6 Ways Your Small Business is Wasting Money Right Now

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No one wants to waste money when they don’t have to, but it is even more important that unnecessary waste is avoided when one is running a business because the more money you spend, the lower your profits will be and the harder it will be to make a success of your venture.

With that in mind, let’s take look at some of the most common ways that people waste money in their small businesses, so you can avoid doing the same and save more of your profits for yourself and your company:

1. Wasting time

They say that time is money and this is particularly true in the world of business. If you are taking more time to do anything from processing payments to creating new products, you are wasting more money in terms of employee pay utilities and so on. So, whether you switch to credit card swiping after looking at the arguments about swiping vs keying a payment transaction or you use automated software to cut down on the amount of time you spend doing your accounts, anything you can do to save time will undoubtedly help you to stop wasting money too.

2. Marketing to the wrong audience

Most business owners think that they know exactly who their target audience is, which means they think they know who to target with their marketing materials. Unless they have conducted significant market research, they are often wrong and they end up throwing good money after bad trying to chase the wrong clientele completely.

That is why it is always a good idea to take the time to conduct market research, engage with followers on social media and ask for honest feedback. Only by doing this can you get a true picture of who your target audience is so you can stop wasting money on marketing and start seeing real results.

3. Using paper

Using paper might seem like a completely normal thing to do in an office or business setting, and in the past it was. These days, things have moved on a little, and most of the things you once used paper for, from invoices to contracts, can be rendered digitally. Doing so will mean that you no longer have to buy reams of paper and ink, nor do you have to invest in lots of printers, copiers, and the maintenance of them, each year, which means you can save a surprising amount of money and do away not only with financial waste, but also physical waste which is bad for the environment too.

5. Recruitment

Many companies waste a lot of money trying to recruit new employees simply because they do not have a clearly defined idea of who they want to employ nor do they have a clearly defined idea of how to create recruitment materials that will attract the right people,

Not only that, but they do not conduct the right kinds of interviews and background checks to separate the wheat from the chaff and ensure they employ staff who will add value to the company.

Yes, it will take a bit more investment to do all of these things and do them well, ideally with the help of a good HR consultancy, but it will save you more money in the long run when you hire the right person the first time and you do not end up having to re-recruit again when they leave in a few months’ time.

6. Not tracking expenses

If you do not track business expenses very carefully to the number, it is really easy for things to get out of hand and for you and your staff to start spending more than is strictly necessary. Keeping tabs on this will help you to reign things in if people get a bit too spend happy with their corporate credit cards. Imposing strict limits on your corporate credit cards and accounts can also help to avoid waste and ensure staff only spend on things that are essential to them doing their jobs day to day. The more you know, the better you can avoid waste in the future – it really is that simple.

Saving money when you are running a small business is not always easy, but if you are spending money in any of the above ways, there is a good chance you are wasting more cash than you need to and reevaluating what you spend and where will undoubtedly help to boost your bottom line and give you more wiggle room. So, what are you waiting for?

4 Ways You Can Care For Yourself This Summer

Summer should be a time you look forward to and want to enjoy as much as possible. When the warmer months come, this is more likely to be true if you feel good about how you look and how you feel about yourself.

Photo by Elina Fairytale: https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-sitting-on-green-grass-field-4833957/

It’s all about taking care of yourself and making sure you put your health first. Here are some things you can do this summer to look and feel great, which will make you happy and help you get the most out of the season.

Look After Your Fitness

One way to make sure you look and feel great this summer is to start toning up and losing weight now. Go to the gym or go for walks and runs outside, and make a promise to work out every day. When you’re in great shape and your clothes feel like they fit well, you’ll feel great. It’s not about losing weight or conforming to celebrity body expectations, it’s about feeling comfortable and confident.  Revere Shoes can help to you look great at the same time as giving you the comfort to be on the move all day getting in secret exercise while having fun. 

Update your Style And Add New Pieces 

This summer, you can look and feel great by updating your wardrobe and style. Go through your wardrobe and get rid of things you don’t like to wear anymore or that don’t fit right. Think about the clothes you own that are out of style and get rid of or donate them so you can make room for new ones. Do some research on the latest fashions and what’s in style. Then, make a budget and go shopping for clothes that will help you look and feel good. You don’t need to spend a fortune to add the updates your wardrobe needs

Look After Your Skin Properly

In the summer, you can also show more skin. So, it’s important to take care of your skin on a regular basis so that it looks young, healthy, and free of spots. This summer, you can look and feel great if you buy the right skin care products and use them regularly. This will help you make positive changes and feel good about showing more skin. Do your research and be willing to go out and buy these products so you can start to feel better about your skin.

Have A Good Sleep Routine 

You might think of summer and look forward to the days getting longer and the weather getting much better. Even though this is true, if you want to look good and feel full of energy, you should stick to a regular bedtime routine. Some nights you might want to stay up late, but just think about how much better you’ll look and feel after a good night’s sleep. If you get enough sleep, your skin will look better, you’ll be able to keep your weight steady, and your mood will improve, making you feel ready to face the day.

These tips should help you to feel great this summer. Do you have any other tips to share in the comments below?

The Hassle-Free Way To Move House

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Moving house can be a hassle for many people. Packing, loading, unloading, unpacking-it can all seem like too much work. But with a few helpful tips, you can make the process easier and less stressful. 

The Benefits Of Moving House

Moving house can be an excellent opportunity to start fresh. A new neighborhood, new friends, a new you. It can be a time of rebirth and growth. Moving house can also be a great way to save money. Moving to a new area can be the perfect solution if you’re looking for a new job or if your family is growing. And finally, moving house can be a great way to get organized. A fresh start can be just what you need to clean up your clutter and organize your life.

How To Make A Move Less Stressful

The process of moving house can be stressful for many people. But with a few helpful tips, you can make a move much easier and less stressful. Here are a few tips to help make a move go smoothly:

1. Plan ahead. Know what you’re taking with you and what needs to be left behind. Label your boxes clearly and pack heavier items on the bottom of the box.

2. Enlist the help of friends and family. Get them to help you pack and move your belongings. This will make the process faster and less stressful for everyone involved.

3. Take your time. Don’t try to do everything in one day. Instead, split up the tasks and take them one step at a time. This will make the process less overwhelming and more manageable.

4. Stay organized. Keep a list of what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. This will help keep you on track and ensure that nothing is forgotten.

5. Get help cleaning. Hire a company that does move out cleaning when you are done packing up all your belongings. 

Tips For Packing And Organizing Your Belongings

When it comes time to move house, the process can seem daunting. But with a little organization and planning, you can make a move much more accessible. Here are a few tips for packing and organizing your belongings:

1. Start by sorting through your belongings and getting rid of what you don’t need. This will make the packing process much easier and less stressful.

2. Label your boxes clearly. This will help you find what you need when unpacking at your new house.

3. Pack heavier items on the bottom of the box. This will help keep the box from becoming too heavy and collapsing under the weight of its contents.

4. Make sure you have enough boxes-you don’t want to run out halfway through packing!

5. Use bubble wrap or packing peanuts to protect fragile items during transport.

6. Keep a list of what’s in each box, so you know where everything is when unpacked.

7. Use suitcases and duffle bags for clothing and other lightweight items. This will save you from having to pack and unpack these items multiple times.

Conclusion 

So, whether you’re moving across town or across the country, take the hassle out of packing up your house with these simple tips. Following our advice, you can make moving a breeze and settle into your new home in no time!

How To Build Your Ideal Outdoor Man Cave

A man cave is beneficial for many reasons. For starters, it serves as a relaxation haven after a long and stressful day. Likewise, you can customize it to suit your preferences and needs, especially if you can’t include these customizations in your home. It’s also a great place to play games, watch movies, host parties and have a great time with your buddies. Although the basement is the most popular place to create a man cave, it’s not the only option. You can leverage your outdoor space by building an outdoor man cave. So, are you building one soon? If yes, these helpful tips will ensure you get the best results. 

  1. Ascertain your man cave’s purpose 

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If you already have an existing structure, you may only need to make some minor adjustments. However, you have to build from scratch if you don’t have one. Before commencing your project, it’s essential to determine what you intend to use your man cave for. This is because you can build a space that’s not fully optimized to suit your needs. Therefore, determining your space’s purpose will prevent mistakes that may be difficult to correct later. Likewise, you can quickly create a realistic budget when you know what you want. For instance, a smaller space may be ideal if you need a place to read your books and relax. Likewise, you may need a larger space if you want a place to play video games or watch movies and sports with your friends. 

  1. Obtain the necessary permits 

It would suck to start your man cave construction, only to be stopped by your local authorities. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with your local authorities and familiarize yourself with your zoning laws. Each state has its building code requirements, and ensuring your structure meets them is necessary. You can also ascertain what foundation and building are permitted and the size restrictions. To begin the process, you must visit your local county building department and fill out the application form. You’re also required to pay some fees, after which department officials may visit your site to inspect your project. After your application is approved, you’ll find it helpful to display your permit. This way, an inspector would know you have the needed approval. 

  1. Invest in quality building materials 

It’s not unusual for people to reduce costs when obtaining anything, and building materials are no exception. However, investing in quality building materials may be the best option. Indeed, top-quality materials may be costly to acquire, but you will save more in the long run. This is because these items are more durable, so you won’t have to worry about replacement or maintenance costs soon. Moreover, they look better than cheaper options and will give your man cave a more sophisticated feel. Therefore, research is important to determine credible manufacturers of whatever item you require. You also want to familiarize yourself with the materials you need. For instance, if you need the best roofing option for your man cave, you can leverage the internet to learn more! 

  1. Invest in basic amenities (electricity, HVAC, and plumbing)

Electricity is essential for powering your TV, PCs, and other electronic devices that enhance the fun. You also need it to power your light fixtures to aid visibility. Therefore, you want to ensure that your man cave has enough electricity. You can achieve this by acquainting yourself with the national and local electrical code requirements to ensure safety in your space. It’s also helpful to work with a credible electrician to achieve the best results. Likewise, you’ll find it helpful to invest in an HVAC unit to enhance comfort. Admittedly, you may not require a bathroom if your man cave is closed to the main building. But if your space is farther away, you can consider installing one. As a tip, ensure that the water is constantly running and install a water filtration system for more accessible drinking water. 

  1. Customize your space 

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Since it’s your space, you can customize it to suit your tastes and preferences. You can consider your man cave’s purpose before commencing. For instance, a bookshelf, a comfortable chair, and good lighting will be ideal if your space is meant for reading. Likewise, you’ll find investing in PC game consoles and computers helpful in creating a hangout for friends to bond and enjoy video games. Consequently, invest in comfortable seating and other furniture to enhance the experience. 

An outdoor man cave can be a great investment if you desire to relax and unwind. Hopefully, these tips will be beneficial as you begin your man cave construction. 

Fresh Content: Fix Up These Things Before Putting Your Property Up For Sale

In the long run, selling your home may be tedious, especially if you have to wait for the right buyer to appear. Your home may not sell because you cannot wow buyers when they come to view it or because of difficulties that deter them from acquiring it. People are picky about home inspections since the property is such a large purchase that even the smallest issue might cost you the sale. It might potentially lower the value of your house. Before showing someone around, there are a few things you should take care of to keep this from happening.

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Apply a coat of paint.

There are many ways to improve the value and appeal of your property, but one of the most cost-effective is to paint the walls a new colour. Depending on the condition of the paint on the walls, a new coat of paint in a more neutral shade may be necessary. However, painting the outside of your home is more important than painting the interior since it gives an extra layer of weather protection. The exterior of your property will show any degradation in the brickwork and any cracks that might allow a draught or a leak to enter if it is extremely wet if you do not paint the exterior of your home. Even though painting a home’s exterior is low-cost, the results are dramatic.

Cracks in the walls

One of the most crucial things a buyer will do while inspecting your house is to search for cracks in the walls. For one thing, they might be a sign of damage to the structure of a building. A reliable foundation repair contractor should be contacted if there are any substantial cracks in the walls. If necessary, the damage may be repaired. If your house’s foundation needs repair, you will certainly have difficulties selling it. Even if minor cracks exist, they will deter potential buyers, so you should fill them in and repaint them before putting your house on the market.

A leaky faucet

Mold and dry rot can form from water damage caused by plumbing problems. Several factors come into play here, including the water’s origin, the extent and length of the harm, and the amount of time that has passed since the damage occurred. It is simple and inexpensive to fix a leaking faucet by swapping out the washers.

Problems with the electrical system

Electrical problems are responsible for 51,000 fires each year. Typical services range in scale from simple fixes like replacing missing wire nuts or frayed wiring to more complex operations like rewiring the entire house or replacing an old circuit breaker.

A deep clean, and tidy up

As soon as possible, fix any small issues, such as holes in the walls, broken doorknobs, cracked tiles, and worn or damaged carpets. Allow for the fact that many purchasers prefer to move in without making any adjustments.

Make sure everything is sparkling. Descale the sink, scrub the grout, polish the floors, eliminate odours, and hang up fresh towels. Make it more enticing and allow visitors to see themselves living there.

Clear the patio and furniture of lichen and grime, and rake the grass in the garden. People are more inclined to buy your property if they can see themselves relaxing in your yard.

Fixtures In Your Home That May Be Due For An Upgrade

When you want to change the way your home looks, you usually start by looking at what furniture you can buy. But if you’ve lived there for a while, you might realize that sometimes new furniture isn’t enough to change the look of a room. You have to dig a little deeper sometimes. By upgrading your home’s fixtures, you can give it a new lease on life. Read on to find out what you should be looking at.

Photo by Curtis Adams

Flooring

Changing your flooring is one of the simplest basic adjustments you can make. You may wish to replace an old carpet from time to time to ensure that you have a pleasant sensation of softness and comfort under your feet. To better suit your lifestyle, you could choose a more contemporary and cleaner floor, such as vinyl or hardwood, and if so you should reach out to local flooring contractors. There are functional as well as aesthetic reasons to replace a floor, such as making the property simpler to maintain.

Walls

There are a few easy things you can do to change the look of your walls. Putting up new wallpaper or painting your walls doesn’t take a lot of work, but it can make a big difference in how your room looks. But if you want to do more than just change the way it looks, you can look at options like wall cladding, which can change the wall’s texture and give it a three-dimensional look that can make it a real feature. You can also add art or favorite photos to your walls to make them more personalized and unique.

Windows

The eyes of the house are the windows, and if you haven’t updated them in a while, you could be missing out on a whole new look and some extra value for the house. You don’t always have to replace the actual windows. Sometimes it works just as well to add something like shutters. They can give a home a more classic look while also making it easier to control privacy and the amount of natural light that comes in.

Kitchen Cabinets

When it’s time to change out fixtures, the kitchen needs a little more care than most rooms. Cabinets that have seen a lot of wear, tear, and dirt should be replaced more often. One of the easiest ways to change the look of the whole kitchen is to get new kitchen cabinets. You can also choose cabinet doors that have been treated to make them easier to clean.

Countertops

Changing your kitchen countertops might cost a little (or a lot) more than changing your cabinets, but it can make a much bigger difference in how your kitchen looks. Also, upgrading your counter has a lot of practical benefits. By switching from a simple vinyl countertop to something more permanent, like granite, you can make your kitchen more resistant to spills and heat, make it easier to clean, and make it last longer.

You don’t have to change all of these things to make your home feel different, of course. Sometimes one or two are all you need to make the change you want.