Your employees’ communication with clients and customers goes a long way. For instance, just one harsh word from a worker can mar a customer’s experience and lead to negative word of mouth and bad reviews. Fortunately, there are several effective, proven ways to enhance communication and interactions with clients and customers.

Mindfulness Meditation Classes

Meditation for employees helps with employee-client communication quite a bit. Sessions are available in other areas too such as stress, anxiety, anger, sleep, and visualizing success at work, among many other things.

As far as employee-client communication topics, meditation helps employees focus their full attention on clients. Employees learn more about being 100 percent present for client communications. If your employees have not really been hearing clients’ needs, or even worse, flat-out ignoring them, then meditation can help tremendously.

Depending on the meditation company, sessions are available for up to 25, 50, 100, 500, or even 1,000 people. Many companies conduct sessions in-person and virtually through platforms such as Zoom and Teams.

Streamline Project Management and Employees’ Communication With One Another

Sometimes, employee-client communication mishaps occur because employees are out of the loop. They relay outdated or incorrect information to clients. You make it easier for employees to communicate with one another through employee communication apps or platforms, project-specific software that includes real-time communication components, online forums, regular meetings, and ongoing feedback.

It’s worth taking a look at project management, too. Clients usually do not need to communicate with any employee at your company willy-nilly. One or two points of contact tend to work well. It is even more critical to keep these point-of-contact employees looped in so they give clients the correct information.

Establish Clear Policies for Communications Between Customers and Clients

Speaking of client points of contact, they can be valuable parts of a company’s communications plan. Communications policies set expectations for your employees as to how they should communicate with different sets of people: clients/customers, other employees, the general public, etc. When establishing or revising policies, think about issues such as:

• How to deal with clients who constantly call or contact employees for updates or revision requests
• Communication styles and policies for different tools and modalities (platforms such as Asana, phone, email, text, written and verbal communication, etc.)
• Preferences or priorities for sharing information (communications platforms, live chat, PDFs, shared documents, etc.)
• Points of contact
• Client briefings
• Virtual and in-person client meetings
• Project/content calendars
• Communication during crisis situations
• How to get to the point quickly
• How to set clear expectations and follow-up expectations
• Making project roles clear and transparent
• Approaches for establishing rapport, building trust, and avoiding assumptions
• What to do in case of communication lapses or bad communication

Depending on the work your company does and the level of employee-client interaction, your guidelines could be more of an outline or quite detailed. The company policies could include guidelines such as answering emails within 24 hours on business days, a minimum five-day turnaround time on client projects no matter how small clients say they are, and written project briefs (with verbal briefings from clients not accepted).

Of course, as your company grows or changes, your communications policies are likely to evolve. Don’t keep them static and unyielding! Set at least one time and date per year to make sure your communications policies still serve their purpose.

Communicate Well With Your Employees

Be the best communication model you can be for your employees and foster a positive communication atmosphere at your company. Treat your employees the way you want them to treat clients and customers: positively, affirmatively, respectfully, professionally, and so on. Just like you have communications policies for employee interactions with clients, you should for manager/supervisor communications with employees.

Being a good corporate communicator works on several levels. On a practical level, it is excellent for employee morale since employees are more motivated to communicate well with customers and other people.

On more abstract levels, employees learn by seeing and doing. If you give them genuine praise and thoughtful feedback, they internalize the hows, wheres, and whys.

Corporate culture acts as the framework for much that follows. Strive to keep the flow of communication and feedback ongoing rather than a performance review once a year as the only time you genuinely communicate with workers. (Annual performance reviews have good uses and shouldn’t be scrapped, per se. They just should not be the sole basis of employer-employee communication.)

Hold Communication Training

Not everyone can read communication policies or observe the workplace environment and intuitively understand what to do. Communication training can be through the form of meditation sessions as mentioned earlier, but there is more to it.

Training can touch on many topics such as how to master a specific software program. It can also cover active listening, asking open-ended questions, nonverbal communication, basic business grammar, communication accessibility for people with disabilities, and much more. It can take many forms, including live seminars, Zoom meetings, and online tutorials.

Prioritize communication training and meditation sessions as part of your company’s emphasis on good communication. Stay on top of communication guidelines and serve as a good role model for employees.

There are certain pieces of clothing that never go out of style. They are timeless, and can be worn season after season. These are the items that you should invest in if you want to build a wardrobe that will last for years. Here are some of the most timeless fashion pieces ever created.

For people who follow fashion keenly, it can be difficult to keep up with what is on trend, and what is no longer culturally relevant. While it can be fun to buy new fashion pieces as trends and seasons change, it is also a good idea to have a core selection of timeless pieces in your wardrobe and accessory cupboard too.

So what are the most timeless pieces of fashion out there?

Little Black Dress

The little black dress is one of the most iconic fashion pieces of all time. It is elegant, classic, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. If you don’t already own a little black dress, make sure to invest in one that you love. You’ll be glad you did when you have something to pull out of your wardrobe that will work for almost any occasion.

Trench Coat

The trench coat is another piece of clothing that has been around for decades. It is the perfect item to throw on when you need an extra layer, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. If you don’t already own a trench coat, make sure to invest in one that suits your complexion and style. For example, if you have blond hair and pale skin, a camel trench coat will look stunning on you. If you have darker skin and hair, opt for a black trench coat to create great symmetry in your style.

White Shirt

The white shirt is a staple in every man or woman’s wardrobe. It is versatile, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. If you don’t already own a white shirt, make sure to invest in one that you love. Go for something good quality – which is usually cotton and well tailored to suit your shape. Try several on until you find the perfect one – you won’t realize just how many different styles of white shirt there are until you do!

A Great Watch

A great watch is the perfect accessory to any outfit. It can be dressed up or down, and is a timeless piece that never goes out of style. If you don’t already own a great watch, make sure to invest in one that you love. It’s worth remembering that world renowned watch brands, such as Audemars Piguet watches, also hold their value, and often become collectors’ items in the future. So getting a great watch could be a brilliant investment too.

Jeans

Jeans are a wardrobe staple for people all over the world. They are comfortable, stylish, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. If you don’t already own a pair of jeans that you love, make sure to invest in a pair that fit you well. There are so many different styles and cuts of jeans on the market, so it’s worth trying on a few pairs until you find the perfect fit. For maximum versatility, choose some jeans that look just as good dressed up with a shirt and blazer, or with a sweatshirt.

Leather Jacket

The leather jacket is a timeless piece of clothing that never goes out of style. It is the perfect item to throw on when you need an extra layer, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. If you don’t already own a leather jacket, make sure to invest in one that suits your style and the other kinds of clothes you have. There are so many different styles and cuts of leather jackets on the market, so it’s worth trying on a few until you find the right one. Black leather jackets are usually the most versatile, but a shade of brown can work really well with a lot of outfits too.

Belt

A belt is the perfect accessory to any outfit. It can be used to add a pop of color, or to cinch in a dress or pair of jeans. If you don’t already own a belt, make sure to invest in one that you love. There are so many different styles and colors of belts on the market, so it’s worth shopping around until you find one that appeals to you. For maximum versatility, choose a black or brown belt that will go with everything. If you want to make more of a statement, opt for a brightly colored belt that will really stand out. Selecting one bold color rather than a patterned belt means it will still go with a wide range of outfits.

These are just a few of the most timeless fashion pieces that never go out of style. If you invest in some key items, you will be able to create endless looks that will see you through any occasion. So make sure to add these timeless staples to your wardrobe today!

Your employees’ communication with clients and customers goes a long way. For instance, just one harsh word from a worker can mar a customer’s experience and lead to negative word of mouth and bad reviews. Fortunately, there are several effective, proven ways to enhance communication and interactions with clients and customers.

Mindfulness Meditation Classes

Meditation for employees helps with employee-client communication quite a bit. Sessions are available in other areas too such as stress, anxiety, anger, sleep, and visualizing success at work, among many other things.

As far as employee-client communication topics, meditation helps employees focus their full attention on clients. Employees learn more about being 100 percent present for client communications. If your employees have not really been hearing clients’ needs, or even worse, flat-out ignoring them, then meditation can help tremendously.

Depending on the meditation company, sessions are available for up to 25, 50, 100, 500, or even 1,000 people. Many companies conduct sessions in-person and virtually through platforms such as Zoom and Teams.

Streamline Project Management and Employees’ Communication With One Another

Sometimes, employee-client communication mishaps occur because employees are out of the loop. They relay outdated or incorrect information to clients. You make it easier for employees to communicate with one another through employee communication apps or platforms, project-specific software that includes real-time communication components, online forums, regular meetings, and ongoing feedback.

It’s worth taking a look at project management, too. Clients usually do not need to communicate with any employee at your company willy-nilly. One or two points of contact tend to work well. It is even more critical to keep these point-of-contact employees looped in so they give clients the correct information.

Establish Clear Policies for Communications Between Customers and Clients

Speaking of client points of contact, they can be valuable parts of a company’s communications plan. Communications policies set expectations for your employees as to how they should communicate with different sets of people: clients/customers, other employees, the general public, etc. When establishing or revising policies, think about issues such as:

• How to deal with clients who constantly call or contact employees for updates or revision requests
• Communication styles and policies for different tools and modalities (platforms such as Asana, phone, email, text, written and verbal communication, etc.)
• Preferences or priorities for sharing information (communications platforms, live chat, PDFs, shared documents, etc.)
• Points of contact
• Client briefings
• Virtual and in-person client meetings
• Project/content calendars
• Communication during crisis situations
• How to get to the point quickly
• How to set clear expectations and follow-up expectations
• Making project roles clear and transparent
• Approaches for establishing rapport, building trust, and avoiding assumptions
• What to do in case of communication lapses or bad communication

Depending on the work your company does and the level of employee-client interaction, your guidelines could be more of an outline or quite detailed. The company policies could include guidelines such as answering emails within 24 hours on business days, a minimum five-day turnaround time on client projects no matter how small clients say they are, and written project briefs (with verbal briefings from clients not accepted).

Of course, as your company grows or changes, your communications policies are likely to evolve. Don’t keep them static and unyielding! Set at least one time and date per year to make sure your communications policies still serve their purpose.

Communicate Well With Your Employees

Be the best communication model you can be for your employees and foster a positive communication atmosphere at your company. Treat your employees the way you want them to treat clients and customers: positively, affirmatively, respectfully, professionally, and so on. Just like you have communications policies for employee interactions with clients, you should for manager/supervisor communications with employees.

Being a good corporate communicator works on several levels. On a practical level, it is excellent for employee morale since employees are more motivated to communicate well with customers and other people.

On more abstract levels, employees learn by seeing and doing. If you give them genuine praise and thoughtful feedback, they internalize the hows, wheres, and whys.

Corporate culture acts as the framework for much that follows. Strive to keep the flow of communication and feedback ongoing rather than a performance review once a year as the only time you genuinely communicate with workers. (Annual performance reviews have good uses and shouldn’t be scrapped, per se. They just should not be the sole basis of employer-employee communication.)

Hold Communication Training

Not everyone can read communication policies or observe the workplace environment and intuitively understand what to do. Communication training can be through the form of meditation sessions as mentioned earlier, but there is more to it.

Training can touch on many topics such as how to master a specific software program. It can also cover active listening, asking open-ended questions, nonverbal communication, basic business grammar, communication accessibility for people with disabilities, and much more. It can take many forms, including live seminars, Zoom meetings, and online tutorials.

Prioritize communication training and meditation sessions as part of your company’s emphasis on good communication. Stay on top of communication guidelines and serve as a good role model for employees.

“Acting” and “work from home” might seem like they do not belong in the same sentence. That would be the case 50 years ago, but today’s technology offers actors their share of work-from-home opportunities. Most of the jobs, if not all, do require that actors have a studio at home.

1. Voice Acting

Voice actors participate in a variety of projects including commercials, lessons (teaching), dubbing, corporate voicemails, podcast intros, whiteboard narration, and much more. Each of the categories branches out into numerous subcategories.

For example, many voice acting agencies offer political commercial voice over casting. Political commercials need all kinds of voices, whether they are male, female, gender-neutral, African-American, Baby Boomer, or a specific dialect. Political commercial voice ads appear on mediums such as TV, radio, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and individual websites.

2. Audiobook Narration

Audiobooks are extremely popular in the United States. In 2020, sales revenue reached $1.3 billion, giving more momentum to a trend that began in 2018. Here are some other stats.

• A whopping 20 percent of consumers listened to an audiobook in the past year.
• Most consumers (57 percent) listened on a smartphone. Fifty percent of consumers listened on a desktop, laptop, computer, or tablet.
• Sixty-one percent of consumers listened mainly to be entertained.

All in all, consumers are hungry for audiobooks, and there are many genres for actors to choose from.

3. YouTube or Social Media Entertainer

YouTube and social media acting can mean big bucks. MrBeast and his stunts pulled in $54 million in 2021 on YouTube, and YouTubers as a group made about $300 million in 2021. True, you probably won’t become a top earner, at least not right away, but working on social media channels truly holds the possibility of a good, liveable income.

As long as you have the drive and a decent idea, you could go anywhere. All types of social media channels are waiting. Here is a sampling of ideas for your show or content (there are a lot more ideas out there).

• Cute animal videos
• Challenge videos
• Sketch comedy
• Satire and parody
• Mashups
• Unboxing
• Singing or lip syncing
• DIY
• Cooking
• Gaming videos (speed run, live streams, etc.)
• Magic videos
• Prank videos
• Music videos
• Educational content (acting lessons, voice lessons, etc.)
• Reviews (movie, product, game, book, etc.)
• Explainers
• Tutorials
• Interviews

4. Podcasting

Podcasting is another good avenue for actors to explore. You can host a podcast on virtually any topic. Choose from bite-sized podcasts (10 to 20 minutes long), medium-length (30 to 45 minutes), or long (one hour or more).

5. Teacher or Tutor

Spread your acting knowledge! Teach classes, tutor small groups of students or one-on-one, or make educational videos on acting for social media channels.

6. Consultant

Depending on your experience and expertise, consulting could be a great work-at-home job for you. For instance, you could help a politician or company decide how to produce a series of commercials or episodes. Suppose you’re doing political consulting. You could weigh in on issues such as the following.

• Types of commercials to air
• Goal of the commercials
• Audience for the commercials
• Times they should air
• Platforms they should air on
• What types of talent to use
• Recruiting the talent
• Measuring the effectiveness of the commercials

You acting in the commercials could be a possibility too, of course. Another consulting avenue to look into is helping actors find their path or niche. New actors could receive guidance from you.

Consider carving out a consulting niche, say, working mostly or solely with animal actors, voiceover actors, child actors and their families, politicians, or new actors. On occasion, niches can narrow the opportunities available to you. Just as often, though, (or more often!) they broaden your opportunities because you are specific and transparent about who exactly you can produce results for.

On your website, explain the niches you work in and your background and expertise. Share the successes you have achieved for your clients (with their permission, of course). Client testimonials can be hugely helpful, too. Take a look at Bureau of Labor Statistics data for more ideas and insight into the different industries for actors.

If you have worked as a model or musician, you could do similar work for models or musicians. The same idea applies if you work in any other acting-adjacent professions such as makeup, singing, scriptwriting, dancing, announcing, agenting, producing, directing, photographing, visual technology, or communications.

7. Fundraiser

As an actor, you may have connections or special access that average people do not get. Perhaps you’re able to get a bunch of autographs from top-tier celebrities who are happy to support a tremendous cause. Or you could lend your acting chops to various fundraising causes. Charities, organizations, and businesses are always looking for knowledgeable folks to help them fundraise, and you could be just the person for them.

Actors have many opportunities these days, partly thanks to the rise of social media content and the popularity of remote work. If you’re an actor, you can work from practically anywhere in the world, including right from home.

When you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident or have suffered a loss of transportation due to an accident stemming from another driver’s negligence, the last thing you want to worry about is if the lawyer you choose to represent you has the necessary expertise.

Although it can be overwhelming to choose a lawyer, many offer free or low-cost consultations that allow you to get more information on how your case may be handled and what kind of experience they would bring. Here are the qualities to look for in a consultation with a car accident lawyer in Texas to help you find the best attorney to represent your case.

1. Experience

Every state has its specific laws surrounding car accidents, especially concerning determining fault. So you’ll need to find a lawyer who’s not only registered and credentialed in Texas but has a detailed understanding of car accident law.

They’ll also need to be experienced in handling personal injury cases that go to trial and those that are settled out of court. They should have standout mediation skills, as settling out of court requires a lawyer who’s savvy and willing to compromise. A good lawyer should have an understanding of how to balance the possibility of escalating a case with the expenses and length of time that going to court might incur.

2. Empathy

Judging their empathy and compassion on your initial call with them is an extremely important step in choosing a lawyer. A lawyer should understand the stressful situation you’re going through and empathize with any injuries you may have or financial issues you may be facing because of the accident.

While there’s a benefit to them if they win your case, their primary concern should be listening to your side of the story and your concerns, along with any other information that might be relevant. Because you or a loved one has had a traumatic experience, your lawyer should be able to display compassion while maintaining professionalism and speaking candidly about your case.

3. Communication and Transparency

One of the main things you’ll need to look for in a lawyer is a dedication to communication and transparency. Many people aren’t familiar with the laws regarding car accidents in Texas, or any of the laws that apply to their specific county or city. So lawyers are in a unique position to educate those who may be looking for this information.

A lawyer should speak in terms that you understand and be willing to explain legal concepts so you can make an informed decision on whether or not to hire them. You’ll also want to judge if they’re honest about their fees and pay structure, as well as how they plan on handling your case and what options are most likely in your situation.

A lawyer who attempts to keep you in the dark about your options or their opinion on the outcome of your case isn’t someone you want representing you. This suggests that they’re more likely to take advantage of you, as you’re in a vulnerable situation where you may not have other options for lawyers or you feel as if you don’t.

In addition to this, the lawyer or someone working in their office should be willing and able to send you updates and ask for additional information within a reasonable timeframe. You shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not the office needs more information from you to complete their investigation or if they’ll update you on what steps they recommend taking after they evaluate your case.

4. Commitment to Further Education

Law isn’t a static industry. Instead, it’s constantly evolving with the times and new ways of thinking about how the legal system should operate.

This includes the personal injury and accident laws in Texas too. Because of this, any reputable lawyer should make an effort to stay up-to-date with all of the relevant statutes and regulations regarding their practice.

5. Research Skills

Although the police report is an important part of the case, that’s not the entire picture. A good car accident lawyer will review any medical records, speak to witnesses, and gather other relevant evidence to build out a comprehensive case on your behalf.

This is especially important for more complicated cases where the party who’s more at fault isn’t as obvious, or where all parties may share the fault to varying degrees. Your lawyer should be able to look over all of the details and determine the best course of action moving forward.

Know How to Seek Qualified Legal Representation

If you’re in a situation where you need to hire an attorney, you’ll want to do your research to find the best fit for you. There are a few signals and personality traits that point to an attorney being the proper fit, such as their experience, research skills, and empathy. Knowing how to judge the quality of a lawyer for your personal injury case can put you on the path to receiving the amount of compensation you deserve.

Living a healthy lifestyle can improve your overall quality of life. Everyone has their idea of what a healthy lifestyle is. But most people would agree that eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress are contributing factors. If you’re trying to live a healthy lifestyle with one or more chronic conditions, it can be even more difficult.

Specialist visits, prescription drugs, and therapies can be expensive. What if you could do something fun and mentally rewarding to improve your health and save money? Gardening may be just the thing to help you achieve your health goals. Here are three ways it can meet your needs so you can live well.

Easier Access to Healthy Produce

A garden is a great way to eat healthily without blowing your budget. Fresh leafy greens provide the nutrients your body needs to perform at its best. You can grow your own fruits and vegetables without pesticides and other additives and save money. If you have a large garden where you grow extra produce, you can sell some and make money from your healthy hobby.

You can also grow fresh herbs to season your food without adding much salt. A high sodium diet is linked to serious conditions like high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. A diet with lots of homegrown vegetables and herbs can have an alternative effect as it can reduce blood pressure and your risk of having heart disease or a stroke.

You can grow the medicine your body needs right in the backyard. You may have limitations on the types of vegetables you can grow, so be sure to review the growing zones for your area. If you already have one or more chronic conditions, eating a healthier diet can improve your symptoms and may even help reverse the disease. Eating from your garden can give you better outcomes when it comes to your overall health and wellness.

Increase Your Daily Activity

A lot of chronic conditions are related to a sedentary lifestyle. Fortunately, many of these conditions are preventable. One of the easiest ways to prevent chronic disease is to get moving. An active lifestyle is essential to a healthy lifestyle. You don’t have to run a marathon, but you should exercise regularly. There are so many benefits to including adequate exercise in your weekly routine. What is considered adequate?

The federal government recommends adults get two and a half to five hours of moderate exercise each week. This means you should do about 30 minutes of exercise each day for optimal health. You have to be intentional about fitting in physical activity because most people sit for most of their day. But what if you have a hobby that keeps you moving and may even put some sweat on your brow?

Gardening can be just the thing to get you outside and get your heart pumping. You might think gardening is not intense enough to give you the benefits of rigorous exercise. But you don’t have to do intense activities to experience the many benefits that physical activity provides.

In fact, doing small increments of physical activity throughout the day is just as effective as a moderate workout. For example, you could combine 20 minutes of gardening with 10 minutes of vacuuming and reach the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity for the day.

Decrease Stress Levels and Improve Mental Health

Gardens are very peaceful and can help provide a calming atmosphere. It’s no surprise that they can help manage stress. Over the years hospitals, mental health facilities, and prisons have had gardens on their property for therapeutic purposes. Many gardeners report improved mood and a decrease in stress while gardening. Community gardens are also used in neighborhoods to promote healthy social relationships and common interests.

These gardens can also improve the community’s appearance and provide learning and skill-building opportunities for the youth. Children with learning disabilities can benefit from this by increasing physical and mental activity with their peers. In addition, the social interactions associated with a community garden are known to help slow down mental decline.

Some people even use gardening as therapy after going through an illness or traumatic event. If you want to use gardening as a stress reliever, be sure you avoid the hottest time of day so you’re not uncomfortable. You should also wear a hat, gloves, and sunscreen so you can be relaxed and protected while doing your groundskeeping.

Final Thoughts

Gardening can help improve your quality of life. You are responsible for your mental, physical, and emotional health. Finding ways to help you meet your health goals is essential. Gardening is a healthy hobby that improves your health in several ways. It can help you eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs. A garden can also help you get the exercise you need and decrease stress levels so you can live your best life.

Gardens symbolize peace, healing, and wellness. People with chronic conditions can benefit from the work involved in gardening, and many use it as therapy. Try gardening, and you can literally have medicine in your backyard.