a business with debt is one thing, and it can actually cost you less than finding investors. Running a business on a line of credit is another thing. If you don’t have enough money coming in, you can wind up digging yourself in deeper and deeper.
When you don’t have cash, you don’t have cash. You need to do something to pay your employees, suppliers, rent, etc. It can be easy to let suppliers’ invoices stack up, credit card bills go unpaid, and utilities go into debt collection.
Once you reach that point, it may be time to find debt help from a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. These days, there are more options than bankruptcy. A consumer proposal may be a viable option for settling unsecured debts. Find out more about insolvency options at Debthelp.ca if your business has landed you in personal debt.
The Benefits of Debt Financing
Now that you know what can go wrong, it’s time to find out why debt financing could actually be better than finding investors. If your business is a success, debt financing prevents dilution, or losing more and more of the equity in your business in exchange for short-term financing. Equity is for life, but debt can be paid off.
Take this example: you start a company and have a choice to either borrow $100,000 or take a $100,000 investment.
In the course of 6 years, your company grows ten times over. That $100,000 investment now costs you $1 million in shareholder equity.
By comparison, look at the $100,000 loan. At a 10% interest rate over 6 years on a deferred lump sum payment at maturity, the total cost of the loan is $179,000, or $821,000 cheaper than taking the investment.
In a successful business, investments cost founders a lot more than debt.
Have a Back-Up Plan
If you are taking on personal debt to finance your dream of starting a small business, make sure you have a back-up plan. Any business has the potential to fail, including yours. Sometimes factors out of your control mean you need to shut down. Have a plan for when it does that allows you to pay back the new debts you’ve accrued, such as going back to a previous career or cutting back your expenses.
Debt financing can make a lot of sense, as long as you’re prepared.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/business/everything-you-need-to-know-about-debt-financing-your-small-business/
Ecommerce evolves quickly and dramatically. Entrepreneurs need to develop more than just a product the market wants or needs, they need to be able to adapt to this ever-changing world.
Subscription sales are a popular way for ecommerce companies to enjoy recurring transactions and predictable revenue while simultaneously giving customers what they want with less hassle, and often for a reduced price. But even creating the product and reaching an optimal model of sales isn’t enough: the right ecommerce platform has many tools to make your subscription business grow securely.
Here are some of the tools found in today’s industry-leading customer relationship management platforms driving subscription sales.
Data to Boost Sales
Unlike brick and mortar stores, websites can’t generate sales by having trained sales associates interact with customers. In their place is data, which prompts the customer with additional or alternative products to buy.
Most online businesses have some version of a prompt, but the key is to have superior data so the customers only see products they genuinely desire. Having a sophisticated algorithm driving these prompts helps to complete sales.
Total Security
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of online security in the world of ecommerce. Whereas brick and mortar stores invested in locks, CCTV cameras, and alarm systems, ecommerce platforms contain the tools which keep online businesses safe.
The benefits you get from real protection should be measurable: on average, chargebacks and Representments should be reduced by about 20%, a major coup for ecommerce companies. Industry-leading ecommerce platforms screen for suspicious transactions proactively, and declines suspicious activity before it sucks up money and time out of your business.
Beyond transaction security, today’s subscription billing services need to maintain a secure reputation, or else potential customers may hesitate before making a purchase. This means guarding all company, customer and financial data, as well as actual payments.
In addition to their own fraud experts giving companies their personal attention, the best platforms partner with other industry leaders in detecting and managing fraud. Tokenization, advanced user permissions and the highest levels of authentication also ensure that customers are who they say they are, so companies can accept payments with confidence.
Built-in Flexibility
The foundation of the internet is openness and connectivity, so it’s not surprising that the best ecommerce platforms allow businesses to seamlessly link up with other entities providing services they need. A small list of entities across the supply chain you’ll need to work with includes: order confirmation, anti-fraud services, chargebacks, affiliate marketing, data verification, and more.
To ensure your customers know about the latest promotions and other pertinent information, connect with the market’s most effective email marketing tools.
Entrepreneurs, especially those in ecommerce, may experience burnout unless they invest their time and effort wisely. Keeping up with the changes in the world of online retail — subscription and non-subscription sales — can be dizzying and time consuming. But if you have the right ecommerce platform driving your business, you’ll be able to grow steadily and securely.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/ecommerce/subscription-based-ecommerce-businesses-need-the-right-tools/
In the space of less than a decade, cryptocurrency has morphed from a well-kept secret to one of the most popular investment trends around.
With the technology behind it booming and an ever-increasing audience willing to put their trust in it, it has gone from strength to strength.
It’s little surprise, then, that the world of commerce has found ways to make it work for them. Ever willing to capitalize on opportunities, many forward-thinking businesses are beginning to accept popular cryptocurrencies like bitcoin as a form of payment.
While this might sound complicated to the average entrepreneur, those who have given it a go argue that it’s even simpler than accepting credit cards, with most agreeing that they would recommend such a move to other business owners.
If you’re wondering what it is that’s got them sold on it, here are just a few of the benefits you might like to know about.
Before you start
While we will go on to discuss the many advantages of using cryptocurrencies, there are some potential drawbacks you should know about before making a decision.
Foremost among these is price volatility, which can occasionally work against you. That being said, it has the potential to act in your favor too, especially if you view it as an investment opportunity that could help you to grow your funds.
The best place to learn about this is on one of the many sites where you can buy cryptocurrency, as these provide a handy insight into how prices can fluctuate.
Lower fees than credit cards
Most online businesses use credit cards as their primary method of payment, but these do have some drawbacks – namely, that you’re usually charged a fee to take advantage of such services.
These costs come not only from the credit card company itself but a number of other intermediaries, meaning they can end up taking a significant chunk out of your earnings.
With cryptocurrency, these middlemen don’t feature in the equation, with costs generally totaling less than one percent (compared to the three to five percent you’re used to paying).
The cost benefits of cryptocurrency are appealing in themselves, but you might also like to know that both you and your customers could benefit from increased security and greater privacy too.
Unlike credit card payments, which are a prime target for hackers and fraudsters, crypto transactions keep you much better protected. That’s because they’re entirely anonymous, meaning there’s no sensitive data for criminals to steal.
Payments are final and irrefutable
While credit cards are good news for consumers, in the sense that they afford them superior protection in disputes between buyer and seller, the downside for retailers is that this can disadvantage them.
Since customers are able to dispute payment if they claim to be unhappy with your goods or services, you can sometimes find that you fulfill your part of the transaction without receiving payment for it.
With cryptocurrencies, this simply isn’t possible; transactions are final, irrefutable, and can’t be contested by the purchaser.
Another big upside to offering cryptocurrency as a payment option is that it’s globally accepted.
This means that no matter where in the world your customers are, they can use it to transact with you, and because this type of currency is decentralized and doesn’t have a government to regulate it, you won’t have to suffer the drawbacks of foreign currency transaction fees or exchange rates.
This is, in large part, one of the reasons why crypto has become so popular: because it’s a single form of currency that holds equal value across the globe.
Cryptocurrency could help you to attract new customers
Cryptocurrencies could also broaden your appeal to another market. Foreign customers aside, accepting it as a payment method holds a major appeal to those who are fans of the tech.
With this group growing at a rapid rate, there’s an increasing number of individuals who are actively seeking businesses that accept digital funds as payment, and you could be one of them.
Not only would this broaden your appeal in the instant, but it would put you one step ahead of the game long term too.
When it comes to accepting cryptocurrency as a payment option, there are many good reasons why businesses might want to consider it, from broadening their appeal to gaining a new and potentially lucrative customer base.
Whether it’s the right choice for you is a personal decision you must make on your own, but we’d certainly say that it’s worth thinking about for ambitious entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their venture and invest in their future.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/business-operations/cryptocurrency-as-a-payment-option-what-businesses-need-to-consider/
Modern advancements in technology and the tremendous growth of the internet and its usage has impacted how we do just about everything. We shop online. We order takeout online. We can even use video chat to have doctors’ appointments online, from the comfort of our own home. You can do so much without ever having to leave the house.
Another significant change is that we often expect services and products to be available 24/7 because we’ve shifted to an “always-on” world. Now, instead of typical 9-to-5 service hours, we can contact businesses at all hours of the day. If we need help, we expect to be able to send an email or make a call and get assistance straight away. In some cases, we even expect to be able to send a message on social media and get a response from someone who can help us within seconds.
So how does the technological landscape deal with the pressure to be “always on” and provide round-the-clock access and support? For many industries, providing 24/7 service seems impossible. But as businesses rely more and more on technology, the IT sector is one area that has taken major strides in adapting to consumer expectations, and proper IT management can and does actually allow businesses to achieve 24/7 support.
How Has This “Always On” Expectation Changed the Business Technology Landscape?
The business technology landscape has evolved immensely over the last decade. The expectation to be always working and always available has pushed technology businesses to make changes to adapt to the growing needs of consumers.
For modern businesses that are now almost completely reliant on technology to perform day-to-day operations, IT issues that cause downtime or present security challenges can be detrimental to profits. As the IT industry recognized the growing need to provide immediate support to businesses who have become dependent on their tech, an opportunity arose for IT service providers to fill that need.
Managed Service Providers Provide Round-the-Clock Support
At face value, the expectation to be always on might seem wildly unrealistic. But the advent of Managed IT Service Providers (often known as MSPs) and their unique business model has actually given way to the round-the-clock tech support businesses are so desperately seeking so that they, too, can stay “always on.”
Because IT issues don’t discriminate based on time of day, businesses figure that neither should their IT support. Servers go down. Computers fail. Websites crash. For businesses who rely on a small in-house team, it’s difficult to cope with the need for immediate support, but for those who rely on outsourced MSPs to manage their IT, they have found a way to provide 24/7 services to fix these issues no matter when they occur.
This is because Managed Service Providers operate on many different levels, including both remotely and on-site, and their management setup allows them to work at all hours. They monitor your systems 24/7 using threat detection technology so that, even in the middle of the night, work is being done to protect your systems without your MSP actually needing to be at your business location.
Additionally, because MSPs offer remote support, their help-desk can more easily stay open at all hours to address IT issues. Many MSPs also offer emergency on-site services so that issues that require immediate attention can get it. When businesses get round-the-clock support themselves, they are better equipped to be “always on” for their own clients and customers.
Building a Preventative Approach to IT Issues
The 24/7 system monitoring that MSPs provide is part of their larger approach to be proactive about IT maintenance. That means that instead of using the outdated break/fix method (only fixing an issue when it visibly arises), they are actively seeking ways to make your systems more efficient and more secure. They can detect vulnerabilities and downtime causes immediately, allowing them to patch them right away and prevent future issues.
This effort to constantly reduce downtime and the potential for a future data breach is what allows MSP’s clients to gain the competitive advantage they need—which is the ability to also be “always-on” for their clients and customers. By eliminating issues that cause system failures or data loss, businesses can remain up-and-running at all time.
With the proper IT management, businesses are able to provide what customers are demanding—continual support and service. While these demands aren’t easy to achieve, experienced Managed Service Providers have made it possible to manage your IT in such a way that prevents downtime and security threats, thus making your systems more reliable and less subject to outages that can impact your quality of service.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/uncategorized/the-pressure-to-be-always-on-in-todays-business-technology-landscape/
Whether you are curious about the vehicles you see carrying freight back and forth, or you have a potential business idea requiring regular shipping of goods, or perhaps you just have a big, old grandfather clock to move across the state.
We’re going to take a few minutes to just go over some of the irregular shipping services available to suit your various needs.
LTL Freight
LTL or Less Than Truckload shipping is something that not all couriers offer. It is nevertheless a service that is much needed. When you find a courier service that provides this you often encounter another problem.
Many services will wait until they have a full truckload to ship at once and when that happens all sense of timing goes out the door. If you need same day freight delivery it’s not impossible to find. Which brings us to the next thing…
Large Packages, Multiple Packages
Maybe it’s not complicated. Maybe you just need a number of pallets shipped or perhaps a large item that does not fit in a regular vehicle or weighs a lot.
In this situation, most courier companies should be able to provide you with the service you need. Just be sure to have all the dimensions measured out: length, height, width, and weight for the quote.
Boxes, pallets, individual packages of various shapes and sizes would fall under this category.
Overweight Cargo
Trucking cargo is not as simple as just plopping things on the truck bed. There are regulations and restrictions that trucking companies are subject to and as such many companies decline to carry items over a certain weight limit.
There are companies, however, who will apply for overweight permits and can then accommodate you but keep in mind that it will cost you extra to cover the permit fees.
When contacting the courier company, be sure to notify them upfront that you require overweight cargo services.
Furniture Delivery
Furniture is so expensive nowadays and a frequently reported issue with manufacturer and store delivery services is that furniture arrives damaged.
Apartments or homes with stairs are often turned down by such delivery services as well because of the inconvenience to the employees. This leaves you, as the client, without your paid-for merchandise.
Furniture delivery services that are professionals in the field will do an exceptional job of dropping off your furniture inside your home. Opting for reliable courier services to handle your next move will drastically simplify the task.
White-Glove Delivery
The key defining element of white glove delivery service is the heavy focus on client service and satisfaction. The delivery should be scheduled and delivered timeously, the client should not experience an ounce of stress during the procedure.
The service includes unpacking, removal of the packaging, set up and installation if needed. In addition, there should be a simple and easy way for the client to return anything they are not 100% happy with.
There’s no real limit on what can be shipped with white glove delivery service, however, there is more of a focus on high-value items, fragile furniture or simply unusually large items.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/shipping-and-receiving/specialized-freighting-and-shipping-explained/
Have you ever seen pictures or video of a manufacturing floor and wondered what those multicolored, vertically-oriented lights are next to all the production equipment?
In order to ensure that a manufacturing plant is run as effectively as possible, certain technology is integrated to make processes quicker and to report issues immediately so that they can be addressed before they impact production.
In this article, we are going to discuss the multicolored lights that you often see in manufacturing plants —what they are, what they do, and how you can install and make use of their latest technology in your own manufacturing plant.
The Andon System
Those multicolored lights have been around for a long time in production and originated in production lines in Japan. They are part of what is traditionally known as an Andon system, a system which can be especially important in the lean manufacturing process to reduce unnecessary waste and ensure communication happens immediately when issues occur. Audio signals on Andon systems may also be integrated to ensure awareness when problems arise.
But what is an Andon system? Put simply, it is a system that alerts operators and managers about any current issues that there might be on the manufacturing floor and of automating the processes within that system. It is comprised of Andon visual display boards and input and output devices, and it enables immediate action to be taken where necessary to keep things running smoothly throughout the plant.
KPIs and Beyond
There is a good chance that you know about KPIs, as these are used in many kinds of business and in a number of sectors across the board. An Andon system is normally in charge of ensuring that the KPIs are all being displayed, so that the team knows exactly what is going on and whether the targets are presently being hit or not.
These days, cloud-based technologies are used to ensure that the Andon system is connected with other IoT or smart devices within your manufacturing plant. This makes it easier for you and your staff to identify root causes of issues across the plant and make changes to continuous improvement goals to improve lagging or problematic processes.
The Benefits
Companies use Andon systems for a variety of reasons. In particular, an Andon system in your manufacturing plant can help to decrease costs, economize on the raw materials that you are using, and increase your production levels. Overall, Andon systems are known to increase general productivity, decrease wastage, improve the quality of the output, and make sure that it is uniform and just as it should be, so that your entire business can improve. Most of all, they increase successful continuous improvement initiatives.
With all these benefits, it’s worth looking into how Andon systems can be implemented in your own business and how it can directly impact the success and efficiency of production.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/technology/what-are-those-multicolored-lights-in-manufacturing-plants/
Personal injury cases are tough. That’s why it is crucial to make sure you have the right personal injury attorney to work on your case. Having a lawyer who specializes in this type of law to represent you is vital to knowing that you have a legitimate claim. They can provide you with much-needed support to achieve the best outcome.
There are several factors to consider when hiring an attorney, and here are some of them:
Know their Experience
One of the most crucial things you should look for in a lawyer is their experience in the field. How long have they been in the profession, and how many personal injury cases have they handled before. Of course, you should also ask about their success rates. These are just some of the things that you should know to gauge if they can represent you well in court should your claim go to trial. It would be best if you look for someone who knows what they are doing. Davis Law Group is an example of a law firm that has handled thousands of personal injury cases, and they are often interviewed on national TV to discuss cases.
Check for Determination and Focus
You should choose a lawyer who has the resources to handle your case and the determination to win it. Look for unique skills that can set them apart from other lawyers. How do they assess the issue of liability? Can your lawyer accurately value the compensation for damages that you can get from the case? You also have to keep in mind that most personal injury claims end with a settlement. As such, your lawyer should be able to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Determine their Reputation
Of course, it is a given that you should only work with a reputable personal injury lawyer. Sometimes, it adds value, especially during the trial, as their reputation can influence the defendant and the entire court. Also, knowing the lawyer’s reputation is essential to make sure that they can be with you until the case is settled. You wouldn’t want to look for a new lawyer while you are in the middle of a negotiation process because it can potentially weaken your case. Make sure that your lawyer is known never to abandon their clients. Ask for recommendations from friends and make sure to read online reviews to get a broader picture of a lawyer’s reputation. It never hurts to do a background check.
Verify Fairness and Objectivity
Look for someone who can take your case with fairness and objectivity. The law industry is pretty small, and it is not unusual for lawyers to go up against their colleagues when representing a client. Make sure that they will not choose their friends over your case. They must act as professionals whenever they are in court and during negotiations.
Look for Dedication
If your lawyer seems to be rushing to settle your case, choose another one because they are not dedicated enough. They may be rushing because they want to proceed to their next trial.
Choose Professionalism
As mentioned above, professionalism is crucial when choosing a personal injury lawyer. Make sure that they are professional enough when they give their opinion about their case. If there is a hint of victim-blaming, ditch your lawyer and get a new one.
Working with a lawyer should always be comfortable, especially if you are paying for their services. It should not be another source of stress to deal with. In your search for a personal injury lawyer, keep our tips in mind and choose the right lawyer.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/law-and-order/tips-for-choosing-the-right-personal-injury-lawyer-to-help-you-win-your-case/
While some people seem to be made to raise children, having kids isn’t an easy decision for everyone. Some people need to be convinced, while others are convinced but afraid of becoming a parent.
There are plenty of tough decisions couples face along the path to becoming parents, both before, during, and after pregnancy. Here’s some simple advice for facing some of those tough situations.
1. Make decisions with your partner (no matter what)
If you’re committed to having children, it’s crucial to include your partner in every decision. Even when some of those decisions won’t directly affect them, your partner should at least know what you’re thinking.
If you and your partner decide you want kids, but you want kids now and your partner wants to wait a few years, it’s crucial to respect their input and continue to use protection so you don’t end up with a kid too soon. If you’re worried about infertility, you can always freeze your eggs and make your decisions when you’re ready.
Try as you might, accidents do happen and if you have unprotected sex, you might want to consider emergency contraception after a discussion with your partner. Your partner might want the pill, or they might want to wait and see what happens.
Whether your partner wants to have kids now or not, they could change their mind at any moment. Bring the conversation to your partner so you can decide together.
2. Be patient if your partner doesn’t seem excited about having kids
If you’re ecstatic about having kids, but your partner seems hesitant, don’t worry too much. It’s comforting to have a partner who is equally excited about having kids, but just because your partner isn’t jumping up and down doesn’t mean they won’t make a good parent.
If you’ve already had the conversation about having kids and your partner is on board with it, they might just need some time to warm up to the massive life changes that come with being a parent. Their reservations might have nothing to do with kids and might be related to their career, routine, or plans for the future.
Being a parent requires major adjustments and some people have a difficult time with change. Be patient with your partner while they sort through the adjustments they’ll need to make to become a parent.
Many people who were reluctant to have kids ended up really enjoying parenting, despite the bumpy road. For many, having kids becomes a lifeline and brings a clear purpose into their life.
3. Do your research on birthing options
For some, where to give birth is unquestionable: the hospital. For others, it’s not so clear. If you’re considering giving birth at home, in a birthing center, or under water, you’ve got some research to do.
The best thing to do for you, your partner, and your baby, is to first talk to your friends and get their recommendations. Ask them to share their experiences, including how they were treated before and after giving birth.
Look for online reviews as well. Granted, some reviews might not be accurate since there are people who are never satisfied. However, gathering a good amount of data and stories will help you make the right choice.
Next, visit the places you’re considering giving birth if you’re considering a hospital or a birthing center. Finally, check your insurance plan to find out if your preferred location is covered.
4. Create a maternity leave plan ahead of time
While most employers are required to provide maternity leave, don’t spring it on your boss at the last moment. Baby Chick recommends telling your boss the news when you’re around 12 weeks pregnant. Your boss needs time to plan for your absence.
The other aspect of creating a maternity leave plan is planning for your financial situation. What will your bills be like on maternity leave? Will you need to cut back on spending? If you’re self-employed, will you need to cut into your savings account?
Know whether your maternity leave will be paid or unpaid, and what percentage of your normal income you’ll be receiving. Knowing your expected income will help you make necessary changes to your budget.
You might also want to put your bills on auto-pay so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to pay the bills while you spend time with your baby.
5. Be willing to compromise on a name
You and your partner might agree on everything else but your baby’s name. Even when you’ve flipped through a baby name book 100 times, it’s still not easy to settle on a name that both of you like.
Try to remember you’re on the same team. Take your time deciding on a name. If your partner has a strong preference for a particular name and it means the world to them, it’s only fair to compromise. If that doesn’t work for you, let someone else decide for you.
Make your decisions a team effort
There are no easy decisions when it comes to having kids. However, by working together with your partner, tough decisions will be made a little easier.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/family/considering-having-kids-advice-for-handling-difficult-situations/
Running a business can be frustrating. Even with a large team of brilliant minds around you, it can easily get lonely. When it does, who do you turn to for guidance?
An experienced mentor is perhaps the most valuable resource you have as a business owner. According to some experts, hiring a coach has an ROI of 10-49 times the cost.
Hiring a coach for personalized guidance can help you make the hardest decisions to build a successful company.
The right business coach will boost your confidence, help you regain focus, improve your leadership, get you out of a comfort zone, and help you make more money. However, there are some common coaching challenges that are worth noting.
Lack of support
According to HBR, business coaching can be traced back to the 17th century when politicians relied on Monks for emotional support and guidance. A business coach is supposed to hold your hand until you achieve your desired level of success.
They should hold you accountable and support you all the way. Unfortunately, this is not the case sometimes. Some coaches may not be skilled enough to give you the kind of support you need.
This is why you should insist on the one whom you can easily confide in and trust completely.
Support means different things for different people. Some are okay with an authoritative leader while others need to view their coach as a pal. Find your sweet spot and get the right coach who will satisfy that need for you.
A bad working relationship
Another great challenge business owners face when working with business coaches is developing a good relationship with them. Perhaps the coach is too intimidating and pushy for their client to handle or the coachee wants to be spoon-fed by their coach too much.
Sometimes, it is simply a case of a mismatched team right from the onset. The best solution for a bad working relationship is to talk over the issues with your coach and establish grounds of working better in the future.
If all your efforts seem futile, it may be better to look for a coach that matches your needs.
Lack of a clear training plan
Before coaching a client, a business coach should develop a specific training plan for their schedule, time, and goals. This plan should be easy to follow and understand.
As a business owner, the plan will be like a compass, helping you determine the timelines for everything including time on your feet, time of recovery, threshold, and more.
When this plan isn’t clear or isn’t drafted in the first place, trouble will arise. After all, failing to plan is planning to fail.
Unreal expectations
When you hire a business coach, you expect them to bring value to the table. They should bring the best in you, give you a shoulder to lean on, push you to greater heights, you name it.
However, sometimes these expectations go overboard. Many clients, for instance, expect their coaches to do the heavy lifting for them, which is simply absurd.
On the other hand, coaches expect their clients to be armed with a huge drive and motivation. When they don’t get this from them, things can take a wrong turn quite fast.
To avoid this, Maui Mastermind Business Coaching challenges all the stakeholders of a business coaching program to communicate their expectations beforehand.
Lack of professionalism
The ICF insists that all coaches should conduct their coaching practice with the utmost professionalism. A coach is a professional who knows the ins and outs of running a business.
As a result, everything about them—their behavior, character, and communication—should be carried with a high level of professionalism.
Sadly, this is lacking in some business coaches. A huge percentage of them don’t know how to differentiate between work and play. In the same manner, a business owner may be lacking in this area as well.
Regardless, a lack of professionalism is a big challenge when it comes to coaching.
Poor knowledge and information
Hiring a business coach means you are ready to learn. It’s all about trading your cash for some tangible knowledge and information that can change the course of your business.
During coaching, you expect your coach to unveil their expertise that will make you a better business owner going forward. While a good number of business coaches are packed with the right knowledge and information, there are some that have failed in this area.
Often, they don’t know how to correct you when you veer off the road or don’t really tell you what to do when you are stuck. Some of them dispense an insufficient wealth of information and knowledge.
If this is the case for you, think about hiring a more knowledgeable coach for the job.
Business coaching can be a very rewarding experience. However, there a few challenges that can make things frustrating. Watch out for these before they ruin your coaching altogether.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/business/common-challenges-of-working-with-a-business-coach/
If you’re not eating vegetables, you’re missing out on important nutrients you need in your diet.
It’s recommended that people have at least 2-3 servings of vegetables every day. The amount can vary depending on the veggie, but the general rule of thumb is that a half cup of a vegetable, or one full cup if it is a leafy green vegetable, equates to one serving. While they might not always be as appealing as a burger, which is why many people struggle to eat enough of them, veggies are still a crucial component for your health. Here, Atlanta-based personal trainer David Reagan shares few ways to increase your consumption of vegetables in your daily diet.
From finding unique, flavorful combinations that you can make at home to what to do when you go out to eat at restaurants, here are five tips on how to add veggies to your meals.
1. Add or Replace at Restaurants
When you’re out to eat, it can be easy to just order a side of fries with your meal. Instead, opt for a side of veggies or a salad, or ask to add a veggie to your order.
Depending on the restaurant you’re at, they may have delectable seasonings or their own collection of house-made salad dressings to add flavor to whatever you order.
2.Cook What’s In-Season
A big mistake people make when cooking is choosing foods that are not in season. While some might still turn out alright, most out-of-season foods will lack the freshness and flavor in-season foods have.
For instance, veggies like zucchini and cucumbers are at their peak in the summer, while root vegetables like carrots and turnips are best in winter.
3.Don’t Eat Them Plain
Veggies have a lot of flavor on their own, but sometimes you need to dress them up a bit to really bring it out. Eat them raw with a dip or roast them.
Toss some root vegetables in olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper, and thyme and put them in the oven on a sheet pan to roast them for an incredible side dish.
4.Stock Up
It can be a struggle keeping fresh produce in the house.
Instead, stock up on your favorite frozen and canned veggies. They can be made in a pinch, and don’t require much prep.
If you struggle with the taste of veggies, hide the flavors in your dishes. A few good examples include chocolate zucchini bread, adding them to fruit smoothies, and sneaking them into your favorite red pasta sauce.
David Reagan is a NASM Certified personal trainer who specializes in weight loss, personalized workout plans, bodybuilding, and nutrition. He caters to high-end clients and executives in Atlanta, Georgia, helping them achieve their fitness goals by accommodating their busy schedules. The client’s needs come first, and David’s fitness plan will set you up on the path to success.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/health-and-wellness/david-reagan-certified-personal-trainer-from-atlanta-shares-five-easy-ways-to-add-more-vegetables-to-your-meals/
It’s a new year, which means many people are trying to improve their lives by making better choices and goals. One of the most popular new year’s resolutions is to lose weight. Here, David Reagan discusses seven simple ways to lose weight in 2020 without going on a diet.
Losing a few pounds and maintaining a healthy weight has many benefits. Some of them include lower blood sugar, reduced risk of illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, and a general improvement of your overall energy levels and quality of life.
However, when you research weight loss techniques online, many of them involve diet fads. Rather than producing long-term results, these quick-fix diets don’t actually keep the weight off and many of which are linked to malnutrition. Here are a few ways you can lose weight without having to commit to a diet. These methods include mindful eating, portion control, increasing movement and recognizing that one slip-up isn’t the end of the world. Each strategy has a short heading in bold followed by a description.
Be Mindful When You Eat
The biggest reason why people tend to overeat is because they don’t pay attention to what they’re eating and how much.
When you’re busy or distracted, it can be difficult to watch what you eat. A good solution for this is to plan ahead and meal prep.
2. Portion Out Your Food
Check the box to see how much food is one serving and portion your food out according to that.
You might be surprised how little food is in a single serving. Then, if you’re still hungry, binge eat as many vegetables as you want to fill up.
3. Move Around More
You don’t have to stick to a vigorous workout routine to exercise more.
Making simple, conscious decisions can make a huge impact. For instance, rather than take the elevator, take the stairs. If a destination is close by, walk instead of drive. Take breaks from your desk job to walk to the bathroom and back.
4. Allow Yourself to Slip Up
Everyone makes mistakes, or, maybe you just need a break. A “cheat day.”
Don’t feel that you always have to live a strict, healthy lifestyle. It’s okay to indulge every once in a while, but make it a treat, not a regular habit.
It can be little changes, such as replacing your mid-afternoon bag of chips with a bag of celery or just adding a side salad to your dinner.
6. Don’t Eat at Night
After 8 p.m., resist the urge to snack.
Not only is it harder for your digestive system to process food when you sleep, which can keep you up, but it’s also easier to overeat at night.
7. Watch What You Drink
Drinks have calories, too.
So, instead of having that caramel macchiato, perhaps switch it out for a plain coffee. Replace your cola with unsweetened iced tea. And, of course, drink more water.
About David Reagan:
David Reagan is a NASM Certified personal trainer who specializes in weight loss, personalized workout plans, bodybuilding, and nutrition. He caters to high-end clients and executives in Atlanta, Georgia, helping them achieve their fitness goals by accommodating their busy schedules. The client’s needs come first, and David’s fitness plan will set you up on the path to success.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/health-and-wellness/david-reagan-atlanta-based-personal-trainer-discusses-seven-simple-ways-to-lose-weight-in-2020-without-dieting/
Well, people who are interested in history must be aware of the importance of ships in ancient times. All the transport, living completely depends on ships. Ships were used to carry goods, people to different cities or countries. In ancient times, people used to build small ship models so that they get an understanding of how the final ship will going to look and kept them as a remembrance. During wars, ships were used to carry explosives and are very complex in designs. With time, the complexity increases and the making of model ships get complicated. Thus, many techniques were used to make the work simple. These models were later on used to study the build and structure of the ships to overcome the flaws in earlier ones. In this way, the structure and complexity get reduced with the introduction of the latest technology. Now, ships are not only created for commercial purposes but also personal use. People who are fond of luxury ships, yachts and sailboats require these models to make sure what they are going to possess.
Many companies are engaged in ship model building and customize ships as per their customer requirements. This construction work is not only confined to modern ships but also includes the antique models that are used in ancient times. These ship models will give an antique touch to your house space. If you want to have your antique ship model, then you can consult professionals from Premier Ship Models. They work hard to provide you the masterpiece you expected. You can get these antique miniatures anywhere but Premier shop provides you with the best deal.
Why antique ship models are popular
These antique ships are mostly popular among people who have a profound interest in history and love to collect antiques. You can collect your favorite ship model from the sale and get your space more decorative. The miniatures of the actual ship are a bit costly but are reminds the one about their history related to it. Also, in museums where all old artifacts are stored along with the famous ship models that were used at a particular time are provided to study their technical details. Such information is important for history lovers thus make them popular. It is all about the history that connects us with our ancestors. You will get to know basic sailboats to modern warships models.
Impact of technology
The ship model making was handwork which is now updated and is done by 3D technology. The advancement of technology has a vast impact on ship model making which has reduced the complexity of working on small details. The blueprint can be done within seconds and reduces the time for making required changes beforehand. You can now take the actual visual feel with the 3D rendering of the ships from different angles, interior, and exterior with the exact space used. It is such an embark advancement in the field of the marine industry.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/auto/vintage-and-antique-model-ships-and-boats/
With millions in the United States suffering from regular epileptic seizures, these seizures can seriously affect a person’s quality of life, and can even be dangerous to one’s health. AED’s, or anti-epileptic drugs often come with a range of side effects, and some people may not get the relief that they need from them. For this reason, cannabis has been widely used and studied in the relief of epileptic seizures. While its use is still quite controversial, especially among children, there is hard evidence that points toward it working for those who suffer frequent episodes.
How Cannabis Helps
The cannabidiol, or CBD, in the marijuana plant is thought to be the component responsible for seizure relief. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce the “high” that you might get when smoking or using marijuana. However, just because you’re not getting a high from it doesn’t mean that it isn’t working. It is thought that CBD works by calming down overactive brain cells, eliminating the frequency of episodes for those who have epileptic seizures. Some patients have even claimed that regular use has reduced the frequency of episodes from hundreds a week to just one or two a month. This is a major change for individuals who live with the condition day after day.
How to Use It
Cannabis can be used in a variety of ways, since most strains contain the cannabidiol that is needed to obtain the actual effects of the plant. Before using any type of medical marijuana, it is a good idea to speak with a doctor and discuss your options. What’s interesting to know is that the FDA recently approved an AED that contains CBD, so it’s obvious that its use is beneficial to the condition. In some cases, CBD will not work for individuals who have severe episodes or who simply cannot take the drug without ill effects. However, many are finding it to be helpful in low doses administered regularly, though the exact amount is specific to the person suffering from the disorder.
Obtaining It Legally
For busy professionals, it can sometimes be difficult to visit a doctor and hope that they approve you for getting your card. Regular approval can take days or weeks, getting in the way of receiving the treatment that you need. This is why it makes sense to obtain your medical marijuana card legally on the internet in just a matter of minutes. From there, you can utilize the card whenever purchasing CBD or marijuana to treat the epilepsy that you’re experiencing. Many states have already legalized marijuana and CBD use, but it is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with what’s legal in the state you currently live. This will prevent penalties and fines that could become a problem down the road. Thankfully, medical marijuana is becoming the new norm and is helping people to live the lives they’ve always dreamed. For individuals with epilepsy, it’s a natural option that has been found to be beneficial for treating the condition and reducing the frequency of episodes.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/health-and-wellness/can-cannabis-use-really-help-reduce-the-frequency-of-seizures/
Every online fashion retailer aims to maximize sales and engagement from potential customers. In today’s world, businesses are competing not just on a domestic scale, but on an international scale, too.
This competition makes it imperative for fashion retailers to bring their A-game to the table and engage their target audience with as many tactics as possible.
Apart from this, today’s developments have also given retailers many opportunities to build engagement with their customers.
Additionally, it also gives fashion businesses the chance to not only encourage customers to buy from the business and interact with the brand but to also tell other people about their experience.
So, as a business, how do you build a brand that has such an impact on consumers? The answer is simple: through effective eCommerce strategies. Here are six strategies to help you succeed as a fashion eCommerce business.
Use a high-end clothing inventory software
While competition is fierce, there are many tools available that can help you bring a topnotch fashion business. With a clothing inventory app, you can manage your inventory at home or on the go with an easy-to-use platform.
It even allows you to upload unlimited files and images for every product, with data visibility adaptable to the scope of the client.
Lastly, the app is also portable and can be used on your phone, making it easier for you to run your business anywhere.
Create a strong brand identity
A brand’s ethos encompasses its brand identity and involves its culture, traits, mission, vision, community, and goals. Establishing strong brand ethos will help your target audience connect with your fashion brand and make your business more authentic.
Creating a strong brand identity is crucial for a fashion brand since it’s exactly the sort of thing that’s necessary for your consumer to choose your product over a competitor’s, even if they look the same.
Purchasing a clothing item from a fashion brand with a strong identity is no longer about buying clothing; you’re representing the brand’s personality.
For instance, if a fashion brand, such as H&M is committed to sustainability and focuses on recycling old clothes, then customers who purchase from the brand and also follow a sustainable lifestyle would feel like they’re doing their part.
Use an omnichannel approach
A multichannel approach is complementary to building a strong brand identity. An omnichannel presence is essential when you want to get your brand ethos and messaging across to as many people as possible.
Additionally, this messaging needs to be consistent across all channels. If you’re portraying a certain brand persona on your social media profiles, for instance, then the same persona should be present in-store.
Fashion brands have many opportunities for an omnichannel approach. A brand can use different channels to show its clothing items paired up with other products for an outfit of the day feature. These features can be posted on social media channels, such as Instagram, as well as in magazines.
Apart from this, an important aspect of creating a consistent brand is to determine what customers will experience when they interact with your brand.
If, for instance, they are facing issues or have general inquiries, then there need to be channels that allow customers to reach out and have their concerns addressed.
If the query is related to the product in general, perhaps they can see it live in your Instagram posts or stories.
There are many channels for fashion brands to utilize effectively, so the key is to find the right ones and create an integrated strategy.
Remove potential barriers to conversion
There are multiple barriers to conversion that could hinder a potential shopper from becoming a customer. The best way forward is to identify such barriers and address them so you can create a seamless experience for your customers at every stage in the process.
Some of the most common barriers to conversion include:
A complicated checkout process that requires shoppers to create an account and enter details they may otherwise be too lazy or busy to enter. Instead, you should offer guest checkout and only ask customers for details that are absolutely necessary.
Shipping costs that are too high or delivery times that are too long can make shoppers think twice about their purchase. Instead, determine what you can do to lower the shipping costs and make the process run more smoothly.
A website with a lack of security will push customers in the other direction. A padlock icon with your web address can truly do wonders.
An incoherent website with an unclear process may potentially overwhelm customers and confuse them. Simplifying the process and communicating everything clearly can help overcome this.
Prioritize customers with flexible payment methods
One of the most important factors of successful fashion business is to give customers multiple options for doing business with you. Multiple payment methods allow customers to choose the method of their liking and make the process more convenient for them.
Apart from this, it’s also important to offer customers flexibility. Some brands, for instance, allow customers to try the items by giving them an option to pay later.
Customers can choose how they want to pay after the product reaches them.
Such payment methods convey a different level of trust by telling your audience that you believe in your products so much that it’s okay for them to try the products out and be sure before they spend on them.
Utilize social media
Social media has truly done wonders where a brand’s presence is concerned. Today, Instagram feeds are filled with influencers who post pictures of themselves in a brand’s clothing.
The best part is that these influencers often do these for free and all you need to do is send them free clothing in return.
Social media is a powerful force that could make or break your fashion business. While you may not be able to get an A-list celebrity to try on your clothes, you can still build an excellent online presence.
Conclusion
Creating a vital fashion brand may seem challenging with the competition all around, but with effort in the right areas, you will be reaching your goals in no time.
What other strategies are important to build a strong fashion business? Let us know in the comments below!
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/ecommerce/six-strategies-to-build-a-powerful-fashion-ecommerce-business/
Tevfik Arif’s ambitions would carry him all over the world and introduce him to some of the most significant business and political leaders of our time.
When Tevfik Arif was a young boy growing up in the Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan, he dreamt of living in a world surrounded by luxury. To achieve that dream, Arif realized that it was up to him to build it.
The early years of Tevfik Arif
Arif’s interest in business led him to pursue studies in international relations at the Moscow Institute of Trade and Economics. After completing his degree, Arif began working within the Soviet government at the Ministry of Commerce and Trade as a chief economist and deputy director of the ministry’s Department of Hotel Management.
Through his studies and his early work experience, Arif learned the value of establishing and maintain strong relationships with people. His ability to cultivate these mutually beneficial relationships would allow him to build a successful, diverse global business portfolio.
After 17 years of serving as a civil servant, Arif entered the private business sector when the Soviet Union fell in 1991. His first successful business venture took him to Kazakhstan where he founded Specialty Chemicals Trading Company, a company that specialized in the import-export of rare metals and raw materials.
While living in Kazakhstan, Arif also worked under the powerful Reuben brothers who built Trans World Group, one of the largest natural resources companies after the fall of the Soviet Union. With his expansion into the private sector, Arif was afforded an opportunity to collaborate with new mentors in the form or powerful business leaders who would help him to hone his leadership and negotiating skills.
Tevfik Arif acquired partial ownership in ACCP, a chromium-based chemical plant near the city of Aktobe when Kazakhstan achieved its independence. The sweeping innovations introduced by the new management transformed the company into the number two producing chromium-based chemical plant in the world.
The Central Asian region of Kazakhstan and the surrounding countries are rich in natural resources, providing Arif with a successful foundation to grow his business interests. He set his sights on other industries with a desire to transform himself into an international entrepreneur.
Arif Expands his Business Horizons
After his success in the raw materials industry, Tevfik Arif moved to Turkey in 1993. Arif’s family was originally Turkish and he had previously owned a Turkish jewelry business. It was in Turkey that Arif began pursuing a career as a luxury property developer.
Drawing upon his previous experience working within the hotel division of the Soviet government, Arif began investing in the real estate developments of premium hotels and resorts, including the luxury Hotel Labada situated on the Mediterranean coast in Antalya, Turkey.
Arif continued to build his property portfolio through investments in high-end real estate developments across Turkey, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Arif had an eye for luxury and opulence and he had a desire to create properties that could be appreciated for their design, quality and ambiance.
Arif Takes on the American Real Estate Market
Having outgrown the market in Central Asia, Tevfik Arif wanted to find a new business venture that would provide him with a challenge. In 2001, Arif founded Bayrock Group LLC, a real estate development firm in the United States. The firm began with modest investments in real estate projects primarily in Brooklyn, including the Loehmann’s Seaport Plaza located in Sheepshead Bay.
From his work as a government official and his experience operating business around the world, Tevfik Arif recognized that if he were to build a prosperous luxury development firm in the United States, he would need to form positive relationships with local and national political figures.
Residential and commercial real estate development is subject to numerous zoning, building and safety regulations. Many stages of construction also require permits and official approval from local governing bodies. In order to establish these political ties, Arif sought out prominent officials representing New York City at political and community events and supported the political campaigns of many candidates running for government office.
Arif became acquainted with Hillary Clinton, a Democratic New York Senator at that time, and contributed to her first presidential campaign. Arif was introduced to then-Democratic New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was instrumental in helping Bayrock obtain special zoning exemptions for their projects.
Tevfik Arif also made political contributions to former-Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani. For Arif, like many business leaders, it was important to establish relationships with political leaders at all levels and from all political affiliations in order to ensure the smooth operation of his business and to maintain open communications with elected officials.
Building an Emblem of Luxury in Downtown Manhattan
With the successful completion of commercial and residential projects in Brooklyn, Arif began to look for an opportunity to make an investment in premium development projects. He sought out members of the New York City real estate elite to better acquaint himself with the Manhattan world of property development. Arif and Bayrock developed working partnerships with several high-profile luxury real estate developers, providing a wealth of insider information and new investment opportunities for the young company.
Bayrock established their offices within the heart of Manhattan on the 24th floor of Trump Tower. This location put the company’s offices within close proximity to renowned New York City real estate developer Donald Trump, who would later become an important asset to the Bayrock company.
This was before Donald Trump revealed any of his political ambitions. His real estate ventures were no longer returning the same profitability, but he was beginning to become a household name with his popular television show, “The Apprentice.”
Arif and another prominent New York City real estate entrepreneur, Tamir Sapir, saw this as an opportunity to collaborate with Trump, not for as an investing partner, but to capitalize on his name and transform it into a brand. Bayrock together with the Sapir organization, drew up plans for a hotel-condominium complex that would license the Trump name to their project, contributing an emblem of luxury easily recognized among potential buyers.
Trump SoHo, a $450 million, 46 story hotel and apartment complex located in Hudson Square, would be funded, developed and built by Bayrock and the Sapir Organization, under a licensing and operating contract with the Trump Organization. While Bayrock continued to pursue other luxury property development projects, Trump SoHo, which opened in 2008, would become a symbol of Luxury for Bayrock Group in Lower Manhattan – one of the most prestigious real estate markets in the world.
Bayrock Group and the Trump Organization considered real estate development projects under similar licensing agreements, however, the economic downturn that hit the American real estate market in 2008 ended the working relationship between the firms. Arif concentrated his business in the Central Asian and European markets before retiring from the daily operations of his family’s company.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/entrepreneurship/entrepreneur-tevfik-arif-forges-political-and-business-alliances-with-donald-trump-and-hillary-clinton-in-a-path-to-global-business-success/
Complex processes for claims and billing can often make it difficult to collect the money your practice has earned. Frequent changes to the U.S. healthcare system often leave care providers and patients both playing catch-up as they adjust to new processes.
As a result, a practice may notice that they are not bringing in the revenue that they should, even though their practice is receiving enough patients. Billing errors, rejected claims, and delays in compensation all put an unnecessary financial stress on the office. So, how can you ensure that your practice is maximizing revenue through the billing department? Here are 5 basic tips:
Stay Up-to-Date on Changes in Paperwork Requirements
One of the biggest things you can do to help your practice is to stay up-to-date on the latest changes in requirements. After all, how can you prepare your practice, your team, and your patients if you don’t even know what changes are being made?
There’s so much red tape and specific process requirements when it comes to getting your practice paid. Everything needs to be filed just so. In order to get the payments your office needs more quickly, you need to start with a thorough understanding of these requirements and any changes that may happen.
This also means spending time and money on education, software, and staff training. Just as much as you need to understand changes in requirements, the billing department and others involved in collecting patient information need to be updated too. Though it may seem like another expense you can’t afford, it can save you a lot of time and money in other ways.
2. Create and Communicate a Clear Process
Once you have a full understanding of the requirements and rules related to your billing department, you have to establish a clear process and then communicate it to your team. It’s not enough to make sure that everyone is educated on the requirements. Instead, there must be a system and a routine in place with checks along the way to ensure that these requirements are being met, eliminate errors, and prevent wasted time on rejected claims.
This process should include every step of a billing cycle. It starts when the patient enters the office: informing the patient about their responsibility to pay for services, collecting and verifying patient and insurance information, gaining proper permissions, etc. This process should then extend to collecting. Try to collect payments up-front. If that’s not possible, discuss payment options with the patient as soon as possible. Also, establish a protocol for how the patient will be contacted about payments and how often to contact.
These seem like basic, obvious things that everyone should be doing. Many in your office may be doing it correctly. But, without an established and clearly communicated process, it’s all too easy to skip steps or accidentally brush over something important. Creating a routine with regular checks will help decrease any accidental oversights.
3. Decrease Coding Errors
When filing a claim, medical coders use a standardized set of codes to describe what kind of care the patient received and what the claim includes. While these codes make it easy for everyone to get on the same page, there are some common coding errors that result in rejected claims and require revision.
Two of the most common errors are non-specific diagnosis codes and incorrect modifiers. Non-specific diagnosis codes refer to an issue with collecting patient data. Current requirements need more detail on the patient situation than before, and often all of this detail is not collected initially. Incorrect modifiers are pretty self-explanatory. Either the modifier describing the patient/treatment is missing or it is not accurate. When these errors occur, insurance companies may deny or reject the claim, resulting in an even longer wait for reimbursement.
Decreasing these errors means increasing employee training and the frequency of refresher courses.
4. Follow-Up Quickly
Everything moves rather slowly through the billing cycle, so, when it’s in your control, it’s best to move things along as quickly as possible. From collecting patient data to collecting copays to filing claims to handling denials and rejections, minimize the follow-up time as much as you can.
Make sure that your billing department understands that handling paperwork promptly is a priority. Clearly establish which tasks take precedence over others so that everyone is on the same page about what needs to be moved quickly and what can wait.
This is also essential because there is a time limit for filing a claim. A slow process increases the possibility that the insurer will deny the claim, even if it is otherwise valid.
5. Work with a Consultant
Getting your medical billing department into shape can be a lot of work. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell where to start. Once you know what the problem is, solving it can be easy. However, finding what exactly is the foundation of your revenue issues can be a lot more difficult.
If you’re trying to solve a revenue issue in your own practice but are struggling to balance the demands of your current position with this undertaking, consider looking into medical practice management consulting firms. The consultants at these firms are trained to help you identify and correct problems within your practice. They have years of experience working specifically in the medical field, and they have seen it all.
Where you may struggle to identify what is causing your revenue to come in so slowly, these consultants will be able to recognize patterns and offer you their expert advice for the best ways to solve the problems in your practice.
Medical billing is a lengthy, sometimes confusing process. It’s estimated that about $125 billion is lost to medical billing errors every year. If you’re struggling to maximize revenue, you’re certainly not the only one. Go back to the basics and create structure and accountability within your department. And if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it! Soon, you’ll see things start to run more smoothly and have a thriving practice.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/health-and-wellness/medical-billing-tips-to-maximize-revenue/
Forming a team of the right talents is a challenge for every company and manager. Superior talents boost productivity, bringing more value in everything they do. Moreover, bringing the right talent to the right team increases employee engagement and reduces turnover. In this article, we will focus on the best ways to attract and retain the right talent for your team.
According to a study conducted by Herman Aguinis and Ernest O’Boyle Jr. in “The best and the rest: Revisiting the norm of normality in individual performance,” superior talent is up to eight times more productive than the average worker.
This study gathered information from over 600,000 researchers, politicians, athletes, and entertainers. They found out that the highest performers were 400 percent more efficient. Following this discovery, another study focused on various businesses. It showed that the productivity gap rises depending on the job’s complexity, rising up to 800 percent more productivity for the right talent than the average employee.
How to spot talents?
Each talent is unique. There are as many as there are people on Earth. Among the specificities that characterize a talented individual, some are more obvious than others:
ability to adapt, flexibility,
performance, intellectual capacities,
commitment and sense of responsibility,
ability to inspire.
If certain tools make it possible to identify these talents, such as assessment tests or evaluation interviews, intuition is often the best way to find talents. The most important thing to keep in mind is to assess if the talent will fit well within the team and company, as it will either enhance their capacities and improve the whole team spirit, or on the opposition discourage both the talent and their coworkers.
How to manage talents
What makes a company attractive to talents and young graduates is the employment security and fulfillment they can find there, as well as the opportunity for career development. Bad management can lead to a lack of motivation and a higher employee turnover.
Talent management is carried out on several levels for a company:
Identify/detect: find the right talent outside your company and hire them, or identify existing employees with broader skills than those for which they were hired.
Attract/retain: develop a strategy to attract the identified talent to your company, or make them stay if they are already hired in another position within the company.
Conjugate/develop: place your new talent in the right place, highlight their accomplishments and promote collaborative work to inspire others.
The advantages of optimal talent management
If it goes without saying that talent is neither definitive nor fixed – it fluctuates and is strongly linked to motivation and challenges, then it is clear that the company should not be content to simply identify talents, but properly implement a global approach over the medium to long term. Optimal talent management helps to:
Limit the costs associated with repetitive recruitments and sterile training of employees who will not stay in the company, inducing high turnover.
Optimize the flexibility of the company by letting employees improve their skills, even if it is not their main job.
Strengthen collective intelligence and collaboration by allowing the transversality of knowledge and skills.
Stand out from the competition with a work atmosphere promoting employee initiatives, where everyone can improve and learn from each other.
Communication is key to forging a good relationship with talents:
Communication is often the basis of many relationships, including between a company and its employees. To attract the right talents, good communication with the candidates is the key to success.
If a candidate thinks about joining your company, chances are they will look you up on the web. This is the first opinion they will have of you: what is your online presence? What tone do you use? What is your company’s culture? To put all the chances on your side, develop your employer brand through attractive messages and concrete actions, especially on social media. LinkedIn, in particular, is an essential step in the recruitment process. According to a 2015 Forrester Research study, people are more likely to want to join a business after 8 contacts with elements of their employer brand.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/business/attracting-and-retaining-the-right-talent/
The United Kingdom’s Food & Drink Federation was built to represent, champion and advise the country’s food and drink industry – the largest manufacturing sector in the UK employing over 450,000 workers across 7,000 different businesses. Since 2017, Gavin Darby has served as FDF President, working on behalf of the industry to communicate its value and concerns to UK Government, regulators, consumers and media alike.
As his three-year tenure came to an end, Darby presented a warm farewell to the Federation, reflecting on the hallmarks of his term along with opportunities and challenges for the future. Navigating through the uncertainties of Brexit while continuing to build the country’s initiatives around such areas as health and wellness, Darby brought 40+ years of industry insight to the position and served with ingenuity and energy.
Gavin Darby’s CV reflects a wealth of experience in CEO, president, executive and board positions throughout telecommunication and consumer goods industries in the UK, including a high-profile corporate turnaround with Premier Foods – one of Britain’s largest food manufacturers. His industry experience compelled him to serve the FDF, an obligation he says that industry leaders reflect by stepping forward.
For the FDF, Gavin Darby says he brought a sense of focus to the sector – one who he notes was in a great position when he first came on board, full of “energy, innovation and entrepreneurship.” Darby says that getting a clear focus for a federation with differing members and differing agendas was his first goal – a concept adopted early and willingly. His ability to bring the FDF together to pull resources and demand change drove focus around four main goals: Brexit, health and wellbeing – namely the obesity epidemic, skills development in the sector, and exports. Darby says that the focus on a few core issues enabled the FDF to prioritise resources and so create flexibility moving forward. ‘
Brexit will be the single most memorable issue of Darby’s FDF tenure. More than three years into his service, and it’s still unclear what lies ahead for the industry. The country faces a slew of unknowns while manufacturers and distributors must wait on the Government to negotiate post-Brexit trade and other policies regarding export, workforce and regulation; but along the way, the FDF tirelessly advocated for food and drink, working alongside the Government to propose policy that benefits manufacturers and consumers alike.
Just this year, the FDF published a Manufacturers’ Manifesto that worked to clearly proposition key policies the industry hopes the UK Government will commit to implementing in order to ensure success after Brexit. Darby notes that the Federation was instrumental in building a coalition among other industry advocates and civil servants who will continue to champion the sector, even after his departure.
“I think now, while we are still to see where the post arrangements Brexit land, I am absolutely clear that the FDF has played a pivotal role in raising the profile, getting engagement with the agenda, making politicians understand, getting worst-case-scenario non-deal Brexit consequences understood, and making sure that this great industry is listened to,” said Gavin Darby in his final address.
The FDF advocated policy stability despite fluctuating politics, working on behalf of the food and drink industry to ensure the largest manufacturing sector in the country remains competitive, productive and resilient. Gavin Darby noted the Food supply chain is “much more powerful” when focused and working together as a whole, and the industry will continue its journey ahead with confidence.
In the overall goal for health and wellbeing of UK consumers – while the industry has made strides – Darby says there is still a long way to go, noting a report produced by consultants McKinsey & Co. that outlined several clear recommendations for manufacturers. Health, wellness and obesity are deeply complex issues, says Darby, but he’s been “particularly encouraged in terms of the mindset of the leaders of our industry,”, joining together to work on solutions. The obesity crisis, he says, will be an ongoing fight, but one led by determination and collective effort.
In skills and exports, Darby says the Federation used the Food and Drinks Sector Council – an industry-led board composed of businesses from every part of the food chain, of which Darby is a member – as the vehicle for providing pragmatic change. “The FDF has really lent itself to both of those issues by providing significant people, resources, energy and talent, and has driven the agenda on skills and the agenda on exports. We’ve made big progress on both of those,” said Darby, praising the FDF’s efforts in supporting and investing in the people who make up the country’s food and drink sector.
While their remains much to be done in the four focus areas, Darby notes another challenge yet to come: sustainability, he says – especially, efforts around plastics – will be high on the agenda in this new decade.
With his closing remarks, Gavin Darby again praised the efforts of the Federation during his term serving the FDF, noting that the coalition is in strong standing as an industry representative and more influential than ever regarding UK policy. “The FDF now champions the industry, and we have a voice, and are treated extremely seriously. Perhaps the best manifestation of that sentiment is the reason why I hold this document in my hand.”
The Manufacturers’ Manifesto, he says, was a powerful tool to educate and persuade the Government to help the industry continue to work for the people of the United Kingdom; a document of which he says summarises the FDF today – focused, bold, innovative and unrelenting.
Everyone wants to feel the joy of having their kid appreciated as the smart kid. Especially with growing competition, the importance of making kids all-rounder has become the aim of every parent. But kids don’t simply become smart by doing nothing, as a parent, it is your responsibility to help your child learn and grow […]
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/business/gavin-darby-reflects-fdf-tenure/
