4 Points To Consider Before Selecting Your Business Office

September 10, 2020 Leave a Comment

Are you thinking about investing in your new business office? This is a big decision for your company and that means that you need to consider your options carefully. Here are some of the key possibilities that you should keep in mind and the reasons why they are so important. 

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Is It Secure?

 

First, you might think that no one is going to target a small office used by an SME or even a solopreneur. Don’t be so sure though because if they think you don’t have the right security measures in place then you will look like an easy target. That’s why you need to make sure that you explore the right options in terms of security. For instance, you should consider whether the business property has CCTV systems in place. This should give you the peace of mind that your property will be safe even when you are away from the office. It’s certainly advised if you’re buying rather than renting. 

 

Is It The Right Location?

 

Next, it’s worth thinking about the location of your business. The location is important because it will help you attract the right employees as well as the right clients. Most employees aren’t going to want to work for you if there are no transport links, zero infrastructure and they’ll be looking at a difficult commute. The wrong location will also make it difficult to gain new clients through foot traffic. It’s always going to be more expensive to buy a property in a built-up area. But it can be worth it due to the number of clients that you will attract overtime. In the long run, this might help you gain larger profits. 

 

Is It Safe?

 

You can’t forget about safety when you are choosing your business office. Don’t forget, when you run a business property you are liable for any accidents or incidents that occur there. Slip and fall attorneys will tell you how much businesses can lose when they don’t take this into account and take premises liability seriously. You can have damage claims in the hundreds of thousands which is incredibly dangerous for an SME. It can easily knock you out of the running. The easiest way to avoid this is to ensure safety is a top priority. Check your office for any potential hazards long before you decide to sign on the dotted line. 

 

Does It Look Professional?

 

Finally, you do need to think about the look and aesthetic of the building. It’s more important than you realize because it can determine whether you are able to win over that crucial client. It could be the difference between choosing you and a key competitor. So, how do you guarantee that your clients are impressed with the office? Well, you need to make sure that you choose one that looks and feels modern as well as sophisticated. If you do this, then you will demonstrate that your business is poised for the future and that’s exactly what your clients want to see.

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5 Tips While Sheltering In Place

May 7, 2020 Leave a Comment

When I realized back in March we would have to shelter in place due to a virus I was completely devastated. I just started a new job that would require me to be in public and attend events.  This of course has been put on hold until further notice.

I decided to look on the positive side of this and have lived by these tips for the last couple months.

1) Find something everyday to be thankful for. I look back on the day and think about things that I am grateful for. Most of the time it is something as simple as the safety of my family.

2) Time with the family. My husband and I have actually started having movie nights and after being married for 20 years, I feel have talked more the last two months then ever before.

3) Realizing what is important in life. Prior to this, we spent the last twenty years working toward a future and missing out on the now. We have realized the now is just as important as planning for the future.

4) Keep accurate information, there is so much negative news right now we found a great source for accurate information at https://shelterinplacetips.com/

5) Working from home. I have spent a lot of time cleaning clutter and selling items we don’t use. My house not only looks amazing but I accomplished more than I have in years.

Regardless what you do during this time, remember the most important thing is it won’t last forever. We are going to be back soon. I will always cherish this extra time I have had with my family.

How are you spending this time? Do you have any tips to share on how to keep a positive attitude during this shelter in place? I would love to hear your thoughts.

 

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Finding An Audience For Your Unwanted Furniture One Step At A Time

April 28, 2020 Leave a Comment

 

As most of us know in this age of Facebook Marketplace and good ole’ Gumtree, selling old furniture online is a fantastic way to earn cash on the side. Whether you’re having a clear-out or just fancy updating; these platforms provide you with easy resources from which to advertise and sell those spare pieces—all without an ounce of effort on your part.

 

Or, at least, that’s the way it should be. But, as many sellers are finding, these increasingly competitive platforms have led to pretty selective buyers. So, how do you know if a piece will appeal to the online shoppers out there or not? Keep reading to find out. 

 

The price is right

 

One of the best ways to ensure your furniture appeals to shoppers is to make sure you’re pricing it right. After all, the main reason people shop online is for the opportunity to grab themselves a bargain. That said, if an item is priced too low, it’s hardly worth the effort of putting it out there. Luckily, guides like this one at www.thespruce.com can help you to settle on the ideal amounts. Extensive research is also guaranteed to help. After all, the more you look at what other sellers are offering, the better chance you have of determining whether a piece will hit the mark or not. 

 

Sticking with fair-medium condition

 

While you could have gotten away with selling furniture in all manner of conditions as little as a few years ago, the same doesn’t apply to the market these days. Now, if you’re set on making money from a piece, you’ll need to ensure it’s in fair-medium condition at the very least. In other words, a tear here or there isn’t such an issue, but entirely threadbare fabric would be best off going straight for junk. Make sure, too, that you’re honest about every snag, rip, and potential issue. Worse than failing to sell a piece is selling to it a buyer who leaves you a bad review due to things you omitted to mention!

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Is that fire safety label in place?

 

Lastly, you’re also going to want to look out for a fire safety label. These come as standard on all items of furniture, and you’ll want to keep them in place if you ever intend to resale. After all, you might not be an established company, as such, but you’re still selling items to the public, and likely doing so on a semi-regular basis. That means you do have that same seller’s responsibility to health and safety. Hence why, if a potentially sale-able item has no fire safety label insight, you would be better off sending it straight for scrap through a company like https://dallasjunker.com/furniture-removal/. If, however, labels are intact and legible, there’s no reason you can’t earn a little extra cash!

 

Selling online can be a lot of fun and incredibly profitable, too. Make sure that’s the case by always considering these pointers, and curating a shop you can be proud of.

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Want to Protect Your Loved Ones Even After You go? Read This

March 10, 2020 Leave a Comment

One crucial topic that nobody likes to talk about is estate planning. Well, everyone exempt estate lawyers. But the truth of the matter is you will eventually die whether you want to or not. And it is better to plan for it in advance since you never know what can happen in life.

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You do not want to leave your family in a financial mess after you leave, do you? An estate plan can, therefore, be one of the best things you can do for your family. By creating an estate plan, you designate who will receive your property and handle your duties when you become incapacitated or after you die.

Some Steps in an Estate Plan That Can Help you Protect Your Loved Ones

Create a will

It is always hard for a family to handle the death of a member. It becomes even more troublesome when you add the burden of dealing with the remaining estate. To safeguard them from this, you need to create a will. A will helps you determine the beneficiary of your estate.

After your die, your heirs may have a hard time taking ownership of your property, especially if there is a relative that wants to have a share. A will helps to prevent such situations by making sure that your estate goes to whoever you intend.

When you die without leaving a will, the intestate laws will kick in and take charge of leaving your estate. Sometimes, when this happens, the beneficiary you intend to give your property may not always be the one that inherits.

Your estate may also go through the probate court, a process that can be very long and costly for your family to bear.

Take out a life insurance

By taking out life insurance, you can ensure that your family does not suffer from financial problems when you are not around. Your family will receive a death benefit that they can use to help clear your funeral costs, mortgage debt, and any other monthly bills. The amount your family receives is tax-free.

There are two basic types of insurance that you can choose to take out. Term life insurance provides your family protection for a specified period before it comes to an end. You are the one that determines the period of coverage. Permanent life insurance, on the other hand, does not run out, provided you keep paying the premium. It guarantees that your family will receive protection no matter when you die.

You can incorporate your life insurance in your estate plan by creating a life insurance trust. A life insurance trust helps you to secure the proceeds of a life insurance policy for the benefit of the beneficiary. The trust removes the insurance policy from your assets during the calculation of the state and federal taxes.

By creating a will and taking out a life insurance policy, you can guarantee that your loved ones will receive financial protection in the event of your death. While preparing for your death is essential, you should always have your safety in mind. Death or incapacitate can happen at any time. By keeping yourself safe, you can get to spend more time with your loved ones.

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How to Feel Safer In Your Day-To-Day Life

March 5, 2020 Leave a Comment

No-one said life was going to be easy, but no-one said it was going to be this hard. It seems that from time to time, it all becomes a little too much, and we struggle to stay on top of all the responsibilities that come our way. However, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to just be a victim of life’s relentless pressures. There are things you can do to protect yourself from whatever life throws your way. Below, we take a look at some tried and tested tips for feeling safer in your day to day life. 

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Know You’re Safe

 

First thing’s first: you should know that you’re generally safe, especially from other people. The general view is that the world has gone crazy, and that everyone’s out to get you. But actually, this is not the case — in fact, the opposite is true. You’re less likely to be a victim of violent crime than at any point in history. If you find that you’re suspicious of everyone you come across, then consider getting down to the root cause of why you think that way.

 

In the Home

 

Of course, though it’s unlikely that anyone would go out of their way to cause you harm, it’s not as if you should actively invite them to do so. You’ll feel much safer if your home is secure and uninviting to passersby. Plus, you will enjoy your property much more if you feel that it’s private. So how can you do this? Taking care of any vulnerable spots that your home might have, as well as adding a fence or hedge to the perimeter, will help to make your home feel more secure. It’ll become your oasis away from the outside world.

 

Know the Threats

 

Of course, though the chances of something going wrong in your life are minimal, they do exist. To protect yourself, it’s all about becoming aware of what these threats are and taking steps to keep them at a minimum. Car accidents, for instance, are rare, but they do happen. Learning the correct way to keep yourself safe on the roads will greatly reduce the chances of something happening. The same principle can be applied to medical threats. While some things are genetic, many long-term medical conditions are influenced by lifestyle factors, such as how often you work out, whether you smoke, and so on.

 

Get the Basics in Order

 

It’s not easy having a comfortable life in the modern world. When we think that our comfort is under threat, then it’s normal that we feel slightly on edge, as if something bad could strike. One way to get around this is to work hard on getting all the basics in order. If you have those things in check, then you’ll be much more able to enjoy all that life can bring. The two biggest things will be your health and your finances. If those things are taken care of, then you will find it easier to relax. 

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Protect The Health of Your Family and Home with these Tips

February 25, 2020 Leave a Comment

There is nothing more important than making sure that your home and family are healthy, safe, and secure. This can be done in a great many numbers of ways. The way the house is set up has a great effect on mental and physical health, so neglecting the home can cause issues. So it is important that you ensure that you cover all the bases in terms of health and safety. Problems may not arise immediately; however, over time, you can start to see the detrimental effects of certain things you have overlooked. At times, this is not your fault, as many dangers are hidden, and you may need to do a bit of research. However, as we know that you are busy and have other things to deal with, we have come up with some home improvement tips and advice about safety to help you out.

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Natural light

If your home does not allow in much natural light, over time, it will start to have a negative effect on your mental health. Natural light is a mood enhancer and can ward off some mental health illnesses. If your home is quite dark, think about moving any bulky furniture away from the window, so the light you do have is able to travel into the house better. It may be an idea to put mirrors up strategically in the home so that the light can be reflected and rebounded around the home better. This will also give the impression of more space so that you feel less oppressed. Overall the more light you allow in, the better you will feel.

 

Safety and security

If you do not have any instruments in place to protect against intruders, you should do so. Not only will this protect you, but it will give you some much-needed peace of mind if you happen to go away and the children are at home, for example. Think about investing in security lights and a burglar alarm to deter anyone if they tried to break and enter. Also, do you secure your door with a deadbolt when you are inside if not, you should? It may be worth getting a video security having the ability to watch the safety of the house from your phone. Also, you definitely need insurance. It would help if you had this on your house, contents, and car, you may want to have a look at the auto insurance comparison, to get a better deal. 

 

Don’t allow dust to build-up

You may think of dust as just a harmless annoyance which every so often you have to wipe away with the polish cloth. And for the most part, that is true. However, dust can cause allergies, especially in young children, so it is not as harmless as you may think. Also, it may also contain some other nasty surprises that are best kept at bay. These include some toxic particles and some chemicals as well, including things such as lead, asbestos, other fire retardants, bits of plastic, and pesticides, along with a whole load of other things. Over the year, the house, especially if it is old, will have accumulated a lot of dust from various sources, and in the past, the rules were not as tight as they are now about things. Many of these harmful chemicals pose a significant threat to babies and young children due to the fact that they are still growing. It is in your best interest to consider removing carpets and having a non-carpet alternative laid down if your home does have a dust problem. Failing that, it is best to buy a state-of-the-art dust eliminating vacuum cleaner. 

 

Test what you don’t know

The good news is that in this day and age, there is a test for everything. So if you are concerned about toxins and chemicals, then you do have a line of defense. They are not particularly expensive, and you buy them at the local hardware store or on the internet. One of the main particles to look out for is lead. Prior to 1978, lead was used in paint, so houses renovated or made before this year may still have coats of lead paint. If you have any areas where the paint is thicker than usual, then old paint may have been painted over, and the under layer may contain lead. So it is best to check it out. As the paint ages, it will flake, and tiny pieces of dust-sized lead paint will merge with ordinary dust and be breathed in, etc. Lead is of particular danger to the unborn child of pregnant women. If the Mother inhales too much lead, the fetus may suffer some irreversible side effects, such as brain damage. Also, if young children are exposed to too much lead, they can develop developmental issues as well. If you think that lead may be an issue in your home, don’t think about it, get it tested, and get it removed. Another major concern is radon gas. This problem can affect any home of any age, size, etc., it is a very non-discriminatory poison. It is a colorless and odorless gas that can cancer and is the second-largest cause of lung cancer after smoking. It is a byproduct of certain geological processes that go on under the ground as soil and rock degrade. You can buy a test kit if you are worried. Another thing you should probably test is the water. Although water out of the tap does go through some filtration, if there is something in the old pipework, then you need to test at home. If you do discover something, maybe purchase a specialist water filter, or drink only bottled water. It may even be a good idea to test for asbestos on ceilings. If you know what is in the house, then you can make a well-informed decision about what to do going forward. The health and safety of everyone in the home should be your primary concern. 

 

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Regaining Your Confidence After A Car Accident

December 10, 2019 Leave a Comment

After being involved in a car accident, most people worry about driving again. This is true even when the accident wasn’t your fault. Driving anxiety can occur whether you were injured in the collision or walked away without a scratch. Anyone suffering from this anxiety might experience symptoms from merely sitting behind the wheel. This makes driving impossible. Thankfully, you can recover from your trauma. Here are six ways to regain confidence after a car accident. 

 

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Start As A Passenger

Having complete control over a powerful machine can always cause stress. When driving, you are responsible for the lives of anyone on the road, along with yourself. That is why you shouldn’t get back behind the wheel too soon. First, allow a trusted friend or relative to drive you around. This will get you used to being in a car again without the added pressure of having to drive too. 

 

Visit That Crash Site

Avoiding your crash site isn’t a healthy coping mechanism. After all, you can’t stay away from the area forever. Eventually, you will have to drive past the location of your collision, which will cause unnecessary stress if you’ve allowed the worry to build. If you can’t bring yourself to go alone, then take a loved one with you. Having their love and support will always provide comfort to you.

 

Get What You Deserve

Some car accidents are merely accidents, with no person in particular at fault. Many, however, are the result of someone’s mistakes. When this person doesn’t take responsibility for their actions, it can leave you without closure. That is why you should make a personal injury claim. Lawsuits are never easy, but having your innocence proved might give you peace of mind. 

 

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Buy A Safer Vehicle

Car accidents can cause significant damage, both to your body and your vehicle. Because of this, you might be looking to purchase a new car. Choosing a safer vehicle will instill a great deal of confidence. That is why you should look into safety ratings and crash survivability statistics of different models before buying one. If you don’t need a new car, you can make yours safer.

 

Learn Defensive Driving Skills

Defensive driving skills are essential in preventing serious car accidents. Even after driving for years, taking a driving course has numerous benefits. A defensive driving class will give you a sense of control, which will help to eliminate any anxiety you might feel. During these classes, you will learn skills to minimize future collisions, along with countless other possible dangers. 

 

Take Care Of Yourself

Few experiences are more traumatic than being in a serious car accident. Although some people can overcome their fear quickly, most others worry about driving again for months before getting behind the wheel. Chances are, your recovery won’t happen overnight. For this reason, you must take care of yourself by eating right, sleeping enough, exercising, and avoiding stress.  

 

A car accident can change your life, but the advice above should help you regain your confidence.

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Make Your Home A Secure One

May 30, 2017 Leave a Comment

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If you’re worried about the security of your home, there are many things that you can do to ensure a safe environment

 

 

Social media

If you’ve just bought a new expensive gadget or maybe you’re getting ready to go away on holiday – don’t tell the whole world!

The same goes for calendars, don’t put them somewhere that can be seen through the window. Otherwise, it’s just asking for trouble.

 

Remove flyers from your door

If thieves are having a look around the next potential target, the build up of flyers outside your home will give them the impression that you’re away on holiday, which is perfect if someone is looking to break in and steal any valuables you may have.

So if you actually are away, ask a trusted neighbor to remove them for you.

 

Pets

A lot of people think it’s a good idea to advertise the fact that you have a dog at home, but it could actually work to their advantage instead of yours. Not only can pets be bribed with food, but burglars will know that you are less likely to use an alarm if you have an animal at home.

 

Windows

Try not to leave your windows easy to look through, by doing this you will prevent thieves from seeing the layout of your room, and also stops them from seeing any possible valuables.

Always make sure that windows are locked and are visible. Thieves hate to break glass because it makes a lot of noise and can cause unwanted injuries.

 

The garden

Don’t leave any tools out in your garden as these can easily be used to help break into your home.

Burglars will go through your bins too, so make sure there is nothing of value there either, especially letter with your personal information on. And if you install some home security cameras, you will most likely scare people away without having to do anything else.

 

Doors

Make sure you have the best locks for all your different types of doors. If you’re dealing with a professional thief, they will most likely know all the techniques to breaking into a lock within a few seconds. But by having the protection for each door, you will be making it a lot harder for them to get in.

It’s also a very good idea to fit a letterbox cage to your door; this means they won’t be able to put anything through in order to open the door from the inside.

 

Valuables

With a number of valuables out there nowadays, it’s no longer about finding the largest item within your house. Little things can end up paying off, maybe, even more, the a tv would, such as phones, laptops, jewelry and any other gadgets you treat yourself to.

The best areas to put your special things are in the loft. Thieves will avoid places like this because there is no escape route.

Don’t leave anything out that you don’t want to be taken – it really is that simple.

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