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If you have a retail business, you should always be looking for new ways to improve it. You can not simply assume that just because you are doing fine now, that is how it will always be. In fact, with more and more businesses opening up all the time and plenty of competition all around you, this kind of thinking could even spell the end of your business; you will fall behind, and customers will move on to other stores that offer them what they are looking for and move with the times. 

As a retail business owner, you constantly need to be updating and improving your store or website (or both). It is not an easy thing to do, but if you want to be successful and stand the test of time, it is a challenge you will need to take on and work hard at. With that in mind, here are some of the ways you can improve your retail business; this should give you an idea about where to start with this ongoing task.

Know When Your Peak Hours Are 

Most stores will have busy periods and quieter times. If you want to improve your business, it is a good idea to find out when your peak hours are because once you know, you can choose to do a variety of things with that knowledge.  

One thing you can do is run promotions. You can choose to run them during the busy periods to ensure you stay busy, or you could run the promotions at quieter times to encourage more people in when normally sales would be slow.

Another idea is to use quieter times to work on tasks you might not have time to do otherwise. This could be updating your website, posting on social media, or even doing practical jobs like stock checks and tidying up your store. In this way, you can ensure that even if you are not busy with customers, you are improving your business nonetheless. 

You might already know your peak hours because you know when you are particularly busy. However, if you are unsure or you want to be certain, you only have to make a tally of customers throughout the day for a week or so. When you have this, you will immediately be able to see which times are busy and which are not, and use that knowledge to your advantage. 

Make It Easy For Customers To Buy From You

The last thing you want to do when you are a retail business is to put barriers in front of customers that will prevent them from buying from you. What you want is to make things as easy as possible. This is why you need to look objectively at how you run your retail business to ensure that you are not stopping potential customers from completing their buying journey; remember, you might be doing this accidentally, so it is wise to think carefully about it. 

One reason people might not choose to buy from you is that you do not offer their preferred payment method. You might be cash only, for example, or perhaps there is a charge for using a credit card. The best thing to do is to allow all kinds of payments; you will open up your store to many more people. The key is to find a reliable retail payment processing system that will give your customers as much choice as possible but will also work for you and your business. Take your time in discovering as much as you can about any potential method you want to put in place, and you will find more people who are happy to buy from you. 

Train Your Team

If you have employees working in your store, you must train them well. They need to be able to interact with customers positively, in order to make the experience a pleasant one. With so much competition, if a customer feels they are treated badly or even simply indifferently, they will not return to you, and they will go where they feel appreciated and have a more pleasant experience. Training your team in good customer service will certainly improve your retail business. 

You should also train your team in sales. Cross-selling and up-selling will increase your profits and if it is done well, your customers will not feel pressured and instead will feel as though they have been offered good advice and bought things that will help them. Everyone will be happy, and your store’s reputation will improve because of how well you treat your customers. Staff training should not just be a one-off thing that happens when they start the job; have it regularly, and your team will also feel valued.

Takeaways

Retail businesses must cope with more turbulent times as the online marketplace continues to explode. With so much competition, retail businesses must look to improve intangible things such as the overall customer experience and customer service. What stands out today is when companies establish a connection with their customer almost like a relationship. Consumers are becoming more and more conscious about their purchases, so a brand must stand for something more meaningful and make the buying process and brand experience more enjoyable. Ask yourself, “If I were a customer, what would my ideal experience be once I walk inside the store?”

Working your social media marketing business from here—wouldn’t it be lovely? @hellolovelyliving

Before we dive into the world of online digital marketing classes, we should first start with a few questions:

What is digital marketing?

Simply put, digital marketing is any marketing done electronically, be it online or even a digital poster on a sign in a store to reach consumers. Most digital marketing happens on the internet.

What types of digital marketing are there?

There are several types of digital marketing. One familiar type of digital marketing is SEO, or "search engine optimization". This is why when you enter a search query in the google search bar, the first few results are usually advertisements. Another type of digital marketing that people are most familiar with is social media marketing. We have all seen the "sponsored" posts as we scroll through our online news feeds. This is the use of social media platforms to promote a product or service.

there are classes I can take that teach me how to digitally market a particular product or service?

Yes. Traditionally, classes were taken on campus, but as mankind is ever-evolving into a digital world, classes can be taken more commonly online. Additionally, with the ongoing global pandemic where social distancing is not only recommended but mandated in most places, online digital marketing classes are progressively becoming more desirable versus taking a class on campus or through a local public library.

Another amazing benefit of online classes is flexibility

These days, the world is busier than ever. From an economic standpoint, it takes two incomes to financially support a family comfortably. By taking classes online, you are able to set a schedule that works for you to accommodate your daily demands. This allows flexibility in how you manage your time between any lectures that need to be watched, workshops and homework that need to be done, and exams that need to be taken.

Another big benefit that is huge in terms of the decision of whether to take classes online or on campus in a classroom setting is you can work on assignments and read on the go. Say you are on your lunch break at work; by taking your classes online, you can tote your device with you and do your work while you are on your breaks. The point is online classes not only allow for flexibility in scheduling but in how and where you work.

Now, this last point is crucial

Being that we are discussing online digital marketing classes, by taking them online, you are literally able to transfer what you have learned from the classroom to the practical application in real time. You are able to take things learned through the course of your classes and apply them right then to see how they apply as you go. Now, apps like Canva also enable you to create content such as social media posts and videos on the go making it easy to be efficient with your time.

Say you already have a business or something else that requires marketing of some type. By taking digital marketing classes online, you could theoretically plug in your real-life company or whatever you are marketing into the space where an example is used in the lesson. Then, you tackle two birds with one stone. You gain positive lesson experience for the class and promote the business that you are actively marketing.

Takeaways

It is easy to see how taking digital marketing classes online rather than in a traditional campus setting is the right approach to effectively gain knowledge and experience concurrently. With all of life’s distractions and the business of daily life in a fast-paced world, finding flexibility and something more suited to your individual lifestyle is essential in avoiding burnout. Thankfully, in an environment that is constantly evolving, there is a space for everyone to achieve work-life balance.

@hellolovelyliving at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Hononlulu, HI. Discover things to do in Hawaii.

Aspiring for a job that provides the opportunity for travel is always a benefit no matter the position in question. As more and more people look for work that fulfills deeper personal aspirations that allow for greater experiences and freedom, the demand for such positions continues to increase. Depending on which industry you are in, you may just discover that there is an opportunity out there that could provide a way for you to travel for work.

For instance, if you are a nurse in the healthcare industry and have the desire to explore positions that will allow you to travel, one of the first things to start planning for is how to best become qualified for a travel nurse position so that your chances of getting hired are increased. Nursing is a heavily regulated industry, so when you are applying for a job, it is important to be aware of what makes a good travel nurse applicant.

Here are seven traits recruiters and employers look for in good K-12 staffing:

01

Flexibility

A travel-for-work position can mean greater flexibility with your hours as well as with the location in which you work, which is great for people who are open to more options. Additionally, you may be asked to work long hours and weekends, or perhaps no hours at all. You might also be asked to travel great distances, which means leaving behind friends and family while you are away from home. For many, this may seem daunting, but for some, this is an opportunity to recharge and create space for yourself to regain a sense of independence and exploration.

To be prepared to meet your needs as well as the requirements of the positions you will explore, it is a good idea to make a list of things you are flexible with and things you are not willing to negotiate. This will allow you to narrow down certain opportunities so that you come as close to what your ideal arrangement is. It is important to be flexible when it comes to becoming a travel nurse, so be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone when it comes to scheduling and available locations.

02

Independence

When it comes down to it, becoming a travel nurse requires a high level of independence. Whether it is finding housing or making friends in new cities or states, being able to do things on your own without anxiety will help you succeed as a travel nurse. Being able to adapt makes you more marketable in this type of job because you will be required to do it very often and with ease. If you are someone who gets anxious about doing new things outside of your comfort, this will not be a position for you unless you develop your ability to manage stress during frequent change. Now, if you are someone who loves the opportunity for change—this is the right position for you, and you will find joy in the process.

03

Patience

Nurses are expected to care for many people in a short period of time, so they must be able to handle high levels of stress. As mentioned previously, learning to manage stress during frequent change is crucial to your success in this position. When you pair the stress of adapting your life to new changes with on-the-job stress, if not managed well, you can really come up against a heavy load on your mental health. Developing patience will allow you to experience the highs and lows as they come and not allow everything to overwhelm you at once. When you focus on the now and handle things step-by-step, you are better able to meet the challenges ahead.

04

Communication Skills

As a travel nurse, you will be required to live away from home for extended periods of time. This will require you to nurture your relationships from far away, which means communication is essential. If you are a parent, this can mean that you must have strong relationships in place to weather the challenges of you not physically being present in the home.

Additionally, depending on your family size and household demands, being away will mean leaving your responsibilities in others’ hands. You must be prepared to hand over control of household duties and have the proper plan in place to ensure that things are taken care of while you are away.

In addition to good communication skills with your family, your communication skills also must extend into your job. Good communication skills are a great way to make your patients feel cared for. One way to improve your communication skills is by getting training and certifications through chaplain organizations to help your patients in times of distress.

05

Leadership Skills

Nurses are often in charge of other nurses, so it is important that you are able to manage your team effectively and lead by example during difficult situations. You will need to be prepared for emergency situations where your team needs to work together quickly without much instruction from management or other higher-ups.

Being able to quickly adapt to new work settings and people will be a strength that will help you jump right into your work requirements. Once you get a handle on systems and develop them for yourself, things will begin to fall into place, and you will increasingly grasp daily workplace challenges effectively and with a certain order amidst the chaos.

Takeaways

While there are countless factors that go into making a successful contract traveler such as experience, education, certifications, etc., five key qualities stand above the rest to prepare you for the endless changes and challenges that you will encounter. So long as you are ready and have the energy to experience different possibilities, you will be rewarded far greater in the grand scheme of things.

To receive the opportunity to travel for work is a dream that many people desire, yet few commit to or find. Here’s to taking the leap if you are seriously considering finding a position in your career field that allows you to travel. With planning and preparation, you will find what you are looking for and be exploring new cities and destinations in no time.

@hellolovelyliving in downtown San Diego, CA

Starting afresh in a new city is an exciting prospect for young professionals, but the idea may be scary if you have a family. You may have qualms about finding a lucrative job, logistical challenges, and settling down in a different location. Lawyers are in a good place career-wise because the American legal landscape is thriving, so opportunities abound everywhere. You can consider relocating to expand your horizons, join your partner, or unlock better education for your kids. Let us share a few practical tips for lawyers looking to start afresh in a new city.

Start with mental prep

The first step is to start with mental prep for relocation, and it is all the more crucial if you have a family in tow. Moving to a new city means cutting your professional and social ties in your current location, which is easier said than done. Your spouse and kids may be apprehensive about the move. Moreover, plan for the financial aspects of relocation as it may cost a bit. Once you are mentally ready, you can proceed with your journey.

Research the job landscape

Researching the job landscape of your destination city is crucial. Think long-term because relocating often is not the best outcome. Even if you have a job offer, ensure you review other enticing opportunities and growth prospects in the area. Fortunately, the legal industry is well-placed in the US, so you will probably not struggle much in this context. However, you must explore all of your options and be wise about your final decision.

Connect with local recruiters

Another valuable piece of advice for lawyers looking for a move is to connect with local recruiters to find dream opportunities. After all, collaborating with legal recruiters that know Austin is the best thing to do if moving to Austin, per se. Likewise, you must do it for any part of the country. The sooner you contact a recruiter the better because landing a job beforehand always alleviates much of the burden of making a big move.

Set a realistic job search timeline

Although a local recruiter can help you get a good start, you cannot be too sure about sealing a job offer before relocating to your destination. It may happen, however, relocating before you close on a job offer is not ideal. Setting a realistic job search timeline enables you to stay afloat financially and emotionally. Build a financial buffer to cover at least a few months' expenses so that you need not have to jump on a random offer.

Invest in good networking

Good professional networking can help you get a dream start in any part of the country. Maintain positive relationships with your current employer because their recommendations and referrals can be valuable. Also, connect with legal professionals and recruiters at your destination through professional networks like LinkedIn. Starting early is a good idea because robust networking can speed up your job search prospects. Moreover, you may end up finding some friends in the new location.

Takeaways

Relocation is often a wise career move, but you cannot do it on the fly. Taking the necessary steps for a smooth process well in advance will help to alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes with making an advantageous move. The goal is to gain a new position that propels you even further in your career while aligning you with your personal goals as well. A few things that could be at the forefront of your mind are moving to a better environment for your family and/or substantially increasing your earnings. Whichever reason it may be for the big move, follow these simple steps to be better prepared to land that dream opportunity at your desired destination.

@unsplash

According to the SBA (Small Business Administration), approximately 50% of all US businesses are home-based. Additionally, reports from the Pew Research Center reveal that 16 million Americans are self-employed. This makes up nearly 30% of the total workforce. The majority of these businesses are sole proprietorships; thus, every decision, be it related to inventory or financial investment, is made without any additional advice or support.  

Unlike large companies, small business owners like sole proprietors do not have a CFO (Chief Financial Officer) to advise them about their company’s financial condition or direction. Thus, home-based businesses struggle to maintain their good standing or fail to grow. What can a home-business owner do in this situation? The answer is simpler than you think: Hire a financial advisor. In this article, we discuss a few points to consider when hiring one.

What does a financial advisor do? 

Generally speaking, financial advisors assist entrepreneurs with deciding the course of action for their revenue earned. However, their role is not limited to financial advice. Rather, there are numerous services that you can select from based on your current and ongoing needs.

• Debt Management: Creating strategies to pay off debt and avoid the same costs in the future. 

• Tax Planning: This includes tax return preparation, planning tax-loss harvesting security sales, enhancing tax deductions (and exemptions), using capital gains tax rates wisely, and more. 

• Insurance & healthcare advice: Providing the best solutions for you and your teams’ healthcare on a long-term basis. 

• Budgeting: Strategies to meet business goals (both short-term & long-term) within your budget. 

Apart from this, financial advisors can also assist you in retirement and estate planning.

Signs you need a financial advisor

Though you do not need any specific reason to work with a financial advisor, certain signs call for professional assistance. These signs include: 

• You do not know how and where to invest business earnings.

• You are frequently losing money on your investment(s).

• You do not have an estate plan.

• You are currently struggling with debt payments.

• You are constantly failing at creating a budget. 

If you have already designated personnel to manage your finances and assist you with business decisions, you do not necessarily need to appoint a new person. Instead, you can connect with a financial advisor business coach to train your already appointed staff. They can help you in deepening your client relationships, and you will be able to envision your business's future growth with just a few helpful insights. 

It is important to note that not all coaches are created equal. Try to find one with a well-developed signature program that aligns with your business goals and objectives. A signature program is a coaching framework that has been refined and perfected over time, providing a structured and effective approach to achieving specific outcomes. With a signature coaching program, a business coach can help you develop new skills, improve your performance, and achieve measurable results, ultimately leading to the success and growth of your business.

How to choose a financial advisor? 

A financial advisor can make or break a business. Therefore, you must practice due diligence when appointing one for your home-based business. Some of the things you need to take into consideration when selecting a financial advisor include: 

• Is the financial advisor certified? Check the certification of the advisor.

• What types of services are offered and what are the fees? If they have connections with a prime broker for small and emerging hedge funds, that's better.

• Understand the financial advisor’s approach and beliefs, and check if it aligns with your goals. 

• Look for someone who has the appropriate tools and resources to teach you financial freedom.

Takeaways

It does not matter whether you own a small business or a global enterprise; you need a financial advisor or an entire team to help you make the most appropriate financial decisions for your business. Nevertheless, it is good to keep in mind that every financial advisor will have different strengths to bring to the table. Not any one individual receives the same level of training and experience, so you must be vigilant in selecting a professional that is knowledgeable and capable of bringing you positive results.

@hellolovelyliving in central California where land is abundant and the opportunity for solar farming is a lucrative business

A solar farm is a great investment opportunity as it can generate regular income and appreciate value over the years. Moreover, it aligns with a sustainable mindset by creating clean energy from a renewable source. You can easily start a solar farm if you have land and a basic understanding of a few key concepts. But you must invest time and effort into planning and preparation before starting the project. Let us explain a few things a novice should know about setting up a solar farm.

Understand the concept

If you are a sustainability advocate, you will probably know the significance of using renewable resources to produce energy for residential and commercial use. A solar farm generates and supplies clean power to the electricity grid. It consists of a photovoltaic system that operates like a power plant. The system has ground-mounted solar panels installed across a large area of land. Besides producing clean energy, the system creates a steady income stream that lasts for a lifetime.

Know the types

Another factor you must understand is that there are two types of solar plants. In fact, it is a key piece of information to get when you want to know how to start a solar farm on your land. The utility-scale version refers to installing multiple panels to absorb energy from the sun, convert it into an electric current, and distribute the current on high-voltage power lines to homes. The second option is a community-scale solar farm, which serves as a small-scale facility for a local community comprising homes and businesses. The participants share the power as a group benefit, which reduces their energy bills and carbon footprint in the long run.

Consider the land factor

Setting up a solar farm is a great use of spare land, so you must definitely consider the idea. It enables you to do your bit for clean energy goals and healthier communities. You may even lease out the lot for the purpose if you do not want to set it up yourself because it still gets you lease income while supporting the planet. Check the land feasibility to implement one of these options sooner than later. Typically, 6 to 8 acres of land can generate 1 MW of solar energy, so ensure you have at least the minimum space for the project.

Check the timelines and costs

Planning a solar farm is a great idea, but you must know that it is a long-term commitment. The timelines for the project depend on its size and the number of people you employ for it. Although the installation takes a few months, getting the necessary environmental permits is the tricky part. It may take years to get the approvals and contracts. The cost of a 1 MW installation can be around 1 million dollars, but it promises an excellent ROI as it can power 200 households in the area.

Takeaways

Knowing the factors involved in starting a solar farm empowers you to make a smooth launch for your sustainable farm project. It prepares you with clear expectations regarding land feasibility, timelines, and cost. You want to ensure that you identify your long-term goals and choose a plan that will generate the most desirable outcome for you. You will be happy you made the choice early to invest in something that will contribute positively to creating sustainable energy for our planet. Your returns will far outweigh the costs, and you could even consider more farm projects in the future to grow your sustainable business further.

@hellolovelyliving enjoying the motivational quotes at Contra Coffee and Tea in Orange, CA

Your productivity and efficiency depend on several factors. Think beyond your skills and tools because your workspace is one of the most crucial aspects you may likely miss. Surprisingly, it can affect your stress levels, elevating them or lowering them according to your environment.

Whether you work from home or run an office, you must ensure a positive ambiance for your workspace. Fortunately, you can do it without an extensive and expensive makeover. Try these practical ideas to create the perfect ambiance for your office.

01

Start with a decluttering project

The easiest way to create an aura of positivity for any space is by decluttering it, and this rule also applies to commercial areas. Commit to a weekly cleanup and monthly de-clutter project for your work area. You can go even further by doing the same de-cluttering routine with your devices. Encourage your team to take care of individual zones and supervise the project. You will have a lighter and healthier space once the clutter is sorted through and discarded.

02

Prioritize comfort

Comfort is the key to creating a positive, vibrant workspace that promotes efficiency and productivity. Invest in comfortable and practical furniture pieces that support a healthy posture. Non-ergonomic furniture can affect the well-being of your team members and affect the overall vibe of the workplace. The material the furniture is made from also matters, making this an area to focus on, too. There are multiple options to consider, with customized foam chairs and similar options being recommended.

Moreover, you cannot expect to impress clients and visitors by ignoring details such as these. Additionally, allow employees the freedom to create a homely atmosphere for themselves with family pictures and mementos in their personal desk space.

03

Pay attention to air quality

The air quality inside your workspace is crucial in creating a health-promoting atmosphere. Routine checks and maintenance of your HVAC systems provide a good start. You can install commercial air fresheners to eliminate odors and keep the interior of your business smelling fresh. Ensure fittings at strategic points such as the reception area, restrooms, and common zones to get the best results. Incorporating indoor plants into the office space greatly contributes to the air quality and ambiance more than any other factor, so ensure that you choose indoor plants that naturally purify the air.

04

Ensure optimal illumination

Optimal lighting and illumination ensure positive and happy vibes for an office. Maximizing the entry of natural light should be a priority because it decreases your energy bills along with improving the overall appearance of the space while encouraging higher productivity amongst your staff. A little design rework is worthwhile as it can save you a fortune on power bills down the line. Install LED lights in dark corners because they may appear gloomy even on a sunny day. Avoid harsh lighting as it can overwhelm employees and affect their mood.

05

Add character

Adding character to your office is a wonderful way to create an environment that feels good. Consider doing a paint makeover with an accent wall to display your awards and achievements. Adding wall art showcasing motivational quotes is another idea worth trying. You can also personalize the space to replicate your brand colors and elements. Just be creative and open to experimenting, and you can transform an ordinary office into a welcoming workplace.

Takeaways

Creating the perfect ambiance for your office is easier than you imagine. Get started with aesthetics and make sure it feels good to the senses. Personalize your space even further in creative ways so that anyone that enters your space has an overall welcoming experience from the moment they walk into your workspace to the moment they leave. First impressions matter, so your attention to detail will not be overlooked and will be appreciated more than you expect.

@hellolovelyliving enjoying the picturesque traditional gondola boat rides at The Venetian in Las Vegas, NV

So many people are leaving and have left the United States for better horizons. With so many world-changing events that have happened within the past few years, the opportunity to seek a better life elsewhere has never been more appealing. Italy is one of those destinations.

Why would so many of us be inclined to leave this country? Now, more than ever, the value of our life is dependent on our quality of life, and the quality of life in your current country may not be ideal for you. We are forced to evaluate our living environments a little closer. So, we are exploring alternatives where we can improve our quality of life and live a better, more balanced lifestyle that contributes to our overall health and well-being.

If you plan to move to Italy, you can explore multiple immigration pathways. In fact, the country has the option to obtain citizenship status directly if you have ancestral roots, marital connections, or a long-stay history. However, not everyone may qualify for these processes because of the stringent eligibility requirements. The good news is that you still have the chance to get in through the Italian investor visa. 

Although it does not make you a citizen right away, you can stay in the country as a resident and work your way up to citizenship. You can visit Bersani Law Firm for understanding more about the journey from the investor visa to residency and eventually citizenship. Let us explain how it makes an easy way to relocate to Italy and start afresh.

01

You can choose an investment option

Although spending millions on immigration may sound painful, things are relatively easy with the Italian investor visa. You get a choice of immigration alternatives, from investing in an innovative startup (€250,000) to funding an established company (€500,000), donating to a welfare project (€1 million), and buying government-issued bonds (€2 million). The minimum investment runs in millions, so it may be within your budget. You have the freedom to take your pick.

02

Your family can join without extra funding

Starting afresh as an immigrant is about relocating with your family and embarking on a new journey. Italy is one of the popular family-friendly immigration destinations because it has the best lifestyle, culture, food, and residence benefits. The great thing about the Italian investor visa route is it lets you bring your loved ones without extra funding. You only have to show valid proof of income as evidence of your ability to support your family financially.

 03

You get to land in Italy within months

Besides the ease of immigration, the Italian investor visa also offers the benefit of speed. You can bypass the extended queues at the consulate and land in Italy within months instead of years. The process requires only two steps: 1. Getting a nulla osta by providing bank statements showing you have sufficient funds for investment. 2. Applying for the investor visa at the consulate in your location. The actual money has to come only after closing both steps, arriving in Italy, and getting a residence permit.

04

You have a ticket to citizenship

The Italian investor visa does more than empower you to live, work, and travel visa-free across the EU as a resident. It is a ticket to citizenship as you can claim a naturalization status after staying in Italy for a decade. But you should be ready to hold the current investment for the period. It is a small price for one of the most powerful passports, so immigrants are happy with the idea of long-term investment. Ideally, you must collaborate with an expert to help you with the process and paperwork for renewal of residence status until you qualify for naturalization.

Takeaways

Starting a new life in Italy can be a breeze with the Italian investor visa. You can get in within months and complete the process with two simple steps. It is the best option if you cannot qualify for citizenship through the conventional routes. 

Photo by Mathilde Langevin on Unsplash

A business can benefit a lot from compelling content. And it’s no secret; almost 90% of non- and for-profit organizations use content to market. With it, they can effectively showcase their products and services. They can also use it to attract customers and make them more interested in their brands. Or they can simply use it to improve their online presence.

If you’re having trouble creating compelling content for your business website, you may want to know these brainstorming tips.

01

Clearly define the purpose of your content

While you know that you need compelling content, you should also determine why you need it. Is it to improve your rankings on search engine results pages? Is it to improve the time visitors spend on your website? Is it to advertise and promote new products and services? Is it to complement the new convenient functionalities of a business app, like Jobber, that you’re using or going to use?

Even if your content is great, it doesn’t matter if it can’t help you achieve the goal you have in mind. For example, 82% of customers do business with companies because of their content marketing efforts. If you don’t clearly define your content’s purpose as content marketing, you can’t hope to experience that same benefit many businesses experience from their content.

02

Scour social media platforms to see what’s trending

There’s no denying that the top social media platforms are where most of your target audience will always be present. Before, these platforms were only exclusive to allow people to reconnect. However, nowadays, it’s become a place where people get their news, entertain themselves, and even do business in. You need to take advantage of that when creating new and compelling content.

Scour social media platforms to see what’s trending. Know what your target audience is looking for and what they want to see. Even if those things aren’t related to your business, you can always try to exploit them and incorporate them into your content. 

For example, if cryptocurrency is a hot topic right now, you can try to create content discussing if using cryptocurrency to pay for services and products you offer might or might not be a good idea. Or, if digitization is trendy, you may go for a topic that discusses how an invoice template helps your business.

03

Pick and research the topics you need for your content

As soon as you establish the purpose of your content, the next step is to pick and research the topics you want to write or create videos about. Suppose that you have a property maintenance company, and you decided to make compelling content for more people to hire you to get their properties maintained. 

With those things in mind, you may want to create content about topics such as the following:

• Why properties need to be maintained

• Why you should maintain your property while you’re on a family-friendly vacation

• How property maintenance can improve your property’s value

• Why you should let professionals deal with their property’s maintenance

Doing those things can narrow the ideas you need to bounce off during your brainstorming session. And it will allow you to be laser-focused on topics that can help you achieve your goal by creating compelling content.

04

Revisit your old content

Before you think of new ideas for your site or social media account’s new content, you may want to revisit your old content. Try to find the pieces that worked before and build on them. On the other hand, you can try to re-explore topics that your old content may have failed to cover completely. 

Revisiting old content can help you find inspiration without looking beyond what you already have.

05

Check your competitor’s content

Aside from checking your old content and social media platforms, you can also observe your competitors' websites. Imitating your rivals, and how they produce, and create content for their website would be a great idea as it saves the business’s time and effort.  

For example, if they primarily post videos as their content, you might also want to focus on creating videos. And that’s a good idea. After all, more than 62% of customers often say they love video content. So, if your competitors use video and they’re experiencing success, there’s no harm in imitating their content strategy. 

06

Keep an eye out for news related to your industry

If you’ve already exhausted most of the sources of inspiration and ideas listed in the previous sections, you may want to try sourcing content ideas from the news. The only limitation with this one is that the usefulness of news to your content depends on what kind of business you have.

For example, if your business is highly niche, the news coverage in your industry may be far fewer. However, it doesn’t mean it’s the end for you. Instead of waiting for news to happen, you may want to create one for yourself. Be always on the lookout for any newsworthy events in your business, and use those events as topics for your content.

Takeaways

Those are some tips on how you can brainstorm ideas to create compelling content for your website. Thankfully, they’re not exactly difficult to pull off, so go ahead now and start brainstorming for the new pieces of content you’ll post on your website.

Needing more assistance and support with content creation? Stina at Hello Lovely Living can help you define your goals and come up with a content creation strategy that works for you. Get in touch with Stina here.

References:

1. Demand Metric. “Content Marketing Infographic.” Content Marketing Infographic | Demand Metric. Accessed August 10, 2022. https://www.demandmetric.com/content/content-marketing-infographic

2. Zimmerman, David, Simki Dutta, and Leigh-Anne Truitt. “How Content Marketing Benefits Businesses.” How Content Marketing Benefits Businesses | Clutch.co. Accessed August 10, 2022. https://clutch.co/seo-firms/resources/how-content-marketing-benefits-businesses 

3. McCoy, Julia. “5 Big Content Trends You Need to Know Now.” Search Engine Journal, April 14, 2021. https://www.searchenginejournal.com/content-trends/329253 

4. Murray Hunter. “How to Build a Business By Copying and Improving Other Businesses.” MIC. September 22, 2012. https://www.mic.com/articles/15176/how-to-build-a-business-by-copying-and-improving-other-businesses

@hellolovelyliving at Coffee Dose in Costa Mesa, CA

The success of any business has always rested on building a brand and creating appealing designs that can spark the interest of buyers and start trends in the market. 

If there's one thing we've learned as a naming agency providing catchy and creative names for businesses, it's that the perfect brand name can make or break your business.

Take Coffee Dose in Costa Mesa, CA, for example. What started as Jeni Castro laying in bed with her husband blurting out a casual, "I want to open a coffee shop." has resulted in multiple locations across Orange County along with a cult-like following.

“It really comes down to her branding,” says Stina, Hello Lovely Living Founder. She started with a catchy name with a personality to match, and it took on a life of its own. “Visit the cafe and you will see branded mugs that say “Karen Tears” and Anti-Bitch blend coffee. You get where she’s going with her message, and that is memorable. It’s all about creating an experience.”

So, if you're looking for inspiration and are unsure of the most lucrative name to give your company, this article can help you find the best one.

@hellolovelyliving

@hellolovelyliving

Three important steps

in choosing the best business name

01

Study your brand

Besides developing an excellent product, your business’s brand is the most important component you should focus on fine-tuning and perfecting since it affects how you want your business to be seen. Crafting a trusted brand identity is one thing you cannot afford to ignore while naming your brand.

Consider the consulting firm Accenture. What strong ideas come to mind when you see, read, or hear the name? For starters, it boasts a smooth, sophisticated, and high-end tone. For one of the world's premier consulting organizations, this works quite well.

A normal digital gadget, such as the Alexa or iPhone, would not be named in the same manner. And that’s because these kinds of names would be inappropriate for their identity and what they are seeking to achieve.

02

Consider various name concepts

This is the exciting part! Gather your naming group (if you have any at this point), get some markers, a notepad, and a whiteboard, and let your imagination run wild! Remember, the brainstorming phase is not an analytical stage. You do not need to assess names right now. Simply step up your creativity and let your imagination flow.

Don't be hesitant to jot down bad names. In fact, we strongly advise you to compile a list of names that make you feel uncertain. You never know what you’d be able to make out of them. 

That said, here are some easy tools to help you with naming:

• Thesauruses

• Visual names, sometimes with a color component

• Industry jargons

• Words that rhyme

If you eventually wind up with 200 potential names at the conclusion of the brainstorming session, that's a good thing since the next stage is we’d be focusing on reducing this list.

03

Validate & Test

We all agree that your top choice from the list of names is the perfect business name for you! But before you can cheer, you must first pass a few crucial assessments. A thorough evaluation procedure will assist you in determining whether your preferred business name(s) are viable and available.

So make sure you get:

• Customer feedback: This is essential when it comes to validating your business name. And it can be done by gathering honest feedback from friends, family, or even random people you meet at a bar or cafe. Don't hesitate to tell them why you require their help.

• A Good Domain Name: A good website is essential for every company, and so you must determine whether your desired name has an accessible domain name. In an ideal world, you would have immediate access to nameofyourbusiness.com. However, this is not always the case, and you’ll have to visit a domain marketplace and pick one of the premium domain names for sale that aligns with your brand. 

• Trademark: You may despise this method because of the procedures it requires, but it can save you a lot of legal troubles along the way, as most modern words have already been trademarked in some fashion. You must therefore determine if the name of your firm satisfies the trademark standards or is encroaching on someone else's trademark. Ensure you consult with a legal professional, as failure to register a trademark could result in cease and desist letters in the future.

@hellolovelyliving

@hellolovelyliving

Takeaways

Brand names may increase sales and financial performance for your company, making it the game changer that is required to surpass the competition. Creating a business name that resonates with your company's identity is a fantastic way to pique the interest of your target clients.

Grant Polachek is the head of branding for Squadhelp.com, 3X Inc 5000 startup and disruptive naming agency. Squadhelp has reviewed more than 1 million names and curated a collection of the best available names on the web today. We are also the world's leading crowdsource naming platform, supporting clients from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies.

In a world of increasing detachment, it can be difficult to tell if a person is genuine or not just from first appearances. We are all looking for a partner, friend, or colleague who will be a valuable addition to our life. We want to surround ourselves with people who are pleasant and who show good character traits.

But how do we know if a person is really worth our company and who they say they are?

A good person can be identified by their actions and how they treat others. They will follow through with their word and display characteristics that will build trust over time. They will go out of their way to help you with your needs without expecting anything unequal in return. They will act with integrity, compassion, and respect towards you and others, especially when nobody is looking.

What makes a good person?

There are many signs that show that someone is a good person. For example, they may be kind, generous, honest, and helpful. They may also be open and extremely giving of their time, money, and support to others.

The definition of being a "good person" can differ from one person to the next. There are many different ways to define what it means to be "good". However, there are some common traits that people associate with being "good".

Being kind & being nice: What’s the difference?

Being kind and nice are virtues that are good determiners of a person’s character right off the bat. These are positive indicators that display consideration in any circumstance and in any environment.

What’s the difference between being kind and being nice? Kindness is an act of selflessness that comes from within, while niceness is more of an outward display of charm or decency.

Being kind will make you feel good about yourself because it is an act of giving to others; being nice will make you feel good because it is in your best interest to do so.

Deceptiveness can be rooted-out simply by knowing the difference between a person’s kindness and niceness. A person who is deceptive may show characteristics of a nice demeanor simply to get what they want out of the interaction and for personal gain.

Knowing how to identify when someone is genuinely kind and doing things from a place of selflessness is important in being able to gauge what other character traits will follow.

Manipulation happens all the time when people want you to believe they are a good person so that you will do things in positive response to what they are trying to gain from you.

Oftentimes, this manipulation is subtle, and it may take some time before we start to see a person’s true character unfold. Their actions will start to paint a very different picture.

Setting healthy boundaries

With that being said, a person’s kindness and willingness to be supportive are indicators of a good foundation for building upon your understanding of them.

Now, let’s turn the tables. What if you find yourself in a situation where you are too kind and supportive to those you have still yet to determine value from?

Well, this can be a problem too. Knowing how to be kind and supportive without sacrificing your own needs and desires is very important to your well-being.

One thing to remember is to never be afraid to say “no”. Never say “yes” when you really mean “no”. You might not always be able to say no, and that's okay, however saying it when you genuinely do not agree is the best way to show a person that you have boundaries and limits.

It can be hard to say no, but it's important for people to know what your boundaries and limits are. This is a display of self-care, and you will be able to weed out those who are not willing to respect your needs as well.

Trust takes time. The best way to avoid being deceived or misled by others you are just getting to know is to allow for time and space to learn about them and to allow them to show themselves first before you get involved further. Gather information and let things develop. You may even want to look into doing a search of public records, especially for business dealings.

If you’re just getting to know someone and don’t trust them yet, start with building strong open communication. At a bare minimum, open and solid communication should be the first thing we look for in validating a person’s intent. If they can’t provide for a basic need such as communication at the very beginning, this is a serious red flag.

Allow this to happen prior to you engaging in a more serious personal or professional partnership or relationship that way the substance of your interactions is built on a solid foundation. When someone knows exactly who you are and what you are trying to achieve in your interaction, you will have fewer questions posed later on, and you can expect the exact same from them in return.

Takeaways

Know how to identify the difference between a kind and a nice person, set healthy boundaries, and build upon open communication from the beginning.

Overall, a good person can be defined by five key qualities:

1. The ability to show genuine empathy towards others.

2. The ability to be honest and trustworthy.

3. The ability to act with integrity.

4. The ability to be kind and compassionate.

5. The courage to do what is right at all times.

@hellolovelyliving

When setting up and maintaining your boutique enterprise, buying from wholesale clothing vendors will undoubtedly be the most cost-efficient and profitable method of sourcing items to fill your shop with. Buying in bulk almost always allows purchases to be made at a lower cost per item, so you can turn your attention to growing the choice of clothing available at your shop instead of worrying about the financial side. 

Another great thing about purchasing wholesale women’s clothing is that there is a huge range of choices. Dear-Lover, a leading online wholesale fashion marketplace, sources fabrics for its clothing from over 650 vendors, so each piece is unique and of a bespoke style. 

That said, an extensive collection can make it difficult to decide what to place an order for. Even if you’ve been working in the industry for years, it’s always tricky judging what will sell. This is where it’s paramount to truly understand your customer and their needs. Below are a few top tips to help judge what your consumer wants. 

Choosing the Best Wholesale Women’s Clothes According to the Customer 

There are several factors to consider when making a bulk purchase of boutique clothing, and properly thinking about each one will ultimately help you source the very best selection for your business. 

No.1

Clothing Trends 

Consumers of fashion are largely led by what they see each other wearing, with particular emphasis on the current style of celebrities and others on social media. If you take a walk around your city and see hundreds of people all wearing, for instance, denim shorts or skater dresses, you might feel tempted to follow suit. This is how trends emerge and spread across the population - it’s important to stay attuned to these clothing fads! 

No. 2

Seasonal Dress

Part of selling successfully in your boutique is choosing to source, dependent on the season. You don't want to buy a surplus of cozy, knitted jumpers just as the weather starts getting warmer. Customers tend to buy according to their current desires, as opposed to thinking about their future wardrobe, so you should really maximize your efforts to select clothing that is optimal for the appropriate season and weather.

No. 3

Quality Materials 

When buying wholesale women’s clothes, it’s important to assess the fabrics and materials used in creating the final product. Customers look for clothing that will last—they want to wear and enjoy pieces for several years to come, particularly those hoping to save money. 

No. 4

Versatility 

Customers love buying clothing that can be worn for different occasions and events. To cater to this, try procuring styles that could be dressed up or down such as lace blouses or long skirts. With different shoes, jewelry, and a change of hairstyle, a whole new outfit can be made from the same few clothing items.

Takeaways

Choosing boutique women's clothing can be a time-consuming task, but put yourself in the customer's shoes, and the rest will come easily. It is with a comprehensive understanding of your consumer base and clear knowledge of what wholesale clothing vendors have to offer that your business will have the opportunity to flourish. 

With more than half of the world’s population now online in these current years, data privacy and internet services have become major talking points. That's why it's no surprise a tech giant like Google introduced an initiative called Chrome Privacy Sandbox. It is due to the concerns about privacy protection and accessibility of internet services in specific regions of the globe.  

Naturally, this has led to an increase in VPN usage. A virtual private network is a service or tool that encrypts your connection and keeps you hidden while surfing online. It offers many attractive advantages for online users looking to better their internet experience. Nevertheless, it can come at a considerable cost as there are also drawbacks to this network choice. For this reason, if you’re considering using this service for yourself or your organization, you’ll need to know what to expect.  

And so, we have gathered some benefits and risks of using VPNs. Read on to know them.

VPN benefits

Accessing Geo Blocked Services

One of the main reasons internet users opt for VPNs is to gain access to websites and online content that is blocked in specific locations. It usually happens with popular media streaming services to protect copyrighted material and intellectual property and implement contractual obligations.  

In this case, a VPN can bypass this geo-blocking by hiding your Internet Protocol or IP address. It is the digital signature that indicates the location of your device. The bypass works best when using VPNs optimized for your region, such as Thailand VPN for users in the country. Therefore, with your location obscured, you’ll be able to access the content you want.  

Keep Your Network Anonymous 

Data privacy has been a topic of consumer rights debate over the past decade. Fortunately, this has led to updated policies where websites need the authorization to collect information about your online activity. They use this information to target specific ads towards you while improving your experience interacting with websites.  

However, many internet users still prefer using VPNs to remain completely anonymous and prevent their browsing history and habits from being tracked and analyzed for advertising purposes. Thus, VPNs provide you the freedom to visit your favorite websites without leaving traces or cookies, and you won’t have to worry about being bombarded by ads in the future.  

Private Data Protection 

Another benefit of using VPNs is that they can hide your private and financial information. This security feature is particularly advantageous for people who use the internet for online shopping and e-commerce websites.  

They protect data from being stolen by hackers who could use your credit card details, banking passwords, and impersonations to swindle your money and identity. VPNs do this by using encryption to scramble your sensitive data into an unreadable code.   

VPN Risks

Malware Threats And Cyber Attacks 

While VPNs are valuable security tools for data protection, they are still vulnerable to malware and cyber-attacks such as phishing and DDoS Attacks. These attacks disrupt your network functionality by overloading it with data so hackers can commence their criminal activities. It is especially the case when using VPNs for financial solutions such as online lending.  

In fact, the main aim of many spoofing and phishing attacks is to spread malware. And once this happens, the entire network can be compromised. Fortunately, some modern VPN providers do offer antivirus and malware protection. However, their effectiveness is still being tested.  

Dubious Privacy Policies 

As mentioned, one can use VPNs to circumvent online activity tracking of third-party websites through anonymity. However, this still depends on the VPN provider, as some have intentionally vague privacy policies. It is the case with many free VPN services as the providers may store VPN logs of your data to sell to advertisers, defeating the purpose of VPN altogether.  

This circumstance presents a significant threat to your data ending up with hackers and cybercriminals. It also doesn’t help that VPN providers aren’t bound to government legal policies in some countries, so there are limited solutions to prevent this.  

Account Suspensions 

Many online services such as streaming sites and e-commerce stores have become aware of VPN usage to gain entry to geo-blocked content. Due to this, they have warned consumers not to use them, while other stringent companies have banned VPNs completely. In those situations, it’s to observe legal licensing terms and protect their network.  

And so, using a VPN under these circumstances risks your online accounts being suspended or terminated in the worst cases. Once this happens, you lose access to your account and all its data and assets. You could also face being barred from using the service in the future.  

Takeaways

The benefits and risks of using VPNs revolve around privacy, protection, security, and anonymity of your data. The provider should be the deciding factor in whether your chosen service can minimize the risks while having a reputation for ensuring the benefits.

Most cyber security experts recommend using VPNs with reputable providers and being cautious with free versions shown on web browsers. Ultimately, it’s your choice to decide whether the risks are worth it to gain the benefits.

@design_hunger

Building a business is a demanding and time-consuming endeavor. Once this occurs, it is natural if you have let other priorities go as a result. On the other hand, failure to maintain a healthy lifestyle for an extended period of time may cause undesirable consequences. If you do not maintain your health, you run the danger of being burnt out. In fact, 78 percent of business founders have admitted to having gone through it.

It is critical to establish good habits from the beginning in order to avoid the development of stress-related side effects over time, such as insomnia and anxiety. It is not necessary to wait until your company has gotten off the ground to begin attempting to achieve an appropriate work-life balance. Eventually, you will discover that there is always an excuse to put off taking care of your mental and physical health.

According to statistics, burnout is more likely to occur within the first two to ten years of your company's existence. This is precisely why it is necessary to take quick action in the following areas:

Diet

Grabbing lunch on the run is appropriate once in a while, but the phrase ‘quick and easy’ should never be used to describe your diet. Instead of feeling that you are too busy to enjoy regular, healthy meals, consider the possibility that you require regular, nutritious meals because you are so busy. It goes without saying that food is fuel and that without it, your body is susceptible to a breakdown. The first step you should do is to designate a certain lunch hour for yourself. You must commit to eating during this designated lunch hour each day, ideally away from your work if you want it to be considered a priority.

Rather than consuming sugary meals that provide a rapid burst of energy followed by a crash, choose foods that provide sustained energy throughout the day. This includes proteins, carbohydrates, cereals, and legumes. Preparing nutritious snacks for the workplace, such as nuts and dried fruit, will allow you to breeze through the day.

Everyone has heard it before, and it is still true today: “Breakfast is an essential meal of the day.” No matter how many times you have heard it, it is just a non-negotiable at this point. Set your alarm for a time when you will have enough time to eat so that you may begin your working day in the best possible manner.

Sleep

What is the significance of addressing sleep first? Quite simply, when you have a hectic schedule, it is generally the first area to suffer. This is a serious problem, as the importance of getting enough sleep at regular hours cannot be stressed. After all, getting enough sleep is one of the most crucial things you can do to stay healthy. It is a natural healer that aids in the reduction of stress levels in the body. Sleep deprivation impairs your ability to concentrate, problem-solve, and make judgments, all of which can affect your ability to maintain your business successfully.

A few reasons why you may be sleep-compromised are due to environmental stresses such as noise pollution that occurs when living in the city and urban areas. For example, you may live in NYC, so finding soundproof windows would be of paramount importance for removing up to 95% of outside noise. It will also significantly reduce dirt and drafts that usually can affect the quality of the air in your home.

If you are having difficulty getting a good night's sleep, there are several actions you may take. To begin, the most obvious and, at times, the most difficult step is to decrease your screen usage at night. For computers and mobile phones, this means imposing a rigorous cut-off time when they are used beyond certain hours. You should also refrain from drinking coffee after 3 p.m. and avoid eating large meals immediately before bedtime.

health

When we are busy, we often neglect our existing health concerns and may put them off repeatedly. We think that unless there is something urgently wrong with us, we can wait to speak to a professional or seek help. The truth is that prevention is always better than a cure. Whether it is routine appointments with your medical care provider, or if you have medical conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia or diabetes that require a medical professional to keep a close eye on you, it is vital that you stay up to date with the medical care you require.

Mental health

Taking care of your physical well-being is one thing. Another thing to remember is to look after your brain. They are, nonetheless, intricately intertwined. Exercise, for example, has been shown to have anti-depressant properties.

Another strategy to maintain a healthy frame of mind is to establish relationships with other people. Working long hours might cause you to become estranged from your family and friends, which may have a negative effect on your mood. What is the solution? Concentrate on carving out quality time with them, and most importantly, put your cell phone aside while you are doing so.

If you have the opportunity to spend quality time with friends or family in nature, even better. Even a limited period of time spent outside can have a significant impact on lowering the risk of developing anxiety, stress, and depression.

Becoming a landlord can both be both challenging and fulfilling. It’s a great way to build passive income. However, you do need to brace yourself for the workload that it entails. Nevertheless, your efforts will be fruitfully rewarded if managed properly. If you have decided to embark on this journey, here is a guide on how to become a landlord.

In becoming a landlord, you actually have the option of enlisting the services of a property management company or managing all the day to day tasks of a landlord yourself. You also need to enlist the services of a real estate lawyer to be aware of the potential issues you may encounter as a landlord. Nevertheless, to become a landlord, you must be prepared to handle several tasks.

Finding the right tenants

In order to become a landlord, you need to have tenants occupy your property. This may entail the need for you to advertise to reach your target market. You can leverage several online platforms in order to do so because this is considered the most cost-effective form of advertisement. You also need to be sociable because you will need to showcase your property to potential tenants. This is the stage where you have the opportunity to shortlist suitable tenants for your property.

Completing legal agreements

In becoming a landlord, you must familiarize yourself with certain legal issues that revolve around the real estate industry, particularly those that involve tenancy. Apart from a rental agreement, insuring your property is also a necessity and a task completed by the landlord. Whether you are renting out a residential or a commercial property, having it insured saves you the risk of shelling out a hefty sum due to unfortunate circumstances.

In a similar manner, whether you have a tenant or not, your property should still be covered by an appropriate insurance. Unoccupied property insurance is especially necessary for properties that are left vacant for more than a month because a standard insurance policy may be insufficient. This is because unoccupied properties may come with a bigger risk of attracting unwanted visitors.

Collecting payments and enforcing rules

And of course, the most important task of a landlord is collecting the deposits and rent of their tenants. As part of this, keeping a record of all the payments for this will be greatly beneficial when you pay off taxes and even in claiming for tax deductions. Aside from this, to become a landlord, you must already have a set of rules that you wish to enforce upon the tenants in your property. Several seasoned landlords divulge that the secret to their success is enforcing the rules rigidly, regardless of who is occupying the property. This makes it fair for all your current tenants. However, you must be cautious with your actions to avoid being labeled as discriminating.

To wrap things up, becoming a landlord entails a huge responsibility. While it can be rewarding, it can also be challenging. If you know that you have the qualities to become a landlord, go on and delve into the business, for in it, you may find success.

CBD flower comes from the industrial hemp plant. It in the very material from which CBD oil and other corresponding products are extracted. Upon separation from the plant, this dried CBD hemp flower bud holds the biggest cannabinoid profile. As a result, you get a hemp flower that’s completely non-psychoactive; meaning you won’t get mild-altering high from its consumption. You can smoke, cook with, consume and do so much more with this herbal offering.

CBD flower is a highly versatile part of the cannabis plant packed with all the essential nutrients including aromatic molecules, therapeutic cannabidiol, terpenes, fatty acids, minerals, proteins, and many other amazing cannabinoids that offer a whole wide range of medicinal benefits.

source

CBD flower buds are supposed to carry 14-20% CBD (Cannabidiol) with almost negligible THC content (carrying as little as 0.3% Delta-9 THC). The fact that it carries such little traces of THC ensures that the user doesn’t get high from its consumption. Since it has a good CBD profile, the very cannabinoid that offers it’s medicinal value is used for fighting inflammation, managing chronic pain, regulating blood pressure as well as managing diabetes and several other chronic ailments. Check out this clinical study performed to establish the relationship between cannabidiol and its potential to cure several mood disorders.

Health Benefits of CBD Hemp Flower

Just like CBD oil, CBD hemp flower bud is supposed to offer several therapeutic effects. Many clinical studies back those claims up. Hemp flower is typically used for alleviating conditions like chronic pain, sleep disorders, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and even diabetes. While most of these benefits have been shared as anecdotes by users around the globe, many controlled clinical studies performed on animals also confirm the following benefits of CBD hemp flower:

• Anti inflammatory properties that can manage chronic pain

• Potential for neuro-protective properties

• Anxiolytic effects that can help with stress and anxiety

These are just a handful of benefits that people have experienced by smoking CBD flower. However, it’s important to mention that smoking hemp flowers may not be the healthiest way to go about it. Anything other than oxygen is not the best thing for your lungs. While many use it for the mild euphoria and achieve feel-good effects, it’s important to remember that a trade of positive and negative effects may be happening at the same.

In terms of effects, people who prefer CBD buds over oils feel that the effects last longer and are more noticeable. That’s because CO2 extraction processes through which CBD oil is obtained, ends up stripping away many of the natural cannabinoid profiles, thus making the effects more subtle compared to the effects of hemp flower.

The real implication/usage of CBD hemp flower comes from an agricultural prospect where farmers cultivate and process it to extract CBD oil or make salves and isolates.

Is CBD Hemp Flower Legal?

CBD flower that comes from hemp is totally legal in the USA. However, the only requirement is that it must contain less than 0.3% THC by drug weight. In fact the 2018 Farm Bill has legalized production of hemp for commercial purpose. It’s completely legal to grow hemp as an agricultural crop which automatically makes CBD hemp flowers legal too. Many cannabis plants other than hemp (such as marijuana strains) may also yield flower/bud that may be rich in CBD and low in THC levels. But, it’s not necessary that those would be federally legal since they don’t originate from hemp.

Economic Potential for Farmers

Up until now, cultivation, distribution and sale of hemp and hemp products remained a huge challenge in the US market. That’s why there’s still a narrow market for farmers and consumers who like to use hemp flower directly. However, thanks to the recent 2018 Farm Bill that has legalized hemp farming for commercial purpose, things are starting to look up.

The market for hemp and hemp production is beginning to pick-up the pace, but it’s still relatively in the initial phases. Therefore, it may offer lucrative opportunities coupled with favorable conditions for farmers who want to grow and sell hemp, and hemp-derived products.

In case you are contemplating investing in hemp farming either as a farmer, distributor of hemp and hemp extracts (including CBD flower, isolates, oil, etc.) or someone who wants to offer land for hemp production; now would be a good time to make the most of it. CBD has huge number of health benefits.

Final Thoughts

Hemp is definitely emerging as a promising crop both in terms of a lucrative farming option as well as for the therapeutic potential it carries. Hemp flower is just one of the ways in which the country can put this beneficial herb to some excellent use. Although we are a long way away from exploring the cannabis plant to its true potential, we are on to a good start.

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Disclosure: The content in this article is from a trusted Hello Lovely Living contributor.

In 2015, the cannabis market was valued at $90 million. According to Grand View Research Inc, that number will jump to $22 billion within the next year - and a staggering $146.6 billion by 2025. A combination of widespread legalization, significant investment and increased research has resulted in a complete shift in the way consumers look at cannabis.

It’s safe to say that CBD is indeed much more than just another trend. But what does this mean for you? Is there some kind of untapped potential that’s worth making a business venture out of, or is it too late? Let’s take a look at the future of the CBD industry and what has made it such a compelling product.

Image Source

Vast Potential

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As you may already know, cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is one of the most well-documented compounds of hemp, which is a type of cannabis plant. It is free from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is what the media and general public usually associate with cannabis due to its psychoactive properties.

A legal limit of 0.3% THC content applies to CBD products in the United States, but most of them contain none at all. As more and more consumers learn this fact, the stigma around cannabis continues to dwindle.

This, combined with an increase in the publication of scientific research around its health benefits, is putting CBD under a positive new light in the eyes of the general public. Its ability to treat an ever-growing list of conditions makes it a compelling health supplement for many people.

This goes a long way in speaking for its potential, as there’s a clear demand for cannabis products. While there are many entrepreneurs who have already capitalized on this, the cannabis industry is far from oversaturated.

Health Benefits

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To better understand why the demand for CBD products is something that will continue to increase, let’s run through some of its better-known and more well-researched health benefits. Keep in mind that we’re far from done when it comes to researching its effects on the human body, so there’s still much to be unraveled.

So far, we know that CBD oil is capable of reducing our risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, bone disease and much more. Its anti-inflammatory properties help protect our skin and reduce signs of aging, in addition to treating acne. This alone means there’s a significant potential for CBD in the skincare industry.

Another major concern that general consumers have today is stress and anxiety. Popular treatments usually involve the use of pharmaceutical drugs with undesirable side-effects. Numerous studies have shown that CBD oil is highly capable of treating anxiety and stress, but without all the negative side-effects.

There’s also depression, something that over 16 million Americans suffer from. Unsurprisingly, we’ve found that CBD oil positively affects our serotonin levels, thus making it capable of reducing depression and other mood disorders. This list can quite frankly go on forever, as CBD oil is also capable of treating sleep disorders and chronic pain, among others issues.

Cashing in

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This exhaustive list of health benefits means there are countless people who can benefit from CBD, which is great news for someone who wants to cash in on this industry while it’s still in its relative infancy. If you’re interested, be sure to check out this post on becoming a CBD oil distributor, which explains in further detail what you can expect.

It should be very clear at this point that now is the best time to enter the CBD industry. With enough persistence and a bit of creativity, you can easily become a key player in helping the world enjoy the benefits of cannabis products.

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Disclosure: The content in this article is from a trusted Hello Lovely Living contributor.

It can be relatively easy to find yourself slipping into a career when you’re fresh out of college. While still trying to get your feet on the ground, you’re forced to make a huge life decision based on little more than the degree you have earned, where you live, and how desperate you are to get some cash in your bank account. You may find yourself taking the first job that you are offered, or perhaps you opt for the position that gives you the largest wage. However, are these really the best reasons to select your first job role? Fast forward a decade, and you may find yourself in a role that you hate, a career that you wish you hadn’t chosen, and a professional existence that you feel stuck in.

It doesn’t have to be this way. There is no such thing as a job for life anymore, and more and more people are choosing to switch careers in their twenties, thirties, and forties. You can do the same. All you need to do is make sure that you are proactive and seek out opportunities that will transform your professional life. Take a look at these three sure-fire ways to get the job that you truly want.

No. 1

Get skilled up

Changing careers will inevitably require you to retrain. This can be daunting, especially if you need to commit to a few years’ worth of study. However, many degrees now, like the ones offered by the University of Southern California, can be completed online rather than by attending a physical campus. This gives you greater freedom to study from home while you are still working in your current role. While this position might not be thrilling for you, it is ideal to ensure that you are still getting paid while you retrain for a brand new career.

When swapping to a career not linked to your current one, you may have to enroll in a variety of courses. People who have slipped into a teaching career and now want to be doctors will need to undertake specific qualifications in order to practice and get the job that they want. Retraining may sound like a lot of hard work, and it’s true that you will need to commit to a couple of years of qualifying rather than simply walking into a role. However, in the grand scheme of things, this is a couple of years out of your life when you have a further thirty years or more of working in a role that you should enjoy.

No. 2

Join a recruitment consultancy

Recruitment consultants are given quite a hard time by those seeking a new job. Job seekers will often provide a recruitment consultant with a concise and nuanced wish list for a role, only to be offered something dramatically unrelated. However, find yourself a good recruitment consultant, and they could be worth their weight in gold. Find a specialist consultancy that only sources for positions in your chosen industry. Go into their offices and meet your consultant in person. Show them your resume, and take their advice on how to enhance it. Complete courses, get the necessary qualifications, and change the formatting as advised.

When a recruitment consultant puts you forward for a position, it’s time to brush up on your interview skills. Follow a format to answer each question. The STAR strategy is effective as it helps you to structure your answers effectively. You will describe the situation, detail the task, explain your action, and demonstrate the result. This keeps your answers focused and nuanced. Some recruitment consultants will even hold a mock interview for you to help boost your confidence and give you a dry run, especially if you haven’t been for an interview for a few years.

No. 3

Gain experience

While work experience can be impossible to obtain, especially when you already have a full-time job, you can shadow a professional in a voluntary capacity. This may require you to take a couple of weeks of vacation to achieve, but this will be invaluable to your resume. Even if you usually work as an advertising executive, for your voluntary shadow experience, you could be working alongside a florist, a teacher, or a lawyer. It’s up to you to find these opportunities for yourself. So, write to local companies that you are interested in working for, and get your foot in the door. Many employers are eager for unpaid help, so you have nothing to lose in sending off some speculative emails.

Takeaways

While you may feel stuck in your current career, don’t feel like you can’t do anything about it. Your career is not set in stone, and it’s okay to shift and morph from one job role to another. Think about what is important to you, strive for a decent work-life balance, and work towards finding your dream job as part of your ideal career path.

To gain experience, you can look for job opportunities on specialized sites like Jooble.

I am back with another article on the topic of careers. If you haven’t read my previous article, Career Growth Tips For The Career Driven Woman, then click over after this one as it will be another helpful article on this topic as well.

Today’s article is all about getting you to take action if you have been on the fence about starting a new career or advancing yourself in your current one. This article is brought to you by a Hello Lovely Living contributor who is sharing this helpful information for all the career-driven ladies out there. I hope you will find it helpful!

Life is full of big and small surprises. Sometimes we may feel like the path we chose, originally, isn’t quite right for us after all, or we might just have closed an important chapter already and feel ready for a brand new one.

Nonetheless, it’s the perfect time to reset your brain a bit and try to think about everything you’ve wanted to do. Going from a stay-at-home mom to starting a small business, for example, can be a huge transition, but it’s also a lot of fun and definitely a risk worth taking.

Similarly, you may want to change your career field after struggling away in the same job for years. While it may seem difficult to overcome, at first, it’s a challenge that will make you grow both personally and professionally.

Here is a handful of ways to get started on something new with your career so that you can feel like you’re heading somewhere more rewarding. It won’t necessarily be easy, and you will have to be prepared to put in a lot of work, but the end result is within reach.

First: Use your contacts

Sure, getting started with a brand new career can’t be done overnight, but with the right contacts, the whole process can be so much easier. If you try to see this whole networking process as a way of making new friends and gaining new acquaintances, it won’t feel that awkward.

Keep in mind that the people you will meet might want to boost their own careers as well. It’s an advantage to be aware of this, though, as it opens up a lot of new opportunities, and it will make it a bit easier to build meaningful connections. Go out there with the intention of helping others as well, listen to them when they talk, and try to be interested in them rather than trying too hard to be interesting.

Just like you, these people are out to make career connections and get ahead in life. Take their needs into consideration as well, and try to see if you’re able to help them. The chances will be much higher that they would like to help you in return if they sense your genuine desire to help from the start. 

Another point to this is that networking is something that doesn’t just happen at regular networking events. You could build a few more connections in the company you’re already in, for example, or reach out to the people you know who are in the field you’d like to break into.

See all the interactions you have with other people in your field as a type of networking, and you might be able to get a serious career boost out of it.

Next: Broaden your knowledge

There is no denying that those with a bit more education tend to have a better chance of getting a job interview. They will also have a higher salary, which should make it even more enticing to pursue that degree you’ve been thinking about. With the availability of online courses, pursuing something that you know is sought-after in your career field is simply a click away.

A particular form of computer literacy, for example, or even a master's in lean manufacturing to build on your existing bachelor of science could be just the advancement you need. The great news is, of course, that you can take many of these courses and degrees online to make it easy to fit into your existing schedule.

The good thing about online courses is that you won’t have to compromise in terms of your full-time job or your family, and it’s going to be much easier to follow through with the goals you’ve set for yourself.

However, to achieve the set goals, you must keep yourself motivated and encouraged. Because pursuing a degree alongside a full-time job may sometimes feel exhausting, therefore, you should do different things to keep your morale high.

For instance, you can buy a degree online that acts as a source of motivation. Moreover, hanging it in your room can act as a constant reminder that you have the ability to accomplish your desired objectives. Similarly, treating yourself to solo outings can be a way to express gratitude for the effort you have invested in enhancing your skills.

If you’re not completely sure about which course or degree you should pursue in order to get that promotion or have a better chance at landing your dream job, it’s a good idea to talk to your current employer or just someone you know who works in the field you’re interested in.

They will have a much better understanding of what’s needed and where their businesses are lacking; plus, it’s going to make it pretty clear that you’re the kind of go-getter candidate that they’ve been looking for.

Feeling stuck? Get a mentor

While it’s easy to cough up a lot of different options in terms of boosting one’s career, it’s not always that simple to pick the right one. Pursuing a new degree or spending time taking a course is going to feel pretty meaningless if you’re not feeling 100% sure that this is what you need in order to get that promotion or land your dream job.

An excellent way around this is, of course, to seek out a mentor. There are a lot of different websites you could try your luck with, or you could just approach someone with a bit more experience in your company.

Let them know that you’re looking to learn a bit more about what they’re doing and that you feel that they would be a great person to shadow or to just ask some questions. It’s more likely than not that they’ll be flattered and willing to help out someone who looks up to them career-wise, and you’ll have someone to turn to in case you should feel a bit stuck sometimes.

Keep in mind, however, that whoever you’d like to have as a mentor already has a lot on their plate. Make sure that they know that this isn’t some obligation that will take up a lot of their time, and try to find someone who you already have some form of connection with. This will make communication a lot easier, and your mentor won’t feel like they have to spend a lot of time guiding you through your career, either.

While figuring out which steps you should take in order to get to where you’d like to be can be tricky, the most important thing you can do is to do something. Anything at all, really, and remind yourself that every little step helps and is much better than doing nothing at all.

I hope this article gave you that extra push you need to go after what you want regardless of where you are at in life. It’s never ever too late!

Have you been considering starting a new career or advancing your current one?

At Hello Lovely Living, a large part of my work involves helping women start a new business by creating a brand from scratch. Although I do love this line of work, my passion is in helping, guiding, and offering advice in other areas of business and life, which is why this blog truly exists.

I know how scary it could be to enter unknown territory, so if I can offer my experience as proof that you can get through all of the hiccups of starting a new business, I will gladly do so.

With that being said, today’s article touches on just a small piece of the pie when venturing into running your own business. Many of the things that you will encounter are not as frilly and cute as the branding and visual identity of your brand. Much of running a business requires that you take matters into your own hands and develop solutions to an endless amount of problems.

One of those problems that I have encountered is having to figure out the insurance dilemma as an independent contractor. When you work independently, you are responsible for providing yourself with your own insurance. This means that you will have to do a lot of research about how to get the best and most cost-effective coverage as an independent contractor.

This can be a very time-consuming and stressful process in comparison to if you were just simply employed by a company and provided with your healthcare coverage right off the bat. Not to worry, with the market opening up more than ever before to independent contractors with the rise of services such as Uber, Lyft, and Postmates, healthcare coverage is getting more easily accessible to those who are self-employed.

I know just how hard it can get when it comes to dealing with medical expenses when you do not have insurance. I was without healthcare insurance for quite a while and had to pay out-of-pocket. Although it was rare for me to get sick or need care, it was very stressful knowing that if something did happen to myself or my son, we would not be covered. 

If you are on the same boat as I was at the time, here is some advice to keep those medical costs down or a few things to consider that may help you get to your end goal, which is to get reliable healthcare coverage for yourself and your family.

Look for group discounts

As I mentioned earlier, companies such as Uber, Lyft, and Postmates (to name a few) that employ thousands of independent contractors are leveling the playing field for us all. These companies offer access to third-party services at group discounts, making it easy to save on anything from shopping at your favorite stores to health insurance.

Of course, not all of us will fall under this umbrella, so look into membership benefits that are offered through your bank, perhaps. It’s worth looking into online banks that offer discounts on a wide range of expenses.

Know when to make a legal claim

In situations where you may have been injured or made sick through the negligence of someone else, it’s possible that you may be able to make a legal claim. This could give you access to compensation, which you can then use to pay for the required medical treatment.

To increase your chances of getting your claim accepted, it’s worth using a credible law firm such as this company with almost 30 years of legal experience. Online reviews can often give you a good indicator of a law firm’s integrity.

Pay in advance

Some clinics may allow you to pay for treatment in advance in installments. The overall price of treatment may even be reduced if you’re willing to pay far enough in advance.

This won’t be helpful when it comes to emergency treatment, but it could be useful when paying for planned treatment. Clinics may not offer the option up-front, so make sure to inquire about it when discussing treatment with your doctor.

Shop around for treatment

Different clinics may offer different pricing for the same treatment plan. As a result, it’s worth shopping around.

Additionally, getting treatment abroad can be much more cheaper. However, you do need to factor in the flight costs.

You should also shop around for medication, as this can also vary in price. When it comes to over-the-counter drugs, many people stick to the big brands, but it’s likely that there could be a cheaper off-brand available that is just as effective.

Get health insurance

Getting health insurance is definitely the end goal. Like I said earlier, there are many options available for idependent contractors in 2019. The benefit is that by paying monthly installments, all or a portion of your medical bills can be paid for by your insurer.

You may end up paying more in the long run. However, it will be easier to foresee and budget those costs rather than having to pay out-of-pocket for unexpected medical treatment.

Of course, you should always shop around to find the best rates. There are many companies offering health insurance to people who are self-employed. There are even family plans out there that can insure your whole family.

I hope you found this article helpful and that it offered solutions or gave you a few ideas you can launch off of.  

If you are needing help with starting a new business endeavor, get in touch with me! I offer consultations and would love to help you achieve your goals.

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